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Liu Kung Island located at the Weihai baymouth, is apart from the urban district traveling wharf 2.1 nautical miles, rides the excursion vessel 20 minutes then to be possible to arrive. It faced with water cloud day after day Yellow Sea, the back meets the deep blue prestige bay, is known as "battleship which "the east screens and fences", "on sea the haven" and does not sink" name. North Liu Kung Island steep south slow, the thing long 4.08 kilometers, the north and south are widest 1.5 kilometers, the narrowest 0.06 kilometer, the coastline long 14.95 kilometers, the area 3.15 square kilometers, the roof flag goes against the mountain elevation 153.5 meters. East the island the blue sea ten thousand area units, the smoke wave is vast, west the island and the urban district face each other across the sea. Entire island vegetation cover, green and luxuriant, by the black pine primarily, amounts to 2700 Chinese acres, in 1985 is named as the country forest park. in 1999 Liu Kung Island is named by the ministry of construction as "the national civilized scenic spot". the Liu Kung Island is the AAAA level scenic spot. For the Weihai marine natural blockade, has the extremely important status in the national defense.
Shandong, ancient place of for the Qi and Lu, located at the east China coast, the Yellow River downstream, the Beijing Hangzhou big canal's north section, the provincial capital supposes in Jinan, in the province the main super city has Jinan, Qingdao, Yantai, Zibo. Western connects the interior, with Hebei, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu four provinces borders on separately from north to south; Middle high suddenly, Taishan is the throughout peak; The eastern Shandong Peninsula enters Yellow Sea, north separates the Bohai Sea channel and the Liaodong Peninsula relative, surrounds and protects Beijing and Tianjin and Persian Gulf, east separates Yellow Sea and the Korean Peninsula faces one another, the southeast is near depends on broad Yellow Sea, to look out south East China Sea and Japan the chain islands.


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Via http://www.hpba.org/media/barbecue-i...becue-industry
Look for more wood pellet cooking, more portable grills, and more outdoor ovens in 2014. Includes U.S. gas, charcoal and electric grill shipment numbers for 2013.
New Products & Latest Trends Heat Up Barbecue Industry
Annual Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo Unveils the Hottest New Products and Outdoor Cooking Trends for 2014
Salt Lake City, Utah (March 6, 2014) From innovative grills, smokers and outdoor cookers, to state-of-the-art outdoor kitchens and patio products, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) unveiled the hottest new products and trends the barbecue industry has to offer today during the opening of HPBExpo, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, March 6-8. With more than 350 exhibitors and 5,000+ attendees, the annual Expo is the largest indoor-outdoor living show in North America.
To kick off HPBExpo, HPBA announced today another strong year for the barbecue industry, with shipments of grills and smokers reaching nearly 14 million. With 80 percent of North American households owning a grill or smoker, and 60 percent of grill owners using their grills year round, the barbecue industry remains hot.
As more and more consumers take the joys of cooking outdoors year round, the industrys manufacturers are launching new and innovative products to make cooking any dishfrom appetizer to desserteasy no matter your location, said Sue Crosby, HPBA communications director. This years Expo showcases the endless possibilities of outdoor cooking and features an exciting variety of products for grillers of all experience levels.
2014 Trend Watch
As the May-September peak outdoor cooking season approaches, consumers can expect to see grills, smokers and outdoor living products in high demand. Unveiled today at HPBExpo, the trends that will drive sales during 2014 and beyond include:
Wood Pellets on the Rise: Made from compressed sawdust, wood pellets are heating up grills and smokers across the country. An all-natural product, wood pellets produce a strong, slow-burning source of heat that gives a unique smoky flavor to foods. This year, new wood pellet grills and smokers are making it easier to cook outdoors no matter what time of year. Wood pellets grills and smokers use a variety of pellet forms to create different smoky tastes, all with a simple and easy cleanup process.
Portability: Whether tailgating for the big game or cooking on the beach, portable grills and smokers make it easy to cook delicious foods wherever you want. Industry manufactures are making it easier to take the party anywherefrom parking lots to campsitesby making light-weight and durable grills and smokers. Collapsible, small portable parts and all-terrain features make it simple to cook and smoke foods on-the-go.
Ovens in the Outdoors: New innovations are making it easier to do anything you can do inside, outside. With outdoor gas and wood-fired ovens, cooking enthusiasts can make a pizza, roast vegetables, bake desserts, and more all from the convenience of the backyard. Outdoor ovens provide an extra cooking space during the holidays, and allow families to cook their favorite dishes while enjoying the outdoors any season of the year.
Keeping Accessories Organized: When entertaining in the outdoors, its important to have everything you need right at your fingertips. New innovations such as countertops with drawer storage and drink coolers make it easy to enjoy any party outside. With full sinks, refrigerators and lighting, you can bring all the amenities of your indoor kitchen, outdoors.
Shipments Remain Strong in 2013
In 2013, nearly 14 million grills and smokers shipped in North America with a slight decrease (3.14%) from 2012. Gas grills continue to top the charts as the most popular type of grill, followed by charcoal and electric.
Total Gas Grill Shipments (58 percent of sales) 8,053,000
Total Charcoal Grill Shipments (40 percent of sales) 5,590,000
Total Electric Grill Shipments (2 percent of sales) 302,000
National Barbecue Month Starts May 1!
May is National Barbecue Month and the kick-off to the outdoor cooking season, and also a prime time for consumers to buy the latest grilling and outdoor equipment and accessories. Retailers see their highest sales during the summer months, but also recognize steady sales continuing into the fall with consumers cooking outdoors well past Labor Day and into the winter months.
To keep up-to-date with the latest and greatest outdoor cooking tips, tricks and recipes throughout National Barbecue Month and all year long, follow HPBA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HPBABarbecue, and Twitter: www.twitter.com/HPBA_Barbecue.

subset: commoncrawl


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You could stick someone in a room with Dieter Rams for a week and they could still leave having absolutely no appreciation of industrial design. For those friends, you can gift them these wild, wacky, and plain tacky (kind of cool) smartphone covers for their Lumia 920 or HTC 8X.
DecalGirl has some skins to cover up the latest and greatest Windows Phone devices. They all go for about $10 and have a variety of styles and colors to choose from.
My personal favorite is the leopard print, what better way to show off my color blindness than the faux pattern of a majestic beast. Look, I get it, you want to be yourself and have the exterior of your smartphone be an extension of you. So put your shoulders back and head high as you sport your leopard pattern Windows Phone around the block.
Snarky Sam aside, it's great to see companies pay attention to the platform and give us some options in the accessories department. It's only a matter of time where we get to go to a place like CES and face an overwhelming selection of cases.
Honestly, the Tetris one above is kind of awesome and complements the Windows Phone interface rather nicely. Head on over to DecalGirl to browse their selection of skin for either your Lumia 920 (right here) or HTC 8X (right here).
I'll make you guys a deal, pick which one I should buy and demo on my Lumia 920. Which ever design gets the most votes or mentions, I'll nab. Unless you pick the leapard print, in which case we're no longer friends.
Thanks for the tip JFossTheBoss
This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.


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Choreography by: Justin Peck
Music by: Bohuslav Martinů
The subject matter of the 2014 feature-length documentary Ballet 422, Justin Peck's Paz de la Jolla evokes the buoyant and beachy feeling of his home state, California.
NYCB dancer and Resident Choreographer Justin Peck made Paz de la Jolla, his third work for the Company, in 2013. Set to Bohuslav Martinů's Sinfonietta la Jolla, the ballet is inspired by Peck's upbringing in Southern California. The cast of 18 dancers is costumed by Reid Bartelme and Harriet Jung and the ballet features lighting by Mark Stanley. The creation of Paz de la Jolla was captured in the acclaimed documentary film Ballet 422.


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Mental Health Services 4,135 Listings
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Staying Sober When Your Friend's Aren't When I was in college my friends and I liked to party, which I always thought was normal until it wasn't. Two weeks before my graduation I entered a drug treatment center. I think I was lucky to be able to get professional help. I also think I was lucky because I got to take a little vacation away from my friends, stress at school, and family issues I created. I learned a lot in the four weeks I spent there, one of the things I remember the most was "people, places and things," and "rescue risks recovery." If I'm being honest, I didn't think either of these things applied or mattered to me, most of my friends weren't going to be asking me to get high with them on the weekends, that was always me. Plus, a decent amount of my friends didn't do drugs and were what I call a "normie." Once I "graduated" from my treatment and went home, I remember seeing on Facebook the statuses of the people I had met about going back, or worse, not being able to go back. I was just happy I got the treatment I needed, I wasn't depressed, my care coordinator helped me fix my legal issues and credit problems, and I had time while I was in treatment to work on a resume and finding a job. About six months after my returned home, I heard from one of my college friends. She said she missed me and wanted to hang out, she swore she was also sober and had a job, and so I decided to make plans with her. We went to a meeting and then got coffee and talked about our "glory days." It felt so good to sit down with an old friend and be able to just talk and look at how far we had come from our party days. It wasn't long after that first meeting with her that she texted me and asked if I wanted to come to a bar crawl with her. I was confused why two sober people would go to a bar crawl, but I shook it off and decided, against my better judgement, to go anyway. When I got to her house, she was already drunk. She told me that she was fine, she was "just drinking" and it didn't mean anything since she wasn't going to do drugs. I don't know why I co-signed her B.S. but, I did, I even agreed to be her designated driver. However, that night she ended up doing cocaine, and I didn't hear from her again after that for what seemed like forever. I went to my alumni meeting one night and talked to my counselor and friends in recovery about my friend's drinking. They warned me again that rescue risks recovery and that I need to leave it to the professionals. My counselor told me to have her call them, or if she wasn't ready to talk on the phone, try the online messaging. My counselor even reminded me that someone is there to answer 24/7 and they will know how to help her more than I can. I knew they were right, that I wasn't a professional and I wouldn't be able to give her the personalized care she needs to deal with her drug addiction or severe depression and anxiety. I was only me, and I know it takes a team of people to help build a long-lasting recovery. I knew I had to be supportive from afar. So, I texted her one last time with the information for the treatment center I went to, and told her about the 24/7 helpline, the personalized care for people with dual diagnosis, and the legal help they offer. She texted me back a week later with one word, "Thanks."
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For over 25 years, our combined experiences have been helping men and women break the bonds of addiction, regain their health and renew their lives. We take pride in providing a range of treatment programs including: outpatient (OP), intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP) that are comprehensive. Located in beautiful Boca Raton and Delray Beach, FL our facilities are safe, secure, and serene. Just by stepping outside, the climate and the natural environment provide clients with healing qualities that positively impact the recovery process.
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Railbelt Mental Health and Addictions
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Norton Sound Health Corporation
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Petersburg Mental Health Services Inc
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In budget discussions this month, officials from the Valley Stream Central High School District said they might need a supermajority — at least 60 percent of voters — to pass the budget in May, even if they ask for no tax increase. This requirement seems unjust, and must have more to do with a technical oversight in the tax-cap law than budgetary prudence.
The anomaly is the result of the tax-cap legislation, which went into effect for school districts and municipalities in 2012. It is designed to curb out-of-control property taxes in New York state by limiting tax increases each year.
While it is known as the "2 percent tax cap," it is never exactly that. Each school district must follow an 11-step formula to calculate its tax cap, which considers factors such as debt and pension costs. Just one part of the formula is a natural allowance for budget growth, which is 2 percent or the consumer price index, whichever is lower.
In calculating its allowable tax levy increase for next year, the high school district ended up with a negative number, meaning any that tax levy equal to or higher than this year's will exceed the cap. This happened because a $3 million annual bond payment will come off the books next year.
The district has paid off its debt, and is essentially being punished for doing so. It will now have that $3 million to spend on educational programs, but because the tax-cap formula factors in capital costs, the repurposing of that money affects the calculation.
It's good that New York state has taken measures to control property taxes. The tax cap has gotten mixed reviews since it was implemented. Homeowners generally like it because it is a vehicle to keep spending and taxes in check. School officials mostly dislike it because it limits their ability to raise revenue, and often means that cuts must be made to cover the cost of unfunded mandates.
Many see it as a tool of last resort to force school districts and municipalities (which are also subject to the cap) to reverse their thinking process: instead of deciding what's needed and telling taxpayers what they must pay, the new idea is to start with a "small" increase in what taxpayers paid the year before and telling districts to spend only what the taxpayers can afford.
The law clearly has unintended negative consequences, and it needs to be fixed. We want school officials to continue to be prudent in their budgeting, and to keep tax increases as low as possible. But their hands shouldn't be tied, either, by technicalities that can spell doom for even a well-thought-out budget.
Right now, high school officials are considering a budget with a tax levy increase below 1 percent. To require a supermajority of voters to pass it isn't in keeping with the spirit of the law, which is supposed to encourage responsible budgeting.
The district has been making budget cuts for several years. It is at the point where the cuts are starting to hurt, and any further reductions will start to have a negative effect on education. State aid simply doesn't keep up with the costs of the mandates the state hands down.
We call on Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Assemblyman Brian Curran and State Sen. Dean Skelos, who all represent parts of the Central High School District in Albany, to look into reforming the tax-cap law so these technicalities are corrected. In additional to holding districts to a maximum tax increase, perhaps there should be a provision that at least gives school districts a bottom number.
This isn't the first time the tax cap has caused issues with a Valley Stream budget. In 2012, a voter-sponsored bus referendum required District 13 to get at least 60 percent of the public vote to pass its tax-cap-compliant budget even if the referendum was rejected, which it was.
Our local state lawmakers need to examine these flaws in the law and make the necessary corrections. We hope our local school officials will urge them to, as well.


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Augusta (Georgia)
Augusta is a city in Georgia's Classic Heartland.
Due to its location inland on the Savannah River, Augusta was a city of major strategic importance by the end of the Civil War. It was spared most of the destruction of many other southern cities, so there are many old buildings and landmarks. There are some areas of town that the tourist might be advised to avoid, but they should be obvious upon inspection. There is a significant presence of military personnel who visit the city on personal business from nearby Fort Gordon. Augusta is also home of the Masters golf tournament.
Get in[edit]
By car[edit]
Augusta is on I-20, between Atlanta and Columbia, South Carolina. I-520 circles the city. Car is usually the best way to get around town, given the sprawl in the city's organization. Traffic is heavy on major arteries and intersections during weekday rush hour. Traveling around the Augusta National Golf Course, especially Washington Road, during Masters Week is not advised.
By plane[edit]
Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) [59] is serviced by Delta Connections with service to Atlanta (ATL), along with US Airways Express with service to Charlotte (CLT) and Washington, DC (DCA).
By bus[edit]
Augusta is serviced by Greyhound Bus Lines [60]. The bus station is located at 1128 Greene St in Downtown.
By taxi[edit]
Taxis are not often used and are fairly expensive because of the large distances between destinations in town. There is an often updated official list of taxi services on the Augusta Regional Airport website [61].
Get around[edit]
Augusta Public Transit, a public bus system, is available and services many popular destinations. However, it may be easier to rent a car to access areas not served by the bus system. Information on Augusta Public Transit can be found here http://augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=232.
See[edit][add listing]
Do[edit][add listing]
Annual festivals and events[edit]
Buy[edit][add listing]
Eat[edit][add listing]
Augusta has many of the national chain restaurants found in other cities, however the city has many excellent local eateries including:
Drink[edit][add listing]
Sleep[edit][add listing]
The area code for the city is 706. All local numbers require 10-digit dialing, including the area code.
Every branch of the public library system has internet access, but a library card is required to use it. There is also a free Wi-Fi hot spot area provided by the city in the Augusta Commons on Broad Street. Many local restaurants and coffee shops also provide free wireless internet access, especially those localed on Broad Street.
Stay safe[edit]
Get out[edit]


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Bear Brown/Frog Green/Black Cat/Mouse Grey. Read More »
New supplier Read More »
Now from Just £2.50
We are not VAT registered so all items VAT FREE!
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Several metallic colours and an awesome two tier skirt Read More »
The Picabo is a two toned with foil sleeveless turtleneck design and proving to be very popular already.Read More »
New zipped catsuits and new animal print fabrics have arrived, soon to be online
Reduced from £25.99 to £15.99 the Jorja Dress is a Nylon Lycra Polo neck, keyhole back, long sleeve, dance dress with finger loop and slit shoulder detail. While Stocks Last
While Stocks Last - Shiny nylon lycra sleeveless leotard, gathered front wand fishtail skirt. 4 Colours in Adult Small/Medium/Large available for £12.95
Diagonal split colours leotard, asymetrical with 2 strap detail, unfastened. Read More »
As soon as the sun makes a healthy appearance again we will be having a new photoshoot featuring some new items including a biketard, thong leotards and new catsuits
Delivery is soon on new zipped catsuits and new animal print fabrics
An extra 5 new metallic items to compliment our already large range of the popular metallic fabric. Available in Gold/Red/Silver/Blue/Pink/Black
In the next couple of weeks we will have new metallic outfits : 2 Long sleeved leotards and a new top and 2 tiered skirt
A brand new dance range featuring leotards and seperates : 20% Nylon 80% Lycra with foil print
We have expanded the Optimise range of dance tops a little further featuring 4 new tops featuring shattered glass effect material, swirly foil and foil spotted material.
Lots more additions to our seperates range Read More »
Our thong leotard usually retails for 19.99-21.99 but we are setting up a special group buy on these at a huge discount. Buy before end of June and you get the same item for 12.99, as this is a bulk preorder, we will be getting these made at the end of the month for delivery in early July.
Our Metallic Catsuits were recently used by Heathrow Gymastics Club in an official London 2012 event to mark the news of the Olympic Torch plans, read more here : http://www.london2012.com/news/2010/05/london-2012-outlines-vision-for-welcoming-the-olympic-flame-to-the-uk.php


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Although the DWQA Questions and Answers plugin for WordPress has been updated to work with Multisite, it probably won't work as expected. At the time of this writing, the problem appears to be new user creation and the multisite default functionality. In order to accept the DWQA default method of answering questions, which is that only registered users can post answers to questions asked by anonymous users, you have to allow them to register. First, on my Multisite subsite I had no option to allow user registration. Even after enabling it at my main blog as network administrator it was not available under the subsite options.
Other users have reported that once you are able to allow registration on a subsite, that clicking the link will redirect the user to the network main site and allow them to register there, which is probably not the desired action for a DW Questions and Answers site. It also allows that user to be login to all other sites on the network.
What would be desired here is either a separate login that is not tied to the wordpress registered users login, or the use of social apis so users could use an existing social account to login for posting and answering questions.


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Charlie Bertini
It was at age nine that Charlie Bertini started trumpet lessons in his hometown of Cortland, NY. Being active in marching band, concert band, orchestra, and etcetera, he knew that he wanted to do what he loved professionally. At age 19 he joined the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros Circus and toured for six years as first trumpeter and later as the musical director. Then, Charlie played, for four years, at Circus World Theme park as first trumpeter and conductor; therefore, he prepared himself for a year's tour as musical director for the Ringling Bros & Bailey Circus. As a recording artist, Charlie has four solo albums and two Christmas albums. He is also the executive director of the annual AppleJazz Festival.
He has proven himself to be one of the most versatile and respected trumpeters in the industry. After moving out of town, many have known him to be the top-call first trumpeter in Orlando. Nowadays, Charlie Bertini is a music instructor. As a teacher he has led workshops at universities and high schools, and he instructs occasionally at the University of Central Florida and Seminole Community College. Still based in Orlando, Charlie enjoys a mixture of musical surroundings and continues to be one of the most resourceful and appreciated trumpeters in the industry.
"You won't believe your ears." -- Audio Fidelity
photo by Tom Haskell


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2 men plead guilty to supporting Afghanistan terrorists in Conn. court
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Two men extradited from Britain last year pleaded guilty Tuesday to supporting terrorists in Afghanistan through websites that sought to raise cash, recruit fighters and solicit items such as gas masks.
Babar Ahmad and Syed Talha Ahsan pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in New Haven to charges of providing material support to terrorists and conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.
By pleading guilty, the men "admitted that they knew that their efforts could result in the maiming and murder of individuals, including U.S. citizens," acting U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly said.
A prosecutor said Ahsan traveled to Afghanistan with Ahmad's assistance to fight and attend a training camp run by al-Qaida, but Ahsan didn't admit that.
Both men possessed a classified document discussing a U.S. Navy battle group's movements and vulnerability to attack, authorities said.
A former Navy sailor was sentenced in 2009 to 10 years in prison for leaking the details about the battle group to the website, but the group was never attacked.
"This investigation further demonstrates law enforcement's resolve to bring to justice anyone who supports those who would target American interests at home or abroad," said John Sandweg, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The judge didn't immediately accept Ahmad's plea while she awaits information from probation officials, but she said the plea was voluntarily made.
The two men, British citizens who were living in Britain at the time, faced charges in Connecticut because authorities said they used an Internet service provider in the state to run one of the websites.
A charge of conspiring to kill people in a foreign country will be dismissed under the plea agreement.
The websites operated under the name of Azzam Publications, which authorities say provided support to Afghanistan's ousted Taliban regime and focused on the wars in Bosnia and Chechnya in the 1990s. The sites asked for donations of military suits and gas masks for the Taliban and appealed to Pakistanis to travel to Afghanistan to fight, according to Ahmad's plea agreement.
The websites posted articles on how to train for fighting and gave guidance on how women could participate in jihad, or holy war. The sites produced videos of Muslims detailing their experiences on the battlefield in Bosnia and advertised videos of battles in Chechnya.
Ahsan, 34, has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, said his attorney, Richard Reeve, who described him as very intelligent. He said Ahsan didn't operate the websites.
Ahmad, 39, was held without trial for eight years in a British prison, raising concerns among human rights advocates. He said in court that he was treated for post-traumatic stress disorder in 2009 and 2010, but he didn't offer details.
In an interview after the BBC won a legal battle to speak with him, Ahmad insisted he didn't condone terrorism and urged authorities to put him on trial in the U.K. He acknowledged he had visited Bosnia several times during the 1990s and had been involved in the conflict there.
Ahmad faces up to 25 years in prison and Ahsan faces up to 15 when they are sentenced on March 4.


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Difference between revisions of "Oral History Recording "Cheat Sheet" (using Zoom H2 Handy Recorder)"
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*Figure 1 (above)
*Figure 1 (above)
Revision as of 10:15, 28 January 2009
Recording Cheat Sheet: Face-to-Face Oral History Interview
Equipment List
- a. Zoom H2 recorder and all included accessories, most especially the A/C power adapter.
- b. two Audio-Technica ATR-35S Lavalier Microphones:
- c. 1/8" Dual Mono Jack to 1/8" Stereo Plug Y-Adapter. aka "splitter":
- d. pair of headphones
if purchase needed, I recommend: Sony MDR-V150, widely available in stores and online: http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11035219
- e. two or three SD cards of 4 gigabyte capacity.
for a list of compatible SD cards: http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h2/SDlist.html
- f. AA batteries for Zoom H2 (Item A). you may use either alkaline or rechargeable NIHM batteries.
- note that in face-to-face interviews you'll probably want to use the A/C power adapter, but batteries should be on hand for emergencies, etc.
- g. spare batteries for microphones (Item B). please refer to respective manual for type of battery needed.
- h. printed copy of Zoom H2 Manual: http://www.samsontech.com/products/relatedDocs/H2_user_manual.pdf
Equipment Setup
Setup procedures will make use of section #1 (Equipment List) as well as the following figures:
- Figure 1 (above)
- Figure 2 (above)
- a. Insert SD card slot into Zoom H2 (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 11).
- b. Connect A/C power adapter to "AC Power" input (figure 2) and connect to power outlet. Do not turn anything ON.
- c. Attach Zoom H2 to "Desktop Stand" and place recorder on suitable platform/table.
- d. Insert the male end of the splitter (Item C) into "External Mic In" (figure 2).
- e. Connect one microphone (Item B) into one empty female input of splitter. Repeat for other microphone.
- f. Turn both microphones ON via their respective on/off switches.
- g. Connect headphones to "Phones/Line Out" (figure 2).
- h. Turn On Zoom H2 recorder (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 13).
- i. Ensure SD card is empty by formatting it (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 61).
Recording Setup and Procedure
- a. Set the record mode to "WAV44.1kHz/16bit" (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 35). This is the default mode, but it is important to verify this setting.
- b. Set the AGC/COMP setting to "AGC2 (SPEECH)" (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 37). This is VERY important. If this setting is omitted, your recording level could end up tragically too low or disastrously too high.
- c. Turn the "Lo Cut" setting to ON (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 38).
- d. Set the Zoom H2 to record in standby mode (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 17, step #1). At this point the microphones are activated even though sound is not being recorded.
- e. Begin speaking at a normal conversational level. This might be a good opportunity to get your interviewee loosened up. Watch the LED display and observe the Level Meter (see figure below). Aim for having the meter fluctuate up and down between roughly the -24 and -12 levels, preferably toward the middle of that range.
- If the levels are too high, turn the record level down. If they are too low, turn them up. (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 30, #4).
- f. Start recording (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 17, step #2). Remember if the counter is not moving, you ARE NOT recording.
- Consider using the recording itself to embed information about the interview: i.e. announce the date and other information (name of project, interviewee name, etc.) prior to the first question. This can help prevent mix-ups in the future. It also adds "metadata" into the audio track itself.
- Please keep a ledger of the file name and to what interview it corresponds. This will assist you when you are ready to move the files to your computer and rename them.
- g. When the interview is over, Stop recording (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 17, step #3). You may also stop recording for a lengthy break, etc. Just know that when you start recording again, you will be recording to a new file name.
- Files can be joined easily, so an interview spread across a few files can seamlessly be combined. Therefore, do not hesitate to stop and restart recording for extended breaks, etc. Just keep track of it in your ledger so that the situation is documented.
- h. When the recorder has stopped saving the file, turn the power OFF for the ZOOM H2 (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 17).
- i. Turn OFF the microphones, detach them and the splitter from the Zoom H2, and remove the A/C power adapter.
Recording Environment
Microphones are equal opportunity devices. They will pick up whatever is in the environment that they hear whether you want them to or not.
- - Try to record in a quiet room without echo (carpeted rooms are often good at absorbing unwanted reverberations).
- - Avoid being near noise-making devices such as computers, fans, a/c and heating units, refrigerators, and other noisy equipment such as certain ceiling lights that "buzz".
- We will be able to eliminate a certain amount of background noise in post-production, but it is always best to try and get the best recording possible in the first place. The better the recording is in the first place, the less post-production work is needed and the better the recording will sound overall.
File Transfer
Files should be copied to a computer hard drive as soon as possible after the recordings have been made. You can retrieve files from the Zoom H2 in two ways:
- a. Attached the Zoom H2 to a computer via USB and drag/drop the files onto your local hard drive (see Zoom H2 manual, pg 71, 72 - particularly pg 72, #5).
- or
- b. Remove the SD card from the Zoom H2 and insert it into an empty SD card slot on your computer or monitor (depending on your hardware configuration) and drag/drop the files onto your local hard drive.
- After the files are on your local drive, please rename the files per the file naming convention and update the metadata spreadsheet so that filename corresponds with information about the recording :(date/time, interviewee name, etc.) You may then begin the process of documenting large sections of extraneous sounds you want removed.
- Note that this" cheat sheet" does not cover issues of file backup and burning files to DVD disc, etc.
Additional Information
- a. On the following website, there are 2 videos that might be useful to watch (requires Quicktime). The videos are entitled "Click here to watch the Zoom H2 Basic Recording Video! " and "Click here to watch the Zoom H2 Setting Recording Levels Video!
- b. Of course, the best way to learn is to practice by doing several "mock" interview recordings prior to the real thing.


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Moderators: Dr. X, ikensall, fredde
BFenix wrote:Silent-sigfig wrote:
Coolest 1000th post ever
enders_shadow wrote::shock:
IVhorseman wrote:I'm the Several Hundred Dollar Man!
Rayhawk wrote:"Give him the stick DON'T GIVE HIM THE STICK" was a major part of Knights Kingdom development.
stubby wrote:omg noob, balrogs are maiars too, don't you know anything
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BFenix wrote:Silent-sigfig wrote:
Coolest 1000th post ever
james+burgundy wrote:Wait YOUR mocs? people would pay for that? I would be all good to buy parts sure but I can't remember anything you built being worth buying. Then again only things iv seen on the forum I can ever remember being willing to pay for would pay for is Natalya's AC and she did not even make that, then pretty much anything by Dr.x and I already bought some of his stuff when he quite lego and then pretty much anything theblackdog made. Maybe Im forgetting some amazing thing you have built but given that 98% of the people here build humm . So yeah selling parts? or just mocs
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text:
BeefTalk: The Science and Awe of DNA
By Kris Ringwall, Beef Specialist
NDSU Extension Service
The DNA discussion is real and active in the world of beef cattle, so the better one understands it, the better one can utilize the information.
When I started teaching a course on genetics several years ago, the textbook name was "iGenetics: A Mendelian Approach" by Peter J. Russell. This fall, I am teaching the same course. However, the text is now "iGenetics: A Molecular Approach" by Peter J. Russell. During the course of a decade, the word Mendelian was replaced by the word Molecular.
For most cow-calf producers, the change probably would go unnoticed. However, the change is huge and so is what we are expected to know. The cow-calf business, or any other segment of the beef industry, cannot be excused from class.
Understanding changing technology is critical to the development of cattle management plans and the subsequent review of herd progress. Today, college students who grew up on farms and ranches raising cattle are expected to spend time in the classroom learning genetic principles as they apply to livestock improvement and the genetic basis of selection and systems of mating beef cattle.
These principles are applied at the ranch for the development of breeding programs based upon the principles of population genetics. A basic understanding of hereditary principles, including gene action, random segregation, independent assortment, sex-linkage, epistasis, mutations and chromosomal abnormalities, are taught. Also taught are polygenic inheritance and population and molecular genetics.
There are some subtle differences from this textbook, compared with the book of a decade ago. The first five chapters in the older textbook are Chapter 1 - Genetics: An Introduction; Chapter 2 - Mendelian Genetics; Chapter 3 - Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance; Chapter 4 - Extensions of Mendelian Genetic Principles; and Chapter 5 - Quantitative Genetics.
The first five chapters in the newer textbook are Chapter 1 - Genetics: An Introduction; Chapter 2 - DNA the Genetic Material; Chapter 3 - DNA Replication; Chapter 4 - Gene Function; and Chapter 5 - Gene Expression: Transcription.
In the past, the early components of the course were an introduction to the history of the study of genetics, classical Mendelian genetics and the physical basis of heredity, genetic linkage, multiple alleles, sex determination and chromosomal aberrations. Those topics now are offered later in the textbook as reviews, so students are expected to start their learning with molecular genetics.
These topics include gene replication, function and expression. Population and quantitative genetics, the founding principles of previous livestock improvement, have been moved from chapters 5 and 24 to chapters 21 and 22. These chapters develop the application of genetic principles to population genetics and quantitative inheritance as they relate to the breeding and improvement of animals.
Some might say: So what? The point, if we discuss DNA, is that we can put DNA into nice advertising and we can incorporate new technology involving DNA into our cow-calf systems.
If we better understand the science of DNA, we will be able to better understand what we are asking of the technology we are trying to implement. Even beyond that, we cannot help but stand in awe at these marvelous biological systems that function even though we may lack all the skills and technology to truly get involved.
Perhaps that is why both textbooks conclude with a chapter on molecular evolution. We may not ever truly understand life, but our understanding of genetics certainly has improved. Our implementation of technology will rest with our ability to evaluate and discuss the complex principles guiding genetics and associated animal breeding plans.
As producers who seek to understand more about this simple term called DNA, we will be able to analyze more critically and propose better solutions to the problems related to genetics and animal breeding on our farm and ranch operations.
Gregor Johann Mendel from the Augustinian Monastery was the founder of the science of genetics. As with any new field of science, he probably did not understand totally just how much impact his early science would have on the world.
Now is the time to engage the world of DNA as it relates to genetics and animal breeding and to seek to better understand it.
May you find all your ear tags.
Your comments are always welcome at http://www.BeefTalk.com.
For more information, contact Ringwall at 1041 State Ave., Dickinson, ND 58601, or go to http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/columns/beeftalk/.
(Ringwall is a North Dakota State University Extension Service livestock specialist and the Dickinson Research Extension Center director.)
NDSU Agriculture Communication – Jan. 10, 2013
|Kris Ringwall, (701) 483-2348, ext. 103, firstname.lastname@example.com
|Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, firstname.lastname@example.com


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Stanley Cup Playoff Preview - Washington vs. NY Rangers
The Washington Capitals didn't look like they would be making a sixth straight trip to the playoffs in mid-March, when they were still trying to dig themselves out of a season-opening 2-8-1 hole.
But the Capitals, and especially star winger Alex Ovechkin, caught fire down the stretch and not only punched a return trip to the playoffs, but did so with their fifth Southeast Division title in six years.
Few teams enter the postseason as hot as Washington, which is taking aim at its first Stanley Cup championship. The Capitals went 15-2-2 over their final 19 games, winning the division crown by six points over the Winnipeg Jets.
It was the Jets who were the first victim of the Capitals' late-season surge. Washington began its 19-game run with back-to-back victories in Winnipeg and further solidified itself as a contender by winning its first eight games of April.
It's no surprise that Ovechkin paved the way en route to winning the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy for the third time in his career as the league's top goal scorer. He ended the shortened season with 32 goals in 48 games, recording 22 of those over his final 21 contests.
And of course, Ovechkin's scoring fury only made those around him better. Center Nicklas Backstrom logged 15 assists in 13 games in April and 27 helpers over his final 29 games after notching just 13 assists in his first 19 games. His 40 assists ranked third in the NHL at season's end.
Center Mike Ribeiro, meanwhile, added depth down the middle in his first season with the club. He ended the campaign with 36 assists and was second on the club with 49 points behind only Ovechkin's 56.
Ribeiro's addition, as well as return to health by defenseman Mike Green, helped Washington lead the NHL with a 26.8 percent power play and the club's 3.04 goals per game were tied for fourth in the league.
With Green's heavy shot, Ovechkin's ability to score from anywhere on the ice and Backstrom setting up his teammates, Washington's power play will be key to its postseason success.
The Capitals are also looking to clean up a penalty kill unit that ranked just 27th in the league at 77.9 percent. However, Washington did not allow a power- play goal in five of its past seven games and killed off 21-of-23 penalties in that span.
"Our (power play) has been good all year long, (but) going into the playoffs it's a clean slate. We have to continue to produce on the power play and continue to get good looks and help ourselves out," said Caps winger Troy Brouwer.
"On the flip side, our penalty kill has been trending in the right direction. We've been killing off some really important kills as of late and we've got to continue that."
Brouwer, Marcus Johansson, Eric Fehr and Martin Erat, acquired before the trade deadline from the Nashville Predators, round out Washington's top forwards as Joel Ward's status for this series is in question. He hopes to return at some point versus the Rangers from a knee injury that has held him out since April 7.
Brooks Laich, meanwhile, played in just nine games this season and is likely to miss this first round due to groin surgery.
Washington has two outstanding defenders to lean on in the young-but-seasoned John Carlson and Karl Alzner. Carlson can chip in on the offensive side of things and had 22 points, while Alzner looks to shut down opposing scorers.
Given the bulk of the work during the regular season, Braden Holtby went 23-12-1 with a 2.58 goals against average and .920 save percentage in 36 games to emerge as a solid backstop. Like the rest of the club, he got better as the season went on.
Ovechkin has been a solid playoff performer in his career, notching 30 goals and 29 assists in 51 games and the majority of the Capitals roster has postseason experience.
NEW YORK RANGERS (6th seed, East)
2012 PLAYOFFS: Defeated Ottawa 4-3 in conference quarterfinals; defeated Washington 4-3 in conference semifinals; lost to New Jersey 4-2 in conference finals
The New York Rangers came into the lockout-shortened season as heavy contenders to challenge for a Stanley Cup championship after pulling off a trade to acquire winger Rick Nash in the offseason.
While Nash did his part, it took another couple of trades to finally get the Rangers going.
Following an inconsistent two-plus months to begin the season, the Rangers hit their groove in April and went 10-3-1 in the month while winning five of their final six games to claim their seventh playoff berth in eight seasons.
And that finish has some thinking that the Blueshirts are good enough to lift the Cup for the first time since 1994.
"We felt we were in a fight, (like) that we're going to be in here as we start Thursday, for the past month trying to crawl in here (into the playoffs)," noted Rangers head coach John Tortorella. "I think our players have handled a number of different situations on a flat line; not getting too high, not getting too low, handling momentum of games, finding ways to win. All certain things that's going to be needed in the playoffs. Our group feels good."
New York has to feel good about having Nash on board. The winger led the Rangers with 21 goals and was second to the emerging Derek Stepan with 42 points. That production helped Nash return to the playoffs for the first time since 2009 with the Columbus Blue Jackets, a trip that ended after just four games.
Fellow forward Brad Richards had an up-and-down season, but finished strong with 11 points in his final six games, while do-it-all captain Ryan Callahan was third on the team with 16 goals and fourth in points with 31.
But that group had help. Stepan finished his third NHL season with a team-high 44 points off 18 goals and 26 assists and finished among the league leaders with a plus-25 rating. The 22-year-old logged eight goals and 19 points over 14 games in April.
Speedster Carl Hagelin added 10 goals and 24 points and center Derick Brassard contributed 11 points in 13 games after coming over with injured forward Derek Dorsett and defenseman John Moore in a deadline-day deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets for Marian Gaborik.
The Rangers also yielded three draft picks to get winger Ryane Clowe from the San Jose Sharks, and while he managed just three goals and five assists in 12 games, his size does help the rest of his line.
The Gaborik trade also netted the Rangers Moore and he has been solid for a defense group that hasn't had Marc Staal since he suffered a serious eye injury on March 5. He hopes to return for this series.
Until then, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh and Michael Del Zotto will continue to log 24-plus minutes per game to pace a solid defensive grouping.
And even when the Rangers do make mistakes, reigning Vezina Trophy winner Henrik Lundqvist is there to bail them out. There are few, if any, goaltenders better in the NHL and Lundqvist tied for the league lead with 24 wins to go along with a 2.05 goals against average and .926 save percentage while making 43 starts.
New York will hope that fatigue won't be a factor for Lundqvist, who is under .500 for his career in the playoffs at 25-30 despite a 2.31 GAA and six shutouts.
Richards has 77 points in 83 career playoff games, while Nash managed three points in his previous playoff appearance.
Washington and New York are very familiar with each other as this will mark the fourth time in the past five years they have met in the playoffs. The Capitals took the first two encounters before the Rangers won a thrilling seven-game series in last year's conference semifinals.
The final six games of the series were decided by a single goal and the Rangers won twice after regulation, including a three-overtime victory in Game 3.
Washington has won four of the seven all-time playoff series meetings, dating back to 1986.
The Rangers went 2-0-1 in this year's season series, with Stepan scoring three goals in three games. Richards and Hagelin both had a goal and two assists, while Lundqvist went 1-0-1 with a 1.44 GAA in two starts.
Holtby, who had a 1.90 GAA in last year's playoff meeting, had a 2.69 GAA in the three regular-season meetings, while Ovechkin, Carlson and Backstrom all had a goal and an assist as the Caps were limited to four goals in the three games.
Despite the higher seeding, the Capitals finished with only one more point than the Rangers and few would bat an eye if you thought that New York was the favorite in this series.
That may actually be the case as the Rangers found their identity with a few tweaks and additions. Seeing the Capitals light up the scoreboard is nothing new and it has yet to work out for them in the playoffs. With Lundqvist as the equalizer, the Rangers seem likely to advance.
Sports Network predicted outcome: Rangers in 6


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Will Ravens training camp -- and the Harbaugh brothers storyline -- be under HBO's spotlights this summer?
FOXSports.com reported that HBO is interested in the Ravens and San Francisco 49ers for this year's season of "Hard Knocks," its documentary-style training camp series. John coaches the Ravens and younger brother Jim coaches the 49ers -- a dynamic that would surely draw in viewers. But would the interest be mutual?
"I am not aware of any request in regards to 'Hard Knocks,'" Ravens director of media relations Chad Steele told The Baltimore Sun on Wednesday afternoon. "That decision would be made at the ownership level."
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has lifted the curtain at The Castle for media in the past, allowing John Feinstein to be embedded with the Ravens during the 2004 season for his book, "Next Man Up." And the Ravens have done "Hard Knocks" before, but that was more than a decade ago when John Harbaugh was not the coach.
The Ravens, coming off a win in Super Bowl XXXV, were the first team to be featured on "Hard Knocks" in 2001. Defensive tackle Tony Siragusa, tight end Shannon Sharpe and first-round draft pick Todd Heap were among those highlighted, as was new starting quarterback Elvis Grbac, who was signed to replace Trent Dilfer.
"I can't imagine much that would be thrown at us in terms of a distraction during the season that we would not have already experienced," former Ravens coach Brian Billick said at the start of that training camp. "Very truthfully, training camp is about providing learning experiences, and that's what this is for my players."
The Ravens went 10-6 that season and won a playoff game before losing in the AFC divisional round to the Pittsburgh Steelers. A season-ending knee injury to running back Jamal Lewis hurt their chances of a repeat much more than HBO's camera crew.
According to the FOXSports.com report, HBO reached out to the Denver Broncos about doing the show, but were denied. The New York Jets are interested in appearing on "Hard Knocks" again (against the wishes of head coach Rex Ryan if you can believe that). The Jacksonville Jaguars have lobbied the cable network to cover their training camp. The report stated that if the Jets pass on the opportunity, HBO will try to woo the Ravens and 49ers.
The brothers were tight-lipped when their teams met in the Harbaugh Bowl on Thanksgiving, tiptoeing around questions about a "sibling rivalry." But that didn't keep the national media from going wild with its coverage of the game. The two teams won't play each other in 2012 unless they meet in the Super Bowl, so maybe John and Jim would (hypothetically) be more candid, especially with HBO's camera crews following them around for a month.
Only the Dallas Cowboys have been on "Hard Knocks" more than once. The Jets, Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals were also featured in the past. The show was forced to take a hiatus last summer due to the uncertainty caused by the NFL lockout.
What's your take? Would you welcome the inside look at the Ravens or do you think it would be too much of a distraction?


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Webelos Transition
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
- Also know as the Improved Webelos Transition, Bridging, and Crossover. Materials derived from: [Webelos Transition].
Boy Scouting is for boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10, or who are 11, but not yet 18. Boy Scouts are old enough to be on their own in the out-of-doors. While adults serve as key leaders, the boys hold leadership positions and plan the troop's program.
Cub Scouting takes place largely in the family. Beginning Tiger Cubs must be under the age of 8, have completed kindergarten or be in the first grade or be age 7. Cub Scouts (Wolf and Bear) must have completed the first grade but not completed third grade or be age 8 or 9. And Webelos Scouts must have completed third grade but not completed fifth grade or age 10 but not yet 11 1/2.
The passage from Cub Scout pack to Boy Scout troop should be smooth, with no time lost in between. By the time Webelos Scouts are ready to cross over, they and their families should be familiar and comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the troop, their role in the troop and troop activities, and feel excited about beginning this new adventure. The Webelos Scout's graduation ceremony should clearly signify his transition to a new level of Scouting, and could include the presentation of his Arrow of Light Award, a Boy Scout Handbook, and a troop neckerchief.
A Webelos Scout who has earned the Arrow of Light Award has now completed all the requirements for the Scout badge and may join a Boy Scout troop.
The key factor to improved Webelos transition is the ongoing working relationship of the leaders of a Cub Scout pack and a Boy Scout troop. Ideally a community organization would have both a pack and a troop with leaders who work together to help move Webelos Scouts into a Boy Scout troop the same way schools move students from elementary school to middle school.
There are a number of ways a pack and troop can work together to enhance the Scouting experience of their boys. To help assure maximum transition requires cooperation.
Pack Responsibilities
It should be the goal of the Cubmaster and Webelos den leaders to graduate every Webelos Scout into a Boy Scout troop. The key to accomplishing this is to begin promoting Boy Scouting when Cub Scouts are still in their Tiger, Wolf, and Bear dens, and to sell the sizzle of the great outdoors. Scouting should be viewed as an ongoing adventure, and the progression should be as normal as moving from elementary school to middle school.
1a) Develop a working relationship with the leadership of a Boy Scout troop or troops in the community. Most troops should have either an assistant Scoutmaster or a committee member assigned to new Scouts. Your unit commissioner can help put you in contact with troop leaders.
1b) Compare calendars of troop and pack activities to coordinate activities. Community events can be done together, and planning can help prevent conflicts in use of equipment and facilities.
1c) Work with troop leaders to secure den chiefs for each Webelos den and Cub Scout den.
1d) Work with troop leaders to plan and conduct Webelos overnight activities.
1e) Work with troop leaders to plan visits to troop meetings. Never show up without first calling in advance.
1f) Invite the Scoutmaster and troop youth leaders to special pack activities. This will help create familiarity and a level of comfort for the Webelos Scouts and their parents as they ease into the troop.
1g) Plan a meaningful crossover ceremony at the pack's blue and gold banquet. Include troop leadership to be present to accept the Webelos Scouts as they graduate to Boy Scouting. The local Order of the Arrow lodge can often be a valuable resource in conducting ceremonies.
1h) Webelos leaders should be strongly encouraged to move into the troop with the boys, either as assistant Scoutmasters or troop committee members. This will give the new Scouts a familiar face at troop meetings and a connecting link to Boy Scouting.
1i) If a troop does not exist in your community, discuss with the head of the pack's chartered organization the possibility of organizing a troop. A graduating Webelos den can form the nucleus of a new troop.
Troop Responsibilities
Boy Scout troops should assign an assistant Scoutmaster or a troop committee member to be responsible for new Scouts, which would include developing a relationship with the Cubmaster and the Webelos den leaders. This person serves as a resource during Webelos overnight activities and builds enthusiasm among boys and their parents for the exciting challenges that await them in Boy Scouting.
2a) Select Scouts to serve as den chiefs for each Webelos Scout den and Cub Scout den. Arrange for Den Chief Training.
2b) Serve as a resource for overnight activities. The troop can be of service to provide equipment, leadership, and logistics for Webelos parent-son campouts.
2c) Conduct an orientation in the Bear Cub Scout dens to explain the changing role as boys become Webelos Scouts and then again as they become Boy Scouts. Explain how being a Webelos Scout will help prepare them for Boy Scouting.
2d) Webelos den/Scout troop campouts should show Webelos Scouts and their parents what to expect when they move into the troop. The troop should cook and camp by patrol, and use skills that the Webelos Scouts can participate in.
2e) Arrange for Webelos dens to visit a troop meeting. This should be planned several weeks in advance.
2f) Provide each Webelos Scout a copy of the troop's activities for the upcoming year.
2g) Work with Webelos den leaders to encourage them to plan to move into the troop with their Webelos Scouts and to serve either as committee members or assistant Scoutmasters.
2h) Conduct a Scoutmaster conference under the guidance of the Scoutmaster or the assistant designated by the Scoutmaster. This conference should cover the meaning of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, the advancement program, troop camping, the patrol method, summer camp, and personal equipment.
2i) Work with the Cubmaster in planning a meaningful crossover ceremony at the pack's blue and gold banquet. Coordinate the ceremony and arrange for each Webelos Scout to receive a troop neckerchief and Boy Scout Handbook along with his Arrow of Light Award. Members of the Order of the Arrow may assist in the ceremony.
Unit Commissioner Responsibilities
The unit commissioner is the connecting link in the chain between the troop and the pack. Often, the same unit commissioner will serve both a pack and troop in the same community.
3a) Be a catalyst in developing good relationships between troop and pack leaders.
3b) Promote communication by scheduling a meeting of key volunteers.
3c) Help plan a Webelos den visit to a troop meeting and other joint activities.
3d) Keep the pack and troop on schedule as plans develop for the crossover ceremony at the blue and gold banquet.
3e) Attend the crossover ceremony.
3f) Be sure new Scouts have completed a Boy Scout application, that they have a copy of the troop's activities, and that they know when and where the troop meets.
3g) Work with the pack and troop in their charter renewal process to help ensure Webelos Scouts are moved from pack rosters to troop rosters.
3h) Work with the Webelos transition chair to follow up on boys who have not yet joined a troop. Make sure they are invited to join a troop.
3i) Be sure Webelos Scouts join a troop in time to prepare for Boy Scout summer camp.
District Webelos Transition Chair
A key person to successful Webelos graduation is the district Webelos transition chair. This person is a member of the district membership committee and is charged with making sure every Webelos Scout is given an opportunity to join a troop.
4a) Contact all packs in early fall to update a list of all fifth-grade Webelos Scouts.
4b) Coach Cubmasters and Webelos den leaders in the transition process at roundtables, training courses, and through personal contact.
4c) Report to the membership committee chair, and keep the district committee informed.
4d) Track and maintain records of Webelos graduation by using a wall chart that lists the transition record of each pack.
4e) Work with unit commissioners to follow up on Webelos Scouts who have not joined a troop.
4f) Work toward 100 percent Webelos transition.


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TOKYO (Reuters) - Love was in the air in a Tokyo park as normally staid Japanese husbands gathered to scream out their feelings for their wives, promising gratitude and extra tight hugs.
With modesty and reticence traditionally valued over outspokenness, expressing deeper feelings like love has long been hard in Japan.
That's why dozens of Japanese men gather once a year ahead of Jan 31, which in Japanese is a play on the words for "Beloved Wife," to let their feelings fly.
Declarations at the Tuesday night event ranged from a simple "I'll love you forever" to expressions of gratitude for homemade boxed lunches.
"I'm sorry that I've gained weight over the last seven years," a suit-clad man yelled. "But that's because the meals you cook are so delicious."
The event, now in its fifth year, was thought up by Kiyotaka Yamana with the support of a local flower shop to urged Japanese men to show their affection in more explicit ways.
"The economy is getting better in Japan and I see a lot of Japanese married couples getting more active in deepening their relationships," Yamana said.
Wives in the audience laughed and clapped, especially when one man got down on his knees to offer his wife a bouquet.
"He's very fabulous and manly today," said Yuko Todo, 33, after her husband Takeshi's performance. "It just reminded me how macho he used to be - I'd forgotten that in the eight years we've been married. My heart pounded."
Reporting by Hyun Oh, writing by Elaine Lies, Editing by Michael Perry


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Big birthweight babies have a bad rap. Moms hear 12-pound baby, and they cringe. But a set of babies dubbed the world's heaviest triplets have left me appreciating just how lucky some of us are to never have worried about how much our babies weighed.
When Brittany and Jason Deen's three sons came into the world, the doctors added up their three birthweights. Together, they topped the Guinness record of 18 pounds, 11 ounces. Come on, make your guesses!
The triplets weighed a total of 20 pounds. Even!
That means that all three kids weighed in the "normal" birthweight range for singletons! Jenson weighed 5.5 pounds, Elliott weighed 7.3, and Sidney was 7.8.
More from The Stir: Woman Gets Married While on Hospital Bed Rest & Delivers Baby Just Hours Later
Now consider that the average triplet is around 4 pounds.
Those two bigger boys? They are both bigger than my (very healthy) daughter was when she came out. And I remember being so worried about how much my child would weigh. I was worried that a big baby would make me tear (didn't happen), would hurt more ...
And here this woman is LUCKY to have had babies who were considered "big," at least for multiples. Certainly changes my perspective on big babies. How about you?
Check out these cuties:
Image via ABC


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Burbank, CA - (April 22, 2013) - From Executive Producer Jennifer Lopez, ABC Family's original drama "The Fosters" premieres Monday, June 3rd at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, following the series finale of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
The premiere episode of "The Fosters" follows a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms. Stef Foster (Teri Polo, "Meet the Parents"), a dedicated police officer, and her partner Lena Adams (Sherri Saum, "In Treatment"), a school Vice Principal, have built a close-knit, loving family with Stef's biological son from a previous marriage, Brandon (David Lambert, "Aaron Stone"), and their adopted twins Mariana (Cierra Ramirez, "The Secret Life of the American Teenager") and Jesus (Jake T. Austin, "Wizards of Waverly Place"). Their lives are disrupted in unexpected ways when Lena meets Callie (Maia Mitchell, "Teen Beach Movie"), a hardened teen with an abusive past who has spent her life in and out of foster homes. Lena and Stef warily welcome Callie into their home thinking it's just for a few weeks, until a more permanent placement can be found.
Callie is quick to observe that the Fosters are an atypical family, and her blunt commentary hits a nerve with Jesus and Mariana who are struggling with their own identities. The twins have the opportunity to meet their birth mother, but they aren't sure if they are emotionally ready, or if they want to share the experience with their adoptive moms. Callie also discovers that Mariana is harboring a secret that could land her in serious trouble.
Brandon, a talented musician with a kind soul, lends Callie a hand in navigating the classrooms and social scene at the Fosters' high school, Anchor Beach Community Charter School. He's faced with a tough decision when Callie decides to ditch school to reconnect with someone from her past. What happens next will determine if Stef and Lena made the right choice in taking a chance on Callie, and whether they have room in their home - and their hearts - for one more. The series also stars Hayden Byerly ("Parenthood") and Danny Nucci ("Titanic").
"The Fosters" is executive produced by Jennifer Lopez, ("American Idol," "What to Expect When You're Expecting," "The Back-Up Plan"), Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige ("Queer As Folk"), who created the series and will also serve as writers. Joanna Johnson ("Make it or Break it"), Elaine Goldsmith Thomas, Benny Medina and Greg Gugliotta also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Nuyorican Productions, Inc., and Prodco, Inc.
Part of the Disney/ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 97 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today's families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today's relationships - told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family's programming is a combination of network-defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. Emmy(R) Award-winning ABCFamily.com provides a variety of interactive entertainment and community features from rich, fan-centric programming -- including blogs, viewing parties, webisodes, full episodes of the network's hit programming, along with sneak peek exclusive previews and behind-the-scenes clips. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with "13 Nights of Halloween" and "25 Days of Christmas." ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.


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It has been a LONG time since we saw the Sedins make anyone run around with their passing.....not with any regularity at least. They are easy to defend against if you just pin them to the boards and have one guy covering their little give and go pass off the wall. They don't have the foot speed to beat anyone on the rush or coming off the wall. And, since everyone has figured this out, they are less of a threat.....especially on the PP where all they do is stand still and hope the defense moves out of the way. I'm actually a little surprised that Torts hasn't done something about this and given the 2nd unit more time, and if I'm on the PP with them as a teammate I would be letting them know how pissed off I'm getting working my ass off and all they do is pass it back and forth like kids at practice.mathonwy wrote: At the end of the game, we almost blew it again. For some kind of stupid ass reason, the Sedins, got scared and started playing to not lose instead of playing to win. That retarded pig in the middle puck passing they were doing really took away ANY momentum the Canucks had generated on the power play up to that point. When the Blues wound it up and took off into our zone, Chris Stewart outskated TWO Canuck players on his way to the goal. And it was because all of the Canuck players were standing still because of the retarded power play.
I ask you this, would Chicago's Toews and Kane start doing stuff like that or would they use the power play to try to get that insurance goal?
I just don't see our killer instinct. I don't see the confident Sedins passing that puck around like it was nothing making the opponents running around.
Offensively their game looked more limited and less effective tonight. Other than Dalpe's goal it seemed like every time the Sedins were on the ice we had a puck cruising from the point towards the net and nobody going for rebounds. Weak.


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Howard L. Eshbaugh
Howard L. Eshbaugh, 92, formerly of Welsh Street in Kane, died Monday evening, Jan. 17, 2011 at The Lutheran Home at Kane.Born July 24, 1918 in Kane, he was the son of Jerry J. and Bessie M. Ruckman Eshbaugh. On Jan. 31, 1941 in Bradford, he married Opal E. Near, who survives.After attending Kane area schools, he worked for Bowman Lumber Company, then later for Kane Handle, retiring in 1982.He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kane, a Life Member of the F.O. Eagles, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.Surviving, in addition his wife, are a sister, Violet Clouser of Ridgway, plus several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death, besides his parents, by a daughter Carol Ann Peganoff; a sister and a brother.Friends may call at the Ronald McDonald II Funeral Home, Inc. in Kane from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday, at which time a service will be held there with the rev. Paul Smith, interim pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Tabor Cemetery, Kane.Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 257, Kane, PA 16735.Online condolences may be expressed at www.ronaldmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.


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Ol' 96: Fox at Lake Shasta
The Fox team recently took a trip to Lake Shata for a little rest and wakeboarding. Jeff Emig, moto legend Ricky Carmichael (won a race once,) as well as up-and-coming racers Trey Canard, Daniel Reardon, Brett Metcalf, Ivan Tedesco and Norcal wakeboarder Derek Cook, were treated by Fox to this little trip to get away from their normal race scene. One of the heads of the pro tour Chris Bischoff, has been friends with Emig for years, so he was brought along for the festivities. Add in a handful of uppers from Fox including John and Greg Fox, Todd Hicks, Aaron West, and Chris "Beeker" Onstott, there to make sure we were all taken care of an you have the crew.
Lake Shasta was the location and the "Titan" was the 22 person castle of a houseboat that we called home for the weekend. Guitar jams, games of Big Booty, bench racing (talking about races in the past), more smack talk than I have ever witnessed (but I guess that's how they do it), motivational speeches to the young ones made by the veterans, "Getting To Know You" sessions, and of course a lot of riding. I'm a Nautique guy, and when I heard there weren't any boats available in the area, I was bummed. But Malibu came thru, since the factory was super close, and they set us up with a really nice 21 LSV, (thanks Lani!) RC put together an impromptu contest between himself and Greg Fox, and with the chief judge from the tour there, it was a no brainer. 2 minute freeride format, clock runs when you put your hand in the air, clock stops when you fall, and you get 5 falls. Two runs, one on Sat and one on Sun, best run takes the W.
Greg hadn't ridden in years, but was killing it. Perfect wake to wake jumps, great board control and even a grab thrown in there! He ended with a ollie 180 on his second try and then got smacked on another wake jump (but he won crash of the week.) Ricky came out in 6th gear going for his newly learned powerslide backside 180, but fell on his first couple goes. He got some solid jumps in, had some really nice ollies and then revisited the backside 180 and stuck it! Judges impression was a tie for day 1.
It came down to day 2. Greg's conditions weren't the best, but that's how it goes sometimes. He had solid riding, similar to day 1, but Ricky's wake to wake 180 was the clincher for the title. Nice riding boys!
We had alot of first timers get their shred on and we also had Daniel stomp his first, and the cleanest wake to wake 360 that could be done, which gave him the trophy for best trick. Yeah, Emig actually had trophies made for the trip. Nice move. I really enjoyed getting to know Daniel, Brett and Ivan, all great guys and I hear they are kinda good on a bike. Trey really came out of his shell through the weekend and finished the trip with a statement to me as we were packing up. "We forgot to name the boat…" To which I replied "ol' 96" (only the guys on the trip will get that one.)
Thanks to everyone at Fox that allows us to have fun on trips like this. We are blessed to live the lives we do, so thanks for being a part of it! Jeff, thanks for all the work you put into organizing this. Aaron, and Beeker, thanks for all the help and hard work. Derek, thanks for all the driving. Todd, you worked you butt off as always and it doesn't go unnoticed. John, Greg and Pete (although Pete was missed on the trip), thanks for changing our lives by embracing your passions!– Shaun Murray


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Lawsuit Filed Over Inadequate Protections for Lesser Prairie Chicken
June 17, 2014
Courtney Sexton, Defenders of Wildlife, (202) 772-0253
Jay Lininger, Center for Biological Diversity, (928) 853-9929
Erik Molvar, WildEarth Guardians, (307) 399-7910
Lawsuit Filed Over Inadequate Protections for Lesser Prairie Chicken
Groups Seek to Close Gaping Loopholes Allowing Industry to Harm, Kill Thousands of Imperiled Birds
WASHINGTON— Three conservation groups filed a legal challenge today over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's failure to adequately protect thousands of imperiled lesser prairie chickens from being killed or harmed by oil and gas drilling, grazing and other human activities. Although the bird's population declined an estimated 50 percent last year, in April the Service designated the bird as "threatened" rather than "endangered," a distinction that allowed the agency to authorize ongoing "incidental take" of prairie chickens under a series of unproven, voluntary conservation agreements.
"Habitat destruction and drought are continuing to devastate the small remaining population of this magnificent grassland bird," said Jay Lininger, a senior scientist with the Center for Biological Diversity. "These unenforceable pro-industry agreements fail to ensure the level of protection required by the Endangered Species Act to avert extinction."
Listing a species as merely "threatened" allows application of a provision of the Endangered Species Act known as "4(d)" that the Service interprets as allowing special exemptions for purported conservation agreements. The lawsuit challenges the special exemptions for the lesser prairie chicken, which sanction the continued destruction of the bird's habitat through voluntary agreements that lack necessary enforcement mechanisms to save the bird from extinction.
"This iconic grassland bird deserves more than a hollow promise of protection," said Jason Rylander, senior attorney with Defenders of Wildlife. "These agreements are far from foolproof and even the Service admits that they don't know for certain how the agreements will impact the prairie-chicken."
According to broad federal estimates, habitat-destroying activities by parties that voluntarily enroll in the conservation agreements authorized by the 4(d) rule will be permitted to "incidentally take" more than 1,300 of the only 17,616 remaining prairie chickens every year. With a prairie chicken population already crashing in the face of drought and rampant destruction of habitat by the oil and gas industry, the decision to allow ongoing "take" of the birds threatens the species' survival. "Incidental take" includes activities that harm, harass or kill species.
"Voluntary unenforceable conservation efforts are a recipe for extinction," said Erik Molvar, wildlife biologist with WildEarth Guardians. "The states' bungling of lesser prairie chicken conservation and their failure to impose the necessary habitat protections are responsible for the extreme lesser prairie chicken declines. An 'endangered' listing is needed immediately to close the loopholes, and inject the necessary backbone into conservation efforts."
"The Endangered Species Act works. It's prevented the extinction of 99 percent of the species under its protection," said Lininger. "Making special exceptions that allow ongoing destruction of the bird's habitat by the very industries that have pushed it to the brink of extinction doesn't pass the legal test, or the smell test."
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., by Defenders of Wildlife, the Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians, argues that the serious threat of extinction of the prairie chicken across its entire range warrants a listing of endangered, rather than threatened.
Unlike for "endangered" listings, the Service has the authority to create exemptions called "4(d)" rules for species listed as 'threatened.' These rules are supposed to provide for the conservation of the species. However, the 4(d) rule for the lesser prairie-chicken prevents conservation by authorizing existing threats to the species to continue under Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas' range-wide plan, the Natural Resources Conservation Service's programs, and a special exemption for certain agricultural operations.
Among its many problems, the states' plan sets a low 10-year population goal of only 67,000 birds, which may not be sufficient for the prairie chicken to survive drought, climate change and natural and man-made disturbances. The "focal areas" of habitat designated by the plan are far too small to sustain adequate breeding populations.
Overall, the 4(d) rule offers little hope that voluntary enrollment in prairie chicken plans will actually mitigate impacts to the birds or recover the species from the brink of extinction.
The lesser prairie-chicken is a medium-sized, ground-nesting bird that inhabits shortgrass prairies, sand sage grasslands and shinnery oak shrubsteppe across eastern New Mexico, the Texas panhandle, Oklahoma, Kansas and southeastern Colorado.
Each spring, prairie chickens gather at traditional strutting or "booming" sites called "leks" where males display their colorful plumage, emit unique, burbling mating calls and compete for the right to breed with females. These leks are the hub of nesting activity, which typically occurs in habitat within a mile of the lek site.
Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1.1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @DefendersNews.


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RiFF RAFF, Rapper and Troll Extraordinaire, Is Here to Chat
RiFF RAFF's mere appearance goads you to dismiss him. He's a white rapper with cornrows, a grill, intricately designed facial hair and brand tattoos all over his torso and neck. He wants you to believe that he's a clown, and his music reinforces this. His lyrics take rap templates and push them to their logical extremes, so much so that some of them—"Might pull up in Milan in the drop candy swan"—barely register as reality. RiFF RAFF experiments recklessly and gleefully like a teenager with a lighter, and like a teenager he wants to be underestimated.
Eventually—unless you dismiss him out of hand, which isn't unreasonable—one must reckon with the talent of the man who calls himself "the White Gucci Mane with a spray tan." RiFF RAFF—who appeared on the MTV reality show From G's to Gents but who made a name for himself as a rapper starting about two years ago—can be irritating and his music is often bad, but a lesser rapper and personality would have drowned in the waves of internet ephemera long ago. But this one is magnetic and unique and divisive. He is a sideshow, but he's the type of sideshow that draws you in even against your will.
But not everything is perfectly orchestrated. NEON iCON, his new album, was supposed to be released this past January by Diplo's label Mad Decent. But bringing RiFF RAFF to market—making him a viable musician—has proven to be a bit more difficult than merely trolling for attention. He put out a single with rap producer du juor DJ Mustard, but it failed to reach a mainstream rap audience. Instead, it seems like Mad Decent has decided to throw everything at the wall to see what exactly sticks.
The resulting album puts his talent and personality on display, but it's also a disorienting listen, with Texas rap flows jutting up against pop-punk instrumentals and electro trifles. It's hard to tell if RiFF RAFF has figured his music out, or if he hasn't.
Now he is here to answer your questions for the next hour or so. But—fair warning—like everything he does, his answers may only be in service of throwing you off.
UPDATE: This chat is over. Thanks to Riff for stopping by, even if on rapper time. You can read his responses by scrolling below.


text: A prerequisite of any Practical Life activity in the Montessori classroom (whether polishing, cooking, or sewing) is that children master the skills involved before applying them to more sophisticated projects. Even in woodworking, children as young as three can have a successful experience if allowed to master one skill at a time. As their skill levels increase, they'll create finished products.


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CinderDee wrote:It's a stencil, not a template. I'm sorry. Do you still want it?
Jenn wrote:Wow, that's really cool. Halloween is probably one of the top holidays for me, I love it. However I admit my pumpkins ALWAYS suck azz, they start off good but alas end horrible.
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Beekeeping Gloves, Nitrile, 50 pairs, Box
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Beekeeping Smock, Green, Small (to clear)
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Over the past few years, equipment failure rates have been steadily rising, and you've been called in to find out why. The plant manager called you aside and told you:
- All PMs have been done on schedule; no deferments.
- The PM frequency on critical equipment has been doubled, but this didn't change the failure rate.
- The PM procedures were all entered into the CMMS last September.
- Each technician has a bound copy of the PM procedures.
- Everyone in maintenance has been multi-craft trained.
The plant manager, so giddy about PM, said nothing about predictive (PdM) or monitoring. Consequently, you need to ask such questions as:
- Are people trying to fit too much PM into the schedule and thus cutting corners?
- Has anyone reviewed the procedures and schedules for effectiveness? Doubling the frequency doesn't necessarily address a known problem.
- Yes, PMs should be entered into the CMMS so techs can print out the current revision as needed. But this took only a month. Was it a rush job?
- Multi-craft training is standard practice in maintenance, but was that training conducted correctly and validated with proper testing?
- The technicians will probably never read those bound copies.
- Change from the PM focus (do something) to an equipment uptime focus (do the right things), and your downtime numbers will decrease.
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