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When it comes to the affair of crisis management, there is a articulate adage fabricated accepted by JFK and acclimated by a host of others that affirmation that the Chinese accent defines a crisis with two besom strokes. One besom achievement was said to represent Danger and the added Opportunity. If you in actuality anticipate about it, the aggregate of two such assorted words would arise to be absolutely appropriate.
Granted, if in the bosom of a accumulated crisis event, no one in actuality stops to anticipate how advantageous they are. Every alignment at some point in its actuality will acquaintance a abrogating accident or alternation of accompanying abrogating contest so austere that if not addressed proactively, calmly and with avant-garde thinking, it will accept the abeyant to destabilize the operations of the organization.
What is decidedly ambiguous is that according to contempo accumulated crisis administration surveys, about alone 51 percent of U.S. corporations acquire a crisis administration plan. Of that number, alone a third of those organizations accept bidding aplomb that their crisis diplomacy would in actuality plan in a accumulated crisis situation.
There exists little agnosticism that a ailing developed or accomplished accumulated crisis acknowledgment can betrayal the association to adverse consequences. The a lot of cogent of the potentially damaging furnishings cover the added accountability acknowledgment and analysis on the allotment of government authoritative agencies. In addition, a ailing accomplished crisis acknowledgment has the abeyant to could could cause all-encompassing accident to an organization's cardinal objectives and accumulated reputation.
In today's accumulated babyminding climate, there exists an added accent on accumulated boards and admiral as able-bodied as chief administration to accomplish their fiduciary responsibilities to agreement that their corporations accept in abode the adapted accumulated behavior and operating protocols that would be able if it comes to managing the diplomacy of the corporation.
Any association that is either extemporaneous or provides a beneath than able acknowledgment to a accumulated crisis could possibly access its accountability acknowledgment to a actor acquired action. This accountability acknowledgment can become abstract in the accident that a government regulator or prosecutor decides to yield an absorption in the litigation. Obviously, this would accept the aftereffect of compounding the organization's action demands. Also, accustomed the actuality that a Section 220 book and annal appeal provides a plaintiff's advocate or activist actor with a basic no bulk analytic option, a association can absolutely apprehend such a demand. The abeyant of such civilian action acknowledgment accentuates the actuality that accumulated admiral and chief administration charge to proactively appraise their organization's crisis administration procedures and training programs.
Best practices behest that a association conduct a proactive accumulated accident appraisal that will acquiesce the alignment with the agency to analyze abeyant accumulated vucrisis-management-1lnerabilities and beforehand the able crisis acknowledgment protocols specific to its organization's accident exposure. Yet, even if acquainted the abeyant severity of a accumulated crisis, there still abide several accepted misconceptions by abounding corporations and crisis training firms on what constitutes a accumulated crisis. One of the a lot of accustomed misconceptions put alternating by some crisis training organizations is the affirmation that a accumulated crisis can be prevented. No bulk of training or planning will anticipate a accumulated crisis from occurring. A accumulated crisis administration plan or training does not aim to anticipate a crisis, rather their purpose is to ensure that corporations are in a position to acknowledge in the best way possible.
The operational ambition of any appropriately drafted accumulated crisis acknowledgment plan is to accommodate the alignment with applicable and adjustable procedures that in the accident of a accumulated crisis, will adapt the association to acknowledge in the best accessible manner. A accumulated crisis, if managed improperly, has the audible abeyant to beat an break accomplished or extemporaneous crisis acknowledgment team.
During a crisis event, if there exists ambiguity and abashing on the allotment of the accumulated acknowledgment team, the calamity and abeyant disruption of the crisis will alone escalate. Consequently, the absolute cold of an able proactive accumulated crisis acknowledgment plan has to be the adeptness of creating acclimation amidst the anarchy and preventing the aboriginal crisis from ascent or creating a new crisis.
Before any alignment can appropriately apparatus an able crisis acknowledgment plan, it needs to admit the altered differences amid a crisis acknowledgment plan, a business chain plan and assertive industry specific scenarios. While a accumulated crisis acknowledgment plan shares abounding of the aforementioned elements with the adapted appearance alleged for in business chain and industry specific planning, the focus of anniversary is different.
You can accept a crisis afterwards a disaster. A crisis can abide with NO concrete accident to accessories or technologies. You can accept a adversity afterwards a crisis. You can accept a accident to concrete accessories or technologies and NOT accept a crisis. Abounding organizations and crisis training firms abort to differentiate amid a crisis and any of the aggregation of abeyant disasters or abrogating occurrences that may action in their accustomed operations. An absolute accumulated crisis is an abrupt and extraordinary, low-probability, high-impact abrogating accident or alternation of accompanying abrogating contest with the abeyant that if not addressed properly, has the abeyant to destabilize an organization's operations. Consequently, the abeyant severity of a accumulated crisis accompanying with it getting an abrupt abrogating accident beforehand abounding to characterize a crisis as a Black Swan event.
Corporations that accomplish in arising counties or in top accident environments as able-bodied as those whose accustomed business operations backpack a top bulk of accountability acknowledgment always betrayal themselves to a assertive bulk of inherent operational accident that can access over time. Examples of these blazon of business operations cover cruise lines, abysmal water/arctic oil exploration, mining and the airline industry. While the abeyant adversity bulk aural these industries is almost exceptional there does abide a assertive bulk of inherent accident that low anticipation events, such as ample calibration ecology disasters or airline crashes can and do occur. There is no catechism that such disasters are adverse to the families complex and can yield a huge assessment on the corporation. They are accountable risks that are inherent to their business and appropriately accept to be addressed in the corporation's adversity planning.
Also, corporations tend to appointment a cogent bulk of potentially accessory disasters or problems in their accustomed operations. While these contest can be damaging to the organization, they usually do not accept the abeyant to destabilize the operations of the organization. These contest are neither abrupt nor extraordinary. However, abounding crisis administration firms assert on labeling these contest as accumulated crises.
How a association chooses to acknowledge to a accumulated crisis, has the abeyant to always ascertain the alignment in the eyes of its constituencies. Acquainted the actuality that an break addressed and managed accumulated crisis has the abeyant to destabilize an organization, no alignment can acquiesce to abide acknowledging if encountering a accumulated crisis. Furthermore, no alignment can acquiesce to acknowledge to a accumulated crisis bearings carefully from a defensive, chaotic accumulated position and apprehend to be successful. Not alone will organizations ache awkward and cher mistakes, admiral will end their careers with these organizations.
Dealing with a crisis accident that has the abeyant to destabilize an organization, requires a college akin of accommodation and training than what is adapted in a acceptable adversity response. The able administration of a accumulated crisis requires able training which in about-face provides the alignment with the adeptness to abate its accountability exposure. Unfortunately, rather than getting avant-garde and proactive, abounding of the accepted accumulated crisis training programs are acknowledging relying on a array of predefined check-the-box adversity specific scenarios. They adopt to beforehand the abstraction of academic command and ascendancy procedures rather than the beforehand of alone aggregation capability and leadership.
A crisis by its attributes of getting an abrupt and aberrant accident artlessly cannot be appropriately addressed with a absolute preformatted book specific acknowledgment plan. This blazon of training is generally bereft if the alignment is faced with any blazon of aberrant ample calibration amazing event. Since a crisis cannot accept a predefined book blazon plan to be effective, the architecture and focus of a able training affairs is different.
A accumulated crisis acknowledgment plan needs to be adjustable abundant to acquiesce for acclimation to alteration circumstances. Abounding organizations are brash to apply a blazon of assorted acknowledgment approach. Too generally these organizations are accomplished in utilizing a beeline individual band-aid acknowledgment scenario, breadth alone afterwards one book has bootless is accession acknowledgment tried. A corporation's crisis acknowledgment plan accept to abide adjustable abundant for acclimation to alteration circumstances. An organization's crisis plan can never be accepted to abode all specific risks. New risks may become added credible over time, against added risks may become a lower priority.
A association accept to admit the charge to beforehand an adapted framework for its crisis acknowledgment protocols by aboriginal evaluating and prioritizing their operational risk. The blackmail cast would be adapted to rank authoritative accident by utilizing assorted criteria. For example, assessing the anticipation and could could cause of a accumulated accident that could be confusing as able-bodied as its severity.
During the beforehand of the crisis, a association should apprehend that its crisis acknowledgment will be carefully advised and critiqued by its capital constituencies. These constituencies would cover its shareholders, creditors, regulators, barter and employees. All will be acquisitive for advice so as to beforehand or assure their own interests. Abounding times their interests will be at allowance with the interests of the organization. There is aswell the abeyant that one or added of the organization's capacity may attack to capitalize on the crisis for their own accession by initiating action alleging any array of absolute or absurd damages. At the aforementioned time they adeptness attack their own egoistic theories alleging that the alignment could accept responded to the crisis in a added adapted manner. Added claims could yield the anatomy of allegations that administration escalated the crisis in some manner, or that the association advisedly chose not to abundantly acknowledge the absolute accident or admeasurement of the crisis.
Consequently, it is capital that the alignment conduct an centralized analysis or analysis in acclimation to appropriately actuate if it faces any accountability acknowledgment and appraise its severity. The alignment in acclimation to abate its abeyant accountability acknowledgment needs to actuate whether or not any operational mistakes, apathy or errors in acumen may accept facilitated the crisis. Even if the crisis itself may not accountable the alignment to accountability exposure, a ailing accomplished acknowledgment on the allotment of the crisis acknowledgment aggregation might.
A corporation's centralized analysis provides the alignment with the agency of free the basal facts of the crisis, assure authentic statements to regulators and the media, as able-bodied as to analyze abeyant defenses and appraise any accessible third affair liability. In addition, the organization's abeyant accessible statements and accessible acknowledgment or action strategies may depend on whatever advice is developed. An inaccurate account or abnormal acknowledgment has the abeyant of precluding accessible acknowledged defenses.
Ignorance of the facts will not alone anesthetize the corporation, but has the achievability of banishment the association into authoritative inaccurate denials. It is bigger to apperceive the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY than not know. Crisis acknowledgment planning is a action not a project. Accept the actuality that some allotment of what you plan for today may change a few weeks from now and will abide to adulterate over time.
Corporate crisis acknowledgment training should not be advised to analysis the adeptness of the acknowledgment protocols themselves, but rather the adeptness to be proactive and avant-garde in a demanding environment. In a crisis bearings a association accept to accomplish the appropriate decisions and accept to accomplish them beneath difficult circumstances.
The associates of the amount crisis acknowledgment aggregation should be kept as baby as calmly possible. The above the team, the added difficult it will be to adeptness quick decisions in an able manner. Anniversary crisis aggregation affiliate accept to be a accommodation maker in their breadth of expertise. Also, the crisis acknowledgment aggregation accept to be composed of associates to whom the alignment is adequate giving complete assurance and the acumen to act afterwards administrator and administrator approval. Acknowledgment aggregation associates accept to acquire the adeptness to analyze the corporation's options and accomplish quick decisions beneath pressure. In addition, aggregation associates accept to aswell extend above the corporation's admiral and chief admiral and may cover adeptness from alfresco the organization.


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cruisedirect needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 324 designs submitted by 101 freelance designers.
We are launching a new travel meta search site, similar to kayak.com. We've already held a contest on 99designs for our results page template, now we'd like to do the same for the logo.
Like the rest of the site, we want the logo to be clean & simple! No muss, no fuss. . .just like our product. We are looking for a logo that is appropriate for a Web 2.0 site. It should convey a feeling of ease, but also one of modernity.
- It must match the design we chose for the results template:
It will be on a white background, so design with that in mind.
- Stay away from anything animated. Other than that, let your imagination run wild!
- NO SHIPS! also no portholes or steering wheels.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.

subset: commoncrawl


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Boys light wash jeans
Scuderia Ferrari Store Exclusive
These boys five-pocket jeans with slight stretch have a light wash that gives them a worn look.
These new Scuderia Ferrari jeans with an elastic waist, created with attention to every detail, have a straight cut with a regular fit. The red stitching highlights the front belt loops, the right pocket and the belt loop that marks the center of the jeans on the back. Other refined details include the Italian flag embroidered on the back pockets, with stitching in the shape of a shield, and the iconic yellow Shield featured on the front left pocket.
- Five pockets
- Washed effect
- Shield on the pocket
- Composition: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane
We offer both Standard and Express shipping: choose the service that best meets your needs at checkout.
We provide an easy return service: just ship your items back to us with a shipping service of your choice within 30 days of delivery.


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The Fred Hutch has finished recruitment for the Vitamin D, Diet, and Activity (ViDA).
The Vitamin D, Diet and Activity (ViDA) Study is being conducted to determine whether Vitamin D can help decrease breast cancer risk by reducing body fat or decreasing weight gain. We want to test whether vitamin D supplementation will affect weight loss achieved by diet, exercise, and/or other breast cancer risk factors in overweight and obese postmenopausal women. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has given funds to support this research.


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0871 230 0867
Calls cost 13p per minute plus your phone company's access charge
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The Harbour Wing Chair offers fantastic value and is designed with comfort and practicality in mind - with full-length side lips and scroll arms. Upholstered in an on-trend durable stripe fabric in multiple colour options to suit any decor.
Please click on the 'More Info…' link below to request a FREE fabric swatch.
H.93 x W.92 x D.87cm. Seat area W.59 x D.46cm. Seat height from floor 46cm.
We aim to deliver your order within 7 working days, providing that the items are in stock at our own warehouse, or by the time indicated if being despatched directly from our supplier.
It costs more to deliver some larger or more expensive items, so we make an extra delivery charge on those items. The amount of the charge is clearly stated on the product details page so you know exactly what the costs are when you order.
Sign in/Register to view more accurate delivery charges for your order.
*These services are only available in our courier areas and are subject to availability.
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For full details view our delivery policy.
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If for any reason you want to return an item, simply send it back in as new condition within 28 days of receipt. For full details please view our returns policy.
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Woohoo! It's finally here! So excited to participate in this rockin' blog hop! Hope you have fun wandering around the blogsphere and checking out everyone's blog. Best of all, enjoy all the PRIZES!
I have TWO PRIZES up for grabs. One random commenter will receive any digital book from my backlist they would like. The other prize is a copy of my EC ebook Reveal Me (or another ebook from my backlist if you already have it) and ALSO a copy of the next book in my Unveiled series, Provoke Me. Provoke Me hasn't been released yet and I'm not sure when it will be, but it should be sometime this year. So you'll get Reveal Me now and Provoke Me later, just as soon as I receive my digital author copies. Sound good?
All you have to do to win is leave a comment AND become a follower of the blog. One random winner for each prize. The winner will be announced sometime next week.
And before you go, here's an unedited excerpt of Provoke Me to get you hopping... WARNING: over 18 over please!


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LEED BD+C: New Construction v2 - LEED 2.2
P-060 Wounded Warrior Hope & Care Center
Check your score
The LEED process proved to be extremely valuable on the Wounded Warrior Campus project through enhanced coordination, increased overall quality, and creating a great sense of pride for the delivery of high-performance buildings that honor Wounded American heroes
Constructed in the second phase of the Wounded Warrior campus, the P-060 Wounded Warrior Hope & Care Center is a state-of-the-art rehabilitation clinic dedicated for injured marines and navy services members recovering from their tours overseas. Constructed as a stand-out landmark for the Wounded Warrior Campus on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, this 30,995 s.f. rehabilitation facility primarily consists of an advanced physical training area with a full gym, indoor therapy pool, a covered outdoor lap pool, climbing wall, and 1/8 mile track. The Hope and Care Center also includes classroom and training rooms, spaces for counseling, reconditioning and transitioning services, financial management, community orientation, training, and outreach programs, as well as central community areas including a family lounge, child play area, computer lounge and dining area for occupants and their families.
The overriding concept behind this phase of the Wounded Warrior campus was to incorporate a "user-oriented" design approach that provided maximum benefit to the occupants. To implement this concept, the design-build team focused on providing betterments to the project that directly contributed to improving the health of injured and wounded marines and sailors to assist with their goals of rehabilitation and transition back to active duty and society. This meant providing 100% ADA accessibility for all three buildings and the entire Wounded Warrior Campus, maximizing the quality of the indoor and outdoor environments, and delivering a long-lasting campus of versatile buildings suited for future development. In addition, the project team made it a priority to integrate sustainability into every aspect of the project pairing the concept of high-quality with high-performance. The P-060 Hope & Care Facility along with its sister buildings, the P-1005 Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) and the P-1100 Headquarters Building, achieved LEED Platinum Certification under New Construction v2.2.
Project details
- Size
- 29,378 sf
- Use
- Healthcare
- Setting
- Military Base
- Certified
- Mar 17, 2012


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It was over a year ago that I wrote one of the first V-Spot columns about how much K-Y personal lubricant sucked. This continues to be true, even if they did debut a commercial last month featuring a rather boring lesbian couple talking about how much they heart K-Y Intense.
Lesbians or no lesbians, K-Y key ingredients like glycerin, methylparabens and propylene-glycol trigger yeast infections, have been linked to breast cancer and are found in substances like anti-lock brake fluid.
Not only is my vagina not a car part, but legitimately progressive progress has been made in the sexy-slippery stuff department since we last discussed the wide, wet world of lube. These lube companies may not have millions of dollars to bring 30-second slots to your TV, but they do have the conscience to make entirely organic, vagina-friendly products.
Move over, Sliquid Sassy Booty Formula! Yes's (yesyesyes.org) certified organic, water-based lube has recently taken the cake as my new favorite lube. Well, Sliquid Sassy will always be my favorite booty-specific lube, but Yes is now dominating the rest of my body parts. Most commercial lubes (like stupid K-Y) are water-based, liquid lubes. I always preferred Sliquid Sassy over classic liquid lubes because it is a water-based gel, meaning that its consistency is thicker, cushioning, and doesn't get tacky. But then Yes came along and yes, yes, yes—it stays pillowy soft and sumptuously slick for so long! Even better, the first two ingredients are water and aloe, so I know my lady parts won't be requiring a visit to the mechanic afterwards.
Yes also makes an oil-based lube that's very different from water-based. While traditional oils like sunflower seed oil or coconut oil may be organic, they do not maintain the vagina's delicate pH-balance, and can spark infections. Yes's oil, however, is safely pH-neutral and comes out of the bottle as a non-messy cream that becomes a thin, slippery layer with your body heat.
Oil-based lubricants —Yes's included—are not latex-compatible. They will quickly break down condoms, gloves, dental dams and your favorite latex bodysuit. However, Yes oil-based can be perfect pampering for the post-menopausal as it contains hydrating ingredients like Shea butter, beeswax and vitamin E that soothe dry tissues, promote elasticity and moisturize.
Like broccoli hidden in the mac 'n' cheese for a stubborn child, Blossom Organics (blossom-organics.com) is the perfect all-natural lube for tricking your organic-phobic partner into using a non-commercial lube. Blossom Organics' texture is the most similar to the familiar feeling of Astroglide's ilk—it's thin, liquidy and comes in an unassuming white-and-purple tube so no one will ever be the wiser that it's also free of glycerin and methlyparabens and has a fancy-sounding first ingredient, "organic aloe barbadensis leaf extract."
Hathor Aphrodisia Pure (hathorbody.com) is super-slippery lube that toes the woo-woo, moon-worshiping line a little too much for me. Gold packaging emblazoned with a logo that implies sperm swimming toward a blossoming heart-shaped, vagina-esque image along with Hathor's boastfulness that it contains horny goat weed as a "natural aphrodisiac" is a little too Burning Man.
Does this lube make me a randy as a horned mountain animal? No. Does it make me—and keep me—wet? Yes. And organically. Made from seven botanical ingredients, Hathor's non-sticky slide has more than just the hippies hooked. If you're the type who likes to have your partner's body parts taste like sickeningly sweet ice cream toppings, Hathor also has a fully organic line of flavored lubes that are much better for you than the aspartame-infused, glycerin-packed flavored lubes you'll find at drugstores.
Good Clean Love (goodcleanlove.com) made the unfortunate mistake of putting lemon extract in its organic Almost Naked lube. If it lights a tiny paper cut on fire, why the hell would you put lemon on your precious dirty bits? My God, the burning! Fortunately, a recent reformulation now has this thick, soft, gel-based lube subtly smelling of vanilla and perfectly suited for anal play. But don't worry, Sliquid Sassy, you're still my favorite booty butter.


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Elizabeth Angrnaqquaq
Canadian, 1916–2003
Untitled, 1981
wool felt, embroidery floss, cotton thread on wool duffle
66.5 x 97 cm
Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery
Fabric-collage wall hangings have been a distinctive art form in the Kivalliq community of Baker Lake since the early 1970s. Materials were often obtained by visiting art advisors Jack and Sheila Butler. Angrnaqquaq was one of the first women to use sewing skills to make fabric pictures instead of clothing. Her work has been shown in many group exhibitions since 1976, and she has had three solo exhibitions. Her style is distinctive as she uses the herringbone stitch almost exclusively. The stitches are adjusted to convey the varying textures of fur, feathers, moving water, and Arctic plants. In the WAG work the figures, as well as the spaces between them, are covered with stitches. Combined with a palette of lush colours, Angrnaqquaq's landscapes vibrate with energy.
Gallery Hours
- Tuesday 11am-5pm
- Wednesday 11am-5pm
- Thursday 11am-5pm
- Friday 11am-9pm
- Saturday 11am-5pm
- Sunday 11am-5pm
- Closed Monday


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Glitch – Suicide Girl of the Day
Meet Glitch, a Canadian Suicide Girl who digs zombies, horror figures and robots and says she spends most of her free time cuddling kitties.
Name: Glitch
Age: 30
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Into: Zombies, freaks, glasses, girls, art, fans, purring, aromatherapy, painting, fruit, anime, geekiness, corsets, vampires, bicycles, different perspectives, makeup, vintage horror, fantasy mind expansion, suspenders, philosophy, lip balm, scarves, cyber culture, long socks, fetishism, tattoos, belts, anarchism, traveling, pin-ups, nature, baths, cult flicks, comics, photography, erotic art, hair dye, dancing sewing, flowers, vegan cooking, nail polish, creativity, herbs, robots, altered states, dreaming, burlesque, body painting, airbrushing, calligraphy, history, black & white cartoons, lingerie, bubble tea, tofu, beaches, pale skin, supporting local business, horror figures, Styrofoam heads, owls, kissing, cute hairstyles, animals, almond milk, lotions and potions, feminism, diversity, sci-fi, mannequin body parts, flea markets, books, different perspectives, conspiracy theories, history, awkwardness, bitter comedians, atheism, questions, history, yard sales, podcasts, videogames, going to shows, making out, equal rights, dark chocolate, revolution, natural products, community and culture, science, thought patterns, dolls, raw food.
Not into: Conservatives, racism, misogyny, fake breasts, war, animal cruelty, materialism, people afraid to be themselves, repression, meat, religion.
Makes me happy: Boobies, kitties, robots, tea, cartoons, pretty ladies, drugs, bikes
Hobbies: Painting, reading, cuddling, watching bike cruising, dancing, walking, traveling, playing video games, going to shows, making out, anti-socializing, applying makeup, philosophizing, writing, being kinky, thinking, drinking tea, fantasizing
Five things I can't live without: Sex, eyeliner, sneakers, tea, fruit, pain, lip balm, hair dye
I spend most of my free time: Cuddling kitties, one-on-one time, walking, reading, dancing, rocking out, having sex, exploring my body, conversing, questioning, dreaming, painting, cooking, movies, browsing
SuicideGirls is a community that celebrates alternative beauty and alternative culture from all over the world. Since 2001, tens of thousands of models have submitted millions of photos to their website hoping to become SuicideGirls.


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Daniel Johnston is a towering figure in popular culture, but the American songwriter's presence is far from ubiquitous, instead seeping through intermittently in select, highly potent shards over the past two decades.
Kurt Cobain was famously photographed wearing a t-shirt featuring the cover of one his early records, Brand New's universally lauded magnum opus The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me took its title from a conversation lead singer Jesse Lacey had with a friend about Johnston, and 2006's award winning documentary The Devil And Daniel Johnston brought the iconic musician to his widest audience to date.
Johnston has released over a dozen full-lengths of original material, been covered by artists as diverse and renowned as The Flaming Lips, Tom Waits and Teenage Fanclub, and had his artwork exhibited in London and New York galleries: a staggering list of achievements for a man plagued by with mental illness for much of his life. Last year Johnston finally realised a childhood dream, publishing Space Ducks - An Infinite Comic Book Of Musical Greatness (of which Space Ducks is the soundtrack).
The comic is idiosyncratic, unique and tells the story of the intergalactic Nada Ducks who must pinpoint Satan's demonic home-world and rescue their hostage girlfriends. The illustrations are child-like, possess a charming off-kilter perspective and showcase Johnston's deadpan sense of humour: one frame eerily echoing Abu Ghraib as the space ducks gleefully pose with the bodies of their vanquished enemies.
The actual album, a combination of Johnston's own material and seven distinctive contributors, is a triumph. Unlike some previous LPs that laboured under a singularity of tone and content, Space Ducks is multi-dimensional - every artist justifying their inclusion here - and it flows effortlessly from beginning to end.
The title-track is a wonky, folk-pop stomp, Johnston succinctly detailing the comic plot - "Space ducks fighting all the evil/ All the creepy people in a war in outer space," but the remaining 13 songs float free of the comic's narrative. 'Wanting You' and 'Mask' revisit Johnston's age old muse - romantic/unrequited love - and 'Sense Of Humor' is a ghostly Lennonesque shuffle. One of the best songs he's written, its chorus is subtly accented with strings as Johnston croons "Hold on mama, crying to yourself/ Tomorrow's already gone, you know you need some help." Three outside contributions stand out. Jake Bugg's 'Man On The Moon' is simple and haunting - a welcome divergence from his contrived, seen-it-all persona and tales of council-estate ennui; 'Moment of Laughter' by Lavender Diamond is a tender, bones-bare ballad and 'Evil Magic' by Fruit Bats blushes with delicate psychedelica.
The soundtrack and the comic are sold separately - and only loosely linked - but both stand testament to Johnston's distinctive and extraordinary talent. Space Ducks is a must have for fans, and a superb introduction for those unfamiliar with his work.
8John Watt's Score


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Vegan Dinners! 15 Vegan Dinner Recipes from The Kitchn
It's almost time for dinner, and we're kicking off Dinner Week with a roundup of our favorite vegan dinners. From a hearty pot pie to a rich pan-fried pasta with butternut squash, these are all vegan and yet complete early spring comfort food.
15 Vegan Dinner Recipes
• 1 Vegan Tofu and Vegetable Pot Pie - With deep flavor and an umami-packed vegetarian gravy.
• 2 Easy, Tasty Chickpea Curry - Rich and comforting with coconut milk and toothsome chickpeas.
• 3 Khara Bath - South Indian soul food, with semolina, ginger, and vegetables.
• 4 Quick, Vegetarian, One-Bowl Meal - A quick go-to meal template for busy nights.
• 5 Tempeh Deli Salad - Great in a pita or on a green salad.
• 6 Kimchi Tofu Summer Rolls - Spicy, satisfying, quick.
• 7 Nutty Farro Pasta with Edamame Pesto - Nutty, chewy pasta with a vibrant sauce.
• 8 Vegetarian Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Crêpes) - Egg-free crêpes stuffed with yummy things.
• 9 Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) - A simple, hearty dinner that everyone loves.
• 10 Very Simple Dal Palak - A perfect comforting bowl for a winter's night.
• 11 Pumpkin Tortilla Soup - With the warmth of chiles, cumin and toasty corn tortillas
• 12 Savory Kabocha Tofu Pie - A savory main dish pie featuring winter squash and rosemary.
• 13 Pasta with Butternut Squash, Sage, and Pine Nuts - Pan-fried and scrumptious!
• 14 Kale and Potato Gratin - A simple baked gratin.
• 15 Leeks Braised with Wine and Garlic - Leave out the butter for olive oil, and this silky, indulgent dish of leeks is the perfect vegan topping for pasta.
OK, your turn! What did we miss? What are your very favorite vegan dinner recipes — especially ones for hearty, winter comfort food?
More Vegan Recipes from The Kitchn
Pictured above (left to right)
• 10 Vegan Breakfast Ideas
• 10 Vegan Lunch Ideas
• Vegan Recipe: Sticky Orange Cake with Marmalade Glaze
(Originally published January 10, 2011)
(Images: See linked recipes for full image credits)


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Views: 445
A 2006 study concluded that "big fires are four times more common than they used to be; the biggest fires are six-and-a-half times larger than the monster fires of yesteryear; and owing to a warmer climate, fires are erupting earlier in the spring and subsiding later in the fall. Nowadays, the fire season is two and a half months longer than it was 30 years ago."
The data-gathering in the report, however, only ran through 2003. Since then, the western drought has intensified, and virtually every one of those recent records -- for fire size, damage, and cost of suppression -- has since been surpassed.
The [2011] Las Conchas ...New Mexico's largest fire...was a stunning event. Its heat was so intense that, in some of the canyons it torched, every living plant died, even to the last sprigs of grass on isolated cliff ledges. In one instance, the needles of the ponderosa pines were not consumed, but bent horizontally as though by a ferocious wind. No one really knows how those trees died, but one explanation holds that they were flash-blazed by a superheated wind, perhaps a collapsing column of fire, and that the wind, having already burned up its supply of oxygen, welded the trees by heat alone into their final posture of death.
This summer's conditions may indeed be perfect for fire in the Southwest and West, but if you think of it as a "storm," perfect or otherwise -- that is, sudden, violent, and temporary -- then you don't understand what's happening in this country or on this planet.
[A] Goddard Institute for Space Studies appraisal of the heat wave that assaulted Texas, Oklahoma, and northeastern Mexico last summer... [said]The Texas heat wave, like a similar one in Russia the previous year, was so hot that its probability of occurring under "normal" conditions (defined as those prevailing from 1951 to 1980) was approximately 0.13%. It wasn't a 100-year heat wave or even a 500-year one; it was so colossally improbable that only changes in the underlying climate could explain it. [emphasis mine]
Get Used to the American West in Flames: What Living With the 'New ...
Wildfires rage out of control in Washington, California and Idaho. So far it's worse than last year, which was terrible enough.
The west is having one of the worst wildfire seasons in decades.
Jennifer Smith of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, said not only are more wildfires occurring in the West this year than last, but the nation's fires have gotten bigger.
"Nevada has been hammered, and Idaho has some big ones that are going to burn until the snow falls," Smith said.
Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho residents tormented by wild...
"Record wildfires in Siberian forests and boglands have burned close to a half million acres during their unusually hot summer, reports Brian Dunbar at the National Atmospheric and Space Administrationwebsite."
Forests and bog land in far eastern Russia have been burning since the beginning of June 2012. Contributing to the record fires have been the record temperatures of this past summer. This summer in Siberia has been one of hottest on record. The average temperature ranged around 93 degrees Fahrenheit and there doesn't seem to be any break in the weather coming anytime soon.
Of course wildfires are devastating to any area, but ecologically this is catastrophic for this region with many rare animals living in Siberia's unique ecosystem.
So to the fires burning in Russia will have worldwide effects as the torched peat bogs whose layers consist of dead plant materials will end up releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide into the air accelerating the greenhouse effect...
CLIMATE CHANGE: Wildfires have grown larger, more frequent
An analysis of fire records going back to 1970 found that the largest fires have occurred in the last decade, a finding that points in part to the effects of climate change, researchers said.
What's more, according to the Climate Central study of U.S. Forest Service data, the fire season is now 75 days longer than it was in the 1970s,...
Hotter years have more large wildfires.
This chart shows 2012 through August.
What's remarkable ... is how ferocious those fires are. Note how few fires there have been in 2012, yet we're on track for the second most acres burned in a year. That's because the number of acres per fire is spiking.
Wildfires in U.S. getting much bigger as temperature gets hotter
The summer of 2012 will unfortunately be known as the "Summer of Devastating Western Wildfires" and practically not one state out west was spared. Washington State has been hardest hit of late. A new satellite image shows a rash of wildfires currently burning in the middle of the state.
Yes, the wildfire season rages on through October. 64% of the country is still is in drought or extreme drought. The Forest Service ran out of fire fighting funds. Guess how they coped.
In the worst wildfire season on record, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service ran out of money to pay for firefighters, fire trucks and aircraft that dump retardant on monstrous flames. So officials did about the only thing they could: take money from other forest management programs.
But many of the programs were aimed at preventing giant fires in the first place, and raiding their budgets meant putting off the removal of dried brush and dead wood over vast stretches of land — the things that fuel eye-popping blazes, threatening property and lives.
The Brainless Frog, Episode 98: Out of Funds To Fight Wildfires, U....
This bodes well for next year's fire season. *eye roll*
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Runing for East Hampton Town Board
Endorsements: Democratic, Working Families
1. Please share with us accomplishments or experiences that would indicate your commitment to advancing an environmental agenda for East Hampton. These may be professional or personal.
I was a member of East Hampton Town Planning Board for 7 years, 4 as Chair, 2 as Vice Chair. I was Chair of the Villages and Hamlets Subcommittee for the East Hampton Town Comprehensive Plan 2005 and Chair of the Amagansett Citizens Advisory Committee for 5 years and am currently a member. In each of those positions the environment as part of East Hampton's community character played a significant role in our decision making. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Emory University and was a middle school science teacher.
2. What do you believe is the role of town government regulation and enforcement in maintaining a clean, sustainable environment? What, if any, changes are the most important?
The East Hampton Town Code, the East Hampton Town Comprehensive Plan, and the Local Water Revitalization Plan are important documents that in some cases took years and thousands of hours of citizen participation to complete, schedule and hold public hearings on, modify and finally approve. They are the road map for all future planning and should not be ignored, diminished or overlooked when enforcing the law or their intent. The environment is our economy. Changes to any of the documents or legislation need to be worked through with full public participation. The best results are those with the broadest public discourse. Public hearings should be held when changes have been fully vetted.
3. What resources, experts or opinions will you consult when making decisions that affect East Hampton Town's environmental resources?
East Hampton has an excellent Planning Department, Natural Resources Department and professional environmental planners and town planners. Several environmental not-for- profits are also located on the east end with expertise in all areas of our fragile environment. East Hampton also has an active group of elected Trustees with important knowledge and powers over our bays and beaches.
Coastal, Drinking and Surface Water
4. In view of the extreme weather conditions as of late, what should East Hampton Town, as a coastal community, do in the short and long term to prepare for these changes?
There are many opinions on how best to combat the effects of rising sea levels, changing shorelines, erosion and responses to storm damage. There is a need to protect private property while balancing the need to preserve public resources for the future, such as beaches, dunes, bluffs and wetlands. Decisions should be considered now to help homeowners and business people understand what remedies will be available to them when extreme conditions arise. For example, erosion control districts could be set up that address standards for rebuilding, incorporate MS4 remediation, and pre-approve designs and materials to protect shorelines.
5. Do you believe current Town policies adequately protect drinking water quality and sustainability? If not, what, if any, policy changes would you support?
There is always room for improvement when it comes to protecting our drinking water quality and sustainability. We live, work and play on top of our drinking water supply, a single source aquifer. The Upper Glacial/Magothy aquifer is our only source of drinking water and if those sources are polluted, we will lose our ability to have fresh drinking water from private or public SCWA wells. The two aquifer layers act as one aquifer in East Hampton as there is no continuous clay layer that separates them. They are interconnected so if you pollute the Upper Glacial, the Magothy will also be affected. Groundwater recharge areas are critical to maintaining sustainable aquifer levels of fresh, drinkable water. Rainwater needs a clean place to percolate through the soil layers without picking up pesticides, fertilizers, or toxic chemicals. Maintaining land above the deepest recharge areas in its natural state is one of the best ways to keep our water pure. The Town should continue buying land in the deepest recharge areas as open space for the protection of our aquifer. MS4 standards need to be implemented and followed. Education about and the effects of pesticides and fertilizer use should be considered as part of an overall plan for homeowners, landscapers and nurseries. Town landfills need continued monitoring as well as the scavenger waste plant. Updating septic systems is also helpful and should be encouraged. Underground oil tanks should also be updated and replaced when possible. Clearing restrictions should be enforced especially along the shore areas of the Peconic Estuary.
6. Periodically, East Hampton Town's bays and creeks are closed to shell fishing or swimming due to poor water quality. Some water bodies do not meet Federal EPA MS4 storm water protection standards. What concrete actions will you support to improve the quality of our surface waters?
The Town must continue the implementation of the MS4 storm water protection standards. Nitrogen loading is an ongoing problem exacerbated by wastewater from septic systems or treatment facilities. Contributions to nitrogen loading are fertilizers and road run-off. Protecting areas around the estuaries, harbors and bays should be considered through land purchases, decreased density, and education. Land Preservation Public land preservation protects our drinking water supply and improves drinking water quality, quality of life, tax rates and property values in the Town of East Hampton.
7. Should the Town continue to use the Community Preservation Fund to purchase land? If so, what changes, if any, would you support in land preservation policy or practice? If not, what funding mechanism do you propose ought to replace it?
The Community Preservation fund has been an overwhelming success and should be continued. Some consider this program, voted on twice, once for its implementation and again for its extension, as a contract with the people of the Town to purchase land and use it in accordance with the CPF guidelines.
Dark and Quiet Skies
8. In 2006 the Town passed the "Smart Lighting" law which enhanced previous legislation addressing light pollution. What are the most important benefits (if any) and shortcomings (if any) of the Smart Lighting law? What actions would you support to expand or modify the enforcement of this law?
There are many important benefits to implementing a good "Smart Lighting" law including reducing energy consumption, preventing glare that can distract drivers or annoy neighbors, viewing stars in the night sky, helping migrating birds, and having a more restful sleep. The current lighting law contributes to our rural and semi-rural character and is a contrast to urban and suburbanized areas where lighting is overly bright and harsh. A new proposed lighting law does not protect our environment or conform to the community character that makes East Hampton a desirable place to live.
9. Noise pollution caused by aircraft, particularly helicopters, has been a source of complaints from residents for many years. Because of financial agreements with the FAA, the Town government currently has little control over East Hampton airspace. How will you address these complaints? What specific rules would you like to see enacted?
Not only noise pollution, but also air and ground pollution should be considered in any discussion about the airport. Complaints from residents of the Town have broadened to include many in Southampton (Jessep's Neck area) and Sagaponack, as well as large areas of East Hampton that had not experienced any airport noise until just a few years ago, mostly due to helicopters. I believe that it is prudent at this time to not take FAA funding. The Town should install a seasonal control tower and calculate its effectiveness in reducing noise until 2014 when it is expected that FAA control will expire. The cost of the airport should not impact the taxpayers of the town. The airport fund has a surplus from which the cost of the seasonal tower should be paid. If the seasonal tower works to control noise problems those facts will help in making further airport decisions. During a recent presentation from the Town's hired aviation attorney, he stated the FAA could negotiate with airports on curfews, types of aircraft and hours of operation. If this is true, taking FAA money now without negotiating for community needs is not a powerful position. If the Town allows the FAA assurances to expire in 2014 we will have facts about the effectiveness of the seasonal control tower and negotiate from a position of strength, a sound business practice, with the FAA in using their money and having an airport that is quiet, safe and not a burden to its citizen. If the FAA will not allow us to impose restrictions for the welfare of the residents of East Hampton then we should initiate a community discussion that includes a cost benefit analysis.
Government Planning and Enforcement
Historically, East Hampton has been a national leader in community and environmental planning and open space preservation.
10. What is your vision for the future of the Planning Department in East Hampton Town? What aspects of the Planning Department's organization and function are most important for the Town's future and what aspects, if any, would you change or strengthen?
The East Hampton Town Planning Department is envied for its forward thinking planning and enjoys a stellar reputation for its professionalism. The Town Planning Department has championed the preservation of East Hampton's natural beauty, protected our water supply and the environment. The Planning Department should be consulted on every piece of legislation that involves land use or has an environmental impact. Their recommendations should be followed. The department needs to be fully staffed to address all development and environmental issues in the town.
11. Are the Town's Comprehensive and Local Waterfront Revitalization Plans adequate in your opinion? If not, which specific policies or plan recommendations do you not support or would like to see changed? Which policies would you prioritize for implementation?
The East Hampton Town's Comprehensive Plan of 2005 has withstood all court challenges and is a document that must be followed. Thousands of hours of citizen participation was considered and incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. It is a document that accurately reflects our desired community character and is a road map for our future development. The LWRP took many years to write, scrutinize, consider public comment and finally implement through New York State. East Hampton's local waterfront plan has been incorporated into the New York State Coastal Management Program. As such, this important document must be followed when considering development, erosion, water and scenic resources, commercial and recreational fishing and much more. We are a community bounded by water on three sides, and whether it is beaches, bays, wetlands, estuaries, kettleholes, or freshwater ponds, water resources define East Hampton. I strongly support both plans. Solid Waste and Water Waste Management Facilities The Town's systems for the management of both solid waste (trash and recyclables) and water waste (sewage) have been the focus of critical discussion in recent years.
12. What is your assessment of the state of these systems, what are the major problems requiring correction, and what are the most urgently needed changes in policy and practice?
Efficient management of solid waste should be studied and implemented. Closing the dump on Wednesdays and Monday holidays could be avoided. It appears that the town used a lot of overtime at a cost of time and a half for employees during the summer instead of hiring a full time person. The numbers are not readily available to the public to analyze at this time. An international baling system for recyclables has also been discussed and it may be more efficient to buy the machine and sell the international bale of recyclables in this form. Currently, we bale the recyclables, send it up Island where it is re-baled to the international specifications and then sold. Instead of using a middle man, it may be more valuable for us to buy the international baler and do the work. The sewage treatment facility appears to need major updating to protect the aquifer. Town Board discussions in public have been brief and not forthcoming. The plant seems to need new filters to reduce odors, and tests have been done to ascertain levels of substances detrimental to the environment. There appear to be DEC violations. These violations and reports about the tests should be made available to the public with an open discussion about remedies.


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Xeno's Arrow Book 2 #1
|Created by Stephen Geigen-Miller and Greg Beettam! The acclaimed series is now with Radio! Follow Xeno, a recent breakout of the intergalactic zoo as he and his newfound friends search for his mysterious origin!
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Better Predictions of Secondary - and More Subtle - Tides
UMASS-Dartmouth researchers are conductiong research to better understand transient tidal eddies.
Odds and Ends
Newsworthy notes from the Sea Grant community
To Affinity and Beyond
Researchers are studying the impact of contaminants, such as dioxin, on aquatic birds to try to explain why some species are more susceptible than others.
It Takes a Region: Ecosystem-Based Management in the Gulf of Maine
The Gulf of Maine Regional Ocean Science Initiative works with stakeholders to identify regional concerns and research needs.
In Memoriam
Sheri DeRosa
Treasure Chest
Art by Nathalie Miebach
Reader Survey
Please give us your feedback on Two if by Sea.
A selection of marine-related web sites
This is an abbreviated version of the printed newsletter. To be added to the mailing list for the print version of "Two if by Sea", contact seagrant @whoi.edu


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"Black Out, Speak Out" for Wildlife
Monday, June 4, 2012
By: Robyn Carmichael
On June 4, groups across the United States and Canada are blacking out their websites to demonstrate that concerns about tar sands will not be silenced.
Since President Obama's decision to reject the Keystone XL tar sands oil pipeline in January, Canada's government has joined the oil industry in attempting to silence the voices of those speaking out against the dangerous expansion of tar sands and the pipelines they feed.
The assault on Canada's environmental protection rules and organizations that work to protect the environment is about making it easier for Big Oil to get its way.
One shocking example is the Canadian government's plans to initiate a large-scale wolf slaughter in order to conceal the impacts of booming oil and gas development on woodland caribou and the silencing of scientists who have spoken out
against the misguided cull.
Another is Canada's recent budget bill that rolled back many of the country's most important environmental laws on clean water, wildlife, and climate change and drastically limited the public's right to participate and comment on environmental
The decisions being made in Canada affect us all. From the massive Keystone XL pipeline to the Trailbreaker pipeline in the Northeast--Big Oil's plans to bring dirty tar sands into the United States reach far and wide, and pose unacceptable threats to wildlife, water, and communities.
That's why today, the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund is blacking out our website--along with hundreds of other groups across North America--to demonstrate that concerns about tar sands will not be silenced. Read more about "Black Out, Speak Out".
Make sure Congress hears from you that boosting
Big Oil's profits at the expense of wildlife is unacceptable.
And here's how you can help spread the word on social media:
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BlackOutSpeakOut/info
• Twitter: I'm speaking out for nature and democracy. I won't be silenced. Will you? http://bit.ly/KC6bzE #blackoutspeakout #cdnpoli


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Our dog Sugar is the "swimmingest" pooch I've ever seen. If she is anywhere near a body of water larger than a water bowl and deeper than a puddle, her heart will be pounding, her legs will be trembling, and she'll be charming me with her dark eyes and little doggy guiles for the words of permission-"Okay, Sugar, swim!" She's been this way since she was a pup. It's apparent she was born with the instinct; the skills, however, were acquired the hard way. Although I doubt Sugar remembers the day she learned to swim, I do. It may be the worst story I ever tell on myself, at least in writing.
We brought our new puppy home on the Fourth of July 11 years ago, a year before we bought the houseboat. A frightened, quivering ball of fur, Sugar quickly took over our hearts and our household.
A few months later for Labor Day weekend, my friends and I planned a camping trip to Lake Ouachita near Hot Springs. I told Roxanne I wanted to bring Sugar. "No," she worried, "I don't want you to." Roxanne had become as attached to that dog as any little girl with a new Raggedy Ann.
"Why not?" I asked, explaining reasonably, "She'll get to play with us guys, go exploring, get bits of steak and goodies, maybe learn to swim. She'll have fun. We'll be on an island, no way to get lost. What could possibly happen?"
Roxanne relented and Sugar joined us for the biggest adventure of her young life. It went just as I expected. She made a dozen new best friends. She learned that steak and potato chips and brisket are good things for dogs. She explored to her nose and heart's content, but never strayed far from the warmth of the campfire. Three days of cloudy weather with frequent downpours did not diminish her enthusiasm for this high adventure. In the evenings she'd lay on a soggy blanket and watch me, her trusting eyes reflecting both the flickering campfire and the adoration I so richly deserved. "Thank you for bringing me here."
On the last day, several of us decided to venture out in the boat to circumnavigate the island. The uncooperative weather had kept us confined under tarps for most of the weekend. Although the wind was still blowing waves a foot high and more, at least it had stopped raining. We had a brief window, and of course, Sugar wanted to go. Why not?
It was a rough trip, slow going due to the wind-kicked waves. Several times I admonished the dog to get down in the bottom of the boat, but she insisted on standing on her hind legs with her paws on the edge. I watched her carefully for most of the trip, but her balance is extraordinary and I eventually relaxed my vigilance. It was obvious this dog was born for boating.
We finally made it around the island, a trip of about 30 minutes, and as we approached the landing area, one of my friends asked with alarm, "Hey! Where's the dog?"
I looked around in panic and Sugar was not in the boat! Wasting no time, we pulled out and backtracked. I was overcome with worry and remorse, my guilt as black and cold in my heart as the lake water beneath our hull. Although I have behaved irresponsibly many times in my life, this time real harm was the probable result. Keeping my eyes peeled on the shore with sagging hope, and on the open water with overwhelming dread, I didn't know what I was going to do if the worst had happened. All I knew was I could never go home.
Regarding the conversation with Roxanne that began this trip-I didn't tell all of it. When I asked, "What could possibly happen?" Roxanne had responded without hesitation, "She might fall out of the boat." I dismissed her concern with a "Phffft," perhaps similar to the sound Sugar made when she hit the water, but nobody heard.
It is difficult to build suspense when everyone who follows this column knows that Sugar didn't drown. She wasn't run over by the boat. And I didn't join a traveling carnival.
In a short while we spotted the dog. Somehow she'd negotiated 60 or 80 yards of cold, choppy water and made it to the shore-learning to swim, I suppose, the same way baby ducks do. When we picked her up she was happy to be reunited, but her prevailing attitude was clearly, "Oh man, that was fun! Let's do it again!" All Jack Russell.
In our years on The Phoenix, Sugar never lost her pure joy for swimming. Around the dock, her enthusiasm and stamina are legendary. We eventually taught her to wait for permission, and I still harbor suspicion that she didn't exactly "fall" into the lake that day.
When we got home from the campout Roxanne asked, "How was the weekend?" I told her it was great except for the rain, then threw in the good news: "And guess what? I taught Sugar to swim!"
I didn't reveal the whole story until about six months later. In retrospect, that was probably still too soon.
Until next time,
My Best from the SternTed A. Thompson
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text: Nothing is worse than being miles into a trail when something goes wrong. But with our EMT MTB tool, you'll have your bases covered—all without weighing you down. This tool comes in at a respectable 144 grams, all without sacrificing the necessities like a wide range of Allen keys and Torx wrenches, plus a chain breaker. If you find yourself in a trail-side jam, the EMT MTB will almost certainly get you out of it.


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Jesse Hatchell (1-3) took the loss for the Cobras, coming on for three and two-thirds innings of relief work, allowing one run on three hits, while striking out five.
For Coker offensively, Michael Shuford was 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored, while Ben Davidson was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Brantley Bell and Nic Fletcher each finished 1-for-3 with triples and Fletcher had an RBI and
The Coker Baseball Team returns to the field on Saturday, as they host the CVAC leading Barton Bulldogs in a three game series. Game one of the double-header Saturday starts at , with the game Sunday starting at


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Admissions & Financial Aid Contact Us
The Financial Aid Office located in Trippet Hall is ready and available to meet your needs and answer any questions. The office is open year round (excluding holidays) from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Please contact us at email@example.com or call 1-800-718-9746.


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Esther Kleinsasser
Esther Kleinsasser, 95, of Hillsboro died Sunday at Salem Home in Hillsboro. She was born April 12, 1918, to David and Katharina (Hofer) Mendel in Hillsboro.
She is survived by her husband, Walt of Hillsboro; a son, Joe of Hillsboro; a daughter, Faith Klaassen of Newark, N.J.; and three grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Memorial funds have been established with Tabor College and World Impact.


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This new sofa was once again inspired by a Pet Society item! Can you see the resemblance? =D
Actually the original sofa is from a famous designer and is called the Marshmallow Sofa =)
and of course the final users of any of my couches are my dear Blythes!
Cathy and Ami <3
as always, the pattern is available in my Etsy shop and on Ravelry =)


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Assign a static port address to the connection service you wish to use.
To bypass the Port Mapper and assign a static port number directly to a connection service, set the broker configuration property imq.serviceName.protocolType.port, where serviceName is the name of the connection service and protocolType is its protocol type (see Table 9–8). As with all broker configuration properties, you can specify this property either in the broker's instance configuration file or from the command line when starting the broker. For example, to assign port number 10234 to the jms connection service, either include the line
in the configuration file or start the broker with the command
imqbrokerd -name brokerName -Dimq.jms.tcp.port=10234
where brokerName is the name of the broker to be started.
Configure the firewall to allow connections to the port number you assigned to the connection service.
You must also allow connections through the firewall to Message Queue's Port Mapper port (normally 7676, unless you have reassigned it to some other port). In the example above, for instance, you would need to open the firewall for ports 10234 and 7676.


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Dr Phaivanh Phiapalath - the Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic
In a country like Laos, where rapid socio-economic development is driven by the exploitation of natural resources, and the human and financial resources to protect the environment are extremely scarce, nature conservation is not the highest priority. Phaivanh Phiapalath, IUCN's Senior Programme Officer specialized in protected areas management and wildlife in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, has found a way to put nature on top of many people's agendas. His secret is 'friendly communication'.
Often described as Laos' first primatologist, Phaivanh Phiapalath is strongly dedicated to the conservation of nature in his country. He is particularly passionate about endangered primate species, including gibbons and douc langurs.
To protect the species he is so strongly attached to, Phaivanh works with those who know them best: local communities.
In the Hin Namno National Protected Area - an area rich in stunning limestone mountains, situated in eastern Laos on the country's border with Vietnam - Phaivanh studied the distribution, behaviour and threats of the red-shanked douc langur (Pygathix nemaneus). Water shortages and swarms of insects did not stop him from carrying out his research in the area, leading to some alarming findings: the biggest threat to douc langurs was coming from people! Although Phaivanh estimated that about 17,000 of douc langurs were living in the Hin Namno, he also found out that around 400 of them were being hunted each year. It became apparent that the trade of wildlife for Vietnamese markets was the greatest threat to langurs and other wildlife species along the border between Laos and Vietnam.
Phaivanh decided to take action before it was too late. Using douc langurs to help define a zone that should be fully protected, he played a key role in the development of the so-called 'co-management approach' in Hin Namno, which allowed local people living in and around the area to become actively involved in its management. This helped to create a shared vision of conservation among the community and included local people in conservation actions. The plan was approved by the Government of Laos in 2010, making it the first of its kind in the country.
How was this possible? Phaivanh says that friendly communication and "building trust" with local people and officials of all ages, social and ethnic groups, are a vital part of working on conservation with local communities. Wherever he works, he makes a special effort to identify people who are interested in conservation, helping to form a network of like-minded people. He invites local hunters to join wildlife surveys and tries to convert them to conservationists.
|"I never say that I know everything; it's the local people that know their areas, forests and wildlife best," explains Phaivanh. "I try to understand their problems, analyse them and find solutions. I never tell the poor that by hunting they're doing a bad thing, as I know very well that they do it to survive. But when I'm with them, I tell them that I can have any food with them except wildlife. Many of them want to understand why and this often makes them change their attitude."
A similar approach has also helped to promote conservation in other sites in Laos. Through IUCN's Livelihoods and Landscape Strategy, Phaivanh used his expertise to introduce a co-management initiative for non-timber forest products in the Champassak Province, helping local people to form village groups that sustainably manage a valuable forest resource: the malva nut.
|"Conservation in Laos can be sustained as long as Lao people are taking ownership", says Phaivanh. "The success of conservation in this country rests with the next generation. This next generation of conservationists needs to be built and strengthened now, and their interests need to be better represented".
To make this happen, Phaivanh has helped to establish the Lao Wildlife Conservation Association (Lao WCA), which aims to share wildlife information and conservation messages with young conservationists. Phaivanh is also involved in developing an Action Plan for the conservation of gibbons in Lao PDR and other co-management plans for protected areas in the country.
Dr Phaivanh Phiapalath can be contacted at [email protected]


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WASHINGTON, July 30 (UPI) -- Private payrolls spiked in July by 218,000, higher than the average for this year, indicating a good upcoming jobs report from the Labor Department.
The gain in private sector jobs follows a 281,000 increase in June and is also the strongest increase since November 2012, according to Automatic Data Processing. The increase was also the above the average for the year, which stands at 204,000.
Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had estimated a median 230,000 advance in July, with estimates ranging from 190,000 to 295,000.
Medium-sized businesses made the most gains with 92,000 more jobs. Smaller companies added 84,000 jobs and big businesses had a 41,000 increase in payrolls.
Businesses have been slowing down on layoffs, which has increased job security leading to better consumer confidence and household spending, which accounts for 70 percent of the U.S. economy.
ADP's report comes a day before the Labor Department is expected to release its jobs report for July. While both reports tend to share a common trend, ADP's numbers have differed from the Labor Department's by an average of 37,000 this year.
While ADP records only private sector job increases, the Labor Department's report also accounts for federal, state and local government job additions.


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More than just archives for dusty artifacts, museums are a solid record of a country and their identity as a people. So instead of simply hitting the shopping malls when you visit a new place, duck inside a museum for some culture, history and yeah, a bit of airconditioning. Should you find yourself in Metro Manila, visit these five museums that not only celebrate a country's history and art, but also have the added plus of being located in important heritage sites, and in beautifully designed buildings.
National Treasure: The National Museum of the Philippines
Recently restored to its former glory, architect Juan Arellano's 1926 Classical Revival masterpiece—which used to be the former Philippine Congress—has, for the past decade, housed the National Museum. Established in 1901, it is not the oldest museum in the country (the oldest is in the University of Santo Tomas), but it is the country's official repository.
Entering its great halls, with its intricately detailed spiral staircases and Neoclassical-style columns, is like walking into history itself. The main legislative building holds artworks of the old masters, Rizaliana, National Artists, specimens of flora and fauna, and other colonial and pre-colonial artifacts. Visit the main gallery with its piece de resistance—Juan Luna's Spoliarium, a majestic monster of a painting (the lower part of the frame itself is nearly as tall as a human being) about the Philippines' struggle under Spanish inquisition.
Must-see: Juan Luna's The Spoliarium
Entrance fees: Adults, P100-P150; students, P30-P50
Museum hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila
Hidden Gem: The Lopez Memorial Museum and Library
Founded in 1960, The Lopez Museum has an informative and personal guided tour, as befits its intimate size in the mid-century-modern Benpres Building in the Ortigas CBD. There is an element of surprise in each gallery, as works by young artists are mixed with the museum's own collection of older, established artists and National Artists—you'll never know what awaits you.
In the current exhibition Grounded, sculptures and installations by Goldie Poblador, Josephine Turalba, and Toym Imao share space with paintings by Federico Alcuaz, Roberto Chabet, and Pacita Abad. This museum has an impressive number of works by old masters such as Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, historical documents and Filipiniana books. The galleries open to the library, where students and writers are welcome to research in.
Must see: Juan Luna's Espana y Filipinas
Entrance fees: Adults, P100; students, P80-P60
Museum hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: G/F, Benpres Bldg., Exchange Rd. cor. Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Art Oasis in the City: The Ayala Museum
Located next to Greenbelt Park and within Makati's bustling commercial district is the new four-storey Ayala Museum. What remains from the old museum are the galleon displays and the dioramas of Philippine history, which kids enjoy visiting. The third floor holds The Pioneers of Filipino Art exhibit, with Luna, Amorsolo, and Zobel. Don't miss the Gold of Ancestors exhibit on the fourth floor, with its dramatic video presentation and beautiful collection of pre-colonial gold jewelry, armor, and burial pieces. Drop by as a quiet respite from a day of shopping.
Must see: The Gold of Ancestors Exhibit; and the Ayala Museum Gift Shop, with its exquisite stationery items, children's books autographed by the artists, tribal jewelry and art books
Entrance fees: P350 for non-residents, P225 for Filipino residents, P125 for students
Museum hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Makati Avenue corner dela Rosa St., Makati City
Collector's Dream: Pinto Art Museum
Located on rolling Antipolo property, Pinto's first few galleries were put up in 2001. It stems from art patron Dr. Joven Cuanang's private collection, which is so large and important he had to share it with the public. Works of noted contemporary Filipino artists such as Tony Leano, Mark Justiniani, Manny Garibay, Jose Santos III, Ferdie Montemayor, among many others are exhibited in various stucco-finish white pavilions designed by Leano that wind around breathtakingly landscaped gardens. With its multiple pavilions and galleries, fountains, an interesting souvenir shop, and a café, walking through Pinto is a treat unto itself.
Must-see: The 40-foot Salingpusa collective painting Karnabal that is so enormous it can only be viewed as a whole while sitting on arena-like seats
Entrance fees: Adults, P150; students, P75
Museum hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 1 Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights Subdivision, Antipolo
Children's Wonderland: Museo Pambata
It may not be the most high-tech museum in the country, but it is a museum with heart. Museo Pambata (literally "Children's Museum") teaches kids Filipino history, culture, science, and eco-consciousness in exhibits of charming simplicity. For starters, the museum is housed in the historic, American Colonial-era Manila Elks Club, built in 1911. Highlights include an authentic Meralco tranvia (tram car) that children can actually ride, the pamilihang bayan (public market) with barbershop, butcher's shop, and panaderia where kids can play make-believe, and the I Love My Planet Earth exhibit which shows, in comparative vignettes, how Filipinos had a more eco-conscious lifestyle in the past. Museo also holds story-telling sessions for children.
Must-see: My Body Works exhibit—kids can enter through an enormous human mouth and intestine!
Entrance fee: P100 per person; free for Manila residents with valid IDs on Tuesdays
Museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed at lunchtime), Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: Roxas Blvd. corner South Drive (near the US Embassy), Manila