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Hints: exposure
This section is about taking control of exposure. If you are happy to leave your camera set on automatic exposure and generally take 'average pictures' (whatever they are!), then you won't need to worry too much about this.
Auto mode is fine for many - or perhaps even most - shots. The problem with "AUTO" mode is that the camera makes its decisions based on fixed choices built into the camera's own operating system. These may or may not be how you want the camera to operate.
If you just want to know a bit more about the operation of your camera and make better pictures when things are not 'average', the following notes might help. Or they may help if you have picture problems. But do remember that these notes can only scratch the surface, and if you want to get into more detail there are many books that deal with the subject. Or come along to the Club and see if we can point you in the right direction (although our meetings do not always include formal tuition, there is usually someone who can help out).
Appropriate exposure for a given amount of light depends on three factors: the aperture, the shutter speed, and the film (or digital processor) 'speed'. Let's look briefly at each.
This is the adjustable hole within a camera's lens. The size is indicated by a number. The larger the hole, the smaller the number, eg, f2.8; the smaller the hole, the larger the number, eg, f8.0 or 16.
- A larger hole (lower number) lets in more light. Major aperture numbers let in twice or half of the light of the next number. This is a typical sequence:
(lets in most light) 2.0 - 2.8 - 4.0 - 5.6 - 8 - 11 - 16 - 22 (lets in least light)
- If using a smaller aperture which lets in less light, it will be necessary to use a longer shutter speed (see below)
Related matters
- The smaller the aperture (larger number), the greater 'depth of field', i.e. the more of the picture that is in sharp focus from front to back.
- So when taking landscape shots which includes near foreground objects that you also want in sharp focus you would want to use a smaller aperture (larger number)
- But when taking portraits and you may want the person to be in focus but the background to be blurred so you would use a larger aperture (smaller number).
Using a camera's 'aperture priority setting' allows you to set a chosen aperture and the camera will set the correct shutter speed (or will warn you if you have too much or too little light for the selected aperture setting).
Shutter speed
Shutter speed is how long the shutter is open, ie, the length of time the film [or digital image processor] is exposed to the scene being photographed.
- A faster shutter speed e.g. 1/1000 of a second lets in less light; a slow shutter speed e.g. 1/50 seconds lets in more light.
- Each shutter speed number let in twice or half of the light of the next number. This is a typical sequence:
(lets in less light)1/1000 - 1/500 - 1/250 / 1/125 - 1/60 - 1/30 - 1/15 (lets in more light)
Related matters
- A fast shutter speed will be better to freeze action, and a slow shutter speed may blur anything that's not absolutely still.
- If hand holding a camera, for sharp pictures without 'camera shake' it is generally advised that the shutter speed should not be slower than the reciprocal of the focal length of the camera lens. So for a 200mm lens the shutter speed should not be slower than 1/200 of a second, or for a 50mm not slower than 1/50 of a second, and so on.
- If your shutter speed is slower than the reciprocal then to avoid camera shake you should try and support it: lean against a wall, place on a surface, or fix it on a tripod. Consider using a cable release or the self timer function so that you're not touching the camera during the exposure.
- For digital cameras, you have to know the equivalent 35mm focal length as the above relationship refers to 35mm film cameras. The handbook will quote this. Also camera shake is more likely in a digital compact - particularly when holding the camera at arm's length and composing using the screen - and the effect more noticeable because the image processor is so much smaller than a frame of 35mm film; so it might be advisable to at least double the above speeds e.g. equivalent to 100mm focal length, shoot at 1/200 of a second.
Using a camera's 'shutter speed priority' setting allows you to set whatever shutter speed you want and the camera will set the correct aperture [or will warn you if you have too much or too little light for the selected shutter speed setting.]
Film speed (or the digital processor equivalent)
In simple terms, this is the sensitivity of the film or digital equipment to light - how much light it needs to make a picture. It is usually represented by ISO numbers. Lower numbers are known as 'slow film' and higher numbers relate to 'faster film'. Slow film (lower numbers) need more light to create a picture. Fast films need less light to create a picture.
- A slow film speed e.g. ISO 50 or ISO 100 will need a longer shutter speed for a given aperture. A fast film speed e.g. ISO 400 or ISO 800 will need a shorter shutter speed for a given aperture.
- But the image quality of slow film or the equivalent setting on a digital camera will generally be a better quality than faster film speeds, eg ISO 400 or ISO 800. [The effects in a digital camera in terms of grain and sharpness are broadly the same as film when comparing slower and faster film speed settings in the digital camera].
- So for the best quality, use the slowest film speed possible. In a digital camera, this just means setting the ISO number as low as possible (given the light available).
- The advantage of digital cameras is that you can change the film speed after each frame (if you really need to!) whereas with film cameras you have to shoot the whole roll of film at the same film speed and then put in faster or slower rolls of film (as needed) which could mean carrying around films at different film speeds!


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App Review: MarcoPolo Weather
Check out this app recommendation from Owlkids intern Taylor on a rainy day!
Hi readers,
This month's issue of Chirp is all about weather. That's why today I'm telling you about an app where you can learn about weather and how it affects things!
MarcoPolo Weather is an app that lets you control weather to create rainbows, snowstorms, thunder, clouds and more to see how weather can make the environment change.
You can learn about how to dress your character for different temperatures, as well as how the weather causes changes in things like flowers, birds, and snowmen.
You can download it for free from the App Store here.
If you try it out, let us know what you think below!
-Taylor, firstname.lastname@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


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Ah E3, that time of year when I get around 3 hours of sleep over a 48 hour period. I've missed this time of year, guys are girls! I really do look forward to E3 and compared to the last two years, I've been dying for E3 2015. It's been a great year for gaming so far, but there are so many incredible games on the horizon that this E3 could be one of the best. Of course, with us being awesome and all of that, expect daily coverage of all the press conferences right here on CeX.
Kicking off E3 is Bethesda, and with this being their first ever E3 stand-alone press conference, expectations were rather high. With a pre and post-event show hosted by former X-Play presenters Morgan Webb and Adam Sessler, things were already off to a great start even before the first game was announced. Once the conference kicked off though, Bethesda decided to get the ball rolling with a game fans have been dying to get a glimpse of for the past decade...
Kicking off E3 is Bethesda, and with this being their first ever E3 stand-alone press conference, expectations were rather high. With a pre and post-event show hosted by former X-Play presenters Morgan Webb and Adam Sessler, things were already off to a great start even before the first game was announced. Once the conference kicked off though, Bethesda decided to get the ball rolling with a game fans have been dying to get a glimpse of for the past decade...
Everyone knew it was coming of course, but the reaction from the audience when the Doom logo appeared on the screen was insane. No longer called Doom 4, this is the first Doom that won't have the legendary John Carmack working on it, since his abrupt departure from Id. Suffering a rather turbulent development cycle, it has been a long road to this special E3 reveal. Running on the Id Tech 6 engine, the gameplay demo opens on Mars. Overrun with hellish demons, the demo starts off pretty slowly, and before the shit hit the fan it does a great job of building atmosphere and showing off the new take on Doom.
The new take of Doom draws heavily on the original Doom's ethos; shooting badass weapons at motherf*cking hordes of demons. It's a simple but perfect concept. However, during the demo at first those hordes of demons were more like trickles, as it all started off deceptively slow. Taking us through the gameplay, Bethesda showed off a couple of the classic Doom weapons, with the Doom shotgun and the chainsaw getting most of the crowds cheers. Unlike Doom 3 and more like the original games, demons here are incredible fast and unrelenting this time around. But rather than this making gameplay clumsy and confusing, as the hordes of foes grew on-screen in number, the games fast pace and massive array of weaponry dealt with them easily. You can now also get up close and personal with demons too and perform various melee executions for instant kills. Although perhaps it was due to its overuse in the demo but, much like the new time slowing weapon wheel, I wasn't too sure that it felt very Doom-like.
Bethesda then showed off Snapmap, a new service that allows gamers- regardless of platform- to create levels for Doom with ease. Using a very simple but innovative looking user interface, Bethesda are trying to bring Doom back to its roots here, as back in the 90's Doom was (and still is) a fan favourite in terms of sharing user created levels. This was topped off by more footage of the upcoming Doom game, which this time took us to hell. This is when the gunplay to the game really shined, as when some gun wielding and flying enemies appeared, it started to feel more like the Doom we all know and love. Looking incredibly frantic and insanely over-the-top, the hordes of enemies didn't let up for a good 10 minutes. Wave after wave of them populated the screen, and this, on top of the quick look at multiplayer we saw, made for our first great E3 reveal. While I do have my reservations about certain aspects of it, Doom is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the much loved franchise.
Dishonored 2
The first Dishonored was incredible. I bloody loved it. You see, one genre I think has fallen into obscurity is the stealth genre. Sure, there are some games out there that say they're stealth titles, but I'm talking about stuff like the original Thief games, games that let you do a completely unseen and non-lethal play-through. Nowadays in gaming we're far too used to whipping out the big guns and mowing our enemies down, so when I played Dishonored, a game I played through in a complete true stealth approach, I ended up adoring every minute of it. Thankfully Dishonored sold pretty well, so while a sequel was always expected, it was great to see it finally announced.
Sadly no gameplay was shown, but the CGI trailer opens up revealing Corvo Attano's (the protagonist of the first game) mask in water. The trailer then cuts to a coastal city, and with the sight of people being lined up against a wall and executed, it's safe to say that in Dishonored 2 you'll be facing up against some kind of a mad tyrant. However, the real kicker here was the identity of the assassin that is seen in the trailer. It's not only a female assassin, but it's Emily Kaldwin; the heir to the throne that Corvo rescued in the first Dishonored game. Clearly following in Corvo's footsteps and sporting short hair, a dashing outfit and a scarf mask, Dishonored 2 will take place 15 years after the original. Despite no appearance from Corvo himself, it has been confirmed that both Corvo and Emily are playable. It's only a CGI trailer, sure, but confirmation that Dishonored 2 is officially happening is superb news for all my fellow true stealth fans out there.
The Elder Scrolls: Legends
With The Elder Scrolls Online doing pretty good business, and the fact that the last few main entries in the series have been massive blockbusters, it's no surprise that Bethesda are trying to further expand the world of Tamriel. However, while previous spin-offs pretty much fell in line with the main series in terms of gameplay, this latest upcoming entry in the series is the complete opposite.
With the popularity of Blizzard's Hearthstone and other similar card based titles, Bethesda has decided to step into ring. The Elder Scrolls: Legends is a free-to-play strategic card game, and though the trailer contains no real gameplay, it looks like you'll get pick a character from all of the 10 races of Tamriel. Kicking off with a starter pack, expect to pump some money into Legends in order to build up your desired deck. It remains to be seen if Legends turns out to be a Heartstone competitor, but with a massive Elder Scrolls fanbase already built up over the past 20 years, I expect Legends might take off into something huge.
Fallout Shelter
Here's one no one expected. Much like Bethesda is trying to tap into the market that Hearthstone caters to, it seems they're also trying to get into the mobile market now. Though it's an idea that they've had on their minds since the release of the iPhone, it has finally come to fruition. Bethesda were proud to announce Fallout Shelter, a free-to-play Fallout simulation game, and a game that is out now on iOS.
Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a Vault; the underground shelters the people of Earth hid in during the nuclear war depicted in the Fallout universe. As the person in charge of your very own Vault, you'll need to give your people stuff to do, food to eat, stuff to drink and even kit them out with weapons and armour, and ultimately send some out of the Vault and off into the wasteland. If they survive they'll bring you back supplies and scrap metal, but if they don't... well, it means you're one person short in your Vault. Fear not though, as going by what Bethesda's Todd Howard was saying on stage, your Vault dwellers can fall in love and even have babies, thus expanding your Vault's chances of surviving. It looks like a fun little game, but if it's Fallout news you're looking for, the next reveal is what you're looking for.
Fallout 4
OK, so much like Doom we knew this was coming. Bethesda revealed the trailer a few days ago, but at their press conference Bethesda blew Fallout 4 wide open. There was so much revealed about it. First off, the game will take place before the nuclear war that essentially created the classic world of Fallout. Using a new engine by Bethesda, Fallout 4's demo started with the player creating their character. Your character can either be male or female (they're a couple), and depending on how you design your players face, the couples baby will be generated from your facial choices. From there Todd Howard was keen to hide some info regarding the plot, but we do know that you'll witness the nukes dropping, you'll enter a Vault, you'll be that Vaults sole survivor and you'll wake up from a 200 year stasis sleep to find a completely ravaged world. From there you'll venture out of Vault 111, and off into the open-world of Boston.
Bethesda showed off a lot of stuff in their Fallout 4 coverage. At it's heart the game looks like it remains the same, with it focusing on its open-world, the adventures you'll have in it, the people you'll come across (and possibly kill!) during your travels. The visuals have gotten an upgrade too, but beyond the typical visual enhancements that go hand-in-hand with a next generation of hardware, Fallout 4 is looking a tad more colourful that previous Fallout games. Granted it's still the wasteland we all know and love, but now colours are far more prevalent throughout the land, and this ultimately gives the game a far more appealing and unique look.
However, beyond the truly stunning and colourful visuals we're going to be treated to in Bethesda's upcoming wasteland romp, there's a new level a customization that runs through the game that is truly outstanding. In Fallout 4 you're able to create your own house and, from the looks of it, compound. From using scrap to piece together walls and rooms, to adding your very own furniture into your post-apocalyptic abode, the whole process looks very Minecraft-y. Even more, you can also rig up various contraptions to keep bandits and wasteland thugs out, which relies on you wiring these machines up to electrical sources and switches. Beyond that you can now also customize your weapons, and from the 50 baseline weapons on offer here, there is a total of 700 possible customization outcomes. From addling a circular saw to your baseball bat to a beam focuser to your laser rifle, all of these new customization elements look like they'll revolutionize the Fallout series. The big kicker from the Fallout 4 coverage was the fact that the game is coming much sooner than anyone thought, as it's slated for a November 10th release of this year. My reaction? "Holy shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!".
Bethesda's first foray into a live event at E3 was hugely successful, and after a slew of great announcements it'll be interesting to see if anyone tops them. From Doom, Dishonored 2, The Elder Scrolls: Legends, Fallout Shelter to, of course, Fallout 4, Bethesda just knocked it out of the bloody park. Next up... Microsoft.
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Policy 106
One Sentence Argument
The new Republican tax code's tax cut for pass-through businesses is just another way for politicians to help their donors use accounting tricks to avoid taxes – only 10% of people claiming pass-through income are small business employers, and half conduct no business activity at all.
Issue Breakdown
We've heard "small businesses are the backbone of our economy" from politicians so often that it's become almost a cliche, but in many ways, it's very true. Most businesses – about 95% according the Brookings Institution – are not classified as what we normally think of as corporations, or "C-corporations," but are instead registered as "pass-throughs."
Instead of paying the corporate tax rate as C-corporations do, pass-through businesses allow their income to "pass through" to their owners to be taxed at the personal income tax rate instead of the corporate tax rate. It's essentially counted as if all of the earnings of the business are actually personal income for the business owner.
The Republican tax bill allows pass-through owners to deduct 20% of their business income from their taxes. So say you ran a pass-through that brought in $1 million in income. Rather than pay taxes on all $1 million, you only have to pay taxes on $800,000 of it. That's a huge break for the owners of these pass-throughs.
Helping Create Jobs, or Profits?
The Republicans gave this cut to pass-throughs in the name of helping small businesses and creating jobs, but does cutting pass-through rates really help small businesses create jobs? It's a hard question to answer, because like squares and rectangles, virtually every small business is a pass-through, but not every pass-through is a small business.
In fact, according to the Department of Treasury, less than half of all people who claim pass-through business income actually conduct normal business activity at all. Of those who do, the vast majority are self-employed, with no employees. Only 10% of people claiming pass-through income were actually small business employers.
Many pass-throughs are just legal frameworks that the ultra-wealthy use to avoid taxes. They're not really businesses, they're just pieces of paper that say this rich person is working as a business and not an individual, and should therefore be taxed like one. Many millionaires and billionaires (our president included) earn most of their money through pass-through income, meaning that rather than helping small businesses, the new 20% deduction is just giving some of the rich an even bigger tax cut.
This isn't an accident.
Giving rich "business owners" a tax cut wasn't a necessary price to pay to give real small businesses tax relief. There are dozens of other mechanisms in the tax code that could be changed or added to give small businesses a tax cut (or added incentive to hire additional workers) without giving billions to the rich, but Congressional Republicans needed to give their wealthy donors a reward for their campaign contributions.
Further Reading:
- What You Should Know About The New 20% Pass-Through Tax Deduction
- The 20% Pass-Through Deduction: Where Do We Stand Now?
- Reforming the Pass-Through Deduction


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A Day at The Museum
13 comments:
I love that hat. So cute on youReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you! I'm in love with the design.Delete
Love that hat. So chic on you.ReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.ReplyDelete
Hi, will you do anymore YouTube video ? It's missed 😔ReplyDeleteReplies
Hi Susana! I'm flattered that my videos are missed. I do plan to do more but I'm not sure just how many of them will be about hit since I don't have much of it anymore LOL. More to come soon though.Delete
Love the hat! It actually compliments your cut. The art is amazing, the food made me hungry...looks like an awesome way to spend the day!ReplyDelete
- Anylise GaelMarch 28, 2016 at 4:58 AM
Good Day Natalie,ReplyDelete
Let me say... the hat looks gorgeous on you!!:) Also, I would like to know which filter you use on your pictures?
Thanks, xxReplies
Hi Anylise :)Delete
I use all sorts of filters and sometimes even layer them - but to try to answer your question best, I am typically drawn to Provia and Superia in VSCO. Thanks for reading!
- YolandaMarch 28, 2016 at 6:21 PM
Great hat, great post! Always to check to see your latest ideas, photos and musings. Awesome hair and outfit - love the shoes!!!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 4, 2016 at 4:46 AM
I love your style and this blog, I wish you could be more consistent with your posts. I believe in you.ReplyDelete
Love this little hat and your photography is amazing!ReplyDelete
great post doll Wasidah www.fitnessfashionfabulous.comReplyDelete


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Photo credit: Shashi Bellamkonda
One of the perennial questions I get every year is whether I'm going to SXSW. The answer, unsurprisingly, is no. It's not because SXSW isn't a great show, one of the largest, with lots of incredible people at it. There are plenty. It's not because it's not fun – it is. The reason I don't go is because I don't work very well in the SXSW-style environment. It's not because of the show, but my own personal shortcomings and perspective.
What environment is that? It's a very busy, very attention-grabbing environment. When you pack hundreds of thousands of people into one area and a good chunk of them are either media or marketers, everyone tries to stand out really hard, shouts really loud (both metaphorically and literally), and tries to be seen. Nothing wrong with that, but that's not an environment that I do particularly well in.
I don't love large crowds in general (and after watching Apollo Robbins, you might not either), but I especially don't work well in an environment where you have to initiate lots of surface random connections. That's just not my style. There are plenty of people who do, who thrive in that sort of social butterfly situation, and for them, attending SXSW isn't just a good idea, it's also probably one of their most favorite events of the year.
So no, I won't be at SXSW this year and haven't ever been. For those who are going, I hope you have a wonderful time, meet lots of new people, be safe and smart, and enjoy great success from the event. It promises, as always, to be a legendary event.
You might also enjoy:
- The Basic Truth of Mental Health
- Retiring Old Email Marketing Strategies
- What Content Marketing Analytics Really Measures
- It's Okay to Not Be Okay Right Now
- Marketing Data Science: Introduction to Data Blending
Want to read more like this from Christopher Penn? Get updates here:
Get your copy of AI For Marketers


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Are you confused as to what you will wear for the evening party? Instead of concentrating on the dress you wear, shift your attention on the accessories you are going to wear. In evening parties, every man and woman prefers to flaunt their dresses or accessories. Then why don't you decide to wear something stylish that will make you look fashion dive. To do that, at first decide about the jewellery piece you will wear for the party. How about wearing a nice silver bracelet that too made of diamond? Silver diamond bracelet is a very common accessory that nowadays every woman does have in their jewellery box. In fact, getting hold of one such piece is not so difficult job to do. If you don't have one, get on such piece of diamond jewellery for yourself.
What kind of diamond bracelet will suit you best?
If you are planning to buy one such accessory, you should decide as to which design will suit you best. If you have thin wrist, sterling silver bracelet with diamonds on it won't be a worse choice.
Diamond gemstone is another style you can think of. Neatly arranged diamond stone in a single row on a silver chain or platinum chain provides a classy look to the bracelet.
Diamond bangle bracelet is another option you can think of. Nothing can replace the evergreen beauty of such jewellery it's not necessary that the bangle has to be of silver metal. You can even choose gold metal or white gold as other option.
If you are looking for something different, diamond charm bracelet can be your choice. You can add charms o f your own choice to make the bracelet look unique.
Among all these varieties choose the appropriate one that you will suit you best. In fact, if you plan to wear a very simple dress, you whole outfit will look sophisticated the moment you wear such a bracelet.
Thus, a nicely designed diamond bracelet can make you look fashion diva in the party.


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Author: Danielle Annett
Series: Blood and Magic Book 4
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Supernatural
Publisher: Coffee and Characters LLC
Release Date: Oct 17 2017
Edition/1st ~ Formats/ eBook
Aria Naveed can't decide what's worse--being mate-bonded to Declan Valkenaar, the Alpha of the Pacific Northwest Pack, or owning up to the fact that she's developing feelings for him.
Her bond to Declan is the one thing keeping her grounded and preventing her new power from destroying everything and everyone around her.
If Aria doesn't tread carefully, especially where her heart is concerned, she'll learn the hard way that if you play with fire, you'll always get burned.


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At Sonatype we've spent a lot of time over the past few years researching and writing about software supply chains. I mean A LOT.
Red Hat is another company that spends a huge amount of time studying and communicating about the same topic. And, as you can see here, they definitely know what they're talking about.
Of course, it's not a surprise that Red Hat would deeply grok the principles of software supply chain management -- after all, they have long practiced remarkable supply chain hygiene (upstream and downstream) in support of their core franchise RHEL.
Furthermore, as shown below, it should not come as a surprise that Red Hat would have an "Ops-centric" view of the software supply chain process -- beginning with Ops and leading to Dev.
Notwithstanding subtle differences of perspective — Red Hat gets it.
Their early embrace of Kubernetes is proof. Their investment in Open Shift is proof. But most of all, the proof is in the fact that they're partnering with technologies like Nexus Lifecycle to help customers continuously automate open source governance and application security controls across every phase of the modern software supply chain.


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Discover more from Asia Sentinel
A Sensible Answer to Southeast Asia's Drug Problems
In February of 2003, then-Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra launched a bloody "war on drugs" that lasted for three months and resulted in police killings of 2,800 suspects, only half of whom were later found to have anything to do with drugs. The rest may simply have been in the wrong place at the wrong time or were people a deeply corrupt police force wanted to get rid of.
Although prices soared for ya ba, as methamphetamine is known in Thailand, and thousands of users volunteered for treatment, the impact was short-lived. Those killed were almost all small time vendors if they had anything to do with drugs at all. No big fish were caught and cross-border trade in narcotics was barely interrupted. Some users turned from ya ba to other substances. Before very long, drug use was back to where it had been before the blood-letting.
If that sounds familiar, it should. Both Presidents Joko Widodo in Indonesia and Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines have declared their own war on drugs. But in Thailand, where forward thinking is not what one has come to expect from the conservative military regime, a government that otherwise likes to suppress dissent and emphasizes the need for law and order, has proposed what for southeast Asia is a novel answer to what is seen as a major problem: drugs. It also provides a welcome contrast to the extra-judicial slaughter unleashed elsewhere.
Thai Justice Minister Paiboon Kumchaya announced last month that his ministry was consulting with relevant agencies over a proposal to exclude ya ba from the list of illegal narcotics. They are methamphetamine usually mixed with caffeine and occasionally other substances. They are the Thai equivalent of the Philippines' most ubiquitous illegal narcotic colloquially known as shabu, a methamphetamine in pill, crystal or powder form that can be ingested, inhaled or injected. So far some 400 alleged shabu sellers and users have been gunned down by anonymous assailants since Duterte took office at the end of June – and the toll mounts daily.
Myanmar, Laos and even isolated North Korea are also all grappling with problems associated with production, use or smuggling of methamphetamines. Thailand however appears to have learned a lesson – also brutally. Paiboon noted that decades of waging war against narcotics had been a failure. Usage had actually increased. In the case of ya ba, ending its illegal status would encourage addicts to come forward for treatment.
Paiboon claimed medical evidence showed ya ba to be less harmful than alcohol and tobacco – both readily available, socially accepted substances. (Western doctors in Hong Kong once made the same point about opium being less of a public health hazard than alcohol).
In Indonesia on July 29, a firing squad shot four people – three of them from Africa and a fourth from Indonesia after the death penalty was revived by President Widodo, also known as Jokowi, drawing considerable foreign condemnation if mainly because several of the victims, including those in the latest episode, have been foreigners. Elsewhere the death penalty is used, though not extra-judicially, against drug vendors in other Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia and Singapore. Indonesia and Malaysia have also made efforts to increase treatment of addicts with compulsory treatment. They also enable the supply of needles to those using intravenous drugs in an effort to reduce the spread of HIV via needle-sharing.
However there may well be a danger that the whole drug issue is being exaggerated, that the efforts should be focused on rehabilitating confirmed addicts, especially of heroin, rather than a vain attempt to wipe out usage.
For instance, Jokowi quoted a figure of 4.5 million users which amounts to almost 3 percent of the adult population. However, of those only 1 million are classed as addicts and addicts include anyone using drugs more than 49 times a year. Once a week is a broad definition of addict. The other 3.5 million so called users include 1.6 million who have once used a drug.
Nor is it clear whether the drug situation has deteriorated significantly. Shabu has been widely available in the Philippines for at least two decades and any increase may simply be a reflection of the rise in the urban population with ready access to it. There is nothing new about young people getting high at parties whether using alcohol or illegal substances, and it is well known that cocaine use is widespread among the children of the Manila elite – none of whom are liable to be shot on the street by someone riding pillion on a motorcycle. Indeed the parents now cheering Duterte's cynical onslaught may well have been occasional users too in their youth. The death toll to date suggests that it is the poor, whether vendors or users who are mainly being killed, not the better off.
Keeping drugs out of archipelagic countries with vast coastlines would be almost impossible even if the police and other law enforcers were all clean – which they are not.
Nor do most laws draw much if any distinction between types of drugs – such as between opium and marijuana and heroin. Illegality also results in varying levels of strength and composition in shabu and ya ba. These variations are seen as responsible for many drug-related deaths. The illegality of shabu and similar substances also leads to much petty theft by users to support the habit.
As it is, in much of Southeast Asia, anti-drug campaigns have filled the prisons – half of the prison population in Malaysia for example – without suppressing either demand or supply. Prisons are no place for rehabilitation, particularly as drugs often circulate there too. Meanwhile the people who make the big money from the trade, those who control the cross-border shipments and the factories making pills and powders, are rarely ever caught, Duterte's loudly expressed campaign to go after generals, judges and politicians notwithstanding. Even less often are their profits not successfully laundered via legal trade or through casinos.
In open societies, the selective drug war cannot be won. Sensible policies focus on mitigating the drug impact on health and on other crimes. President Duterte needs not only to abide by the nation's laws, but to learn some lessons from Thaksin and Thailand of what not to do. He could start by inviting Paiboon to advise its ASEAN neighbor.
Philip Bowring is a founder and contributing editor to Asia Sentinel. A version of this appeared on Asia Free Radio.


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Teachers Resource Guide
The Teachers Resource Guide to the Library (Grades K–3), designed to reinforce and complement the principles of the Early Learners Programme, is here to help you, the primary school teacher! This resource gives you tools and strategies that connect the school library to your teaching of subjects across the curriculum to save you time and help your students excel. We encourage you to adopt the lesson ideas in this guide that work for you and to add your own expertise, best practices, and teaching materials to this guide. Please feel free to share everything with every teacher at your school!
Workshop PowerPoints: Teachers Resource Guide to the Library (Grades K-3)
Click to download the PowerPoint document
- How to Start a Teacher Workshop
- Workshop Goals & the Benefits of Pleasure Reading
- Overview of the Teachers Resource Guide to the Library
- Overview of the TRG's "Best Practices" Section
- The Art and Craft of Reading Aloud
- How to Build Lifelong Readers, Part 1
- How to Build Lifelong Readers, Part 2
- "Sticky Note" Book Activity
- "Speed Dating" Book Activity & Writing a Book Blurb
- How to Adapt the TRG's Lesson Plans
Best Practices
What is the best way to help your students excel in reading and all of its related skills of literacy? In this section top educators and librarians tell how to make the most of the resources in your school's library. Their advice: Connect your classroom to the library and everyone benefits!
Library Time
The library is a multifaceted learning opportunity for your students, and you can use library books and resources to create lessons that will grow the literacy level of your students. This section will help you manage your class while allowing your students to engage with the lesson and improve their reading.
Book Blurbs
A book blurb is a snapshot of what a book is about and how it can be used for a lesson plan. In this section we offer a wide choice of book blurbs, suggested by grade level and aligned with the language arts curriculum, along with suggestions for other subject areas.
Lesson Plans
These lesson plans are designed for you to use with your teaching practices. The lessons revolve around a picture book to be read aloud and then used as an anchor text or for activities and assignments. It's easy to adjust the lesson plans by selecting activities and discussion questions that are best for your class.
Library Resources
In this section you'll find over 270 books to use for guided reading, shared reading, independent reading, anchor texts, reluctant readers, and cross-curriculum topics. Plus 42 library activities for Grades K to 3, from Word Splash! to Sight Word Hunt.
Get the whole thing!
Are you on a fast internet connection? If so you may want to download the entire Teachers Resource Guide (179 pages / 3.81 MB, PDF format) to your own or the school's computer.
Sample Lesson Plans
Want to make your own lesson plans? Click here to download the Word document template
Best Practices Videos
Tips & Techniques from Librarians and Educators
Librarian Training
Student Librarians Talk About Their Rewards and Responsibilities
How the Student Librarian Program Will Benefit Your School
Student Librarian Training: Empower Your Students
- Interactive Training for Established Libraries (pdf)
- Comprehensive Training for New Libraries (PowerPoint)
Full-Size Printable Downloads (Word docs)
Sample Materials
Poetry Workshop!
Help Your Students Tell Their Story: Reading, Writing, Creating, Speaking


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Well, I hope you're seated because this is a total CUTE ALERT...
And totally easy to make!
Watch the video for full instructions:
Carrot Roses
Servings: 4
1 pound carrots (rainbow if available)
1 cup parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons parsley
1 teaspoon black pepper
6 carrots, thinly sliced, the long way
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish
1.Preheat oven to 400°F/205°C.
2.Combine parmesan, parsley and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
3.In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced carrots, season with salt and pepper and microwave for 1 minute.
4.Coat muffin tin lightly with oil.
5.Take a slice of carrot and line the muffin tin. Repeat with more carrot slices, adding more spirals to each muffin tin until you don't have room for more.
6.Push the parmesan mix between each spiral, this will help the carrots stick together during roasting.
7.Roast 20-25 minutes.
8.Once done, carefully remove from the muffin tin. Serve garnished with chopped parsley.


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Grampy Katz Specifications
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Grampy Katz Review
Last Updated: 2016-08-31 08:32:25
Grampy Katz: in The Big Date is a really cool vintage style game that is animated in a beautiful style like the early days of cartoons, it has the soundtrack to match also and it could be as if you are in one of the original Disney cartoons (think steamboat Mickey).
The atmosphere and the animation is really great and looks awesome in its nostalgic style the game itself is actually really cool, the premise is that you have a date coming over shortly and you must get your house in order, prepare dinner and have everything ready to impress your date and hopefully make it a success.
It sounds easy but it will take you a few tries to work out all the things you need to fix and prepare to make sure your date is fully impressed by you and your apartment and cooking. Greta your date will tell you exactly what she thinks of your preparation for the date at the end of the date and this could range from very disappointed to ok, to perfect, the main objective is to complete all tasks to make the date perfect but an ok date is not too shabby either.
Although a very short game in total Grampy Katz oozes style and really is a lot of fun, you'd be hard pushed to find someone that this little game wouldn't put a smile on the face of.
You can download Grampy Katz: in The Big Date here for free.
At the time of downloading Grampy Katz you accept the terms of use and privacy policy stated by Parsec Media S.L. The download will be handled by a 3rd party download manager that provides an easier and safer download and installation of Grampy Katz. Additionally, the download manager offers the optional installation of several safe and trusted 3rd party applications and browser plugins which you may choose to install or not during the download process.


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You are here: Home » Podcasts and Yemei Iyun » Yemei Iyun 2015 » Kiddush Hashem in the Book of Daniel
Dr. Michelle Levine is a tenured associate professor of Bible in the Rebecca Ivry Department of Jewish Studies at Stern College for Women. She holds a BA (Summa cum Laude with honors) from Brooklyn College, an MS in Bible from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and a PhD in medieval biblical exegesis from New York University. She also studied at Michlalah Teacher's College in Israel. She served as the Jewish Studies curriculum coordinator on the Board of Education for Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY, for twelve years.
by Posted on September 29, 2022
by Posted on September 29, 2022
by Posted on September 29, 2022
by Posted on September 29, 2022
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Easy Herb-Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
A Brine-Free Solution to Your Thanksgiving Turkey Woes
In my fantasy world, I'd be the sort of put-together individual who plans things out far enough in advance to lovingly brine a heritage bird. Realistically, though, my actual Thanksgiving planning is more of a fly by the seat of my pants sort of endeavor.
Years of crunch-time prep (and admittedly a bit of unnecessary panic) have taught me that even when I only get down to business the morning of the big day, it can still lead to a juicy, flavorful bird that my family will devour with relish.
Essentially, this is a friendly reminder that one need not stress themselves out (too much) over the big day. Take a deep breath; pull the (hopefully thawed) turkey out of the fridge; whisk together a hefty helping of salt, minced herbs, olive oil, and other aromatics; and have at it!
Don't forget to carve the bird before serving. Here's a step-by-step guide to breaking down the bird.
Easy Herb-Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Adapted from Ina Garten
If you have extra time, let the turkey sit at room temperature for an hour after it's been prepped; this will allow some of the salt and aromatics to infuse the flesh.
- 12- to 14-pound turkey, rinsed and patted dry, neck and giblets reserved for stock
2 tablespoons minced garlic (from about 6-8 cloves)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary, plus whole sprigs for the cavity
2 tablespoons minced fresh sage, plus whole sprigs for the cavity
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme, plus whole sprigs for the cavity
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus 1 lemon, quartered for the cavity
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line the v-rack of a roasting pan with heavy-duty tinfoil, and use a paring knife to poke holes in it every inch or so (this will protect the turkey from sticking to the rack, while allowing the drippings to accumulate on the bottom of the pan).
- Whisk together all ingredients (except the turkey, herb sprigs, and quartered lemon) in a small mixing bowl.
- Remove any remaining feathers from the turkey with tweezers. Gently loosen the skin from the flesh on the breasts, thighs, and drumsticks, and spread slightly more than 1/3 of the herb paste under the skin directly onto the flesh of these parts.
- Spread a scant 1/3 of the herb paste in the cavity of the turkey, and the remaining herb paste on the skin, focusing on the wings (since these aren't seasoned yet).
- Place turkey, breast-side down on the prepped v-rack and add 1-1/2 cups water to the bottom of the pan (this will prevent the drippings from burning). Stuff the cavity with the whole herb sprigs and quartered lemon.
- Roast for 45 minutes, then using clean oven mitts, or a wad of paper towels, flip the turkey so that the breast-side is facing up, and return to the oven.
- Roast for an additional 50 to 60 minutes, or until the thickest part of the thigh registers 170-175°, and the thickest part of the breast is 160°.
- Remove the turkey to a carving board, and let rest 30 minutes before carving.
- Category
- Poultry, Main Dishes
- Cuisine
- North American
- Yield
- Serves 10-12


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SIENNA returns with their storming new single "Barroom Brawls", and the latest single from the Cardiff outfit sounds like their biggest yet. The new cut is the first piece of new music since their well-recieved debut EP "Handshakes and Formal Attire" dropped back in 2019.
Comprised of Daniel Roberts (Vocals, Guitar), George Broadhurst (Guitar), Taylor Asbridge (Bass), and Rabbie McAdam-Duff (Drums) these four lads have been crafting hook-laden music for a few years already.
SIENNA's latest track is a thrill for anyone who loves fast-paced indie anthems, come and get it while it's hot!
With tumbling drums and soaring guitars kicking off the cut, you're welcomed into their sound in the first 20 seconds before the rushing thrill parts way for Daniel's vocals.
The quartet here sounds so tight like they're the perfect combination of the rushing attack on the guitar that Arctic Monkeys have, but with the pace of Foals' latest work. Considering the quartet has been making music together since 2017 it's no wonder this track has some anthemic elements in it too, towards the end of the single it sounds like they cranked everything up to 11 and recorded it as such.
It's no wonder these guys are a hotly tipped act on their local scene, with love also coming from BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio WM, the Indie king over at the BBC Jack Saunders even loves these lot.


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Veritas Data Insight Administrator's Guide
- Section I. Getting started
- Introduction to Veritas Data Insight administration
- Configuring Data Insight global settings
- Overview of Data Insight licensing
- About scanning and event monitoring
- About filtering certain accounts, IP addresses, and paths
- About archiving data
- About Data Insight integration with Symantec Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Configuring advanced analytics
- About open shares
- About bulk assignment of custodians
- Section II. Configuring Data Insight
- Configuring Data Insight product users
- Configuring Data Insight product servers
- About node templates
- About automated alerts for patches and upgrades
- Configuring saved credentials
- Configuring directory service domains
- Configuring containers
- Section III. Configuring native file systems in Data Insight
- Configuring NetApp file server monitoring
- Configuring clustered NetApp file server monitoring
- About configuring secure communication between Data Insight and cluster-mode NetApp devices
- Configuring EMC Celerra or VNX monitoring
- Configuring EMC Isilon monitoring
- Configuring EMC Unity VSA file servers
- Configuring Hitachi NAS file server monitoring
- Configuring Windows File Server monitoring
- Configuring Veritas File System (VxFS) file server monitoring
- Configuring monitoring of a generic device
- Managing file servers
- Adding filers
- Adding shares
- Renaming storage devices
- Configuring NetApp file server monitoring
- Section IV. Configuring SharePoint data sources
- Configuring monitoring of SharePoint web applications
- About the Data Insight web service for SharePoint
- Adding web applications
- Adding site collections
- Configuring monitoring of SharePoint Online accounts
- About SharePoint Online account monitoring
- Adding SharePoint Online accounts
- Adding site collections to SharePoint Online accounts
- Configuring monitoring of SharePoint web applications
- Section V. Configuring cloud data sources
- Configuring monitoring of Box accounts
- Configuring OneDrive account monitoring
- Managing cloud sources
- Section VI. Configuring ECM data sources
- Section VII. Health and monitoring
- Using Veritas Data Insight dashboards
- Monitoring Data Insight
- Section VIII. Alerts and policies
- Configuring policies
- Managing policies
- Configuring policies
- Section IX. Remediation
- Configuring remediation settings
- About configuring permission remediation
- About configuring archive options for Enterprise Vault
- About deleting files from CIFS devices
- Configuring remediation settings
- Section X. Reference
- Appendix A. Backing up and restoring data
- Appendix B. Data Insight health checks
- Appendix C. Command File Reference
- Appendix D. Data Insight jobs
- Appendix E. Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting FPolicy issues on NetApp devices
Add/Edit Veritas File System server options
Use this dialog box to add a new Veritas File System (VxFS) filer to Veritas Data Insight or to edit the configuration of an existing filer.
Table: Add/Edit Veritas File System (VxFS) filer options
This is a VCS clustered file server
Select the check box if the Veritas File System server is part of a Veritas Cluster Server (VCS) configuration.
VCS cluster name
Enter the logical name of the VCS cluster. This field is available only if you select the This is a VCS clustered file server check box.
Cluster Node IP addresses
Enter the comma-separated list of the host names or IP addresses of the physical nodes in the VCS cluster.
Filer hostname or IP address
Enter the hostname or IP address of the filer that you want Data Insight to monitor.
The hostname or IP address should be the same as the filer name entered in Symantec Data Loss Prevention Discover targets.
Do the following:
Data Insight connects to the filer from this server. It is recommended that the Collector worker node share a fast network with the filer.
Ensure that the Collector node monitoring the NFS must have services for NFS enabled as file server roles. You can install the role on a supported version of Windows through> option.
Do the following:
Events and meta-data collected from the filer is processed and stored on the Indexer node.
You can also migrate the file server to another Indexer.
Login credentials
See Credentials required for configuring Veritas File System (VxFS) servers.
Specifying filer administrator credentials is optional, if you choose not to monitor events on the filer, nor enable share discovery.
Test credentials
Click to test the availability of network connection between the Collector worker node and the filer, and to test the validity of the specified credentials.
Veritas recommends that you test the connection before proceeding to ensure that Data Insight is able to connect to the filer.
Monitoring details
Selectto have Data Insight automatically discover shares of the filer and add them to the configuration.
Discovery of shares takes place as soon as you add a new filer and then twice each day at 2:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M.
You can also choose to add shares manually.
Exclude shares from discovery
Enter the details of shares which should not be included during discovery.
This option is available if you select
Audit details
Select to enable file system monitoring on the filer.
Enter the following details:
Enable filer scanning
Select the checkbox to enable filer scanning according to the specified schedule.
Scanning schedule for full scans
Select one of the following to define a scanning schedule for shares of this filer:
Veritas Data Insight periodically scans shares of the filer to obtain file metadata and security descriptors. Each Collector worker node by default initiates a full scan of shares at 7:00 P.M. on the last Friday of each month.
You can customize the schedule per share using the Add/Edit Share dialog box.
Scanner credentials
See Credentials required for configuring Veritas File System (VxFS) servers.
Scan newly added shares immediately
Select this option to scan newly added shares immediately, instead of waiting for the normal scan schedule.
See Enabling export of UNIX/Linux NFS shares on VxFS filers.
More Information


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John Larroquette Tapped For NBC Midseason Drama Infamous
John Larroquette is about to be Infamous. He's signed on for a major recurring role in the new midseason drama from NBC that focuses on a wealthy family with some major secrets to hide, as well as the woman who infiltrates their ranks to find out the truth behind a murder.
Larroquette's role as Senator Dwight Haverstock will feature him in more than half of the episodes of the first season, according to Deadline. Infamous tells the tale of a female detective (played by Meagan Good) who started out as the daughter of a maid in the house of an incredibly wealthy family who had plenty of skeletons in their closet. She returns in an undercover role to the house she grew up in many years later. Her role is to attempt to finally solve the murder of heiress Victoria Lawson, her childhood friend.
Larroquette's character is described as a man with big appetites and a lot of secrets, which seems to be the perfect fit for the Emmy-winning actor. Playing a slimeball is something he's done pretty spectacularly in the past. Most famously, of course, would be the sleazy Dan Fielding on the long-running comedy Night Court, the show that made him a star.
Infamous also stars Victor Garber as the patriarch who was once best friends with Dwight Haverstock, as well as Tate Donavan (The O.C.), Wes Brown (Hart of Dixie, True Blood) and Marin Hinkle(Two and a Half Men) as members of the powerful Bowers family. The "opulent soap" is set for a 2013 premiere, but doesn't have a date set just yet.
Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News
Most Popular
By Carly Levy
By Erik Swann
By Ryan LaBee
By Erik Swann
By Megan Behnke
By Mike Reyes


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The winner of the Prize Turing was the inventor of the Internet The Association for computing machinery (ACM) has named the winner of the Turing Award 2016 Tim Berners-Lee, who is known as one of the inventors of the Internet in its present form. This was reported on the ACM website. Timothy John Berners-Lee, the British scientist, Professor at mit and Oxford University. Tim Berners-Lee along with Robert Cayo known as the inventors of the Internet. In 1989 while working at CERN over the internal system of exchange of documents Enquire, Berners-Lee proposed a global hypertext project, now known as the world wide web Tim Berners-Lee created the URL, HTTP, HTML key technologies that created the Internet in its present form. The formal awarding will take place on the evening of 24 June 2017 in San Francisco, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Turing Award. Scientist was awarded
Day: April 5, 2017
The deadly blows of the Scorpions captured on video
The deadly blows of the Scorpions captured on video The Portuguese researchers used a camera with a frequency of 500 frames per second to trace the movement of the stings of several species of Scorpions. About their work they reported in the journal Functional Ecology. To study the movement of animals, they were placed on a platform surrounded by mirrors. Biologists have provoked Scorpions, touching their claws with a piece of wire and shot the attack on video with a frequency of 500 frames per second. Observations were conducted from different angles, and based on them, scientists have modeled the movement in 3D. It turned out that the tail of each species of Scorpions moves on specific to it path. The scientists noted the trajectory, its length, speed and acceleration of the animal sting, the duration of the strike. Based on these data, they identified two strategies. The first outdoor
The Fes recalled, the Russians will rest in may
The Fes recalled, the Russians will rest in may Fes has reminded the Russians how they will break this year for may holidays. Working people received three days off for may day and four — Day Victory. For the first half of the holidays falls on Saturday and Sunday, 29 and 30 April and Monday 1 may. Then follow with two calendar days off — Saturday 6 may and Sunday 7 may. Monday, may 8, will be non-working in connection with the transfer on that date of the day from 7 January. The may 9 Victory day, which in 2017 came Tuesday, also declared a day off. Earlier the Ministry had submitted a schedule on weekends and public holidays for 2018. In accordance with him the following year, the first half of may holidays will be longer on one day than it is now — from 29 April to 2
Medvedev said Tyulpanov an extraordinary man
Photo: TASS Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed his condolences in connection with the death of Senator Vadim Tyulpanov. This is stated in a telegram published on the website of the Cabinet. "Vadim Albertovich Tulpanov was not only a famous politician, but also a bright, extraordinary man who did much for his native St. Petersburg and for the whole country", – said the Prime Minister. According to him, the initiative group of the residents of besieged Leningrad received decent benefits, and for students preserved the right of free access to museums. "Everyone who knew Vadim Albertovich, respected him for his active citizenship, excellence, integrity, responsibility and the ability to consistently defend their point of view. He will remain in the hearts of family, friends and colleagues," Medvedev wrote. Earlier it was reported that the Investigative Committee began checking into the death of the Senator group.
The Plenipotentiary in UrFO criticized the preparation of the Ural region for the fire season
Photo: RIA Novosti Plenipotentiary representative of RF President in the Urals Federal district (UFD), Igor Kholmanskikh criticized the training of the Ural region for the fire season. He stated at the Board meeting on safety in the videoconference. According to Kholmanskikh, arrived for the meeting information shows that the available forces and means of civil defense in the regions not yet fully meet the requirements of the real threats and dangers. Slowly the issues of enforcement of protective constructions of civil defense in working condition, he said. "There are some problems with the creation and reconstruction of the systems of warning the population. The head of state in November of 2016 by decree No. 1522 was made the decision on creation in Russia of an integrated system of emergency public warning about the threat of occurrence or occurrence of emergency situations", – said the envoy. Kholmanskikh noted that the requirements
Defense Ministry: the reluctance of the West to unite against terrorism hinders the fight against this scourge
Deputy Minister of defence of the Russian Federation Alexander Fomin © Vadim Savitsky/press service of the defense Ministry of the Russian Federation/TASS MOSCOW, April 5. /TASS/. The reluctance of Western countries to join efforts to counter international terrorism hinders the fight against this threat. On Wednesday Deputy defense Minister, Lieutenant-General Alexander Fomin. "Instead of combining efforts in the fight against evil, the chief of which is terrorism, Western countries create new dividing lines and diagrams deter unwanted States," he said "The world is changing rapidly, with emerging new centers of gravity representing different civilization civilizations and models of development. Many States are interested in how to independently determine their own destiny, to build a relationship on mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests, advocate for new approaches to security", – said the Deputy Minister. Fomin noted that at the upcoming VI Moscow conference on international security, which will be
Of the Russian Federation submitted to the UN security Council its draft resolution on investigation of the incident in Idlib
© EPA/JUSTIN LANE UN 5 APR. /Offset. TASS Oleg Zelenin/. Russia has submitted to the UN Security Council its draft resolution concerning the investigation into the incident with the alleged use of chemical weapons in the town of Khan Shaykhun in Idlib province on April 4. This was reported to journalists the press-Secretary of the permanent representative to the UN Feodor Strzygowski. He recalled that at the earlier meeting of the security Council, the Russian side criticized the Western draft resolution, "is obviously in a hurry and very careless". "Instead, we suggested that your business made a short project aimed for a real investigation, and not on purpose guilty before the facts," said Strzyzewski. According to him, members of the UN security Council have started consultations and will try to work out a "compromise draft" resolution.
Peskov denied that the Kremlin has sent signals to the regions to hold rallies against terror
Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov © Mikhail Metzel/TASS MOSCOW, April 5. /TASS/. Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov said that he did not know about allegedly arrived to the regions of the order of the Kremlin to organize anti-terrorist demonstrations on April 8. He reported about it to journalists. "I don't know about any signals from the Kremlin, the more they don't need," he said. This Peskov emphasized that "for the first time hears" about certain signals. Press Secretary of the head of state stressed that "the Kremlin is not involved in the organization of rallies", therefore, difficult to say whether they will be held in the regions in what and who will be the organizer. He emphasized that consolidation of society on the basis of anti-terrorist subjects. "Consolidation of society and every kind of expression of mutual solidarity in these days is obvious, – said the
The United States plans to cut aid to Ukraine
The United States plans to cut aid to Ukraine Deputy assistant Secretary of state for European and Eurasian Bridget brink confirmed that a program of US aid to Ukraine could be trimmed. About Ms. brink said at a conference on the issue of Ukraine at the Atlantic Council in Washington. "Our President's budget will not be as bloated. Of course, the last word of the Congress, but I assume that the budget will decrease on all counts. And the state Department and foreign assistance is part of the budget subject to very serious cuts", — quotes the statement of Mrs. brink "RIA Novosti". This information was also confirmed by former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst. However, he explained that the reduction in funding is connected not with Ukraine, and with internal Affairs in the United States. Earlier this week the international monetary Fund (IMF) agreed to provide Ukraine with
The state Duma rejected the test of the investigation the FCO about Medvedev
The state Duma rejected the test of the investigation the FCO about Medvedev The state Duma refused to organize the test according to the investigation of the Fund of struggle against corruption (FBK) about the Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. As reported TASS, the decision was taken on Wednesday, April 5, at the plenary session of the lower house of Parliament. The initiators of such investigations was made by the deputies from the Communist party Nikolai Kolomeitsev, Sergei Reshulsky and Yuri sinelshchikov. The head of the Committee for security and combating corruption Vasily Piskarev said that the nature of his work he had "to deal with materials that come from the so-called FBK". "None of his so-called investigation, including the latest, had and has nothing to do with the truth, and especially the fight against corruption that we so actively impose and promoted," — said United Russia. 4 APR Dmitry Medvedev


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If you read this blog you know I love me a big pasta lunch. I am home working today and I popped a pint of grape tomatoes in the oven to slow roast. They started popping a few minutes ago and I decided I just had to eat them. So, I boiled up some quinoa pasta and voila a quick and easy lunch!
Grape tomatoes
Balsamic vinegar
Nutritional yeast (nooch)
Place the tomatoes on a baking tray in a 300 oven. You will start to hear them popping after a while, maybe about 90 minutes depending on your oven.
Boil up some pasta and drop some tomatoes on top. Drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar and a few shakes of nooch.
Toss well and enjoy!


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The South East Caucus in the Senate has called on the Federal Government to obey the ruling of the Appeal Court and discharge the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The caucus, comprising eleven Senators, made the call in a statement issued and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.
The Appeal Court last week acquitted and discharged the IPOB leader of terrorism charges leveled against him by the Federal government.
However, Kanu who was re-arrested from Kenya in June 2021, is still in the custody of the Department of State Services as the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami insisted that he was only discharged but yet to be acquitted.
Following the refusal of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to release the separatist as ordered by the Appeal Court, the Senate caucus asked the president to keep the promise he earlier made to the Igbos and release Kanu.
"We should be mindful of our diversity and the strengths we as a country derive from there. This is the time to show magnanimity and statesmanship. The Appeal Court has provided the leeway for the authorities to walk the talk as ones desirous of preserving Nigeria's unity and respect for her diversity.
"Accordingly, we as a Caucus and stakeholders in the Nigeria project appeal to Mr President, to remember the promise he made to a delegation of elders of Igboland sometime ago and release Nnamdi Kanu, especially now that the Appeal Court by that ruling removed the burden of interference from him. Going on Appeal would ultimately negate that kind gesture," the caucus stated.
Those who signed statement include: Senator Chukwuka Utazi (Minority Whip), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Majority Whip), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom), Senator Sam Egwu, Senator Stella Oduah and Senator Obinna Ogba, Senator T A Orji (Ochendo).
Others are: Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Senator Onyewuchi Ezenwa, Senator Micheal Nnachi, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Frank Ibezim, and Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Uba.


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Sanibel Shores is a bird lovers paradise. Situated along the Sanibel River these units have wonderful views of a rookery that rivals those in the wildlife refuge. 3 duplexes and 1 home make this complex unique and private. Enjoy relaxing by the pool, listening to the birds or take a walk to the beach to gaze at the water.
Average Unit Size: 620 - 2,150 sq ft
Bed / Baths: 1/1, 2/1, 2/2 & 3/2


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The Sunday Spy 8.4.19
Now This Is A Family Room!
We Spy With Our Designer Eye
Each Sunday we share a design that caught our eye and we took some time to savor. A design that caught our eye and made us stop and enjoy, like this one shared by houseandhome. At first, we stop in our tracks with the impact of this striking interior's design. Looking a bit closer, we realize what a great family space this is!
Ooooh…Here's What I Love About This Interior Design!
- slatted, stained woodwork adds custom, beautiful detail around the simple white stone fireplace
- yes, that is a TV above the fireplace!
- floor to ceiling linen draperies allow for privacy when needed and lets the natural light in all day long
- a barely there wall color lets the white trim and ceiling brighten the palette
- deep comfy sectional couch, perfect place to snuggle up with the kiddos
- a pair of abstract pillows add a striking pattern and compliment the modern black cocktail table
- artistic pendant light, above the end of the sectional, is the perfect touch to add ambience at night and interest during the day
- dark painted window sashes with verticle grill pattern complete the balanced feature wall
- specifically sized around the hearth, a sisal rug adds both warmth and texture
- back to the large center table, plenty of space for a big bowl of popcorn for movie night
- pair of modern bamboo chairs complete the conversation area
- even a black and white decor loves a splash of blue brought in with a throw blanket
- oh my! a glass wall behind the sectional, peaks into the adjoining room…just look at the wall art!
- just the right amount of black and white accessories
- Dad moving the woodsy end table over to the chairs for an ottoman, while Mom finishes up the pre dark baths for family movie night
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Online, Virtual Interior Design Packages


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Using hands-on demonstrations in this PLC training, we frame the challenging world of automation and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) into practical, down to earth lessons that are simple to understand. Students will learn to understand the PLC language, read and interpret PLC ladder logic, troubleshoot PLC programs, and fix the most common PLC problems on their own. Curriculum will also cover communications between PLCs, Scada, DCS, and devices in the field.
Students can either choose to attend online or in-class. Because the PLC Trainer Kit is included with the class, hands-on labs are identical for both in-classroom or virtual training students. For remote attendees, TAS will ship the PLC trainer to your requested destination.
- History Of The PLC
- Ladder Logic Structure
- Functions and Instructions
- Understanding PLCs logic scanning
- Communications Overview
- Examples of Field Issues and Solutions
- Hands‐On Labs Starting from Basic and Progressing to medium/Advanced projects
- Labs have a focus for Process Control real-world applications
Seating for all upcoming in-person training courses will be limited and CDC guideline recommendations will be followed.
Upcoming Classes
PLC – Grand Prairie, TXFebruary 22, 2024
PLC – Andrews, TXApril 24, 2024


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Category TRANSFER SWITCHES
Humble, TX
IER an OEM shop known for our can and will do attitude and emergency quick ship responses. A resource for all your Custom Electrical Supplies, with on of the largest in stock inventory supplies to reduce your down-time.
New / Used / Reconditioned / Surplus
Spencer Port, NY
Buy & Sell New & Used Surplus - All Manufacturers Available & In Stock - 30 Day Warranty On Used - 1 Year On New.
New / Used / Reconditioned / Surplus


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Have you gotten "Sweet on a Cure" yet? All this week -- starting today (Nov. 9) and continuing through Sunday (Nov. 15) -- about 60 Birmingham-area restaurants and bakeries are donating all of the money from the sales of certain desserts to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. That's ALL of the money -- except tax and tip, of course.
So even if you're on a diet, this week you have no excuse to skip dessert. Anyway, to help you satisfy you're sweet tooth, we're going to check out one dessert a day and tell you we think. We start your Monday morning off with the exceptionally tasty White Chocolate Blueberry Cookies from the Culinard Cafe in the old downtown Sears building (now the Innovation Depot) on First Avenue North.
We're not sure they should call them cookies, though. Roughly the size of a Mini Cooper hub cap and chock full of blueberries and white chocolate chunks, they could almost pass for a small cake. So we encourage you to share with a friend. They're $1.89 each. We bought four and brought them back to the office to share with the folks we really like.
They go great with a cup of coffee from the Culinard, whether for a morning snack, an after-lunch dessert or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. But we encourage you to get yours early, as we're told the White Chocolate Blueberry Cookies are one of the Culinard Cafe's best sellers, and they go fast. And now we know why.


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Good news to all Lovatics, Demi Lovato has recently annouced that she will be going on tour this fall. According to her official site, tickets will be on sale with the effect starting date on October 14th, 2011. Mark down your calendar now!
11/16 Fox Theatre Detroit, MI
11/18 The MGM Grand Theater @ Foxwoods Mashantucket, CT
11/19 Hershey Theatre Hershey, PA
11/22 The Midland by AMC Kansas City, MO
11/25 Verizon Wireless Theater Houston, TX
11/26 Verizon Theatre at Grand Prarie Grand Prarie, TX
11/27 Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts New Orleans, LA
11/29 Peabody Opera House St. Louis, MO
12/01 The Cobb Energy Perfroming Arts Centre Atlanta, GA
12/03 Rosemont Theatre Chicago, IL


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Sidetracked Volume 09
In adventure, we see interactions and exchanges, the reciprocal curiosity between travellers and locals, and the spontaneous kindness of strangers; the friendships built around shared fires at night or at the end of a belay. We see a world united by a love of what makes us different, by exploration, by a willingness to challenge the unknown.
In this issue we journey to Siberia to understand the challenges of living in the extremes, and encounter sharks amongst the kelp forests of south Africa. We also packraft down the Coco River in Nicaragua and witness lands being reclaimed by nature in Pripyat. We explore high alpine trails in Bolivia, experience life in the high canopy of the Atlas Cedars, and cross Baffin Island 'by fair means' and much more.
We continue to present endeavours from a global group of adventurers, writers and photographers all looking to challenge the unknown.
132 pages, perfect bound, and printed in full colour on FSC approved uncoated 140gsm paper in the United Kingdom.
Postage & packaging:
International: £6
Due to new EU VAT rules, we are unable to ship to Europe via this website. Please visit sidetracked.newsstand.co.uk to purchase.


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Selectum 4" x 6" Desk top solar calculator
Selectum 4" x 6" Desk top solar calculator
Sale Sold out
Regular price $8.95 CAD
Regular priceUnit price per
Sale price
Selectum12-Digit Big Number Desktop Calculator makes a great addition to your home, office or small business. This calculator has a large keypad so you can enter numbers quickly and efficiently and a 12-digit, big number display so you can check your numbers at a glance.
- Features a 12 digit, big number angled display for easy reading
- Includes memory, percent and square root functions
- Large keypad provides efficient number entry
- Dimensions: 1-1/4" H x 4-1/4" W x 6-1/2" D


text: A very compact form of golden rockrose that is also an insanely heavy blooming machine. To barely 2′ tall and as wide in 5 years. Evergrey foliage is obscured in late spring to early summer with masses of daily golden flowers with a black center. Awesome wildflower effect that lasts for weeks. Full sun and average to poor well drained soil. Water to establish then no water or light water. Longer lived with neglect. Rock gardens, Hellstrips, etc.


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I LEFT U FOR A WHILE, AND IT WAS WORTH THE WEIGHTPeace! I'm jacking somebody' linksys on the homie's MacBook Pro real quick to let U know that I still exist. My name isn't Miranda Jane anymore, though. My name is Walasia Mirandajane Shabazz-Oxun. A mouthful I know, but ain't I always?
My fans will be hyphy to learn that I have about 75% of my Hip Hop cookbook complete, and am now testing recipes and seeking a good print photographer to get the "beauty shots" complete. And I suppose that will make the haters hate more.
Bizwise I'm doing exciting and fascinating things with CLEAR LABEL RECORDS, www.clearlabelrecords.com and owner/founder Tajai Massey (from the mighty Souls of Mischief / Hieroglyphics crew) as his GM. He has signed some incredible artists like Baby Jaymes, Deep Rooted, Chris Marsol, and more. I'm surrounded by light these days with the music clientele I'm blessed to affiliate with! He and I are also partnering up on a Media venture (marketing, radio promo, video promo, PR, press, viral), CLEAR LABEL MEDIA. For a menu/rates of services, reach us at CLEARLABELMEDIA at GMAIL dot COM. To request promo from CLEAR LABEL RECORDS, reach us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Bro. Tariq L from United Nations / Hemisphear / Konvict Music / etc. has finally launched his internationally-based label, SOUNDRIGHT MUSIC / SOUNDRIGHT INTERNATIONAL. I am also GM'ing this for him. He has a song called Fast Life f/ Tajh (formerly of the Boyz) that you really must hear. Reach us at soundright.intl AT gmail DOT com to request the MP3 and be added to the SOUNDRIGHT mailing list.
My young stunna of a Sun, Paco "TRUNKS" Youngel, has really come into his own as a mogul, label head, executive, A&R, shot caller, and Gunshow champion. His workout makes 50 Cent's Get Buff or Die Trying diet look weak and tawdry. With his new multi-tiered media (ad)venture GO*KID*GO, he and his posse are at the forefront of sound and are cutting a new swath in many fields of music, entertainment, tech, sk8, clothing, lifestyle and culture. He has this group called Flash Thompson that is so Gnarly, they have to be heard to be believed. You know you wanna...gmail me at LASANGELITAS at GMAIL dot COM if U want to hear this astounding aural innovation. If you want to sign Paco, his groups, his producers, his label, his lifestlye/marketing brand, or just want to pay him in general to ghostwrite for your wack rap acts you signed three quarters ago when you should've offered us a $500k advance and $250k marketing budget; I've got good news. He's become such a motherfucking BOSS, you can negotiate with him directly and bypass me and my murderous music-mogul-killa mouthpiece and get right at him, MAGNUMPACOY at YAHOO dot COM. Serious $$$$ and inquiries only, don't waste yourself or our time.
Besides the usual suspects, I have some new music thangthang's a gwan. One of these may surprise you, his name is 40 GLOCC and he's considered a "Gangster Rapper". He's actually extremely intelligent, his business savvy makes yours look anemic, and his music is DOPE. For music & vids from 40 GLOCC, TIP TOE, and his ZOO GANG affiliates, drop them a line at ZOOGANG333 at gmail dot com. He has some Ning thing too, I don't really even understand it and he does all this shit himself. Killer. I don't manage him, he's too ill, I don't womanage him, it'd be too much work, I'm just a culture consultant trying to create a new paradigm where nobody on my TV or radio or in my magazine has a cock & balls and wears skintight jeans. You'll never catch Big Bad 40 in anything resembling hipster trendoid fashion...we keep it real live gangster gully over here with white wifebeaters, white Ts, blue Levis, and clean kicks. Everything else is so...NOT FRESH.
So what about me, just "MJ"? Why don't you read me in Vibe, XXL, The Source, or another mag in print? Well...I guess those are questions for Danyel, Datwon, and whatever the damned editor of the moment is at The Sauce. I hate being pigeonholed as a "Hip Hop" writer who only knows about urban music. Anyone who ever categorized me this way, you're an asshole. I hate/love writing better than 99% of the men in the print media game and/or blogosphere (excepting of course Harry Allen, BONZ MALONE, kris ex, Kenji Jasper, to name a few). I should be able to make $5000 checks as an Editor at Large at a real magazine; but instead I'm guerillahustling and doing my own thing. But I digress.
Shouts out to Kevin Sakoda, LORD SCOTCH 79th (check his bloggieblog at www.12ozprophet.com, what up KEO?!) , my baby bro. Mike, and the many people who said they missed my eloquence. I just haven't been typing it or macroblogging, you should hear me on conference calls going Damita Dash on ninjas who thing shit is sweet or who haven't cut my gotdamnmufukkkking check on time. Or just check me out microblogging and cold getting dumb on TWITTER, www.twitter.com/WALASIA.
Finally, before I have to relinquish the borrowed MacBook Pro (p.s. If you owe me money, love me a lot, or just want to do a good deed, pay me back in MacBook Pro. This thing is butteryslickuiloquent. ) ... Waleed C-Rayz Walz Shabazz gave me this most beautiful attribute as a friend, brother, partner and one who knows my mind. He said that his twin sister would have been called Walasia, and I am his mental twin. My daddy ain't shit, and I been stopped using his janky name, and I always wanted to have a last name. Miranda was my born name, Jane was my Granny's born name. But that was first and middle. Becoming a Shabazz is such an honor and a privilege. I'm blessed by Allah and thankful for every Master Teacher who has added on with me over the years. The Shabazz attribute has many connotations for many people, all of them positive, and all anyone really needs to know is that I embody these attributes, as does Waleed, as do the rest of his Women and Children. I am not religious, I am a scientist, mathematician, statistician, sociologist, Master Teacher/Student, and a member of the greatest Research and Development department on Earth or any planet.
More later as we once again embark on unlocking the Master Keys to the Universe and debunking myths and destroying mysteries (and devils). It's that time again, time to ask yourself a question, and really analyze the answer. HOW DID WE GET FROM THE PYRAMIDS TO THE PROJECTS?


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MansterSoft proudly presents: The Mini-Game 3-in-1 Fun-Pak!
This pack contains three of MansterSoft's smaller offerings.
#ASCII, #Text, #Adventure, #Minimal, #Retro, #pig
Idioma: EnglishCarregar maisGanbare Buta-Kun was an unlockable in "Koala Quest", and makes yet another appearance in the upcoming "Six Trapped Pets". The game doesn't hold up on its own, but if it's included in a pack, who can complain!?
Dahlia & The Big Coaster is a short and sweet text adventure about a little girl at the fair who'll do whatever it takes to ride the Big Roller Coaster. Deal with your overbearing mother; talk to psychics, clowns, and a fat man; and most importantly, ride the Big Coaster!
Route 24 is a a horrible miserable grueling game about driving through rural Illinois and Indiana. I had recently driven through that region, and making this game was instrumental in soothing my trauma. It plays pretty similar to "Snail Party", so if you've played that at all you know what you're in for.
Mostrar menos


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Return to: Ohio University Regional Higher Education
Office of Regional Higher Education
Ohio University Chillicothe
Bennett Hall
101 University Drive
Chillicothe, OH 45601
Phone: 740.774.7200 or 800-462-6824
Fax: 740.774.7295
Michael Lafreniere, contact person
The environmental engineering technology (EVT) curriculum may be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis with day and evening classes available. Students typically start fall semester, but may enter the program at any point during the academic calendar. Part-time students may pursue the degree at a rate they desire; however, a minimum of 6 hours of course work each semester is recommended. In all, students completing the degree requirements will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in environmental engineering technology.
No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
No selective or limited admission requirements.
No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Should students wish to continue their academic studies, they can pursue a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, environmental health, industrial hygiene, technical and applied studies, applied management, and specialized studies.
In alignment with industry standards and expectations, upon completion of the environmental engineering technology major, students will be able to:
Complete the following courses:
The environmental engineering technology major requires a minimum of 62 hours.
The minimum requirement for the Associate in Applied Business (A.A.B.) or the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is the completion of 60 credits with a 2.0 accumulative GPA in both the major area of study and all course work attempted at Ohio University. A maximum of 15 credits earned through the experiential learning may be applied to any technical associate degree. You must earn a minimum of 18 semester credit hours while enrolled at Ohio University, and you must earn a minimum of 50 percent of coursework taken to fulfill your major concentration in residence with resident credit as defined in the Graduation Requirements – Universitywide section. You also must meet Ohio University General Education requirements for associate degrees. (See Graduation Requirements - Universitywide section)
To earn a technical associate's degree, you must complete an Application for Update of Program(s), available from any college office or regional campus student services office.
Complete all non-major required courses in Section 1 and at least 4 hours from Section 2. Courses used in Section 1 may not be reused in Section 2.
Complete one of the following Chemistry options.
Complete the following course:
Complete one of the following courses:
Complete at least 4 hours in Tier II requirements (2CP, 2FA, 2HL, 2SS recommended).


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Germania to Lock Road:
One of the better getaway destinations for paddling in southern Wisconsin with a northwoods-like feel, the Mecan features crystal clear water, peppy current, and minimal development – all enclosed within an engaging environment. Not recommended for beginners due to the meandering nature and occasional obstructions to be maneuvered around, under and over, this trip is otherwise pretty fun. Just be prepared to be on the water awhile.
Rating: ☆ ☆ ☆
Trip Report Date: October 26, 2015
Class Difficulty:
Riffles (there's one set of I-II rapids at the put-in which can be skipped by launching below the drop at County Road N).
3′ per mile
Recommended Levels:
Water levels are almost always reliable. That said, stay off when the river is high; low-clearance bridges and fallen trees will require portaging and the current can be pushy, making for challenging moments at some of the obstructions downstream.
County Road N/Eagle Road, Germania, Wisconsin
Lock Road, Southwest of Princeton, Wisconsin (on the Fox River)
Time: Put in at 12:20p. Out at 5:40p.
Total Time: 5h 20m
Miles Paddled: 14.25
Trout, great blue herons, sandhill cranes, kingfishers, turtles, wood ducks, deer and beaver.
Shuttle Information:
10.4 miles, pretty and easy whether by car or bike.
The Mecan is a river that seems to divide paddlers into two groups: those who absolutely love it and those who like it but don't get what all the adulation is about.
Coming from southern Wisconsin, it's easy to understand what the love is all about. The water of the Mecan is crystal clear and flows with a peppy current. Being spring-fed, there's almost always enough water to paddle it. And there's generally little development along its sinuous banks (and what development there is tends to be quite tasteful – think rustic (i.e., not-rustic-but-made-to-look-rustic) cabins, though truth be told they're few and far between. Plus, because the river is so loved, it receives a lot of maintenance, so deadfall often is not a problem, and accesses along bridges tend to be great.
OK, so what's not to love? For one, the river (and let's be real, it's more like a creek) meanders torturously. Really, it ought to be called the "Mecander." This is not inherently a flaw but all the back-and-forth paddling does take a toll on a 8+ mile trip.
Complaint #2: the landscape is pleasant but never spectacular. Considering that it takes over an hour to drive to whichever segment of the Mecan you'll be paddling, that's a fairly long way to travel for a rather unremarkable landscape. Sure, it's pleasant how undeveloped it is – but that's defining something by what it isn't, not what it is. There is a feeling of wild, but hardly wilderness.
Complaint #3: despite the laudable efforts of clearing out obstructions, many do remain due to the narrowness of the river. In conjunction with the swift current, you'll usually encounter a couple "moments" while on the Mecan (and by "moments" I mean near-misses or unfortunate tip-overs).
Hence the divide. There's a lot to admire about the Mecan, yes, but not everyone will love it.
What we liked:
This trip begins with a bang down a fun (if brief) Class II drop below the County Road N bridge. I selected my put-in here, rather than half a mile upstream below the dam that creates the Germania Marsh, because it cut out a lot of extra driving and it eliminated any uncertainty of whether the DNR gate would be closed. That and it's fun to start your trip on a rapid (for those who don't find this kind of thing fun, you can easily put-in on the downstream side of the County Road N bridge and thereby skip the rapid).
There are makeshift footpaths to each side of the bridge. The drop is not to be taken for granted – it's splashy and spectacularly thrilling, however, brief. The rocks along the banks create a rollicking constriction and a couple playful waves. There are great surfing opportunities here as well. If you have a spray skirt, I'd wear it just for this and then take it off, as you won't need it downstream.
Below the dam you'll begin to appreciate the crystal-clear water and sandy/gravelly bottom, one of the salient features and selling points of the Mecan River itself and why it's designated a Class I trout stream. The river width for this whole trip ranges from 40 to 60 feet, making for a very intimate experience. Enhancing that are the near-wild surroundings on both banks. There are no real hills, as the glaciers of the last Ice Age scoured this part of the state and left in their wake a lot of lakes and marsh wetlands. But the lush grasslands and savannas are magnificently serene, particularly since they're undeveloped. The occasional pine adds a nice pop to the landscape as well. Tree limbs and log stumps do punctuate the river here and there, but in a becoming way that accentuates the attractive nature of the preserved environment.
The first third of this trip mostly flows through a pleasant meadowy environment with virtually zero development (I think only one house). Does it eventually get a touch monotonous? Sure, but it does have an off-the-beaten-path feel to it. Also, one of the only straightaway sections on the otherwise meandering Mecan is found in this first third (just keep in mind, however, that this is the exception, not the rule). At one point during a straightaway the river was symmetrically flanked with trees leaning waterward from both banks, creating a tunnel effect.
During the second third of the trip, the environment changes from the pleasant meadows and scrub oak barrens to a floodplain forest. Gone are the wide spaces of open sky, replaced by bogs, fens and lush greens. It's a notably different landscape, although the peppy current keeps its moxie. This section definitely is more challenging than the first, as there are more trees that can fall (and have fallen) into the water. Most have been sawed here and there to allow for passage while retaining a natural feel. In other words, you'll still have to squeak by, under, or through. It's a fun challenge for the sake of maneuvering and boat control, but it can be frustrating and simply unsafe for beginners. Or after a couple beers by this point.
Shortly below the second County Road N bridge a large island splits the river in two channels; you'll want to go right. Further downstream the river will split again and once more it's best to take the right channel. This section is much woodsier than elsewhere but remains intimate and pretty, a nice change of pace from the more spacious meadows. The next bridge, spray-painted "8" also is along County Road N. Below this bridge a couple more obstructions must be negotiated but soon thereafter the river will widen and the surrounding landscape will expand. The meanders do increase, however, so you'll be constantly steering. In one especially lovely stretch around a tight bend the right shore gracefully sweeps in a leftward arc, undercut with exposed sandbanks about 8 feet tall, as pine trees hover above. After this the Mecan meanders through a woodsy bottomlands and underneath the nondescript bridge at Highway 23.
The final third of this trip is the end of the Mecan as it reaches the Fox River. We're sappy suckers for confluences, especially a historic one the likes of the Fox. In this final segment the landscape becomes flatter and marshier but the meandering does not diminish in the least. Tree-lined banks prevail but dense woods here are a thing of the past. Between Highway 23 and County Road C, on the near-distant right, is a phalanx of trees that in autumn is hauntingly gorgeous, the foliage a palette of greens, gold, yellow, and flaming reds. Soon the entire right bank gives way to the wide expanse of marsh. The current here remains brisk and frisky, with eccentric eddies demanding your attention so as not to be caught off-guard.
After a brief straightaway, a series of tight, right and left turns leads up to the County Road C bridge (aka "10"). From here to the Fox is less than a mile of paddling. As can be expected, the Fox is humongous compared to the Mecan. Nonetheless, where the Mecan enters the Fox is at a unique bend in the Fox around what at one point must have been a rather large rock formation to divert the big river in a roundabout fashion. The right bank is about 30-40' high, the left bank maybe 10-15' high. Both are sandy and attractive.
The takeout is easy to spot and access – at least when you're on the water (it's harder to find from Highway 23) – above and to the left of the lock and dam. There's plenty of parking.
What we didn't like:
Paddling some 14 miles and change on a narrow, constantly meandering river that has the look and feel of a creek makes for a long, tiring day, physically but also mentally. How many oxbows can a paddler expect to take in before wanting to get out and drag his boat as close to as the crow flies just to eliminate some of the superfluous switchbacks?
Leaving that philosophical question aside, my only real bone of contention on this trip was in the middle section. I question the purpose of deliberately chainsawing only modest cuts of a downed tree in the name of preserving the natural environment. Don't get me wrong: I am a strong advocate of leaving the world as intact and having as light a footprint as possible. But if you're going through the trouble of sawing off dangerous tree limbs – for which effort we are ever grateful! – then why not do so in a way that accommodates the reality of most paddlers?
Let's face it: the Mecan is not some obscure wilderness stream up north. It's dammed twice and has more than a couple cabins along its banks here and there, to say nothing of the several private campgrounds nearby. Personally, I found some of the tree debris in the middle section to be frustrating – possibly more frustrating that someone took the time to clear so little of it than not having cleared any of it at all. I know that purists might take issue with this but the problem is that there is nothing pure about the Mecan (or most places, frankly). It's a great stream, no doubt about it. But would it not be better if paddlers experienced it safely and thankfully than getting snagged and capsizing and never wanting to come back?
Finally, the Fox River portion really isn't anything to write home about. It's wide and slow, there are lots of houses on one side (right bank) and Highway 23 on the other side (left bank), which has a steady amount of traffic, semis especially.
If we did this trip again:
I'd do some of this trip again, but not all of it. Fourteen miles is just too much on such a torturously sinuous river as the Mecan. I liked the first 1/3 of this trip, from County Road N to – wait for it – County Road N (further downstream). The ledge underneath the first County Road N bridge is a fun little drop to run, and from there it's quintessential Mecan for almost 5 miles: clear water, meandering stream, good current, little development, plus some of the only straightaway sections anywhere on the Mecan. If that's not enough, then take out at the next bridge (yes, also County Road N, I kid you not) for an additional mile and a half for a total 6-mile trip, which on the "Mecander" is just about right.
Related Information:
Mecan River Overview: Mecan River Paddle Guide
Mecan River I: Dakota to Highway 22
Mecan River III: Mecan River Springs to 11th Road
Mecan River IV: Dover Avenue to Germania
Outfitter: Mecan River Outfitters
Photo Gallery: