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What's your financial breaking point?
At some point you realize you need to take control
We have a 20-something friend who has struggled with debt most of his adult life. We've talked about better money management from time to time. He has said he would get it under control, and did -- from time to time.
Then he'd overspend and the credit card bills started growing again, prompting, we suspect, a lot of worry and some self-loathing.
Now, he's reached his breaking point: He had to borrow money from a friend to pay the rent. (Thank goodness he realized that a payday loan would only aggravate the situation.)
Many bloggers have written about the mistakes they made that got them into debt and how they reached their moment of reckoning. Our partner blogger Trent Hamm at The Simple Dollar called his a "meltdown." It's the moment you realize you can no longer tolerate living with self-inflicted financial stress.
Our friend reached his meltdown after a few small debit card purchases -- made after the bank Web site incorrectly showed there was money in his account -- produced a load of NSF fees. (He wrote in an e-mail: "Isn't it great how they don't stop you from using the card when you've got no money? And when someone is a habitual debit card user, a day or two of overdraft fees adds up very quickly.")
The rent was due, and payday was still a week away.
That was a week ago. Since then, he has:
- Opened an online savings account, with automatic deposit from his checking account after each payday.
- Come up with a menu plan and a grocery shopping list. One of the spending habits that got him into trouble was eating out twice a day. That's $12 to $14 every day. He has a basic cookbook and is going to teach himself how to cook.
- Made an appointment with HR to set up a 401(k).
- Made a budget, which is still being refined as he reads about budget basics. It will allocate money for basic bills, retirement savings, short-term savings, debt -- and some fun money.
- Retired the debit card and moved to cash. That means the spending will end when the budgeted amount of cash is gone.
He is signing up for a community personal-finance course. This is another great move. We think that his overspending wasn't due to recklessness or a desire to keep up with the Joneses, but to inattention to detail and a shortage of understanding of how things work.
What can you do if you have a friend who has problems managing money? Be helpful but not overbearing, and don't be judgmental. And be supportive when that breaking point arrives.
Related reading:
Published Jan. 15, 2009
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Friday, June 28, 2013 - 8:45pm
San Francisco, CA (CNN) — They fought the law banning their legal union all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Now, a California same-sex couple is married.
Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier were the first same-sex couple to say "I do" in San Fransciso. This, just moments after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals nullified Proposition 8.
California Attorney General Kamala Harris married the couple that has been together since 1997.

subset: commoncrawl


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Caution urged on area lakes
The Cass County Sheriff's Office urges extreme caution on area lakes, as heavy snows have caused flooding and deteriorated ice conditions.
Prior to the heavy snow, area lakes were starting to see early good ice starting to build. However, recent heavy snowfalls have insulated the ice and caused flooding. Even with the last week of cold temperatures, it will take time for good and adequate ice to build.
Are you a newspaper subscriber but you don't have a Digital Access account yet? https://secure.forumcomm.com/?publisher_ID=40&event=subscriber/lookup.
You will need your subscription account number and phone number. Not sure if you have an account? Email us at firstname.lastname@example.com and we can help you.


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By Balazs Koranyi and Michael Shields
OSLO/VIENNA (Reuters) - Norway's Statoil
The deal, which analysts said came at a comfortable premium, gives OMV a foothold in one of Norway's biggest future oil developments and underlines a rebound in North Sea investments driven by a string of new oil field discoveries as well as high oil prices and better recovery technology.
"This is a very good price: it's at two times book value while Statoil itself trades at 1.3 times book value," said ABG oil sector analyst John Olaisen.
"OMV is a not a brand player but it's very aggressive. It shows that Europeans are positive about the Norwegian Continental Shelf."
Statoil sold minority stakes in the mature Gullfaks field, the brand new Gudrun development, Chevron's
It also agreed optional cooperation in 11 of Statoil's exploration licences in the Norwegian North Sea, West of Shetland and the Faroe Islands.
That cash - in addition to funds earmarked for projects it will no longer own - gives Statoil a sizeable budget to fund new projects, push on with new exploration and appease investors worried about soaring capital expenditure.
"The idea is to use the proceeds to reinvest in high-return projects," Statoil Chief Executive Helge Lund said. "It will increase our financial flexibility in the sense it releases $7 billion in future capital expenditure from these assets."
Statoil needs to pay for the development of the giant Johan Sverdrup field in the North Sea, which it estimates could hold up to 3.3 billion barrels of oil, as well as huge discoveries in Brazil, Tanzania and Norway, while simultaneously pushing ahead with an aggressive exploration portfolio.
Lund said the deal would not affect its ability to delver on its 2.5 million-barrel target for 2020.
Shares in Statoil rose 1 percent on Monday while shares in OMV were down 2.2 percent.
"This is a very nice price," Trond Omdal, an oil sector analyst with Arctic Securities in Oslo said. Using the industry standard of an 8 or 9 percent discount rate and basing his calculation on the weighted cost of capital, he calculated that the deal brought a 41 percent or 50 percent premium.
OMV said it would use proceeds from divesting petrol stations in the Balkans, its lubricants business and a stockholding unit to partially fund the deal, which it said should contribute more than $500 million a year to operating profit from 2014, assuming stable oil prices.
For OMV, in the process of exiting lower-margin downstream operations to focus on more lucrative upstream business, the deal gives that effort, cheered by analysts, a major push. Wood and Co. brokerage said on Monday the deal was "transformative".
The deal lifts OMV's proven and probable reserves by about 320 million barrels of oil equivalents, or about 19 percent, and will boost production by about 40,000 barrels in 2014 and almost 60,000 barrels in 2016.
That is enough to put it well on course to meet its 2016 target of lifting production to around 400,000 barrels a day from 297,000 barrels in the second quarter.
"The transaction will provide a huge boost to OMV's strategy and will be a key factor in achieving our 2016 targets," said Gerhard Roiss, the Austrian company's chief executive. "It confirms OMV's clear focus towards increasing the significance of its exploration and production activities.
OMV has already bought into Statoil's Aasta Hansteen's gas project in the Norwegian Sea and taken a stake Lundin Petroleum's
(Additional reporting by Gwladys Fouche and Henrik Stolen in Oslo; Editing by Sophie Walker)


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By Kit Waskom Pollard,
For The Baltimore Sun
3:30 PM EDT, June 6, 2013
Riccardo Bosio knows that great food – and great eating habits – start with fresh, whole ingredients.
Bosio, the owner of the upscale Italian restaurant Sotto Sopra in Mount Vernon, can often be found in his home kitchen with his wife, Monika, and their daughters Amelia, 3, and Victoria, who will be 2 months old in June."We cook at home and at the restaurant," says Bosio. "Amelia is always with us cooking. We try to teach her how things are made by hand."
Young Amelia loves healthy ingredients, like fresh pasta, Parmesan cheese and even spinach. "We gave these things to her from the beginning," explains Bosio. "So it's natural now."
One of the Bosios' favorite recipes to make at home is this simple, light-as-a-feather gnocchi made with fresh spinach and a large helping of salty Parmesan. As Riccardo and Monika chop and boil water, Amelia helps roll out the dough – and eats the final product!
Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi
Serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer
8 ounces ricotta cheese, drained
Kosher salt
2 cups spinach, washed
1 clove garlic, peeled
1 large egg, beaten
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided (1/4 cup in dough, ¾ cup for rolling out)
About the Club
To join the Maryland Family Kids' Cooking Club, follow a few simple steps:
1. Make the recipe above with your kids.As you make the recipe, ask your kids to write about the experience. In a journal or notebook, answer the following questions:
What did you enjoy most about making the recipe?
What did you think of the taste?
What surprised you most while cooking?
What did you learn about cooking while making this recipe?
2. Take a photo of your kids with the finished product, if you like.
3. Visit this website each week during June to find a new recipe by a different local chef. Recipes 3 and 4 will be posted by June 17 and 24.
4. Let us know when you've completed all four recipes. Email firstname.lastname@example.com with "Kids Cooking Club certificate" in the subject line. Once you've completed all four, we'll mail your child a congratulatory certificate.About this week's chef
Riccardo Bosio is the owner of Sotto Sopra Restaurant in Mount Vernon (405 North Charles Street, Baltimore, 410-625-0534). At the restaurant, Chef Bosio creates Italian food that is both correct and elegant. At home, he and his wife Monika cook simple and delicious food with their three year old daughter, Amelia, and new baby Victoria.For more information about Sotto Sopra, visit www.sottosoprainc.com.
Copyright © 2014, The Baltimore Sun


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Michael J. Fox: 7 Bits of Wisdom
As he prepares to return to TV 31 years after Family Ties made him famous, Michael J. Fox shares with us the lessons he's learned in that time. Be sure to read his interview with GH Editor in Chief Rosemary Ellis.
Special Offers
1. Don't let an opportunity pass you by
"[Because I couldn't afford a phone], I negotiated the deal for Family Ties from a phone booth outside of Pioneer Chicken, wishing I had $1.99 for a wing-and-biscuit combo."
2. Marry the right person
"My instincts were proven out: Tracy is the right person for me. When we married, that was it. We were in love then, as now, and we planned to stay married."
3. Keep your head up
"You hear people say, 'Keep your head down' [when times are tough]. But I find the opposite is true: Keep your head up."
4. Listen to your loved ones
"For a time I dealt with my diagnosis with alcohol, which was a disaster. I woke up one morning and Tracy said, 'Is this what you want?' I knew it wasn't what I wanted. I recognized I had choices about drinking and about Parkinson's."
5. Teach your children well
"What I want my kids to understand [about life] is, put in more than is expected and take out less than you want. And enjoy life as much as I do!"
6. Fight the good fight
"I didn't want to just sign on to publicize somebody else's method of operations. I wanted to make sure it was to a [good] end. Now, I look around my foundation and think, Look at what we've wrought. It's like an out-of-body experience."
7. Never give up
"Look at the choices you have, not the choices that have been taken away from you. In them, there are whole worlds of strength and new ways to look at things."
Latest Stories
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Upload your concert photos here!
Show us your most cherished Billy Joel stuff - ticket stubs, T-shirts, promos, etc.
Browse the Billy Joel-inspired fan art gallery then share your talents.
Grab a shot with Billy and share it online!
Show yourself!
Think you could be a double? See what others think...
Visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov for social networking safety tip for parents and youth.


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Wireless Networking a Mess
Last response: in Wireless Networking
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With so many options, form fancy nutrition bars, shakes, to the classical oatmeal or bagel, it's tricky to figure out the best fuel to give you enough energy without weighting you down.
Some athletes say they like to go out empty stomach, because they like the "lean and mean" feeling. That might work if you're going out for 30 minutes or less, but if you're going any longer, you're going to want to have some fuel in the tank.
So what works? What's the magic formula? The truth is, it's different for everyone. But the best strategy is to experiment. Here are some pre-workout fuel ideas:
- A small packet of instant oatmeal with some brown sugar: The sugar will give you that boost of energy you need to wake up, and the oatmeal will hold you until your workout ends.
- Half a bagel with a light smear of peanut butter or jam: Some people can workout with a bit of PB, and that little bit of fat will help take the edge off your hunger.
- A banana: Perhaps this is the all-time athlete favorite. Bananas are easy to digest, and have enough sugar in them to power through your cardio workout.
- Energy bar: Some mornings, particularly those that begin with the letter M or W, you just need something that doesn't require much thinking. For a pre-workout bar, go for something that's got a higher carbohydrate to protein ratio, as the protein might be a bit heavy in your stomach
Remember to refuel with lean protein and carbohydrates after a workout to speed recovery to get you ready for the day!


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GAO Stuff
Homeland Security: DHS Requires More Disciplined Investment Management to Help Meet Mission Needs, by John Hutton, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-12-1029T, September 21. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-1029T
General Aviation Safety: Additional FAA Efforts Could Help Identify and Mitigate Safety Risks, GAO-13-36, October 3 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-36
Batteries and Energy Storage: Federal Initiatives Supported Similar Technologies and Goals but Had Key Differences. GAO-12-842, August 30. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-842 Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647743.pdf
Solar Energy: Federal Initiatives Overlap but Take Measures to Avoid Duplication. GAO-12-843, August 30. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-843 Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647733.pdf
Ambulance Providers: Costs and Medicare Margins Varied Widely; Transports of Beneficiaries Have Increased. GAO-13-6, October 1. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-6 Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/649019.pdf
Oil and Gas: Information on Shale Resources, Development, and Environmental and Public Health Risks, GAO-12-732, September 5 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-732
Unconventional Oil and Gas Development: Key Environmental and Public Health Requirements, GAO-12-874, September 5 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-874


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The Ramsar Bulletin Board, 7 April 2008
Lamentablemente, no hay versión en español de este documento
Management plan for Wular Lake. "Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake within River Jhelum basin, plays a significant role in the hydrography of the Kashmir valley by acting as a huge absorption basin for floodwaters. The lake with its associated wetlands is an important habitat for migratory waterbirds within Central Asian Flyway and supports rich biodiversity. It is a major fishery resource in the valley supporting a large population living along its fringes. The wetland also generates revenue to the state government through fisheries and auctioning of water chestnut, fodder, and other economically important species. The catchment of the lake supports coniferous forests and alpine pastures, adding to the natural beauty and biodiversity of the wetland area. Recognizing importance of the wetland for its biodiversity and socio economic values, the Wular Lake was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under Ramsar Convention in 1990. . . . . Sectoral developmental activities have, however, failed to recognize the immense role of the Wular Lake, leading to its degradation." So begins the "Comprehensive Management Action Plan for Wular Lake, Kashmir" prepared by Wetlands International - South Asia under an assignment from the Department of Wildlife Protection, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. The 6.9MB PDF of this model Ramsar site management plan can be seen here. [07/04/08]
Additional Ramsar sites for Mexico. As has become almost a tradition, the government of Mexico has used the occasion of World Wetlands Day to designate a considerable number of additional Wetlands of International Importance. At ceremonies in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, on 2 February 2008, Secretario de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada; the Gobernador del Estado de Sinaloa, Jesús Aguilar Padilla; and the Comisionado Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, Ernesto Enkerlin Hoeflich, joined the celebrations and announced that Mexico is designating 45 new Wetlands of International Importance to be dated as of World Wetlands Day 2008. The hopelessly understaffed Secretariat, in this case the Americas team of María Rivera and Mila Llorens, have been working hard on doublechecking that the data and maps submitted with the Ramsar Information Sheets conform to the standards set by the Parties in their COP Resolutions, and seven of the new sites have now been added to the Ramsar List. With, obviously, many more to come.
Brief site descriptions for the Annotated Ramsar List have been prepared by Mila Llorens in English and in Spanish. Mexico now has 74 Ramsar sites covering 5,908,968 hectares. [04/04/08]
Nine new Ramsar sites in Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Environment of Nigeria has designated an additional nine wetlands for the Ramsar List, following on from the designation of "Lake Chad Wetlands in Nigeria" announced a few weeks ago and all effective as of 30 April 2008. Taken together, the sites present a fascinating array of wetland types, including swamp forests, river floodplains, mangroves, and lakes, and all of them are extremely important for their support for flora and fauna and for the ecosystem services they provide for the local communities. Most or all of them are formally state-owned but in practical terms under the customary control of local families and communities, which brings with it in some cases a challenging set of threats and opportunities.
The WWF Global Freshwater Programme has supported the Ministry in developing these designations, with the contributions of Professors Ogunkoya and Dami of the Department of Geography, University of Maidugui, and the Niger Delta Wetlands Centre, and UNEP/DEWA/GRID-Europe has helped in the preparation of the site maps. Nigeria presently has 11 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 1,076,728 hectares. Brief site descriptions prepared by the Assistant Advisor for Africa, Evelyn Parh Moloko, can be seen here. [04/04/08]
Workshop on Hindu Kush Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. There is a major need for better long-term monitoring of glaciers in the Himalayas using direct observations in the field, as well as for improved sharing of data among the different countries in the region. These were among the conclusions drawn by the more than 70 international scientists who met at a three-day workshop on 'Cryosphere and Hazards for the Hindu Kush Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau' from 31 March-2 April 2008 to discuss the problems of glaciers, glacial fluctuations, and loss of permafrost in the mountains and plateaus of the Himalayas. The meeting, held at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), was organised by the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Global Land Ice Measurements from Space Regional Centre for Southwest Asia (GLIMS), Monsoon Asia Integrated Regional Study (MAIRS), Institute for Development and Innovation (IDI), Mountain Research Initiative (MRI), and ICIMOD. ICIMOD's press release on the workshop can be seen here. [04/04/08]
Action for culture in Mediterranean Wetlands. A new publication has just been released by the Mediterranean Institute on Nature and Anthropos/ Med-INA. Presenting a great deal of valuable information on cultural values and wetlands, the publication by Thymio Papayannis and contributors aims to encourage addressing cultural values in the management of wetlands. It presents information on culture-related activities relating to 22 wetland sites in the Mediterranean. Well-illustrated, the book provides up-to-date documentation of characteristic ongoing cultural activities and examines their significance for the management and protection of these sensitive ecosystems. A main conclusion is that nature and culture are two interdependent elements and therefore "we cannot understand and manage the 'natural' environment unless we understand the human culture that shaped it". Thus, the values resulting from cultural activities are important in strengthening the links of people with wetlands, a prerequisite for wetland conservation and for the sustainable use of their resources and services. Among other things, the book informs about the work undertaken in the field of cultural values of wetlands within MedWet and within the Ramsar Convention on wetlands. PDF versions in English and in French are available from http://www.med-ina.org/mava01/04_progress/index.html, and for the print publication, inquiries can be made to Med-INA at firstname.lastname@example.com. [31/03/08]
New field guide for Australian plants. A new field guide compiled by Greening Australia in conjunction with Australian Plants Society has been launched and is now available. Salt Tolerant Plants of the Western District Ramsar Lakes is a comprehensive field guide for anyone interested in the flora of South Western Victoria and includes both native and introduced plants. It was produced to increase the knowledge of indigenous, introduced native and exotic salt tolerant plants found within saline ecosystems. The 182-page guide features technical illustrations and full colour photographs -- it will be a valuable resource for land managers, students and Natural Resource Management practitioners and will increase their capacity to conserve the biodiversity assets of saline sites at local and regional levels. For each plant there is a description of the plant - general, foliage, flowers, fruit, where it grows, and its occurrence. Price: $10. For enquires or an order form contact Ammie Jackson, firstname.lastname@example.com. [28/03/08]
Caribbean Subregional Meeting for the Implementation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 8-10 April, Havana, Cuba. During the Ramsar Pan American Meeting held in Mérida, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, from 18-21 of September 2007, it was decided that the Caribbean Countries would meet in Cuba to discuss the formulation of a Subregional Strategy for Caribbean Wetlands, review experiences in the region regarding the implementation of the commitments agreed to by the Contracting Parties, and prepare Resolutions and Regional Initiatives for COP10. All Contracting Parties of the Caribbean are expected to be present during the meeting. Observers including, Intergovernmental and Non-governmental organizations, and representatives of Ramsar's International Organization Partners are also being invited to attend. The working languages of the Regional Meeting will be English and Spanish. You can download the Registration Form here. [27/03/08]
Reunión Subregional del Caribe para la Implementación de la Convención Ramsar, 8-10 de abril, La Habana, Cuba. Durante la reunión Panamericana celebrada en Mérida República Bolivariana de Venezuela del 18-21 de Septiembre de 2007, las Partes Contratantes del Caribe propusieron tener una reunión en Cuba para discutir la formulación de una Estrategia Sub regional para los Humedales del Caribe, la revisión de experiencias en la región en la implementación de la Convención en el contexto de los compromisos acordados por las Partes y la preparación de resoluciones e iniciativas regionales para la COP10. Se espera que todas las Partes Contratantes del Caribe estén presentes en la Reunión. Adicionalmente, están siendo invitados observadores, entre los que destacan aquéllos países del Caribe que todavía no son Partes Contratantes de la Convención, organizaciones intergubernamentales y no gubernamentales, así como representantes de las Organizaciones Internacionales Asociadas a Ramsar. El formulario de inscripción lo pueden encontrar aquí.[27/03/08]
Now available. Ramsar address to LCBC. The text of the address by the Secretary General, Anada Tiéga, for the 54th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers and 12th Summit of Heads of States and Governments held in Abuja, Nigeria, 25-26 March 2008, is now available. Mr Tiéga could not attend the event, but he was represented there by Denis Landenbergue of WWF International, and Denis' further report of the events and collaboration among Ramsar, WWF, and the LCBC will follow in a few days.
Nigeria's part of Lake Chad added to the Ramsar List. The Secretariat is pleased to announce that Nigeria has designated 'Lake Chad Wetlands in Nigeria' (607,354 hectares, 13°04'N 013°48'E) for the List of Wetlands of International Importance. The designation is effective 30 April 2008, but the announcement and conferral of the site certificate will be made at the summit of heads of states and governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission in Abuja on 25-26 March. The WWF Global Freshwater Programme has supported the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment in developing this and nine further designations by Nigeria that are presently in the pipeline at the Secretariat.
The achievement that this designation represents comes as the result of a decision made by the summit of heads of states and governments of the LCBC in July 2000, and both Chad and Niger have already designated their portions of Lake Chad as well - the only remaining part of the lake to be designated for the Ramsar List is in Cameroon, where a project supported by WWF is currently underway to achieve that. (The Central African Republic is part of the Lake Chad basin and the fifth member of the LCBC.) The designation is seen as a new contribution to the ChadWet regional initiative under the framework of the Ramsar Convention. Further details on the new site, prepared by Evelyn Parh Moloko, can be seen here. [17/03/08]
Prespa Park GEF meeting. The transboundary Prespa Park, which concerns the two Balkan lakes shared by Albania, FYR of Macedonia and Greece, is benefiting from a large GEF project, managed by UNDP. The ambitious goals of the project are to improve the management of ecosystems, to increase the capacity of the responsible state and NGO organisations, to promote sustainable activities and better quality of life for the local inhabitants and to strengthen the cooperation among the three neighbouring countries. On 7 March 2008, in the small village of Pretor on the Macedonian shore of Macro Prespa, the Prespa Park Coordination Committee met in its capacity of GEF Project Oversight Committee. Mr Thymio Papayannis provides this brief report of the background and conclusions. [17/03/08]
World Wetlands Day in Botswana. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT) organised a number of activities to commemorate World Wetlands Day 2008, including included a International Wetlands Conference, a public panel discussion referred to as Environment and Development Dialogue and an official ceremony on World Wetlands Day (2nd February 2008) to celebrate wetlands and for Botswana to showcase the completion of the planning phase of the Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP). Anada Tiéga, the Ramsar Secretary General, and Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Honourable Onkokame Kitso Mokaila (left) delivered addresses, and there were any number of festive events. Here is a very well illustrated report, and here is the text of the Secretary General's address. [07/03/08]
Ramsar Pan-American Regional Meeting. The Pan-American regional meeting was held in Merida, Venezuela, in September 2007. The full report of the meeting is now available in English and Spanish, as well as photographs of the events. See the meeting's index page for links. [07/03/08]
Estonia names new Ramsar site and Transboundary Ramsar Site. The Secretariat is pleased to announce that the Ministry of the Environment of Estonia has designated the Sookuninga Nature Reserve (5,869 hectares, 58°00'N 024°45'E), a Natura 2000 SPA and BirdLife International IBA, as its 12th Wetland of International Importance. Citing a Joint Commission set up in February 2006 between the Ministries of Environment of Estonia and Latvia on "Management of Nature Conservation in Transboundary Context", the two countries have established a Transboundary Ramsar Site, including Sookuninga and the Nigula Nature Reserve in Estonia and the Northern Bogs (Ziemelu purvi) Ramsar site in Latvia, with the name of North Livonian Transboundary Ramsar Site.
The Sookuninga NR, as described by Ramsar's Monica Zavagli based on the accompanying RIS information, is a complex of six different raised bog massifs with hummock and hollow complexes as well with numerous pools. The site supports rare, vulnerable and endangered species of birds and plants, some of them occurring in great numbers or densities. Highly endangered and strongly protected are Black Stork, Golden Eagle, Lesser-Spotted Eagle, Great-Spotted Eagle and Lagopus lagopus Willow Grouse. The site also supports populations of large mammals including Canis lupus Wolf, Lynx lynx Lynx, Ursus arctos Brown Bear and Alces alces Elk. The site plays an important role in the recharge and discharge of groundwater as well as maintenance of water quality in southwest Estonia and northwest Latvia. It also has a significant cultural and historical importance for its small-scale battlegrounds, burials, and war routes. Due to its remote location the area is sparsely inhabited, and the main uses are tied to forestry, berry and mushroom picking, and small-scale hunting - all at comparatively low intensities. [06/03/08]


text:
In a cabin where Israeli teenagers sleep on a bunk below Palestinian students, a discussion about Leonardo DiCaprio can be what unites individuals who have been taught to hate each other.
Each summer, these adolescents flock to Otisfield, Maine, for Seeds of Peace — a camp where counselors and professional mediators teach teens how to resolve tensions between each other caused by their country's religious rifts.
"I had a girl say she wouldn't bunk with another camper," said Tufts University senior Jessica Wolff, 21, a counselor at Seeds of Peace. "I had a girl who wouldn't talk to the others. It was stunning the extent to which it was personal."
An image from Seeds of Peace's hosts "Color Games," where campers shed national identity to coalesce with their blue or green team. When it's over, everyone wears the same color t-shirt and reunites with friends.
The three-week sessions feature team-building experiences made up of diverse populations — highlighting human similarities instead of historical conflicts. Founded 20 years ago, there are six Seeds of Peace programs across the world for other areas of religious conflict, like South Asia and Cyprus.
"Going from seeing my own campers who barely speak to each other on the first night to sobbing and hugging each other on the last night, I know there's something going on where they see an opportunity for peace," said Tufts University senior Justin McCallum, 22, another camp counselor. "They see how trivial identity can be in conflict, how it's imposed and how you can go past that."
Their model to incorporate diverse populations in each camp — like Arab and Jewish Israelis alongside those from the West Bank and Gaza Strip — is something McCallum said he recommends for the Israeli and Palestinian governments' peace talks.
"Getting multiple parties to the table to really listen and just to try to understand by placing the other person in your shoes could definitely be beneficial," McCallum said.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas invited Israeli politicians to the West Bank for peace discussions earlier this week and tips like McCallum's could help to mediate a resolution on a national scale.
Though Seeds of Peace is apolitical, many students involved in college organizations like J Street U and Students for Justice in Palestine said they hope for a two-state solution — and are optimistic about Abbas' offer.
"Most people have realized that two states for two peoples is basically the best feasible solution," said Danielle Ellison, 19, president of Friends of Israel at Yale University. "The vast majority of people agree, it's just frustrating that it hasn't happened yet."
Recent election results for the Israeli Prime Minister and parliament could help resolve their turmoil with Palestine, said Ruben, 19, president of Friends of Israel at the University of Pennsylvania.
While such conversations and party realignment will help, any proposal will have adverse affects on some of those in this region, McCallum said.
"No matter what there will be people who carry a burden and weight of ancestry," McCallum said. "Anything that creates sustainable peace will be the best solution. I don't think anything perfect could come out of this."
It's a result comparable to Seeds of Peace campers' homecoming.
While the campers return united, association with those from another country at camp is enough for friends at home to stop talking once the individual has returned, Wolff said.
"It's once they talk to their friends again and students from their school the next year," Wolff said. "That's the essence of Seeds, you can have this experience but it's worth more when you go home and share it. It's going home and affecting change in your community."


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Relational Factors of Senior Secondary School Students' Preference for Teaching Profession
Full Text:PDF
Adelabu, M. A. (2005). Teacher incentive and motivation in Nigeria. Gabesther Educational Publishing Co.
Alberts, C., Mbalo, N. F., & Ackermann, C. J. (2003). Adolescents' perceptions of the relevance of domains of identity formation: A South African cross-cultural study. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 32(3), 169-184.
Arlene, S., Myrana, M., Gary, P., & George, H. (1998). High school seniors' perceptions of a teaching career. Journal of Teacher Education, 49.
Chauhan, S. S. (1996). Advance psychology. New Delhi: Vani Educational Books.
Denga, D. (1990). Educational and vocational guidance in Nigeria secondary schools. Rapid Educational Publishers Limited.
Education Audio Visual and Cultural Executive Agency. (2010). Gender differences in educational outcomes: Study on the measures taken and the current situation in Europe (pp.27-28). Retrieved from http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/thematic_reports/120en.pdf
Hargreaves, L., Cunningham, M., Everton, T., Hansen, A., Hopper, B., McLintyre, D., … Wilson, L. (2006). The status of teachers and the teaching profession: Views from inside and outside the profession: Interim findings from the teacher status project (Research report 755). London: Department for Education Skills (DES).
Ige, J. O., Toyobo, E. A., & Oyegoke, D. A. (2011). An analysis of urban secondary school students' interest in teaching profession in South-Western Nigeria. Global Journal of Human Social Science, 11(9).
Imonikebe, E. M. (2009). A survey of factors influencing the learning and teaching of visual art. Benin Journal of Educational Studies, 19(1), 109-116.
Kareem, K., & Ige, O. (2010). Redressing the growing concern of the education sector in Nigeria. Edo Journal for Counselling, 3(1).
Lambert, R., McCarthy, C., O'Donnel, M., & Wang, C. (2009). Measuring elementary teacher stress and coping in the classroom: Validity evidence for the classroom appraisal or resources and demands. Psychology in the Schools, 46(10), 973-988.
Maisamari. (1990). Preparation of students for career planning in some secondary schools (Unpublished master's thesis). Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Majasan, B. C. (1995). Professionalism and teacher competency. International Journal of Vocation Counseling, 7(10), 59-62.
Nwanchukwu, F. J. (2003). Organisation and administration of guidance services. Owerri: Reliable Publisher.
Odeleye, D. A. (1985). Extroversion and career choice: A study of university of Ife senior staff (Unpublished master's thesis). University of Ife, Nigeria
Ogonor, B. O., & Ewendu, S. A. (2009). A study of factors inducing job frustration among secondary school teachers. Benin Journal of Educational Studies, 19(1), 41-46.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2009). Gender and human rights in Sexual and reproductive health series. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/gender_rights/sexual_health/en/
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3968%2Fj.hess.1927024020140601.2809
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Fuji X100 geekery: developing X100 RAW files with patched dcraw
If you are a boldly-going fan of computer geekery, and you absolutely can't wait, this post is for you! Dpreview forum user "ncruces" tested out a preliminary patch to David Coffin's dcraw software, enabling the software to "develop" Fuji X100 files. "ncruses" provides the files via a dropbox account. Already some photographers in the Fuji dpreview forum have been experimenting with the RAW files and are sharing their findings. One of the forum posts says: "This is going to SHUT a lot of people up.". Which way? We won't spoil it here :)
As usual when downloading and installing files and software from third-parties, be sure to exercise caution and take the appropriate precautions. This blog is not an anti-virus service, and we obviously cannot test every file on every forum and every website. Even Google with its near-infinite resources can't do that (yet?).
Meanwhile, another forum user is relaying an email received about his/her X100 pre-order saying that the first batch of X100s will arrive in the US on March-7-2011, with a bigger batch arriving 2-3 weeks later.
If you are trying to catch the X100, be sure to visit and bookmark our on-going X100 stock status page.


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This is the new look for Gmail users courtesy Google.
Most Gmail users won't be impacted by the changes, unless of course they are against change.
If you want to see the new look click on "switch to the new look" that will appear soon on the bottom right of your Gmail screen.
Most of the changes are about customization. If you don't change something yourself, not much will change.
Here's the basic rundown from Google:
Google produced a video to explain the changes.


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Site Links
Smartphone Photography
Color & Light
Personal Vision
Home Studio
Meeting Photo Challenges
Creative Image Processing
Nature & Outdoor
Creating Better Photographics
Night & Low Light Photography
iPhone Photography
Light & Exposure
Close-Up & Macro
Photo Projects
Digital Black & White
Color & Design
Choosing & Using Lenses
Outdoor Tips
Travel Tips
Portrait Tips
Sports Tips
Lens Tips
Software Tips
Family Tips
Photography Lighting
Digital Photography Equipment
Film Processing
Lexar Media
Camera Lenses
Lara Jo Regan: A Strange and Beautiful Journey
All Photos by Lara Jo Regan
As an award-winning photojournalist, Lara Jo Regan traveled widely on assignment for magazines like Time, Newsweek, and LIFE to document riots, slices of Americana, and some of the nation's poorest families. Her mother, a former socialite, once remarked, "You should settle down and concentrate on one thing—like getting a dog and photographing it," to which her daughter replied, "Mom, it'll never happen!"
Ironically, however, this is just
what did happen to Regan, who has reinvented her career several times throughout
her 15+ years of sharing her vision with the world. Today, her favorite muse—an
adorable, chameleon-like dog named Mr. Winkle—graces popular calendars,
children's books and greeting cards that she photographs.
"Lots of people think that
becoming a photographer is glamorous, but it's really hard work to make
good pictures," she notes. "I've seen quite a few assistants
come and go when they see what it really takes."
After graduation, she attended the
University of Colorado at Boulder, where she studied a variety of disciplines,
including anthropology, theatre arts and literature. Both her parents, she says,
loved the arts and in turn, she learned to appreciate it early on. "My
parents were intellectual and sparked heated debates—it was a good foundation
for becoming a photojournalist." Because she was shy and more of an observer
of life, she notes, "My mind became developed as a commentator."


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|N.J. Avenue 2d. Feby. 1806
I do myself the honor to Inclose you a letter received from Judge Davis. The Territorial Governors have their Enemies. I am sir your Obedt. servt.
S. Smith
Printed Source--Clarence Edwin Carter et al., eds. The Territorial Papers of the United States. 27 vols. (Washington, D.C., 1934-69).: Volume VIII: The Territory of Indiana, 1810-1816.


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Pennsylvania Laws Relating to Kids
There are thousands of laws in Pennsylvania, and many of those laws deal directly with issues relating to kids. How many hours are kids allowed to work during the week? When can they get their drivers' licenses? What is the punishment for graffiti? These and many other questions are answered below. Please take a moment to learn about the laws that affect Pennsylvania kids.
Criminal Offenses
Property damage, skipping school and tobacco use are just a few of the topics covered in this area. Read more
Driving Laws
When are kids allowed to drive with a junior license? What are the fines for not wearing a seat belt? What's a DUI? Get the answers to these and other questions in this area. Read more
Child Labor Laws
Did you know the minors can't work for more than five continuous hours without a 30 minute lunch break? Or, that no child under the age of 16 can work outside school for more than four hours a day? This area explains the child labor laws in Pennsylvania. Read more
Civic & Recreational Laws
Walking your dog, registering to vote and wearing a bike helmet are all activities governed by Pennsylvania law. Read more
Legal Terms
Click here to help you better understand some of the legal terms used in the descriptions.


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Microsoft has confirmed the features which will be included in the next version of Windows Phone. Called simply, "Update 3″ at the moment, the company has written a blog post outlining what we can expect from the new software, which in addition to new features, will also add support for a few much needed technical advancements.
According to Microsoft, with Update 3, it wanted to help manufacturers make, "Incredible new Windows Phone devices," and to help them do so, it has added support for 1080p resolutions, and expects a range of hardware with 5-inch and 6-inch displays to come soon. One of the first is likely to be Nokia's Lumia 1520, which should be revealed on 22 October. With 1080p support and larger screens comes more room for Live Tiles, so you'll be able to fit six tiles across the screen if you use the smallest size.
Through Update 3, Windows Phone will now be able to run on quad-core processors, with the Snapdragon 800 specifically mentioned in Microsoft's article.
On the software side, Update 3 will add a Driving Mode to limit notifications and silence calls while you're in the car, improved accessibility features, custom ringtones, an orientation lock and the ability to close apps from the App Switcher.
Microsoft says Update 3 will be coming to selected phones in the coming weeks, depending on the network, but it hasn't released a list of which phones will be compatible, although we'd assume all that run Windows Phone 8 will be getting it. Otherwise, we can expect Nokia to kick off a run on new Windows Phone hardware in the coming weeks.


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FIFA World Cup Betting Tips
Albania vs. Slovenia, 16/ten/2012, kick off: 20:45 clock - World Cup Qualification, Group E (preview) - Last one- - Albany defeated Slovenia with a purpose by Roshi in the 36th moment and inserts into the table with six details third place driving Switzerland (ten details) and Norway (7 factors)
The most prominent function is played naturally Lionel Messi. The celebrity of FC Barcelona has opened the World Cup following his bad functionality in South Africa a score to settle. Crew boss Sabella has loaded even more obligation on the shoulders of the "Flea". As captain, leading scorer and preparers Messi performs a a lot more pivotal part than prior qualification groups world cup 2014 to. This could also show to be wonderful weakness, of program, only if it is attainable to an opponent, trying to hold the 4-time World Participant of the Yr. Nonetheless, La Pulga not precisely unidentified players these kinds of as Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Javier Mascherano and Angel Di Maria are at your facet.
Between them, the 4 sides in Team H have appeared in 28 independent FIFA World Cups. Belgium are the most seasoned thanks to their eleven previous campaigns, even if they have not taken portion given that Korea/Japan 2002, even though Korea Republic have appeared 9 occasions, Russia five and Algeria 4. As a outcome, no 1 group is very likely to have everything their personal way, although Belgium will be hoping to dwell up to the expectations elevated by their golden generation of gamers and a coach adept at getting the best out of them.
Hosts Brazil need to breathe: With Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon, there is without a doubt not get a bye, but the group's victory is for the Selecao a should - but this force would have had in any other group constellation Brazilians. The opening match of the World Cup 2014 will therefore deny Brazil and Croatia. Considerably voltage claims the struggle for 2nd spot in Team A, specifically Croatia, Mexico and coached by Volker Finke Cameroon are likewise robust and everybody can beat any individual. One particular may assume an open race, the place there is no distinct favored to get the 2nd place.
Al-Ahly will lengthen their report of getting the team to make the most appearances at the Club World Cup, alongside with Auckland, when they play in their fifth occasion this yr. It is also most likely to be their most important simply because it will be the farewell event for veteran player Mohamed Aboutrika, who will retire once the team's run in the tournament is up. That is explanation enough for the Egyptian giants - who received a 2nd consecutive continental title in the absence of domestic league achievement - to need of themselves their best displaying however.
The Serbian national football staff is in Team A driving Belgium and Croatia in 3rd location in the desk. Only with a get in Belgium, the group could keep the prospect for the World Cup finals in 2014. In defeat, the failure would be finally excellent. Serbia has six online games soon after just 7 points on the board. There have been already three losses, which is just way too significantly. Soon after all, Serbia gained the final qualifying match 2- from Scotland. This victory was essential for survival and gave the players a tiny self-confidence. In Serbia, there was a break ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
But the last World Cups in 2006 and 2010 were disappointing stations in otherwise bravura and victorious march by way of the Selecao. In the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Brazil was reasonably traveling and disappointed with their or else sovereign football performances. Although Ronaldo introduced the file Betting Tips For World Cup 2014 of Gerd Müller a, when he scored a whole of 15 matches at the World Cup finals in the first knockout spherical towards Ghana, otherwise not a lot to see was on the lawn but commanded. In the second round to decide on diverse to eventual runners-up France with a -1.
2.five million people reside in the cash of the state of Ceara. Fortaleza is also a well-liked tourist destination within Brazil. As the fifth greatest metropolis in the country, it is also extremely straightforward to reach. Below, for illustration, commences the country's longest motorway. But site visitors are a lot more interested in the several freshly proven artwork centers and many places upgraded landscape. And final but not least for the excellent temperature in Fortaleza. Listed here practically all the sunshine, which is why the city is also called the "Land of the Sunshine" and most site visitors from all Brazilian towns counts.
At the previous European Championship 2012 in Poland and Ukraine would retire unceremoniously without a point revenue. Two several years afterwards, one particular will only be a spectator at the World Cup. What the Islanders can be happy of but, is the exceptionally sturdy assistance of the Irish followers who constantly sing and stand powering their countrywide group, no matter how the score. A complete of 3 occasions, the Irish were in a position to qualify for a World Cup and acquiring by way of the group phase. Nonetheless, the previous element is eleven several years in the past.
It always appeared destined to end this way for Davies, specially after reports out of France surfaced in the earlier couple of weeks that he wouldn't get portion in any of Sochaux's remaining league fixtures. That stated, it seemed as even though Davies would at minimum garner an invite to coaching camp, at which level it seemed probably that Bradley would choose that instant, right after obtaining observed him execute up close, to give the U.S. ahead the poor news. But the fact that Davies was not medically cleared to enjoy by his club would appear to have tied the U.S. manager's palms.
Samuel Eto'o will be hoping to secure his fourth World Cup finals location when he qualified prospects out Cameroon in the second leg of their perform-off with the tie with Tunisia - at the moment tied at - - on November seventeen. If he's profitable, it really is a lot more than most likely to be the 32-12 months-previous Chelsea striker's last flourish on the world stage, though his relevance to the Indomitable Lions demonstrates no sign of waning. The previous Barcelona and Inter Milan man's two targets in qualifying so considerably takes his international tally to 55, a nationwide record, and he'll captain the group at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.
AA: "They have been quite supportive. I married a nearby female and have been functioning as a home developer in Rio for a amount of several years now so I hold full residency and trade with a Brazilian registered company so the fact I am British does not genuinely appear into it. I communicate fluent Portuguese so I have a very good comprehension of the legal requirements but it is also really essential to realize the neighborhood company customs, traditions and pitfalls, which is definitely vital when operating right here and we felt this gave us a enormous gain." You are also offering trips to Belo Horizonte and Sao Paulo?


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- Mitch SMith
- Katoomba
- Australia
This conversation is closed.
What are our true global economics?
I recently saw an estimate that human population is currently consuming 1.5 times the carrying capacity of the Earth.
This suggests that the resources we use - the plants and animals and energy required to keep us alive are generated by the planet ecology.
It suggests that the system, if left to itself, has a capital represented by sunshine, air, water, plants and animals.
It suggests that the carrying capacity for humans is like the "interest" on the global "capital"
The inference is that we are harvesting more than the interest and are well into the capital - harvesting at an exponential growth rate.
In other words, having eaten everything on the farm, we are now eating the farm. And there will be no more "interest" becasue there will be no more capital.
Like our global bank account is in free-fall.
One dimension of the assertion is that, by mass, the nitrogen in human beings is 1.5 the available nitrogen in the at-rest ecology.
Firstly, is this a valid assertion?
Are Earth resources truly finite as assumed?
Are the available resources measurable? If so - who has a good set of data we can use for modelling?
Secondly, if resources are finite and measured - and we are consuming capital exponentially - what are our options?
What lattitude do we have for increasing carrying capacity?
How far can carrying capacity be pushed?
Can we survive in a no-growth, or contracting economic model?
What are the options for population modification?
How long do we have?
These questions are not formulated to "troll" world views. I am asking questions that a lot of people should have rational answers for.
Please reply in the spirit of the questions. Data would be good, as well as well considered models that can be tested.
Also welcome are weblinks that have rational foundations - no ratbag theory please.
Closing Statement from Mitch SMith
I have digested available metrics and known models.
Like everyone else, I am finding that the non-linear factors render the numbers functionally useless. The modeling methods themselves seem to yield more information - but all models admit to not representing any comprehensive claim.
However, one thing is clear - the window of opportunity for business-as-usual closed sometime mid 1900's, the balance of carrying capacity against draw-down of fossil energy is well under way - capital is definitely being exponentially consumed and has a terminal point at around 2050 - at which point all life on planet earth will cease.
But this assumes business as usual based on what we think we know - as it turns out, we know very little.
So .. in this scenario - ignorance is bliss.
I the analogy of our common understanding, we are screwing the planet and the value it represents. So .. to stay within the things we understand - are we rape/murdering the panet - Or are we mating with it?
This distincion is the critical facto determining if a single human will occupy the universe past 2050.
2050 is a conservative estimate - I would recommend you start answering it now.
It might be too late for you, but you might have children.
If you value hope ..
Remember - hope is not required in the universe outside of your own skull.
What you do is important - to you.
I couldn't care less. _ I've made my choice.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Nov 14 2012: This BBC documentary gives quite a good overview on your topic:
'BBC documentary on 'World Population'. It explains the problems humanity will face if the world population grows out of control.'
Nov 14 2012: Hi Lejan, Thanks for the link!
Here's a point though: A lot of this stuff is coming through traditional media - BBC etc.
I turned off my television a few years ago becasue I got sick of all the lies.
I've identified broadcast media as being vulnerable to capture by propagandists.
In fact, any "one-to many and nothing back" communication is, by nature, propaganda.
This includes radio, television, youtube and classroom education.
Mostly I view all the catastrophe theory as entertainment-only .. ghost stories.
In fact, I have my own catastrophe theory.
What I'm trying to do with this topic is to flush-out the truth under the stories - on a peer-to-peer basis.
We have the link to Hans Rosling's wonderfully optimistic statistical analysis. I'm not buying it, but at least he has some numbers.
What we need is a rough algabra that describes the dynamics that we observe - we need testable models for:
1. Biosphere carrying capacity - including some idea of sustainable mineral contribution.
2. Individual requirements - something like Maslow's pyramid - but with numbers.
3. A formula to represent diminished returns on technological efficiency gains.
4. A formula to represent diminished returns on technologically forced carrying capacity.
5. An educated understanding of the "invisible hand" of economy - the models given us by Adam Smith and his ilk demonstrate that the economic "invisible hand" is attached to a moron. What would happen if that hand was attached to something smarter than a supply/demand simpleton?
And we need start-off numbers
Nov 15 2012: Hi Mitch,
I understand your view on traditional media and share your concerns on 'all the lies'. In fact, no source of information is trustworthy as we usually don't get to know the people, the agenda behind it.
This BBC documentary on 'World Population' I liked, because it resonates with my view on this topic. It did not sketch an 'everything is going to be fine' picture and conclusions made seem reasonable to me. You can take it as another 'catastrophe theory', of course, yet I am afraid this is not done on 'entertaining purpose' as the tendency is intrinsic to the nature of the given topic.
The problem with 'numbers' is another story all by itself, as the best anyone could do is guesswork here in any case. Due to the complexity of the given world and the involved mechanisms of exponential growth, any result of a testable model can only be as good as its choosen boundary conditions are. And because those are guessed, so would be the calculated result.
There are predator-prey relationship models already available to simulate their interdependency, yet they are very basic and only use a view beginning parameters.
Even a Maslow's pyramid with numbers is only as good as the numbers you choose, because motivation is highly individual.
My personal favourite is the 'invisible hand', because in my view even an educated understanding of it will return to the very same 'moron' on which it is based on.
All our models in 'gambling theory' are useless, as none of them is able to predict any booms and 'melt downs' in our reality.
So as the complexity of your model rises, so do all assumtions within it, and the calculated result would be even less correct as a one year weather forecast on its daily match would be.
And what would such a model tell us what common sense not already did?
In my understandning, our lack in taking final actions in changing our 'course' is not due to a lack of precise data or a general understanding. It is due to our custom and denial.
Nov 15 2012: Hi Lejan,
Many thanks - great observations.
in fact, I have seen this BBC documentary .. a few months ago I think. I actually like it somewhat because it's David Attenborough being very appologetic and humble - as well as demonstrating that he's willing to have iron in the fire through personal effort beyond the doccumentary..
There is a problem with mentioning population because of propaganda circulating that anything that dares to mention population control is "eugenics" .. the ignoramusses in churches and fear-locked desperation have no idea what eugenics really was and why it does nto equate with responsible fertility. It is an inevitability unless we get some clean understanding of the population factor. Personally, it frighhtens the crap out of me - here is the basic formula of the affect of fertility on a population: X[this] = r times (1 minus X[last]).
This simplified version of fertility Vs. attrition produces chaos result very quickly. Fiddling with fertility via standard of living is guaranteed to produce total chaos within tiny fractions of values over r=3.56 - if you further modulate attrition by medical science, it gets even more sensitive resulting in probable extinction within just a few generations. It is totally unpredictable, but the onset of chaos values is very predicatable. The reduced attrition model suports stable high populations with fertility below 3. Getting to 3 as a maxium would be a good idea - no matter how we get there. Then there remains the task of determining a "standard of living" consumption number to determine if the at-rest carrying capcity can support it. If it over-shoots, the standard of living number must be reduced. If reductions in standard of living go beneeath tollerable poverty, then the fertility must be reduced or the attrition-rate increased. If none of these adjustments can be made then a cull will be needed.
If a cull is indicated, then it's best done by suspending the notion of empathy.
This has already started
Nov 15 2012: Hi Mitch,
as much as I remember, chaos in population dynamics is controversial, as the underlying process is purely deterministic and it is difficult to separate chaotic dynamics from stochastic noise within a given model. Nevertheless even the turbulence of a non-chaotic system in non-equilibrium dynamic is messy and powerful enough to detroy civilisations as we know them.
Whoever confuses 'population control' with 'eugenics' did not look closely into this matter and can be easily updated by education. If this does not help, then there is a different, a hidden agenda behind.
We already know, that the 'standard of living' in 'first world countries' can not be shared by the whole world population. So every day 'we' are using more of 'our' share, there are others who have to use less to support 'us'. And even in 'first world countries', the concentration of resources and wealth moves bottom up, so in a not to far future we'll see rising riots worldwide claiming 'their' share and a better 'standard of living'.
In my view, the given dependency in food production on 'fossile fuels' will have the first impact on world popolation which will also start mass migration and 'food/water wars' on global scale. So if we do not start to rethink the basic pillars of our consumption and population we won't be able to avoid any 'corrective dynamics' which won't be positive to all of us.
And I agree with you, that '... suspending the notion of empathy ... has already started'
Nov 15 2012: Hi Lejan,
Outside of the rare period or stability,there is no stochastic - there is only chaos.
What we see as noise is our error to percieve the openness of the system - that chaos-es resonate - and can resonate on frequencies higher than any physical sensor can detect.
I spent a good long time as a forecasting systems consultant - even in the chaos, there is enough certainty to make decisions. And in the network of phenomenology we are living proof of it (for now ;)
I have an advantage - a few years ago, I just walked away .. just following a smell .. or a joke maybe .. a revenge on all the things that my effort was used for.
And I walked right into the middle of life - reborn, no "god" required, no hierophant charging pennance for the rattle of his Keys.
And here I sit, reading all the great works and listennign to the great "opinion-makers".
Where once I was in awe of my own ignorance, now I am in frustration of how they just don't get it.
I find great happiness and "homeness" in not earning the money I do not need - and not spending it.
So here is this raggedy man shouting from rooftops about the nourishment of poverty. Few will listen, and I don't care if no one does - it just makes me feel good to not have bushels al over my lamp - no matter how dim it may seem to some.
Nov 16 2012: Hi Mitch,
in population dynamics this is what I remember back in the years and shortly before I fell asleep in biology class, so I better trust your experience as a forecasting consultant... :o)
Unfortunately the process of decision making does not require to have a minimum of logic build into it, that's why I am concerned and quite pessimistic about the future of our species.
Just today I was watching a documentary about lifestyles in the city of Tokyo, which, on several levels, is widely seen to many as the icon of style, trends and hi-tech. While watching I was thinking how difficult it would be to many of this people to step back from their artificial habits and to be 'degraded' or 'decelerated' towards a modest and simple life on just a tiny fraction of the resources they access today. Tokyo is just an example and it applies to may of our 'first nations'.
The change in your life you described is to some degree familiar to me. Just recently I pulled myself off the 'fast lane' for a simple question which popped up in my mind one day and to which I could not find a satisfying answer: 'Where am I going?'
Even though I was not hunting for wealth before and did not plan for any 'career', I realized, that within the given system there was no 'meaning' anymore which was worth to work for.
By all this high standards of living we created, we lost sight of ourselfs on the way getting there.
So before I was hitting my 'brakes' I asked colleagues, customers and business partners if they had found what they were looking for in their lifes, and not as single soul did answer with 'yes'!
Since I slowed down, I see much clearer which helps to define and to set course on what I consider anew and worth to look for myself.
'Shouting from rooftops' is not part of my personal mission, as it was as effective as to 'cry wolf' to a pack of wolves.
But whatever 'makes me feel good', as you said, is worth pursuing and sometimes it becomes the key for making a difference
Nov 16 2012: If you asked that question of those around you now, I intuit that you would hear more "yes".
There's 2 ways-in - you detoxify yourself, or you amputate all contact with toxic people.
Everyone is so afraid to do that - but why? There's 7 billion people on this planet .. there must be enough for a handful of decent companions .. how much would anyone pay to be released from the assholes around them?
If you paid every penny you had - I guarantee it would feel like the best bargain you ever found. The only real investment in town - is you. And until you invest, you will never know who you are..
One day, I got in my head to walk down the high street and ask random strangers "Are you someone?" .. guess what - out of 10 people, only one said no.
It was a great risk to do such a confronting thing, but the result was some of the best conversations I've had for years. And no van full of dustcoated men tackled me, no one punched out my lights, no cops came screeming round the corner, sirens blaring, and I wasn't assasinated by mind-zombie-snipers.
Freedom is right there on the street - with only 1 poor bastard in 10, I think we have a good chance.
Nov 16 2012: Before I forget, I like to thank you very much for sharing the link to Catherine Austin Fitts and her talk 'The Looting Of America' on youtube. Those views are not often heared and I enjoy them whenever I get to find them. Thanks!
Actually, I did not have many assholes around me, on the contrary, but those who where, mostly got the lead.
But almost all of the 'good people', the 'normal people', who did not seek to boost their careers ruthless, have resigned and this throughout all age groups. They could not imagine anymore to change anything which was imposed on them from 'top down'. They lost all their inspiration, courage and defense reflexes as if they were all cheep herded to the slaughtering block.
They would have answered 'yes' to your question yet remained the puppet with strings attached.
As long just a view people look outside 'the box' there will be no 'van full of dustcoated men' to tackle you, yet if the number of those who 'awakened' rises, they become more likely to turn 'around the corner'.
With high interest I am watching the riots in Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy to see what their democratic governments is willing to force on them and if the people will keep up standing for their believes. If they do, it may spead signals to others to join in, which could lead to the beginning of the fall of our corrupt system. We'll see if our changes are as good as you found them ... :o)
Nov 16 2012: Hi Lejan,
It's probably off topic - but it at the root of why I started this conversation:
You are in Germany - there's a while before the Riots come your way.
2 Years ago I was advising my friends in Greece to start a new neighbourhood currency.
Get some friends together, pool all the euros for exchange, issue new Deuschmarks to the group (equivalent 1 month income). For trade within the group, usle only new Deuschmarks, for trade outside the group make all purchases jointly using the pool. For services/goods sold to outsiders, Euros go into the pool, equivalent Deuschmarks are issued to the group equally after converting from Euros at 1UE=0.5DM. Recruit more to the group with strict rules of inter-group trade in DM only. The core group gradually becomes the new Germany. Do it all as secretly as possible, and have an escape route - the old Germany will attack you if they find out.
The new DM is a transitionary device. When the Eural collapses, just deal goods/services free. You may be able to record goods/services as just a description - we have computers, and no longer need currency as a value token. But a functional society requires no currency at all. If you issue a currency, it is vital to eliminate it at ealiest opportunity. The reason is that the issuer of currency becomes the king - instantly. A functioning society needs no king.
I have been working on the causes and cures of the suicide of humanity for a while. Here are the causes/cures: (continued next)
(edit) Over the period of the coming violence and grief - the absolute strategy to survive is only one thing - do not get blood on your hands.
Do not participate in the riots. Watch carefully to detect them coming - and be somewhere else. This will teach you the art of the nomad. Become ghostly and move in the spaces in-between. Resist the desire to fight.
I tell you now - all those who get blood on their hands will not survive. Sadly, many innocents will also die. Be sad for that, not enraged.
Nov 16 2012: 1. Carnivours.
Humans are not carnivours. Our bodies are toxified by any form of meat. The animals are our brothers and friends. Respect the predator, but do not fear him - and do not copy him.
2. Farming.
This is laziness. For every seed and fruit you find - honour the seed and plant it back near to the place you find it. If the beast wants to give you his wool for fibre - he will let you sheer him, do not force him. This requires you treat the wool-animals as brothers - otherwise they will give you nothing.
3. Property.
You own only your effort(agency) nothing else. Respect the ground under the feet of others, respect the things in the hands of others. Respect the tools of others. Respect the diginity of others. Take no food from another's mouth.
4. Slaves.
Ask for help. Never force it. This includes our human friends and animal friends. If they are truly friends, ask and the answer will sometimes be yes, not always. If they are not your friends, the answer will always be no. In this way, you will find many friends of all species.
If you are answered no, then the time is not yet for what you want.
5. Money.
Money is a lie. It is a device by which people are made slaves. It is the first drug of adiction - from which all other drugs arise.
6. Respect elders.
The elders of the society contain the wisdom of history. All decisions concerning the society must be discussed first with the elders. They are frail and often cannot make goods or services apart from their wisdom - be kind to them.
7. Transgression.
There is no punishment - only decision. Punishment/revenge creates intractable mental harm that accumulates over the generations. Never confine a living creature - the result is perpetual harm to the society.
Transgression is part of leaning - the task of forgiveness is for the elders - keeping learning in mind.
There is only 1 remedy for habitual transgression - death. This is sad and must be conducted as if a funeral - with dignified ritual to heal the harm.
Nov 17 2012: Thank you Mitch for sharing your interesting ideas and guidelines!
According to National Geographic, the most successful 'regional currency' in Germany is within the Chiemgau area in southeast Bavaria with a total of 5 million in annual turnover. It was installed 10 years ago to enforce the local economy by keeping the exchange value cycling within. A bill of this currency is only three month valid, to avoid 'concentration' of wealth and long term savings to keep the cash flow going.
Many other yet smaller regional exchange systems are on the rise, some of them internet based, but in general most Germans still don't have any urge for a change, as the 'bubble of bliss and ignorance' has not burst yet here.
Personally I was thinking worst case scenarios through as well for the collapse of the european and world economy and I mostly agree with your non-violent approach on this. What I don't know though is, if it can and should be done in any situations.
If the majority of people in East-Germany in 1989/90 would not have protested as 'a whole' in a non-violent riot, history may have turned out differently.
If we ever wan't to free ourselfs from a system which only protects 'wealth' and which does not care for all of its people, we need to set out on the barricades one day. As a whole nation, a whole Europe, a whole world. So if no other change than this would be possible, at least at that 'turning point' it would not be helpful if most of the people were striding through the woods as nomads.
On this, Germany can learn a lot by its French neighbours, who, as a nation, is quite experienced to free themselves from despotic regimes. Not always 'bloodless' like Ghandi's idea, yet still disciplined enough not to drown in anarchy.
Nevertheless, 'the system' did prepare itself already by setting up the European Gendarmerie Force (EGF), a militarised police intervention force, to avoid 'national' police to deal with 'national' riots on large scale scenarios ...
Nov 17 2012: The time of the psychopath is done.
Do not walk in his way - or you will be him.
For millenia, we have done our best to heal him to contain him and outwit him, but inso doing, he infected us and we became sociopath.
Now is the time of fire.
There is no fighting left now except in the psychopath excoriating himself in his own flame.
Stay afar, or be burned with him.
Now is the time of the nomad.
Nov 17 2012: I see your point, Mitch, but I don't wish myself to walk away from injustice and violence if it is done to people who can't defend themselves.
Who will I become, straying alone in the forests, on the planes and just feel sorry for those I see falling, yet intentionally avoid to help for sheer survival reasons?
I see your point, Mitch, but for myself I hope to find the courage to stick to my core believes in time of need or die trying.
By the way, compared to Australia, Europe is to crowdy for this conflict avoiding strategy to work anyway, so even if I was a nomad, there would be thousands surrounding me in the woods at any given time of the day... :o)
Nov 18 2012: The default human is pretty cool. There is no need for law - in fact, law is only ever changed(if ever) after it has harmed someone.
We've been sold a pup.
Anarchy is the absolute pinacle of human expression - don't believe anyone who says different - they have vested interests.
I will do the numbers anyway - at the very least, it reveals the issues, and knowing them, you cannot be lied-to.
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text: We made it to the next round of voting in the Blog category for the Bikeminimalism Awards 2012!!! Feeling pretty blessed to get on the shortlist and you guys can help us to the next round by voting TOLA (TakeoverLA)!!! Thanks so much to those of you who already voted and lets keep this moving!!!


text:
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - On Broadway Inc.'s Board of Directors responded to letters calling for the ouster of Executive Director Chris Naumann and President Greg Larsen.
During a meeting Thursday morning, the board gave a vote of confidence to both Naumann and Larsen.
Eighteen businesses in the Broadway district, calling themselves the Broadway Business Alliance, argue that On Broadway Inc. has done a poor job communicating with them on several issues, most recently the decision to enter into a bid contract with Wal-Mart for part of the old Larsen canning property.
"They (the board) also are at this point in favor of letting this process play out," says Naumann. "Specifically the Larsen governing board is the empowered entity that is responsible for development of the property."
Naumann believes the lack of communication problem is misguided by these business owners, since there hasn't been a formal proposal submitted by Wal-Mart officials.
"When it does come in front of us, the public will be invited into those discussions," says Naumann. "I think there's some frustration by some of the businesses that were taken by surprise at this news, and don't think they're being invited to the table early enough, and to be very honest, it's not time for that yet."
Green Bay City Council President Tom DeWane and Mayor Jim Schmitt have also spoken out in favor of replacing On Broadway Inc.'s leadership.
"I'm not sure if the Mayor's got something that he currently has as an alternative, if he does it wouldn't be a bad thing to mention that through the Larsen governing board processes," says Naumann. "Because we're in this contract, they can't even be considered until this contract expires, or unless Wal-Mart walks away."
Naumann added that if there was something, it, "certainly wasn't in front of us when we entered this contract."
On Broadway Inc. officials maintain that the city has worked with them to find a partner for this site, and have been involved in each step of the process.