text:
You don't need to believe in any vast right-wing conspiracy to think that Hillary Clinton receives an unfair amount of scrutiny and negative attention. (In the spirit of bipartisanship, I will point out that Mark Liberman at Language Log makes an excellent case that the attention drawn to George W. Bush's verbal slips is unfair). One recent example of this stems from a speech she made on Martin Luther King's Birthday just down the road from me at the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, in which she made the following remark:
The House of Representatives has been run... like a plantation, and you know what I'm talkin' about.Perhaps this was not the wisest simile for her to use, and she has come under fire for it. But a significant amount of the criticism focuses on her so-calles "g-dropping" in the word 'talkin''. Here's what Mark Goldblatt, author of Africa Speaks, a "satire of black urban culture," wrote recently in the National Review:
There should be a name for this linguistic tic, perhaps Sudden Melanin Syndrome. It's the habit of white-guilt besotted liberals of adopting the mannerisms of Ebonics in a desperate attempt to indicate their solidarity with black listeners. Naturally it's insultingly patronizing and what it actually indicates is someone who's not comfortable in her own skin, who unconsciously conforms her very being to whatever she imagines will ingratiate her with her audience. I doubt you'll ever hear Hillary dropping a "g" at a lily white Wellesley College reunion. Or at a lily white Chappaqua bake sale. Or at a lily white pro-choice rally.Yes, I know, that's the second time I've cited a National Review article in as many weeks. Don't get the wrong idea; it just happens to be a good source of laymen's metalinguistic observations. Anyways, what's interesting to me is that Goldblatt considers 'g-dropping' a 'mannerism of Ebonics." It ain't. (Nor is 'ain't,' for that matter.) That is, though 'g-dropping' is typical of African American Vernacular English, it is much more widespread than that. Others label it 'Southern,' and it is indeed found in Southern dialects. Wikipedia says that
It is currently a feature of colloquial and non-standard speech of all regions, and stereotypically of Cockney, Southern American English and African American Vernacular English. Historically, it has also been used by members of the educated upper-class, as reflected by the phrase huntin', fishin' and shootin'.But this still doesn't give the full geographic range, which I feel covers much of United States. I can attest firsthand that 'g-dropping' is found in the Chicago metropolitan area (known to locals as Chicagoland) from which Clinton hails, because I'm a Chicagoan and I drop my g's. Or rather, my present participles and gerunds have the sound /n/, not /ŋ/. It's a perfectly natural part of my speech, which comes out more when I'm speaking informally (not surprising). Given how pronounced Clinton's regional pronunciation is, so to speak, I can only assume that she was showing her roots at the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ. So ultimately Clinton is not, contra Goldblatt, affecting anything. In fact, she is dropping an affectation.
Speaking about present participles, here's a funny ad for Berlitz language schools, which, if you haven't seen you should. See. It. Thanks go to Sophie for showing it to me. Ten bonus points go to anyone who can explain why this is actually very clever, and not merely a cheap jab at accents.


text:
The web page you were asking for is currently offline due to either an unexpected error or web site maintenance. Please come back in a 1/2 hour. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Our staff has been notified of this error via email.
630.557.1000 -
All above content copyright © 1997 - 2019 by Record Information Services, Inc.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
You may remember hedge funds -- the $1.8 trillion industry is happy to take your money, charge you 2% just to hold onto the cash and an additional 20% -- at least -- of the profits they generate from investing your hard-earned cash.
In exchange, hedge funds delivered astoundingly bad performance. In 2011, they lost 9% of your money on average and in 2012, they did slightly less badly -- making a 5.5% return. You could have made 13.4% in 2012 without all the fees by sinking your money into an S&P 500 index fund.
But hedge funds are still out there and one way that they try to out-earn the market averages is by getting an information edge. That edge could come from figuring out whether a publicly-traded company is going to meet its quarterly earnings target.
That's because the only sure way to make money in the market is to buy before a public company reports expectations-beating earnings and guidance or to short its shares before it announces disappointing results.
This is where Euclid comes in. As I wrote back in November 2011, Euclid was started by Will Smith (not the actor) -- the grandson of John Smith, an early shopping center developer and chairman of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Euclid's other co-founder, Scott Crosby, was co-founder of Urchin Software, which was acquired by Google (GOOG) in April 2005 and became Google Analytics. Euclid aspires to be Google Analytics for the physical world.
By that Smith means that Euclid tracks the movement of people in retail stores. The company offers retailers a box that monitors WiFi signals coming out of computing devices that people are holding. Smith assures me that the data Euclid provides retailers is anonymized and retailers put up signs that instruct consumers how they can opt out.
Retailers use the data to boost sales. Here's an example: Euclid tracks the number of people who walk by a store window and counts those who actually enter the store. If someone enters the store instead of walking by it, the odds of closing a sale rise dramatically.
Since November 2011, Smith told me in a January 2 interview, Euclid has enjoyed very rapid growth. Specifically, the number of events per day -- Euclid's count of a device like an iPhone, in a specific location (like a retail store), at a point in time (it samples about once a minute, depending on wifi broadcast frequency) -- that it tracks has increased at a 11,949% annual rate from a million to 3 billion.
The reason for this rapid growth is that Euclid has sold its $200/month/sensor service -- with the number of sensors per store ranging from one to more for big box retailers the names of which he declined to share. He did tell me that equity analysts are quite eager to get those names because Euclid's service helps those publicly-traded companies sell more.
And as long as the information about Euclid's customers is not widely known, investors could enjoy the upside surprise when Euclid customers generate higher-than-anticipated revenues.
The interesting part of the story is that Euclid's progress has happened as a result of its ability to provide retailers with answers to questions on which they previously did not have reliable statistics.
One example of this is that Euclid can help retailers track sales to people on the floor -- decomposing revenue into three parts -- the number of people who walk into the store, the percentage of those people who buy (the conversion rate), and the average size of those buyers' purchases (the basket size).
Euclid helps stores boost revenues in two ways. First, it keeps track of the proportion of people who walk by the store window and can help retailers measure how changes in the window displays boost the number of people who walk in. If more people walk in and the conversion rate stays constant, that means more revenues.
Second, Euclid can help measure how long people stay inside the store. And Smith has observed that the longer someone stays in the store, the larger their average basket size. Thanks to Euclid's data on in-store traffic, floor managers can make more accurate predictions of the ups and downs of traffic during the week and at different times of day.
These better predictions allow floor managers to decide when they need to put more sales people on the floor to handle a surge in traffic and when there is likely to be a lull in potential buyers -- so the floor can safely assign fewer people to handle the diminished demand.
The result of this is that Euclid helps stores to better match the supply of sales people with the demand for their services. This means that when many customers are eager to buy, the retailer will close more sales and when fewer potential customers are on the floor, the retailer can cut its costs.
The resulting boost in its clients' sales is likely to spike earnings. For publicly traded retailers, Euclid could be a secret weapon for the value of their shares. And Smith has been quite careful not to disclose his clients to equity analysts.
And Smith has done this with a very small staff that has grown from "fewer than 10 to the low 20s." Euclid has raised $6.3 million -- most recently a $5.8 million infusion in a November 2011 round from New Enterprise Associates and Harrison Metal Capital.
Moreover, Euclid launch Euclid Zero that enables retailers that have existing wi-fi hardware in their stores from Aruba (ARUN), Aerohive, Fortinet (FTNT) and Xirrus to sign up for Euclid with a simple click of a browser button -- avoiding the cumbersome process of installing a sensor and testing it in order to get the service working.
If Euclid can provide the hard-data answers to previously unanswered questions, Smith will conclude that the company has realized his vision. And the hedge funds that crave Euclid's client list could profit by buying a basket of leading publicly traded retailers. Before long, they may all be using Euclid's service.


text:
Today's Sale Price:
You Save:
Best Seller in Washington State Cougars Polos
Checking inventory..
Game day is close, so make sure you get an early start. This Washington State Cougars Early Season Coaches Performance polo from Nike will help keep you cool and dry while having a smart look.
Stay updated on sales, new items and more:
©2019 Fanatics, Inc., All Rights Reserved. No portion of this site may be reproduced or duplicated without the express permission of Fanatics, Inc.


text:
Missouri Senate panel rejects Medicaid expansion
Members of a special Senate committee looking at ways to "transform and reform" Missouri's Medicaid program demonstrated Wednesday that little has changed in the partisan battle over the government-funded health care plan for the poor.
Democrats sought to include expanded eligibility for the program in a list of recommendations being considered by the committee and walked out of the room when Republicans didn't want to make it their first topic of discussion.
Republicans, who hold a majority on the Senate Interim Committee on Medicaid Transformation and Reform, later voted to keep Medicaid expansion out of the report that is to be released in advance of the 2014 session.
The outcome mirrored numerous other votes taken earlier this year, when the Republican-led Legislature repeatedly defeated efforts by Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Jay Nixon to expand adult Medicaid eligibility.
"Until we reform and transform the current Medicaid program, no one's in a position where they feel comfortable expanding anything," said committee chairman Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington.
Democrats argued that expanding Medicaid eligibility to low-income adults lacking health insurance is an integral part of transforming the program. They wanted to add wording to the report saying the Legislature should consider seeking federal approval for a Medicaid expansion plan.
After the committee voted down the Democratic recommendation, Sen. Paul LeVota, D-Independence, acknowledged that the prospects of expanding Medicaid in 2014 appear slim.
"They're just stuck in their dogma," LeVota said of Republicans on the committee.
LeVota and the two other Democratic members of the committee — Sens. Jamilah Nasheed and Joe Keaveny, both of St. Louis — left the room as the committee discussed more than a dozen other recommendations included in a draft report.
Missouri could get additional federal money under the new federal health care law if it expands Medicaid to adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, about $32,500 for a family of four. Missouri's Medicaid program currently covers custodial parents earning up to 19 percent of the poverty level, or about $4,475 annually, and doesn't cover adults without children in their homes.
The first recommendation in the Senate panel's draft report is to expand managed care statewide for parents, pregnant women and children in the Medicaid program. Managed care policies currently are used for those groups in a fewer than half of Missouri's counties. The committee also recommended that elderly and disabled Medicaid enrollees be covered through regional "accountable care organizations" and have a primary care physician who is part of that organization.
But those recommendations faced opposition from Republican Sen. Rob Schaaf, a physician from St. Joseph. He questioned whether managed care plans actually would have a 3 percent cost savings, as cited in the draft report.
"I'm not convinced that it would save us any money," Schaaf said.
Some of the committee's other recommendations include providing dental coverage to adult Medicaid recipients, finding ways to reduce emergency room visits and doubling the amount of assets that elderly and disabled residents can have before exceeding Medicaid eligibility thresholds.
A special House committee also is developing recommendations for Medicaid legislation. The committee chairman, Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, has outlined a package of potential changes that include managed care plans, expanded eligibility for adults, reduced eligibility for children and financial incentives for Medicaid recipients to avoid emergency room visits. His analysis shows that the changes could save Missouri money in the long-run.


text:
April 2013 Drivelines - 4x4 NewsPosted in Features on April 1, 2013
Trucks at the L.A. Auto Show!
Yep, we're as shocked as you are. For years the Los Angeles Auto Show has been the place for manufacturers to showcase their new hybrid, electric, fuel-cell, and other "green" vehicles. Trucks or 4x4s of any kind have been few and far between. Yet at the 2012 show we actually found a couple of trucks worth talking about—even if one is just a dream truck and another will be pricey enough that it may as well be a dream truck.
Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept
Each year the L.A. show challenges automakers to develop vehicle concepts around a particular theme. This year's theme was "Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025." Mercedes-Benz's entry in the challenge was a futuristic off-roader, based on the notion of what a Mercedes G-Wagen would look like a dozen years from now.
The sketches for the police vehicle inspired the designers at Mercedes' Advanced Design Studio in Carlsbad, California, to create a full-scale model of a civilian version of the police vehicle. The concept truck would be powered by a fuel cell, with hydrogen to fuel the cells coming from recycled water stored in tanks on the roof. Motors in each wheel hub drive the vehicle, while a "Terra-Scan" 360-degree scanner on the roof reads the surrounding terrain and adjusts spring and damping rates to maximize traction.
Land Rover Range Rover
Land Rover chose the L.A. show for the U.S. debut of the '13 Range Rover, largely because Southern California is such a huge Range Rover market, the company said. And it does seem true that you can't swing a dead cat around here without hitting some up-and-coming (or downward spiraling) starlet in her Rover being hounded by the paparazzi. Not that young Hollywood cares, but the new Range Rover is the most capable ever, so our readers should care, says the company. Stay tuned for Fred Williams' First Drive in an upcoming issue.
New Ram Commercial Truck Division
Industrial-strength trucks and vans are now available from Ram Truck, which is kicking off the Ram Commercial side of things (and coincidentally strikes at the same time as the arrival of the new Ram ProMaster large van). The division will focus on truck development, sales, and support. The Tradesman trim level on all models is sort of the spokesperson for the line, which includes the Ram HD, C/V, and Chassis Cabs. The division puts together Ram BusinessLink dealers with commercial customers and what they need/want.
Among the powertrain choices for HD Rams is a 5.7L Hemi configured to run on either compressed natural gas (CNG) or gasoline. These trucks are fitted with gas tanks and CNG storage tanks, and the bi-fuel Hemi features redesigned cylinder heads with CNG-compatible valves and valve seats, and a second fuel rail and injectors for the CNG. Editor Péwé spent some seat time in a Ram 2500HD with the bi-fuel Hemi, and reports the transition between fuels was automatic and seamless. Except for an extra gauge for the CNG and less room in the bed (due to the massive CNG tank), the truck was 100 percent Ram heavy duty. Péwé said that he expects commercial and consumer interest in the CNG concept will increase dramatically in the next few years.
Jeep Special Editions: Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary/Patriot Freedom
That Rubicon "package" that nearly no one at Chrysler thought would last is now celebrating its 10th birthday and is a full-fledged member of the Jeep family. To commemorate the occasion, it is getting a special edition as seen last month (Apr. '13). In case you missed it, the unique model is based on the Rubicon but will gain stuff like a half-inch in ride height over the regular Rubi, an "icon" logo on the rims, black steel bumpers (the front has removable end caps and is winch-ready), a dual-intake power dome hood, and Mopar rock rails. Anniversary badging is inside and out as expected, including a red silhouette Rubicon decal on the sides of the hood. Speaking of red, the birthday Rubicon is fitted with red towhooks similar to those on the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. Look for the Anniversary Rubicon this spring.
Joining the existing Wrangler Freedom Edition is the Patriot Freedom Edition. Similarly, it's an ode to members of the U.S. military. Jeep will even give $250 to charities that benefit U.S. military members for each vehicle sold. Based on the Latitude model, it has a star on the hood, an "Oscar White" badge, and a unique fascia and wheels. No shocker here: Available colors are red, white, and blue. It's at dealers now.
This Just In
• By the numbers: Ford has produced the 500,000th vehicle with an EcoBoost engine. Toyota has made its 25-millionth vehicle in North America. Omix-ADA is now 20 years old.
• One more number: As we mentioned last month, the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 turned 45 in 2012. Celebrate with a shot of SCORE Baja 1000 Sal Fish Signature Edition tequila, available through baja1000tequila.com.
• Chrysler is adding another shift to its Warren Truck Plant because there's already so much demand for the '13 Ram.
• The Raptor is being sold via the gray market in China, with prices as high as $160,000, according to The Detroit News. A used one isn't a bargain either; the '10s are more than $100,000. Ford doesn't sell the truck there. The Hummer went through this same thing before GM gave in and sold them there.
• The fourth annual Collector Car Appreciation Day is July 12, 2013. It's a day that celebrates vehicles, but especially restoration and collection. Cruises, club gatherings, and more will take place across the country. The day is catching on outside the U.S.—Canada and Australia will also have events.
• The annual Automotive Misery Index is from Carinsurance.com, and it determines the most miserable places for car ownership based on how each state's household income stacks up against the price of fuel, miles driven, and insurance coverage. Therefore, the most miserable place to live is…Mississippi. Oklahoma took the two spot, and Louisiana, West Virginia, and Montana round out the top (bottom?) five. Places where fuel and insurance weren't as miserable? New Hampshire, Alaska, Connecticut, Colorado, and Washington.
Earth Watch
• Want to become a Stay the Trail Ambassador in Colorado? The gig is part of the Colorado Trail Patrol and the Stay the Trail outreach campaign from the Responsible Recreation Foundation. Ambassadors are active in the OHV world and answer questions and educate OHV users about trails and trail etiquette. Learn more at staythetrailambassadors.org.
• SEMA has joined with the Off Road Business Association (ORBA), Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), and a number of other motorized recreation groups to oppose designating 1.4 million acres of land in Utah as a National Monument. The area surrounds Canyonlands National Park and is referred to as "Greater Canyonlands." There is no widespread local or Congressional support for the designation, which could threaten to close OHV use and shared access. A number of conservation groups are now pressuring President Obama to designate the 1.4 million acres in Utah as a National Monument, which would close 1,050 miles of OHV routes and monitor 1,450 miles for possible future closure. SEMA and its coalition partners urged the President to abandon the idea in a letter sent to him late last year, citing the positive economic impact of motorized recreation activities, which accounts for more than $257 billion in annual economic impact nationwide. The Coalition also called for a more collaborative approach to land-use decisions, including input from local citizens, elected leaders, and other stakeholders. SEMA and the coalition also contend that the designation would undermine current protections for the land. The BLM manages the land surrounding Canyonlands National Park. It has recently completed a new Resource Management Plan that restricts motorized and nonmotorized activities to routes that have been subject to environmental analysis and public involvement, making a Monument Designation unnecessary and threatening to the existing process.
World's First-Ever Electric Monster Truck
Last month we showed you the new electric Bigfoot as it sat at the SEMA Show in Vegas. Since then Bob Chandler and company have done some testing with the new model, asking longtime Bigfoot pilot Jim Kramer to drive the battery-powered monster over some junk cars. The truck drove around the parking lot and over the cars for more than 20 minutes without losing power, all while remaining eerily quiet. Best quote from an onlooker: "I've been going to monster truck shows for years, and I've never actually heard the cars get crushed under the tires."
In case you missed last month's mention, Bigfoot 20 is the first-ever battery-powered monster truck. It runs off 36 Odyssey car batteries and a DC electric motor, making 360 volts of power; there's 800 lb-ft of twist. Custom-built driveshafts, a ProFab transfer case, and ZF planetary axles with internal wet disc brakes are among the beef. Familiar standard monster truck features are still there: 66-inch Firestone floations on custom 25-inch steel wheels, eight nitrogen-charged Knight Stalker racing shocks, and custom limiting straps. That's an all-fiberglass Super Duty body, in case you wondered.
Your Steering Wheel Is Repulsive
You might not spend time thinking about microorganisms that cause odor and discoloration on vehicle surfaces, but engineers from the Ford Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn do. Ford and the University of Michigan are studying interiors to learn where microbes grow and how antimicrobial additives for coating can help stop that. The highest concentrations of nasties are found on the steering wheel and around the cupholders, according to the research.
Who Is Jason Scherer?
If Jason Scherer's name isn't familiar to you, it should be. He's the winner of the PSC Brawl in Blackwell Nitto Tire National Championship race. The final race in Blackwell was four laps of 44 miles, complete with rocks, whoops, cliffs, fire roads, and more (by "more" we mean 100 jumps per lap), and Jason snagged the win by a mere 5 seconds.
GM Researching How to Reinvent the Tire
GM isn't exactly trying out square and triangle tires, but it is looking to change tire technology through the new National Tire Research Center in Virginia. (GM invested $5 million into it, so you can see the connection.) The facility uses state-of-the-art machinery and technology to replicate real-world driving. The goal is to understand how a tire performs in every situation, from daily driving to emergency scenarios, in an effort to improve fuel economy and tire performance. A key component is the Flat-Trac LTRe, which can run a tire up to 200 mph and replicate all driving maneuvers of a car or light truck, then give feedback on handling, torque, and braking abilities on all sorts of surfaces. GM helped set the machine's testing specifications.
Titan Pricing
Pricing for the '13 Nissan Titan is in: The MSRP starts at $31,670 for the S King Cab 4x4 and $34,220 for the S Crew Cab 4x4. If you're eyeballing a PRO-4X, it starts at $37,040 in King Cab skin.
Chevy/Disney Ride
Chevy and Disney are teaming up for a special virtual ride at EPCOT in Orlando. You get to design a virtual concept vehicle of your own. The coolest part is that it can then be driven on a virtual track—and your score is evaluated. You can also produce and share a TV commercial starring your vehicle. The dorky kid next to you wearing the Mickey Mouse ears might just be designing the truck you'll be driving in 20 years.
• Mar. 1-3: Desert Safari, Truckhaven Hills area of the North Ocotillo Wells SVRA, Borrego Springs, CA, by Tierra Del Sol. Info: www.tds4x4.com
• Mar. 8-10: MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, San Felipe, Baja Mexico. Info: 818.225.8402, www.score-international.com
• Mar. 9: Getting Started Off-Road Driving Clinic by Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Hungry Valley SVRA, Gorman, CA. Info: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
• Mar. 10: Advanced Beginner Off-Road Driving Clinic by Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Mojave, CA. Info: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
• Mar. 14-18: National JK Jamboree by TexasJK.com, Superlift ORV Park, Hot Springs, AR. Info: 501.625.3600, www.orvpark.com
• Mar. 16: Dog Party 2, Twisted Trails Off-Road Park, Copemish, MI. Info: www.twistedtrailsoffroadpark.com
• Mar. 16: Getting Started Off-Road Driving Clinic by Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Borrego Springs, CA. Info: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
• Mar. 17: Starting Rock Crawling Clinic by Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Lucerne Valley, CA. Info: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
• Mar. 21-23: General Tire Mint 400 desert race, Las Vegas, NV. Info: www.bitd.com
• Mar. 21-23: Texas Spur Jeep Jamboree, Llano, TX. Info: www.jeejamboreeusa.com
• Mar. 21-23: Pine Barrens Jeep Jamboree, Hammonton, NJ. Info: www.jeejamboreeusa.com
• Mar. 25-29: Easter Jeep Safari for First Timers by Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Moab, UT. Info: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
• Mar. 23-31: Easter Jeep Safari, Moab, UT. Info: http://www.rr4w.com
• Note: If you have a 4WD event you want us to publicize, please send the date, location, a description of the event, and contact info—phone numbers and/or email/website address—to Calendar, 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245; fax 310.531.9368; email email@example.com. Please submit your info at least four months in advance of the event due to our press lead times.


text:
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
2012.. Jan, Feb, March..... where did you go?
I tell you people, this year has already sped past me. What about you? Life is such a fast roller coaster, who knows when the ride will end. Then again, who wants it to?
I just realised how tired I was a few minutes ago when I sat down for a break on this, my fourth night shift. The sigh my muscles cried out. Joy!
This year has been particularly frought with much anxiety for us Victorian Nurses. As my friends are aware, Our Enterprise Bargaining Agreement was Up late last year and, well, the Government and the Hospitals Association are not playing along and would not negotiate. As you can see from the above image, this was a Minister of our Parliament at one time, he is pictured giving "The Bird" to my friends from my work through the window of a library. This is ongoing saga and we have been waiting for them to come to the negotiating table.
Nurses did rolling work stoppages (4 hour walk outs from work) leaving the wards with Night Duty staffing ratios. This is how the Government would have it, if they get their way, during a day shift. How can a nurse give quality care to acute patients when she/he has 8-10 people during a day shift? Right, you cannot.
This coming Friday we ought to have some resolution. The VHIA and the State Government have agreed to sit at the negotiating table, finally! We will have our Union meeting on Friday and I am hoping they come to us with some plain and simple outcomes to agree on. If not, it will be game on! People will resign. Then who will be giving the bird sign then?
Apart from all of this. My family are all very well. Hubby broke his thumb at work, it got slammed in a door on a railway carriage... well, that does not class him as being sick, just a bit broken lol. No laughing matter, it hurt badly.. I laugh still, I know I am bad.
4 comments:
- Andrew said...
The ex minister is a very foolish man. No doubt the next time he is in hospital it will be a private one, but nurses are very interchangeable between public and private. Not that I'm saying he would be treated unprofessionally, but...
- Ginnie said...
That's a pretty sleazy looking minister of the Parliament ... regardless of his wearing a fancy suit. I can't imagine a public official stooping so low...shame on him.
Keep up the fight, Cazzie.
- Mom said...
Why is it so hard for the government to do what is obviously right?
- Middle Child said...
Mom I think its that the biggest divider on this planet is not colour, religion or culture its the huge gap between the ruling class (pollies, bankers, the elite) and the ordinary people. Sadly few politicians on earth really seem to care what we think of them, and care even less that our taxes are used for the public good unless there is a vote in it for them


text: In message from "Michael T. Prinkey" <mprinkey at aeolusresearch.com> (Tue, 12 Oct 2004 17:05:27 -0400 (EDT)): > >This won't help with your Opteron systems as they probably have >broadcom >(tg3) NICs, but GAMMA has just released an update that supports Intel >(e1000) gigabit cards: > >http://www.disi.unige.it/project/gamma/index.html > >They have an MPI implementation as well: > >http://www.disi.unige.it/project/gamma/mpigamma/index.html We had some experience w/older GAMMA versions, but then we stopped our using because of the absense of reliable SMP support and e1000 cards we begun to use. Now e1000 is supported only for 2.6 kernels (we are using 2.4 for x86_64). Latest pair of GAMMA versions for 2.4 and 2.6 kernels is attractive and may give GAMMA "new life". But I'm afraid the instability of Intel Pro/1000 NICs in the sense of extremally often NIC chips exchange by Intel - between different NICs "version". GAMMA staff say about i82546 chipset; what will be for other ? Yours Mikhail Kuzminsky Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry Moscow >They claim vastly improved latency and incrementally improved >bandwidth on >gigabit hardware relative to TCP/IP. We are planning to test it with >the >new Xeon cluster we will be building next month. It will be >interesting >to see how it fairs with LINPACK and the MFIX CFD code. > >Anyone given GAMMA a try? > >Mike >


text:
Unlimited entry to 3 great zoos
Save time and book online
'Checkout ' takes on a special meaning at the Zoopermarket officially launched today at Melbourne Zoo.
At a normal supermarket checkout, consumers pay for their selected products. At the Zoopermarket, consumers will get to check out the ingredients in some items commonly found on supermarket shelves.
Knowing what's what when confronted with an array of products can be confusing, especially since Australia's labelling laws allow palm oil to be labelled as 'vegetable oil'.
Scanning selected Zoopermarket items will reveal whether the manufacturer is using palm oil, and if so whether it is being produced sustainably.
The Zoopermarket is the latest stage in the ongoing Don't Palm us Off campaign, which aims to draw consumer attention to the widespread use of unsustainably produced palm oil and facilitate their communication with manufacturers on this issue to encourage use of sustainably sourced palm oil.
The clearing of rainforest in order to plant vast expanses of palm oil trees is the single largest factor in harming wildlife populations in South East Asia, including the rapidly diminishing orang-utan population.
Palm oil is found in about 40% of the products on supermarket shelves. Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) is an alternative ingredient that is produced without harming local wildlife and communities.
Now Zoo visitors can see for themselves how some common supermarket products rate in terms of their use of palm oil.
Visitors will be able to scan selected products, see where they rate on this three-stage scale, and email manufacturers accordingly, either to congratulate them or to ask for a change in palm oil policy.
The Zoopermarket is located at our Orang-utan Sanctuary giving visitors viewing Asia's only Great Apes better information about the issue that is pushing them towards extinction.
You can help us label palm oil once and for all. Let Ministers know that you want the choice.
Once found all over Asia, Sumatran Orang-utan are now only found in small populations. You can help us fight extinction by adopting the Sumatran Orang-utan.


text:
The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche is an American twin-engined cabin monoplane designed and built by Piper Aircraft. It was twin-engine development of the PA-24 Comanche single-engine aircraft. A variant with counter-rotating propellers was designated the Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R.
The Twin Comanche was designed to replace the Piper Apache in the company's line up of products. The Twin Comanche was developed from the single engined Comanche by Ed Swearingen who at the time operated a facility that specialized in the modification of production aircraft. The normally aspirated aircraft was equipped with two 4-cylinder 160 hp (120 kW) Lycoming IO-320-B1A fuel injected engines, but 200 hp (150 kW) engines were available as a modification. A version with turbocharged engines for higher altitude flight was also developed, using IO-C1A engines of the same nominal power. All Twin Comanche engines enjoyed long TBO's (2000 hours for the B1A) and developed a reputation for reliability. The PA-39 was a version with counter-rotating engines (to eliminate the critical engine) that replaced the PA-30 in the early 1970s. The Twin Comanche was produced on the same Lock Haven, Pennsylvania production line as its single-engine cousin; production ceased when the factory was flooded in 1972. Piper chose at that time to focus on its equally-popular Cherokee 140/180/235/Arrow line, manufactured in Florida, and its highly popular twin-engine Seneca, which is essentially a Twin Cherokee Six. The Piper PA-40 Arapaho had been scheduled to replace the PA-39 in the 1973-4 timeframe. Three were manufactured, and the aircraft was already fully certified when the decision was made not to proceed with the manufacture. One of the three Arapahos was destroyed in a flat spin accident in 1973; the test pilot (who was none other than future aviation entrepreneur Clay Lacy) successfully escaped. One was scrapped by Piper. One remains flightworthy as of this writing but is not currently being flown.
The Twin Comanche is a low-wing cantilever monoplane with a retractable tricycle landing gear. The Twin Comanche is the most fuel efficient aircraft in its class. With tip tanks, the aircraft holds 120 gallons (454 l) of fuel. Fuel burn at typical cruise settings is approximately 15.5 gph (58.7 lph) with a cruise speed of 165 kts. It easily climbs to 18,000' (5,500 m) when desired (24,000' - 7,300 m - if turbocharged). When compared with the Seminole (in reality a Twin Arrow), the Twin Comanche goes faster, carries more, burns less fuel, climbs more rapidly and ultimately higher, is quieter, and is more difficult for a novice to land. When compared to the Seneca, which is really quite a different aircraft, the more noticeable differences are in handling. Another contemporary competitor to the Twin Comanche was the Beechcraft Travel Air. A similar airplane in form and function was the Grumman Cougar, which went into production after the Twin Comanche's production run ended.
Operational history
An early high-ratio of training accidents on the original Twin Comanche was reduced by raising the minimum airspeed at which engine-out flights were conducted. In the 1960s, engine-out stalls were performed as part of multiengine training at low altitudes. This, combined with the Twin Comanche's ease of entry into a flat spin if an engine-out stall is taken too far, led to many early accidents. A revision of training procedures combined with revised placarded speed restrictions for single engine operation as well as a service bulletin which added a rudder-aileron interconnect and leading edge stall strips resulted in significant improvement in the accident rate.
A Twin Comanche was flown in the 1992 and 1994 French Arc en Ciel air races. It is the only US aircraft to have raced twice around the world. In the pilot-skilled races, 1992 pilot and Pioneer Hall of Fame enshrinee and 100 Aviation Hero for the First Century of Flight, Marion P. Jayne and her daughter Nancy Palozola placed second. In 1994 Jayne and her daughter, Patricia Jayne (Pat) Keefer won the FAI Gold Medal in what, so far, is the longest race in history at over 21,000 miles flown May 1-24, 1994. With FAA approval the twin carried a total of 252 gallons in 11 tanks and at maximum power went over 2,100 miles non-stop between Marrakech, Morocco and Istanbul, Turkey in 11:19 hours.
Three versions of the PA30 were produced: the original, a B model, and a C model. The B and C models can carry six passengers and can be identified by the additional side windows. Factory turbocharged engines became available in 1965. These used Rajay turbochargers with manual wastegates operated by twin knobs under the throttle quadrant. They were properly termed "turbonormalized" since the compression ratio and maximum manifold pressure remained unchanged. Pilots were required to use care to avoid overboosting at low altitudes, since no overboost popoff valves were used. Since there was no accompanying power increase, the B/C models simply give owners a fuel vs. passenger tradeoff. The two rearmost seats, occupying the baggage compartment, are quite small.
Total Twin Comanche production was 2156, comprising 2001 PA-30s and 155 PA-39s.
Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche
Four-seat twin-engined cabin aircraft. PA-24 with engine removed and nose faired in and powered by two 160-hp (119-kW) Lycoming IO-320-B1A engines in wing mounted nacelles.
Piper PA-30B Twin Comanche
PA-30 with a third cabin window on each side and an optional fifth or sixth seat.
Piper PA-30B Turbo Twin Comanche
Turbonormalized version of the PA-30B Twin Comanche, powered by two Rayjay turbonormalized IO-320-C1A piston engines.
Piper PA-30C Twin Comanche
Twin Comanche B with new instrument panel, switches, and other minor variations. Optional turbonormalized version.
Piper PA-30-200 Twin Comanche B
Experimental PA-30 with two 200hp Lycoming engines, one only from Piper. However, a number of Twin Comanches were modified with 200hp Lycoming engines under an STC from Miller which was often accompanied by modifications to the dorsal fin, nacelles, and nose. Dual brakes on each main wheel and a nosegear headlight were also available from Miller. An optional turbocharged variant of the Miller Twin Comanche was available as well.
Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R
PA-30 with counter-rotating 160hp Lycoming IO-320-B1A engines and modified wing leading edges.
Piper PA-39 Turbo Twin Comanche C/R
Turbocharged version of the PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R.
Piper PA-40 Arapaho
Developed and fully certified version of PA-39 with entirely different wing and extensive fuselage modifications. Three prototypes only.
Specifications (Piper PA-39)
General characteristics
Capacity: four/six seat
Length: 25 ft 2 in (7.67 m)
Wingspan: 36 ft 9½ in (11.21 m)
Height: 8 ft 3 in (2.51 m)
Wing area: 178 ft² (16.54 m²)
Empty weight: 2270 lb (1030 kg)
Gross weight: 3725 lb (1690 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Avco Lycoming IO-320-B1A flat-four piston engine with counter-rotating propellers, 160 hp (119 kW) each each
Maximum speed: 205 mph (330 km/h)
Range: 1200 miles (1931 km)
Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6095 m)


text:
A statute of limitations sets the period of time someone has to take some kind of legal action. Statutes of limitations, for example, set deadlines for suing. When a plaintiff misses the cutoff, the defendant can use the statute of limitations as a defense against the suit. If the defendant establishes that the statute of limitations applies and has indeed "run," the court will normally dismiss the case.
(This article is about statutes of limitations in Louisiana civil cases. For information about criminal cases, see our article on criminal statutes of limitations in Louisiana.)
Time Limits on Claims
For statute-of-limitations purposes, the clock normally starts to tick when the claim arises. Courts sometimes refer to this starting point as the "accrual" of the "cause of action"; it's the moment at which the plaintiff has a basis to sue. (Certain events and circumstances can delay or "toll" statutes of limitations, essentially lengthening the time period for bringing a claim.)
Assume one person wants to sue another for assault and battery. Assume also that the statute of limitations for assault and battery is two years. In a typical case, the plaintiff would have two years from the date of being hit by the defendant to file suit.
Statutes of limitations can vary from state to state, and from state court to federal court. They also differ depending on the kind of action involved.
Statutes of Limitations in Louisiana
Below you'll find statutes of limitations for several claims in Louisiana. You can see the statutes to learn more. (Be aware that statutes change, and that court rulings determine the way statutes are interpreted; court rulings can even make statutes or parts of them unenforceable.)
Keep in mind that the following is a partial list with broad overviews; you should look at the actual law for nuances and exceptions. For example, whether because the statute says so or a court has decided as much, a limitations period can start to run from the point that the plaintiff knew or should have known of an injury rather than the date of the injury itself. A statute might even provide, for instance, that you have two years to bring an action from the date you knew or should have known that you suffered some kind of harm, but in no event do you have more than six years from the date of the event in question. Examining the law would provide you with that level of detail.
Also, even if one of the causes of action below seems to apply, you might have grounds for a different or an additional claim with its own statute of limitations. Not only that, but a more specific statute of limitations than what's below could control your case—perhaps a statute of limitations for mortgage foreclosure rather than one for contracts.
Make sure to consult a lawyer for a better understanding of all time limits that apply to your situation and any possibilities for overcoming them. Rules might differ when the action is against the government. Or you might have to file a particular kind of claim before being able to sue. In short, the law in this area is complicated.


text:
Join us on a tour in Hungary's gorgeous capital while sipping your wine, cocktail or craft beer. The Sunshine Booze Cruise, a Budapest sightseeing Danube river cruise is the perfect noon sightseeing cruise in Budapest. We offer a wide range of tasty long drinks and local craft beers and wine tasting with a brilliant panorama. The program takes place at 12:00 sailing around in the city of Budapest. After a short tour of your own board our Budapest sightseeing Danube river cruise to try 2 long drinks or sample 5 special beers, or 7 Hungarian wine. As an extra get a whole bottle of your favourite one. Enjoy the lovely panorama of the Danube river from a perfect point of view, the river. During the Budapest sightseeing Danube river cruise enjoy your drinks right under the sun.
During our Budapest sightseeing Danube river cruise you can choose from three options: Sample 5 different beers or 7 types Hungarian wine or enjoy two cocktails.
The ship will be cruising for 90 minutes, showing you most of Budapest's highlights. You will sail out from the city centre, heading north to see the Parliament and the Margaret Island. After a quick turn, you will sail under the Chain Bridge and by the Buda Castle, the wonderful Castle District with the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. On your right you will also see the Fisherman's Bastion, the charming Mathias Church and the Gellért Hill. On your left the stunning view of the Hungarian Scientific Academy will be seen.
As you sail down, the colour changing building of the Palace of Arts will reveal alongside the National Theatre Hall. Here the ship takes a turn and climbs back all the way to the starting point. As your getting ready to depart, enjoy the last sips of your drink, and get ready for an amazing day ahead.
Long Drink menu with Cocktail & Cruise:
Cuba Libre
Old Fashioned
Pina Colada
Sex on the Beach
Tequilla Sunrise
Gin Fizz
Beer sampling list with Craft Beer Cruise:
Lager: Fóti Zwickl
Wheat beer: Rizmajer Wheat Beer
Hungarian Hoplager: Keserű Méz
IPA: Flying Rabbit
Porter: Flamand Porter or Fruit beer: Stari Black Currant
Wine list to taste:
Tokaji Furmint Grand Selection
Hilltop Premium Merlot
Juhász Blue Frankish Rosé
Bodri Szekszárdi Civilis Cuvée
Bárdos Pincészet Pinot Grigio
Tokaji Szamorodni Sweet
Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos


text:
5 Most Unlikely Super Bowl Teams of All-Time
The San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens will duel in Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday, Feb. 3. While neither team was considered a lock to make the Super Bowl, both squads are division winners with a Super Bowl history. That's not always the case; some franchises have shocked the football world by making it to the big game. Here's our list of the five most unlikely Super Bowl teams of all-time:
1979 Los Angeles Rams
The worst record ever for a Super Bowl team? The 1979 Los Angeles Rams, who were just 9-7 in the regular season. An NFC West juggernaut for nearly a decade, the Rams had appeared in — and lost — four out of the five previous NFC title games. The Rams only scored 14 points more on the season than their collective opponents.
Rams quarterback Vince Ferragamo, who took over for the injured Pat Haden in Week 12, finished with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions on the season. Though they shocked the Cowboys and outlasted the Buccaneers in the NFC playoffs, Los Angeles lost to the Steelers in Super Bowl XIV.
1994 San Diego Chargers
After the Buffalo Bills made four consecutive Super Bowl appearances — all losses — it was a shock to see another AFC team take the beating normally reserved for Jim Kelly and company. The 1994 San Diego Chargers, champions of a weak AFC West, advanced to the Super Bowl with narrow victories over the Dolphins, 22-21, and Steelers, 17-13 in the AFC playoffs.
The Chargers premiere offensive players were quarterback Stan Humphries, running back Natrone Means and wide receiver Tony Martin, hardly a star-studded group. San Diego was eviscerated in the Super Bowl, 49-26, by a Steve Young-led 49ers team.
2003 Carolina Panthers
When then starting quarterback's resume includes playing in NFL Europe, a team is not a likely Super Bowl contender. Playing in just their ninth season in franchise history, the 2003 Carolina Panthers were hardly expected to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Carolina dominated a mediocre NFC South with an 11-5 record, winning seven games by three points or less — that's how close they were to being 4-12.
Quarterbacked by Jake Delhomme, whose biggest prior accomplishment was winning the World Bowl '99 with the Frankfurt Galaxy, the Panthers managed to beat more talented Cowboys, Rams and Eagles teams before falling to the Patriots, 32-29, in the Super Bowl. In the nine years since their Super Bowl appearance, Carolina has had just two winning seasons.
2008 Arizona Cardinals
How did the 2008 Arizona Cardinals demonstrate they were ready to make a Super Bowl run? By losing four of their last six regular season games, including getting drilled by scores of 48-20, 35-14 and 47-7. The first 9-7 team to reach the Super Bowl since the 1979 Rams, the Cardinals were able to beat the Falcons, Panthers and Eagles in the NFC Playoffs.
An aging Kurt Warner quarterbacked the team, which scored one whole point more than it allowed in the regular season. Despite an overall lack of marquee players, the Cardinals had a fourth-quarter lead in Super Bowl XLII against the Steelers. Pittsburgh eventually prevailed, 27-13.
1999 St. Louis Rams
When a team hasn't made a playoff appearance in 10 years and the starting quarterback is lost for the season after suffering an injury in a preseason game, the Super Bowl does not seem imminent. Enter the 1999 St. Louis Rams, whose "Greatest Show on Turf" offense led the franchise to its first NFC West title since 1985, when it was still in Los Angeles.
A former Arena Football League player, quarterback Kurt Warner took over for the injured Trent Green in the preseason. Warner used running back Marshall Faulk and a gaggle of fleet receivers to lead the team to a 13-3 regular season record and playoff victories over the Vikings and Buccaneers. Winner of both the league and Super Bowl MVP awards, Warner steered the Rams to their first Super Bowl title by beating the Tennessee Titans, 23-16.


text:
What is Kamabla
A popular sport of a buffalo race in Tulu naadu region of south India conducted during summer season. A pair of buffalos are made to run in a muddy water field and a winner will be chosen . On as average 100-130 pairs of buffaloes and 20000 spectators participate each Kambala. There are 45 known kamablas presently held between the month of November to March out of which 15 are conducted under Kambala association ( Kambala samithi) on each weekends.
There are multiple opinions on the origin of Kambala. Some claim it was started by kings and some say farmers started Kambala . The history of Kambala goes to 1000 years ago to the age of kings. The traditional Kambala started as a part of celebrations and entertainment after a heavy farming work after the end of rainy season. Over the years it flourished in to a big sport or kings , landowners of Tulu naadu ( Tulu region) and it became part of the society. Traditional kamabla is still in observance in some part of south Kanara.
Another popular form of Kamabla also born which was more like a sport, a race between two pairs of buffalo which is current form of Kambala. Many kings and rich landlords organized these races and the final winner will receive a big amount of money. And today this form of Kambala is a big event in south Kanara and for many it is a matter of pride, prestige , glory and money. For spectators this is pure entertainment and relaxation after a hardworking farming days are over during the year before sowing the second round of crops.
Modern Kamabala
Early days one track( kare, ಕರೆ) is used for the race but from past 50 years double track ( ಜೋಡು ಕರೆ ) is in use for the races. But single track is also in use for traditional Kambala in some regions for conducting time based races and training .
A runner will make a pair of Buffaloes run on a track of muddy water. The runner will be driving those buffaloes all along the race. The time is recorded or he gets another competitor on the other track to decide who is best .
Kambala has got different categories as every other sport in the world.
- Negilu( ನೇಗಿಲು : Plough) category: The runner will hold the plough ( it is not actual plough which is heavy and bulky, it is just a representation of which is tied to pair of buffalo. This type is mostly for the Junior buffaloes or entry level buffaloes. But there is again a junior , senior rounds in this race.
- Hagga ( ಹಗ್ಗ: rope) category : A rope is directly tied to the buffalo pair. And this is for Senior buffaloes as the speed is more here and the participating buffaloes are well experienced. This also has a Junior, senior levels.
- Adda halage( ಅಡ್ಡ ಹಲಗೆ: cross wooden block ) category : A cross wooden plank is tied to the pair and the runner stands on it while racing. This is just for the senior category.
- Kane halage (ಕಣೆ ಹಲಗೆ: round wooden block) : A round wooden block where the runner stands on it on his single leg. There will be two holes in the block out of which the water forces out while running. The height of the water forcing out is measured to choose the winner. The more the speed is more the water height is. And this is only for senior most category.
The buffaloes.
These are water buffaloes widely used for domestic purposes and they are farmer's true friends in south Karnataka. They are even worshipped and are part of farmer's family. Racing buffaloes are male and like warriors, specially trained.
The training of buffaloes.
To train the racing buffaloes, owners build a track near their home and make them run daily . The owners feed them with most nutritious foods. During races they even get fruits like apples , oranges . They get special massages , some body treatments as well. Before the race owners are allowed to train on the actual racing track on which they are going to compete.
The runner
These are also specially trained people and one can easily spot them in the crowd. They are handsome, nicely shaped and very athletic . As one can guess they are like a sport persons. The owners hire them for the year and ask them to run all of their pairs of buffaloes. One runner might get multiple deals from different owners depending on his popularity. A good runner paid heavily and if he wins the bonus is also paid. Currently the deal goes 2 lakhs ( $4500) per year for a reputed runner to participate in all of the kambalas.
The locality
A good paddy field with lots ware availability nearby is considered as ideal for Kambala track. There should be enough space for spectators, shops , race officials to sit, hotels around the track. Easy access to the location is also considered for deciding the track location. Some places the tracks are maintained by landlords over the generations.
Kamabala track
There is no fixed rule for size of the track but it also depends on the availability of the space on the locality .Normally it is between 120 meters to 145 meters long and 8-12 meters wide. There is a thick layer of mud and then water on it. The thumb rule is water is filled in the track so that it completely contains the mud( close to 1ft) . The tracks are called by name so it is easy for communication. In the middle of the track there are two strips of white cloth tied across the track which are used as height measurements for Kane halage ( round wooden block) races. One gauge is at 9.375 meters ( called 7 1/2 kolu :ಕೋಲು ) which is the highest and the other one is at 8.125 meters ( called 6 1/2 kolu :ಕೋಲು) .
The time
Kamabla is conducted in several parts of two districts Udupi and Mangalore from November to March. It is conducted always on a weekend so that it is possible for every participant to attend all the Kambalas .
The race starts usually Saturday morning and goes on all night and finishes Sunday afternoon. The final winners will be rewarded by the officials during the Kambala closing ceremony conducted in Sunday afternoon. It is watched by, on an average 20,000 spectators in a day. It is a hit among the tourists and lot of people from different part of city , country travel to see this race.
The management
There is a Kambala association for the two districts( Udupi and Dakshina Kannada) and there is written rules and regulations for conducting Kambala events. Each year before the season starts the members meet and decide the 15 Kambala dates . There are associations for each major Kambala locations which manage these events .
And the race begins
The Buffaloes are brought to Kambala place on a vehicle along with 5-6 people who maintain them and help in the " launch" of the buffaloes.
All the teams will tent around the track. The buffaloes are worshipped first and tied together by expert before the race begins. ( Maintaining a right amount of gap between them is very important. Small gap results in accidents or falling down and a big gap makes buffaloes go out of control)
When the event begins the buffaloes were brought in by walking down the track with the accompaniment of drum beats (dolanalike) .
First round starts by eliminating the slowest pairs. This is done by time counting method. The competing team gets ready , with runner holding the plough or the rope and other members making the buffaloes stand near the start line. With everything in correct position runner start petting the beasts with a nicely decorated cane initiating the "launch" .Time is calculated to reach the finish line in case of single race. But if it is race between two pairs it takes longer, sometimes 15-20 minutes to make both buffalo pairs stand near the start line as they have to be launched simultaneously.
Races are conducted in different categories and the losers are eliminated. The race goes all the night and two pairs are finally chosen for the grand finale. Grand finale is attended by local stars, politicians, heads of famous house holds and a huge number of spectators. A big trophy and a crash prize is given during the closing ceremony.
The last category kane halage is bit different where every participant will be rewarded whose spilling water touches the measurement cloths.
Once the race is over the buffaloes get a nice fresh water wash and a good rest before the next race if they are not yet eliminated!
The speed and the power of those big animals are just treat to your eyes. The spilling colored water, the big black beasts , the runner and the screaming crowd takes you to a different world. One might be surprised to see such a harmless, slow and water loving animal can show tremendous amount of power and speed.
One can easily guess the cost involved in , right from training buffaloes , hiring runner , transporting to different locations, food and lunch for the buffaloes and the people is more than the prize if they win. And of course there very few winners. So there is no business case in this.
Kambala is an event full of happenings , for some it is life, for some it is pride, glory passion and prestige . Some treat this as their war of life .For some it is loosing money, loosing life but for some it is like hitting jackpot. Some earn money but some loose. Many families gather and unite at Kambala but some break because of Kambala. Many make friends and some make foes too. Friends turn enemies and enemies turn friends. Kamabla is pure culture and tradition for south kanara.
Photographically speaking check this another post of mine. I have made this as a different post just to keep this post as small as possible.
And here I thank..
Sham and Sharath who accompanied me while photographing , I thank Naveen Ambuli the announcer of the Moodbidri kambala who helped me in writing this giving every info I need, I thank Moodbidri Kambala samithi, I thank MLA Abhaychandra Jain of Moodbidri who offered their kind hospitality, finally I thank my dearest uncle Gajanana Upadhyaya who helped me to experience this event .
Last words:
All these photos are from Moodbidri Kambala happened in 22nd Jan 2011. I will post the timetable for next year once it is announced.I will also post which Kambala I am going to visit next year and anybody is most welcome in my team!
All are shot with Canon 1000d and 18-55 non IS lens, 55-250 IS lens .
I am still building this, whoever thinks any info is wrong or need to be modified please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com or write in the comments section. I am also participating in next year's Kambala and capture some more photos and gather some more information which help me to complete this article.
All images and writings are copyright © Dinesh Hegde. All Rights Reserved. Copying, saving, downloading, altering, displaying or redistribution of any of these images or article without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited


text:
Andrew Dys
Chester soldier gets Purple Heart 10 years after injuries in Iraq
Staff Sgt. Jesse Gladney saved his men in Iraq on Nov. 11, 2003.
His devotion to six others as young as 20 – pushing his men to safety before saving himself as mortars rained down on his squad – cost him part of his hearing and left him with a punctured eardrum, nosebleeds, a severe concussion and traumatic brain injury.
On Saturday, more than a decade after that attack, Uncle Sam finally recognized his act.
In a ceremony at the Rock Hill National Guard Armory, a Purple Heart – the medal awarded to soldiers wounded in combat – was pinned to Gladney's chest.
The 45-year-old husband and father of five, retired after 20 years of National Guard service, stood tall and proud amid an ovation from his family, previous Purple Heart recipients, and two companies of the Army National Guard 178th Combat Engineer Battalion. Gladney was with the same unit – then called the 122nd – when it deployed to Iraq in 2003. The 300-soldier unit includes 15 Purple Heart recipients.
On Saturday, Gladney made 16.
"It just slipped through the cracks before," Gladney said. "But now I have it, and I am thankful."
Gladney is too humble to talk much about the night he was wounded, saying simply that he was "doing my job and duty." His squad was near a bridge that had to be guarded.
Gladney's children – daughters Kenyetta, Blessing and Miracle; sons Jesse and O'Brien – were replaced during the war by a squad of six young soldiers who Gladney had resolved would not be hurt in Iraq.
"We were going to do a raid on the town that night when the attack happened," Gladney said. "I had to get the guys off the truck."
The blast knocked Gladney on his back and could have killed him.
Another now-retired soldier on that deployment a decade ago, Sgt. Sherice McClain of York, was in the truck that night near the Euphrates River. Gladney, his immediate sergeant, is one reason McClain came home.
"We were down in this valley, and the mortar rounds came down on us," McClain said. "Sgt. Gladney, he got everybody out of that truck and then a mortar hit on the driver side bumper, and he got the brunt of it. He had blood coming out of his ears, and he was hurt – but he was worried more about the other soldiers.
"He was a great soldier, a great sergeant – a leader."
For so long, official acknowledgment of that injury didn't come. Gladney came home and helped his wife, Tonjia, fight breast cancer. He worked at his civilian job at a Chester plant and never complained as his ears rang and he put a tissue to his nose to stop the nosebleed.
The medal, which came with a citation signed by the president of the United States, provides more benefits for Gladney and his family. Harrison Davis, with the organization Military Order of the Purple Heart, said Gladney had been "overlooked." Gladney's paperwork for the award was lost in the shuffle of returning veterans when the unit returned home, and he had to go through the red tape of getting his injuries redocumented and validated.
"Sgt. Gladney endured a traumatic brain injury, and this finally acknowledges what he gave to his country," Davis said of the Purple Heart. "He should have had it a long time ago."
Several soldiers in the unit, including the top enlisted man, Command Sgt. Major Joe Medlin, served with Gladney during that 2003-2004 tour in Iraq.
"Sgt. Gladney has deserved this for 10 years, and finally he has received it," Medlin said.
Lt. Col. Kevin Berry, the 178th's commanding officer, told the current soldiers in the unit that all should be proud of a warrior and soldier such as Gladney.
"He persisted," Berry said. "This is a huge day for him."
Gladney's family had seats of honor near other Purple Heart recipients who were there. Gladney's mother, Velma Burris, put it simply: "I am so proud of Jesse. We are all so proud of him."
His children and sister and so many others surrounded him and took pictures with that medal pinned to his chest.
"It took 10 years, but it was worth it," Gladney said.
Staff Sgt. Jesse Gladney then smiled as that Purple Heart shone over the huge heart beating beneath his uniform.


text:
If you are looking for a website to place some sort of value on your United States coins and collections then we have a site just for you. CoinTrackers.com is a site offering some really interesting articles for both numismatics and those who collect precious metals.
A few of their articles that are worth reading
- Silver Prices-This page lists silver prices (live) showing prices per troy ounce, per sterling ounce, and 90% Coin Silver (also known as Junk Silver).
- Most Valuable Coins-This most valuable coin list is dynamic and is based upon the few thousand or so United States coins found in our ever growing database.
- Silver Content US Coins-current spot price for silver multiplied by the silver content in the coin
- Current Junk Silver Bag Prices-The prices for the junk silver (90%) bags below reflect the average quantity of silver in ounces formulated with the silver spot price for today (updated every 10 minutes so prices are always current)
- Silver Coin Calculator-Enter the face value of bag of coins, a roll of coins, or even an individual coin to get the total melt value.
- 5 Ways to Find Junk Silver-Get your silver fix for a reasonable price
- Silver Spot Price-Get the current silver spot price updated every 15 minutes.
- Is my coin Silver?-Use our online handy dandy silver coin detector to see if the coin you are viewing contains silver or not.
- Coin Collecting Investment-Investing in a coin collection
The sites content i growing just about every day, and there is word of a iPad or iPhone app to be released in the future that will allow you to get realtime melt and numismatic values.
If you are into coins collecting or gold/silver investments this is definitely a site worth bookmarking.


text:
In Saturday's blog posting, Special Representative Kris Balderston announced we would be launching a multi-day blog series highlighting the Global Partnership Initiative's successes this past year. Today's installment outlines key achievements for the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves and the Partners for a New Beginning.
Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves
Since Secretary Clinton launched the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves in 2010, it has become a leading platform for addressing the challenge that almost three billion people face every day as they cook their food over open fires or crude stoves. In 2012, a definitive new study reinforced the urgency of addressing these practices, doubling the estimate of mortality associated with exposure to cookstove smoke from two to four million deaths per year. The Alliance's interim goal is to help 100 million homes adopt clean cooking solutions by 2020.
In 2012, the Alliance reached several key milestones, including: more than doubling its size to over 500 partners, including 38 countries; publishing a groundbreaking strategy for universal adoption of clean cookstoves and fuels; establishing the first-ever set of international cookstove standards; setting six initial priority countries for Alliance operations; developing a comprehensive stove performance inventory containing data from over 600 unique tests to compare lab and field results and set credible standards; commissioning over $4 million in research and stove testing centers; and catalyzing over $150 million in investments -- over $30 million for the Alliance and its grant programs, and over $120 million in parallel funding to spur advances in clean cooking.
The U.S. commitment under the Alliance is now up to $114 million, mostly in applied research and financing. And with the Secretary of State's support, we've led a wide range of diplomatic activities to support the Alliance, including reaching out to engage new nations such as China, South Africa, Sweden, Afghanistan, and Mexico.
As Executive Director Radha Muthiah moves the Alliance to full-scale implementation in its priority countries and more broadly launches several major financing tools for the sector, I am confident that this momentum will continue in 2013.
Partners for a New Beginning
In 2012, Partners for a New Beginning (PNB) grew from nine to 10 locally-owned and locally-driven PNB Chapters in Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Jordan, Mauritania, and the Palestinian Territories. Chaired by Former Secretary Albright, the PNB's steering committee which recently met in Washington consists of over 10 CEOs from the top companies in the United States. Serving as the PNB Secretariat the Aspen Institute has been an invaluable partner with co-chairs Walter Isaacson and Muhtar Kent of The Coca-Cola Company.
New partnerships are being formed all the time in PNB's critical region as local chapters and multinational private-sector companies engage as constructive partners towards finding new solutions to old problems. PNB chapters most recently convened at a global gathering at the 2012 Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Dubai, and provided support for over 120 projects based on local priorities. All of these efforts support PNB's mission to develop new business opportunities and public-private partnerships to promote economic opportunity, education, exchange, and science and technology.
We are also seeing strong commitment from the U.S. private sector to redouble efforts for economic opportunity and job creation across the MENA region. Notably, Cisco Systems has announced two $10 million investments in both Jordan and Egypt that will, among other things, be used to create employment centers that will be a sustainable model of job-creation and economic development, with a particular focus on high potential small businesses.
As we look forward to 2013, we will continue to work with the U.S. private sector and the PNB local chapters to further deepen ties, while seeking new business opportunities. We will also focus on ensuring that PNB and related efforts become self-sustaining.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog installment in which our colleagues highlight major achievements with the International diaspora Engagement Alliance and Accelerating Market-Driven Partnerships. And, as always, we welcome your thoughts about new partnerships opportunities in the coming year!
i need mre, buy want at O-San base.
Mali, strengthen you, for investment in Africa, I'd expected. Now, however, give up the behavior of the military in Mali, Africa's military organization highly likely ignore you, personally I think. The bottom line is, to be or not to be, the middle selection is not possible. I bold military action will run. For investors in Africa.
Simona M. in Serbia writes:
Very,very,very interesting project when U miss to understanding crucial stuff!!! (but its not so bad:it something going on...)...Chiao!


text:
What You Missed at the 'Star Wars' 40th Anniversary Panel at Star Wars Celebrationby IMDb-Editors | last updated - 14 Apr 2017
It was an emotional 40th anniversary tribute to the 'Star Wars' saga that opened the festivities at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Fla. The panel served up more than a few surprises and tears for fans in attendance. Read on for some of the highlights from the memorable kickoff event. — Bret Federigan
18 images
It was an emotional 40th anniversary tribute to the 'Star Wars' saga that opened the festivities at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Fla. The panel served up more than a few surprises and tears for fans in attendance and marked a significant reunion of the saga's original cast. Read on for some of the highlights from the memorable kickoff event.
Welcome Back
Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy kicked off the proceedings by welcoming fans to Star Wars Celebration and didn't waste any time introducing George Lucas, whose attendance at this event had been rumored in recent weeks. Lucas hadn't appeared at Celebration since turning over the reins of his franchise and Lucasfilm to Disney. So it was still a shock when Kennedy actually announced Lucas' name. As his entrance became more sure, the crowd went from audible gasps of disbelief to raucous joy in seconds. This was the homecoming that Star Wars fans long desired.
Hayden's Return
Hayden Christensen returned to Star Wars Celebration for the first time in 15 years, and fans greeted him warmly, quickly jumping to their feet to welcome back an actor who has stayed under the Star Wars radar in recent years. Accompanying Christensen to the stage was Ian McDiarmid, who shared much screen time with the actor in his role as the Emperor. Both men shared memories of the lessons they learned from each other, despite their age difference, and enjoyed the chance to look back at the final lightsaber sequence of Revenge of the Sith. Christensen revealed that these scenes were particularly challenging for him because as a child he had frequently reenacted the original trilogy's lightsaber duels by making the "lightsaber sound." That habit was so ingrained in him, he explained, that he did this during filming — much to the chagrin of the director and the sound crew.
Surprise Landing
Perhaps the biggest surprise was the entrance of Harrison Ford, who made his first appearance at a Star Wars Celebration. Ford might have received the heartiest applause at event. Folks on stage didn't hesitate to welcome him with a little ribbing. "I can't believe we managed to keep it a secret ... given you've landed your plane on I-4," said Warwick Davis, who couldn't resist teasing Ford about a recent piloting incident that has landed him in the news. "It was a good landing," Ford quickly retorted, to the applause and laughter of the crowd. Later, during an exchange with George Lucas about how he nabbed the role of Han Solo, Ford explained he was asked by Lucas: "Do you know how to fly?" Ford revealed his answer: "Fly? Yeah! … Land?!"
The Emperor's Favorite Scene
Ian McDiarmid revealed that his favorite memory of working with George Lucas was the famous opera scene from Revenge of the Sith. The actor enjoyed the opportunity to film such a consequential scene in a context of personal importance. "I'm a theater actor," he said. "Hayden and I could really sit down and have an evil chat. It was one of the longest dialogue scenes in the whole saga."
Greetings From Jar Jar Binks
Liam Neeson shared video greetings from the Canadian Rockies, where he was on location for a shoot. He thanked George Lucas and fans, and joked that the film he was working on was about Jar Jar Binks. "He's gone to the Dark Side," he quipped.
Tribute to a Princess
Toward the end of the panel George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy shared the stage to pay tribute to the late Carrie Fisher, whose death still stirs strong emotions from Star Wars followers. In what was one of the event's more touching moments (among many), Lucas spoke plainly about Fisher, an actress he clearly respected: "There are not very many people like her. They're one in a billion. She was absolutely perfect. She was the toughest one of the group. At the same time, she was fun to be with. She'll always be the princess who took command and never backed down, never was in jeopardy. She was always helping the other guys getting out of the messes they created. She was that character. She was very strong, very funny, very bold, very tough."
Lessons to a Daughter
Billie Lourd took the stage to help fans pay tribute to the memory of her mother, Carrie Fisher, whose enthusiasm for Star Wars Celebration was well known. Lourd shared three important lessons imparted to her by her mother: First, the whole "You're our only hope" dialogue, which she recited verbatim; second, a reminder from her mother that life should funny or else it would be "unacceptable;" and lastly, that the most evolved persons are a "contradiction." Lourd remarked that her mother could be simultaneously the "strongest and most vulnerable person in the world."
All About the Face
Anthony Daniels, the man behind C-3PO, reflected a bit on George Lucas' intention behind the design of the famous droid. According to Daniels, numerous mask faces were mocked up as possible countenances for C-3PO, including some options that were inspired by Roman statues and masks. The "gold one," which ultimately became C-3PO's iconic face, was the one that Daniels didn't like. Why did Lucas settle on this particular appearance? Because it showed "nothing." "The key was the face," Lucas said. "The face had to be absolutely neutral — so you could act. And your acting would come through. The acting was in the physicality."
Sensible But Spontaneous
After viewing a short snippet of his audition tape, Mark Hamill reflected on George Lucas' work at writing dialogue. Recalling a scene that ultimately got cut, Hamill joked that Lucas occasionally wrote words on a page that didn't always sound like something a normal human would say, especially when the dialogue involved highly specific information about the Rebel Alliance or a planet or another term Lucas had concocted. Lucas' more difficult dialogues would make "sense intellectually," Hamill said. "But how do you make it sound spontaneous?!" The more difficult bits of dialogue were a "bit much," Lucas said.
Birth of a Wookiee
Sharing the stage with Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), George Lucas reminded fans about the origins of the Wookiee character. Flashing an old picture of him and his beloved Malamute dog, named Indiana, Lucas shared that he loved the image of a man driving alongside a big furry creature. And that's precisely the reason why Chewbacca's role is as co-pilot. Lucas also revealed that it was his intention initially to have more Wookiees on screen but that plans quickly changed. "Originally, the Wookiees were what the Ewoks became – they are technical not primitive," he said. "I decided to save one and make him the co-pilot when I cut them from the movie."
Dear George
Upon greeting host Warwick Davis, George Lucas noted the passing of time, remarking: "I hired you when you were 11 years old. And now you have gray hair!" And Davis, in turn, took a moment to reflect on working on his first film as such a young actor. He shared an image of a letter he penned to Lucas shortly after filming Return of the Jedi, where he thanked the director for hiring him and for making the experience so memorable. But the real reason for the letter? Davis wanted Lucas to send him extra "action figures and walkers," the sorts of which the young actor saw fly off toy shelves shortly after the release of the film.
Don't Be Afraid
Joining George Lucas on stage was Dave Filoni, the creative steward of "Star Wars Rebels" and collaborator with Lucas on the popular "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" series a few years back. Both men shared their mutual respect for each other. Lucas called Filoni "one of his kids." And Filoni revealed the biggest lesson he learned from Lucas: "Don't be afraid. It's easy to get overwhelmed. Fear can limit creativity. Make no decision out of fear."
Don't Forget Mace
Samuel L. Jackson also joined the festivities via prerecorded video to pay tribute to George Lucas and greet fans. Jackson capped his greeting with a plea for his Jedi character, Mace Windu, to make a miraculous comeback in the film franchise. "I'm awaiting my return," he said to Lucas, to the amusement of the crowd, for whom he gave a hopeful sign-off: "See you soon … on screen, I hope!"
Smooth Operator
Donning sunglasses while on stage, Billy Dee Williams shed a little light about his character Lando Calrissian. Asked by host Warwick Davis to explain why Lando ended up as so smooth a character on screen, Williams explained that he was given two things to work with as an actor when he was first handed the role: "The cape and [the name] Calrissian." He continued, "I didn't want to do a clichéd character. I wanted to bring something special to it."
Just for Kids
Host Warwick Davis guided George Lucas through a reflection of his film career and the genesis for Star Wars. In explaining the initial intention of the movie, Lucas confessed that the movie was to serve as a teaching tool – in addition to entertaining science-fiction fans. "It's a film for 12-year-olds!" Lucas said. "It was designed (with these messages): This is what we stand for. You are about to enter to the real world. Here's an idea of what you should pay attention to — friendships, honesty, trust, doing the right thing, living on the light side, and avoiding the dark side."
Television Laboratory
George Lucas talked about the success and enduring value of the "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" television series to the larger Star Wars universe. He explained that TV was, for him and Dave Filoni, a "great experimental cauldron," where he could tell stories that were impossible to put in theaters. "There's not much at stake, money-wise," when it came to TV, continued Lucas. "With ILM, we created digital cinema. It was the same thing with animation. We did a feature-quality TV show on a TV budget. We were able to expand the universe."
It's Not the Critics Who Count
Acknowledging that his movies, particularly his prequel titles, have received varying degrees of praise and disappointment from audiences over the years, George Lucas shared a story about filming a scene in the prequel trilogy, when young fans clamored around the set. They were clearly in awe of the characters and stories he created, and this struck Lucas, who was especially appreciative that the franchise had ignited passions in a new and younger generation. And for him, that's what is paramount. "In the real world, the critics aren't very kind," Lucas said. "And certain fans (aren't, either). But when you see the look of kids' faces, it means everything."
Maestro, Some Theme Music!
Conductor John Williams capped the session with a rousing rendition of the saga's most recognizable and beloved theme music. His appearance during the event was pulled off in truly dramatic fashion, with a curtain rising from a side stage to reveal the composer with his baton and orchestra in tow. The musicians immediately began to perform "Princess Leia's Theme." The audience's initial silence soon gave way to audible sniffles.


text:
Honors Institute Gets a Home to Call Its Own
By Jennifer Donovan | Published
Housing and Residential Life at Michigan Technological University has rolled out the welcome mat for 13 students at a very special residence hall.
The Honors House, building number 82 on the campus map and formerly the Ruppe House, is a next-door neighbor of the University Residence on Woodland Road. The headquarters for Michigan Tech's Honors Institute, the Honors House is home to nine honors students and provides ample space for the group's operations. The remaining four beds are filled by non-honors students who have returned to campus after at least one year of study.
The idea of converting the Ruppe House—previously used for storage—into a livable home sprang from a conversation between Andrew Hoekstra, Honors Institute president and house manager, and Travis Pierce, director of housing and residential life. Hoekstra approached Pierce about carving out a small space on campus for the Honors Institute.
"We needed a mailbox, mostly, and a place on campus to process tickets for the inaugural student scholarship raffle," says Hoekstra. "Housing and Residential Life came up with the idea of renovating the Ruppe House for our needs. Once we all met, it started running from there, within the last two to three weeks of the spring semester."
The Honors Institute describes itself as a community of scholars, researchers and creative thinkers. The group's mission is to improve the University through student initiative and involvement, to support students in growing their academic and leadership skills and to provide a community where students can work together. Members must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and meet additional requirements.
Until now, the Honors Institute had no official place to call its own. The group held meetings in the Electrical Energy Resources Center and at the Van Pelt Library, where they have priority for reserving rooms—a nice perk, but only temporary, limited space.
Now they have much more than they bargained for—in a good way.
Nestled in a peaceful, wooded neighborhood, the two-story Honors House offers six suites, a fully renovated kitchen, new furnishings, a finished basement and many amenities, including high-speed internet and laundry facilities. Brand-new floors include luxury vinyl, tile with a dark-cork pattern (kitchen/entryway), strip flooring with a Honduran-mahogany finish (living/dining room) and Shaw loop carpeting in the color jet propel (throughout the house).
On the first floor, students can watch TV on an LED screen, hang out or just relax on the lounge-worthy leather couches and modern overstuffed chairs in the professionally designed living room. The kitchen features sleek black-granite countertops, cherry-wood cabinets, tile backsplashes and stainless-steel appliances, including two dishwashers, a triple-basin sink, two electric ranges and hoods, and a commercial-grade freezer and three-door refrigerator. The dining room, which connects the kitchen and living room, boasts a large modular table that can be used for meetings and rearranged to fit many purposes. Two student suites are on the first floor.
The second floor is dedicated to four roomy, carpeted suites, each occupied by two to four students. The residents share gender-designated bathrooms, also spruced up with new flooring, fixtures and paint.
The ground floor boasts an LED TV, a refrigerator and two large, circular tables—perfect for a meeting of the minds or homework time. This walk-in basement has tongue-and-groove walls and carpeting.
Residents have first-floor and ground-floor access to a spacious, two-story deck, complete with a stainless-steel gas grill and wrought-iron patio furniture.
As far as neighbors go, Honors House lucked out: Professor Andrew Storer, director of the Honors Institute, lives right down the street.
The institute plans to host cookouts and other events at the house, which Storer describes as a "real showpiece." In fact, during Orientation Week the institute already opened up their home to first-year students accepted into the program.
Next year, Hoekstra and Storer expect the demand for resident contracts to explode within the Honors Institute community—enough so that the house becomes exclusively for honors students.
"When this opportunity came up at the end of last spring, we were very excited, yet concerned about whether we could get enough contracts to fill the house," says Hoekstra. "Most students had already made living arrangements by that time. However, Housing and Residential Life allowed any student who had renewed a contract to live in a University residence hall to come live here instead, which was very helpful."
Both Storer and Hoekstra agree that Pierce and his staff have been "fantastic" to work with. "At the end of last year, Travis brought all of the residents into the house, laid out all the plans for the renovations, and asked us to do some picking and choosing," says Hoekstra. "Once we gave him our input, he just ran with it, and in one summer, turned this house into a home for us. That's impressive."
"Travis and the housing staff have been great," says Storer. "Basically, the challenge was, could the Honors Institute jump on this opportunity? Clearly, the institute did its part, and the University did its part. That's key for us: finding opportunities that benefit both students and the University, and being able to take the bull by the horns and get it done."
"This is a great example of another collaborative partnership between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs," says Pierce. "Such partnerships provide enhanced opportunities for student learning in a living environment."
Hoekstra hopes that bringing the Honors Institute members under one roof will encourage the group to thrive socially and advance their mission. "Recently, the institute has initiated new programs and has begun offering new member benefits, and we're hoping this home will help us in our next step of developing a sense of community—getting everyone to convene in one space and allowing them to develop friendships. It's important to develop a support network."
More About the Honors Institute
Established in 2005, the purpose of the Honors Institute at Michigan Tech is to support highly motivated Michigan Tech students as they achieve the highest standards of academic excellence. The institute organizes and supports events that benefit its members and the University community, including
- the Undergraduate Research Expo;
- a scholarship raffle, which is held at K-Day;
- presentations by invited speakers;
- homework meetings and workshops for members;
- informational meetings on applying for nationally competitive scholarships, such as NSF or Fulbright scholarships; and
- the Career Services Etiquette Dinner.
Requirements for membership include
- a combined ACT score of 30 or above for incoming students, or 27 or above for current students;
- maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.5;
- completing three honors contracts, or projects designed to be compatible with a student's interests and activities;
- completing the essay portion for a nationally competitive scholarship; and
- enrolling in honors sections of select general education courses, such as Composition.
Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 54 countries. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our campus in Michigan's Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior.


text:
Energy Resources
The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Energy Resources Section generates new information about the geologic framework of frontier areas that may host undiscovered oil, gas, coal, or geothermal resources. Summary maps and reports illustrate the geology of the state's prospective energy basins and provide data relating to the location, type, and potential of the state's energy resources. The Energy Resources Section seeks to improve the success of state-revenue-generating commercial oil and gas exploration and development and to identify local sources of energy for rural Alaska villages and enterprises.
Energy Resources FY15 project descriptions
- Alaska coal database, National Coal Resource Database System - Provides data to the National Coal Resource Database System
- Alaska geothermal database, National Geothermal Data System - Alaska geological survey contributions to the National Geothermal Data System
- Cook Inlet geology and hydrocarbon potential - Cook Inlet basin analysis program aimed at developing a better understanding of the near-margin stratigraphic and structural components of the Cook Inlet petroleum system
- Iniskin Peninsula - Bedrock geologic map of the Iniskin Peninsula area, lower Cook Inlet, Alaska; STATEMAP grant no. G13AC00157
- North Slope - Ongoing program conducting stratigraphic, structural, and petroleum related studies in northern Alaska
- Susitna and Nenana Basins, natural gas potential - Geology and natural gas potential of the Susitna and Nenana basins


text:
[Skip to content]
We receive confidential reports of patient safety incidents from healthcare staff across England and Wales. Clinicians and safety experts analyse these reports to identify common risks to patients and opportunities to improve patient safety.
We work with organisations providing NHS care, colleges and professional groups to set priorities and develop and disseminate actionable learning. Resources include:
Patient safety alerts, including Rapid Response Reports
Seven Steps series of patient safety guides
Regular feedback on the data we collect
Safety information on specific topics, such as safety of medicines.
On 1 April 2016 the statutory patient safety functions previously delivered by NHS England transferred with the national patient safety team to NHS Improvement.
Those statutory functions are the responsibility for:
operating the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS); and
using information from the NRLS, and elsewhere, to develop advice and guidance for the NHS on reducing risks to patients.
From the perspective of providers of NHS-funded care, existing processes and policies for incident reporting and receiving and acting on national patient safety alerts has not changed.
Find out more about how NHS Improvement works.
Read the 20 April 2016 NHS Improvement patient safety alert on patient safety incident reporting and responding to patient safety alerts.
A range of patient safety resources are available. From alerts and guidance to toolkits and data reports.
Targeted resources:
A key factor in providing high-quality care is providing systems for reporting when patients have, or could have been harmed.
This information is fed via local risk management systems to a national database. This data is used to identify trends and to inform the development of interventions to prevent future incidents.
The thirteenth release of the Organisation Patient Safety Incident Reports data will take place at the end of March 2015.
More on patient safety incident data
View all patient safety alerts issued by the National Patient Safety Agency.
More on patient safety alerts
Running from 24 to 30 September 2012, a week focussed on improving implementation of the Five Steps to Safer Surgery.
More on Safer Surgery Week
Transfer of Patient Safety function
Patient safety alerts
Patient safety incident data
View patient safety videos
Report a patient safety incident
Subscribe to RSS feeds
News and press releases
Safer Surgery Week 2012
Patient safety incident data
Neuraxial Update Newsletter March 2012


text:
Quarterbacks league-wide are telling Father Time to go pound salt.
With Tom Brady wanting to play beyond his 40th birthday and Drew Brees talking about starting until he's 45, veteran Michael Vick wants in on the action.
"I want to play until I'm 40," the Jets quarterback told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News on Thursday.
At 34, Vick -- with his 4.4 speed -- remains one of the game's more athletic signal-callers, which he proved by besting former teammate LeSean McCoy in a Philly footrace last summer.
"I'll be running a 4.4 when I'm 39," Vick said, drawing a laugh from Mehta, which prompted this: "When I'm 39, you come find me ... and bring some money."
Jets coach Rex Ryan called Vick "the youngest 34-year-old there is," telling the newspaper, "God touched him. He's got so much natural ability. It's amazing."
Not amazing enough, though, to keep young Geno Smith from absorbing the majority of first-team reps during New York's training camp.
All signs point to Vick starting the season as a No. 2 passer, a role he's bound to occupy -- in Gotham or elsewhere -- if he plans to continue his career into a fifth decade of life.
The latest Around The League Podcast breaks down Marshawn Lynch's belated arrival at Seahawks camp and debates which active NFL players are first-ballot locks for the Hall of Fame.


text:
News You Can Use
Check out Sloan-C Institute's Blended Learning Mastery Series - Next session starts August 16, 2013.
Recordings from our 11/29/12 "Five Tips on How to Submit a Successful Conference Proposal"
Conference News
Missed the 2013 Blended conference? Purchase recorded sessions
Check out the Wrap-up page, including pictures from the conference
View the recordings of the Today's Campus interviews that were conducted at the conference
Download the new Sloan-C Conferences Mobile App!
- Available now in the Apple iTunes store for iPhone and iPad
- Available now in the Google Play store for Android
Become a Social Networking Evangelist for this conference. Learn how here!
New Blog Post: Unique Opportunity to Obtain a Deep Understanding of the Many Aspects of Blended Learning
Make your hotel reservations now!
Best-in-Track Sessions Announced
Watch the Recording of the Virtual Program Preview Webinar from May 15
Watch the Recording of the Onsite Preview Webinar from May 2
Dr. Alec Couros announced as Keynote Speaker
Exhibitor/Sponsor information for the 2013 conference
Share your affiliation with the conference using social media, web and email badges.
Checkout last year's conference
Sign up for Conference Updates
Save the Dates
22st Annual OLC International Conference
November 16-18, 2016 | Orlando, Florida | Walt Disney World Swan/Dolphin Resort
OLC Innovate 2016 - Innovations in Blended and Online Learning
April 20-22, 2016 | New Orleans, LA | Sheraton New Orleans Hotel


text:
1. Where is Vangani station?
Vangani is very picturesque town in maharashtra, India. Vangani is the next station on central rail way line. When you travel from Mumbai to Karjat, Vangani is like exactly in between Kalyan and Karjat. Badlapur comes before Vangani when you are traveling from mumbai to vangani via railway. If you are traveling from Karjat to Vangani then Shelu is the station which comes before Vangani.
2. Vangani attractions - Things to do.
Are you tired after a BIG WEEK? Then a place like vangani is the best destination for you to relax in the heart of nature. Imagine the place with beautiful nature scene with the beautiful river flowing near by. You can do lots of mind relaxation activities at this cool place, where you can easily find best farmhouse or cheap cottages. Vangani farmhouse can be a really best place for your one day picnic and fun activities. So lots of things to do at Vangani. :)
There is a famous more Nursery 10 mins from Vangani railway station. A beautiful river along the town makes it beautiful and opens up lots of agricultural business activities in this area. It will be fun to take a look at nice flowers and other stuff at more nursery.
Yes there is a waterfall too. Towards east of the rail way station there is a "Bhagirath waterfall", and this could be a very very romantic place for couples. Enjoying the rain with your love could refresh your weekend.
3. Railway localtrain map to reach Vangani.