text:
Guest Spot: EPCAL group hammers out subdivision plan
The East End is breathtaking and precious, a heritage to be passed on to other generations.
For years we have heard about the potential economic boon that can occur at the Enterprise Park at Calverton, and for years we have been disappointed. Many believe EPCAL has been stymied in a battle of the tree-huggers vs. the bulldozer crowd. We have lacked an acceptable development map that balances protection of the environment with intelligent and contextual development and, as our town spends down its financial reserves, Riverhead desperately needs the tax revenue and jobs that EP-CAL can bring. Stalemate has cost Riverhead dearly.
Three months ago, in an attempt to get past the rhetoric and finger-pointing at EPCAL, a self-appointed group of concerned citizens came together to have a discussion and seek a solution to the impasse. Our committee consisted of myself, a planner and architect by training; Richard Amper, the dean of Long Island environmental leaders; Ray Pickersgill, the Riverhead Business Improvement District president and a member of the Suffolk County Downtown Business Advisory Committee; and Anthony Coates, who has written and spoken out on EPCAL issues for more than a decade. Mr. Amper worked separately with Bob DeLuca, Group for the East End president, and Kevin McDonald, land preservation director for The Nature Conservancy, to determine the areas of EPCAL that were required by law to be preserved to protect water and habitat. The environmentalists focused strictly on environmental concerns, reserving judgment on development matters.
Our crew served as volunteers; we didn't cost taxpayers a dime. We had two simple objectives: protect vital environmental areas and balance this with a plan for intelligent development. We want to see our town do well, by its reputation and economic well-being.
Our committee sought to accomplish the following goals:
First, we wanted to try to hammer out a consensus between the environmental and business communities as to where and how much development could take place at EPCAL. Second, we wanted to get past politics to put forward a plan that could break the logjam at EPCAL; a plan that would be accepted by all parties and one that would actually be adopted. The challenge at EPCAL has always been to create a template that New York State can sign onto. For a long time we have talked about every cockamamie scheme that was presented for Calverton, but the little known fact of the matter is this: Even if a developer had the money and were ready to close, Riverhead could not convey the property because the state Department of Environmental Conservation has yet to adopt an approved development map.
The DEC seeks a balanced plan, one the environmental community can live with; a plan that allows Riverhead to develop as much of EPCAL as it can. One need only look to Washington, D.C., the land of sequester and the fiscal cliff, to see that when government can't agree on a course of action, the people suffer. With that as a backdrop, like the old cliché, we decided to lock ourselves in a room and not come out until we had a plan. We each came with differing points of view but we were resolute to find a solution. After a few months of meetings, give and take, passionate pleas, research, study and compromise, I am proud to say we have offered an "Environment Lives with Business" plan.
Our kitchen-table study group has offered a development map that would give Riverhead well over 600 acres of prime acres it can develop. Our plan is right in line with what Riverhead has been seeking from the DEC. The land is easily accessible to roadways and has roads linking development areas, making them accessible and highly desirable. The Town of Riverhead, the developer, gets what it wants. On the other side of the transaction, for the environmentalists, our plan sets aside key acreage that will remain forever green. We wish to preserve the most sensitive tracts of land, we strive to keep harmony with nature, we satisfy the environmental community. It would seem environmental peace is within our grasp. Our work group offered its plan last Tuesday.
Some have said our map is similar to the one the Riverhead has been shopping to New York State. We see it this way. Riverhead commissioned an expensive study, they brought in their experts and authorities, they held hearings and work sessions and ultimately they offered a plan. Our small group came together old-style, we rolled up our sleeves, commandeered a small table at the Riverhead Project restaurant and for 12 weekends we set out maps and went to work. At the end of our toil we offered a plan. If Riverhead's plan is very similar to ours and our plan looks like theirs, that's fantastic. What could be better than two groups with perhaps differing methods and agendas, meeting separately and independently, with the people's best interest at heart, essentially coming up with the same conclusion? The people of Riverhead, the politicians, the environmentalists and the business community all agree. This is a rare moment. Let's seize the moment and finish the job. We have submitted our work product to Riverhead and to New York State. Riverhead is in constant communication with the DEC. The very able Senator Ken LaValle is playing a key role to keep all parties working to a sensible conclusion.
We all have busy lives, so sometimes a great story unfolds around us and we hardly even notice. This is an exciting moment in the story that has been EPCAL. All the significant constituencies — our government, the town, the state, the environmentalists, the business people and the community — seem to be on the same page on how to develop EPCAL. It seems like we can finally put the exclamation point on EPCAL and move ahead. We like to think we helped nudge the process forward. Let's fi nish the job quickly while the peace holds and we all agree.
Mr. Freeman is the founding principal of Geoffrey Freeman Architects and has an office in Manhattan and a Riverhead home. He has a master's degree from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design.


text:
Grigio Onyx Natural Finish
Grigio Onyx is a marble-effect porcelain slab and forms part of our Onyx Sense Range. This slab is offered with a Natural finish and is available in 4 sizes. To order a Grigio Onyx colour sample in Natural finish click the Order Sample button below or add to your favourites using the icon.
Grigio Onyx Product Story
Celebrating the translucence and beauty of Onyx stone, this radiant and highly polished collection allows light to bounce across its surface, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Onyx Sense displays the wide variation and natural banding associated with this precious material, but without any of the maintenance issues encountered with conventional stone. Available in dramatic 1600 x 3200 mm slabs and in Natural, Honed or Polished surfaces, Onyx Sense is ideal for luxurious wall and floor applications where the requirement is for the spectacular. Grigio Onyx is part of our Marble-effect Collection.
Grigio Onyx Graphical Faces
Grigio Onyx is supplied with a number of distinct graphical faces. Below are examples of 4 of these graphical faces when supplied in large formats. Click on any swatch for a closer look.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
grolbp(1) [minix man page]
GROLBP(1) General Commands Manual GROLBP(1) NAME
grolbp - groff driver for Canon CAPSL printers (LBP-4 and LBP-8 series laser printers). SYNOPSIS
grolpb [ -l ] [ --landscape ] [ -v ] [ --version ] [ -cn ] [ --copies=numcopies ] [ -ppaper_size ] [ --papersize=paper_size ] [ -oorientation ] [ --orientation=orientation ] [ -wwidth ] [ --linewidth=width ] [ -Fdir ] [ --fontdir=dir ] [ -h ] [ --help ] [ files... ] DESCRIPTION
grolbp is a driver for groff that produces output in CAPSL and VDM format suitable for Canon LBP-4 and LBP-8 printers. For compatibility with grolj4 there is an additional drawing command available: D'R dh dv' Draw a rule (i.e. a solid black rectangle), with one corner at the current position, and the diagonally opposite corner at the cur- rent position +(dh,dv). OPTIONS
Note that there can be whitespace between a one-letter option and its argument; on the other hand, there must be whitespace and/or an equal sign (`=') between a long-name option and its argument. -cnumcopies --copies=numcopies Print numcopies copies of each page. -l --landscape Print the document with a landscape orientation. -ppaper_size --papersize=paper_size Set the paper size to paper_size, which must be a valid paper size description as indicated in the section PAPER SIZES. -oorientation --orientation=orientation Print the document with orientation orientation, which must be `portrait' or `landscape'. -wwidth --linewidth=width Set the default line thickness to width thousandths of an em. If this option isn't specified, the line thickness defaults to 0.04 em. -v --version Print the version number. -Fdir --fontdir=dir Prepend directory dir/devname to the search path for font and device description files; name is the name of the device, usually lbp. -h --help Print a short help text. TYPEFACES
The driver supports the Dutch, Swiss and Swiss-Narrow scalable typefaces, each one in the Regular, Bold, Italic and Bold-Italic styles. Additionally, the Courier and Elite monospaced typefaces at the sizes 8 and 12 points (for Courier) resp. 8 and 10 points (for Elite) are supported, each one in the Regular, Bold and Italic styles. The following chart summarizes the font names you can use to access these fonts: +----------------+-----------+--------+----------+--------------+ | Typeface | Regular | Bold | Italic | Bold-Italic | +----------------+-----------+--------+----------+--------------+ | Dutch | TR | TB | TI | TBI | +----------------+-----------+--------+----------+--------------+ | Swiss | HR | HB | HI | HBI | +----------------+-----------+--------+----------+--------------+ | Swiss Narrow | HNR | HNB | HNI | HNBI | +----------------+-----------+--------+----------+--------------+ | Courier | CR | CB | CI | | +----------------+-----------+--------+----------+--------------+ | Elite | ER | EB | EI | | +----------------+-----------+--------+----------+--------------+ PAPER SIZES
The paper size can be set in the DESC file or with command line options to grolbp. If the paper size is specified both ways, the command line options take precedence over the contents of the DESC file (this applies to the page orientation too). See groff_font(5) how to set the paper dimensions in the DESC file. To set the paper size in the command line, add -p paper-size or --papersize=paper-size to the other grolbp options, where paper-size is in the same format as in the DESC file. If no paper size is specified in the DESC file or the command line, a default size of A4 is used. PAGE ORIENTATION
As with the page size, the orientation of the printed page (portrait or landscape) can be set in the DESC file or with command line op- tions. It is also case insensitive. To set the orientation in the DESC file, insert a line with the following content: orientation [portrait|landscape] Only the first valid orientation command in the DESC file is used. To set the page orientation with command line options you can use the -o or --orientation option with the same parameters (portrait or landscape) as in the DESC file. Or you can use the -l option to force the pages to be printed in landscape. FONT FILE FORMAT
In addition to the usual commands described in groff_font(5), grolbp provides the command lbpname which sets the font name sent to the printer when requesting this font. The syntax of this command is: lbpname printer_font_name o For bitmapped fonts, printer_font_name has the form N<base_fontname><font_style> base_fontname is the font name as it appears in the printers font listings without the first letter, up to (but not including) the font size. font_style can be one of the letters R, I, or B, indicating the font styles Roman, Italic and Bold respectively. For instance, if the printer's font listing A shows font `Nelite12I.ISO_USA', the corresponding entry in the font description file is lbpname NeliteI Note that you may need to modify grolbp to add support for new bitmapped fonts, since the available font names and font sizes of bitmapped fonts (as documented above) are hard-coded into the program. o For scalable fonts, printer_font_name is identical to the font name as it appears in the printer's font listing A. For instance, to select the `Swiss' font in bold style, which appears in the printer's font listing A as `Swiss-Bold', the required lbpname command line is lbpname Swiss-Bold The argument of lbpname is case sensitive. ENVIRONMENT
GROFF_FONT_PATH A list of directories in which to search for the devname directory in addition to the default ones. See troff(1) and groff_font(5) for more details. FILES
/usr/share/groff/1.21/font/devlbp/DESC Device description file. /usr/share/groff/1.21/font/devlbp/F Font description file for font F. /usr/share/groff/1.21/tmac/lbp.tmac Macros for use with grolbp. SEE ALSO
groff(1), troff(1), groff_out(5), groff_font(5), groff_char(7) Groff Version 1.21 31 December 2010 GROLBP(1)


text:
Superfly Wallet Case for Samsung Galaxy A32 5G - Black
Sold Out
Product Description
Superfly accessories are designed to be functional and to improve user experience. Our products will make your life that little bit easier and help you get the most out of your devices. Superfly is made to inspire and simplify the everyday life of our customers. With every product the result of our innovative passion for simplicity.
Secure & Slim fitting, Model specific, Protects against dirt, dust & scratches, Flips open to stand and provide multiple viewing angles, Easy access to all buttons and ports
BRAND: Superfly


text:
Greetings Blog Friends!
As promised…
I apologize profusely for the MIA/broken blog. You may have been unable to comment…or you may have noticed a giant mess of code and error messages…
Just blame Brian. (Although, in his defense, he DID help troubleshoot my blog with the WinHost people. So we can't be too angry at him…)
After a 48 hour blog blackout, we're BACK IN BUSINESS. With LOTS to say. And a whole new plan for the coming year of bloggy bloggy joy.
Shameless Plug
My blog friend, Heather the B(itch), came out with her second book. When I say shameless, I mean it. This girl brings new meaning to the word, bitch. And I kind of adore her. So when she sent a call out for videos calling HER out as the bitch we all know and love her to be…I was in. The results? An amusing trailer in which I am pretty darn awesome.
In honor of Heather's book release, I've created a Zazzle tee-shirt!
You can order yours today to wear while reading Heather's sassy pants book. If you'd prefer to order through me (with slightly different lettering), I'm working on another t-shirt option utilizing the bitchy song I came up with at work. (I have the best co-workers ever. Seriously.)
What? I mentioned winners? Of course, I did! You think I forgot about my joyous giveaways last week? Nope, not this girl. So I used a completely random number generator to choose the winners (and by random number generator, I mean Brian. He told me a number, and then there was magically a winner. Except that I won like 3 times…so he had to tell me other numbers. And actually the first number he said was pi. And that OBVIOUSLY was wrong.)
Congratulations to the following big winners! I hope you like your prizes (even the random and ridiculous ones):
Monday's Secret Amazon Winner is Charleen from Cheap Thrills Book Blog.
Congrats to Charleen for being the future owner of the following SWEET ASS Amazon prizes! (GO FORTH AND READ THE REVIEWS!)
Our next winner is for a beautiful coffee mug featuring Brian's art. The piece on the mug is entitled, "Imagination Takes Flight."Jessica from Red Hot Writing Hood is the winner of this sweet prize! Congrats Jessica!
Our next winner is for the Unbirthday Think Geek Gift Card! Joules from Pocketful of Joules will get to enjoy all of the geeky stuff she wants (that is available for $25 or less). Well played Joules!
And the last winner of the birthday/bloggiversary week giveaways is April from First Time Mom and Dad! Congrats to April who will be receiving a sweet ass surprise (that's just too good to giveaway the details before she receives it!)
(Winners, drop me an e-mail with your info so that I can get your lovely prizes out to you!)
Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaways last week and to all of you who read the posts I throw out into the world. I've got some great summer product reviews coming up in the near future, and maybe there will be a few more giveaways to come.


text:
Hayabusa 60% Mechanical Keyboard
Introducing our newest and most advanced model yet - The Hayabusa V4 Keyboard! Reengineered with innovative upgrades, this keyboard offers an unparalleled gaming/typing experience. At the heart of the Hayabusa lies our proprietary New Alpherior Switches, offering swift and responsive keystrokes, while our New Alpherior Stabilizers ensure a consistent and smooth key motion. The addition of high-quality Dampening Foam optimizes typing noise, creating an immersive, distraction-free environment for your gaming sessions. We've also incorporated a Silicone Gasket, providing a premium, cushioned feel for a truly luxurious typing and gaming experience.
- Wired Keyboard - Type C
- Fusion Custom Colorway
- Full Hotswap PCB (Easily Swap Switches instead of Buying a New Keyboard)
- Beautiful RGB Lighting
- Customized PBT Doubleshot Backlit Keycaps
- Kailh Speed Switches
- Full Software Available Soon with Custom Lighting, Macros & Program ability
Includes Keycap Puller & Switch Puller
- Alpherior Pre-Lubed Custom Speed Switches
- Alpherior Stabilizers
- High-Quality Dampening Foam
- Premium Silicone Gasket
- 5-Pin Hotswap PCB
Kailh Bronze Speed Switch – Clicky | 1.1mm Actuation Point | 3.8mm Max Travel | 50g Force (Think of Speed Blues)
Alpherior Silver Ice Speed Switch – Linear | 1.1mm Actuation Point | 3.8mm Max Travel | 40g Force (Think of Speed Reds)
Alpherior Copper Speed Switch– Tactile | 1.1mm Actuation Point | 3.8mm Max Travel | 50g Force (Think of Speed Browns)
We do sell The Keycap sets individually and you can Shop those HERE<-


text:
Imagine that you are floating comfortably above an alien planet observing the really insane species that lives there.
We'll call these beings Sheeple, because their incredible tendency to follow the herd even if it is running right off a cliff is quite similar to the behavior we see in sheep here on Earth. Almost everything an individual of this species does is heavily influenced by the Sheeple around it. Despite the potential for incredible intelligence, they rarely stop to evaluate why they are doing what they do each day.
As you zoom in on various parts of the planet, you notice fantastic patterns. In one area, the Sheeple wear red costumes and fiercely criticize those who wear blue. But just on the next continent, blue-wearers are in the majority and they are beheading those who dare to wear red. Great books and ornate traditions are built to describe how wearing Red robes is The Way, which are cited authoritatively to discredit those who believe in Blue, and vice versa.
In other areas of the planet, the societies appear more advanced. They have built great cities. The Red/Blue battle is less noticeable in these parts, but it has been replaced by an equally bizarre pattern: a competition over how to decorate their heads, bodies, and habitat. In the great cities, Sheeple work ceaselessly to buy and trade decorative materials, and just as quickly put them to use. They give up sleep, autonomy and time with their loved ones to earn more of these things.
The heads pile taller with decorations. The habitats become so full that they can barely squeeze into them. Every year, the producers of decorations declare all previous iterations to be obsolete and release a new type of decoration. Believe it or not, this triggers an even more intense flurry of working and buying to acquire still more decorations. The most successful Sheeple buy larger dwellings and throw out and replace their decorations at the fastest rate, some even employing a sub-staff of Sheeple to buy, organize and replace decorations without the need for the leader to even see them.
It's all an amusing day of Science from the comfort of your spaceship until you return to Earth and realize we're exactly the same. Except multiplied by ten due to our ridiculous invention of consumer borrowing.
Noticing this myself, I've been doing some closer bits of scientific observation right here on our own planet.
In one incident, I traveled to a distant suburb with my son to attend a child's birthday party. The homes in this middle-income area were tightly packed with short driveways, but each place was outfitted with at least two enormous luxury vehicles – often trucks – so big that they had to spill out to consume the entire street. The interior of each house was clad with beige carpets, artificial finishes, and tiny windows placed with complete disregard to the prevailing direction of the Sun.
At the party, every food was an unrecognizable assembly of chemical compounds ripped out of a brightly-colored box, served on styrofoam plates which were promptly discarded into a black plastic bag. Every gift was a plastic and metal recreation of a famous movie character or vehicle, ripped out of another plastic package. There was a television in the kitchen blaring news and advertisements. The unhealthy parents drank beer and ate cake, and sighed about not having enough time or money to spend more time taking care of their home, or their kids, or themselves.
All of this took place in a neighborhood with beautiful walking paths and parks, and a modern utopia of a school just down the road. But every weekday at 2:45 PM, an ominous horror begins. An immense and powerful passenger vehicle will ease down the road and come to a halt at the prime spot of the school's pickup loop. And the engine will be left running. This leader will soon be followed by another van or truck, and another ten, then another hundred.
Soon there will be a poison-spewing circus of completely batty people sitting there idling in sleek 400-horsepower Mercedes SUVs, or clackety Diesel jacked-up yellow offroad diesel Super Duty trucks, comparatively small-looking Honda and Toyota minivans, new cars, old cars, and anything else they can find that burns gas and wastes money. The lineup grows to fill not just the gigantic asphalt loop provided by the school, but also the driveway leading to it and hundreds of feet of the public road. Everyone talking on their mobile phone. Everyone idling. Killing each other, and each other's kids. Everyone in debt, and many with a net worth less than zero. Most of them dangerously out of shape and beginning to suffer from health problems due to inactivity.
And every one of them convinced that he or she is going through life in a perfectly reasonable way, trying to get ahead and take good care of their kids, but things are just hard these days unless you're one of those privileged lucky elite 1% multimillionaires that we read about in the paper while cursing our own fate, the fate of the middle class.
What. The Fuck. Is Going On Here?
Why are we so Ridiculous, without even acknowledging that we are?
Curing the Disease
See, I can pretend to be astounded by what is going on, but it's a natural consequence of our evolutionary history – the way you and I and all of us are built. We are social beings, which is our greatest strength because it allows us to work together to accomplish bigger things. But it is also one of our greatest weaknesses, because it allows us to adopt stupid and irrational ideas in mass quantities as long as we see the other people around us doing the same thing.
It is hard to become any less ridiculous without realizing this massive, critical flaw in our reasoning that nobody ever talks about. Like the innocent beings on Planet of the Sheeple, we take our cues from our immediate surroundings.
Just look outside your own country or time period to see how big this effect is. In some areas, it is totally normal to require a woman to be covered completely in fabric so that no other male human can lay eyes on her, and some of these women even voluntarily enforce and pass on the tradition. This is happening right now, and these people are just as intelligent as those that surround you. In a nearby country, the women lounging in bikinis on a public beach may be attorneys or chief financial officers on the weekdays. Which tradition is considered ridiculous depends on who you are – in other words, which social surroundings you have absorbed and adopted as your own.
Here in my own country, similar social traditions have traditionally regulated what you can eat or drink, whether you can vote or marry, and whether you should teach science or the local religion in science class. The battle that I am currently fighting is comparatively mild: Is it reasonable to spend 80-120% of your money as soon as you earn it, or to spend a smaller portion while keeping the rest to reinvest in your own future?
In each case, the prevailing opinion seems completely normal, (often labeled as common sense) to the people who enforce it. But in many cases it has only become common because we are easily fooled social beings. To get ahead of the pack, you need to drop this weakness.
The key is to put the ridiculousness into perspective – the perspective of your current income and wealth, of human history, and of science.
Let's start with a warmup. One of the richest Saudi princes has a 590 foot yacht, and one of the areas inside is reserved for a display area for 3-d models of all of his other jumbo jets and yachts. At least one of the jets has a "throne room" in it. Here in the US, a Texas woman made the news for her 3000-square foot closet. A flying throne room or 3 stories of shoes and handbags: obviously ridiculous, right?
But what about a Dodge Durango, a popular American-made SUV. Ridiculous, or normal? You see them in every suburban driveway, so they must be reasonable. But they are not! The SMALLEST engine you can get in this piece of shit is 3.9 liters, and the largest is 5.9! That is enough engine displacement to easily power ten passenger vehicles, if they were designed by vehicle designers rather than marketing representatives. It has the passenger capacity of a wagon, but the engine (and fuel economy) of a DUMP TRUCK OR A SCHOOL BUS! The performance is blundering, blind spots are enormous, build quality is poor, and yet the sticker price is astronomical. And yet people line up by the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS TO BORROW MONEY TO BUY THESE THINGS AND USE THEM TO DRIVE TO SHOPPING MALLS!!!
But it doesn't stop there – I'm just revealing my personal bias because my own social surrounding is mostly Mustachians. My own lifestyle is also totally ridiculous.
I'm building the second bathroom in my house right now, which is already ridiculous because we already have one perfectly good one just at the other end of the house. Over 1300 pounds of floor-to-ceiling tiles and concrete, and that's just the prep work so I can add the brushed steel trim kit to the insane Danze shower valve – a system that cost me over two hundred dollars.
This shower project has taken several weeks, because it is frequently interrupted by time spent with my family, or trips to go out for beer with friends, or host parties here at the house, or the trip to New York City last week. Sometimes I even have to go out and restock the house with internationally sourced bits of fine cheese, meat, vegetables and fruits. I barely have time to type stuff into my choice of high-end computers or make use of the other distractions around here. And this is in a life that is labeled by the newspapers as extreme frugality?
It is ALL ridiculous. Your life and my life, and the lives of all of the normal people around us.
If you've ever bought a garment, vehicle or dwelling with "style" as even a remote consideration, or prepared a multi-course meal with "taste" as one of the factors, then congratulations – you live a big, wonderful, ridiculous life. If you have any means of transportation besides walking, congratulations again, because you've hit the big time. You have so many options open to you – so much flexibility to change your lifestyle, empower yourself, spend less, earn more, and move to new places as you see fit.
But to claim that freedom, you need to look around you and see that these trapped, tiny Sheeple around you are not normal or sensible. They are obedient followers of the social script, trapped so tightly that they can barely move. And although you're a social animal too, you can rise up to a far happier lifestyle just by becoming a tiny bit less ridiculous than average.
It is ridiculously easy.


text:
Schaumburg woman among Glamour's Women of the Year
Talk about being in some esteemed company.
Schaumburg's Erin Merryn, whose mission to educate children about sexual abuse has been gaining nationwide momentum, will join the likes of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, actress Selena Gomez and "Girls" creator and star Lena Dunham as recipients of Glamour magazine's Women of the Year.
Glamour Editor-in-Chief Cindi Leive highlighted Merryn's story Thursday morning during a "Today Show" segment.
"She's a great role model ... and such a positive example," Leive said.
Merryn, 27, is being recognized for her tireless efforts to bring Erin's Law to all 50 states. The legislation, which has been passed in Illinois, Indiana, Maine and Missouri and is pending in several other states, encourages schools to educate children about sexual abuse and prevention.
Had there been some sort of curriculum in place when she was a young girl, Merryn said, she wouldn't have stayed silent when she suffered abuse at the hands of an adult baby sitter and later her older cousin.
"There are children going to bed tonight with the same secrets I had as a child," Merryn said. "So many kids don't have a voice, so I want to empower them to speak up."
Undeterred by some doubters at the beginning, the Schaumburg High School graduate left her job 2½ years ago to fully commit to her cause. Her third book will be released in fall 2013, and she's on the road quite a bit, speaking at children's advocacy centers, conferences and various state capitols.
One of her next trips will be to New York City for a red-carpet awards ceremony Monday, Nov. 12, at Carnegie Hall. Merryn has been told to expect 3,000 people in attendance - all will receive copies of her books - along with interview requests from "Entertainment Tonight" and "Access Hollywood." An exclusive dinner featuring the women and their guests of honor will follow the event.
Merryn got to choose the person who will present her award. Her selection remains top-secret for now, but Merryn did say top choice Julia Roberts had to decline because she's shooting a movie in Georgia.
Of all the honorees, who also include Annie Leibovitz and Ethel and Rory Kennedy, Merryn said she's most excited to meet gymnast Gabby Douglas, who's being honored as part of a Gold Medal Olympians group.
"I was just so in awe of her this summer," she said. "I grew up with a sister who did gymnastics her whole life, so I've always been interested."
There's also the crucial matter of what to wear.
Merryn's working with an entire style team at Glamour, which asked for her input by sending pictures of different looks and gowns.
"It's going to be so much fun, but I'm really looking forward to how this could lead to thousands more children being saved," Merryn said. "This is the biggest live audience I've ever spoken to in my life, and I know my words can move these powerful celebrities and politicians to take action."
Glamour's December issue is on newsstands now in certain regions, including the Chicago area.


text:
Beginner Course
15 February 2025 - 18 February 2025
This four-day introductory course starts right at the very beginning so no prior experience is required. We'll teach you about your gear and equipment, rescues, safe technique, fundamental skills and river-reading ability. We also focus on developing your roll.
For more information on our Beginner Courses click here.


text:
Hi there, My name is XXX.i woulld like to apply for this job of english teacher for children.
My plan for the furture is that i would like to stay with children and share the moments in their lives and provide them with helpful advice. making friends with them and letting them feel you are the one they can talk and trust.Plus i like english very much.with this idea,i want to combine my love for children with my ability of english together,so i can work in a pleasant environment doing the great things i enjoy doing.
I consider myself with rich potential of qualitying out as a good english teacher.I have a heart for children,a loving and caring heart.And i would certainly place it upon my students,being their close friend and sister.while with my creative and relaxing english teaching method,students would learn english through interacting with me or the others instead of being told what to say.
I am also very open-minded and easy-going,which will make myself a popular figure everywhere.and of course i am very much the type of the girl next door.always willing to take in suggestions and create a fun classroom for our next generation.
I believe i've said quite enough of myself. I hope you now know more about me than just now. I would certainly cherish this job and get along very well with all people out here.I thank you very much again for giving me this opportunity to talk with you.
I look forward to hearing good news from you soon.
Thank you !


text:
This website use cookies in order to make our services more efficient and simpler. When you use our website, a small amount of information in your device, such as small piece of text called "cookies", is saved in your web browser directory. There are different types of cookies, but they are all used to make the website faster and easier and to give you extra functionalities.
Cookies make the interaction between users and websites faster and easier. In particular:
- They allow you to proceed through different pages of our website.
- Remember your username and choices.
- They save time by automatically fill in the same information (such as username and password) during the same visit on our website.
- Analyze the use of the website, to improve your experience and the website usability.
- Personalize the website for you, including targeting advertisements which may be of particular interest to you.
There are different types of cookies. Here's a list of the cookies that could be used in our website with a description of their use and their purpose.
Technical cookies
These cookies are necessary to make our website function correctly. Technical cookies may be either "persistent" cookies or "session" cookies. Without this type of cookies our website or parts of it may not work properly. They are use regardless of the user's preferences. Technical cookies are always used, regardless the users' preferences. These cookies are always sent from our domain.
Analytic cookies
Analytic cookies enable the monitoring and analysis of user's behavior on our website. We use the collected information for statistical analysis, to improve and simplify our website, and for performance monitoring. This type of cookies collects information in an anonymous form, including the number of visitors of the website, how visitors got to our website, the pages they visit and the duration of their stay on the website. Analytic cookies are sent from our domain or by third party domain.
Third party tracking cookies
These cookies are used to collect information about the users' surfing behavior within the website, keywords used to find our website, websites you visited and where you come from for marketing campaigns. We can use this information to file reports and improve our website. Cookies collect information in an anonymous form. This type of cookies could be sent from our website or by third party domain.
Advertising third party cookies
This type of cookies is used to feature content from a third party domain on our website (for example comments forms or social networks icons, which allow the users to share the content of the site). This type of cookies can be sent from our partners' websites or from others domains that offer the same functionality of our website.
For technical cookies the users' prior consent is not required, because they are necessary for the proper working of the website.
The use of other types of cookies requires the users' consent, according to the official regulations, through browser settings and computer software or devices that users can use easily and clearly. We remind users that they can change their cookies preferences in every single moment. You're always free to block, delete or disable cookies from your browser, however, if you decline cookies or other similar technologies, you may not be able to take advantage of certain website features.
Third-party websites
This website contains links to third party websites that have their own terms of privacy policy. These privacy policies can be different from our privacy policy, and we are not responsible for policy of such third party.
Under the article 122 second paragraph of the legislative decree 196/2003 the user's consent is implied by each one individual settings of the browser used for surfing on our website, the user is free to communicate in each moment to the holder of the site his will about all the information collected from cookies accepted by the browser.
How to disable cookies by setting your browser
- Open your Chrome browser
- Go to the menu in the toolbar in your browser near the window for entering the url for surfing.
- Click on Settings.
- Click on Show Advanced Settings
- In the section entitled "Privacy" click the button Content settings
- In the section entitled "Cookie" you can change the following settings:
- Allow local data to bet set
- Keep local data until I quit my browser
- Block sites from setting any data
- Block third party cookies and site data
- Merge exceptions
- Delete all cookies and site data
For further information visit the dedicated page.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox web browser
- Click on the menu in the toolbar in your browser near the window for entering the url for surfing.
- Click Options
- Select the Privacy panel
- Click on Show Advanced Settings
- Under "Privacy" click on "Content Settings"
- In the "Tracking" section you can change the following settings:
- Tell sites that I don't want to be tracked
- Tell sites I want to be tracked
- Do not tell sites anything about my tracking preferences
- In the section "History" you can:
- Click on "Use Custom Settings" click on Accept third party cookies (always, never, from site) and keep until a chosen period (until they expire, when I quit Firefox, always ask me)
- Clear history when Firefox closes
For further information visit the dedicated page.
Internet Explorer
- Open Internet Explorer Browser
- Click on "Tools" and select "Internet Options"
- Select the Privacy tab and by sliding the bar you can chose how to change your settings:
- Block all cookies from all websites
- Enable all cookies from all website
- Chose the site you want cookie from: slide the bar in an intermediate position, between allow all cookies and block all cookies, click on Sites, and in the check box Website Address write a website address and click on Block or Allow.
For further information visit the dedicated page.
Safari 6
- Open Safari Browser
- Click on Safari, select Preferences and click on Privacy
- Under Block Cookie select how Safari has to accept or not cookies
- To see which sites has used cookies click on Details
For further information visit the dedicated page.
Safari iOS (mobile devices)
- Open Safari Browser iOS
- Click on Settings and then click on Safari
- Click on Block Cookies and choose between: "Never", "From Visited" or "Always"
- To clear existing cookies on Safari, click on Settings, then on Safari and finally click on Clear Cookies and Datas
For further information visit the dedicated page.
- Open Opera Browser
- Click on Preferences and then click on Advanced and then click on Cookies
- Select one of the options:
- Accept all cookies from all the sites
- Accept only from the sites I visit: allows only cookies that are set by the Web site you are visiting, not by any other sites whose content is displayed in frames or via images on the current page
- Never accept cookies: does not accept any cookies from any site.
This page is visible, through a link at the end of all the website pages under the article 122 second paragraph of the legislative decree 196/2003 and following the simplified procedures for the disclosure as well as the gaining of the consent for the use of cookies published in the Official Journal in June 2014 and the related record of the action n. 229 of 8th of May 2014.


text:
At just $5 a month for the service, the $5 Meal Plan is super affordable. The recipes tend towards family-friendly comfort foods, but always include a health balance of fruits and veggies. The weekly meal plan comes with a grocery shopping list, as well as bonus desserts, drinks, or other treats. The plan also offers a weekly gluten-free plan option.
More recently, $5 Meal Plan has introduced a Meal Plan Builder tool. This is great for pickier families, as it lets you build your own meal plan based on the site's bank of cheap meals. Then, it will generate your shopping list for you.
- Pros: This service is affordable, and it focuses on affordable meals. The plans take advantage of seasonal products and what's likely to be on sale. So most meals cost around $2 per person. The plan is also great in that it always includes at least one crock pot meal and one 20-minute meal per week. Many of the meals can also be prepped ahead of time for easier weeknight cooking.
- Cons: The meals aren't customizable and neither are the recipes. (The website, however, offers a few six-week specialized menus, including a paleo option.) In other words, you can't bump up a four-person recipe to accommodate six people easily. You'll have to do the math–and adjust the grocery list–on your own.
- Who it's for: The $5 -Meal Plan is good for average-sized families who are neither super-picky nor super-adventurous. If you don't mind some cooking on weeknights and your main meal-planning goal is trimming that grocery budget, this might be the plan for you.
Unlike the above meal plans, Plan to Eat doesn't provide the recipes; you do. This app and online recipe planner collets your favorite recipes from anywhere. Then, you drag and drop your recipes onto your calendar-like meal planner. Plan to Eat then generates a grocery list for you.
Once a Month Meals
This meal-planning service used to be known as Once a Month Mom, and it's taken off for a reason. At $16 per month (or $170 per year), subscribers to Once a Month Meals get access to a menu, grocery list, and planning materials. You set aside one day a month to cook, stock the freezer, and then have meals for the whole month. Menus include traditional, whole foods, paleo, diet, vegetarian, gluten free/dairy free, allergen, mini, and baby.
- Pros: If you're just too busy to cook on a typical weeknight, this is a great service. It offers customizable menus that make it easy to change serving sizes for your meals. The service actually plans out your entire cooking day to a T, making cooking as efficient as possible.
- Cons: At $16 per month, this is one of the more expensive services around, though it has more features. Cooking a full month's worth of meals in one day makes for one very long day and also requires that you can buy a month's worth of groceries at one time. Also, you've got to have a fairly large freezer to store all the meals.
- Who it's for: This service is great for people who don't like cooking on weeknights, but can bring themselves to cook once a month. It's even better if you can team up with a friend, lighten the load, and split the meals for the month.


text:
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
The following terms govern the use of this website. Please read the terms of use of this website as amended from time to time, carefully. Your access to and use of this website is subject to these terms of use and by accessing this website you are bound by the terms of use.
We reserve the right to change these terms of use at any time without notice. Any changes will become effective immediately.
We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify, disable and discontinue temporarily or permanently, any part or all of this website. We may alter or withdraw any information without liability or notice to you.
If any part of these terms of use is found to be void, unlawful or unenforceable then that part will be deemed to be severable from the remainder of the terms of use and the severed part will not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.
Your access to this website is limited to non-commercial or personal use only. Notwithstanding the above restrictions on the use of material on this website, you may download material from the website for your own personal non-commercial use provided you do not remove any copyright and trade mark notices contained on any material.
Privacy Policy
Our Commitment
At www.stratacbd.com.au we recognise that your privacy is important. We are bound by, and committed to supporting, the National Privacy Principles (NPP) set out in the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2001.
Privacy Complaints
If you wish to complain about any breach or potential breach of this privacy policy or the National Privacy Principles, you should contact us by any of the methods contained in this policy statement. Your complaint will be considered within seven days and responded to accordingly. It is our intention to use our best endeavours to resolve any complaint to your satisfaction, however, if you are unhappy with our response, you are entitled to contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner who may investigate your complaint further.
Contact Us
Click here to contact us.
This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide commercial, financial, investment, accounting, tax or legal advice. It is provided to you for your own personal use. The information provided is of a general nature only and has not taken into account your specific objectives, needs and financial situation. The information may not be appropriate to your individual needs and you should seek advice from your financial adviser, accounting, tax or legal adviser before making any financial decisions based on the information contained on this website.
The performance of this website and all information contained within, or accessed from the website are provided to you on an "as is" basis, without warranties of any kind whatsoever.
We do not warrant, guarantee or make any representation that:
The website, or the server that make this site available are free of software viruses;
The functions contained in any software contained on this website will operate uninterrupted or are error-free; and
Errors or defects in the website will be corrected.
We are not liable to you for:
Errors or omissions in the website, or linked sites;
Delays to, interruptions of or cessation of services provided in this website, or linked websites; and
The defamatory, offensive or illegal conduct of any user of this website, whether caused through our negligence, or that of our employees or independent contractors or through any cause.
To the full extent permitted by law, our liability for any implied warranty or condition is limited, at our discretion, to one or more of the following:
To the supply of the services again; or
The payment of the cost of having the services applied again.
Linked Websites
This website contains links to third party websites. These links are provided for convenience only. Links to third party websites should not be construed as an endorsement of those websites, nor a representation or recommendation as to the information or the accuracy of the information contained on those websites. By linking to the third party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk
Click here to contact us.


text:
What You Should Know About Adult Earache
Is it a long time since you awoke with a severe, searing earache? Have they been so long that you can't recall where you last saw a heating pad, the kind your mother used to place on the side of your face carefully?
Consider yourself fortunate but not necessarily exempt. Although ear infections are more common in children, adults account for roughly 20% of all cases.
Bad news for those who felt we were finally out of this stage. The good news is that in most circumstances, there are simple solutions to the problem and even more straightforward strategies to avoid the usual blunders that can land even the most responsible individuals in the recliner of an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor.
What Is The Most Prevalent Type Of Adult Ear Infection?
The most frequent adult ear infection is an outer ear infection (otitis externa). Anyone of any age, with or without a history of ear infections, can be affected.
External ear infections are often known as swimmers' ears since they are usually caused by moisture entering the body from outside. The ear canal is a warm, moist part of the body that is ideal for the growth of bacteria and fungi and an accessible entry site for moisture.
Adults with eczema in their ear canal or who routinely insert cotton swabs into their ear canal are more prone to otitis externa.
How Do Cotton Swabs Promote External Ear Infections?
Earwax is the body's natural defence mechanism for intercepting and inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that have infiltrated the ear. Using cotton swabs, earwax is frequently pushed deeper into the ear canal.
This earwax can trap water or moisture deep within the ear canal, allowing infection to flourish.
So we shouldn't use cotton swabs to clean our ears or remove earwax.
Cotton swabs can cause pinna infections and irritation to the ear canal or eardrum, which can impair hearing and induce various types of infections and ear pain.
Furthermore, a piece of the swab may break off and leave a foreign body in the ear that must be removed. This is a common reason for an emergency room visit.
If you believe earwax has gathered, I propose gently wiping the entrance to the ear with paper tissue or a soft, thin cloth.
Debrox® earwax removal kits are also available over-the-counter and are safe if used as instructed.
Can You Acquire An Outer Ear Infection If You Exercise A Lot?
It's not frequent, but it does exist.
Swimmer's ear is so named since that is usually what causes it. However, moisture can enter the ear through showering, bathing, rain or sweat drops, or even extreme humidity.
Bacteria typically cause outer ear infections, but they can also be caused by fungi, such as the fungus that causes an athlete's foot.
What recommendations would you give to folks who believe they have wetness in their ears?
You can tell if there is water in your ear. If you detect it, move your head to the side and try shaking the water or letting it drain.
You can also use a tissue or a thin, dry cloth wrapped around your finger to wipe the opening of your ear while turning your head to the side. If you are still experiencing symptoms or have a history of recurring ear infections, apply drops to dry out your ears.
Swim-EAR® and other brands are available over the counter, or you can learn how to manufacture them yourself by combining rubbing alcohol and vinegar. A cool or warm hair dryer might also help.
How Are Infections Of The Outer Ear Treated?
The majority of otolaryngologists and general practitioners exclusively administer antibiotic ear drops.
Oral antibiotics are usually unnecessary, and we want to avoid over-prescribing them to remain effective when we need them.
Sometimes the ear entrance is too inflamed or blocked to allow the drops to enter, so we have to insert a little wick to get the drips where they need to go.
The doctor may prescribe oral medicines if the outer ear infection is severe.
What Other Sorts Of Ear Infections Do Adults Get?
A middle ear infection, often known as otitis media, is most common in children, although it can also affect adults. When viruses or bacteria penetrate the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum), they cause an ear infection.
Pus or diseased fluid fills the middle ear. The pus presses against the eardrum, which can be excruciatingly painful. Swelling in one or both Eustachian tubes causes middle ear infections.
To maintain constant pressure in the middle ear, the Eustachian tubes, which run from the ear canal to the back of the throat, act as drain valves. Disrupting this system can result in the emergence of infections.
What Is The Distinction Between Middle Ear Infections In Children And Adults?
Typically, the fundamental causes differ. Children are more prone to have them because their shorter, horizontal Eustachian tubes are more susceptible to obstructions.
Furthermore, their adenoids are more significant than the rest of the throat and can clog the Eustachian tube entrance. Finally, because children's immune systems are still developing, colds and viruses are frequently spread in childcare facilities and schools.
So, What Are The Causes Of Adult Middle Ear Infections?
In adults, they are frequently caused by nasal or throat irritation, such as sinusitis, strep throat, a cold or flu, or if the patient has acid reflux, severe seasonal allergies, is a smoker, or has been exposed to secondhand smoke.
Nasopharyngeal inflammation causes Eustachian tube dysfunction, which in turn causes fluid to accumulate in the middle ear, which can then become infected.
Patients with numerous middle ear infections as children may continue to get them as adults. Something about the architecture or physiology of these tubes has never been thoroughly explained.
How Can Middle Ear Infections Get Better?
Oral medicines are the first line of defence against middle ear infections. If the pain is severe, steroids may be used. While steroids will not help remove the infection faster, they will lessen the inflammation and pressure causing the pain.
If your ear still hurts or feels full after several days of standard treatment, you should see an otolaryngologist, who may recommend other drugs or cut up the eardrum to remove the fluid.
You may require a tube inserted in your ear if you have recurrent middle ear infections, like children.
Is there a difference between getting ear tubes as an adult and a child? Do you still have to refrain from swimming?
The mechanism is the same for both children and adults. In the water, you must still take the necessary measures.
You can swim, but earplugs or a swim band may be necessary to keep the water out. The primary distinction is that adults can use an ear tube in the office without difficulty.
There is no need for surgery or general anaesthesia, as is usual with children.
There is also a new procedure for inserting ear tubes in children that allows us to accomplish it swiftly and merely with a local anaesthetic. As a result, we can do it in the clinic.
Are There Any Other Recent Advancements In The Treatment Of Ear Infections?
I've been performing Eustachian tube dilatation for a few years. A balloon is put into the Eustachian tube, inflated, and left in situ for up to two minutes under endoscopic guidance through the nose.
This can cure the Eustachian tube dysfunction that causes middle ear infections. It only works in approximately half of the patients I've tried it on, so it's only for some.
However, because it is non-invasive, it is an excellent beginning point for certain eligible people.
There's also a new medicine that looks like a gel and can be injected into the ear canal. It dissolves slowly and may be easier to reach congested regions than standard drops.
Are There Any Other Sorts Of Ear Infections That People Can Get?
There is a condition known as an inner ear infection. Inner ear infections are distinct from outer and middle ear infections and are far less common.
We typically see them in grownups. Hearing loss, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting are common symptoms of inner ear infections. If you have these symptoms, you should rest and refrain from driving, making sudden movements, or consuming alcohol.
Inner ear infections typically resolve on their own within a few days. However, you should consult your family doctor or an ENT specialist if the symptoms persist.
Note: If you experience sudden hearing loss in one ear, consult your doctor or call 911 immediately since testing must be performed soon.
Nothing should go in your ears! Even if you have diabetes, you should avoid ear infections at all costs.
They can be far more persistent, severe, and resistant to therapy. If this is the situation for you, keep your blood sugar under control, as this might significantly impact your body's ability to fight the infection.
Brought To You By – Ear Wax Removal Litchfield
The post What You Should Know About Adult Earache appeared first on https://gqcentral.co.uk


text:
create your selection+
Libano, Beirut. Miliziano cristiano, 1976
Loaned to
GAM Galleria d'Arte Moderna
vintage print
19.88inch x 16.14inch
No. Elements
Object Type
©Ferdinando Scianna - Courtesy GAM - Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Torino - Proprietà della Fondazione per l'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea CRT
The Artist
"The sun, I always repeat, interests me because it creates shades; it is so dramatic that it dialectically produces its opposite." (Scianna, F., Il sole mi interessa perché fa ombra, in Ferdinando Scianna. Fotografie 1963-2006. Lucca: Fondazione Raggianti, 2006). One of the photos by Ferdinando Scianna acquired for the CRT Collection is Sant'Elia, 1980, shot in the shade of an open interior, looking through the shutters, against the luminosity of the sea. Unlike the water, lit up by the reflection and sprinkled with touches of white light, the sky is permeated, substantiated by the sun. Focusing on it the light becomes black in our blinded glance, in the same way that the Sant'Elia sky is so luminously dazzling that it becomes leaden. [...]
GAM – Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Torino
Via Magenta, 31
10128 Torino


text:
Texas blues legend Johnny Winter has died, ending a long and expansive career that included working alongside bluesman Muddy Waters and playing at the Woodstock festival. Winter, who was 70, had been set to release a new album this fall.
Winter's death was confirmed by his publicist, who issued a statement saying, "His wife, family and bandmates are all saddened by the loss of one of the world's finest guitarists."
Winter reportedly died in his hotel room in Zurich, Switzerland. A cause of death has not been provided. He had maintained a busy touring schedule, with dates in the U.S., Canada, South America and Europe scheduled for a four-month tour that was to begin this month.
As a guitarist, Winter was adept at both finger-picking blues grooves and rock-star pyrotechnics, building on the talents that had marked both him and his younger brother Edgar as musicians early in their lives — they formed their first band when Johnny was 15.
Both brothers were born with albinism, and as adults, they grew their white hair long, making them a striking presence on stage.
Winter emerged on the national scene in 1968 after being featured in a Rolling Stone article. That same year, he released his first album, The Progressive Blues Experiment. One year later, he released his self-titled album, and then a follow-up called Second Winter.
The songs on those albums were a mix of originals and standards — but they were all defined by the liquid speed Winter was able to pour out of his guitar.
In the rankings of the all-time greatest guitarists, Winter was named No. 67 by a Guitar World reader poll, and No. 63 by Rolling Stone.
His website calls Winter "the clear link between British blues-rock and American Southern rock (a la the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd)."
Winter has said he benefited from being exposed to many styles of music as a kid, particularly the blues music he would hear in clubs in his native Beaumont, Texas. And it seems that even in the racially charged era of the 1950s and 60s, the albino kid was seen as just another person who loved the blues.
"Nothing ever happened to me," Winter said on his website. "I went to black clubs all the time, and nobody ever bothered me. I always felt welcome."
"Not many white people in Beaumont cared about the blues," he told NPR's Scott Simon in 2011. "I just liked the emotion and the feeling in the music. It was the most emotional music I'd ever heard."
A longtime fan of Muddy Waters, Winter produced and played guitar on Waters' Grammy-winning album Hard Again in 1977, along with three other Grammy-nominated records. The two met when Winter was around 17 — after the teenager bugged the bluesman to let him play with him on stage.
"He gave me his guitar and let me play," Winter said. "I got a standing ovation, and he took his guitar back."
Of Winter, Waters once said, "That guy up there onstage — I got to see him up close. He plays eight notes to my one!"
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


text:
RELEASE: Strengthening Community Forest Rights is Critical Tool to Fight Climate Change, Says Major New Report
Read this press release in Spanish
Community forests around the world hold 37.7 billion tonnes of carbon
Editor's note: The full report, executive summary brochure and high-resolution infographics are available to download here.
WASHINGTON (July 24, 2014)—Strengthening community forest rights is an essential strategy to reduce billions of tonnes of carbon emissions, making it an effective way for governments to meet climate goals, safeguard forests and protect the livelihoods of their citizens, according to a major new report. The report, called "Securing Rights, Combating Climate Change: How Strengthening Community Forest Rights Mitigates Climate Change," is being published jointly by World Resources Institute (WRI) and Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI). The paper provides the most comprehensive analysis to date linking legal recognition and government protection of community forest rights with reductions in carbon pollution.
"This golden opportunity to address climate change is staring us right in the face. With at least 37 billion tonnes of carbon safely stored in community forests around the world, strengthening community rights is good for the climate and good for people," said Dr. Andrew Steer, President & CEO, WRI. "Every head of government, minister and climate negotiator should pay attention to this important, if often overlooked strategy to address climate change. It's an approach to climate action that should be right up there with REDD+ or increasing energy efficiency."
The report finds that rural communities and indigenous peoples across the world have government-recognized rights to forests containing 37.7 billion tonnes of carbon—equivalent to 29 times the annual emissions from all passenger vehicles in the world. In total, deforestation and other land uses represents 11 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Using new high-resolution mapping data, the authors analyzed 14 heavily-forested countries, including Brazil, Indonesia and Colombia and found that when governments enhanced and enforced forest rights, communities were more successful at stopping loggers, extractive companies, and settlers from illegally destroying the forests and releasing carbon pollution into the atmosphere.
In Brazil alone, the report finds, strong legal rights could contribute to preventing 27.2 million hectares of deforestation by 2050, translating to 12 billion tonnes of avoided carbon dioxide emissions—the same as about three years' worth of carbon dioxide emissions from all Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Indeed, the study reveals that deforestation rates inside community forests are dramatically lower than in forests outside those areas. For example:
- In a part of the Mexican Yucatán, it is 350 times lower;
- In the Guatemalan Petén, it is 20 times lower;
- In the Brazilian Amazon, it is 11 times lower; and
- In the Bolivian Amazon, it is 6 times lower.
"No one has a stronger interest in the health of forests than the communities that depend on them for their livelihoods and culture," said Andy White, Coordinator of RRI. "Research has shown time and time again that clear and secure property rights for indigenous peoples and local communities have greatly boosted the capacity of countries to achieve national-level forest protection and restoration. It's tragic that this has not yet been fully adopted as a central climate change mitigation strategy. For us to get serious about curbing climate change, we have to get serious about respecting the rights of local communities to the lands they live and depend on."
The analysis finds that governments can implement five key recommendations to maximize the climate mitigation potential from community forests:
- Provide communities with legal recognition of rights to their forest;
- Enforce community forest rights such as mapping boundaries and expelling trespassers;
- Provide technical assistance and training to forest communities to improve sustainable forest use and market access;
- Engage forest communities in decision-making on investments affecting their forest; and
- Compensate communities for the climate and other benefits provided by their forest.
"The bottom line is clear: Strengthening community forest rights is a critical policy approach to mitigate global climate change through reduced deforestation and carbon sequestration," said Jennifer Morgan, Director, Climate and Energy Program, WRI. "When it comes to tackling climate change, land rights must be on the list of tools we use."
The report notes that some countries have made significant progress in recognizing the rights of local communities and some REDD+ initiatives are beginning to support this trend. But in addition to pointing to countries that have enjoyed the climate benefits from enforcing community forest rights, the report offers a cautionary note to governments that undermine those rights. Indonesia, for example, the world's second largest emitter of carbon pollution from deforestation and other land uses, legally recognizes only one of approximately 42 million hectares of forests held by communities. Stronger community forest rights could stem the tide of the country's rampant forest loss, mostly due to palm oil expansion.
"REDD+ was established because it is well known that deforestation is a significant part of the climate change problem. What is not as widely understood is how effective forest communities are at protecting their forest from deforestation and increasing forest health. This is why REDD+ must be accompanied by community safeguards," said Tony LaVina, lead forest and climate negotiator for the Philippines and Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, Ateneo de Manila University. "Securing Rights, Combating Climate Change is an important work that connects the dots by showing that strengthening community forest rights needs to be part of a broader climate change solution." Access the full report and other materials here.
COP20 President, Private Sector Rep React to Release of Securing Rights, Combating Climate Change
In response to this report's release, private sector representatives and government officials released the following statements:
Peru's environment minister and COP20 president Manuel Pulgar-Vidal:
"The climate negotiations in Lima later this year offer a key opportunity to make progress on real solutions for curbing carbon emissions from deforestation. The report 'Securing Rights, Combating Climate Change' highlights that an important element to support our objective to reduce deforestation, is to strengthen governance issues, including strengthening community forest rights, so that forest communities can withstand diverse pressures. The Peruvian Ministry of Environment as part of its objectives to support forest conservation, instituted a program that aims to strengthen the rights of forest communities and grant benefits for sustainably managing their forests. While there are many factors involved in deforestation, strengthening the rights of forest communities is simply the smart choice for the future of our people, our forests and our climate."
Robert ter Kuile, Senior Director Sustainability, PepsiCo, Inc:
"Securing Rights, Combating Climate Change demonstrates that PepsiCo's commitment to respect the legitimate land tenure rights of indigenous peoples and other community members directly affected by forestry operations is not only good for businesses and communities; it is also good for combating climate change and reducing deforestation."
World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization that spans more than 50 countries, with offices in the United States, China, India, Brazil, and more. Our more than 450 experts and staff work closely with leaders to turn big ideas into action to sustain our natural resources—the foundation of economic opportunity and human well-being. www.wri.org
Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) is a global coalition of 14 Partners and over 140 international, regional and community organizations advancing forest tenure, policy and market reforms. RRI leverages the strategic collaboration and investment of its Partners and Collaborators around the world by working together on research, advocacy, and convening strategic actors to catalyze change on the ground. RRI is coordinated by the Rights and Resources Group, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC. www.rightsandresources.org


text:
"The arrest of Jean-Claude Duvalier is a positive step but it is not enough to charge him only with corruption. If true justice is to be done in Haiti, the Haitian authorities need to open a criminal investigation into Duvalier's responsibility for the multitude of human rights abuses that were committed under his rule including torture, arbitrary detentions, rape, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions."
Former Haitian president, Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier, returned suddenly to Haiti this past weekend after living in exile for nearly 25 years in France. We are calling on Haiti to use this opportunity to bring Duvalier to justice for human rights abuses committed during his regime in the 1970s and 80s.
The widespread and systematic human rights violations committed in Haiti during Duvalier's rule amount to crimes against humanity. Haiti is under the obligation to prosecute him and anyone else responsible for such crimes.
Duvalier returned to Haiti expectantly on January 16th. He fled Haiti in 1986 after a popular uprising which was violently repressed by the former Haitian Armed Forces and a local militia known as the "tonton macoutes".
Throughout his 15 years in power (1971-1986) systematic torture and other ill-treatment were widespread across Haiti.
Hundreds of people "disappeared" or were executed. Members of Haiti's armed forces and the militia National Security Volunteers – also known as the "tonton macoutes" — played a primary role in repressing pro-democracy and human rights activists. The "tonton macoutes" were disbanded in 1986 after Jean-Claude Duvalier went into exile.
Media reports today have indicated that Duvalier will be questioned by Haitian police. We'll be monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
The Haitian authorities must break the cycle of impunity that prevailed for decades in Haiti. Failing to bring to justice those responsible will only lead to further human rights abuses.


text:
Mount & Blade (58h) - Played through a fair bit of the main campaign, but Greig's description of "The Eagle and the Wolves" mod had me chomping at the bit to create my own kingdom. Started an AAR for the journey called Tales of Ymira. Need to get back to the story though, I'm almost 2 months ahead. Had an interesting idea to take screenshots and run them through GIMP to get a pencil-drawn look. Ymira is going to be the historian and artist of our clan.
Trackmania Nations Forever (10h) - Cameron now has over 40 tracks created between both computers. I've been roped into testing the and offering some encouragement and guidance, along with racing a fair bit on the Real F1 Racing server.
Elven Legacy (5h) - Ben picked up on a couple of things I'd missed in this game, so I fired it up again to push through the bonus missions that had held me up.
Team Fortress (3h) - Test of the new spy and sniper patches.
World of Goo (2h) - Picked my way through to the end of level 3 to get more goo balls for the tower. Been working on a tower design on paper that combines all the single-strand joiners into on middle spoke so that you can take it out and release all the non-double-linked goobers. Didn't get too high on the practical implementation though.
World Series of Poker (1h) - Another championship round done. Keeps crashing.
Osmos (1h) - Demo for an interesting game offf GWJ


text:
Ornamental High Security Fences
Without sacrificing the beneficial rich look of iron fencing, our high security ornamental offers the ultimate in force protection. Whether you are looking for an anti-climb curved ornamental fence or decorative iron fence with cable reinforcement, Hercules Fence is a leader within this specialized field of fencing. Similar to our other ornamental fences, high security ornamental offers a "powder coated" finish for maintenance free beauty, with the ultimate security built within the fence system.


text:
Focus On:
What is IPY
Popular Tags
IPY Search
Displaying items by tag: Educators
Thursday, 23 July 2009 10:36
IPY in Brazil
IPY Poster for Education Conference in Brazil
We know that many partners represent IPY in events around the world. Our partner, Miriam Almeida, produced an informative poster for an education conference in Brazil. Even if you don't read Portuguese, you will get a sense of the activities and energy and you can enjoy the pictures. Download the poster, below.
Published in IPY Blogs
Monday, 29 June 2009 13:56
IPY Polar Field School- June 25th
This day was focussed on the human dimension of the Arctic, and how climate change will impact the indigenous communities across the Arctic region. After an introductory lecture by Lars Kullerud (President of the University of the Arctic), we had lectures from Jennifer West (CICERO, University of Oslo) on 'Arctic peoples in a changing climate', introducing the IPY CAVIAR project, which aims to understand how Arctic communities are vulnerable to climate change and the best strategies for adaptation. After a break to watch the (only) epic Norwegian movie 'Flaaklypa Grand Prix', we then had lectures and a long discussion on the effects of changes in climate on reindeer herding in the Arctic region with Anders Oskal (Director of the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry) and Anne...
Published in IPY Blogs
Monday, 29 June 2009 13:51
IPY Polar Field School- June 24th
The day began with an introduction to the projects we are going to be working on for the rest of our time in Svalbard, ranging from oceanography to permafrost and biology. After a lecture on Arctic predators and their use as indicators of the state of tundra ecosystems by Nigel Yoccoz (University of Tromso), we had our first group meetings for our projects, taking a first look at the data and literature for our respective assignments. The final lecture of the day was a fascinating talk on auroras by Kjellmar Oksavik (UNIS), discussing their formation and the possible link between solar activity and climatic cycles in the Arctic. Since the catering staff at UNIS forgot to provide us with dinner, some of us needed a traditional Norwegian snack, the icecream sandwich, before heading up to Hus...
Published in IPY Blogs
Monday, 22 June 2009 10:18
HIking with the IPY Polar Field School- June 22nd
Hiking Today was our first and only free day and it came as a welcome break from lectures. The group consensus was for some exercise along the mountains surrounding Longyearbyen. We assembled early, much to some peoples despair, and began our climb up the sloppy muddy ridge at the south end of the beach end of town. The track turned to loose rock and then we were soon in snow. The weather was grey and we ascended into the cold cloud eventually coming out into clear skies. The jackets went away and the shades and sunglasses came out. 'Waterproof' shoes proved otherwise. Hiking in snow was a brand new experience for at least one member of the group and a bit out of the ordinary for a number of us. We summated mt Trollsteinen (~850m), took in the fantastic view of the Svalbar...
Published in IPY Blogs
Sunday, 21 June 2009 10:12
IPY Polar Field School- June 21st
We were a little worse for wear following the midsummer party at the beach the previous night but managed attentiveness throughout the days lectures. Mostly. We studied the arctic marine ecosystem, zooplankton, the arctic cod and the polar bear. I have studied very little biology previously and felt I gained a lot from this introduction. I particularly enjoyed the polar bear lecture given by Jon Aars as he spoke with practical experience about the study of these fantastic animals in the wild with particular emphasis on the Svalbard population. The marine biology talks were also interesting and I look forward to the lessons being reinforced in the field next week. However, by the days end the brain had reached saturation. ...
Published in IPY Blogs
Tuesday, 23 June 2009 12:42
IPY Polar Field School- June 23rd
It was a long and full day in the fresh air of Svalbard. Our day began with a bit of a glitch as the cruise ship came in early blocking our marine research boat from leaving the docking area. Plans were altered and we all started out the day with a stunning 10 km ride west of Longyearbyen along the fjord to Bjorndalen. In Bjorndalen we were shuttled by zodiac boat along the water to bypass a river, and arrived at out terrestrial study site. Birds seen before the field work even began included: arctic skua, black-legged kittiwake, arctic turns, black guillemots, northern fulmars, Brunnich's guillemots, common eiders , a king eider, and hundreds of little auks. A pretty impressive selection of arctic birds! During the morning and into the early afternoon we hiked up the sl...
Published in IPY Blogs
Saturday, 20 June 2009 12:37
IPY Polar Field School- June 20th
20.06.09 Midtsommerfest Because of the Friday gathering the day before, some of us had a hard time getting up this day, but in the end we all made it to the university on time. It was the first biology day, and the focus of the lectures was the challenges that come with living in an arctic environment, especially at sub zero temperatures. The lectures were awesome, so we had no problems staying awake through a long day (maybe not everyone will share our (biological) opinion on the lectures). After lunch we headed out in the hills close to Sukkertoppen to look at some representatives of the beautiful flora of Svalbard. Some of us got really wet from the melting snow (leading to some -barefooted students), but it was obviously worth it - the flowers were great. We fini...
Published in IPY Blogs
Thursday, 18 June 2009 12:34
IPY Polar Field School- June 18th
Thursday, 18 June We woke up to a beautiful, sunny and warm day. The day started with a lecture about Permafrost with Hanne H. Christiansen. As 60% of Svalbard is covered by glaciers and the rest is periglacial environments, permafrost and the forms developed there is an important part of the science of Svalbard. The next lecture was about avalanches on which we did some fieldwork yesterday. The lecturer was Markus Eckerstorfer. Since avalanches are common on Svalbard a lot of research is provided on this field. After lunch we headed out to the field, in Adventsdalen. This was our first big excursion outside Longyearbyen and we had to carry rifles and signal pistols, which made it a little more serious. In Adventsdalen we measured the depth of the thawed layer on over 120 preset loc...
Published in IPY Blogs
Friday, 19 June 2009 12:19
IPY Polar Field School- June 19th
Friday 19th of June The day began at 9:15am with lectures on oceanography. The first was with Helen Johnson from Oxford University who gave us an overview of oceanographic principles. She gave us a few ideas about possible future scenarios depending on climate change impacts on thermohaline circulation. She focused on the importance of high latitude circulation, especially the region near Svalbard. This is where warm Atlantic Ocean currents flow into the Arctic Ocean. She is working on an IPY project called Arctic/Subarctic Ocean Fluxes (ASOF). The project is attempting to quantify the flux of freshwater output through the Nares Strait which is located between Greenland and Ellesmere Island. The next lecture was given by Yngve Kristofferson from the University of Bergen. He ...
Published in IPY Blogs
Wednesday, 17 June 2009 08:39
IPY Polar field school - A little sun, snow and sweat
The third day of the IPY field school kicked off with another brisk stroll down to UNIS. Weather conditions were much clearer and warmer; the sun even popped its head out every now and again to see how the IPY students were getting along. The first lecture of the day was given by Prof. Hanne Christiansen, giving a thorough background on the Geology of Svalbard. Following Prof. Hanne Christiansen was a series of lectures given by PhD student Monica Sund covering glaciology and in particular the amazing glaciers covering the Svalbard landscape. It is very interesting to learn of the vast historical record that the geology of the region contains and the picturesque landscape made the task even better. Following the lectures and a brief lunch, the students met up at Nybyen for the geomo...
Published in IPY Blogs


text:
Video Length:
Post match player comment.
Match day commentary with Steve Hunter.
Emile Heskey breaks the deadlock for the Reds with his first Liverpool goal since the end of August, heading home Danny Murphy's perfect free-kick delivery from the left.
The manager's post match press conference at Anfield.
Pre-match press conference at the Melwood training ground.
Liverpool extended their EPL lead to two points with a game in hand after a hard fought victory thanks to Heskey's first goal in 17 matches. The goal wasn't the only talking point of the day, as Hamann was sent off.


text:
Submitted by admin on
Black Leatherette
Leatherette is a vinyl based material with the characteristics of leather. This fabric is very durable and is resistant to moisture. Our leatherette seat covers are easy to clean with an all purpose cleaner or damp cloth. They give you the luxurious look, while still providing comfort and protection.
Note: Swatches may appear lighter or darker depending on your monitors settings.


text:
(Unearthly #1)
by Cynthia Hand
Publication Date: January 4th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 435
Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading Unearthly. The book has gotten pretty rave reviews, and I had wanted to read it for a really long time. Well, I'm super glad I finally gave the book a shot! Definitely an awesome read.
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.(Goodreads)
The main character in the story is Clara Gardner. Clara has just recently discovered that she is part angel, and that she has a 'purpose' in her life that she has to fulfill. She has no idea what this purpose is, but she does have visions about it, which helps her figure what the future holds for her.
I thought Clara was a very likeable character. I definitely enjoyed watching her grow throughout the book. I have to say, she was a lot different than I expected her to be. I liked that she turned into such a strong young woman.
There is a love triangle in the story, consisting between two boys, Christian and Tucker. Christian is the perfect boy, and I had a hard time not liking him, but I didn't exactly love him. Tucker, on the other hand, was definitely swoon-worthy. I love the relationship between him and Clara, it is definitely intense. However, I really want to know more about Christian, and I am really looking forward to seeing what the relationship between he and Clara will be like in the next book.
The secondary characters were well written. I really enjoyed Clara's best friends, Angela and Wendy. I do wish that Clara's mom had been a little less secretive about everything, but that just adds on the suspense for the rest of the series.
The storyline in this book is very well paced, and it thoroughly held my attention. I also thought the settings were very well described. I could see the scenery perfectly in my head as I read along with the descriptions.
Overall, I found Unearthly to be an absolutely fantastic novel by this debut author. I am dying to get started on the next book in the series, Hallowed, and am hoping to get started on it soon!
Happy Reading!


text:
Do yourself a favor and forget everything that happened in the first half of the season. As we've seen from the past two weeks, not every team is going to bow out of the season quietly. The Chiefs, 49ers and Seahawks might surprise a few top contenders before they put a nail in the 2008 season's coffin, and the Broncos aren't ready to fade out.
Denver's still got it
The 'Welcome Back' cards are in the mail to Denver for Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler and Eddie Royal this week. It appears the potent Denver fantasy offense isn't quite dead.
As long as the Broncos pass the ball effectively, opposing teams will be forced to pass instead of wasting time running the ball. Maybe it won't matter that the Broncos couldn't stop a light breeze for less than five rushing yards.
Unfortunately, the 'Welcome Back' cards are probably going to be slowed by all the 'Get Well Soon' cards I also sent to Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, Ryan Torain and Selvin Young. Peyton Hillis is now the last man standing in Denver — except for that Tatum Bell character. Watch you luggage, Selvin!
Peyton Hillis is a threat as a receiver and a decent pass blocker, and I see him handling the do-everything back role well for the Broncos. If they keep with what we saw Thursday night, the Broncos might use him mostly as a pass blocker and outlet pass.
Selvin Young would obviously take over if his hamstring was healthy, but at the rate he's going, that it might be playoffs before we see the former Longhorn take the field again.
If the Broncos want to make a run at the playoffs, they'll need a running game. For now, I'll settle for Cutler throwing for 500+ yards every game. I mean, I do have him on a roster or two.
49ers pantsed again
The 49ers, notorious for turning over the ball with JTO under center, turned the ball over just three times in Monday night's showdown. Shaun Hill threw two interceptions and had one botched snap taken out by a bumbling guard.
Minimizing turnovers against a defense that is fierce at home, especially in this close showdown, is a good sign for the Shaun Hill era (and the Singletary era).
San Francisco is going to be competitive down the stretch with Shaun Hill, Josh Morgan and Frank Gore, so don't blindly start your defense against them without reevaluating how they measure up.
This little Thiggy went to market
It looks like all that the Chiefs needed was Tyler Thigpen and Mark Bradley to save their season. There's two names we never though we would need to know at the beginning of the season.
Here in the middle of the season, the Chiefs the chance to become a fantasy savior with Tyler Thigpen, Tony Gonzalez, Dwayne Bowe and Mark Bradley all worthy of starts, they could be as productive as the Houston Texans fantasy players were prior to the Matt Schaub injury.
The Chiefs have plenty of potential shootouts and pushovers left on the schedule with the Saints, Broncos, Chargers and Raiders still to come.
If Larry Johnson keeps his hands off the ladies and returns to this team, he might actually be effective. The passing game is just dangerous enough to keep defenses honest.
For once, Johnson wouldn't be the main target of opposing defenses, but he will still be a major target for opposing lawsuits.
Seattle a light at the end of the tunnel
Wipe the slate clean for Seattle if Matt Hasselbeck comes back under center at 100 percent. At the beginning of the season, we had Hasselbeck minus his best receivers, then we had a banged up Hasselbeck with a few of his receivers and now, in Week 11, we might finally see a healthy Hasselbeck with his best weapons, Deion Branch and Bobby Engram, on the field.
A nice day against the division-leading Cardinals might be the perfect time for the Seahawks to remind them why they haven't seen the playoffs in a long while. At least, it might be…
Tight end zones are so hot right now
So Todd Heap (of crap) is NOT dead. Heap recorded two touchdowns and 58 yards against the Texans in a trampling just like his tight end brethren, Tony Gonzalez and Kellen Winslow. Kevin Boss should have had two touchdowns if he could hold onto the ball.
Needless to say, it was a good week for tight ends — Bo Scaife and Dustin Keller agree.
While Tony, Kellen and Boss are the real thing, I'm not anointing Todd Heap just yet, even with Derrick Mason looking to miss time with a dislocated shoulder. Heap's two touchdowns were late in the fourth quarter, and his name is just too good for nicknaming purposes.
In Thomas Jones We Trust
Okay, okay, if you held onto Thomas Jones through his suckfest, you've been mopping with him in the last five weeks. That's all great, and I'm happy for you and your trash talking.
But…because I know you wanted a butt here…you have to think that Brett Favre's going to get back in it eventually. Perhaps against a questionable Patriots secondary? Or a weak secondary like the 49ers, the injured Bills or the pathetic Seahawks? (Watch out! That's fantasy playoffs.)
Tennessee and Baltimore are football teams
I thought they were just a track team, but on Sunday, the Titans showed they can pass the ball as well. I guess I finally have to respect Kerry Collins — just like every other NFL team.
To congratulate you on proving your worth, your bottle of scotch is in the mail, Collins. Enjoy it on me. It might be a good way to celebrate the end of the season because this Titans team, even with the appearance of a passing game, is likely to not survive the playoffs.
The Ravens proved they were a complete team on Sunday by mopping the floor with the Texans on both offense and defense and collecting a safety and four interceptions. It was a Sage-like performance typical of what we have seen of the Texans' backup quarterback this season.
Is Flacco the Roethlisberger equivalent for Baltimore to make it to the Super Bowl this year? I doubt it. The Ravens could easily still finish the season 8-8 with very few guaranteed wins in the final half of their schedule.
Besides, the Ravens have become the new Broncos with their running back carousel. As a fantasy footballer, I must frown upon that.
Can we use the ball machine?
Unfortunately, due to league rules and the inability to find a properly fitting jersey — Shaun Rogers and LenDale White special order — the Lions are not going to be able to start a ball machine at quarterback in Week 11.
Calvin Johnson was the most upset as he enters into the toughest part of the Lions' schedule with little hope of making big plays.
Parting one-offs
Brian Westbrook is fine.
Jake Delhomme is fine.
Steve Slaton is fine.
Aaron Rodgers is mostly fine.
Jessica Biel is mighty fine.
LaDainian Tomlinson is questionable.
Marc Bulger is trying to remember the question. Trent Green is no help.
Willie Parker is NOT fine.
And JaMarcus Russell is hopeless.
Dear Andy Reid, does the game move slower in your head, or do you just make it seem that way? What's with that Philly clock management? It's not like I could have used a Westbrook touchdown or anything…


text:
The Nikon D750 has just been released, so I headed to the Falmouth Car Show on Cape Cod for some hands-on time to test it out, as I researched and worked on my guide to the camera, Nikon D750 Experience.
Nobska Lighthouse on Cape Cod – Woods Hole, Falmouth, Mass.
The camera performed great, and was used here with the 24-120mm f/4G lens. The handling and feel is similar to previous cameras such as the D610 and D7100, the autofocusing is quick and precise, and the Matrix Metering Mode did a great job in a wide variety of lighting and color conditions, as you can see below. The images below are all JPEG images, straight from the camera, with Auto1 WB, Standard Picture Control, and I don't believe that Exposure Compensation was even used on any of these images. (The above image was processed.) While they could still use a little post processing tweaking, you can inspect the larger versions of these images in this Flickr Set:
I'll let the other sites discuss the image quality, sharpness, and noise of the D750 sensor, and instead share some user-oriented thoughts about the camera, along with some of my favorite images from the trip.
1966 Ford Mustang GT Fastback – Falmouth, Mass., Cape Cod.
I made use of both the Viewfinder Grid and the Viewfinder Level (assign the Fn Button to the Level option) to help keep the compositions straight and level – though you can't use both at once. I mostly worked in Aperture Priority Mode, typically with the aperture set at f/4 for dramatic depth of field. I assigned the Movie Record button to ISO so that I could more easily change it on the fly while shooting, even keeping the camera to my eye as my finger located the proper button. Although there is an ISO Button on the rear of the camera, I find it quicker and easier to use a top button near the Shutter Button for this.
1962 Chevrolet Corvette in Honduras Maroon – Falmouth, Mass., Cape Cod.
I pulled out the articulating Monitor for a few overhead shots (not shown here). While some have said its framework seems sturdy and durable, it feels a bit delicate to me. The extended screen certainly wouldn't survive an accidental drop, and the exposed ribbon cable seems like trouble in the making. Though if you are just using the movable screen while working on a tripod or carefully shooting, it should work and hold up just fine.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, Split-Window Fastback. (Notice the split-window shadow in the back of the car) – Falmouth, Mass., Cape Cod.
The Command Dials have a nice rubber texture to them, which is much more comfortable for extended use than other lower-end cameras with dials of a harder material. All the controls are pretty standard Nikon controls for the current models, and are easy to locate and use. The D750 has the handy i Button, and a new Information Display screen which works a bit differently than other current Nikon models. The i Button calls up the i Button menu during Viewfinder shooting (and Live View shooting), rather than directly changing the settings along the bottom of the screen. This is a handy way to change settings such as Image Area, Picture Control, button assignments, and Noise Reduction.
1958 Chevrolet Impala – Falmouth, Mass., Cape Cod.
And when you press the Info Button to show the Information Display, you can directly change many of the camera settings as your view them on the screen. Rather than simply seeing an icon on the Information Display as you do with other Nikon models, the screen now says what the option is, and which dial to turn to change which setting. This is much more helpful than simply having to remember what dial to turn, or having to go with trial-and-error every time. For example, if you press the Info Button to illuminate the display, then press the AF-Mode button (located near the base of the lens), the screen will indicate that you turn the front Sub-Command Dial to change the AF-Area Mode, and the rear Main Dial to change the Focus Mode. A similar helpful screen appears for the other button settings such as WB, ISO, QUAL, Metering Mode, Flash, and BKT.
1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350 Fastback – Falmouth, Mass., Cape Cod.
It is disappointing that Nikon did not include the AF-ON Button on the rear of the camera, which is used for autofocusing and back-button focusing on other models. You can still set up the AE-L/AF-L Button to be used to lock focus with or without also locking exposure, or you can set it up to perform AF-ON back-button focusing, it is not as versatile as other cameras because you don't have separate rear buttons for exposure lock and focus lock.
As far as setting up all the the Menu and Custom Settings of the Nikon D750, I have created a comprehensive D750 Setup Guide Spreadsheet, with suggested settings for various shooting situations such as Travel, Landscape, Concert, etc. You can learn about and download the free Setup Guide Spreadsheet here:
1941 Oldsmobile – Falmouth, Mass., Cape Cod.
If you are considering purchasing a Nikon D750, or any lenses or accessories, please consider using my Amazon or B and H Affiliate Links, found on the left side of the page. And if you like this post and this blog, be sure to share it on forums or social media – thanks!
Learn how to take control of your D750 and the images you create, with my guide Nikon D750 Experience.
1957 Dodge Custom Royal – Falmouth, Mass., Cape Cod.