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The 6th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties
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1.For the purposes of this report, the following countries are included in the Neotropical region (UN Terminology Bulletin Nº37) (countries which are Contracting Parties are highlighted): Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
2.Since the 5th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (Kushiro, 1993), the Representative from the Neotropical Region in the Standing Committee has been Uruguay, and the Alternate Representative, Panama. Dr. Roberto Schlatter (Chile) has been the member of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) for the Neotropical Region.
3.The 2nd Meeting of the Contracting Parties of the Neotropical Region took place in Panama in 1995, in which also participated delegates from the three countries of the North American Region.
4. Two "Carta Circular" have been published, produced by the Regional Representative, Uruguay, and with collaborations from several countries from the region, the member of the STRP, and the Convention Bureau.
5.The information that follows is a summary of the main points included in the 13 National Reports provided by the countries. In the interests of saving space whilst retaining the sense of the information, the Convention Bureau has summarized the paragraphs that it considers will be of special interest for the Conference. Copies of the National Reports are available upon request.
6.It is important to indicate that as of 31 December 1995, the National Report from Brazil had not been received. From Paraguay no report was expected for this three-year period, since it joined the Convention in 1995. Therefore the Information Sheets for the four Paraguayan Ramsar sites have been used to extract the information included in this summary.
7.As of 31 December 1995, the Neotropical Region included 15 Contracting Parties, with 37 sites listed in the List of Wetlands of International Importance. The number of Ramsar sites in each country is indicated in parentheses.
Argentina (5) Panama (3)
Bolivia (1) Paraguay (4)
Brazil (5) Peru (3)
Chile (1) Suriname (1)
Costa Rica (5) Trinidad and Tobago (1)
Ecuador (2) Uruguay (1)
Guatemala (2) Venezuela (1)
Honduras (2)
8.The countries for which the Convention entered into force after the 5th Convention of Contracting Parties (Kushiro, 1993) have been underlined. Wetlands incorporated to the List since Kushiro include two in Argentina, three in Costa Rica, one in Guatemala, and two in Panama.
Non-Contracting Party States in the Neotropical Region
9.The authorities of Belize, Colombia, and El Salvador are in contact with the Convention Bureau; their accession process is well underway and may be completed before the 6th Meeting of Conference of the Contracting Parties.
10.The authorities of other countries, among them Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Saint Lucia, have communicated with the Bureau and expressed their interest and intention to join soon. In addition to Guyana, the rest of the countries that still are not Ramsar members are all Caribbean states: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Contributions to the budget of the Convention
11.In spite of the economic difficulties experienced by the different countries, in greater or lesser degrees, several Contracting Parties have provided assistance to the Convention's core budget during the period 1993-1995. Nevertheless, for the majority of the countries, the economic contribution to the Convention's budget continues to be difficult.
Deletion or restriction of boundaries of listed sites
12.In Uruguay, Bañados del Este y Franja Costera are in the process of re-delimitation, without implying a reduction of the surface area. Other coastal wetlands not considered before are now being taken into consideration.
13.Venezuela indicates that the borders of the Cuare Wildlife Refuge were expanded in 1991 to guarantee the conservation of a mangrove swamp area.
Proposed site designations or boundary extensions
14.Chile has the intention to include at least five wetlands from the high Andean region, in the north of the country.
15.Panama indicates that through resolutions from the Instituto Nacional de Recursos Naturales Renovables (INRENARE, National Institute of Renewable Resources), new protected areas have been declared in the country that will be incorporated in the Ramsar List at a later stage.
16.Suriname has presented to the Board of Ministers a proposal to include in the Ramsar List two new sites, Wia Wia and Bigi Pan.
Changes in legal status or degree of protection at listed sites
17.Argentina has established Reservas Naturales Silvestres y Educacionales (Wild and Educational Nature Reserves) as well as Reservas Naturales Estrictas (Strict Natural Reserves) within the Río Pilcomayo and Laguna Blanca National Parks, and the Laguna de los Pozuelos National Monument.
18.Chile has changed the category of protection of Carlos Anwandter - Río Cruces - Ramsar site from Nature Sanctuary to National Reserve.
19.Costa Rica indicates that the previous Tamarindo Wildlife National Refuge has had its protection category and name changed recently, and it is currently the Las Baulas de Guanacaste National Park.
20.Guatemala is working on declaring Manchón-Guamuchal a Protected Area.
21.Trinidad and Tobago reports that as of 1993, a Prohibited Area that includes the Proposed National Park and the Scenic Landscape zone was established in Nariva.
Changes in ecological character at listed sites
22.In Laguna Blanca, Argentina, three species of exotic fish have been introduced which are causing a negative impact on the rest of the aquatic fauna (amphibian, birds and zooplankton). The main problem though is the amount of domestic animals (sheep and goats) that cause strong soil erosion, deteriorating especially some scarce and particular habitats (lowlands and shores) used by waterfowl to nest.
23.Pilcomayo has the same problem of over-grazing, and several other associated problems, for instance, use of fire for clearing pasture and poaching. Nevertheless, as of 1992 a series of measures have been implemented to reduce the impact of these activities.
24.In Pozuelos, in addition to grazing, other human activities that are having a negative impact on its ecological character include mining, wood and soil extraction, wildlife harvesting, and use of water for irrigation. These activities are causing accelerated sedimentation in the lagoon. The situation of Pozuelos is a complex one since there are conflicts of interest.
25.In Tierra del Fuego there is potential danger because of the effects of oil activities in the Bay of San Sebastian (i.e., pollution, road tracing, and its consequent erosion, decanting pools), and to a point cattle grazing, uncontrolled recreational activities and sand extraction.
26.In Llancanelo the main problem is the use of water upstream, but steps are being carried out to ensure a minimum amount of water entering the lagoon; other problems include erosion caused by overgrazing of sheep, poaching, and fishing (under control by the rangers) and, potentially, trash deposit from a uranium treatment plant which could contaminate the underground water supply (partial) of the lagoon.
27.Bolivia requests the removal of the Laguna Colorada from the Montreux Record and has cancelled the application of a Monitoring Procedure to this Ramsar site. The National Report indicates that due to the conservation measures taken thanks to the implementation of the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, and because the environmental impact threat from the geothermal project does not exist anymore (cancelled), the conservation of the Laguna Colorada and other high Andean wetlands of the area is ensured. The only current problem is intensive tourism.
28.Chile indicates that, in the future, changes in the ecological character of the Carlos Andwandter -Río Cruces- Ramsar site could occur as a consequence of a cellulose plant upstream. Even though the technology used could ensure a clean operation, the exploitation of the native forests and reforestation with exotic species could affect the water level in the Río Cruces.
29.In Costa Rica change in the ecosystem dynamics of Caño Negro is presumed due to erosion upstream resulting in excessive sedimentation at the Ramsar site. With economic assistance from the Embassy of the Netherlands, studies have been initiated to solve the problem.
30.In Térraba-Sierpe the use of agrochemicals in cultivations upstream contributes with contaminants to the site, but they have not been quantified, and there are some problems related to the expansion of agriculture and farming.
31.In the surroundings of Gandoca-Manzanillo, deforestation by timber dealers and private owners is a problem, as well as the expansion of the road network, which alters the drainage and increases the sediment carried from upstream towards the Ramsar site; in addition, the use of agrochemicals in intensive banana plantations upstream, has caused fish mortality.
32.Ecuador reports that Machalilla could be affected by pollution from a fish processing factory, fuels discharged at sea and solid waste.
33.The ecological character of Manglares-Churute is being modified by the erosion caused by overgrazing, the use of agrochemicals in private farms and river contamination, and could be modified even more if the final stretch of the highway is built through the Reserve.
34.Guatemala indicates that the Laguna del Tigre is being threatened by illegal hunting and fishing, and if the oil exploitation were to take place it could cause a serious impact at this Ramsar site. Likewise, it is considered essential that a Monitoring Procedure be conducted at this site, which was included in the Montreux Record in 1994.
35.Honduras reports that the Cuero y Salado and Jeannette Kawas wetlands have pollution problems due to agrochemicals, and others related to tree felling and burning to clear pastures for cattle, the forestry activity in higher areas - which carry excessive sedimentation to the wetlands, and illegal hunting and fishing - including manatee Trichechus manatus.
36.Paraguay indicates in the Information Sheets that the Río Negro could be affected by the construction of the "Hidrovía"; Estero Milagro has problems due to road construction and cattle grazing; Ypoá with cattle grazing, timber activity, tourism and drainage projects; and in Tinfunqué cattle grazing, timber activity, illegal hunting and the "Hidrovía" project, are the main or potential problems.
37.Peru indicates that in an area near Paracas the fishing industrialization activities are producing some negative effects, but a probationary period has been given for the companies involved to adapt their production processes to a programme of environmental management.
38.Suriname indicates that at this moment there are no activities in Coppenamemonding that may modify the ecological character of the site, since only a little ecological tourism takes place and subsistence fishing by a few fishermen. Nevertheless, if adequate measures are not taken to avoid the impact of the agricultural and oil activities, these could damage the site.
39.Trinidad and Tobago requested the inclusion of Nariva in the Montreux Record in 1993, during the Kushiro Conference. In 1995, the Convention Bureau organized the visit of a mission to apply a Monitoring Procedure.
40.Uruguay reports that since a decree was issued in 1991 prohibiting any action related to irrigation or drainage, roads, etc. that could alter the draining system of surface waters and modify the ecological character of the Bañados del Este, no further modifications have occurred.
Status of sites mentioned in Kushiro Recommendation 5.1 - On Ramsar sites in territories of specific Contracting Parties
41.Venezuela informs that in Cuare measures are being implemented to reduce the pressure of human activities, starting with the relocation of settlements. Likewise, a resolution regulating fishing activities was dictated, prepared with the assistance of the fishermen.
Implementation of Resolution 5.7 - Management Planning for Ramsar sites and other wetlands
42.Argentina has completed (1994) the management plan of the Laguna Blanca, and several of the recommendations have already been implemented, for instance, the strict protection of the most important nesting areas for waterfowl, and the planning of sheep grazing. The Pozuelos management plan is well in progress and Pilcomayo's in its initial stage. In Tierra del Fuego the preparation of the management plan has been initiated, and a proposal to elaborate one for Llancanelo was presented and approved by the province but does not have the necessary funding.
43.In Bolivia the Eduardo Avaroa National Andean Wildlife Reserve, where the Laguna Colorada is located, does not have a management plan, but it does have an operating plan, a director, eight rangers and a Management Committee with participation of the local population.
44.Chile has a management plan project for the Carlos Andwandter -Río Cruces-, which would be part of a thesis.
45.Costa Rica reports that it submitted the final draft of the Caño Negro management plan and that the plan for Palo Verde has been initiated. The first one financed by the U.S. State Department, through the Ramsar Convention Bureau. Térraba-Sierpe has a comprehensive management plan and a tourist carrying capacity study is being conducted. In Gandoca-Manzanillo there is a management plan proposal but it has not been implemented, just as the fishing and hunting regulations.
46.Ecuador has management plans for Machalilla (1987, now being implemented), and for Manglares-Churute (to be published shortly).
47.Panama has initiated the process of information gathering, with the purpose of integrating both the local authorities and the resource users into the preparation process of the management plans and wise use of the three Ramsar sites of the country.
48.Paraguay has a management plan for Estero Milagro.
49.Peru has completed the management plan for Paracas, conducted with funds from the U.S. State Department, through the Convention Bureau.
50.Suriname informs that it is conducting the management plan for Coppenamemonding.
51.Trinidad and Tobago reports that it is confident that the Monitoring Procedure will help the country's Government in the preparation of the management plan for Nariva.
52.Uruguay received a mission to apply the Monitoring Procedure in Bañados del Este y Franja Costera in 1993. The report was completed and accepted by the Government in 1994, and their recommendations are being taken into consideration in the management plan that is being prepared for the site. The preparation of this plan (soon to be completed) is the responsibility of the Dirección General de Recursos Naturales Renovables (Natural Renewable Resources Division) of the Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca (Ministry of Farming, Agriculture and Fisheries), in collaboration with technicians from the Programa para la Conservación de la Biodiversidad de los Bañados del Este (PROBIDES, Bañados del Este Biodiversity Conservation Program), technicians from the local Government and the Municipality of Rocha.
53.Venezuela reports that Cuare has a land use and management plan that began to be applied in 1993. Likewise, there is a regulation for fishing activity.
Additional comments on listed sites
54.Argentina: in addition to the indications in other points of this report, the Laguna Blanca, Pilcomayo and Pozuelos now have basic infrastructure for visitors, as well as for control and patrolling.
55.Suriname notifies that research is being conducted in Coppenamemonding.
56.Trinidad and Tobago reports that in Nariva research related to the population recovery of several species is being conducted.
Progress towards formulation and application of national wetland policies
57.In Argentina the constitutional reform of 1994 has incorporated the concept of wise use, which makes it possible for the preparation of national plans, strategies or policies. Likewise, the new constitution arranges hierarchically the international treaties, giving them a higher rank than laws dictated by the National Congress.
58.Bolivia has a law proposal for the Conservation of the Biological Diversity that includes two articles that make special reference to wetlands, but the approval of this law does not seem probable in the short term. The National Conservation Strategy is in the design stage, and it is foreseen that it will include the effective protection as well as the concept of wise use of wetlands. The Action Plan of the Unidad de Vida Silvestre (Wildlife Unit) of the Dirección Nacional de Conservación de la Biodiversidad (National Biodiversity Conservation Office) considers strengthening the national participation in the Ramsar Convention, both in the administrative and technical aspects.
59.Chile does not report significant progress made, since the National Wetland Committee is of very recent formation.
60.In Costa Rica, the Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservación (SINAC, Conservation Areas National System) is being developed within the Ministerio del Ambiente y Energía (MINAE, Ministry of Environment and Energy, formerly Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, MIRENEM). The SINAC, together with the Mesoamerican Regional Office (ORMA) of the IUCN, is working on the preparation of the National Strategy for Conservation and Sustainable Development of Wetlands. This strategy, divided into two phases, contemplates among other points to establish the scope, limitations, derogations and discrepancies of the current Wildlife Conservation Law, and the proposed Conservation and Protection of Wetlands Law, and offers a variety of possible alternatives. Currently the strategy is at its second phase of actions and implementation of the results of the first phase.
61.Ecuador has Basic Environmental Policies since 1994, among which there are general policies which deal specifically with mangrove swamps. The Regulation for Land Use Planning, Conservation, Management, and Use of Mangrove Swamps Ecosystem will soon be approved.
62.In Guatemala the Protected Areas Legislation sets forth policies related to the conservation of wetlands within those areas.
63.Panama approved in 1994 a law that requires environmental impact studies for every project or activity carried out by either the public or private sectors, and INRENARE is the institution in charge of their evaluation. In 1995 legislation related to wildlife that regulates its harvesting and promotes conservation of its habitat was passed.
64.In Peru the Programa de Conservación y Desarrollo Sostenible de Humedales (Wetland Conservation and Sustainable Development Program) has prepared a "national strategy for the conservation of wetlands and basis for an action plan", that once discussed among governmental organizations and NGOs will be promoted as a national policy on wetlands for the country.
65.Trinidad and Tobago has informed the Bureau, after submitting their National Report, that the preparation of a National Wetland Policy is in its final phase and pending ministerial approval.
66.Uruguay does not have an explicit wetland policy, but has achieved some progress. For example, the decree on soil and water conservation has been regulated; in 1994 the law on environmental impact assessment was regulated; and a law proposal for protected areas is currently under discussion at the Parliament, which would be the adequate legal frame to prepare a specific policy on wetlands.
67.Venezuela indicates that the National Policy on Protected Areas follows the Ramsar guidelines.
Application of Recommendation 5.7 - National Ramsar/Wetland Committees
68.Argentina indicates that since 1986 there is a National Technical Assistance Network on Protected Areas, summoned by the National Parks Administration with the purpose of discussing among officials from provincial governments and the federal government, the planning, management and cooperation in existing and/or potential protected areas. The National Ramsar Committee was created in 1994 by the Secretaría de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente Humano (Ministry of Natural Resources and Human Environment), based on the Kushiro recommendation. At the moment the Subsecretarías de Recursos Naturales y Relaciones Institucionales (Departments of Natural Resources and Institutional Relations, the National Parks Administration and Wetlands for the Americas participate in this Committee. The Committee is open for the participation of NGOs dedicated to the conservation of wetlands, and representatives of the provinces with designated wetlands on the Ramsar List. Even though it is at its initial stages, the Committee is preparing a list of wetlands of international importance that would qualify as Ramsar sites.
69.In Bolivia the formation of a National Wetland Committee is foreseen within the frame of the National Conservation Strategy, which would include the Dirección Nacional de Conservación de la Biodiversidad (National Biodiversity Conservation Office), the Dirección Nacional de Cuencas y Recursos Hídricos (National Watershed and Water Resources Conservation Office), the Dirección de Calidad Ambiental (Environmental Quality Office), the Autoridad Autónoma Binacional (Binational Autonomous Authority) for Lake Titicaca and NGOs such as the Limnologists Association of Bolivia and the Beni Biological Station. Their activities will be set forth in the Strategy.
70.Chile has had a National Wetland Committee since September, 1994, with participation from governmental organisms ( Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores -Ministry of Foreign Relations - which chairs the Committee - the Corporación Nacional Forestal, CONAF -National Forestry Corporation - which acts as secretariat - and the Comisión Nacional de Medio Ambiente -National Environmental Commission), as well as the Universidad Austral de Chile, Comité Nacional pro Defensa de la Fauna y la Flora, CODEFF -National Committee for the Conservation of Fauna and Flora. The Committee was very active when established but has not met recently.
71.Costa Rica includes recommendations for the operation of a National Wetland Committee within the Wetland Strategy it is preparing. In this reactivation it is expected to integrate the different official institutions, NGOs, grassroots institutions, as well as the IUCN.
72.Ecuador is promoting the interest of governmental and non-governmental organizations through the dissemination of the results of projects sponsored by Ramsar.
73.In Guatemala the Ramsar Committee was formed in 1995, with participation of governmental and non-governmental organizations.
74.In Honduras the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente (SEMA, Ministry of the Environment) is preparing a draft of a Presidential Agreement for the establishment of the Comisión de Manejo Integral Costero (COMICO, Commission for Comprehensive Coastal Management) that in addition would operate as a Ramsar Committee, and whose functions would be to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands. It would be comprised of representatives from SEMA, other governmental institutions, NGOs, university and representatives from each Ramsar site in the country.
75.Peru has a Programa de Conservación y Desarrollo Sostenible de Humedales (Wetland Conservation and Sustainable Development Program), that also operates as a Ramsar Committee, and is comprised of representatives from governmental organisms, one university, one national and one international NGO. It meets once a month and all topics related to wetlands are discussed.
76.Suriname has multidisciplinary groups of advisers created for the different protected areas in the country, which could turn in the future to a national wetland committee.
77. Trinidad and Tobago established the National Wetland Committee in 1995, and identified as its main objective the preparation of the National Wetland Policy. It has representatives from several governmental organisms (e.g., Wildlife, National Parks, Fisheries, Water Management, Town and Country Planning Sections) from several ministries, the University of the West Indies, the Institute for Marine Affairs, and NGOs.
78.Venezuela has a National Ramsar Committee since 1992, formed by representatives from the Servicio Autónomo PROFAUNA (Autonomous Agency), other offices of the Ministerio del Ambiente y de los Recursos Naturales Renovables (Ministry of Environment and Natural Renewable Resources); representatives form the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Ministry of Foreign Relations) and NGOs. Currently it is inactive, but it is foreseen to reactivate it through a resolution or decree.
Application of Recommendation 4.6 - National scientific inventories
79.In Argentina there are no scientific inventories that follow Recommendation 4.6, nevertheless a systematic inventory was published (R. Quiros, et al. 1983, Geographic Dictionary of Continental Wetlands of the Republic of Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero) which includes some basic data.
80.Bolivia has plans to update the inventory of wetlands in Bolivia.
81.Chile has plans to prepare a wetlands inventory by stages; the first one includes the Puna region in the north.
82.Costa Rica has plans to work on an inventory by sub-regions and generate a database within the wetlands strategy.
83.Ecuador is conducting a partial inventory on wetlands with assistance from Ramsar.
84.Guatemala has plans to conduct a wetlands inventory but still lacks the necessary funding, even though it has requested funds (from Peregrine Fund, USA).
85.Peru has partial wetland inventories.
86.Trinidad and Tobago reports that it lacks a comprehensive national inventory of all wetlands in the country, but does have one with partial information, and studies of several individual wetlands. In addition it indicates that the wetland, waterfowl and shorebird evaluation project conducted by the Wildlife Section since 1985, is used and updated constantly. Likewise, the University of the West Indies is working on an inventory of wetlands that require restoration.
87.In Uruguay, once the Bañados del Este y Franja Costera management plan is completed, will carry out biodiversity inventories at wetlands with potential to become Ramsar sites.
88.Venezuela lacks a complete wetland inventory, but has a partial one that identifies 53 coastal wetlands. In addition another inventory is being conducted in the State of Guarico.
Additional information on application of the Wise Use `guidelines' and `additional guidance'
89.In Argentina the Pozuelos draft management plan proposes a change in the management categories in the watershed, in such a way that its conservation be compatible with the concept of wise use of its resources. This proposal is considered feasible since it does not imply modifications in the land tenure, but rearranging of the activities only.
90.Bolivia contemplates the use of the guidelines for wise use from Ramsar, in the preparation of the management plan of Eduardo Avaroa Andean Wildlife National Reserve (Laguna Colorada).
91.In Costa Rica the consolidation of SINAC is part of the strategies presented by the Costa Rican Government for sustainable development. Progress is being made in the participation in conservation issues by local communities, both outside and inside protected areas.
92.Honduras is promoting, through SEMA, a Comprehensive Coastal Management Plan, based on the wise use concept.
93.Panama is developing a turtle management proposal (including captive breeding) at San San Pond-Sak, with support from local conservation groups.
94.In Peru the Paracas management plan was prepared following the Ramsar wise use guidelines, and is being implemented with great support from the local fishermen.
95.Suriname has decided that, due to difficulties for management of the protected coastal areas, it is better to include them in the category of Multiple Use Management Area. This type of category allows the wise use of resources; at the same time more fragile areas are protected and local communities are involved in the process, especially indigenous communities.
96.Uruguay established in 1994 the development of water regulation works for the Merin lagoon basin (where Bañados del Este y Franja Costera are located) with the objective to allow the use of water in the region, through a master plan which in turn contemplates the conservation of wetlands still unmodified. The Ramsar wise use guidelines have been used as a framework.
97.Venezuela indicates that the State is obliged by a governing principle of its Carta Magna to regulate the use and management of its natural renewable resources, and that this implies the wise use of wetlands.
98.Trinidad and Tobago reports that in 1994 the Wetland Study Group was created at the University of the West Indies, which conducts research in cooperation with other institutions (e.g., the universities of Glasgow, East Anglia, Dalhousie, and Philippines, as well as with Wetlands International).
Consultations on shared wetlands
99.In Argentina, and related to the Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR, South American Common Market), a Reunión Especializada en Medio Ambiente (Environment Specialized Meeting) was established, with the responsibility of preparing proposals and impact assessments on the economic integration policies of shared resources. In Tierra del Fuego, the provincial authorities have established the first contacts with Chilean authorities responsible for the conservation and management of Bahía Lomas to propose bilateral cooperation in managing these two neighbouring wetlands.
100.In Bolivia the Autoridad Autónoma Binacional (Autonomous Binational Authority) for Lake Titicaca has presented to the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) a project for the conservation of the biodiversity in Bolivia. The Pilcomayo watershed has been the subject of several meetings with Argentina and Paraguay, and several joint projects have been executed. A jointly protected area with Paraguay has been proposed. The Pantanal, on the border with Brazil and Paraguay, is being considered a centre for development by the three countries.
101.Costa Rica conducts bilateral activities with Nicaragua, through the SI-A-PAZ (YES-TO-PEACE) agreement, and recently a binational workshop on wetlands was conducted. In the Information Sheet for Gandoca-Manzanillo it is indicated that this new Ramsar site presents the possibility to join with Panama's San-San Pond Sak, and therefore promote the creation of a binational Ramsar site.
102.Guatemala seeks bilateral agreements with Mexico for the protection of the Laguna del Tigre and its area of influence.
103.Peru has brought forth to the Ministry of Foreign Relations a proposal to create a binational Peru-Bolivia Titicaca lake reserve.
Consultations on shared species
104.Chile indicates that only at an informal level consultations have been conducted with Peruvian, Bolivian, and Argentinian scientists, on flamingo conservation activities. There have been some activities carried out between NGOs and Argentinian provincial authorities for the conservation of Chloephaga rubidiceps (endangered in both countries).
105.Peru reports that it continues to collaborate with the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.
106.Suriname has a Memorandum of Understanding with Canada (Suriname Forest Service and Canadian Wildlife Service) to cooperate in the conservation of migratory shorebirds. In addition they are preparing another agreement between the governments of Suriname and France for conservation, in general, including wetlands.
Wetland Conservation Fund - projects supported since December 1992
107.Argentina received assistance in 1992 for "Actions on Environmental Education and Nature Interpretation in current Ramsar sites in Argentina", and in 1993 for "Evaluation of the conservation status of the Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument and preparation of conservation and management proposals for the Pozuelos basin and other Puna wetlands".
108.Bolivia received assistance in 1991 for "Technical Meeting of Ramsar sites managers", in 1994 for "Information Update on the ichthyofauna of the Titicaca Lake", and in 1995 for "Designation of a new Ramsar site: Montes de Oro".
109.Brazil received support in 1993 for "Ecological study of the mangrove swamps on the western coast of the State of Maranhao".
110.Chile received support in 1991 for "Re-delimitation, implementation, and abiotic aquatic studies for the Ramsar site near Valdivia", and in 1993 for "Establishment of Ramsar sites on the Andean region on the north of Chile".
111.Costa Rica received assistance in 1993 for "Zoning of the Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge", and emergency assistance the same year for "Restoration of the Palo Verde Swamp". Additionally, it received economic support, with special funding, from the U.S. State Department for the "Development of a Management Plan for Caño Negro".
112.Ecuador in 1995 received support for "Inventory and identification of the conservation status of the wetlands in Ecuador. Phase I - lentic wetlands of the provinces of Esmeraldas and Manabi".
113.Guatemala obtained support in 1992 for "Strengthening of the protection of the biotope Laguna del Tigre", and in 1994 for "Evaluation and delimitation of the distribution of vegetation types at the Manchón-Guachumal wetland".
114.Honduras received support in 1993 for "Protection of the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge", in 1995 emergency assistance for "Land tenure surveys in Jeannette Kawas National Park".
115.Paraguay obtained funding for "Conservation of the Biodiversity of the lake Ypoá wetlands" in 1995.
116.Peru received aid in 1992 for "Strengthening of Management of the Lagunas de Mejía National Sanctuary"; in 1993 for an expansion of the same project; in 1995 for "Preparation of Information Sheets for inclusion on new Ramsar sites in Peru". Additionally it received economic aid, with special funding, from the U.S. Department of State for "Development of the Paracas Management Plan".
117.Venezuela received support in 1995 for "Population status of Callinectes spp at the Cuare Wildlife Refuge" and for "Evaluation of the fisheries at the Cuare Wildlife Refuge".
Role of international funding agencies (Recommendations 4.13 and 5.5)
118.Argentina reports that the GEF supports two projects related to conservation of wetlands, "Management Plan for the Coast of Patagonia" and "Improving the system of protected areas and creation of new areas" (preparation in progress). The Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) finances the "Construction and Improvement of basic Infrastructure" in several areas, including the Llancanelo Ramsar site.
119.Chile stresses the importance of obtaining economic support to allow carrying out at least three important activities (a) establishing a national wetland policy on wetlands; (b) conducting an inventory; and (c) preparing management plans for at least the higher priority wetlands to guarantee their ecological character and wise use of resources.
120.Costa Rica received economic support from the Japanese Government in 1994 and 1995 to strengthen the Conservation Areas, which implies the preparation and/or implementation of management plans for several wetlands, including Palo Verde, Gandoca-Manzanillo, Arenal and Tortuguero. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has also provided support for activities at Arenal, and the European Community at Tortuguero.
121.Ecuador informs that the GTZ (Germany) is financing a Projecto de Apoyo a las Políticas Forestales (Support Project for Forestry Policies), which includes the preparation of policies to manage the mangrove swamps of the country. It has also financed an education workshop. The GEF is financing a Master Plan for the Protection of Biodiversity through Strengthening the National System of Protected Areas.
122.Honduras indicates that with the support of the Quebec Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Red Ecologista Hondureña para el Desarrollo Sostenible (REHDES, Honduran Ecological Network for Sustainable Development) prepared an analysis of the situation at several protected areas on the Atlantic coast of the country. In addition it has received support from IDB for the creation of a Multiple Use Marine Park surrounding the Bay Islands.
123.Suriname received aid for the preparation of management plans - for Coppenamemonding as well as for other wetlands still not included in the Ramsar List - from several international organizations, for instance, Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), World Wide Fund (WWF), the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, and the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP).
124.Trinidad and Tobago has received a loan from IDB to establish a National Park at Caroni; the Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust obtained funding from the Canadian Government to build an interpretation centre and prepare educational material.
Application of Recommendation 4.4 - Establishment of wetland reserves
125.Argentina recently included within the system of protected areas part of the delta of the Paraná river, in the Pre-Delta National Park (Diamante) and also plans to include the Mburucuyá as a protected area. In the Strict, Wildlife and Educational Natural Reserve of Otamendi (1990) public education and awareness programs concerning wetlands are carried out with the support of the private sector, in an original manner which makes them the best example of activities of this nature in the country. There are 37 identified protected areas (at the national, provincial or private level) that include wetlands.
126.Costa Rica has a protection category of National Wetland, within which 12 areas are included to date, one of them Térraba-Sierpe.
127.In Panama, the INRENARE has identified at least 30 wetlands which could become part of a future National Wetland Network, some of which are part of the Central American Biological Corridor of Protected Areas and under the obligations assumed by this country with the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Protection of Priority Wildlife Areas in Central America.
128.Honduras is in the process of designating three new wetland reserves, Islas de la Bahía, La Mosquitia (the result of the interest and initiative of the Indian support group MOPOWI) and the Manglar y Lagunas de Invierno.
129.Trinidad and Tobago reports that besides Nariva it has only one wetland reserve, Caroni Swamp. Nevertheless the local NGO, Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust manages a reserve that includes two lagoons.
Implementation of Recommendation 5.3 - Zonation of wetland reserves, and Recommendation 5.8 - Measures to promote public awareness of wetland values in wetland reserves
130.In Argentina, Pilcomayo and Laguna Blanca have zoning but not Pozuelos since it only includes the lagoon. Nevertheless, Pozuelos and its watershed are part of the Biosphere Reserve, managed by the Corporación para el Desarrollo de la Cuenca de Pozuelos (CODEPO, Corporation for the Development of the Pozuelos Watershed).
131.In relation to public awareness activities, the Administration of National Parks is carrying out activities, which include interpretation panels on wetland values, pamphlets and visitor centres at the Ramsar sites under its responsibility.
132.Bolivia has been working since 1992 on the implementation of the National System of Protected Areas, which protects wetlands in all proposed areas. At least nine have administration, protection and management plans either completed or in force, including not only Laguna Colorada and Montes de Oro, but also the Ulla Ulla Wildlife Reserve and Noell Kempff National Park.
133.Chile has created the Nevado de Tres Cruces National Park, which includes several important wetlands and two "no hunting areas" in the Name marshes (1995) and Lake Budi (1993) which could be declared Private Reserves, perhaps soon. The Laguna de Mantagua was declared a National Sanctuary in 1994.
134.Ecuador reports that both Machalilla and the Manglares-Churute have zoning, including areas for conservation, management and use.
135.Guatemala has offered training workshops for environment extension officials, organised by the Fundación Interamericana de Investigaciones Tropicales (FIIT, Interamerican Tropical Research Foundation).
136.Honduras reports that Cuero y Salado and Jeannette Kawas have zoning. In Jeannette Kawas, the NGO in charge of managing the site carries out public awareness activities.
137.Peru has zoned Paracas within its management plan and has identified actions to promote public awareness pertaining to conservation of wetlands.
138.Trinidad and Tobago reports that Nariva enjoys zoning designed for land use and resource conservation, and that in very general terms it includes six clearly defined zones. In relation to public awareness, these activities are mainly carried out at Caroni and Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust where the amounts of visitors make it possible.
139.Uruguay informs that for the redelimitation of Bañados del Este y Franja Costera, core areas have been defined and are being used as a starting point for the zoning of the remaining area, using the watersheds as the basic unit.
140.In Venezuela law dictates the creation of legal instruments for zoning and regulation of use and activities in Areas Bajo Régimen de Administración Especial (Areas Under Special Administration Regulation).
Implementation of Recommendation 4.5 - Education and Training
141. In Costa Rica training and participatory workshops have been organised in the preparation of management plans for Caño Negro, Térraba-Sierpe and Gandoca-Manzanillo. Additionally, the Wetland Strategy was completed based on multidisciplinary workshops with the participation of various institutions. Térraba-Sierpe has had an environmental education programme since 1989.
142. Ecuador has offered a workshop on sustainable use for community development in Machalilla, as well as a course on environmental monitoring for conservation officials. A course on environmental impact assessment was offered in the Manglares-Churute.
143. In Panama field personnel from three Ramsar sites are constantly carrying out education tasks at the community and local group level.
144.Peru has produced audiovisual materials for children and teenagers on wetland conservation. This material was specifically designed for the Arequipa region (where Lagunas de Mejía are located).
145.Suriname is preparing education materials for schools and audiovisual presentations as part of the activities directed towards environmental education, training and public awareness included in the Action Plan for the Conservation of Suriname.
146.Trinidad and Tobago receives economic aid from the IDB for the development of an interpretation centre in Caroni and also received support from the Government of Canada for the creation of the centre at Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust. They point out that no training courses for park rangers have been developed but that they would be very necessary.
Effectiveness of the Convention; problems encountered in implementation etc.
147.In Argentina, there are not enough elements to allow for an evaluation of the effectiveness of the implementation of the Convention. Nevertheless, one of the tasks of the National Ramsar Committee is to promote the concept of wise use and the instruments of the Convention for their application. By these means, provincial governments are beginning to realise the potential of Ramsar as an instrument for the conservation, management and wise use of their wetlands.
148.The technical instruments of the Convention should be reinforced, offering support for securing financial resources for projects concerning wetlands.
149.Bolivia believes that the Convention could help the Lake Titicaca Binational Authority secure the necessary funding. They also point out that the deep economic and social problems the government must solve prevent them from paying the required attention to international conservation obligations (Ramsar, CITES, Biological Diversity).
150.Chile considers that in order to comply with all the obligations accepted when becoming a Contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention, economic aid is necessary since governments face more urgent priorities (poverty, education, health). Special help is needed for training of professionals and technicians as well as for the development of some of the priority projects. It is also pointed out that political decision is necessary to pledge legal resources and methods in order to implement the principles of conservation and wise use of wetlands.
151.Costa Rica points out that some of the difficulties in implementing the Convention result from the lack of a management category in the national legislation and the kind of use allowed.
152.Guatemala reports that the Ramsar and CITES authority, in this country, lies with the same person, resulting in a close relationship between both Conventions.
153.Honduras believes that the Convention is the main legal tool used to prevent the turning of some coastal wetlands into agricultural lands. It also indicates that greater emphasis must be placed on the wise use of wetlands in order to secure their conservation; it recommends that Ramsar develop a strategy to incorporate local communities in the search for economic activities that consider wise use of wetlands, and offers itself as an "experimental" centre. In addition, the National Report expresses the need for better coordination of activities between Ramsar, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the GEF and UNESCO, especially the World Heritage Sites program.
154.Trinidad and Tobago points out that, in spite of having joined Ramsar only recently (1993), the Convention is widely recognized as the mechanism through which to advance in wetland conservation work in the country, both at the governmental and NGO levels. The implementation of the Convention is not difficult, since it receives great political support; of special mention is the work carried out at Nariva which has, even at the general public level, promoted conservation of wetlands. It is important to promote the Convention within the Caribbean region in order to increase the number of Contracting Parties in this area, and to promote the Convention as a catalyser in the search for funds. The relationship with other conventions is also important, and Ramsar could help countries in complying with certain international obligations as it allows for sustainable development.
155.Venezuela points out that it is necessary to give the Wetland Conservation Fund a financial stimulus, and even though the Convention is not a funding organization, it would wish to receive more technical and financial assistance. It requests that the Convention intercede or serve as a bridge to secure financial assistance from the GEF. It also states that closer links with the Convention on Biological Diversity are needed, since Ramsar can and should play a major role in matters concerning the conservation of biodiversity in wetlands, and that projects related to wetlands are allowed to receive help from the financial sources foreseen for the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Futures activities under the Convention
156.Bolivia: biodiversity conservation project in Lake Titicaca watershed; pollution study in Lake Poopo; training of local population in Uru Murato related to the sustainable management of wildlife (stemming from the slaughter of thousands of flamingos on Lake Poopo); waterfowl census program.
157.Chile emphasizes the importance that Ramsar act as a bridge between countries and GEF for securing the necessary economic resources to facilitate the development of wetland projects. It also considers very important that the different Conventions keep a permanent and close working relation to avoid duplicating efforts and wasting resources. A coordinated effort between conventions could facilitate access to international funds.
158.Costa Rica indicates that the SINAC along with IUCN ORMA expects to begin work on the subregional phase of the wetland strategy by mid 1996.
159.Ecuador requests that the General Secretary of the Convention contact the GEF Chief of Mission in order to coordinate their activities and those of the Convention in Ecuador.
160.Suriname reports that it is promoting the approval of the Paris Protocol and the Regina Amendments, as well as the inclusion of Wia Wia and Bigi Pan to the Ramsar List.


text:
An updated version of SEBoK now exists.
You will automatically be redirected to the latest Guide to the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK) within 20 seconds.
Please update any bookmarks you may have in place to reflect www.sebokwiki.org so you always have access to the current version. If the redirect does not work, you may click here to be redirected.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Telegraph will remain closed for four days from October 1, 2014 (Saptami). No web editions of the newspaper will be published from the issue dated October 2 to October 5, 2014. WE WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY PUJA
Rain or thundershower may occur in some areas.
National Sales Head - Digital: Saurabh Khullar
Email: email@example.com India: Nitesh Saxena
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National Head: Vasant Gokhale
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
All Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Watches have been canceled or have expired. The storms have moved out of the region and the threat for severe weather has ended.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect until 5:15 p.m. for Charlotte and Halifax Counties.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 7 p.m. for Southside Virginia.
Storms will move into the region along and ahead of a cold front. Thunderstorms will mainly bring the threat of damaging winds and large hail. Heavy rain is also expected.
Storms should be out of the region by 5:30 p.m. Gusty winds will continue behind the front, bringing in cooler and drier air.


text:
Wednesday's Child is very excited about one of our kids all grown up! We told Jamal's story a few weeks ago. He's now 20 and is an aspiring hip hop artist. Jamal goes by Nexus in the neighborhood. Creating yet another Dream Day, we called on our supporters and helped produce a series of songs. We are thrilled to announce Jamal will perform two songs at an Oscar after-party!
Jamal is going VIP! Executive clothier to the stars, Art Lewin outfitted him in one of his custom Bespoke suits. At 6'4" he will be dressed to impress in a sleek black suit, tie, and shirt. Jamal and his adoptive family will walk the red carpet and are VIPS at the Oscar viewing party thrown by Children Uniting Nations. Jamal is performing at the after-party. You're invited, however both the party ($500) and after-party ($100) are fundraisers for foster care. For more information, email firstname.lastname@example.com
Jamal will perform "Foxy lil Lady", which is now on iTunes. There is also a "Foxy lil Lady" ringtone. The song "Faith in Truth", a tribute to young America, will be released for National Foster Care Awareness Month in May.
Way to go Jamal!
35 Skyline DriveLake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: (407) 644-3535News Tips: (866) 55-FOX35


text: Yes, that is a kind of flag day. But I was thinking we might be able to agree not to have a fixed date for that, and change the table at some point in the future, when there is consensus that it is the right time (and the right thing to do). Erik On Fri, Dec 4, 2009 at 8:50 AM, Andrew Sullivan <ajs at shinkuro.com> wrote: > On Fri, Dec 04, 2009 at 08:38:49AM -0800, Erik van der Poel wrote: >> Well, then maybe it would be better to have a separate value called >> TRANSITIONAL, but registries must not register labels with >> TRANSITIONAL characters, and clients must not map them nor look them >> up. How does that sound? > > Yeah, that was sort of all I was quibbling about. This is, I think, > very similar to Mark's original suggestion, only with a lot more > detail worked out. > > The big disadvantage to it, of course, is that there _is_ a flag day > in some sense. It's on the day the rule changes from "no register/no > lookup" to "register ok/lookup ok". If people can live with that, > though, I can. > > A > > -- > Andrew Sullivan > ajs at shinkuro.com > Shinkuro, Inc. > _______________________________________________ > Idna-update mailing list > Idna-update at alvestrand.no > http://www.alvestrand.no/mailman/listinfo/idna-update >


text:
Welcome to MyPoints, your daily rewards program.
Advance Auto Parts offers the best values on engine parts, brakes, batteries, car accessories and more. Compare auto parts prices and save on your next tune-up using the Advance Auto Parts website. Find gaskets galore, light your way with headlights — start your next garage project today with Advance Auto Parts and earn Points!


text:
CNM Home
About CNM
For Users
News & Highlights
CNM Users Organization
Contact Us
DOE Nanoscale Science Research Centers
Other Links of Interest
Cetyltrimethylammonium-ion-coated gold nanoparticles before (top) and after (bottom) 500 seconds of electron-beam exposure inside a TEM liquid cell at 200 kV. Scale bar: 100 nm.
The self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) coated with specific organic ions in water was observed by Center for Nanoscale Materials staff in the Nanobio Interfaces, Electronic & Magnetic Materials & Devices, and Nanophotonics groups using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with a liquid cell. The Au NPs formed one-dimensional chains within a few minutes.
The self-assembly of NPs attracts intense attention for its potential application in the fabrication of hybrid systems with collective properties from different types of materials. The observations provided here clearly elucidate the complex mechanism of charged NP self-assembly processes. They also paint a cautionary tale on using TEM in situ cells to imitate self-assembly processes in actual solution environments.
The CNM's expertise with in situ TEM techniques, colloidal nanoparticle synthesis, zeta-potential measurements, and absorption spectra were exploited in this study.
The hydrated electrons formed in radiolysis of water decrease the overall positive charge of cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA)-coated Au NPs. The NPs also were coated with negative citrate ions. (With citrate alone, however, the Au NPs remained steady in the liquid cell regardless of electron-beam intensity). The anisotropic attractive interactions, including dipolar and Van der Waals interactions, overcome the repulsion among the NPs and induce the assembly of NPs. The spatial segregation of different sizes of NPs as a result of electric field gradients within the cell was observed as well.
Yuzi Liu, Xiao-Min Lin, Yugang Sun, and Tijana Rajh, "In Situ Visualization of Self-Assembly of Charged Gold Nanoparticles," J. Am. Chem. Soc., 135, 10, 3764 (2013) (online)
March 2013
The Center for Nanoscale Materials is an Office of Science User Facility operated for
the U.S.Department of Energy Office of Science by Argonne National Laboratory


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Funeral Services Planned for Berta Olivarez Filut06 September 2014Read More...
Students return to school29 August 2014Read More...
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Local Weather
Current Conditions:
Fair, 76 F
Wed - Mostly Sunny. High: 94 Low: 78
Thu - Mostly Sunny. High: 94 Low: 77
Fri - Thunderstorms. High: 89 Low: 71
Sat - Partly Cloudy. High: 86 Low: 66
Sun - Mostly Sunny. High: 88 Low: 71
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
The Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge will offer guided kayak tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting May 25 which will run through September. Tours run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with about two hours on the water.
No experience is required for participants who will paddle sit-on-top kayaks on the Laguna Madre adjoining the Laguna Atascosa NWR. Participants will be instructed in the use of a kayak and introduced to the habitats and wildlife of the refuge and laguna.
Tour prices are $30 per adult and $25 for ages 8 to12 and includes all kayak equipment, knowledgeable guides, transportation to and from the Laguna Atascosa NWR Visitor Center and snacks. Participants 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Friends organization.
Reservations are required. Call 748-3607, Ext. 111 for reservations and information. The Laguna Atascosa NWR visitor center is located 18 miles east of Rio Hondo on FM 106.
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Advertising Information
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.


text:
Celebrate National Pizza Party Day
Published on Friday, May 10, 2013 - 9:51am
Some food historians believe that pizza-like dishes (baking bread with toppings on stones in a wood oven) can be traced back to the early Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures.
Today's pizza pie has been attributed to baker Raffaele Esposito of Naples, Italy. In 1889, a special pizza dish was created to honor King Umberto and Queen Margherita by Esposito. To represent the colors of the Italian flag, Esposito used Neapolitan flat bread with green basil, white mozzarella cheese and red tomato sauce.
Celebrate the eating of pizza on May 17, 2013.
Pizza Firsts:
- First pizzeria in North America was opened in 1905 by Gennaro Lombardi in New York City.
- First "Pizza Hut" chain of restaurants appeared in the United States during the 1930s.
- Frozen pizza was invented by Rose Totino of Minnesota.
- Camela Vitale of Dix Hills, N.Y., invented the pizza saver (made of plastic) to keep the top of the box from touching the pizza.
If you have a craving for pizza, check out these titles for young people.
|Any Way You Slice It
by Nancy Krulik
|Arthur and the World Record
by Marc Brown
by Karla Oceanak
|Pizza at Sally's
by Monica Wellington
|Margret & H.A. Rey's Curious George at the Pizza Party
by Cynthia Platt
|Pizza the Size of the Sun
by Jack Prelutsky
|Super Chicken Nugget Boy and the Pizza Planet People
by Josh Lewis
|Rabbit & Robot:
The Sleepover
by Cece Bell
Ravenous for more titles, Check out our reading list of books for young people about pizza.
- Pizza for Sam by Mary Labatt
- Pizza Counting by Christina Dobson
- Pizza Kittens by Charlotte Voake
- Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza) by Philemon Sturges
- Pete's a Pizza by William Steig
- Hold the Anchovies: A Book About Pizza by Shelley Rotner
- Extra Cheese, Please!: Mozzarella's Journey From Cow to Pizza by Cris Peterson
- Young Cam Jansen and the 100th day of School Mystery by David Adler
- Dragon Pizzeria by Mary Morgan
- Wilky the White House Cockroach by Howie Schneider


text:
Join some of your favorite athletes and celebrities to help the people, communities, and organizations that have supported them along the way. "Uncork For A Cause" was created to bring the world of fine wine and unique, personalized collectibles to you, to benefit those in need through various local and national foundations. You too can help when you "Uncork For A Cause."
Kansas City first baseman Eric Hosmer has joined the team to Uncork for a Cause, hosting a special charity event September 14, 2014 at The InterContinental at The Country Club Plaza. This special evening will benefit the Greater Kansas City Firefi…... Read more >


text: WASHINGTON (WKZO) -- The Republican Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee is warning about the sequester cuts effect on national security. Representative Mike Rogers of Michigan told ABC's "This Week" that there is "no doubt" the defense cuts will "impact" the nation's security. Rogers said the departments making the cuts should be given flexibility to choose where the cuts are made.


text:
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Phoenix, Arizona
Tempe Mission Palms
Tempe, Arizona
Resort at Squaw Creek™
Lake Tahoe, California
Terranea Resort™
Ranchos Palos Verdes, California
L'Auberge Del Mar
San Diego, California
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
San Diego, California
The Inverness Hotel
Denver, Colorado
Manor Vail Lodge
Vail, Colorado
The Stonebridge Inn
Snowmass Village, Colorado
Vail Cascade
Vail, Colorado
MileNorth Hotel
Chicago, Illinois
Inn and Spa at Loretto
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Carolina Inn
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Sunriver Resort®
Sunriver, Oregon
Wild Dunes® Resort
Charleston, South Carolina
Hotel Derek
Houston, Texas
Stowe Mountain Lodge
Stowe, Vermont
Skamania Lodge®
Stevenson, Washington
Suncadia Resort®
Cle Elm, Washington
The Woodmark Hotel
Kirkland, Washington
Join La Quinta Returns to start earning points for this reward.
The Driskill Hotel
604 Brazos St
Austin, TX 78701
20,000 Points (per night) from 1/1/13 - 5/31/13
45,000 Points (per night) from 6/1/13 - 12/31/13
For over a century, The Driskill Hotel has represented a landmark of refined Texas hospitality. This AAA Four-Diamond Austin hotel occupies a convenient location in the heart of downtown, near many of the city's finest restaurants and Austin's famous live-music venues.
Built in 1886 as the showplace of a cattle baron, The Driskill surrounds guests in opulent splendor - featuring finely polished antiques, a sparkling stained-glass dome, inlaid marble from around the world and original oil paintings. The 189 guestrooms and suites are distributed between the Historic Wing, with its soaring ceilings, elaborate woodwork and balconies, and the Traditional Wing, built in 1929 and featuring classic styling and the colors of the Texas Hill Country.
Point redemption amount is per night and includes room and tax only.
Offer valid only for Historic 1 Bed and Historic 2 Bed rooms.
Rooms subject to availability.
>> Visit the resort web site
Blackout Dates May Apply
Tax Amount: 15%
Extra Adult Fee: $20 per person/per night
Extra Bedding Fee: $20
Self-parking is not available
Valet parking available for $26 + tax per night
Cancellations are not accepted and reservations are non-refundable. Guest will be charged for the entire stay or forfeit the applicable point redemption amount from their La Quinta Returns account.
Point redemption amount and offer expiration subject to change at anytime at the sole discretion of LQ Management L.L.C. Additional nights may be reserved without the use of Returns points, however rates are determined by the individual resort and are subject to change at any time. Cancellations or changes to your reservation must be made through the Returns Service Center.
Whether you're traveling on business, a leisure getaway, or a family vacation, La Quinta has the right hotel accommodations for you. Take advantage of free Internet access, free breakfast, and comfy beds offered at La Quinta Inns & Suites. You'll find the best rates online, the widest variety of room options, the most reliable hotel info, and more on LQ.com. Thank you for considering La Quinta Inns & Suites for your hotel travel plans!


text:
Miraflores Heart, Great Location
|Per night
|Per week
The location is safe and walking friendly, ideal for visiting, business and tourism.
This two cute large two bedrooms with 2.5 baths apartment of 985 square feet, bright and quiet, features:
Two Queen size beds; Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, spacious living-dining room, kitchen, laundry and service bathroom.
The apartment is full furnished and well equipped, and is provided with hot water, cable TV, DVD, WI-FI, Wireless connection service, and local telephone service.
There is a 24/7 doorman, gate-intercom, two elevators, and also private parking lot available for your rental car or visits.
Daily: $85
Weekly: $520
Monthly: $1350
Long-Term Rental: Negotiable
- Minimun staying: 5 NIGHTS
- The rate may vary slightly according the number of guests or season
Our rate includes taxes and all utilities.
Eleana Piazza
Surrounding the park are plenty of restaurants and shops, including the Indian Markets, where you can spend hours absorbing the Peruvian culture.
The apartment is two blocks far from the beach and three blocks to Larcomar Commercial Center.
Everything is at walking distance: Restaurants, City Hall, Cathedral, Pizza street, Larco Avenue, Supermarkets, Banks, Bus Stops, Gym, Cinemas, Clubs/Bars, Casinos, Shopping Mall, Night Life, Residential Areas, Commercial Areas, Coffee shops, Houses Exchange and Bookstores.
|Jan 01 2013
|Dec 31 2014
|1 week
|Check In: 2 p.m. Check Out: 11 a.m.
|Deposits: US$200 Security Deposit/Reservation, refundable at check-out
|Payment Options: Personal Check, PayPal
|Other Fees: US$40 Cleaning
Known for its shops, gardens and beaches, Miraflores Peru is a prime hub for Lima tourists. Miraflores Lima is a busy neighborhood, where crossing the street can sometimes be a pretty hectic adventure, but the views of the Pacific Ocean from its cliffs are sure to relax your inner soul a bit.
Miraflores is as much a cultural and entertainment center as much as it is a business and tourist hub. Its galleries, theaters and movie-houses offer an array of diversions. When you add these attractions to the list of Miraflores Peru shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, you can soon understand why many consider it the place to be in Lima.
Especially on Sundays, Lima natives enjoy dropping in on Miraflores, if not for the Larcomar shopping mall, then perhaps for the flea markets and art shows found at the Parque Kennedy central plaza. If you are engaging in Miraflores travel and are looking for an exciting part of town to hang out at, you might head to the 'Calle de las Pizzas', where the city's youth is particularly busy on the weekends. In case you are wondering, Calle de las Pizzas translates to 'Pizza Street'.
One of the neatest places to relax for a bit and enjoy the Miraflores Lima Pacific Ocean views is the Parque del Amor, which means, 'Park of the Love'. The main lookout at Parque del Amor boasts not only amazing views, but also artistic walls and a statue depicting two lovers in a romantic embrace.
Cristina Cavero
Toronto, Ontario , Canada
January 25, 2014
Bright, spacious, with a nice view, close to everything: banks, restaurants, supermarket Wong across the street, casinos, etc. Tha apartment is fully furnished. We had a great time and we will rent it again.
Nicky Meadows
Wichita, Kansas
October 28, 2013
The apartment was well equipped and maintained. Very nice. Eleana and Enith were prompt with answers to any questions. A late arrival and departure was no problem. Eleana will even arrange taxi to/from airport. The location is excellent. Close to everything. Kennedy Park, Wongs, Resturants, Coffee Shops, Larcomar, and the beach. A short and beautiful walk down Balta from Apartment. I will recommend this apartment to anyone and will definitely rent here again when I come to Miraflores. Excellent service to the customer.
Silvia Monahan
Columbus, OH, USA
September 16, 2013
Well kept building, nice and comfortable apartment, well equipped. Owner cared to cover of all our needs. Shared with my sister who is also satisfied. We could also use the car garage. Watchman was very helpful
carla esteva
Ft Lauderdale, FL USA
April 8, 2013
Great apt, clean, nice, comfortable. The owner was really nice and easy to deal with. Perfect location. We will rent it again in our next trip to Lima.
Milo G Prado
Mobile, AL
December 27, 2012
The apartment was perfect. It has all you need for an extraordinary stay and the place was very well kept and clean. The location is "right on the spot" in the middle of the Miraflores district which is the premier district in Lima. I run so the proximity to the malecon was perfect, the convenience of the new Wong grocery store was there infront and the choices of different restaurants are all around including a Starbucks location which is 2 blocks away. The responsiveness of the owner is excellent and they ensure that your stay will be as pleasant as possible. This was a business trip for 2 and a half weeks and after this stay, I do not think I will be staying again in a hotel in Lima if I can help it. I strongly recommend this apartment which I have already done with my friends and business associates.
Chris Price
Edmond, Oklahoma
December 26, 2012
I have stayed at this apartment various times...the last time was for 9 months through July 2012; the apartment is large, well equiped, a secure building, and an excellent location - steps to the new WONG (for groceries and other items) and close to restaurants, movie theatre, banks, night clubs, department stores, etc.. The owner is friendly, responsive and very easy to work with.
Razvan Ungureanu
Houston, Texas
October 1, 2012
This is a nice two-bedroom apartment in an excellent location. The apartment is two minutes walk from Kennedy Park and right across from a supermarket. The owner responded promptly to all the questions I had during my stay. I would stay here again when I return to Lima.
Bill Perry
San Francisco, CA, USA
May 10, 2011
The apartment itself was most comfortable and the security great. The location was in the best part of the best part (Miraflores) of Lima. But best of all were the owners, who consistently went above and beyond to make sure that I was comfortable and they were totally responsive to all my needs.
Pittsburgh, PA USA
September 10, 2010
Great place to stay, near Parque Kennedy. Clean, comfortable, well equipt, and convenient. Owner's family met us warmly and accommodated a late departure for us. Highly recommend.
Wailuku, Hawaii, USA
September 5, 2010
The location is ideal for visitors to Lima. Near restaurants and shops. The apartment is well equip. In apartment washer and dryer means fewer packing of clothes. I got quick and friendly responce from the apartment owner.
Teresita Skipper
Florida, US
June 8, 2010
After a long trip from the US, it was such a comfort to find a van waiting for us at the airport. Eleana's Mom and Niece were waiting for us at the apartment to welcome us with fresh fruits and some other food and drinks in the fridge. We had a problem with the phone but Eleana attended to it immediately. The place is accessible to everything...church, market, park, restaurants, shops, medical clinic, etc. One advice though...brush up on your Spanish because very few natives speak English. We managed with our scanty Espanol and sign language. The people were nice and friendly in general and the food is good. Over all, our stay was pleasant and comfortable and my husband and I would recommend this apartment to anybody, anytime.
Francis Murphy
New Hampshire
March 22, 2010
If you walk out the front door, turn left, and walk 3 minutes, your in Parque Kennedy. Taxi fares are 5 - 6 soles to almost anywhere in Miraflores, San Isdro, and Barranco. With access to a washer and dryer,I brought far fewer clothes with me.The television broadcasts 6 - 8 English channels (CNN A&E) I had one question. I emailed Eleana, and she called me within the hour. The apartment has a very "homey feeling" I highly recomend this place. FXM from New Hampshire
For our new guests and returning guests,
Thank you and very appreciated for your kind comments, and even more for sharing with your friends and relatives! My mom and I are always trying hard to provide a nice and clean apartment for you at any time.
Best regards,


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George R.R. Martin Helps John Oliver Destroy Dr. Oz
It's what George R.R. Martin does best.
Skip to content, or skip to search.
Skip to content, or skip to search.
It's what George R.R. Martin does best.
A (bloated, cramp-filled) performance review.
A tourist lost a leg.
Plus: A Dr. Oz magazine, and more, in today's Leftovers.
Plus: Lena Dunham's you-go-girl rendition of Howard Stern's "little, fat chick" insult compliment, and more, on our daily late-night roundup.
Are talk shows following the downhill ratings slide of late-night TV, evening news, and soap operas?
Oz likes to "automate" his food. Appetizing!
And Lisa Oz to get her own talk show.
Dr. Oz's disciplined, dull diet.
The TV doctor goes undercover to find out "secrets that restaurants don't want you to know."
Plus, Fallon pours out a forty for Conan on our regular late-night roundup.
Speculation abounds.
The celebrity doctor answers our usual 21 questions.


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Core Technologies
Hologic Gen-Probe is dedicated to developing and in-licensing innovative technologies that help our customers improve human health. Our technologies are used daily to diagnose diseases, protect the World's supply of donated blood, and ensure transplant compatibility. We have been awarded more than 500 patents around the world that underpin the process of molecular diagnostics testing.
Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA) Technology
The goal of amplification technologies is to produce millions of copies of the target nucleic acid sequences that are present in samples in small numbers, which can then be detected using DNA probes. Amplification technologies can yield results in only a few hours versus the several days or weeks required for traditional culture methods. Our patented TMA technology is designed to overcome problems faced by other target amplification methods. TMA is a transcription-based amplification system that uses two different enzymes to drive the process. The first enzyme is a reverse transcriptase that creates a double-stranded DNA copy from an RNA or DNA template. The second enzyme, an RNA polymerase, makes thousands of copies of the complementary RNA sequence known as the 'RNA amplicon', from the double-stranded DNA template. Each RNA amplicon serves as a new target for the reverse transcriptase and the process repeats automatically, resulting in an exponential amplification of the original target that can produce over a billion copies of amplicon in less than 30 minutes.
Target Capture
Detection of target organisms that are present in small numbers in a large-volume clinical sample requires that target organisms be concentrated to a detectable level. One way to accomplish this is to isolate the particular nucleic acid of interest by binding it to a solid support, which allows the support, with the target bound to it, to be separated from the original sample. We refer to such techniques as 'target capture'. We have developed target capture techniques to immobilize nucleic acids on magnetic beads by the use of a 'capture probe' that attaches to the bead and to the target nucleic acid. We use a magnetic separation device to concentrate the target by drawing the magnetic beads to the sides of the sample tube, while the remainder of the sample is washed away and removed. When used in conjunction with our patented amplification methods, target capture techniques concentrate the nucleic acid target(s) and also remove materials in the sample that might otherwise interfere with amplification.
Hybridization Protection Assay (HPA) and Dual Kinetic Assay (DKA) Technologies
With our patented HPA technology, we have simplified testing, further increased test sensitivity and specificity, and increased convenience. HPA has enabled us to produce the first NAT assay that did not require the cumbersome wash steps needed with conventional probe tests and immunoassays. In the HPA process, the acridinium ester, or AE, molecule is protected within the double-stranded helix that is formed when the probe binds to its specific target. Prior to activating the AE molecule, known as 'lighting-off', a chemical is added that destroys the AE molecule on any unhybridized probes, leaving the label on the hybridized probes largely unaffected. When the 'light-off' or detection reagent is added to the specimen, only the label attached to the hybridized probe is left to produce a signal indicating that the target organims's DNA or RNA is present. All of these steps occur in a single tube and without any wash steps, which were required as part of conventional probe tests. Our DKA technology uses two types of AE molecules, one that 'flashes' and another that 'glows'. By using DKA, we have created NAT assays that can detect two separate targets simultaneously.
Ribosomal RNA Targeting
We have developed and patented a technique that detects and identifies organisms by targeting their rRNA. Each bacterial cell contains up to 10,000 copies of rRNA, as compared with only a few copies of DNA. Most of our competitors' NAT assays target DNA. But by using a probe that hybridizes to rRNA, the sensitivity of our tests can be increased thousands of times. The high number of rRNA targets also offers advantages when amplification is used. When small numbers of organisms are present in a sample, they may not be present in the portion of the sample used for the assay. This would result in a negative test result. By breaking open the organism prior to sampling, the multiple copies of rRNA targets are dispersed throughout the sample and the likelihood of detecting them is increased many fold. Thus, the likelihood of obtaining a false negative result is much less than when DNA is targeted. Finally, rRNA molecules naturally exist as single strands that can directly hybridize with our nucleic acid probes. This contrasts to most DNA targets, which exist as double strands that must be separated before a probe can bind. These separated DNA strands tend to hybridize to each other rather than to the DNA probe, thus limiting the amount of DNA probe that can bind and the overall sensitivity of the test.
Based on our expertise in hardware and software engineering, we have developed instrument platforms that offer superior automation and workflow for our customers. For example, we have commercialized the TIGRIS instrument, the world's first and only fully automated, integrated, high-throughput, molecular diagnostics instrument system. Launched in 2004, the TIGRIS instrument significantly reduces labor costs and contamination risks in high-volume diagnostic testing environments, and enables large blood screening centers to individually test donors' blood. The TIGRIS system is used by customers to perform our APTIMA women's health products, as well as the PROCLEIX ULTRIO and West Nile virus assays for blood screening.
We are building on the success of the TIGRIS system by developing a new automated instrument platform, called the PANTHER system. We believe the PANTHER system, which is designed for low- to mid-volume customers, will be a pillar in our future instrumentation platform strategy. We believe that the use of automated instrumentation, such as our TIGRIS system and our developmental PANTHER instrument, will facilitate growth in both clinical diagnostics and blood screening.
We have been issued more than 70 patents around the world in recognition of our pioneering work in molecular diagnostics automation.
Nucleon DNA Extraction
Nucleon® is a patented DNA extraction technology designed to provide high yields of high quality DNA from a range of sample matrices including whole blood, cell cultures, hard/soft tissue, mouse tails and plant material. Unlike many other DNA purification technologies, Nucleon does not involve binding of the DNA to a solid phase at any stage. Instead, the DNA is isolated by sequential processes of partition facilitated by centrifugation and is cleaned by binding impurities to a proprietary resin. This procedure, combined with gentle mixing, promotes the recovery of high yields of very high molecular weight, pure DNA. No phenol is involved in the procedure, minimising the hazard, and cost, of waste handling.
ARMS Technology
ARMS or Amplification Refractory Mutation System is a modification of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) that enables allele specific discrimination. The method utilises the inability of Taq polymerase to extend a mismatched DNA target sequence at its 3' end in PCR amplification. ARMS primers are designed such that their 3' ends either match or mismatch target DNA sequences resulting in either PCR amplification or no PCR amplification. The ARMS technique has a high sensitivity and specificity of detection of nucleotide changes, insertions and deletions in target DNA sequence. ARMS primers can be highly multiplexed so that simultaneous amplification of multiple target sequences can occur in a single tube, coupled with fluorescent labelling technologies enables highly informative assays analysed in a moderate laboratory throughput.
QF-PCR or Quantitative Fluorescent PCR is a technique used for chromosome copy number (or aneuploidy) analysis. Short Tandem Repeats (STR's) are small but highly variable sections of DNA that are repeated throughout the genome. The QF-PCR technique specifically analyses these STR sequences by fluorescently labelling and measuring the number of repeats (or length). Analysis of STR markers that are specific to certain chromosomes enables a measure of the number of copies of that chromosome. In normal individuals there are 2 copies of each chromosome (apart from the sex chromosomes X and Y) i.e. one of paternal origin and one of maternal origin. The detection of 2 STR markers in equal quantity confirms a normal result. Detection of an imbalance of the normal 1:1 STR marker ratio or the presence of three copies of an STR marker (i.e. 1:1:1) indicate a trisomy which is the presence of three copies of a particular chromosome. The most frequent human trisomy is a trisomy of chromosome 21 which results in Down Syndrome. The QF-PCR technique is used in Hologic Gen-Probe's Elucigene QST*R kits for the detection of chromosome aneuploidy of chromosomes 13,18,21,X and Y. QF-PCR is a DNA based method for rapid analysis of chromosome copy number and is routinely used in pre-natal diagnosis of mothers that have been identified as a high risk of carrying a Down Syndrome fetus through biochemical and ultrasound screening. A QF-PCR test can confirm the diagnosis within 48 hours, much quicker than karyotyping which can take up to 2 weeks.
The Prodesse assays are based on Real Time PCR and Taqman reagent chemistry, which utilizes the 5' - 3' exonuclease activity of the Taq polymerase to cleave the probe thus separating the reporter dye from the quencher. This generates an increase in fluorescent signal with each cycle and is dependent on the amount of amplification products present at the time. Fluorescent intensity is monitored during each PCR cycle by the real-time instrument.
Luminex xMAP Technology
Luminex color-codes tiny beads, called microspheres, into 100 distinct sets. Each bead set can be coated with a reagent specific to a particular bioassay, allowing the capture and detection of specific analytes from a sample. Within the Luminex compact analyzer, lasers excite the internal dyes that identify each microsphere particle, and also any reporter dye captured during the assay. Many readings are made on each bead set, further validating the results. xMAP technology allows rapid and precise multiplexing of up to 100 unique analytes within a single DNA or serum sample.


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Art F City
Posts tagged as:
Move over Frieze talks. This year's Art Basel in Switzerland Conversations and Salons looks pretty great. They'd better livestream this shit.
Edward A. Shanken, the award winning author of Art and Electronica had a few things to say in the comment section of last week's post asking whether new media has been accepted in the art world. Since the comment itself is autonomous and substantive enough to warrant its own post, I'm republishing it here in the main section of the blog. It's worth reading. Twice.
Do institutions and galleries have a growing interest in New Media? Two weeks ago, I identified the art "internet bubble" at The L Magazine, a trend that's currently giving new media the spot light. Not everyone sees new media the same way though. Domenico Quaranta, an Italian writer and curator previously best known to this blog for "Holy Fire", a dubiously themed new media exhibition in Brussels that included only "collectible" work, being one such example. Quaranta's followed up the 2008 exhibition by writing a whole book on the subject of New Media, — "Media, New Media, PostMedia" a core theme being that it isn't accepted in the contemporary art world.
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(via AP Updates Social Media Guidelines - SocialTimes.com)
What are the Bleeping Rules? Profanity and the Social Web (via @Radian6)
(via Infographic Reveals The Best Times To Post To Twitter & Facebook - SocialTimes.com)
(via How Much is Your User Generated Content Worth? [Infographic] | Social Media Today)
Kanye and Jay-Z Launch New Song via Facebook app BANDPAGE. Check out the new song HAM off their new album Watch the Throne!
BandPage for Facebook is a tool for helping artists grow their fan base. By utilizing Facebook's already powerful sharing interface, artists can extend their fan page functionality! Check it out on this video, and check out RootMusic.com for more information!
*Root Music just secured $2.3 million in funding to help maintain and build upon this promising app! Try it! You might like it! Let me know if it worked for you!
One of the most popular trends in the fashion industry this year has been brand generated content. From online blogzines to Tumblr-powered micro sites, branded content is quickly becoming a cost effective, long-term online marketing strategy that the fashion industry will continue to utilize as brands and retailers look for new, innovative ways to connect with customers online. (Read More)
Why the Fashion Industry Is Betting Big On Branded Online Content
The fashion industry's use of branded content gained momentum in 2010. In 2011, retailers will have three big shifts to consider as part of their branded content strategy. While many brands approach branded content in different ways, Susan Etlinger of The Altimeter Group feels that all retailers and fashion brands must: (Read More: Why the Fashion Industry Is Betting Big on Branded Online Content)
HOW TO: Attract Early Adopters to Your Social Startup
One of the main challenges for social networks stems from a question ancient philosophers have debated for centuries: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? In social media, the dilemma often takes the form of, "We need users for our network to be useful, but users won't join the network unless it's useful." A social network's utility is derived from the people belonging to it. (Read More: HOW TO: Attract Early Adopters to Your Social Startup)
How to Maintain Your Personal Brand as a Corporate Employee
A strong personal brand is beneficial on many levels. At the core it differentiates the designer, developer, marketer, etc, from the rest of the pack within crowded disciplines. It functions as a self-promotion agent that works for the practitioner 24/7/365 ultimately ensuring this person becomes a magnet for new and interesting work opportunities. (Read More: How to Maintain Your Personal Brand as a Corporate Employee - Smashing Magazine)
Why Tumblr Is Better Than Facebook For Meeting More Compatible Networking
As is pretty obvious from our recent coverage of Tumblr, we at Social Times are outspoken about Tumblr becoming an important social network over the next few years. Being an avid user, I am constantly in a position where people ask me "Why Tumblr?" I always say the same thing: I meet tons of new friends with similar interests. (Read More: Why Tumblr Is Better Than Facebook For Meeting New, Compatible Friends)
Small Businesses Getting More "Social" to Stay Afloat
In the current state of the economy, retailers are finding that social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter are helping them to keep track of current customers by generating buzz to boost sales. Customers are relying on social media to find the best gifts and to find the best deals, thus social shopping is the future of word of mouth for many smaller retailers. (via Small Businesses Getting More "Social" to Stay Afloat)
Why 'Social Proof' Matters in Your Social-Marketing Success
Take two nightclubs. From the outside, both are nondescript, windowless structures. One has a loud and vibrant crowd outside, a long line of people eager to get inside. The other club looks empty; no one is in sight, except for a very bored bouncer. Which place piques your interest? Where would you rather spend your Saturday night? The answer is obvious—and it's why some clubs intentionally slow down their entrance rates to keep the lines longer outside. (Read More: Why 'Social Proof' Matters in Your Social-Marketing Success : MarketingProfs)
Combining Email Marketing with Social Media Rises
Email marketers for music and other media are increasingly adding social media using elements like "share with your network" and buttons to connect with brands on Twitter and Facebook in their email campaigns. A new survey says the combination is the top tactic marketers worldwide expect to increase budgets on in 2011. (Read More: Combining Email Marketing With Social Media Rises - hypebot)
HOW TO: Get the Most Out of Facebook Insights for Small Business
You're a small business owner and you've decided to create a Facebook Page for your company. Or you're an employee in an organization and, since you are the only one who "gets" social media, you've been charged with running a Facebook Page. You set it up and make it look nice. You put up some photos and videos that you think represent the organization well. You e-mail a bunch of your friends and the page has almost 100 "Likes." But one day, your boss comes in and asks you the question that you have been dreading: "Is this Facebook Page helping us or just eating away most of your time?" (via HOW TO: Get the Most Out of Facebook Insights for Small Business)


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Reward offered in pharmacy robberyJune 15,2013BENNINGTON A company that works with pharmacies is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of a man who robbed a CVS pharmacy on Kocher Drive in Bennington.
According to the Bennington Police Department, the suspect is a thin, white man, about 6 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 4 inches tall. Police said he was wearing a black face mask, black sleeveless vest and a charcoal gray hooded sweatshirt and gloves.
Police said the man entered the pharmacy around 9 p.m. May 21, showed a gun and demanded controlled substances. The man left through an emergency exit at the side of the building.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at (888) 479-8477. According to a press release announcing the reward, callers to the hotline dont need to leave their names or appear in court and the line doesnt record calls or use any kind of device that can identify callers.
The reward is being offered by RxPatrol, which is described on its website as a collaborative effort between (the pharmacy) industry and law enforcement designed to collect, collate, analyze and disseminate pharmacy theft information.MORE IN This Just InA Rutland judge has denied Christopher Sullivan's motion to exclude an expert's testimony from... Full StoryMayor Christopher Louras endorsed Rutland County State's Attorney candidate Rose Kennedy Monday. Full StoryCaramelized leeks bring flavor to mashed to potatoes. Full Story
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- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1776, as Nathan Hale is hanged by British military authorities for spying, he utters his famous last words — or does he? In 1975, Sara Jane Moore attempts to kill President Gerald R. Ford in San Francisco.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: Patrick McArdle reports and the theft of an $89,000 shotgun, police release a video of the Monday Castleton robbery, O'Gorman reports a lawsuit by a local man claiming his vehicle unlawfully seized, police leave him in cold.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: Giles Corey of Salem, Mass., is pressed to death during the Salem witch trials; on this day in 1952, film comedian Charlie Chaplin, while traveling to England, is denied re-entry into the United States by U.S. attorney general.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: Dutch father of microbiology Antonie van Leeuwenhoek discovers the existence of one-celled organisms; in 1967, The Doors are booked to play the Ed Sullivan show; in 1858, freedom fighter Dred Scott dies on this day in St. Louis.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: No money this year for western rail project, Lola Aiken memorialized in Montpelier, Supreme Court Castleton murder suspect will remain in jail, Shaftbury man fires shots from his AK-47 into neighbor's home.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1959, Soviet Premier Nikita S. Khrushchev arrives in U.S. for historic 13-day visit; in 1987, Secretary of State George Shultz and Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze sign nuclear reduction agreement.


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