text:
By Haleh Zandi of Planting Justice
As I witness food injustices in Oakland, California, I am filled with a deep sense of urgency. People of color suffer disproportionately from diet-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Youth in Oakland have little access to fresh produce in their neighborhoods and their schools are surrounded by liquor stores that offer highly processed and nutrient-deficient food. Where organic produce is available, the high costs are too much for a family in this school's district, where the median household income is $33,152 per year. As youth of color in Oakland face multiple oppressive structures of injustice, even their basic right to food remains a struggle — without access to affordable, nutritious food; little knowledge of the health consequences from eating highly processed foods; few opportunities for economic ownership in the food system; and diminishing cultural experiences of traditional plants and recipes.
A non-profit organization in Oakland, Planting Justice, works to empower youth to resist the corporate-controlled and toxic industrial food system and become young leaders in the burgeoning urban food justice movement. Using a self-developed Food Justice and Culinary Arts curriculum, Planting Justice leads a weekly training program at Mandela High School giving 25 youth of Latin-American, African-American, and Asian-American descent the opportunity to engage in sustainable practices of urban agriculture that promote community health, re-connect students to nature through food, and expand access to fresh produce in this under-served urban community.
While building a garden on their school campus, students are trained to maintain vegetable beds and fruit trees, cook from the garden, develop a garden-to-market program, preserve traditional foods, recipes, and heirloom varieties, and explore local, national, and international food issues. Working in the garden and observing the plants as they grow provides a space for these youth to cultivate practical skills, nutrition awareness, a connection to the earth and life, environmental awareness, relaxation and comfort, gratification, personal growth, patience, and motivation.
Developing skills in critical thinking, community organizing, public speaking, and ecological entrepreneurship, these youths are changing the way they identify with the food they consume and becoming leaders to other students on their high school campus and in their after school programming. Using arts, music, cooking, cultural folklore, digital media, and international people's histories, Planting Justice encourages students to look at food issues through a global and structural lens that engages cultural differences and builds cross-cultural alliances. Drawing connections between the students' experience in the garden and relations to their ancestry, cultural heritage, and family traditions, students learn about examples of local and historical community organizations, such as the United Farm Workers movement, the Black Panther Party, and the South Central Farmers, to situate their participation in the garden within broader social structures. These youth are demonstrating how sustainable and organic urban agriculture can spur local economic revitalization and play a vital role in the construction of a new food system that honors the principles of ecological regeneration, sustainability, and equal access to affordable healthy foods for all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Beyond the empowerment that comes with this experiential learning process, this educational program is a part of the green jobs training taking place at Planting Justice which equips low-income East Bay residents with marketable hands-on skills and paid opportunities in the urban sustainability sectors of local and organic food production, edible landscaping, greywater installation, rainwater harvesting, and ecological design. Planting Justice has been able to create 7 transitional living-wage jobs in the Transform your Yard program, including employment for one man who paroled from San Quentin State Prison who had participated in the Insight Garden Program in the medium security unit and two job opportunities for youth who graduate from our Mandela High School program. Since 2009, Planting Justice has constructed more than 80 innovative urban permaculture gardens across Oakland, at cost for full-paying clients and for free for low-income families and communities.
These highly integrated and beautiful gardens harvest rainwater, recycle indoor greywater from the laundry and shower to water fruit trees, reuse free cardboard and food wastes to build soil, incorporate composting systems, bee hives, chicken coops, and worm bins where appropriate, and have produced thousands of pounds of fruits, veggies, berries, herbs, eggs, and honey in our community. By designing for maximum yield and minimum input and work, and by using mostly perennial plants, deep mulch, and automatic drip irrigation, many of these gardens produce half of a family's food needs with less than 1-2 hours per week of labor in as little as 250 square feet of space, while others produce far more than the family's food needs and is shared with neighbors. By diverting surplus income from the Transform your Yard fee-for-service landscaping program into low-income community garden projects, Planting Justice is able to operate without relying upon grants from foundations, which often come with strict stipulations that limit grassroots movements for social justice.
As I struggle for food justice as both an Iranian and American woman, I find meaning in the participation of worlds that matter. Communities with whom I work save seeds grown in Iranian soil and bring them to their grand-children in the Bay Area to be planted, harvested, and eaten together, demonstrating that local acts of resistance counter global systems of domination. Practicing freedom, in the words of Rumi, we "bury our seeds and wait. Winter blocks the road. Flowers are taken prisoner underground. But, then green justice tenders a spear."
Planting Justice is a non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA dedicated to food justice, economic justice, and sustainable local food systems. They are the first organization of their kind to combine ecological training and urban food production with a grassroots door-to-door organizing model that vastly increases their educational community outreach, help them to recruit volunteers, decentralizes fundraising sources, and provides local jobs that also train young community organizers.


text: Vacant lot #58 is an easily accessible wooded lot with a level building site and beautiful close views of the Linville Mountain range. Pisgah Preserve is a 460 acre gated community designed with preservation in mind with over 120 acres dedicated to open space, community reading cabin, picnic shelter, fire pit, horseshoe pit and miles of walking trails. This desirable rustic home community is just minutes to Lake James, public boat ramps, marina and restaurant, the new 3000 acres Paddy's Creek State Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. Underground electric and fiber optic phone lines, roads constructed to NCDOT specs.Optional design and build services available. Well, and septic needed. This subdivision adjoins the Pisgah National Forest. Drive. From your property, drive your ATV to the property line of the national forest and enjoy the half million acres of the forest. Hunt, hike or just observe the natural scenery of the mountain lifestyle in the beautiful place we call Pisgah Preserve at Lake James.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
You have requested access to a secured resource
Please log in below with your CUA username and password to access this resource. Your CUA username is the first part of your email address (the part before the "@"). If you have difficulty logging in, please try to log in at https://home.cua.edu. You can also reset your password there through the forgot password link on Home.


text: Inspiring Corporate is an inspiring and motivational track, performed by piano, electric guitars, pads, strings, drums and bass. This song is created for motivational and inspirational works, such as presentations, advertising, video for youtube, commercial Projects, slideshows, infographics, documentaries, blogs, TV and radio media products and many others. This track will give light emotions and good mood to you projects and will be great addition for your work! Zip includes High Quality Wave & Mp3 Files.


text:
Tagged: film
The Avengers crossover threat
Every Marvel fanboy's silver screen wet dream is but a couple of weeks away.
On May 4, years of hinting and strategically planted ideas in a slew of comic book movies will culminate when The Avengers hits theatres.
Considering the success of Iron Man, Captain America and Thor, The Avengers will almost certainly make heaps of cash. But aside from the sheer spectacle of seeing all these characters onscreen at the same time, it's also bringing crossovers to movie-goers in a huge way.
Click here to read more at Comics & Gaming Magazine.


text:
A TEAM from Oxford Brookes University has found more than 3,000 pieces of ivory for sale in Myanmar (Burma).
The group, alongside wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC, say it could mean the haul is part of one of the biggest unregulated ivory markets in Asia.
They found 3,300 pieces of ivory and almost 50 raw ivory elephant tusks openly for sale in Mong La, a town which borders China – the sale of which is largely illegal in Myanmar.
According to its sources, ivory enters the town from China, mainly already carved.
The material, derived from tusks and teeth, was thought to have come from Africa.
Several shops were openly showing hundreds of carved pieces of ivory in glass display cases.
Professor Vincent Nijman, from Oxford Brookes University, said the team was made up of students studying primate conservation.
He said: "Our observations suggest Mong La may be one of the biggest unregulated ivory markets in Asia, and it is doubtless one of those where ivory is most openly displayed."
Dr Chris R Shepherd, director of TRAFFIC in South-East Asia, said: "Increasing volumes of ivory in an open cross-border market catering to Chinese consumers is a sure sign that international agreements are not being enforced and action to reduce ivory demand is not effective."


text:
BE'ER SHEVA, Ivory Coast, April 10 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has officially opened a new office in Israel, located in the capital of the country's southern Negev Desert region.
Located in Be'er Sheva, the office is an important step in establishing the company in Israel and symbolic of Lockheed's support of the Israeli Defense Force's move-to-the-south strategy to make the Negev the center of the country's technology industry.
"The consolidation of IDF Technical Units to new bases in the Negev Desert region is an important transformation of Israel's information technology capability," Lockheed Martin chairman, president and chief executive officer Marillyn (CQ) Hewson said.
"We understand the challenges of this move, which is why we are investing in the facilities and people that will ensure we are prepared to support for these critical projects. By locating our new office in the capital of the Negev we are well positioned to work closely with our Israeli partners and stand ready to: accelerate project execution, reduce program risk and share our technical expertise by training and developing in-country talent."
Lockheed's Information Systems & Global Solutions office in the Negev is being headed by former Israeli Air Force Brig. Gen. Shelly Gotman.
"In the United States, Silicon Valley stands as our country's center for information technology innovation," Hewson said. "With the opening of this office and the strategic investments being made by the IDF it is clear that Be'er Sheva is on its way to becoming the Silicon Valley of Israel."


text:
Pensioners across Europe - Latest February 2013
Our good friends in Cyprus - The Cyprus Expat Online Journal have sent me the news that the European Commission is taking the Netherlands to the European Court of Justice on the matter of discrimination against their Pensioners who choose to move abroad.
In the case of a Dutch pensioner who might in their working life have lived in Maastritch (That famous city, the home of 'European unity'!) they only have to move house within a hour or so of walking distance East or West to live in Germany or Belgium. If they did so then under Dutch Law they could loose a certain Old Age Benefit ( a bit like the Winter Fuel Payment!). Of course many retired Dutch choose to live in France – for the same reasons as ourselves – MORE SPACE – Holland is full.
The Dutch Government are treating their pensioners in the same manner as the British Government treats the British Pensioner Abroad – with disdain.
Oddly and interestingly the Dutch Government does allow their expatriate Citizens to vote.
You can read all about it on the Cyprus site here.
The French expatriates in London are learning about our condition of life here in France and a journalist has interviewed me. It is written in French and published in the 'petit journal' online paper. There is said to be about 400,000 French people in S.E England. There are c. 56,900 British Pensioners in France and probably about 250,00 British people altogether. [These statistics are hard to verify - the number of pensioners is correct]
View the French-London article here.A French discussion on the Political Representation of the British


text:
Lawmakers fight to call retired reservists 'veterans'
Passage would be symbolic but a point of pride for those who have served their country.
WASHINGTON — The House Veterans' Affairs panel will move again later this week to pass symbolic legislation allowing retired National Guard and reservists to officially be called veterans.
Not all such retirees earn the title because because its legal definition requires being mobilized to active federal duty for more than drills or training.
COLUMN: Why Senate candidate wasn't a veteran
"Today, a reservist can successfully complete a Guard or reserve career but not earn the title of 'Veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States,' " said Rep. Timothy Walz, D-Minn. Walz is also a retired National Guard command sergeant major and chief sponsor of HR 679, The Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act of 2013.
The bill is scheduled for a vote Thursday before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee's disability assistance and memorial affairs panel where unanimous passage is expected, aides said.
This will be the third time the panel will have passed a measure that offers no extra pay or additional benefits — just the ability to be recognized publicly on Veterans Day, Memorial Day or other ceremonial occasions.
Walz estimates that 280,000 former Guard and reserve retirees are not technically veterans, which prevents them from getting the same recognition as someone with a shorter period of service.
"These service members could have spent their time and talents doing other things," Walz said. "They could have spent their weekends enjoying time with their families. Instead, they chose to prepare to defend our country."
Part of the problem in passing the measure is that the Veterans Affairs Department does not support it, out of concern that passage would make retired Guard and reserve members think they are eligible for benefits they have not earned.
"VA does not support this bill because it represents a departure from active service as a foundation for veterans' status," the department said in a statement provided to the House committee.
While acknowledging that no new benefits would result if this became law, VA says it "would equate longevity of reserve service with the active service long ago established as the hallmark for veteran status."
Some major veterans' groups don't see the problem.
Veterans of Foreign Wars, the nation's largest organization for combat veterans, strongly supports this legislation, said Raymond Kelley, director of the group's national legislative service, who notes it is possible for someone to be receiving military retired pay, health care and other benefits but still not be considered a veteran under the "letter of the law."
The legal definition creates what Robert Norton, deputy government relations director for the Military Officers Association of America, calls a strange situation where National Guard members who served on military orders in New York City after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, on security duties along the Southwest border or responding to hurricanes or oil spills "are not deemed to be veterans."
"It is deeply embarrassing," for those veterans that they "are not authorized to stand and be recognized as veterans during Veterans Day and other patriotic celebrations," Norton said.
The nation's largest veterans' organization, the American Legion, has no position on the bill but said it recognized that the legislation "would provide a purely honorific title."
Disabled American Veterans also has not taken a position on the bill.
"Any man or woman who chooses to enlisted and serve their country deserves, at a minimum, to be called a veteran," Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America said in a statement.
"If a veteran devotes years of his or her life to being ready to serve at a moment's notice, it is admirable and selfless. These men and women served honorably and should not be penalized simply because their country did not call them up to active duty for the full requisite period," the organization said.


text:
When I think about it, most psychotically violent people are probably locked up far, far before they are 39 years old like the age of the alleged truck driver. Like these people born with a propensity to violence are put into juvenile prison very early on, and then when they commit more acts of violence in those prisons, quickly the amount of time for their new offenses while inside prison, will add up to life in jail.
Every real murder I know of in real life comes down to 2 types. The first is to do with the drug war and enforcing monopoly territories and contracts. These killings involve killing other drug gang people, so are not frightening to the populace. As if you are not trying to forcibly seize drug territory to compete with them selling drugs, you are not in danger. By legalizing drugs this type of murder would go away, as the murders related to the alcohol gangs in the era of prohibition went away with the end of prohibition. (the alcohol 'gangs' became corporations and sought legal recourse when contracts were violated)
The second type of common murder is domestic violence related. 99% of the time involving alcohol and low IQ, emotional people going into a rage. Again, this type of murder is not scary to the general populace. If you don't want to die in a domestic dispute don't get involved romantically with someone in that class of people, you can tell who they are because the police are visiting their house every weekend to calm them down once they get drunk.
The point is the 2 types of actual murders are not very good at scaring the average person. The media rarely even covers these 2 types of murders, because it is so boring to the average citizenry. Enter the highly questionable murders, where a seemingly good citizen, suddenly turns into a homicidal maniac and threatens the very lives of anyone. (Allowing the tv viewers to feel fear and get their fear porn while watching the news). And also useful when it is budget time and the police forces are asking for a generous increase in funding, to be paid for by those good citizens.


text:
As the recognized leader for special education professional standards, CEC develops standards, ethics and practices and guidelines to ensure that individuals with exceptionalities have access to well-prepared, career-oriented special educators.
Through the vision and dedication of more than 22,000 members, CEC sets the standard for high quality education for children and youth with exceptionalities. And, CEC is known as THE source for information, resources and professional development for special educators.
Join as a new member
Renew your membership
You'll find professional development offerings to meet the needs of all special educators – including those of you who are time-crunched, cost-conscious or in need of CEUs in order to meet state obligations. Please join us and invite others to engage the potential!
CEC publishes and distributes products designed to help practitioners work more effectively in the classroom. Learn more about CEC's publications and journals.
Special Education Topics includes information about the different exceptionality areas; international special education; hot topics in special education; and professional practice topics such as assessment, evidence-based practices and inclusion.
One professional development hour (PDH) represents one clock hour in a planned continuing education experience that is relevant to the profession or discipline of special education, developed from explicit learning outcomes, conducted by qualified instructional personnel, and designed to reflect principles of good practice in adult education.
States and professional organizations use different units of measurement for professional development activities (credits, CEUs, PDUs, CMHs, etc.). We have adopted PDHs as the CEC unit of measurement because clock hours are the common denominator underlying most systems of measuring continuing education activities.
CEC professional development activities that award PDHs will always include that information, along with the number of PDHs available, with promotional material. In general, CEC webinars, conferences, institutes, the annual convention, and other formal professional development activities carry PDHs.
Activities that are generally not eligible for PDHs include service on committees and boards and training related to volunteer roles in CEC (e.g., membership development training for unit officers).
Procedures for receiving PDHs will be explained at each professional development event. You'll receive a PDH certificate by email or US mail, depending on the event.
Be sure to keep these certificates for your records.
You should always check in advance with the licensing or certifying body to learn whether they will accept CEC PDHs.
CEC PDHs count toward maintenance of the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence. One CEC PDH equals one ASHA Certification Maintenance Hour (CMH). If you are selected for audit, you will need to be able to produce your PDH certificates to document your hours.


text:
Shop Online
Here you can order side dishes, appetizers and even full heat-and-serve meals for pickup at your local store. Also, don't forget that Whole Foods Market gift cards can be mailed, emailed or even texted — making them great gifts for any occasion.
Save time with these fast & easy options
Grocery Delivery
Shop Whole Foods Market for pickup or delivery in select U.S. cities via our friends at Instacart.
Meals & Catering
Order meals, entrées and party must-haves online, and then pick them up at the store.
Gift Cards
The lucky recipient of a Whole Foods Market gift card can buy anything from a few basics to a cartload of indulgences.


text:
The Gimp is the GNU Image Manipulation Program, a sophisticated cross platform image editor. The Gimp is Free Software.
The Panorama Tools Plugins are available for the Gimp.
The Gimp is available for Windows, OS X and Unix. For Photoshop users, there is an experimental GIMPshop with a similar menu layout to Photoshop.
Gimp drawbacks
- The gimp doesn't currently support greater than 8 bits per pixel, ie. is doesn't support 16 bit per pixel high Dynamic Range images, though this is a target for future versions. However, there is a fork of the Gimp called Cinepaint that already supports 16 bits per pixel.
- The gimp doesn't support CMS color profiles for anything more than simple conversions.


text:
During the early part of the summertime, outdoor situations are continually different from day to day. I've noticed that it's tough trying to stay on fish such as speckled trout. They will be in one area one day and then seem to disappear. Some of the more experienced guides have so many productive areas in their repertoire that they do catch fish on most days. Weather conditions as well as water conditions are governing factors as to where a good place to begin might be. Knowing this, the rest of us can go to once productive areas and do the trial-and-error search. What's really fun is deciding whether to stay in the lakes and bays or to head outside to try to locate schools of the fish that we are after that day.
If you are one of the anglers that enjoy being afloat at first hint of daylight, some topwater action is possible. The shallow water along the shorelines and the beach will cool down some at night and the bait will move to those areas that are comfortable to them. Where goes the bait also goes the predatory fish. Noisy lures with rattlers inside seem to be the ticket on most mornings. That, however, is not always the case. Shallow diving crank baits, free floating plastics and, of course, live bait will all take speckled trout and redfish in the shallow water. The ticket to this topwater action is to locate the schools of baitfish or shrimp. Also, should there be evidence of a predatory fish swimming or striking in the area, that would be a great place to begin. The early morning action in the shallows will last until the sun has time to warm the water. Whenever that happens, the majority of the fish move out to deeper cooler water areas. They don't necessarily quit feeding; they simply change locations.
By heading to one of the shell reefs and casting ahead of the boat, drifting could be the next bonanza. Most of the time, when either specks or reds are on the reefs and bait fish come along, the bait and the fish will head for the surfaces. Whenever that happens most of the time seagulls will tell you where the action is. That's especially the case when they are feeding on shrimp. Whenever the predatory fish are after baitfish such as shad, mullet or ribbonfish, the hungry fish can be seen, as can the prey. That's especially the case when the specks are feeding on ribbonfish. They are usually larger than those feeding on shrimp.Should the drifting not be productive, then it could be a good idea to slowly cruise around looking for either feeding seagulls or shiny slicks that are crated by feeding speckled trout that have eaten to many shad and are regurgitating them. The oil in pogie shad will come to the surface and cause the sheen on the water. The smaller are freshest and the more likely to produce fish. There are numerous crab traps in the lake and along other areas that are baited with pogies. These too will cause a slick that may drift away from the trap. Should you see a slick with a crab trap float up current, don't waste time casting into it.
By mid-morning if you are not tired of the search for your favorite fish species, then it's time to head into the channel or to the jetty. Many of the anglers prefer to head outside early and then work back into the inland lakes and bays. This is also a good choice. Topwater action is good during the early mornings in the shallows and along the jetty, too. During the summer months, some of the more experienced anglers will use live bait to locate the fish and then switch to lures to finish out the trip.
The Gulp has long been a favorite lure for anglers both inside and outside, but the new Half-Alive lead-head plastic fished under a popping float or just casting and retrieving has become a favorite for those who have used it.
Whenever you are going fishing in saltwater and in a boat, it is a good idea to have a game plan with primary and secondary places to fish.Billy Halfin can be reached by e-mail at bhalfinoutdoors [at] aol [dot] com.
[1] http://theexaminer.com/sites/default/files/blog/bh621.JPG
[2] http://theexaminer.com/features/outdoors


text:
Positive Dog Training In Eagle Rock
Teach Your Dog To Make Good Choices
At Dog Savvy Los Angeles, our positive approach to dog training incorporates motivational games of choice that build your bond with your dog while teaching them good manners.
This method is not only fun, fast, and easy to learn for both you and your dog, it's also based in science! Every game embodies the principles of animal learning theory in action to quickly and effectively train your dog while providing you with a clear demonstration of the game's practical application in your everyday life together. And, for your convenience, we visit with you in your home in Eagle Rock!
Innovative & Interactive Dog Training
It's been scientifically proven that when training is fun, dogs learns faster! That's why dogs of every age and breed respond so favorably to game-based dog training.
The many benefits of Game-Based Dog Training include:
PROVIDES MENTAL STIMULATION by encouraging a dog to problem-solve and make good behavioral choices;
MAKES LEARNING FUN because the games are interactive and readily capture a dog's interest, making training more engaging and enjoyable for both of you;
IMPROVES YOUR RELATIONSHIP by providing you with the knowledge and tools necessary to continually motivate your dog to behave politely and listen to you.
Dog Training For Every Age & Breed
It doesn't matter how young or old your dog is, what breed they are, or what temperament they have, this methodology works with every dog.
Let us show you just how brilliant your dog can be using the most effective dog training system in the world!
Developed By A World Champion Dog Trainer
Our game-based approach to dog training was developed by World Champion Dog Trainer Susan Garrett and represents the fastest, most beneficial way to equip your dog with the skills necessary to live happily in a human world.
It is a proven, choice and rewards-based system that rapidly improves your relationship with your dog because:
It teaches you how to communicate clearly with them;
It gains your dog's cooperation during training and conditions them to WANT to do exactly what you want;
The games grow in challenge to keep improving upon your dog's skills, and thus continue to remain fresh and interesting;
Both you and your dog are having fun while learning!
We've witnessed the transformative benefits of this dog training methodology time and time again and feel confident that there is no better way to train your dog! We are proud and excited to offer your the most progressive system of positive dog training available today and look forward to sharing it with you!


text:
When reliability, efficiency and performance are critical, design engineers partner with Rogers to develop and deliver the material technologies they require.
Learn More About Our Markets
Leading High-Frequency Circuit Material Solutions
Trusted Sealing, Impact Protection and Vibration Isolation Solutions
High Performance Thermal Management and Energy Efficient Solutions
Molded components for level sensing, document handling, sealing; Integrated circuits (ICs) for electro-luminescent (EL) lighting
Close Menu
Home >> Elastomeric Material Solutions >> Arlon Silicone Technologies
Highly functional simple composites from silicone elastomer, fabrics, films, and foils
Our silicone elastomers are designed and developed internally giving us complete control over physical, chemical, and electrical properties of the compound and the composite. We tailor not only product performance but also process performance to provide you with a product that for you and your customer.
Products manufactured from silicone out perform in harsh environments and extreme applications. Our products are used broadly across many industrial applications.
Our calenders and extruders form bulk silicone rubber into continuous profiles. Calendered silicone rubber is typically 0.001 - 0.040 inches thick and is applied to a fabric, film, or foil at widths upto 50 inches and length of 300 - 1,500 yards.
Extruded tapes are typically 0.010 - 0.100 inches thick. Triangular profiles tapes are unsupported and upto 2 inches wide but rectrangular tapes can be unsupported upto 2 inches wide or supported with woven fabric up to 3 inches wide.


text:
John Worthen was out reporting on the flooding along the Arkansas Delta for the Little Rock Democrat-Gazette when he saw this car abandoned along US-70 near DeValls Bluff.
Hard to believe someone actually drove it during the flood. Perhaps it floated its way there. Anyone missing 1959 Ford Edsel Corsair Hardtop Coupe?
Photo: John Worthen


text:
Geneva – The Sixty-fourth World Health Assembly, with more than 2700 delegates, including Health Ministers and senior health officials from 192 WHO Member States, nongovernment organizations, civil society groups and other observers concluded business on Tuesday afternoon.
A productive Assembly
The World Health Assembly spent eight days working through a broad agenda developed by the previous Executive Board. In the end, 28 resolutions and three decisions were adopted to guide the upcoming work of the Organization and to address priority global health issues.
"I believe this has been an especially productive and profoundly effective Assembly," says Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization. "These World Health Assemblies are having a tremendous impact on the health of this world."
After opening speeches from Dr Chan, Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the policy work of the Health Assembly began with a presentation of outcomes from the independent Review Committee which reviewed WHO's response to the influenza pandemic and the International Health Regulations. After a year of investigation, the committee agreed that the International Health Regulations helped better prepare the world to cope with public health emergencies but that the world is currently ill prepared to respond to a severe pandemic or to any other public health emergency on a similarly global and threatening scale. In addition, the Committee declared that the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 was indeed a real pandemic and found no evidence WHO was influenced by industry in its decision making.
Improving global preparedness for future pandemics
In another agenda item aimed to improve global preparedness for future pandemics, delegates approved a framework for pandemic influenza preparedness, the culmination of four years of negotiation between WHO's Member States. The framework will improve influenza virus sharing and access to vaccines and other benefits. Member States agreed the framework lays the groundwork for better preparedness and better access to tools and knowledge. The next phase is to ensure the implementation of the agreement.
WHO reform
The Organization's budget for 2012-2013 was also discussed and adopted. The program budget of US$ 3.959 billion was recognized by the delegates as a transitional budget that will help the Organization respond to financial austerity and prepare for a series of reforms underway.
There was robust discussion at the Assembly on the proposed programme of WHO reform. Countries welcomed and supported the reforms and wanted to be kept informed and involved, especially on the reforms related to global health governance.
"The most important message for me was your clear consensus on the need for reform and your clear desire to see these reforms reinforce WHO's position as the foremost authority on international health," says Dr Chan.
Noncommunicable diseases
Delegates and other partners engaged in a lengthy discussion on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases. NCDs pose one of the greatest challenges to health and development today and contribute to more than 60 percent of deaths worldwide. Delegates unanimously endorsed the World Health Assembly resolution on the preparations for the United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases being held this September. Delegates urged heads of state and government to attend the meeting in New York.
Five resolutions to strengthen health systems
Progress on prevention and control of NCD and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will require strong health systems and the Assembly recognized the importance of this area of work. The delegates approved five resolutions to strengthen health systems including strategies to strengthen nursing and midwifery, actions to improve the health workforce through effective implementation of the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel, and efforts to improve national policy dialogue to build more robust health policies, strategies and plans. In addition two other resolutions encourage sustainable health financing structures and universal coverage of health care and services, and focus on strengthening national health emergency and disaster management capacities and resilience of health systems.
Resolutions and reports support health-related MDGs
Health-related MDGs received support with resolutions and reports on immunization strategy, infant and young child nutrition, child injury prevention, safe management of drinking water, malaria, and the presentation of the final report of the Commission on Information and Accountability for Women's and Children's Health.
- The progress report on the global immunization vision and strategy was widely supported. Delegates highlighted their country's achievements in increasing immunization coverage, reducing vaccine-preventable deaths and implementing advocacy events such as the regional immunization weeks. But they also recognized that several challenges remain, including mobilizing more resources to strengthen national immunization programmes; ensuring a balanced approach in strengthening immunization systems; introducing new vaccines; preventing a resurgence of measles through high vaccination coverage; and facilitating vaccine technology transfer to developing countries. The work outlined in the strategy will contribute to overcoming these challenges.
- Member States commend WHO's leadership and collaboration with UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other partners on the Decade of Vaccines — a vision for using the next 10 years to achieve immunization goals and reach important milestones in vaccine research, development, financing and public support.
- Member States also discussed the outline of an implementation plan for maternal, infant and young child nutrition. The plan, currently under development, tackles the double burden of undernutrition and overweight and focuses on the window of opportunity between conception and the second year of life. More than 100 million children under age five were underweight in 2010 and more than 170 million were stunted because of it, according to WHO figures. In addition, some 43 million children were estimated to be overweight and obese in 2010, putting them at risk of serious health conditions in future years.
- The World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on child injury prevention. The resolution provides a platform to support action on preventing child injuries, which are the leading cause of death for children over the age of 5. More than 830 000 children die each year from road traffic crashes, drowning, burns, falls and poisoning. Effective interventions to prevent these injuries exist, and include enforcement of speed limits around schools, placing children in child-restraints in the back seat of a vehicle, removing or covering water hazards, installing smoke alarms, and setting up poison control centres.
- The Health Assembly adopted a resolution on malaria calling on Member States to keep malaria high on the political and development agendas in order to sustain the tremendous gains made during the past decade, and calling on international partners to ensure adequate and predictable funding so that global malaria targets for 2015 can be met. The resolution highlighted the need for continued universal coverage with malaria vector control for at-risk persons, expanded access to diagnostic testing for suspected malaria and treatment for confirmed cases, and strengthened malaria surveillance systems. The need to implement the WHO Global Plan for Artemisinin Resistance Containment, and to develop a global plan for insecticide resistance management in malaria vectors, were also emphasized.
- In an effort to support the UN's Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health, the delegations welcomed the final report of the Commission on Information and Accountability for Women's and Children's Health. They agreed that the ten recommendations in the report will increase the likelihood that pledges are honoured and will help ensure that resources are spent in the most effective way to save lives. The delegates urged Member States to implement the recommendations, requested the Executive Board hold a discussion in January 2012 on the implementation of the recommendations and also requested a progress report for the next Health Assembly.
A new, comprehensive strategy to combat HIV
The Health Assembly adopted a new, comprehensive strategy to combat HIV, The Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV/AIDS, 2011-2015, which will guide actions by WHO and countries around the world during this critical time for the future of the HIV response. At least 4.2 million new HIV infections would be averted and 2 million lives could be saved, if WHO's existing HIV treatment recommendations were fully implemented in 2011-2015. Under the new Strategy, WHO aims to promote greater innovation in HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care services so that countries can achieve the goal of universal access to HIV services.
Resolution on health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory
The WHA adopted a resolution on health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan. The need for universal coverage of health services was reaffirmed while recognizing that the acute shortage of financial and medical resources is jeopardizing access of the population to curative and preventive services. The Assembly requested the WHO Director-General continue to meet the health needs of Palestinian people and the Syrian population in the occupied Syrian Golan.
Reaffirmed that the remaining stock of smallpox virus should be destroyed
The Health Assembly strongly reaffirmed the decision of previous Assemblies that the remaining stock of smallpox (variola) virus should be destroyed when crucial research based on the virus has been completed. The state of variola virus research will be reviewed at the 67th World Health Assembly in 2014 and in light of that, determining a date for destruction of the remaining virus stocks will be discussed.
Annual report on the eradication guinea-worm disease
The delegates adopted a resolution paving the way for an annual report on the eradication of dracunculiasis (more commonly known as guinea-worm disease) to be presented every year beginning with the next Health Assembly. Dracunculiasis is the second disease which is approaching eradication (the first being smallpox) and it occurs only after people drink contaminated water. Previously it was responsible for millions of infections across Africa and Asia. The disease mainly occurs in remote poverty-stricken areas, with limited or no access to safe drinking water.
Strong commitment to polio eradication
The global health community sent a sign of strong commitment to polio eradication with discussion focusing on the 'significant advances' since the launch of a new strategic plan and new, bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine in 2010. In India and Nigeria — the source of all importations of wild poliovirus into previously polio-free countries in recent years — polio cases declined by 95% between 2009 and 2010; during the same period polio cases due to the type 3 virus declined by 92% globally. Delegates called for strong national and subnational leadership by political authorities for the implementation of polio eradication strategies and highlighted the need for countries to significantly strengthen routine immunization. Delegates expressed particular concern over the funding gap of US$ 665 million to fully carry out polio eradication activities in 2011 and 2012. Delegates requested WHO to provide additional technical support to countries with ongoing, re-established polio transmission (Angola, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo), to continue to pursue research for post-eradication risk management and to help countries maintain high-quality surveillance and population immunity until eradication is complete globally.
Improving access to quality and affordable medical products
The WHA also discussed the report from the working group of Member States on Substandard/Spurious/Falsely-Labelled/Falsified/Counterfeit Medical Products on improving access to quality and affordable medical products. They also approved the decision to extend the working group to resume its work and report to the next World Health Assembly.
Protecting health from climate change
Member States welcomed the priority that WHO has placed on protecting health from climate change, and reinforced their own commitment, citing new initiatives from Regional Ministerial meetings to new implementation projects.
Revitalizing the Global Task Force on Cholera Control
Delegates agreed that cholera remains public health threat for many countries and the incidence is on the rise. They expressed the urgent need for effective public health interventions, such as solid surveillance systems, improved environmental management, access to clean water and proper sanitation, and the adequate use of cholera vaccines as a complementary measure. Cholera was recognized as an indicator of how well the environment is managed. Member States underscored the need to revitalize the Global Task Force on Cholera Control and emphasized the need to scale up advocacy measures.
Improving access to safe water and sanitation
The WHA adopted a resolution to reinvigorate efforts in clean drinking water, sanitation and health. Waterborne diseases continue to kill more than two million people per year. Member states called for WHO to strengthen its major normative functions on water and health, and expand its monitoring role of progress toward access to safe water and sanitation. The resolution also underscores the need for continued capacity development by strengthening health policy at all levels.
Protect public health from chemicals and waste
Delegations acknowledged the need to better handle chemicals and waste management to protect public health. They agreed that special attention should be given to the management of pesticides and other chemicals to prevent stockpiles of unwanted chemicals accumulating and to prevent human exposure through contaminated air and water. As a follow-up to the phasing out of mercury from health care facilities, Member States requested WHO through the Libreville Declaration on Health and Environment and other global initiatives to maintain health care waste management as a priority issue on its public health agenda, to protect the environment and ensure safety of staff, waste workers and communities.
The World Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland and is the decision-making body of the WHO. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General in election years, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.
For more information, please contact:
Christy Feig
WHO Director of Communications
Mobile: +41 79 251 70 55
E-mail: email@example.com
Fadéla Chaib
WHO Communications Officer
Mobile: +41 79 475 55 56
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Media inquiries
Telephone: +41 22 791 2222
E-mail: email@example.com


text:
Jayson Jones, a German-born veteran of the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games, is training for his third try at a world medal in track and field — for Belize, his parents' home country. But while getting ready for the 2016 Summer Games, the South Florida resident is not only busy juggling his daily workout regimen and raising two kids, ages 3 and 6. He's also running a full-time business as a financial consultant.
After falling into serious financial debt, a product of student loans and "mismanagement of finances," Jones learned fiscal restraint and sound spending habits on his way to digging out of a $200,000-plus hole. In 2010, he launched Olympic Star Financial Group in downtown Fort Lauderdale, offering financial advice to fellow athletes and everyday people.
Managing such a busy schedule, and sticking to his daily routine, takes an athlete's discipline, commitment and mental toughness, he said. But anyone can do it, if given the right tools.
Q: What is your daily routine?
A: I get up at 5 every morning, and I take my supplements. By 5:45, I'm out the door to the gym. I do a 7-minute warmup on the treadmill, then I do a routine of pushing and pulling exercises, functional training, for about 45 to 50 minutes. Then I take my kids to school.
From there, it depends on the day of the week, whether it's hill training or at the track. If it's hill training, I run a 150-meter hill 10 or 12 times, at about 75 percent effort, just to work on form. If it's a track day, I'll run 200 meters 10 times, with a 2-minute rest in between.
Then, depending on the day, I go to Boca. There's a doctor there that has a hyperbaric chamber. I'm able to do that twice a week. It helps the body recover.
Q: Do you ever take a break?
A: I have one month a year where I do nothing at all, and that's September. I bum out as much as possible. It's hard to do, but I have to do that. As an athlete, you have to be completely committed and connected, so you have to take a break once in a while, eat what you want, sleep in as long as you want. You can't be on for 12 straight months. You'd go crazy.
Q: What's your diet?
A: In season, I try to eat as clean as I can — high protein, complex carbs. I try not to eat fried foods. But I don't eat fish. I eat tuna fish, but no other fish. I never in my life liked it. I also drink two shakes a day. I'll give you an example of what's in it: almond milk, a cup of oats, one banana, yogurt, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, honey and some lemon, and I mix it up. That's a 1,200-calorie shake, so that's a real meal, but it doesn't have a lot of fat. I have two of those a day. I'll also have breakfast after my training, plus lunch and dinner.
Q: Do you ever cheat?
A: I have a very unique body. Whatever I put in my body is going to be used as fuel. I'm more disciplined when I'm training, but I don't go crazy over it. I'm 36. I have a life, and I have kids.
Q: Do you have a health vice?
A: Gummy Bears. I love Gummy Bears, probably because I grew up in Germany and they're so accessible there. I can eat a whole bag. I feel bad after I eat it. I haven't done that in probably three weeks.
Q: What do you drink?
A: I drink lots of water and Gatorade. I just recently started doing Celsius. It's a more natural kind of Red Bull. I don't drink [alcohol] at all. The last time I drank liquor was probably five years ago, in Beijing.
Q: Take any vitamins?
A: Ever since the 2008 Olympics, I've had a company, Mannatech, send me vitamins. From them, I take a multivitamin and an Omega-3 with vitamin D. I take cod liver oil capsules — I actually chew on them. I also take a supplement that's like an enzyme. And lots of vitamin C. Every morning when I wake up, that's the first thing I do — take my vitamins, and drink a shake.
Jayson Jones
Age: 36
City of residence: Parkland
Height/weight: 6 feet, 1 inch; 180 pounds
Occupation: athlete, financial consultant


text:
Ariana Grande underwent a hair transformation for her new single's cover photo.
Grande kept her signature high ponytail. But the 22-year-old brunette pop singer sports what appears to be platinum blond hair in the black and white image, which she posted on her Twitter page on Tuesday.
Grande, who has changed up her hairstyle before, has been teasing pixelated versions of the cover image since last week and had also posted an audio sample of the song. The single is set for release on Oct. 30 and is her first new solo track since the 2014 song "One Last Time," which went platinum in the United States.
PHOTOS: Ariana Grande: Celebrity hairdo swap
Grande is also featured on the new Italian-language ballad "E Pi Ti Penso" (Translation: "The more I think of you"), a beautiful duet with famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, 57. The song's music video was posted on YouTube this week.
The single is set to be released on Oct. 23 and is featured on his 15th studio album, "Cinema." The song is from the 1984 movie "Once Upon a Time in America."
Bocelli has in the past famously sung duets with "The Phantom of the Opera" original star Sarah Brightman, Céline Dion, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez and Katharine McPhee.
"To have a record with Andrea is just so surreal and so special and something that I never really thought would happen and I'm so grateful," Grande says in a behind-the-scenes video for the music clip. "To share a record with Andrea is such an honor. He's Andrea Bocelli."
PHOTOS: Ariana Grande's best looks


text:
Streamline project, resource, and portfolio management with Microsoft Project to help you keep track of projects successfully.
Project management
Microsoft Project helps you execute projects with ease. Built-in templates and familiar scheduling tools help project managers and teams stay productive.
Portfolio management
Evaluate and optimize your project portfolio to prioritize initiatives with business objectives and get the results you want. Close integration with Power BI provides advanced analytics to support better decision-making.
Resource management
Gain insight into how resources are used and collaborate, using integrated tools. With simplified task and time management, teams can enter updates from anywhere, which offers greater executive oversight.
Read more about project management
See more from Office 365
A crash course in Project Online
The Total Economic Impact™ of Project Online
Forrester found that existing Project Online customers experienced a 387% return on investment and 83% reduction in overtime costs in a commissioned study on behalf of Microsoft.
Choose your work style case study
6 ways to supercharge project management
Microsoft Project 2019 is the latest version of Project. Previous versions include Project 2016, Project 2013, Project 2010, and Project 2007. Project 2019 is compatible with Windows 10.


text:
In the traditional invitations for the cake frosting, there's no doubt that picking out the shades is probably the trickiest activities a bride has got to go across off the 'to-do' checklist. A number of other judgements cannot be manufactured right up until your shade style is proved, as a variety of wedding party goods must reflect the colours you have preferred - by way of example your wedding blossoms. Your wedding concept colours can vary from vivid and deeply colors to light, delicate pastel shades - there are no cast in stone policies. http://www.onrpg.com/boards/members/1665404-micletorri
Some wedding brides can resolve colour question without the need of thinking too much about type. They might have a existence-long love for a particular coloration... Sometimes the chosen wedding party location might have powerful colour characteristics they must synchronize with... Or, when picturing their wedding party, they already see their bridesmaids awash in particular colors. On the other hand, for those who have your coronary heart establish on a distinct design - E.g. Beach design - picking out the complimenting colors can get obvious fairly quickly.
Showuser http serc nc hcc
- From the wedding invitations on the food frosting, there's no question that picking out the hues is.
However for some brides to be it's not always that simple. In case you are really trapped, recommended for many further ideas would be to head as a result of the local residence home improvement center and scoop up a selection of sample fresh paint coloration cards. They likewise have booklets demonstrating combos that actually work well collectively for many different rooms, which could give you some useful tips for a marriage shade design too!
Some useful tips for a
When you have discovered just one single shade you find impressive, but can't suit it by using a appropriate color mixture, occasionally just different the tone and sculpt a single coloration can also generate a remarkable impact. Good examples are white colored on white-colored (using different tones of white) or even a quite light grey, method greyish after which an extremely dim greyish or dark.
Newswire com press-release clash-of-clans-hack-deutsch http www
Whether you select a popular colour combo, an uncommon wedding event concept or something somewhere between, your wedding shades are a details that will stick out together with your guests. Ensure your wedding event style and colours connect back to your identiity and enhances the climate you are attempting to create. Certainly don't enable anybody talk you into hues that you just don't like - you need to be 100% pleased with everything you select simply because in the end, your wedding event conveys your own style in a way it never ever has before. Pressure is on! {http://app.gygov.gov.cn/ou_bbs/user/profile/73549.page|
Https px com uhienjeyib about http www
- For those who have discovered only one color you locate stunning, but.
- Regardless of whether you choose a well known colour mixture, an strange wedding ceremony style or something in between,.


text:
Eyeshield 21: The Boy with the Golden Legs Vol. 1 by Riichiro Inagaki
Some of you may have noticed that most the manga that has been reviewed here is fantasy or sci-fi based. Well, the reason for that is that most of the manga published is fantasy or sci-fi. But to change things up today, we have a rare manga genre that I just couldn't ignore any longer.....SPORTS MANGA!
Yep, you read that correctly. Eyeshield 21 is about sports. Normally, this would send me running in the other direction, but this one is good. Good like I-finished-volume-1-in-one-sitting-and why-didn't-I-checkout-volume-2-because-I-want-it-right-now! kinda good. I have to thank the teens who recommended it to me, because I plan on continuing to read this series.
So down to the basics, Eyeshield 21 is about a boy named Sena who is just starting high school. He's been used as a gopher his entire life, and he's determined not to let that happen in high school. Unfortunately, on the first day the captain of the football team, Hiruma, who is also the scariest kid in school, picks on him. To make a long story short, it turns out that Sena can run extremely fast since he's been running as a gopher since kindergarten. When the football team captain realizes this, he forces Sena to play as the team secret weapon, Eyeshield 21.
Not hooked yet? Well, the great thing about this manga is how funny it is. It has the same level of absurdity you find in Naruto. Himura is often drawn with sharp demon teeth, and he is constantly playing pranks on other kids. You, and the other characters, never know what Himura is going to do next. He was my favorite character hands down. No matter what Sena tries to do, he always lands up in trouble, and none of his plans quite work like he hoped. He's pretty timid too, so seeing him play football is hilarious. Seriously, he's thrown into his first game before anyone bothers to tell him the rules. Also, you don't need to know anything about football to enjoy the manga. The rules are explained, but not in a highly technical way that would make them boring. If you do know about football, congrats, you'll be able to read those parts quickly without being frustrated by having to review the basics.
If there are any other sports manga you want to see reviewed here, leave the title in the comments.
Lauren C.


text:
ROME, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- A British art expert says two of the figures in Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece "The Last Supper" are actually self-portraits of the artist.
Ross King said this week that while not a lot is known about Da Vinci's physical appearance at the time he painted "The Last Supper," he is confident the noses on two of the apostles are a giveaway.
King has concluded the long hair, beards and Greek noses on the two matched up with a portrait of the Italian master drawn years later. Greek noses and prominent hair, King said, were "rarities for an Italian man of that period."
Italy's ANSA news agency said art historians long suspected Da Vinci painted himself into the work, but King told The Independent that no one had really taken the time to seriously look for it.


text:
Gora Gopal
Antonio Pérez-García y Carrillo (or Carrillo in short) is a Spanish comic artist born in Málaga, who has illustrated a great many exotic series starring adventurous sailors throughout his career. Due to the Civil War, the Pérez-Garcia family had to move to Valencia and evenutally France, because of the father's Republican sympathies. They returned in Spain without the latter in 1939, but were reunited in Madrid in 1945. By then, Carrillo had got his interest in comics by reading Flechas y Pelayos and Chicos and was studying Anatomy at the School of Fine Arts.
He assumed the pen name Carrillo and began his artistic career in 1952, drawing for several magazines from the Madrid area. His art appeared in the magazine Diez Minutos, in the series Cuadernos Ilustrados de Sucesos by Gráficas Espejo (1952-53), for which he created the character of 'Diego el Marino'. He furthermore drew 'El Capitán Pantera' and 'Los Filibusteros' for Chicos by Ediciones Cid in 1954 and several installments in the series 'Aventuras del FBI' by Editorial Rollán, before beginning an association with the publishing house Bruguera in Barcelona in 1956.
With this publisher, he proved to be a versatile artist of romantic comics, showing a talent in drawing sensual women, that were often considered provocative at the time. Among his series were 'Martita y su papuchi' and 'Las Chicas de Carrillo' for children's magazines like DDT, Sissi or more adult publications like Can Can.
He was additionally drawing stories in the romantic genre for 'Claro de Luna' by Iberomundial de Ediciones in 1959 and 'Muchachas' and 'Selecciones Juveniles Femeninos' by Editorial Maga in 1960. By the 1960s he was doing agency art for British titles like Valentine through Josep Toutain's Selecciones Ilustradas and Bardon Art, while also drawing for detective comics like 'Brigada Secreta' and 'Espionaje' by Editorial Toray.
Rex de los Mares del Sur en La Estampida
All these series didn't satisfy him though, because he had to work with other people's scripts. He turned to writing his own stories around 1968. He continued to work for Bruguera, but also for magazines by Universo Infantil S. A., including Pulgarcito, Mortadelo Especial and Gaceta Junior, creating series like 'Doc Foran el Africano' (1968), 'Sambhur' (1969), 'El Tiburón' (1970), 'Rex de los mares del Sur' (1971), 'El Javanés' (1971), 'Mares de China con el Capitán Rowe' (1976) and 'Margie y Mark' (1977). During this period, he also illustrated comic adaptations of novels for the Bruguera collection 'Joyas Literarias Juveniles' between 1971 and 1974.
El Trota Mundo
His best known creation was however 'Gora Gopal', a Tarzan-inspired comic that first appeared in Super Pulgarcito in 1972. It continued to run in Spanish magazines like Chito, Super Mortadelo and Super Tío Vivo until the second half of the 1980s. It was also printed in the French comic book 'Buffalo Bill' and in the Australian publication Super Giant.
Kala-Bacin de Damasco (ZipiZape #17, 1987)
Besides realistic comics, Carrillo had been drawing in a humorous style on the side since 1973, when he created 'Ching Chong' with Jaume Ribera. He switched to humor completely during the 1980s, when he created series like 'El Capitán Pantera' in Super Mortadelo, 'Kala-Bacin de Damasco' in Zipi y Zape, and 'El Imperturbable Mr. Motto' for Garibolo.
El Imperturbable Mr. Motto, Comisario de la Isla del Loto (Garibolo 21, 1987)
He is also the author of the educational books about comic art 'Aprende a dibujar cómics' (D.S. Editors, 1987), 'El dibujo de humor es cosa seria' (Ediciones B, 1990) and 'Como dibujar chicas' (Editorial Martínez Roca, 1998). During the 1990s, Carrillo had been pencilling stories starring Disney's 'Donald Duck', while also providing art for animation companies in Catalonia.


text:
I want to make is thiese 2 sentences are in the same meaning?
"if the partnership has not LLP status= unless the partnership has LLP status."
Welcome to the forum, Tural.
I have moved your question to a new thread. We don't ask questions about different topics in one thread.
I have also added two words to your title. Thread titles should give us some idea of what your question is about.


text:
Are there any Lions fans in the house and if any guest see this we would be happy to have you here to talk about your favorite team
If your a guest feel free to join by clicking here
just fill this out so we can get to know ya better
1. Location
2. Favorite Current Lion
3. Favorite Former Lion
4 Other teams in the NFL you root for?
5. Other sports you enjoy? What other sporting teams do you root for?
6. Anything else you care to share?
7. Birthday optional
I think this is one of the most fun teams to watch in the NFL. There should be a bigger following here in PSD.
Lions posters D.O.B.
Rocket 2/26
Det32 3/11
Rb#20 3/15
Detroitfan41 5/15
Lizard king 9/3
Vader 9/12
Tigers.6 9/22
C-wick 9/25
GuySir 10/3
****ed in det 12/26


text:
Your list is empty.
Save musicians, entertainers, speakers, and services, and they'll appear here.
Burlesque Entertainment Near You
Burlesque entertainment... female dancers that you might actually allow your husband to watch without sending him to the dog house. Burlesque dancers might still be rather scantily clad, but they perform with an air of classiness and sophistication. Most burlesque entertainment even incorporates parodies, comedy, and acrobatics aside from dancing. So for this upcoming event, suit up in your finest sequins, tassels, and feathers for a rip-roarin' good time with the whole famil… well, maybe you just wanna leave the kiddos at home with the babysitter for this one.
Where do you need Burlesque Entertainment?
About booking Burlesque Entertainment
Burlesque entertainment emerged in Europe during the early 18th century as a musical and theatrical parody. It originated in America during the 19th century and re-emerged in the early 20th century as a mix of performance art and adult entertainment. Burlesque entertainment is a great way to add life to your bachelor party, corporate event, or special occasion. Whether you prefer a traditional witty parody performed or a modern performance with colorful costumes and novelty acts, GigSalad will connect you with Burlesque entertainment to help make your next event a success.
Some things to consider before hiring Burlesque entertainment are to find a troupe that specializes in the style of entertainment that you want for your event. Be sure to find entertainment appropriate for your audience. Next, ask to view video of past performances and ask if they have any references you could contact. Finally, inquire about specifics. Will the Burlesque entertainment need a special type of floor or stage? How much area is needed? Now start shimmyin' and shakin' to an awesome event!
Burlesque Entertainment around Ashburn, VA:
Fire Performer / Burlesque Entertainment
Washington, DC
46 Verified Bookings
Recent review: Highly recommend. Used for 40th birthday party. Very quick on responses. Fire dancer was great…
Burlesque by Eva Mystique(0)
Burlesque Entertainment
Washington, DC
2 Verified Bookings
Elegance, mystery and charm oozing in sensuality. Eva Mystique a professional burlesque performer, belly dancer,…
Cherie Sweetbottom(1)
Burlesque Entertainment
Washington, DC
1 Verified Booking
Recent review: I saw Cherie in Richmond for a Tim Curry tribute. her choreography and mannerisms were perfectly…
Kay Sera Burlesque(1)
Burlesque Entertainment
Baltimore, MD
Recent review: Unique, fun and Professional. Our group enjoyed every minute of Kay Sera's performance.
Burlesque Entertainment for hire across the U.S. and Canada:
United States:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District Of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- New Brunswick
- Ontario
Burlesque Entertainment Pricing
Using data from quotes sent through GigSalad, we've gathered average nationwide pricing for hiring Burlesque Entertainment.
Want more Burlesque Entertainment gigs?
If you provide Burlesque Entertainment services in the United States or Canada, get more gigs by joining GigSalad.


text:
Dan Howard
This page has been archived
This page is now out of date or no longer reflects Cycling UK policy and is currently either under review or superseded by new content.
Dan Howard
Dan lives in Staffordshire and has a background in ICT management and leadership. He currently works as Deputy Head of Information Management and Technology for an NHS Trust.
Dan's involvement in Cycling UK began in the early 1990s, when he started cycling as a teenager with Kidderminster CTC in Worcestershire, and he has been an active member ever since. He starting cycling for the same reasons he still cycles; as a mode of transport, to spend leisure time with friends and to explore new places by bike. He enjoys different types of cycling, including Audax, time trialling, commuting and touring.
Dan became a trustee in January 2012. Dan is keen to develop Cycling UK's strategic direction and corporate image, especially growing the organisation by supporting member groups, engaging with a wide range of new and existing cyclists and helping Cycling UK further influence government policy concerning cycling as a key component of a wider transport policy.
In January 2014 Dan Howard was elected Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.


text:
Greg & Tina Main's '57 GMC
Going back to the start of the '90s, someone in the New Oxford area of Pennsylvania traded in his or her old truck to buy a new one at the dealership that Greg Main worked at as groundskeeper. No big deal, this happens everyday all across the country. However, the truck that was being traded in was a '57 GMC big-window-now that doesn't happen everyday. Luckily, for 16-year-old Greg, the owner didn't seem too attached to it, and when asked how much, the price was set at a grand. Greg knew that he wanted the Jimmy pretty bad, but he could only counter with an offer of $800, and an offer was accepted.
Greg happily drove the truck for a year and was only required to put gas in it-not bad. But we all know how kids are, and soon he wanted more, which translated into tearing it apart and fixing it up. This, in turn, left the '57 sitting in the body shop for the next two years, teaching Greg one of life's lessons-patience. At the end of its stay, Vintage Specialties in Gettysburg, Pennylvania, did manage to replace the East Coast rot that took the better part of the floors, cab corners, running boards, and lower parts of the fenders.
After the crew was satisfied with the foundation, which included a new Golden State bed that mounts the stock rear fenders, the big-window was sprayed in PPG's Bright Teal. Greg and Tina couldn't wait, now that it was painted and they managed to get down and dirty in the glossy new bed; they put the finishing touch on it by staining and finishing the new bed wood together before they installed it.
Chassis-wise, it was decided to graft in a Camaro front-clip that would retain all of its stock parts after Bryan Forbes of Hanover, Pennsylvania, was done with the welder. Mike Bennett in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, was asked to hang the 3.23 Eaton Posi-stuffed Chevy 10-bolt that now resides under the rear of the framerails. It would retain the stock drum brakes, and would also lose four leaves out of each spring pack in the rear-simple, yet effective.
Behind the '55 Chevy truck grille is a stout 355-inch small-block. The 0.030-over iron block was machined to welcome the Keith Black 10:1 pistons that sit below the Edelbrock Torker cam, which is covered by a Holley intake/carb combo. DynoMax headers join up with a set of Flowmaster three-chamber mufflers via a custom 2 1/2-inch exhaust system. Greg grabs a Lokar shifter when he runs through the gears in the Mike Bennett-built '79 Turbo 350 that houses a B&M converter.
Inside the cab is a bench seat that came out of a '96 Chevy 1/2-ton and a custom-made center console. Greg had Statler Upholstery in Gettysberg, Pennsylvania, cover everything in a combo of tan tweed and leather that sets off the Auto Meter gauges nicely.
Since the Mains are always racking up miles on the GMC, it's hard to see the 17×8 Boyd Coddington Gocha II wheels that are wrapped like pigs in a blanket in the Goodyear Eagle Gatorbacks.
Greg's '57 has been on the road for the better part of 10 years now, and it still turns heads. In fact, it carried him and his wife Tina away from the chapel on their big day, and now carries a cargo even more precious-their daughter-when the family goes for a spur of the moment cruise.
|Facts & Figures
|Greg & Tina Main
|New Oxford, PA
|Camaro clip
|Chevy 10-bolt, 3.23 Posi
|Rear suspension:
|Rear brakes:
|Chevy drum
|Front suspension:
|Front brakes:
|Camaro disc
|Steering box:
|Front, rear wheels:
|Boyd Coddington Gocha II, 17×8
|Front, Rear tires:
|Goodyear Eagle Gatorback 245/45ZR17
|Gas tank:
|'76 Chevy 350
|Valve covers:
|Mr. Gasket
|Manifold / Induction:
|Holley/ Holley 650-cfm
|Mallory UniLite
|Exhaust / Mufflers:
|custom 2 1/2-inch / Flowmaster
|'79 Turbo 350
|big window
|Fenders front / rear:
|'55 Chevy truck
|Golden State
|Bodywork and paint by:
|Vintage Specialties
|Paint Type / Color:
|PPG / Bright Teal
|Headlights / Taillights:
|Stock / Billet Specialties
|stock front / roll pan rear
|Auto Meter
|Steering wheel:
|Steering column:
|'96 Chevy truck bench
|Statler Upholstery
|Material / Color:
|leather & tweed / tan


text:
Privacy management on social media sites
Main findings
Two-thirds of online adults have a profile on a social networking site, and most restrict access to friends only.
Two in three online adults (63%) say they currently maintain a profile on a social networking site, up from just 20% who said they had ever created a profile in 2006.3 When asked to think about the profile they use most often, 58% say their main profile is set to be private so that only friends can see it. Another 19% say they have their profile set to be partially private so that friends of friends or networks can view it and 20% say their main profile is set to be completely public.4
A notable portion of those who already restrict access to their SNS profile take further steps to limit what certain friends can see. Some 26% of those whose profile is at least partially private say they use additional privacy settings to limit what certain friends can and cannot see. This finding is consistent across all core demographic groups.
Women who maintain social media profiles are significantly more likely than men to keep their profiles private.
However, there is a significant gender gap when it comes to the way male and female social media users choose to manage their profiles. Women are much more conservative in the basic settings they choose; 67% of female profile owners restrict access to friends only compared with 48% of male profile owners. Likewise, men are more apt than women to choose partially private (23% vs. 16%) or fully public (26% vs. 14%) settings.
Young and old alike choose private settings for their profiles.
When looking at social media usage patterns, age tends to be one of the strongest variables. For instance, younger users have long been the most active users of the sites and the most active managers of their online reputations.5 However, when it comes to basic privacy settings, users of all ages are equally likely to choose a private, semi-private or public setting for their profile. There are no significant variations across age groups.6
The choices that adults make regarding their privacy settings are also virtually identical to those of teenage social media users.7 Close to two-thirds (62%) of teens who have a social media profile say the profile they use most often is set to be private so that only their friends can see the content they post.8 One in five (19%) say their profile is partially private so that friends of friends or their networks can see some version of their profile. Just 17% say their profile is set to public so that everyone can see it. This distribution is consistent regardless of how often a teen uses social network sites.
Half of social media users report some difficulty in managing the privacy controls on their profile, but few describe their experience as "very difficult."
The complexity of privacy settings varies greatly across different social media sites, and in the case of Facebook, the default settings have changed significantly over time.9 In all, 48% of social media users report some level of difficulty in managing the privacy controls on their profile, while 49% say that it is "not difficult at all." Few users (2%) describe their experiences as "very difficult," while 16% say they are "somewhat difficult" and another 30% say the controls are "not too difficult" to manage. Young adults are considerably more likely than any other age group to feel fully confident in their privacy controls; 57% of social media users ages 18-29 say it is "not difficult at all" to manage them, compared with 48% of those ages 30-49, 41% of those ages 50-64 and 31% of those ages 65 and older.
Social media users with the highest levels of education report the most difficulty in managing the privacy controls on their profiles.
Social media users who are college graduates are significantly more likely than those with lower levels of education to say that they experience some difficulty in managing the privacy controls on their profiles. For those in the highest education bracket, the majority (62%) report some level of difficulty, compared with just 42% of those with some college education. However, again, few college graduates who are social media users (2%) describe their experiences as "very difficult." Instead, they are more likely to report that managing the privacy settings on their profile is "somewhat difficult" (21%) or "not too difficult" (39%). Those with only some college education report less trouble; 12% describe their experiences as somewhat difficult and 29% say that managing their controls is "not too difficult."10
Profile "pruning" is on the rise. Deleting unwanted friends, comments and photo tags grows in popularity.
Over time, as social networking sites have become a mainstream communications channel in everyday life, profile owners have become more active managers of their profiles and the content that is posted by others in their networks. Two-thirds of profile owners (63%) have deleted people from their networks or friend lists, up from 56% in 2009. Another 44% say they have deleted comments that others have made on their profile, up from just 36% two years prior. And as photo tagging has become more automated on sites like Facebook, users have become more likely to remove their names from photos that were tagged to identify them; 37% of profile owners have done this, up from 30% in 2009.
Women and young adults are the unfriend-liest.
Female social media users are more apt than male users to cull their list of friends and delete any unwanted contacts: 67% of women who maintain a profile say they have deleted people from their network, compared with just 58% of men. Likewise, young adults are more active unfrienders when compared with older users. Seven in ten (71%) young adult social media users say they have deleted contacts from their friends list, compared with 63% of users ages 30-49, 56% of those ages 50-64 and only 41% of those ages 65 and older.
Deleting social media comments is part of the reputation management work of being a young adult.
All users have become more likely to delete comments on their profiles over time, but this is especially true of young adults. It is now the case that 56% of social media users ages 18-29 say they have deleted comments that others have made on their profile, compared with 40% of those ages 30-49, 34% of those ages 50-64 and 26% of social media users ages 65 and older. In contrast to the gender differences with unfriending, male and female social media users are equally as likely to say that they have deleted comments that others have made on their profile (44% of men and women report this).
The task of removing photo tags is also much more common among young adults.
Whether because there are simply more photos being shared or there is more sensitivity to their content, young adult social media users are the most likely age group to report removal of photo tags. Fully half of young adult social media users (49%) say they have deleted their name from photos that were tagged to identify them. That compares to 36% of social media users ages 30-49, 22% of those ages 50-64 and only 16% of those ages 65 and older. As with comments, there are no significant gender differences; male and female users are equally likely to delete photo tags (36% vs. 38%).
While users manage the content that others post, one in ten profile owners voices regrets about their own posts.
Even as social media users become more active curators of their profile, a small group of what might be described as trigger-happy users say they post updates, comments, photos or videos that they later regret sharing. One in ten profile owners (11%) say they have posted regrettable content to a social networking site, virtually the same number as reported this activity in 2009 (12%). Male profile owners are almost twice as likely as female profile owners to profess regret for posting content (15% vs. 8%). Young adults are also considerably more prone to regret; 15% of profile owners ages 18-29 say they have posted content they later regret, compared with just 5% of profile owners ages 50 and older.
Most social networking users are on Facebook and manage their social media presence through one account.
More than nine in ten (93%) profile owners say that they have a profile on Facebook, up from 73% in 2009. Over the same period, the popularity of MySpace has continued to wane; 48% maintained a presence there in 2009, while just 23% of profile owners said they used MySpace in the latest survey. At the same time, use of Twitter has grown almost twofold, such that 11% of profile owners say they have a presence there, up from just 6% in 2009.
Whether due to the influx of new social media users in recent years or to those who are simplifying their online identity management, users have become more likely to maintain a profile on just one site. More than half (55%) of social networking and Twitter users say this, up from 45% in 2009.
- The May 2011 Survey asks: "How many social networking sites do you currently have a profile on?" December 2006 question wording was as follows: "Have you ever created your own profile online that others can see, like on a social networking site like MySpace or Facebook?" ↩
- At the time of this survey (April and May 2011), the basic privacy settings for a profile on Facebook included, "Everyone," "Friends of Friends" or "Friends Only." Users could further restrict who could see certain types of information through the "Custom" settings. ↩
- For specific examples, see "Reputation Management and Social Media" which found that young adults were the most active online reputation managers in several dimensions. https://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Reputation-Management/Summary-of-Findings.aspx ↩
- While young adults do not stand out as being more likely to choose restricted settings, these findings still run counter to assumptions that young people care less about privacy when compared with older adults. It also echoes other work that suggests that young adults largely agree with older adults on issues of information privacy. See Chris Jay Hoofnagle, et al., "How Different are Young Adults from Older Adults When it Comes to Information Privacy Attitudes and Policies?" http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1589864 ↩
- This represents a departure from previous data that suggested teens chose more restricted settings for their profiles. See: https://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2007/Digital-Footprints/5-Measuring-Our-Online-Footprint-The-Trails-of-20/6-Social-Networking-Profiles-With-adults-transparency-is-the-norm.aspx ↩
- This figure is consistent with what we have found in the past. In a similar question asked in 2006, 59% of teens with "active profiles" said that their profile was visible only to friends. See: https://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2007/Teens-Privacy-and-Online-Social-Networks/5-Online-Privacy–What-Teens-Share-and-Restrict-in-an-Online-Environment/05-Teens-walk-the-line-between-openness-and-privacy.aspx ↩
- For an infographic showing how Facebook's default privacy settings have changed over time, see: http://mattmckeon.com/facebook-privacy/ ↩
- Those who have higher levels of education are more likely to be employed full-time and may be more concerned with the intersection of personal and professional contacts and content on social media. Previous research from Pew Internet has shown that that those with the highest education levels are also more likely to have a job that specifically requires them to self-promote or market themselves online. These "public personae" may be especially cautious about avoiding any privacy missteps on social media. See: https://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2007/Digital-Footprints/4-Searching-for-Self-Curiouser-and-Curiouser/2-11-of-internet-users-have-a-job-that-requires-them-to-selfpromote-or-market-their-name-online.aspx ↩


text:
C5 Insight necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 56 diseños de 10 diseñadores freelance.
Cloud Computing ... Infinite Possibilities ... from C5 Insight
We are a technical consulting services company. We use a set of tools (Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Salesforce.com) to develop custom applications for our clients. All of these tools are considered to be "cloud computing" platforms. With them, a business can create an infinite variety of custom internet-based applications ("the cloud" is another term for the internet). We want to create a logo that is separate from our business logo that illustrates this concept (in fact, it won't EXACTLY be a logo, but we cannot think of a better word for it). The key message we want to communicate is: using cloud computing, a business can create an infinite number of custom solutions.
* IT Decision Makers
* Finance Decision Makers
We are asking ONLY for a logo - but we will put text around the logo that reads "Cloud Platforms ..." [LOGO] "...Infinite Possibilities"
The selected logo (or generalized artwork - again, it does not have to be a typical "logo") will communicate the ideas of:
* Cloud
* Infinity
If you can somehow work part of our company name (C5) into the logo, that would be even better - but this is not required. Our website is http://www.c5insight.com. The winning logo will incorporate some of the colors of our existing logo, but it DOES NOT need to include all the colors (blue and grey may suffice, but you are free to choose from all the colors of our logo and company name that you see on our website).
We are open to any concept. But we expect we will like logos that utilize the "infinity" symbol (a sideways 8) in combination with some kind of cloud imagery.
* It will be used on the web, on large banners (probably printed about 12" - 24" wide) and on printed collateral material
* It will NOT likely be printed on products (such as coffee mugs) and will NOT likely be printed on shirts (both of those are nice options to have - but not expected to be needed)
* We would like to have a vector base image (.ai or .eps) rather than raster - though we will request some high resolution raster images as well as the base vector images from the winner
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


text:
Insulation (Home)
From ConsumerWiki
Questions and issues related to home insulation may be directed to the following entities listed below:
For information about energy efficiency and insulation programs consumers should contact their own local utility (energy) company. Other resources are:
California Energy Commission
(800) 555-7794
State of California - Flex Your Power website
For information about contractors who install insulation:
Department of Consumer Affairs
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
(800) 321-2752
CSLB licenses and regulates contractors in the building trades profession. Consumers may inquire about the status of a contractor's license; investigates complaints against contractors.


text:
1979 Vespa Piaggio brochure
Use the form on the right to contact us.
You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right.
2201 Tucker St. Suite #105
Dallas, TX 75214
United States
(469) 438-4016
Formerly Garner's Classic Scooters, Kyle Salter bought the shop from Randolph Garner March 15, 2011. Kyle has been working on scooters since 2004 and has always focused on professionalism. He refuses to take short cuts and consistently delivers quality service and parts.
Hours of Operation:
By Appointment Only
Kyle's Scooter Shop
2201 Tucker St. Suite #105
Dallas, TX 75214
Vespa, Lambretta, Cushman, Puch, Jawa, Peugeot, lml Stella, Bajaj, Fuji, Honda, Motobecane, TOMOS, Yamaha, Cushman, Benneli, Kriedler, Bianchi, Pinto, Garelli, PGO, Foxi, Sachs, Kinetic, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Allstate


text:
- Latest Industry Standards
- High-end Work
- #1 in Chain Link Fence
- Maintenance Agreements
Reducing unforeseen surprises
To make the very best choices with Chain Link Fences in Audubon, NJ, you must be informed. We be sure you know what to expect. You won't need to deal with any surprises if you deal with Chain Link Fence Pro. You can start by going over the project with our customer care representatives when you dial 800-313-5780. We're going to talk about your concerns and questions as soon as you call us and help you get arranged with a scheduled visit. We are going to work together with you through the entire process, and our company is going to appear on time and prepared.
For the best Chain Link Fence in Audubon, Wyoming, hire Chain Link Fence Pro
You'll have a lot of good reasons to rely on Chain Link Fence Pro to meet your requirements involving Chain Link Fence in Audubon, NJ. Our company has the top customer support scores, the highest quality products, and the most practical and powerful cash saving practices. We have got the experience you need to satisfy all of your goals. If you want Chain Link Fence in Audubon, choose Chain Link Fence Pro by dialing 800-313-5780, and we will be beyond happy to help.


text:
Twins sorting out possible pitching options
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Twins left the Winter Meetings on Thursday without making any notable moves, but general manager Terry Ryan believes he laid the groundwork with agents and other general managers to continue to improve the club this offseason.
The Twins made headlines last week, signing right-handers Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes to multiyear deals, but were unable to make a similar splash at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Twins left the Winter Meetings on Thursday without making any notable moves, but general manager Terry Ryan believes he laid the groundwork with agents and other general managers to continue to improve the club this offseason.
The Twins made headlines last week, signing right-handers Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes to multiyear deals, but were unable to make a similar splash at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort.
Ryan, though, spent much of the week meeting with agents, and said he's not done making additions to the Twins, who are still on the lookout for another starting pitcher.
"We did a lot of good things down here," Ryan said. "It's amazing how many different sessions we had with people. There have been a few things happen the last day and a half, so I'm sure when people get home and regroup a little bit, you'll probably see a little bit more of that."
The Twins remain linked to free-agent right-handers Mike Pelfrey, Bronson Arroyo and Matt Garza, although they've only extended an offer to Pelfrey. The offer to Pelfrey is believed to be a two-year deal worth $10 million.
Ryan said he believes there is still talent available in the starting-pitching market, and the Twins appear likely to add another starter to join Nolasco and Hughes.
"There's still some quality out there," Ryan said. "Anybody looking for pitching has choices, and that's a good thing. We were fortunate enough to get a couple of those guys early, and now we'll have to see exactly what opportunities are still out there for us. Everybody knows we're looking for pitching."
The Twins have also been in the market for a catcher with Joe Mauer moving to first base, but Ryan admitted that market has dried up quickly. They've reportedly checked in on free-agent backstop Kurt Suzuki, but lost out on signing top targets A.J. Pierzynski (Red Sox) and Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Marlins).
As a result, the club appears to be more comfortable allowing rookie Josmil Pinto to take over catching duties, but Ryan said the Twins will continue to monitor the catching market.
"We're paying attention to it," Ryan said. "We have a few other things on our plate, but certainly you pay attention."
Ryan also wouldn't rule out making an addition to help boost the offense, as Minnesota set a club record for strikeouts and finished 25th in the Majors in runs scored. But the Twins haven't been linked to any high-profile position players, and adding a starting pitcher remains their main goal.
"We were looking at offense down here just as much as pitching," Ryan said. "There are some things we should try to upgrade. Our first priority is starting pitching, but we struggled to score runs last year, so we'll look at that as well."
Deals done: The Twins didn't make any additions to their big league roster during the Winter Meetings. But they did sign first baseman C.J. Ziegler to a Minor League deal. Ziegler, 28, was named Baseball America's Independent League Player of the Year for 2013 after hitting .318 with 30 homers and 99 RBIs in 100 games with the Wichita Wingnuts of the American Association.
Rule 5 Draft activity: With their 40-man roster currently full, the Twins did not make a selection in the Major League phase of Thursday's Rule 5 Draft, but did select two pitchers in the Triple-A phase. The Twins selected right-hander Kevin Thomas from the Cardinals' Double-A affiliate and left-hander Jim Fuller from the Mets' Double-A affiliate in the Triple-A phase. The Twins also lost Double-A New Britain right-handers Jonathan Velasquez to the Mets and Tim Atherton to the A's.
Goals accomplished: The Twins met with several agents, including Scott Boras, who represents Pelfrey, and Terry Bross, who represents Arroyo. They have a better feel for the starting-pitching market as a result, and still want to add another starter via free agency.
Unfinished business: Ryan said he's not content with the current roster, and still wants to make additions to a club that lost 96 games last season. The Twins are still in the market for a starting pitcher, and could also add a catcher.
Team's bottom line: "We still have a lot of work to do. I'm open for business." -- Ryan
Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Bollinger Beat, and follow him on Twitter @RhettBollinger.