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Our pets are our family, and many of us can't bear the thought of leaving home without them. Because many of our luxury rental homes are pet friendly, you can bring your four-legged family member along on your vacation for some fun activities in Los Angeles! But how fun can it be for them if they are stuck at the home while you explore the magical city of Los Angeles? Fortunately for you, Californians are strong animal friends, and many of the tourist locations allow you to bring your fur babies with you! Here's a list of some Los Angeles pet friendly activity spots to add to your vacation itinerary.
Go to the Beach
Located just 20 miles outside of Los Angeles in Long Beach, Rosie's Dog Beach doesn't require your pooch to be on a leash; this is the only leash free beach in Los Angeles County! Dog hours are from 6AM until 8PM, and as long as you follow their rules (no aggressive dogs, no dogs in heat, and ALWAYS pick up after your pet), your beloved pet will love this Los Angeles pet friendly activity, enjoying a day at the beach just like the rest of the family.
Runyon Canyon Dog Park
Fido can hike by your side on the trails in Runyon Canyon, allowing your entire family to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors in Los Angeles. As always, follow the rules: no aggressive dogs, no dogs in heat, and please keep your pup on his leash. We don't want anything to happen to your pet if he is allowed to run free, as wild animals and snakes also make their home in Runyon Canyon!
Dine in Style
Did you know that there are over 200 pet friendly restaurants in the Los Angeles area alone? We Californians understand that your pet isn't just a possession, he's a part of the family! A few of our favorite pet friendly dining establishments include Waffle at 6255 W Sunset Boulevard (you will love their waffle selection!), Fred 62 at 1850 North Vermont Ave (serving meals all day and specializing in Mexican Asian fusion), and Eveleigh at 8752 West Sunset Boulevard (drinks and farm-fresh meals, anyone?).
Val Surf Board Shop – 4810 Whitsett Avenue
Shop for a surf or skate item for yourself while your sweet fur baby enjoys a treat of his own. Val often has dog treats and water bowls to pamper your special friend before you embark on more Los Angeles pet friendly activities!
After a day of hanging out with your little pup, it's best to enjoy yourself at one of our luxury vacation rentals! Click here to book one now!


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They Don't Know Squat
There seems to be much confusion amongst trainers and trainees as to whether squats should be performed all the way down or just half way. In most gyms today, a common instruction during squats, deadlifts, and lunges (as taught by many personal training organizations) is not to allow the knees to travel beyond the toes. Doing so will ultimately cause the destruction of your knees! I do not agree. There are certain instances where partial range of motion (ROM) is indicated, but for the most part, I […]More info

subset: commoncrawl


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Metadata: Cost of mandatory data retention yet to be revealed with Senate expected to pass bills soon
The Government is yet to reveal the cost of setting up mandatory data retention, with the bill set to pass as early as today.
The Senate yesterday began debating contentious data retention laws in its final parliamentary hurdle before what is set to be a vote in support of the legislation.
The Coalition wants Australians' phone and internet data kept for two years and will help companies with the cost of buying and installing new equipment.
Attorney-General George Brandis said the Government had received a wide range of estimates for set-up costs during talks with the telecommunications industry.
"As to which of those within that diverse range the Government will settle upon as a reasonable estimate of the capital cost across industry and as to the percentage contribution the Government will make to that figure, those are matters currently before the Government, they are a matter of deliberation as part of the budget process," Senator Brandis said.
Greens senator Scott Ludlam said he was shocked the Government had not provided a figure.
"That is remarkable that you would bring forward a bill without knowing how much it is going to cost or how you are going to evaluate the cost," Senator Ludlam said.
"I cannot recall in my experience the Government putting forward a bill with support from the Opposition that it didn't know how much it would cost."
Greens leader Christine Milne also called on the Abbott Government to divulge how much it will pay telecommunications companies to keep records for two years.
"What is the cost? Australians deserve to know how much the Government intends to contribute to the mass surveillance of the Australian population," Senator Milne said.
"How much money are we going to put up to have this surveillance on ourselves? Surely the Parliament deserves an answer to that question."
Laws set to pass with Coalition support; more amendments expected
Labor will vote with the Coalition after the two parties agreed to several amendments, including specific protections for the phone and internet records of journalists, in a bid to protect anonymous sources and whistleblowers.
Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Bill 2014Introduced to Parliament on October 30 and redrafted on the advice of the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (which tabled its report on February 27). The legislation will:
- Require telecommunications companies to retain customer's phone and computer metadata for 2 years
- Define which types of data must be retained, such as phone numbers, length of phone calls, email addresses and the time a message was sent, but not the content of phone calls or emails and explicitly exclude internet browsing
- Detail which agencies are able to access the data
- Give security agencies access to the data when they can make a case that it is "reasonably necessary" to an investigation
- Still require security agencies to obtain a warrant before accessing the actual content of messages or conversations
- Introduce an independent oversight mechanism, allowing the Commonwealth Ombudsman access to agency records, in a bid to boost privacy protections
- Give the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security oversight of the use of metadata by the AFP and ASIO
- The Government is negotiating with telcos about who will pay for the new system
South Australian Independent Senator Nick Xenophon is today expected to move an amendment forcing authorities to notify journalists and media organisations whenever a warrant for metadata is sought and allow them to respond.
The Greens, meanwhile, said they would oppose the legislation in the "strongest possible terms".
"This is a bill to entrench a system of passive, mass surveillance," Greens communications spokesman Scott Ludlam said.
"It is corrosive of the very freedoms governments are meant to protect."
Though Senator Ludlam said the legislation should be cast out and was "un-amendable", the Greens are set to move a raft of amendments, including to cut the retention time to three months and force agencies to seek a warrant in most cases.
The Greens also want to limit the access of metadata records to investigations into "serious crimes".
But Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the Greens' proposals were "taking it too far", emphasising that agencies were conducting routine checks in most cases.
"The vast majority of these checks are just designed to find out who actually owns a phone — who uses it," Mr Turnbull told Radio National.
The annual cost of keeping the data has been estimated to be as much as $300 million and it is likely the taxpayer will foot some of that bill.
Topics: federal-parliament, federal-government, police, security-intelligence, defence-and-national-security, internet-technology, internet-culture, information-and-communication, australia
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Key Pieces of kohls.com – Kohls Credit Card
The thing that is most significant, do not fail to replenish the card at the moment. You must select what you want in the card, to begin. As an example, the BuilderPro Fleet Card is meant for builders. You will find a couple different options When a fleet card isn't precisely what you would like. A fleet fuel card is much like a credit card that is normal in they have to be paid in full in a period of time and have spending limitations.
You must receive your card activated until you may use it. The Kohl's card differs. Kohl's gift cards are offered in shop and on the internet.
The card might have a payment purpose. You can refer to your spreadsheet to be positive you contact each of your lenders so they can freeze your accounts if your charge cards are stolen then. In the event you have your credit card and looking for the method to trigger the credit card you are going to have to follow along with the steps and fulfill. Secured credit cards are perfect for those who have credit that is.
Your card was activated. You receive the card in mail in few small business days, if you are accepted. You make purchase online along with and may ask for a short-term card. Additionally, there are gift certificates or gift cards available on the market.
Positive pay is rather typical in businesses but a company might not have the software or the resources to make the document and transmit it. It's possible to also schedule payments and you are in a position to upgrade your private info. Will likely be observed in the accounts a day. You're permitted to submit a payment. Companies continue to be slow to create the transition and people are flocking to payment, although payment is certainly the near future. A kohls credit card on-line payment has to have all the functions. A charge card online payments should have the aforementioned functions.
The Upside to kohls.com – Kohls Credit Card
As you would like to make an account, pick that. Although you've got an account, you might learn how to login Mykohlscharge Account. Step 1-To cover the charge card bill the user must log into his charge card account following the actions.
The Debate Over kohls.com – Kohls Credit Card
Whenever you're given a fortiva charge card login with a particular sum you can withdraw the complete amount immediately, or you also may do it gradually. A bank card login involves paying for products in shops, paying for tickets and a lot more. The bank for a specific amount issues it. Employing a bank card login that is fortiva is quite easy.
The Upside to
kohls.com – Kohls Credit Card
You've got to open an account online. It is fast and quite straightforward to use online. Shopping on the internet is a task that is easy.
In order to raise your savings, you might add your discounts with the superb sale prizes and offers. Additionally, you will acquire reductions. It is possible to utilize a coupon to be given a number of dollars off of another and an buy to receive a percent. You may utilize coupons on each buy and each with storewide or sitewide dollar-off discounts. You are able to also find site discounts on your purchase that is whole or Kohls discounts on particular seasonal goods.
You will get a present coupon you can use during a particular shopping interval if you are shopping in the shop. The shop sells quite a few products for all sorts of needs people have. It focuses on many fashions for children men and women. Kohl's stores are opened except for a couple of major holidays. The shop also features an internet presence in kohls.com. It is possible to always specify the store you'd love to get merchandise from online. There are lots of department stores and retail stores to select from.
By clicking the button you've completed a practice of confirmation of credit card and your card is going to be confirmed. Kohl's Card Activation procedure will likely be simple and you will finish by following instructions and the aforementioned measures. As soon as you have finished the full shell credit card on-line payment account creation process, then you will want to come back to the principal online payment page, and fill in your User ID and Password that are the ones which you created throughout the internet account production approach.


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Sofa Beds
A sofa bed can prove a highly beneficial and extremely useful especially if you are limited for space or if you want a single room to serve two purposes. For example, if you have just moved into a home with limited space in the bedrooms you can turn a guest room or second bedroom into a spare suite. Bed sofas are not only comfortable to sit on but they convert into a comfortable and convenient place to sleep too. They can be used in a child's bedroom, or in a loft conversion, or even in the dining room.
Using The Bed
Consider how many times you will actually use the sofa bed. If it will be used and converted every day then you will need to buy a top quality one that utilises the very best in materials and the latest in manufacturing processes. Although they are designed to be used in this way, continued use of some sofa beds can lead to damage to the hinges and other working components.
Placement And Prominence
Also determine which room it will be used in and how prominent a feature it will make. A sofa bed that is located in a main room that you use frequently will typically need to look more attractive than one that will not be seen on a regular basis. If the bed will only be seen once or twice a year, when being used by guests to your home, then the look may not be as important as it would be if it were to take pride of place in the living room.
Do think about the type of open and close mechanism that is used on the bed. Again, this will be more important if you intend to use it as a bed on a more regular basis. If you have to open and close the bed every day then the mechanism should not only be strong but it should be easy to use for anybody that needs to regularly use it. Buying online is quite often a beneficial choice because it enables you to enjoy more affordable rates, but you should ensure that you will be able to use it efficiently.
As well as design, you should consider the size of the sofa bed too. Measure the space where it will go and allow room for opening and closing the bed. Look at width and depth measurements when it is a sofa as well as length and height measurements when it is a bed. Different rooms, different people, and different homes have different requirements so there isn't necessarily a single standard size for a sofa bed.
Décor And Style
Look at the décor of your room and the colours that you are considering decorating. If you have just moved into rented accommodation then a neutral coloured sofa bed can travel with you and will almost always look good in any room no matter what the décor and what the style of the room.
Sofa Beds
Bed sofas are a useful and highly versatile item of home furnishings. They can be added to virtually any room and they can be used on a daily or rare occasion as and when required. They come in many colours, benefit from a variety of styles and materials, and offer a selection of different open and close mechanisms for your benefit.


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Created on April 13, 2016
Register Now For the Upcoming Federal Lab Consortium 2016 National Meeting
In today's fast-paced economy, many aspiring entrepreneurs understand the invaluable role that technology innovation plays in determining the long term success of a new company. Moreover, as the United States continues to serve as a catalyst and champion for technology innovation in the 21st century, many minority business owners are now poised to transform their ideas from research and development to commercially-developed products and services.
Pursuant to Executive Order 12591, promoting the commercialization potential of federal R&D is a top presidential priority for the Obama Administration. As federal laboratories across the country focus on transferring their research and development into the private sector, businesses aim to develop relationships with the government's top scientists and inventors in hopes of unleashing federal innovation to advance their business model and compete in emerging industries.
However, gaining access to R&D experts, tech transfer processionals and private sector partners can present big challenges for minority business owners. Launching these new inventions require an ecosystem of experts to help stakeholders protect their intellectual property, secure capital, and network with the right specialists to successfully commercialize their innovations.
To this end, the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) have teamed up to provide a meeting ground of solutions in line with Executive order 12591. The FLC National Meeting is the premier event for the technology transfer community and provides an excellent training and networking platform to support commercialization in every possible industry.
The FLC is committed to promoting and educating federal partners, industry experts, and business leaders about the vast amount of tech transfer opportunities that are available to support the entrepreneurial spirit of the public and private sectors.
At the 2016 FLC National Meeting in Chicago, April 26-28, minority-owned businesses can gain valuable insights and inter-act with technology transfer professionals that will represent the national network of over 300 federal laboratories across the country. The conference offers a range of opportunities to make connections and learn valuable information to build relationships with federal partners and promote the nation's commercialization success.
Workshops and sessions at the National Meeting will offer training on the following topics:
- Technology Transfer for Beginners
- Cooperative Research and Development Agreements
- Licensing and Negotiation
- Economic Impact of Technology Transfer
- New Tools for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
- Intellectual property (IP) for tech transfer professionals
During the conference, MBDA will host a panel session that will showcase the minority-owned businesses who will share their top-level technology needs in the interest of identifying potential federal lab partners or collaborators who will help to advance their business models through licensing agreements, joint research, use of lab facilities, and other collaborative solutions.
"The partnership, and the FLC-MBDA programs at this year's FLC National Meeting, will ensure that minority-owned firms are truly engaged in the 21st century economy," said Alejandra Y. Castillo, MBDA National Director. "It will support diverse communities that need innovation resources to spur local job creation in various STEM industries."
The knowledge gained from this year's national meeting will help minority-owned businesses build the necessary relationships to succeed in today's innovation economy and further highlight how necessary minority inclusion is to the economic stability and global competitiveness of our nation.
Registration is now open; to learn more about the Federal Laboratory Consortium, please visit at FederalLabs.org.
Posted at 8:59 AM


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Your Credit Rating:
Have you ever taken out or applied for a loan, credit card or mortgage? Opened a utility or cell phone account? Chances are you have a credit rating.
This rating that you may or may not know about is very important to you. There are some of us that will swear up and down that they don't need credit, they pay cash for everything. There was a time when this may have been possible, in today's world, not likely. Try booking a hotel room, renting a car, traveling anywhere by any method, opening an account or buying anything on line. You will need a credit card. To get that credit card you will need a good credit rating. To get a car loan or a mortgage for your house you will need a good credit rating.
Information on a credit report:
A good or bad credit rating happens in various ways. Your credit report can be reviewed by various companies and financial institutions. Examples of things they can see on your bureau are:
who you are
date of birth
Social Insurance Number
any other aliases you may have
where you live
what jobs you have had
whether or not you have paid your prior bills on time
Collections, judgments and bankruptcies
Amounts owing on outstanding debt
Credit limits currently available to you
Credit report access:
The laws are very specific in regard to who can review your bureau and for what purpose. They can only do this if they have a "need to" and if you give them permission. A need to can be defined as a legitimate business need such as rent, employment, financial applications or insurance. Unfortunately in some areas your permission does not have to written and is often implied when you fill out an application. Make sure to ask and read the fine details of any application you may fill out. Pulling your bureau too often will have a detrimental effect on your risk rating.
Credit score… who cares?
At this point you may be asking, "What is my risk rating?" Your risk rating or credit score (also may be referred to as a Beacon or FICO score) is a number assigned by the bureaus that indicates how likely someone is to pay back a loan or credit card (the likelihood of becoming insolvent) It is determined by how consistently you have paid your existing and previous financial obligations. This number could also tell a potential landlord if you would be a good renter or an employer if you are responsible and trustworthy person. When you apply for a loan or mortgage, the interest rate and loan amount available to you are also all related to your credit score.
I am a nice person, who says my score is low?
Your credit score is a statistical formula based on information reported about you to the credit bureau. The formula was developed by a company called Fair, Isaac and Co. For this reason most lenders refer to it as a FICO score. The FICO score is a three digit number that will typically come out anywhere between 400 and 820. The higher your score is the better. Some people will not have a FICO score at all and will show as what is called a FICO reject. This typically happens for two reasons. One reason is that you have never had credit of any kind before so there is no way to rate you. The other reason is that your credit is so poor that it is below the limit.
Some of the most important things used to calculate this score are:
Payment history: Have you made your payments on time and in full? Do you have collections, past due or delinquent accounts.
Amounts owed: Compares what you owe on your cards to the limit available. Are you at your limit on your cards or over your limit?
Length of time on your file: How long have you had credit in your name? Are you a new or experienced borrower?
New Credit: How often you have applied for new and additional credit.
Type of credit: car loans, lines of credit, credit card balances, prepaid visa for example
How come my report is full of errors?
Credit bureaus receive this information directly from lenders and retain it to help others makes decisions about your borrowing capacity. It is important to remember that they are strictly a reporting agency. Any inaccurate information on your bureau was reported by someone to them. Although credit agency will assist you in correcting those errors it is more affective to go directly to the source; the lender that has reported the inaccuracy. In reality, your objection will be met with a form letter that basically "after our internal review we have found the information reporting to be accurate" so basically go away!
Who is responsible to fix the errors?
The 3 credit agencies are Experian, Trans Union and Equifax. You need spend a few dollars to get a copy of your bureau so that you know how you rate. Make sure that there is no inaccuracies and that everything on your bureau is in fact yours. Identity theft is a huge problem these days. Avoid having credit in your name that doesn't belong by being aware. Take a look at your bureau at least once a year. You can also contact the Financial Consumer Agency for more help and assistance.
Box 190
Station Jean-Talon
Montreal, Quebec
Facsimile: (514) 355-8502
Direct link to official equifax credit report request
Trans Union:
Attention: Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P.O. Box 338, LCD1
Hamilton, ON L8L 7W2
Direct link to official TransUnion credit report request
Direct link to official Experian credit report request
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- 6 steps to improve your credit score (money.cnn.com)
- The Quest for the Perfect Credit Score (money.cnn.com)


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Western continues to search for the next Student Governor. The deadline has been set for Friday, Nov. 11. It's hard to determine if the Student Governor has found the right candidate for his successor, but with the extension he may.
The current Student Governor, Peter Gregory, is responsible for submitting the names of three candidates to Jefferson City, Mo.
"We have extended the deadline, not because we don't have quality candidates, but we want to give everyone a chance to apply for this position," Gregory said. "I know that there are students out there who just don't know about the position yet and would be qualified for the position."
According to Gregory, this is the only student government position that lasts longer than a year. This may affect student interest in the position.
"If a person is set on graduating within four years, then that would eliminate both juniors and seniors," Gregory said. "We are looking for freshmen and sophomores that we can draw from, and it will be worth it, and it's a great experience."
The fact is that the position takes time, and the person chosen must be ready for the commitment.
"The work varies from week to week," Gregory said. "The biggest responsibility is to attend the monthly board meetings, the Governor's Advisory Council meetings, and, at times, work with the Student Government on projects."
According to SGA President Alison Norris, Gregory should chose someone ready to go to work.
"The qualities of a good Student Governor to me consist of someone who is dedicated, hardworking, and represents the students," she said.
Western student Amanda Curtis believes the time commitment plays a role in why students won't apply.
"Freshmen and sophomores, to me, probably are still getting used to the college," Curtis said. "I work 30 to 40 hours a week, which makes me not a good candidate, like most students."
A downside for the Student Governor position is that it has no voting power in SGA. Gregory disagrees with this rule.
"Personally, I believe its okay for the Student Governor to have voting rights: if they were appointed to the position, earned their way to this position, then they are smart enough to have a vote," said Gregory.
Gregory goes on to state that even though he doesn't have a vote, he is never overlooked by the Student Government or administration.
"The primary responsibly of the Governor is to represent the students to the administration, and the administration to the students," Gregory said. "That's why we have a student governor, so the administration has someone to go to for student opinion."
According to Norris, the Student Governor gives input and works with SGA on occasion.
"The role of the Governor is similar to mine: we both are on the EBoard, except the position doesn't offer any sort of scholarship," Norris said.
Student Keisha Davis believes the position needs more advantages for students to want to apply.
"I think that if there was some kind of leverage or some kind of advantage to being involved, more students would be willing to be involved," Davis said. "I personally would not be able to apply because of my already busy schedule."
The process of becoming the next Student Governor is time consuming, according to Gregory.
"All candidates must go to the first interview, and then once they make it past the first section, they are interviewed by Western President, Robert Vartabedian," Gregory said. He goes on to state that once the student pass that process ,then they are interviewed by Gov. Jay Nixon's office. Once the candidate is selected, they are asked to come to Jefferson City, Mo., for appointment at a Senate hearing committee.
Gregory is committed to searching for the best candidate for the job.
"We want someone dedicated and willing to serve their university," Gregory said.


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Posts filed under 'Travel Swellness'
Beauty Swellness: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask
Anyone who's travelled with me and allowed me the task of creating the trip itinerary knows I can get a little cray cray with cramming in as much as possible. I've tried to relax a bit on pushing myself (and friends) too much, but still, I like to do as much as possible — sleep can happen when I'm back home.
So I'm super stoked about the new Bliss Triple Oxygen Energizing Eye Mask for travel to help me look and feel more bright-eyed and less weary. It's 5.5 mL per mask, so it's carry-on friendly, and how can you not love the little MacGyver-ish manoeuvre of poppng the fluid chamber (the fluid's got actives including three oxygenating ingredients and vitamin C for brightening and evening skin tone) so that the fluid saturates the eye masks. (Oh, it's got cucumber extract, too, to help with depuffing!).
I tried out the mask this past weekend in Philly and my skin felt incredible after — soft and refreshed, and it erased signs of the late night of karaoke and early mornings of going to buy delicious donuts (more on that later in my travel story on Philly).
Since it's carry-on friendly, use it right on your flight if you don't mind your seatmates' curious glances. (I myself will reserve its flight use to an airplane's private pod away from other people's view — ah Cathay Pacific, you've ruined me by allowing me to experience the luxury of your business-class pods…).
Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask, $65 for a box of four masks. Available at Sephora and The Bay.
Travel Swellness: I'm off to Philly!
So long, for now — as I'm off to the city of brotherly love for the next four days! It's my very first visit — I'm looking forward to discovering its local fashion and design scene, eating Philly cheesesteaks and shop-shop-shopping (tax-free shopping, my friends!).
(Photo, visitphilly.com)
Travel Swellness: I'm Barbados-bound
I'm off to Barbados this week! I'm pretty stoked — it's my first time going to this island (and it'll be a welcome escape from Toronto's wintery chill). Looking forward to much exploring–all I'm familiar with thus far is Bajan rum punch and flying fish! I'll be staying at the historic Crane resort; follow me on Instagram for the occasional update (I'm @healthandswellness).


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One of the more popular dresses for women this season is the shift dress. Yes, this dress is one that you will love putting on because it fits right, looks great and it is so versatile. The shift dress will be a major component to the 2017 dress trends. This particular dress type offers the versatility that other dresses do not. It will be one of your favorites this season.
When selecting a shift dress, a dress that can work for you in various ways, there are a few things to look for specifically. One of those things is the print. Choose a fine print on the shift dress. It is best to choose a multicolored print, too. That way, you can pair the dress with multiple coordinating items of various colors to create a unique look. Another option this season is to make more of a statement. To do so, choose an accessory of a color that is not on your dress. Bright orange, earrings, for example, help you to make a statement.
Accessories are a big part of wearing the shift dress well. Since it is one dress you will wear in various ways, the accessories can help to make the difference. To do this, choose accessories that have intricate detailing on them. In fact, choosing something that is a bright color is better than going for something basic or just one dimensional. You want lots of color but details to draw the attention to the accessories.
Yet another important piece to the shift dress style is a jacket. Wearing a bright colored blazer over the top of your small shift dress is a fantastic way to change the entire look of the piece. This gives you the versatility you are looking for, but it also gives you the ability to be unique. Avoid boring jackets and blazers and instead make the blazer the statement piece in this look by making it a brighter color than your dress.
The shows are another important accessory for your shift dress look. The shoes can even help to change the formality of the dress. A pair of sexy, clunky heeled shoes is going to make this dress perfect for a night on the town. On the other hand, wearing a pair of flats or even sandals can help to make the dress less formal and more appealing for the office or a weekend afternoon date.
There are plenty of other options to consider in the shift dress, too. For example, you can still choose that basic, one color piece and then accessorize it with various other elements. That can be an outstanding style choice if you want something a bit more formal. Many women will want to select a dress that is loose, but do consider the options in a bit together, more form fitting look. This will enhance the overall style of the shift dress and help you to create a truly one of a kind look. Check out some of the 2017 spring and summer dresses that can work as a shift dress for you.


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Selling records online since 1999! Check the account below regularly!
E-Sunshine records
Band/Record: Tax Free - Tax Free (with wally tax & john cale)
Label/Matrix: GER 1971 Polydor POLP 80157 with S1/S2
Condition Record/Sleeve: EX+/EX-
Extra Info: Fantastic Album !! Original German 1st press LP on Polydor ...wow. .. amazing album !!


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Manufacturers Represented by The Lundgren Group
Please request a catalog at firstname.lastname@example.com 0r (925) 889-9075/fax (925) 270-1772
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|Thoughtfully produced Bamboo and Pakka wood for everyday use
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|Electronic decanter that makes your wine 3-5 times better in minutes.
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|Vineyard inspired wine, cheese and entertaining tools
|Stainless Steel cookware, cutlery and serveware


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Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and Holiday! Sharing one of my favorite Christmas videos from Robert Martinez, aka Parliament of Owls, of a bunch of forest critters meeting Santa. Watch out for the bobcat!
Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and Holiday! Sharing one of my favorite Christmas videos from Robert Martinez, aka Parliament of Owls, of a bunch of forest critters meeting Santa. Watch out for the bobcat!
The Arizona ballot initiative and campaign to end trophy hunting and trapping of Arizona's wildcats came to an abrupt end recently when it was suspended. If you aren't familiar with the campaign, run by the group Arizonans for Wildlife and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), you can read the background here. I was a huge supporter of the initiative which launched last fall, so when I first heard it had been suspended I was in disbelief.
Unfortunately the official statement sent to supporters and volunteers via email from Acting President & CEO for the HSUS, Kitty Block, confirmed the end to what could have been a precedent setting campaign. "Facing an increasingly competitive state and national landscape, we are suspending efforts on our citizens' initiative to ban trophy hunting of wild cats in Arizona. This difficult decision is the result of a perfect storm of local obstacles and emerging national issues and does not reflect Arizona voters' enthusiasm for this proposal to ban inhumane trophy hunting practices."
Part apology, part explanation a shocking and upsetting disappointment for supporters, endorsers and dedicated volunteers. The backlash and negative comments on social media against the campaign and the HSUS was immediate. For those who opposed the ballot this defeat is seen as a huge win for them, but is this really the end for advocates fighting to help Arizona's wildcats?
What we do know is the movement against trophy hunting is not only growing in Arizona but throughout North America and the world. Another very recent article appropriately called The Cult of Hunting and its Timely Demise, by David Mattson, serves to reinforce this.
"The American public is, in fact, evincing increased alienation from the precepts of current wildlife management. A recent nationwide YouGov survey showed that 71% of those who were polled thought that sport hunting was morally wrong; 76% thought that killing animals for furs was unethical; both within a 3% margin of error. I'm not saying here that a super-majority of the American public "did not support" or "skeptically viewed" sport hunting. They felt something stronger. They thought it was unethical, even morally repugnant. And this objection, even revulsion, was exhibited across all age groups and political perspectives."
With this in mind I touched base with Kellye Pinkleton, the Arizona State Director and project lead on the ballot initiative, who spoke candidly on a our recent call about the end of the campaign and what comes next. She stressed that the decision to end the citizens initiative was not easy and there were many variables that had a hand in that decision. "The HSUS doesn't start an initiative like this with the intent of suspending it and we knew by doing so, in one of the toughest states on the issue of trophy hunting, that it would have a domino effect." If the Arizona ballot had been successful it meant the possibility of future similar initiatives elsewhere. However the political landscape, which plays a much bigger role than many realize, changed drastically. It impacted the cost of media buys for advertising and paid secured signature gathering which are integral parts of any state-wide ballot initiative especially where there is strong special interest forces of opposition.
While the HSUS was criticized for starting the campaign when the two bills that eventually had a huge impact on it, HB2244 and HB2404, were introduced months prior Kellye told me that sometime things are not as simple as they appear such as the impact they had on secured signature gathering which brought costs beyond what was predicted. "The HSUS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and that means there is a lobby spending cap that you can use for certain things – but when your cost increase you can't go over that cap." Though they knew the law had changed compliance and even with budgets and planning there were many changes that could not have been anticipated. Kellye said that she sees bills like the ones recently introduced as part of a larger plan and trend and, as opponents recognize that organizations like HSUS have a powerful tool in the grassroots movement "they will do anything they can to roll back citizen initiatives."
Kellye said that currently the best way for the public to help is via the November elections and stressed that "people need to know who they are voting for and who those members alliances are with." The public must continue to stay vigilant, public input and comment is vital for wildlife management agencies and policies. "Currently there is not a supportive commission and that's part of the problem. Why is policy geared towards a small minority? Lets not pretend it's management – it's for the anglers and hunters."
Besides politics it can't be forgotten that there is another important element to this story in the form of 1,700 volunteers who invested their time for a cause they believe in. Kellye got emotional when we spoke about this and told me that in her 3 years as the Arizona State Director she has had many inspiring moments, but nothing so much as during this particular campaign. She told me that during the weekend they suspended the campaign she didn't want the volunteers to just get a statement. All the people she spoke to including the dedicated diehards as she calls them were saddened and devastated, but they quickly said to her "What's next? What else do we need to do? How can we stay engaged?"
To say in the worst of times we often see the best in people is no different in this case. In the worst moment Kellye said she looked at the volunteers and knew what kind of character they had. "I never knew how strong our movement was until I think going through that…so in many ways the worst weekend for the campaign was also the most inspiring. I got to really see people's passion at a moment when you don't expect it." Without the volunteers hard work the citizen education could not have been done. Each time a volunteer had a conversation with someone at a signature gathering event or with friends or family people became aware of the issue, surprisingly 65% of people didn't know that it was legal to kill these animals or trap bobcats, in the same way that Cecil the lion captured an international community.
The Arizona campaign didn't end the way they wanted in a November victory, but what was accomplished in terms of education was tremendous. It inspired others to get active, become advocates for wildlife and other issues and this will continue on Kellye tells me. "The fact is unfortunately the successes that this campaign had and will continue to have isn't easily quantified by votes and an election, nonetheless it's important and it happened. Anyone that thinks otherwise does a disservice to our 1,700 volunteers."
The HSUS will continue to be active on this issue, monitor and submit recommendations to Arizona Game & Fish as they did even before the campaign was suspended. Volunteers will also continue to be engaged on the issue, but moving forward it will look different from the formal campaign. Despite what anyone thinks, the movement is not going away as the issue still exists whether there is a campaign or not. The war on wildlife continues but each step made to help end it, even those seemingly small, is important. Unification among advocates, education and perseverance will be tools that help us ultimately win that war one day. In the meantime Kellye said Arizona is now "on the map for issues like this" and the fact that it had support from other states as well as other countries says a lot about a growing global movement towards a more humane approach to living with wildlife.
Hi everyone, I need your help to decide the focus of an upcoming post. In the next month I will be talking to founder and director of S.P.E.C.I.E.S, Anthony Giordano, about the work his organization is doing to help the world's wildcats.
I thought it would be fun to let my readers decide which wildcat we will discuss. Below are images of two species that the organization works with. The cat with the most votes, from the blog poll and Facebook poll combined, will be featured. Reader's choice wins!
Please vote in the poll below for your favorite cat and, let me know if you have any questions on the species you vote for in the comment section. If your cat is featured, I will pick a few questions to include in my interview with Anthony.
Thanks to everyone who participates, the poll with be active for the next week so be sure to get your vote in!
Trophy hunting has plagued wildlife for generations and, it is a hot topic that elicits intense reactions from people regardless of what side you are on. While people tend to associate trophy hunting with African wildlife like lions, many are shocked to find out that right here in North America our own wildcats like the mountain lion continue to experience heavy and often extreme persecution. Despite the fact that we now have the knowledge, science, and the common sense to know that the practice of hunting undermines true conservation and wildlife protection, in many places these animals continue to be viewed and treated in the same manner as they were centuries ago.
There are those that cling to the idea that it is their right or part of their culture to kill for sport and, any move made to end the practice or even discuss ending it, is seen as a threat. The other side looks at it as evolving and adapting to the times we live in, when it makes sense to end a particular tradition or practice that no longer serves us or wildlife. For example, in Kenya it was a long-held tradition and part of the culture for a young Maasai Warrior to spear a lion as proof of his manhood. Today the Maasai have acknowledged that Africa's lions are on the verge of disappearing, there are only an estimated 15,000-20,000 left, and have made the move to partake in the Maasai Olympics instead of killing lions.
Even though the true status of mountain lion populations is unknown, some will argue that they are not endangered or in danger of extinction, but must we wait until they are in the same predicament as the African lion before we do something? Do we not have a moral obligation to end a cruel practice that is clearly not beneficial to the species?
The time has come to make the move towards ending hunting and trapping of mountain lions and all wildcats. Here in North America we have seen some progress made in places like Colorado where a federal wildlife killing program, that called for the death of bears and mountain lions, has been halted and more recently in California where the U.S. Appeals Court upheld the States ban on killing mountain lions for trophies. Now, in Arizona, a new ballot initiative has been introduced in hopes of restricting trophy hunting and trapping of Arizona's wildcats including bobcats, mountain lions, jaguars, lynx and ocelots.
Arizonans for Wildlife is spearheaded by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and is backed by numerous organizations, groups and individuals who support progress and conservation that does not involve the killing of their wildlife. Advocates of the proposed initiative will have to gather more than 150,642 valid signatures on petitions to get the issue on the ballot by July 5, 2018 to quality for the November 2018 election.
While the Arizona ballot has a tremendous amount of support behind it, it also faces opposition by those who will do everything in their power to keep the status quo. To find out more about the ballot, and address some of the misinformation being spread, I interviewed Kellye Pinkleton, the Arizona State Director for the HSUS and project lead on the Arizona ballot initiative.
What are the origins of the Arizona ballot and how did the coalition, Arizonans for Wildlife, come together?
Due to the lax hunting regulations around mountain lions and bobcats in Arizona, we began looking at this issue long before filing the committee. We do not move forward with a statewide initiative without listening to the concerns of Arizonans and groups that protect wildlife. We ensure that it is given thoughtful consideration, we gauge in-state support as well as citizen attitude's and current legislative culture. In addition, significant time is also spent reviewing the best available science and talking with experts on the issue well in advance. More on the state of the mountain lion can be read in a thorough commissioned study that was published by the HSUS in 2017.
Polling was conducted and we met with groups that were also concerned about this issue. We strongly supported a bill introduced in the state legislature this past 2017 session that would prohibit the trophy hunting of wildcats, but it did not even receive a committee hearing. The legislature was not willing to open a process for hearings or public comment to consider the measure.
We found that in recent years wildlife groups, conservation nonprofits and outside (in-state) interest groups that wanted to protect our state's wildlife from cruelty have been consistently ignored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the state agency. There seems to be a reluctance for the department to actively work with groups beyond hunting and sportsmen organizations. Additionally, the best available science was found not to support the current management plans being implemented in AZ.
Discussions and polling demonstrated that Arizonans do NOT approve of the cruel hounding and trapping of our wildcats currently permitted in the state. Over two-thirds support prohibition on hunting wildcats and interestingly, 65% thought it was illegal. In general, we know that nationally, the public does not support senseless trophy hunting or killing primarily for the purpose of displaying a body or body parts or simply for bragging rights. Finally in late Sept, 2017, the Arizonans for Wildlife committee filed with the AZ Secretary of State's office.
What is the main reason mountain lions and other wildcats are targeted in Arizona?
Hunters that hunt our wildcats are not hunting them merely for subsistence. These cats are hunted for several reasons, primarily as trophies whether for their bodies/heads or with bobcats, for their fur. Livestock predation is rare, as well as any attacks on humans.
Why it is so important to address the inherent cruelty of trophy hunting, trapping and hounding of wildcats in Arizona?
It is important for citizens of the state know how their wildlife is being "managed" and often, we find, citizens just do not realize the methods and the cruelty involved. 65% of Arizonans thought the practice of hunting wildcats was illegal and we find people are shocked when they learn how mountain lions and bobcats are hunted. Wildlife is not just the property of a state agency, it is a resource for all citizens and we all have an obligation to protect wildlife and not needlessly or cruelly kill them. Hunters represent a very small portion of the population in AZ and nationally, yet wildlife management is geared towards the hunting community.
Currently, Arizona places NO limits on the number of bobcats that can be killed. In fact, an average of over 4,000 bobcats have been killed each year over the past five years. Although Arizona voters resoundingly said "no" to the use of steel-jawed leghold traps, body-crushing traps, and snares on public land with Proposition 201 in 1994, thousands of bobcats are still trapped every year using these barbaric devices on private land, and with cage traps on public land. Trapping mountain lions is prohibited in Arizona, but records show that mountain lions are routinely trapped inadvertently in other states where trapping them is illegal because these devices do not discriminate between species. While in the trap, animals sustain serious injuries, including broken limbs and broken teeth, dislocated shoulders, lacerations, fractures, amputation of paws or whole legs, or even chew off their limbs trying to escape, or die from exposure. Because trappers are only required to check the traps once a day, animals could be stuck in excruciating pain for hours.
Mountain lion mothers spend up to 24 months raising and provisioning for their kittens. If a mother is killed by a trophy hunter, her kittens will likely die from predation, dehydration, starvation or exposure. As biologists have found, kittens are unlikely capable of dispatching prey until they are 12 months of age. This means that trophy hunters routinely kill not only the mother, but also her orphaned young kittens, who cannot survive on their own until they are one year old.
"I do want to address the cruelty and set up the context. Specifically, that mountain lions and bobcats are legally killed using extremely cruel and inhumane methods."
The Arizona Game and Fish Department also permits hounding of our wild cats. An unlimited number of radio-collared, trailing hounds are permitted to chase mountain lions or bobcats. Both the hunted animal and the dogs can be exhausted by the extreme heat in Arizona during the high-stress chase. In addition to being cruel, this method of hunting puts the dogs at risk of being mauled, and if dogs get lost during a hunt, they are often abandoned and left to be killed by other animals or dumped into shelters.
The intention of this ballot is not only to protect mountain lions and bobcats, but also other wildlife like the ocelot, jaguar, and the Canada lynx
Ocelots and jaguars are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and lynx are listed as threatened. While these cats have federal protections, they still face serious threats from trophy hunting and trapping. Some hunting dogs will target species other than mountain lions or bobcats. Arizona's rare cats may also be accidentally chased or killed by hounds during state-sanctioned mountain lion and bobcat-hunting seasons along with other vulnerable wildlife, like ungulates such as elk or mule deer, who are killed or startled and flushed by hounds. As hounds do not understand boundaries, many stray on to lands where they do not belong including private property or on National Park Service lands.
Traps are notoriously indiscriminate and often catch other non-target animals, including endangered species or even livestock or wild ungulates. Because of the inherently indiscriminate and cruel nature of hounds and traps, jaguars, ocelots and lynx remain at imminent risk of being accidentally caught and/or killed by hounds or in steel-jawed leghold traps set for bobcats on private lands.
Additionally, we wanted to ensure protection of these animals and not simply leave their potential delisting up to the whim or politics of any federal administration. By including them it will help uphold the ban on killing them.
Why is it important for all Arizonans, not just those who hunt or trap, to have their say in wildcat conservation?
Wildlife in Arizona is for ALL citizens. Every Arizonan has an interest in protecting our rich resources, including the animals that inhabit our lands. Wildlife watching far outweighs hunting in participation and revenue generated so there is a financial incentive to citizens to protect wild animals. We find in poll after poll in the state, whether on trophy hunting or general animal issues, that Arizonans care deeply about our animals. Non hunters are the majority of citizens in this state.
The campaign is still in the early stages, what has the response been like to date from the community?
Yes, we just launched at the end of September and held public kick-off events in October. We have been overwhelmed with the response, especially from many organizations in the state and nationally. We currently have over 75 endorsers and daily we are hearing from groups that believe in this campaign and want to help. We are hearing from folks across Arizona that want to not only support this measure, but to actively volunteer to gather signatures to get this on the ballot in Nov. 2018. As we talk to citizens, we find they are outraged that hounding is actually legal. Like us, they view this type of hunting as un-sportsman and unethical. People are shocked that steel-jawed leg hold traps are permitted on private land. They recognize that this is a cruel method of hunting and support the prohibition of this type of hunting.
The campaign is endorsed by some very well respected organizations like the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Born Free USA, The Cougar Fund, Jane Goodall Institute and Panthera – just to name a few
We are grateful to the support we have received from so many well respected organizations. We recognized early on that to launch a successful campaign, we needed a broad coalition of supportive groups and leaders. To have these groups lend their name and provide resources, such as volunteers, or whatever they can was critical to this effort. We have a broad spectrum of groups nationally and in Arizona that represent wildlife interests, environmental, companion animals, wildcats specifically and boast memberships of all types of citizens and supporters. We are so thankful to the groups that have already supported this and know that many more will continue to join this effort.
Do you feel that local politicians are generally receptive to the campaign and what it is trying to accomplish?
We are honored to have the support of some of our local elected officials. We know that some will not support this because they fear the retribution of hunting groups and the NRA during election time. We also know, that as the campaign moves forward, to expect others to join whether during the signature gathering phase or once we qualify for the ballot. We have some State Representatives, State Senators and a few local officials/candidates that very early on endorsed us and said, "Yes, I believe in this." Politicians can face extreme pressure from pro-trophy-hunting lobby groups and the NRA (which opposes this effort) and other well-financed special interest organizations. To have elected officials and candidates this early in the campaign step up to support us speaks to their willingness to stand firm on the right side of history and not bow down to a small, but vocal community.
Many of those who oppose the campaign are saying it is simply based on emotions, but organizations backing the initiative are clearly knowledgeable about the species and the science
Frankly, these are typical tactics used by opponents of common-sense measures like what we are proposing. Their consistent argument is that wildlife should be managed by the state only and that we are merely being emotional. What this argument fails to realize is that ALL citizens have a responsibility to our wildlife, and when the state is not appropriately managing wildlife or sanctioning cruel practices, it is imperative that we seek alternatives and actively engage communities that have an interest in protecting our wildcats.
It also doesn't hold up when we look at the best available science, which we have made available on this issue to anyone that cares to read it. To paint supporters of this measure as simply "emotional," attempts to ignore the science that supports ending trophy hunting but it also seeks to diminish citizen voices and values. This measure also upholds the public safety concerns of Arizonans – there are exemptions for personal safety, property and legitimate conservation purposes.
Our opponents will use fear, they will use misinformation and they will seek to delegitimize supporters by any means necessary. They recognize that public support of cruel, unsporting and unethical hunting practices is not on their side and they also know that the numbers of hunters, especially big-game hunters, are declining. They are protecting their own interests, certainly not the interests of the state's wild cats. Surely they know that trophy hunting is increasingly coming under scrutiny and as Americans become educated on this issue, they will not support the killing for parts, bragging rights, or a selfie with a hunter and carcass from a mountain lion from a recent kill.
Do you see the ballot being part of a movement towards a more compassionate conservation model in AZ?
Yes, I think we definitely see that in Arizona, nationally and certainly internationally. When Cecil the lion was mercilessly killed by a wealthy American in Zimbabwe in 2015, we recognized that this was a transformational moment and the horrors of trophy hunting were becoming much more known by everyday Americans. People could not fathom this type of cruelty inflicted of our majestic creatures. It propelled people to become more educated not only of trophy hunting abroad, but also right here in their own backyards. Collectively, the citizenry seems much more aware of these issues and no longer will stand idly by as animals suffer from cruel hunting practices so that someone can have bragging rights or take the head or hide of an animal. It is not sustainable, it is not ethical and it goes against the values of many.
Do you believe that if this ballot passes it can help set a precedent to reform hunting and trapping policies outside of Arizona?
Certainly, our focus is on Arizona, but we do know that nationally, there is a movement from scientists, advocates and American citizens who want to change current hunting practices and put an end to the needless suffering of animals, specifically they want policies that do not support hunting for trophies.
How can people help support this initiative?
Currently, we need 150,642 VALID signatures to qualify for the Nov 2018 ballot which means we have to gather more signatures to ensure we have enough. We are building an army of volunteers but need more help. People can:
For those of you who follow Purr and Roar on Facebook you would have seen this post this morning. At first glance I thought it was fake, but turns out to be an unbelievable, legitimate, sighting. If there weren't the photos to back it up no one would believe it. Article as published in BBC News. Enjoy!
A never before seen sighting of a lioness, called Nosikitok, a mother to her own three cubs born in June, spotted nursing a leopard cub thought to be about the same age as her own cubs.
This is unheard of as lions and leopards are natural mortal enemies, most lions will kill leopard cubs if given the chance as a way of eliminating the competition. The lucky person who photographed the pair was Joop Van Der Linde, a guest at Ndutu Safari Lodge in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The lioness is fitted with a GPS collar and is part of the KopeLion project which aims to "to foster human-lion coexistence in Ngorongoro Conservation Area." Unusual animal pairs are not uncommon but this is something that has baffled and surprised the experts.
Dr Luke Hunter, President and Chief Conservation Officer for Panthera, a global wild cat conservation organization which supports Kope Lion, told the BBC the incident was "truly unique". He also goes on to say that he is not aware of this type of relationship having ever occurred between different species of big cats.
Dr Hunter says that she found the leopard cub not far, about a kilometer, from where here own cubs are hidden. "She's encountered this little cub, and she's treated it as her own. She's awash with maternal hormones, and this fierce, protective drive that all lionesses have – they're formidable mums."
They are anxiously awaiting the outcome and, fingers are crossed that this little leopard finds his or her way safely back to mum.
Around the world there are numerous projects that have already or will impact the environment and wildlife. While Arizona grapples with the possibility of a yet to be built copper mine, across the world in Mozambique a ruby mine operates near to one the largest wild areas in the province, the Niassa Reserve.
Gemfields mining company has become tied to conservation in the reserve even though they are outside of the protected area. The company has become a sponsor of the Niassa Lion Project and Dr. Collen Begg Director and Founder of the project says it sets a bench mark that a company from within the country is supporting conservation efforts as it demonstrates an interest and concern for the wilderness area that neighbors their operation. While ruby mining in this circumstance appears to be less harmful to wildlife, it's the illegal gold mining that is said to be the greatest threat to the Eco-system, by poisoning rivers with mercury and destroying wildlife conservation efforts. In a country like Mozambique the answers to solving these problems are not so clear especially when issues like poverty and high unemployment are taken into consideration. Can this type of positive association set an example of how wildlife conservation and big mining companies can co-exist and work together? Perhaps these rubies will one day carry a 'wildlife friendly' guarantee similar to that of true ethically sourced conflict free diamonds.
Large projects with the potential to have adverse and destructive consequences for wildlife can be connected to moving massive amounts of earth as in mining or by diverting large amounts or bodies of water. Man-made shipping canals appear to be in a class all their own as they forever alter the landscape and those living on it by flooding vast areas of land with water and impacting surrounding areas with corresponding infrastructure. The Nicaragua canal is one such recent controversial project that if built will be "three times as long and almost twice as deep" as the Panama canal and would require the removal of more than 4.5bn cubic meters of earth which is "enough to bury the entire island of Manhattan up to the 21st floor of the Empire State Building."
By sheer size alone the impact and damage caused by this mega-project is perhaps greater than that of a mine as it would literally change the lives of people and wildlife across an entire continent. The canal would cut through forests and jungles threatening endangered species causing major disturbances to aquatic life which will be affected by dredging, noise and pollution of increased traffic on the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. Victor Campos, director of the Humboldt Centre, a leading Nicaraguan environmental think tank, told The Guardian that "If the canal is built, then the Mesoamerican biological corridor is finished."
A study by researchers at Panthera, Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC) and Michigan State University, warns that by cutting through a critical 'biological corridor' it would be a disaster for jaguars and other large mammals. They said that in the middle part of the country it is vital to have another stepping stone for jaguars to travel from north to south. It was determined that the entire northeastern section of Nicaragua, an area considered to be the country's wildlife stronghold, would experience the largest impact from the canal. The study concluded that an artificial lake used to fill the canal would flood most of the remaining habitat for the three endangered species including the jaguar creating a huge barrier essentially cutting off mammal populations in southern Central America from those in the north preventing vital gene flow. Loss of connectivity for these species would ultimately be disastrous for their long term survival.
There have been suggestions for mitigating the impact of the canal to help animals including putting small islands between the canal's artificial lake to allow them to move and, ensuring the remaining forests in the area are strongly protected. The canal is set to be one of the largest infrastructure projects on the planet and what is at stake is the Nicaraguan wildlife corridor and extinction of endangered species.
Could the canal actually help wildlife? There are some that seem to think that it may actually help slow down the already underway environmental degradation, such as deforestation and loss of wetlands, taking place in the country. If the canal is properly managed and money from the project is used to help pay for protecting nature reserves and re-forestation it would help to alleviate some environmental damage and ensure the corridor is not lost. However Roberto Salom, the Mesoamerican coordinator for Panthera's jaguar program, said that they would need a lot more support to guarantee that, and there has been very little interest from the government or the canal company.
The Nicaraguan government is hoping they will be able to finally eradicate poverty, create jobs and a create a source of income for the country with the canal. As of May this year it has been reported that the green light has been given to begin construction, but nothing has been done due to financial issues leading to speculation that the canal may not be built at all.
The benefit, quicker travel time, that canals provide to the shipping industry is not obvious to the general consumer, nor is the amount of goods that are transported and arrive via ships. Time is money and when shipping companies save money the savings get passed on to the consumer who ideally benefit by cheaper goods. Like mines, man-made canals are not likely going anywhere so perhaps there should be stricter protocols put into place so that wildlife like jaguars are ensured a future and companies are required to consider both wildlife and the environment in their development plans. The other option is that nothing is done and losing wildlife along with entire ecosystems like the one in Nicaragua, is considered the price paid for doing business as usual.
The final part of the Cost of Doing Business takes a look at the impact of a product that is literally in almost everything and, one we would have a hard time living without.
Many of the big cats are known for climbing trees to escape the heat, flies, to watch for prey or to escape other predators. It is not uncommon to see them taking to heights and, in Africa leopards are commonly seen hanging out in tall trees. Although lions have been known to do the same in certain places they are not exactly designed for tree climbing and come across a little more awkward compared to the fluid and graceful leopard who is naturally at home in the heights where they will stash kills, eat and happily sleep.
During my trip to Africa last year I was fortunate to have many wonderful leopard sightings both on the ground and up high, in fact over a few days all I had to do was look up to see these dappled beauties looking down at me. Of course, that's when they weren't busy enjoying a siesta or post-meal nap.
While leopards are able to climb some very tall trees you might be surprised to know that at least one had made it all the way to the top of Africa's highest mountain to take in a view that perhaps no other has. In 1926 on Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, a frozen leopard carcass was found along the volcanoes crater rim by Pastor Richard Reusch, a Missionary for the Lutheran Church. The Pastor was supposedly the first to discover the leopard which would later inspire, and be immortalized in, Hemingway's book The Snows of Kilimanjaro. The Pastor made sure to get proof of his find and cut off an ear as souvenir on a subsequent climb the following year, afterwards the leopards remains were reported to have mysteriously disappeared. No reason was given as to why the leopard would have been that high, approximately 18,500 feet (or 5638.8 meters), close to the western summit at a place that would be christened Leopard point, but Pastor Reusch had hypothesized that the cat had been chasing a goat since he also found the remains of one not far from where the leopard lay. Since there were no remains and no radiocarbon dating, the leopards age along with length of time it remained locked in the once famous snows of Kilimanjaro will also remain a mystery.
Interestingly, there is a reference that notes the first report of a leopard carcass on Kilimanjaro was in 1889 by a German Geologist and Geographer named Hans Meyer who had seen one not far from where Reusch would later spot his. Among some of the theories included the possibility that the leopard could have come from the Kilimanjaro Mountain Forest Reserve and took a wrong turn, or that the leopard was pursued up to high elevations by local hunters as Meyer had seen a hunting camp nearby. Officially though, nothing has ever been confirmed and to this day there has been no explanation for either Meyer's or Reusch's leopard.
It does seems that leopards had an affinity for the mountains and in 1997 another leopard carcass was discovered on Africa's second highest mountain, near Tyndall Glacier, Mount Kenya. In this case there were remains, although very decomposed, which turned out to be enough for radiocarbon dating placing the animal at about 900 years old.
There are opportunities to see wildlife during the early stages of a Kilimanjaro climb at lower elevations, but those still hoping to spot a leopard on higher slopes shouldn't hold their breath. The high altitudes that are reached during climbs are not ones that most wild animals can survive at and if there are any, most will do their best to steer clear of humans.
If you are set on a chance to glimpse a leopard in high places it is probably best to keep your eyes on the trees and maybe, you will be lucky enough to have one of these beautiful cats reveal themselves and all their spotted splendor.


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|Saints Maria and Laura
Our Holy Father Pope Francis has been very busy since the first days of his election to the Papacy (March 13, 2013). Several weeks after, on March 27, he proclaimed Venerable, Moises Lira Serafin of Mexico and Antonio Kowalczyk of Canada.
April 7, he beatified Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero of Argentina.
This adds 5 more names to the heavenly roster for the AMERICAS.
These we will deal with in other blogs.
Two months later (May 12) he canonized his first saints: LAURA MONTOYA UPEGUI (1874-1949) from COLUMBIA, its first saint- a nun who gave her life to the indigenous people of her country.
As a young woman, Laura became an elementary schoolteacher to help support her widowed mother. Having developed her spiritual life through devotion to the Eucharist and meditation of the Scriptures, Laura felt drawn to the religious life of the Discalced Carmelites. Yet her zeal also instilled in her a longing for an active, missionary apostolate, particularly to assist the Indian peoples of South America. Laura was determined to combat the anti-Indian bigotry in her society, and to give her own life to the Indians' evangelization. Finally, at the age of forty, having resolved to "become an Indian with the Indians to win them all for Christ," Laura journeyed to Dabeiba with four other women to begin a religious congregation devoted to the service of the Indians, the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and Saint Catherine of Siena. As mother superior, she imparted to the congregation a rule that combined contemplation with action. After having spent the last nine years of her life confined to a wheelchair, Mother Laura died on October 21, 1949.
The Holy Father held out St. Laura of St. Catherine as a source of inspiration to the country's peace process, attempted after decades-long conflict between rebels and government forces. Pope Francis prayed that "Colombia's beloved children continue to work for peace and just development of the country." The first pope from the Jesuit order, which is known for its missionary zeal, praised the Colombian saint for "instilling hope" in the indigenous peoples. He said she taught them in a way that "respected their culture."
On the same day the Holy Father also canonized another Latin American woman, MARIA GUADALUPE GARCIA ZAVALA (1878- 1963) of MEXICO, who dedicated herself to nursing the sick and helped Catholics avoid persecution during a government crackdown on the faith in the 1920s. Also known as Mother Lupita, she hid the Guadalajara archbishop in an eye clinic for more than a year after fearful local Catholic families refused to shelter him. Pope Francis prayed that the new Mexican saint's intercession could help the nation "eradicate all the violence and insecurity," an apparent reference to years of bloodshed and other crime largely linked to powerful drug trafficking clans.
She nursed the sick physically and spiritually, sustained by her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, while leading a life of strict poverty, in accord with her maxim that she and her fellow sisters should be "poor with the poor." During the worst years of the Mexican government's persecution of the Catholic Church, Mother Maria risked her own life to shelter priests at her hospital. Her charity to those persecuting the Church prompted some of them to defend the hospital from attacks. Mother Maria died on June 24, 1963.
The pope also hailed the Mexican saint for renouncing a comfortable life to work with the sick and poor, even kneeling on the bare floor of the hospital before the patients to serve them with "tenderness and compassion."