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Standing Committee Subgroup on COP9 -- Agenda paper COP9 SG-14
|CONVENTION ON WETLANDS (Ramsar, Iran, 1971)
Meeting of the Standing Committee Subgroup on COP9
Gland, Switzerland, 7-10 March 2005
Agenda item 14
Consideration of the role of the Convention in natural disaster prevention, mitigation and adaptation
Action requested: The Subgroup on COP9 is invited to decide if a draft Resolution on the role of the Convention in natural disasters is needed for consideration by SC31, to follow up and broaden Resolution VIII.35.
1. The aftermath of the tsunami of 26 December 2004 has touched many countries, people and organisations. Since that time there has been much, often uninformed, discussion on the role of wetlands sensu Ramsar in possible mitigation of the disaster and on the need for restoration and management of wetland systems in the reconstruction phase.
2. The Secretary General has asked Wetlands International to take a lead in managing the flow of scientific information on these subjects, and an initial report was tabled at STRP, annexed to this paper.
3. A special event on World Wetlands Day was held during the meeting of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel on the issues of tsunamis, and this produced a declaration agreed by all of the participating organisations, also attached. There is obviously much interest in the role of wetlands in this issue and, thus, more broadly in similar natural disasters. So far the convention has not seen a particular role for itself or its activities in the area of disaster prevention and mitigation. The Subgroup may wish to suggest that the Secretariat prepare a draft Resolution on this issue for SC31. The COP9 draft programme provides for an opportunity to discuss this issue further in the technical session, which could also clarify and amplify any such draft Resolution.
Beyond the tsunamis; a way forward
Declaration of Principles from the Participants
at the World Wetlands Day Forum on Natural Mitigation
of Natural Disasters
We, the participants at the World Wetlands Day Forum on Natural Mitigation of Natural Disasters recognize that:
In extreme events we cannot count only on natural systems to mitigate the effects, but, with the increasing frequency of unusual climatic events, healthy natural systems have key roles to play.
For natural disasters in general we must develop multipurpose strategies which incorporate the resilience of natural systems. Part of the multipurpose strategy must include rational land use planning which incorporates communities' views, sensitivity and livelihoods.
This planning must be based on an ecosystem approach which incorporates conservation and wise use of natural resources. An ecosystem approach includes adaptive management.
In order to implement such a strategy, more data, knowledge and understanding are needed and efforts must be made to obtain knowledge on dynamics and ecosystem functions and services. Such data must be made freely available.
Education, training and capitalization on past experiences and a comprehensive outreach programme must be part of the strategy.
There is a clear need to utilize existing legislation through better enforcement and, where necessary, strengthen the legislation.
All participating organizations agreed that continued inter-institutional cooperation, particularly in the recovery phase, will be critical. The Ramsar Convention will promulgate its existing knowledge and management advice through its Contracting Parties and more widely through the international system.
Participants agreed that networks established following the tsunamis should be strengthened and maintained during and beyond the restoration and rehabilitation phase.
Gland (Switzerland), 2nd February 2005
Participating organizations: The Ramsar Convention, Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, Forests and Landscape, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United National High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), World Health Organization (WHO), World Meteorological Organization/Global Water Partnership (WMO/GWP) Associated Programme on Flood Management, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), International Association of Hydrologists, IUCN - The World Conservation Union, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), BirdLife International, Wetlands International, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), European Space Agency.
Assessment report to Ramsar STRP12
"Natural mitigation of natural disasters"
1. Introduction
The Ramsar Convention has asked Wetlands International to coordinate efforts to bring together scientifically sound advice on wetlands in the region in order to assist governments in choosing the most effective response measures. The IOPs, Wetlands International, WWF International, IUCN and BirdLife International, alongside IWMI, agreed to collaborate within a "Ramsar Tsunami Reference Group". The Group has agreed to share assessments on the impacts of the tsunami on coastal wetlands in the affected areas of the Indian Ocean (including Eastern Africa) and to communicate with each other and other partners. The present report is very much a work in progress and states:
-What we do know
-What we don't yet know, and;
-What we are finding out or will soon know
2. What we do know
This section aims to provide information towards the debate on "natural mitigation of natural disasters": How did mangroves and other coastal ecosystems act during the tsunamis? The section also reports on the post-tsunami coastal wetland status, as far as it is presently known to the Group.
Current accepted opinion is that coastal wetlands can act as a green barrier to protect the coastline and its communities from storms, including waves, reducing erosion from wind and wave energy and mitigating damage. However, the evidence so far seen from satellite images is that in high energy situations such as Aceh province, Sumatra, complete loss of beaches, mangroves and severe localised damage to coral has occurred, indicating that in extreme events very little mitigation may be possible in those areas most exposed to the wave energy.
Away from the epicentre of the earthquake and tsunami, there are indeed localised usually anecdotal reports of reduction of damage behind mangrove stands, and coral reefs, but little quantitative data is yet available. None of the members of the Ramsar Tsunami Reference Group appear to have obtained firm evidence, however, there is a reasonable knowledge of focal areas worth investigating in detail, and gaps identified.
Specific evidence for coral reefs:
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (BirdLife) reported that the wave had no or very little impact on the island thanks to the coral reef barrier
Specific evidence for mangrove ecosystems:
Indonesia: Efrizal Adil (partner of WI-IP) In Bakongan, Aceh Selatan, approximately 160km from the epicentre of the earthquake, there are mangroves (Rhizopora), sea pine (cemara), seagrass, and many coconut trees. The impact of the tsunami was less in this area than in areas that did not have this vegetation. However, in the coastal area of Banda Aceh (approximately 220km from the epicentre of the earthquake) mangroves were carried inland by the waves, and were found in residential areas up to two to three kilometres inland; this included mangroves that were in relatively good condition in the area of Ulee Lhee. In contrast, species of sea pine (cemara laut) and coconuts were not carried away by the tsunami. Munthadar (Master's student in Coastal Management, Bogor Agricultural Institute).
Thailand: "Mangroves in Ranong and Phang Nga saved hundreds of people," said Maitree Duangsawasdi, head of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
Sri Lanka: A.H.M. Fowzie, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, said "It is definitely clear that some mangroves were damaged, but it is also clear that they also helped prevent further damage in areas where they still exist".
India: Reports from Tamil Nadu's Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary - a Ramsar site - indicates that the natural configuration of the bay and mangroves may have helped to reduce the impact on the site, although the area was inundated. M S Swaminathan Research Foundation reports that in the Pichavaram mangrove wetland, occupying an area of about 1400 ha, located about 280 km south of Chennai, in the Cuddalore District, there was no damage to 6 hamlets that are physically protected by the mangroves but hamlets located on or near to the beach have been totally devastated.
Malaysia: National Hydraulics Research Institute Malaysia (NAHRIM) reports that at a project site at Kuala Sala, Kedah and thanks to the mangroves, damage to surrounding areas including Kampung Burma, was minimal. However, unprotected coastal areas, about 2 km southwards from the research station were severely eroded.
2.1 Information available from clearing centres
At the outset, the availability of information about the gross impact has been widely publicised, with many websites serving "before and after" images of affected areas, most notably in Sri Lanka and Aceh Province of Indonesia. Most tsunami-related websites provide links to the network of maps and images processed and the Tsunami Reference Group now maintains a wetlands-focused portal (see e.g. www.wetlands.org/tsunami/tsunamidata.htm ). For example, UNOSAT maps provide good overall access to affected areas at varying scales (see below - Figure 1. Regional area affected map).
Much of this imagery has been geo-indexed through intensive effort by the UNEP-WCMC, and Figure 2 indicates the relative intensity of coverage of point observations and area coverage. Most of the links collated by UNEP-WCMC are to free imagery, however, there are also a large number of commercial sources of satellite imagery, some of which are subsidising costs, or are negotiating special arrangements.
Figure 2. UNEP-WCMC IMAPS Tsunami web mapping
(see: http://tsunami.unep-wcmc.org/imaps/tsunami)
Several institutes have presented simulations of the tsunami wave (see e.g. UNEP's website at http://www.unep.org/tsunami/images/image001.png). The force of the tsunami waves appears to be very uneven across the region, and only field assessment can reveal the actual impact. For further information about the hydro-dynamics and geology, please follow the satellite and data links available at http://www.wetlands.org/Tsunami/Tsunamidata.htm.
In summary, satellite and mapping materials available have been collated most effectively by the UN sponsored Disasters Charter partnership (see: http://www.disasterscharter.org)
2.2 Assessments available of the coastal wetlands
Assessments of the impacts have been led by the need to immediately target humanitarian relief, but while these actions were often in the news, several international agencies rapidly assessed coastal livelihood issues, for example:
- the UNDP/World Bank/FAO reported on a joint assessment for Thailand conducted in the period 4-8 January;
- FAO issued its first regional report on fisheries, aquaculture and coastal livelihoods on 7 January, followed by reports from each of its country agencies.
Many assessments conducted by the development assistance community within the region or at country level contain information relevant to "green reconstruction" of the coast, and should be referred to.
- Key links to these assessments and portals can be reached by clicking on the assessments and maps link at: www.wetlands.org/tsunami.
In this report, the key findings within assessments performed by members of the Ramsar Tsunami Reference Group are reported. In addition relevant assessments reported by other agencies are sunmmarised.
Ramsar Sites - status
We know where Ramsar Sites potentially exposed to the tsunami are located, these are named in Figure 3 below. Those thought to be tsunami-affected are in the southern part of the region shown, however, little is known about their current status.
Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are distributed throughout the affected area (see Figure 3), and those in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may be most severely affected. Little specific post-tsunami assessment information is available for IBAs, however, BirdLife has published a review of IBAs and their key species to use to target rapid assessment, and this extensive data set has been collected together and posted in the Library for the Sites and Species impacted discussion forum reached via www.wetlands.org/tsunami
Figure 3. Important Bird Areas potentially affected (source BirdLife International)
2.3 Assessments by Country
India (including Nicobar and Andaman Islands)
Areas impacted
UNDMT Situation Report: The hardest hit areas are the Nicobar and Andaman Islands and the southern provinces of mainland India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh), with Tamil Nadu by far the worst affected. About 2,260km of coastline was affected, but very little information is available about the status of wetlands.
FAO reported extensive damage to fish and shrimp hatcheries in all provinces.
Shallow waters (corals and seagrass)
CORDIO/IUCN: a rapid assessment has been initiated by the Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute - Reef Research Team (SDMRI-RRT) a week after the tsunami to assess the status of corals and associated shallow water habitats. One site each near the islands of Kariyachalli and Vaan in the Tuticorin group and one patch reef site near the mainland were assessed. The results of surveys conducted at the island sites revealed that there was very little damage to coral reefs and associated habitats caused by the recent tsunami. The rapid assessment is continuing for other island areas (Vembar, Kilakarai and Mandapam groups) in Gulf of Mannar
Inter-tidal (mangroves, fish & shrimp ponds)
WWF is collecting data on the role of mangroves in lessening the impact in certain areas, and is calling for an immediate moratorium on any further mangrove destruction and the immediate restoration of lost mangroves, and is also calling for the strengthening of laws on regulating development in coastal zones.
M S Swaminathan Research Foundation reports that in the Pichavaram mangrove wetland, occupying an area of about 1400 ha, located about 280 km south of Chennai, in the Cuddalore District, there was no damage to 6 hamlets that are physically protected by the mangroves but hamlets located on or near to the beach have been totally devastated.
Upper beach and tree zone (turtles, shelter belt trees)
WWF reports that turtles have been sighted on several beaches on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Inland (fisheries, rice)
No specific information collected
Areas impacted
Six provinces were affected: Phuket; Ranong, Phang-Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun. Of these Phang-Nga was most seriously affected [source: WI] With the exception of Phuket - which has long been heavily developed for tourism - the remaining 5 provinces represent the most heavily mangrove forested provinces in Thailand and contain almost 175,000 hectares, or 70% of the nation's mangrove resources. The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has said it will declare the provinces of Krabi and Phang-Nga as "environmentally protected areas" in order to give it more power to regulate rebuilding, redevelopment and planning. The Forest Department wants to re-zone the coastal parks to become more tsunami-resistant.
Regarding Ramsar sites and others, BirdLife reported that Krabi River Mouth was to some extent sheltered, or the impact of the tsunami dissipated by the many coastal inlets.
Thematic summary
Shallow waters (corals and seagrass)
FAO states that at least 5.9 sq km of coral reef and 3.9 sq km of mangroves have been damaged
Damage to aquaculture floating cages has been estimated as probably less than US$ 32.7 million, with a total of about 1.1 million square metres(or 41,439 cages) for marine fish culture, 179 rai (approximately 30 ha) of shrimp farms and 434 rai (approximately 70 ha) of shellfish area being damaged. The damage is expected to drive Thai shrimp exports down by 75 000 - 80 000 MT this year.
UNDP/World Bank/FAO reports that only 5% of coral along the Andaman coast has been damaged, much less than originally thought. However, substantial to severe damage is located at South Patong Beach, Koh Pai (Phi Phi), Rana Bay and Similan Island.
WI's overall assessment is that:
- Coral, at depths in excess of 5m is unlikely to have been significantly damaged.
- Reports estimate about 5 - 10 percent coral destruction from areas surveyed in Phuket, Krabi and Phang-Nga Provinces.
- Coral damage in the Similan Island group, and Surin Island group is thought to be significant. Photos show coral "boulders", in excess of 1m in diameter, thrown up onto the beaches and some reefs are reported as suffering 70% damage, or more.
- Localised coral damage, dependant on location, is estimated at up to 90 percent.
There are further serious risks of indirect impacts to coral and there are concerns that more losses will be suffered through the following mechanisms:
- The serious disturbance of the seabed, combined with the volume of organic and non-organic materials, debris, sand and silt that has settled on coral as the tsunami receded has, will cause longer term damage.
Trang Province, and in particular the Chao Mai Ramsar site, which lies within the tsunami zone, have the most extensive seagrass beds in Thailand. As a result, Chao Mai is also a location of rich marine biodiversity, including significantly Dugongs (Dugong dugon) and critically endangered Hawksbill turtles.
Preliminary reports on seagrass at Hat Chao Mai suggest that it is not extensively damaged or lost, but in many places has been damaged, torn out and seagrass has been found washed up on the beach.
Inter-tidal (mangroves, fish & shrimp ponds)
WI states that Phang-Nga Province, which recorded the most serious human casualties, is also the province with the highest amount of mangrove in Thailand. This suggests that if there is indeed damage to mangrove forest it is most likely to be in Phang-Nga.
Upper beach and tree zone (turtles, shelter belt trees)
UNDP/World Bank/FAO reports that at Haad Thaymuang, urgent recovery of the beach nesting site is required for Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles
Inland (fisheries, rice)
No specific assessment reported
Areas impacted
WI: The areas that were closest to the epicentre of the earthquake and therefore most seriously affected by the tsunami include the coast from Meulaboh to Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar and Aceh Jaya, including Simueleu Island. There are many reports that one of the reasons that damage on the island was minimized was because of the formation of the coastal wetland ecosystem, that was complete and in relatively good condition, including coral reefs, seagrass and (on the east coast of the island), mangroves. To date information is only available on the mangrove ecosystem. In contrast to the situation on Simeulue Island, reports from residents in Pulo Aceh group of islands state that coconut trees that stretched along the beach were uprooted by the tsunami. This situation leads to strong speculation that the entire coral reef ecosystem, the turtle breeding beach, and seagrass beds (habitat for dugong) were completely destroyed.
Shallow waters (corals and seagrass)
WI: It is estimated that the most serious damage occurred to coral around the Pulo Aceh Islands, and that damage to Weh and Simuelue Islands was moderate. It is thought that the coral around the Banyak Islands is still in good condition
Based on the location of the islands and the damaged caused by the tsunami on land, it is estimated that the damage to seagrass beds in the Pulo Aceh islands is 100%, while damage is 50% in the Simeulue and Weh Islands.
Inter-tidal (mangroves, fish & shrimp ponds)
WI: In 2000 the remaining area of mangrove forest in Aceh that could be considered in good condition was only 30,000 ha, including the mangrove that is found on Simeuleu Island. Damaged mangrove covered 25,000 ha, and mangrove in moderate condition was distributed over 286,000 ha.
The table below shows the length of the coastline and the estimated area of mangrove on the east and west coasts of Aceh.
Length of coastline (km)
Total area of mangrove (ha)
|North coast to east
|West coast to south
|Simeuleu islands
The above data shows that while the length of the coastline is almost the same on both coasts, the area of mangrove on the east coast is six times more than on the west coast.
To date there is no accurate quantitative data on the level of mangrove destruction caused by the tsunami. Available information consists of reports from local residents and humanitarian volunteers who have seen the situation in the field and also from photographs of the coast taken by volunteers. Based on this information, it is possible to estimate mangrove damage as follows:
1. Aceh Besar, 100%, 26,823 ha
2. Banda Aceh, 100%, <500 ha
3. Pidie, 75%, 17,000 ha
4. Aceh Utara and Bireun, 30%, 26,000 ha
5. Aceh Barat, 50%, 14,000 ha
The above data might over-estimate the damage caused by the tsunami as it could include damage that took place before the tsunami struck. This possible discrepancy is caused by the fact that it is not clear what criteria were used by the Department of Forestry in preparing the report on mangrove coverage.
Upper beach and tree zone (turtles, shelter belt trees)
WI: The tsunami damaged approximately 50% of the sandy beaches of Aceh. This damages includes changes to the sandy coastline and also refuse and substrate that were carried as the tsunami waters receded.
FAO: surveys of damages to coastal aquaculture ponds along the coast indicate serious damages, ranging from 40 - 60 percent of the ponds in the various districts (worst hit is Bireuen).
Inland (fisheries, rice)
WI: The damage to rice fields is difficult to estimate because they are spread from low to high land. From a satellite photo it was determined that all of the rice fields in Aceh Besar, covering 30,000 ha, were damaged by being submerged in tsunami waters.
The damage to aquaculture ponds on the west coast was most extreme in Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar and Pidie, where the level of destruction was 100%. Damage in Bireun and Aceh Utara was approximately 50%. The level of damage of coastal aquaculture ponds could be as high as 27,000 ha, more than half the total area of ponds in Banda Aceh
FAO: 30 981 ha of the rice production is reported to be damaged. In the districts of Aceh Utara, Bireun, Pidie, Aceh Besar, Aceh Java, Aceh Barat and Nagan Raya a total of 90, 350 ha have been destroyed (47, 955 ha fish ponds and 30 981 ha paddy fields.
Areas impacted
FAO: The northern states of west coast of Peninsular Malaysia have been badly affected, these include Kedah, Penang Perlis and Perak. Penang and Kedah suffered the most damage.
Shallow waters (corals and seagrass)
FAO: Key issues of concern are the destruction of floating cage farms in Kedah which grow various marine fish species located at the river mouth, fishing ground for bivalves and floating cage farms.
Inter-tidal (mangroves, fish & shrimp ponds)
WI reports uprooting and complete loss of coastal mangrove belts in some areas of impacts.
National Hydraulics Research Institute Malaysia (NAHRIM) reports that at a project site at Kuala Sala, Kedah and thanks to the mangroves, damage to surrounding areas including Kampung Burma, was minimal. However, unprotected coastal areas, about 2 km southwards from the research station were severely eroded.
Upper beach and tree zone (turtles, shelter belt trees)
No specific information collected
Inland (fisheries, rice)
No specific information collected
Sri Lanka
Areas impacted
The tsunami affected the coastline most severely from the southwest coast to the northeast coast though with varying degrees of impact. A rapid preliminary assessment carried out by IWMI on coastal wetlands three weeks after the event focused mainly on the southwest coast, between Hambantota and Colombo with the primary focus being in Hambantota District. IWMIs assessment looked at physical impact on where, why and how certain areas were more impacted than others.
FAO in its country agency report states that the mangroves, coastal lagoons and coral reefs acted as protection/buffer zones, lessening tsunami impacts
Shallow waters (corals and seagrass)
IWMI: Assessment on coral reefs have already started with preliminary surveys by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) contributing to the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) of the International Society for Reef Studies (ISRS). Jerker Tamelander, coordinator of the Marine Program of IUCN, said that preliminary surveys have been carried out in Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Unawatuna and Trincomalee and indicated that the coral reefs of Trincomalee (north east) have been devastated compared to the reefs on the south coast though there was a fair amount of damage. Local observations at the Hikkaduwa Nature Reserve displayed limited damage to the existing reef structure other than for a few toppled boulder corals and a few lesions.
Inter-tidal (mangroves, fish & shrimp ponds)
IWMI: It would be expected that mangrove would have been minimally affected due to their root systems making them very resistant to water surges which seem to go along with reports from various sources around the country. Our personal observations at Kalametiya showed large mangrove trees of Sonneratia sp. uprooted /collapsed at a distance of about 200 m away from the beach area.
Upper beach and tree zone (turtles, shelter belt trees)
IWMI: Sand dunes - Observations made on the sand dunes on the Hambantota coast which are vegetated with Casurina trees and invasive shrub species seem to have protected the immediately adjacent areas inland.
Inland (fisheries, rice)
No specific information collected
3. What we don't yet know
Most information collected by the Ramsar Tsunami Reference Group on the case for natural mitigation is non-quantitative, and is site-specific. We do not know the situation across huge areas of coastline, especially in Sumatra, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and north Thailand/Myanmar. In addition the situation in the western region of the Indian Ocean has not been examined by the Group. Quantitative data that would be a high priority to collect includes:
- Estimates of the energy and wave height that impacted key areas where it is suspected that e.g. coral reefs, mangroves, beaches played a part in mitigation
- Map-based assessment of the pre-tsunami situation for the full suite of wetland types and livelihood dependence, to enable follow-up full assessment.
Priorities both geographic and thematic for rapid or comprehensive assessment are also required to be set, to enable more efficient targeting of resources, and policy interventions.
There are many other things that we do not know, and possibly do not recognise the need for, and so regular liaison and brainstorming between partners is essential.
4. What we are finding out or will soon know
Each of the Ramsar Tsunami Reference Group is either entering into a series of rapid assessments or is planning to do so. These will cover the full range of wetlands and livelihoods issues.
BirdLife is planning to systematically assess the post-tsunami status. Their preliminary analysis shows that 27 globally threatened birds species regularly occur in the regions and habitats of Asia potentially affected by the tsunami. There are three Endemic Bird Areas and two Secondary Areas in this part of Asia, and up to 88 Important Bird Areas that might have been affected.
Despite the wealth of biodiversity in the region affected by the tsunami, this preliminary assessment indicates that few (if any) threatened species are likely to have been seriously affected by its direct effects, and no extinctions are predicted as a result of the tsunami. However, surveys are needed to confirm the situation, particularly in the Nicobar Islands.
Wetlands International is working with the Ministry of Forestry in Indonesia to perform joint rapid assessments, with a strong emphasis on livelihoods and the priorities for wetland restoration - where feasible. A national workshop will be convened on 8th February in Jakarta to set priorities and integrate efforts further. Other ministries are also involved in joint environmental assessments, and it is intended that WI staff will be embedded in these field assessment teams. In Thailand, Wetlands International will mount a field rapid assessment of specific sites, including Krabi, where a project is located, and will try to obtain more specific information about coral damage and mangrove mitigation. In Malaysia, Wetlands International staff will target efforts at Penang and Kedah state, to assess the fisheries/wetlands status and evidence for mangrove mitigation. In India, a relationship with the Bombay Natural History Society and others will provide more systematic investigation along the south west coast, but there are still large gaps in knowledge for the southeast provinces.
IUCN is continuing to concentrate its efforts in Thailand and Sri Lanka and is currently undertaking assessments regarding biodiversity loss, impacts on fisheries and tourism, and land use planning, and will continue to do this over the coming months with key partners. Globally, the Marine, Forestry and Water and Wetlands Programmes are coordinating efforts to follow-up assessments across the region.
WWF Indonesia is working in Indonesia with the Aceh Forum, a coalition of local NGO's, which is helping with the management of refugee camps and aid distribution. And it is working closely with the Ministry of Environment (with WI) which is due to carry out assessments of the environmental impact. WWF in India is collecting data on the role of mangroves in lessening the impact in certain areas, and is calling for an immediate moratorium on any further mangrove destruction and the immediate restoration of lost mangroves. WWF India is also investigating the strengthening of laws on regulating development in coastal zones. WWF is part of the UNEP tsunami task force, and is engaged in dialogue and meetings. UNEP is helping co-ordinate various environmental assessments in the region.
IWMI will continue to support assessment and rehabilitation efforts in Sri Lanka. In collaboration with IUCN, IWMI has produced a concept note to map the Sri Lankan coastal wetlands on the basis of remotely sensed imagery and focused biomonitoring, including the creation of a national database. Digital GIS and SRS maps of wetland sites are to be produced by the GIS / RS Group at IWMI, in consultation with IUCN and CEA. The project objectives could be amended to enable attention to be directed at the tsunami impacted areas.
Many other partners including FAO, UNEP, country UNDP offices, are also aiming to increase assessments, and a great deal more environmental information will be available for the upcoming UNEP Governing Council meeting scheduled on February 15.
5. Who's who in coastal wetland assessments and restoration
The international Ramsar Tsunami Reference Group of partners (IWMI, WWF International, IUCN, BirdLife International and Wetlands International) represent wetlands expertise, however, other international and national organisations have complementary and substantial capacity to assess coastal wetlands and livelihoods and also assist restoration:
- UNEP has established a Task Force (with IUCN and WWF membership), and intends to perform field assessments in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives, Seychelles. General rapid assessments start in mid-February, and repprt to UNEP Council in early April.
- FAO has concentrated upon fisheries (including artisanal coastal, fish and shrimp ponds), forestry (mangroves and coastal forest)
- IFAD is assisting the governments of India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia through micro-finance to coastal communities including assessments targeting fishing.
In India:
- World Bank, ADB and UNDP are collaborating on a joint field assessment in February in the five provinces affected (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
- MS Swaminathan Research Foundation has posted mangrove assessments and is hosting workshops including on the Andaman & Nicobar Islands about the concept of a coastal 'bio-shield' through plantation programmes with people's participation.
In Indonesia:
- UNDP/World Bank/Bappenas in the Consultative Group on Indonesia, published its assessment and a recovery framework on 19-20 January
- ITTO has agreed to assist Indonesia with mangrove restoration
- CIFOR (Center for International Forestry Research), is assisting through workshops
In Sri Lanka:
- IWMI ( in addition to its regional role) provides remote sensing, maps and transport for survey teams
5.1 Role and capacity of the Ramsar Tsunami Reference Group
Each organization outlined their role and focus in dealing with the tsunami (as at 17 January 2005) .
BirdLife International
o Focus on adding value in relation to threatened species, threatened waterbirds and IBAs that are affected.
o Consultation with strong national BirdLife partners to identify the impacts - gathering info and species and sites - focus on biodiversity value of sites.
o Identifying measures relevant for reconstruction and future mitigations.
o Provision of support to students from Aceh (Indonesia) who have lost their university course and support them in Java and local communities at IBAs in Sri Lanka.
o Have capacity for on the ground site assessments (except Aceh) and to advocate through NGO partners to involve local and national govt.
o Working with governments, IUCN offices are producing summaries of key issues for decision makers in Thailand and Sri Lanka.
o Capacity building programme - for how to incorporate nature and environmental issues in rehabilitation
o Hope to establish consortium of organizations to support assessments and long term monitoring - see this as priority for involvement in the Reference Group. Would like link with WI, with UNEP and other organisation, building on relative strengths. IUCN have more strength in Sri Lanka, less in Indonesia.
o Focus needed to identify how we can coordinate this to get a collaborative action - on an urgent basis.
o IUCN is already a member of UNEP Task Force, and can provide the linkage to this group.
o Already involved in Sri Lanka with a hydrological assessment at one lagoon.
o A four day visit for rapid assessment will be undertaken this week, after which a better idea of the impacts in southern Sri Lanka.
o Sites where good bio date pre tsunami - will be a focus. Not sure if surveys in some site will be possible due to current condition - debris and human bodies.
o Have collated imagery with different resolution for the whole country (Sri Lanka) and focus is to map it digitally and get the information out. They are mapping affected areas and have links through to others who have information. Need assistance to analyse information.
o Have offices in India and Thailand and could get them involved.
o Part of CGIAR, who aim to coordinate their members
o World Fish Centre and FAO have set up CONSRN to undertake impact on fishery in the affected countries.
o Focus is on ensuring efforts that benefit livelihoods.
o Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and India - preliminary assessments undertaken/underway. Indonesia team working very closely with central and district, organizing a workshop with government to bring the parties together to id. info needs and link it to decision making and spatial planning.
o WI role is to lead collaboration with others in the further development of these wetland assessments, in order that we can bring information together at the regional level and make it available to decision-makers
o Partnership with ITC Netherlands developed to manage remote sensing data on behalf of the Ramsar Reference Group. ITC has many students from the region who are willing and able to do assessments using baseline info pre and post tsunami. WI needs information from partners on wetland assessment information that is available and priority areas for case studies. The capacity for ground-truthing in each country also needs to be established
o Doug Taylor is the main contact to develop WI's assessment work. He has collated the information on our website on available mapped assessments. This site will be used to present analyses of the Ramsar Tsunami Reference Group to external audiences. See www.wetlands.org/tsunami
o The moderated discussion forum is just starting up to enable information and ideas to come together, under specific topic headings. Others are invited to participate in it - information will feed into the Ramsar processes.
o WI has some links to donors and re-construction programmes and is keen to work with other partners to coordinate on this.
Ramsar Convention
o The Convention is the user of what we can pull together and provide it to the Contracting Parties.
o Information being generated needs to feed in as initial advice to the Ramsar STRP in early February, then in early March to the Ramsar Standing Committee Sub-Groups and then in June to the full Standing Committee.
o The Convention is organizing a special forum in conjunction with WWD in early February during the STRP meeting in Gland.
o WWF has offices in India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. A staff person is missing in Indonesia from Banda Aceh. Field activities affected by the Tsunami in Thailand, India and Indonesia.
o Relief effort - WWF Malaysia and Indonesia both involved with offices being used, have also helped mobilise human resources (doctors etc) and military planes with food and medicine.
o Initial environmental impacts. Working with Ministry of Environment in Indonesia and India Government in Andaman. WWF India (Delhi Office) has worked on a mapping project of the Andaman. WWF is also working with the UNEP Task Force.
o Have developed media releases dealing with issues of "green reconstruction" and mangrove protection and are keen to see a coordinated engagement with these issues.
o WWF have produced a web page on this issue that is linked to others - http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/asia_pacific/news/news.cfm?uNewsID=17950
6. References
See: www.wetlands.org/tsunami


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What is endocrinology? It is the study of the endocrine system (the body's glands and hormones), and how this system interacts with the rest of the body.
What is MNCOME? MNCOME stands for the Minnesota Center for Obesity, Metabolism and Endocrinology. We are an independent medical center. "Independent" means that we are guided by what makes the most sense for our patients, and take the time to get to know each of them personally.
MNCOME is called a "medical center" instead of a clinic because in addition to medical care, we conduct research and develop educational materials for patients and the community.
How are we different? While we take care of people with a wide variety of endocrine issues, our unique specialty is obesity. We are the only independent endocrinology center in the metro area that provides medically-based treatment for weight. Learn more about what we do or get to know our staff.
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subset: commoncrawl


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The Chicago White Sox were in Kansas City for game 2 of a three-game series against the Royals on Tuesday.
Chicago's starting pitcher John Danks finally got a win. Danks went through 8 starts without a win until last night. He shut down the Royals with 8 scoreless innings.
The White Sox got an early 2-0 lead with a homer from Gordon Beckham in the first and a run on an error in the 2nd.
Chicago held on down the stretch to shutout the Royals in Kansas City 2-0.
The Royals will host the series finale tonight.
FOr a look at all MLB scores from August 20th click the link below...


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Khloe Kardashian & Lamar Odom's Marriage Even Stronger After Lakers Shocker
Even though Lamar Odom is still a Laker after a shocking trade deal that didn't go through, he's probably not having the best day. But guaranteed he's having a better day than he would have if not for wife Khloe Kardashian at his side.
Once again, she never ceases to amaze in the relationship department, at least for a Kardashian. Khloe's response to last night's big trade deal shocker was perhaps the most, loving, supportive, and positive gesture she could have made for her man.
Odom was in real bad shape last night. In "disbelief," actually. Showing up for practice today was probably pretty awkward after realizing now that if the team was considering a trade, they really don't want him, and will probably get rid of him at some point in the future.
Then in comes Khloe who says that if Lamar gets traded, she will go with him.
Well, ya! I know that's what you're thinking, that of course she should go with him. Lady don't deserve no medal for that! She's his wife and he's her husband and that's what loving, normal couples do for each other. But lest we forget, this is a Kardashian we are talking about. They are not regular people. Their minds work differently than ours.
They have reality shows. But Khloe clearly has her priorities straight. By saying she'd find a way to make her reality show work wherever she goes, she's making a bold statement about putting her marriage first, career second. Who knew!
Khloe is clearly the anti-Kim when it comes to dedication in relationships, but it wasn't naturally a given that she would have followed her husband out of L.A. on a full-time basis. Los Angeles is the Kardashian kingdom. It's one of the reasons Kim refused to move to the Midwest with Kris Humphries.
Let this incident serve as a reminder that Khloe is the real star of the family. I don't know if she really meant it from the bottom of her heart or it was just a well-advised good PR move at the time, but her track record when it comes to marriage and relationships is pretty good so far. What she said confirms that she at least knows the meaning of the word selfless, and that not all Kardashian relationships and marriages are doomed to dysfunction. Let's hope anyway. Keep going, girl.
Would you be sad if it ever became Kim and Khloe Take Detroit or Kim and Khloe Take Charlotte?
Image via Splash
Piping Hot Posts
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scaryfairy81December 9, 2011 at 4:30 PM
It's not any bigger of a sacrifice than what military spouses make when we pick up and move every time our soldiers get orders. It's good she's not being a selfish brat like her sister, but it shouldn't be "news" when a husband or a wife agrees to move for their spouse's career. Most of us don't have NBA or Kardashian money for flights back home to see the family though. She can afford to fly back to LA every week if she felt like it.
- --
ArmywifeftlewisDecember 10, 2011 at 12:56 AMI agree with scaryfairy. I also this Khloe is the only sane one.
- --
JudesMama7411December 10, 2011 at 12:58 AMI think this shows how selfish is Kim wouldn't to Minnesota. That's why Khloe is in a successful marriage and Kim is twice divorced. I think Khloe does deserve to be commended, because look at her environment. It's surprising she made that decision with the people that surround her.
- --
JudesMama7411December 10, 2011 at 12:59 AMOh yeah follow me@celebg0ssipguru!
- -- Facebook comment from
Jane SmithDecember 10, 2011 at 3:06 AM
Had enough of the Kardashians? Sign the No More Kardashian petition at boycottkim ((dotcom)) Over 200,000 signatures so far.
- -- Facebook comment from
Amanda Lynn BarnesDecember 10, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Ive always like Khloe the most anyways
- -- Nonmember comment from
ScruffyDecember 10, 2011 at 3:14 PMPeople say that Miss Kloe is not the most attrative of the girls, she's overweight, she's a smartmouth etc., but I personaaly think she brings the most to the table and when she loves, it's with all her heart and for keeps. She is the MOST attractive, honorable, selflish, considerate member of that whole family besides Mr. Bruce. I'm proud of her that she has not gotten sucked into her family's ego or worse yet, KIM'S!! Good luck Kloe and Lamar.
- -- Facebook comment from
Wendy HansonDecember 11, 2011 at 10:13 PM
I love Khloe and Lamar. The rest of the Kardashians - not so much.
- -- Facebook comment from
Emma LeeDecember 12, 2011 at 10:32 AMKhloe rules!!
- --
amandasmommaDecember 12, 2011 at 5:53 PM
Good for Khloe keeping her priorities straight!


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Style Notes
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Haven't had them wet yet but they look good and fit good.
Sebago® Malamet Salopette Bibs, Black
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There's No Place Like Home Winning Recipes Feb. 13
"There's No Place Like Home" winning recipes will be featured in the dining halls and at Food for Thought in the Food Gallery at Frist Campus Center on February 13. The annual contest invites parents to submit their son or daughter's favorite recipe. Winning dishes are then prepared by our chefs resulting in some very special fare served to the campus community.
Featured recipes include
1st Prize Pau Bhaji, a favorite of Agastya Parikh '17 of Rockefeller College
and Honorable Mentions
Moroccan Broccoli & Chicken with Couscous, a favorite of Sarah Gianakon '17 of Whitman College
Schneider's S.O.S. (Sweet Outstanding {for} Studying) Salmon, a favorite of Eric Schneider'17 of Whitman College
Meemaw's Sweet Potato Casserole, a favorite of Raven DeRamus '16 of Mathey College


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I must be nuts. I've just paid 900 Euro for an Atom-based notebook. Or am I?
A few days ago I bought the Samsung ATIV 500T after a disappointing time with the Lenovo Lynx keyboard (of all things Lenovo!) The unboxing went well until I spotted a connectivity problem between the dock and the tablet. I really wasn't very happy. Today I swapped it out for a new one. I also spotted the 3G version in stock so I end up paying 899 Euro. It's more expensive than at other retailers too although, for you US people, it's a business sale which is 19% tax-free here in Germany.


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WASHINGTON (AP) — The District of Columbia's chief financial officer has proposed combining the city's two long-troubled lottery contracts, saying it would save the city money and ensure sufficient participation by local businesses in the lucrative deal.
CFO Jeffrey DeWitt said in a letter to the D.C. Council on Wednesday that he'd like to solicit comprehensive bids for the city's numbers-game and instant-ticket business when the numbers-game contract expires next year. The letter was obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.
The city's $38 million numbers-game contract is held by a joint venture between Greek gaming giant Intralot and local businessman Emmanuel Bailey. A federal grand jury has been investigating the circumstances surrounding that contract since 2012.
Meanwhile, the city's instant-ticket contract has expired, and its supply of tickets is dwindling. The D.C. Council rejected an instant-ticket proposal last year because it didn't comply with a district law that requires 35 percent of major contracts to go to local businesses.
No one has been charged in the long-running investigation of the numbers-game contract, which was awarded to the Intralot-Bailey partnership in 2009. Authorities were looking at irregularities in the contracting process and the conduct of several high-ranking district officials, according to people familiar with the probe. Those individuals spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were instructed not to interfere with the investigation.
The CFO's office has not reported any problems with the partnership's performance on the contract. Combining the numbers-game and the instant-ticket proposals would appear to put Intralot at a disadvantage to retain the city's business because the company does not print instant tickets.
"It's anti-competitive language, at least the way it was listed in the letter, and we're extremely surprised and disappointed," said Byron Boothe, Intralot's vice president of government relations. "The expectation in the lottery business ... is that if the lottery company does the right thing, then the extensions are expected. Certainly I think we've risen to that level."
DeWitt said he expected that gaming companies would form joint ventures with local businesses to bid for the combined contract, which he said would bring stability to the city's lottery system.
"We want to do that through a very open, fair, transparent procurement process where everybody has the opportunity to compete fairly," he said. "I want a process that's better than what we've had."
After the council rejected the instant-ticket proposal, the CFO's office requested new bids, but it rejected the only bid it received because it was 70 percent more expensive than the prior proposal.
Lottery director Buddy Roogow said last month that the city would probably run out of its warehoused tickets by the end of March. The city has ordered small numbers of new tickets through one-time contracts. DeWitt's letter proposes soliciting short-term contracts from all three North American companies that print instant tickets as a stopgap measure until the numbers-game contract expires.
There has been no apparent progress in the federal probe of the numbers-game contract. However, former D.C. councilmember Michael A. Brown pleaded guilty last year in a bribery case and is cooperating with federal authorities investigating corruption in district politics. Brown led a push for the city to legalize Internet gambling, a potential windfall for the lottery vendors, and his actions were scrutinized by investigators, according to the people familiar with the probe.
Follow Ben Nuckols on Twitter at https://twitter.com/APBenNuckols .


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Found April 10, 2013 on Wrestle Scoop:
PLAYERS: Paul Bearer, Jimmy Hart, Heath Slater, Daniel Bryan, Vince McMahon, Triple H
- Today would have been the 59th birthday for Paul Bearer and the 88th birthday for Angelo Poffo. - Jimmy Hart noted on Twitter that WWE officials are negotiating with Turner on ways they can release WCW theme songs. - There was an off-camera segment at last night's WWE SmackDown tapings with Heath Slater, Triple H, Kane and Daniel Bryan. After Slater took a chokeslam and a Pedigree, Team Hell No and Triple H did some comedy that led to some hugging. They even brought up Katie Vick. The segment went long and out came Vince McMahon to cut them off. Triple H says Vince needs a hug and he teased doing one but backed off and left before he could. The segment ended with Kane hugging Triple H while Bryan came from behind and wrapped his arms around Triple H. What's Next for Triple H?, Brock Lesnar's Next Feud, Busty New Kaitlyn Pics, More
Original Story: http://www.wrestlescoop.com/2013/04/1...
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The Washington Post Joins Growing Chorus in Support of Executive Action on LGBT Workplace Protections
Freedom to Work Calls on President Obama to Level Playing Field for Federal Contractors
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today the Washington Post published an editorial calling on President Obama to take swift executive action by signing an Executive Order barring federal contractors from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This is the second time the newspaper has pushed the President to take this common-sense step -- a step that is supported by nearly three-quarters of likely 2012 voters.
Tico Almeida, president of Freedom to Work, said, "Seventy-two Members of Congress, The New York Times, and The Washington Post all agree with 73% of American voters that 'We Can't Wait' on this Executive Order" -- referring to the Obama campaign's slogan and Freedom to Work's new "We Can't Wait" campaign. "The President has an opportunity to level the playing field for nearly a quarter of the American workforce today, and to ensure workplace fairness."
Almeida continued, "Today's editorial states that the White House has 'no principled reason for refusing' to sign this Executive Order. The consensus for signing an Executive Order immediately continues to grow and, with each passing day, the White House appears more and more tone-deaf to the progress happening around them. We continue to call on the President to immediately sign his name into history by standing up for workplace fairness via this executive action."
Freedom to Work has been fiercely advocating for an Executive Order that would bar discrimination among federal contractors. Recently, Freedom to Work launched a new campaign -- called "We Can't Wait" -- calling on the President to sign the Executive Order immediately. Joining Freedom to Work in that call have been 72 Democratic Members of Congress, LGBT organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, progressive organizations like the Center for American Progress, and civil rights organizations like the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the National Council of La Raza.
Freedom to Work is a national organization committed to banning workplace harassment and career discrimination against lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender Americans through public education, policy analysis, and legal work. For more information on Freedom to Work, please visit www.freedomtowork.org; follow on Twitter @FreedomtoWork; or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Freedom-to-Work/259455654081457.


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Humanity reached a new low last night ... when a 5-year-old "Toddlers & Tiaras" star TRASHED a rival 3-year-old beauty queen ... saying she DRESSES LIKE A HOOKER ... seriously.
5-year-old Isabella Barrett was leaving a spray tanning sesh in NYC -- again, she's 5 -- when she went off on 3-year-old Paisley Dickey for allegedly copying her spray tan ways.
Barrett (presumably with her mother's coaching) told TMZ ... "Last time I was here, Paisley was trying to copy me ... but MY mom doesn't dress me up as a hooker."
Barrett (and her mother) are referring to the infamous "Toddlers" episode ... when Paisley dressed up like Julia Roberts as a prostitute in "Pretty Woman" for a beauty pageant (below).
But Barrett's insult raises some questions -- namely, how the hell does a 5-year-old know the word "hooker"?
Based on how Isabella looks to her mother for approval throughout the video, you'd think her mom coached her to say it ... but that's ridiculous, right?
What mother in her right mind would teach her 5-year-old daughter ... to say another little girl dresses like a sex worker? Good thing these people have standards.
This show should be cancelled, she is a mean little tyrant already.
These so called "mothers" should go to prison for a long long time. And we wonder why there are child molesters in this world. The kids do not know any better and even worse, they will grow up to follow in their "moms" footsteps and the cycle will continue. I refuse to watch this show but after reading this article, I am honestly sick to my stomach of how human beings are capable of exploiting their 5 (and younger) year old girls in order to live out their sick, wash-up has been fantasies. Lock them up and throw away the key bc you know what...living in foster homes is better than living like these poor innocent children are. IMO.
i'll second what everyone else is saying. Where in the world is family services? They should be monitoring the parenting (sorry management) skills of parents of all the children on this trashy show. This is not a healthy environment to grow up in and I can't believe this show is still on the air.
I've met and been in the same pageants as Isabella and she is a very sweet little girl. I think she probably doesn't even know what that word means. Kids always over hear what adults say and copy them. The media makes pageants look like such a horrible thing no one sees the good side of them.
I can't image that Isabella mom would make her child say such things about another child. You can tell that she was coached. How do you copy a spray tan & why does she care about Paisley? This has gotten so out out control. It you don't have anything nice to say about someone don't say anything at all. Paisley- Ms. Ginger Loves You! Merry Christmas!
I can not image why a mother would coach a child to say that about another child. How do you copy a spray tan? Why do people want to keep talkinga about Paisley? Let things go! It is over & done with! It you can't say anything nice about someone don't say anything at all! Go Paisely & Wendy!
Just wanted to mention that you showed us a toddlers & tiaras girl and talked about how those kids grow up all screwed up. When you showed the picture of the mom, I realised that she was on Dr. Phil with her 18 year-old daughter (also in pageants), to work on their screwed up relationship. Relationship screwed up because mom and daughter compete in the same pageants !!!!!!!!!!!!! CRAZY !!!!!!!!!!!
Omg, I can't even read the rest of these comments. What's so wrong about dressing up in make up dresses, for a few hours? After they announce the winner, they go back to their room and take off the make up and change back into their clothes! As long as they know Right from Wrong, what's the big deal? I can't wait til I have my daughter and put her in pageants. I woulda killed to be in one when I was little, are you kidding me! SMDH.
I was speechless when I saw this and recognized it right away. I cannot believe any respectable woman would exploit her child to this extend. Totally unbelivable! And on top of it...getting in fights over spray tans? 3 and 5 years old? This is beyond sick! Seriosuly...dear moms when your daughters are out of control and pregnant at 15 don't expect any sympathy. What you are doing to your daughters is beyond damaging...
I do have to say it looks coached
OK, what mother would do that to their child! Teaching them to slander a 3 YEAR OLD!! I hope the mom feels real superior now. These moms are getting to be a bit ridiculous I was in beauty pageants and I wouldn't spray tans or fake hair... I would wear a nice dress and that is it!
To those angry at the TV show, the pageants are not held for the show, the show is simply do***enting activities that have been going on for decades. Child abusers know all about these types of pageants, often attend them live, and are sometimes involved as producers or judges. The show's not teaching perverts anything they don't already know. I think the show has actually done children a service by demonstrating the way these kids are abused. It has altered the public's opinion about these pageants. It's becoming less socially acceptable to participate in similar pageants partially due to this kind of coverage.
If that little girl was not being told what to say then her mother should have punished her after she said that. Pageants are for the mother's not the little girls.The mother's who have daughters in pageants have some kind of thrill for themselves it is not about the little girls at all the mother's are just thinking of themselves.They put to much stress on these kids.A child that cannot speak for themselves should not be exposed like they are or dress and look like they do.It is sick to me.That is just how I feel about it.
sorry it was the mother of JACKLYN.. on oklahoma fancy faces ?? the mother is pathetic and makes me sick... wants me never want to look at this show ever again!! she is like a puppet person and sickening.. the kid is a doll though
has anyone see the mother of MERCEDEZ ??? she is a good reason to ban the whole thing:???? makes me gag


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Sing Along to the Trader Joe's Song!
Yesterday we linked to an article on yet another favorite item that Trader Joe's is discontinuing. TJ's, we love you, but sometimes you push us just a little too far.
There's only one thing to do in times like these: click on the TJ's Song and sing along.
This sweet little song captures everything we love and don't love about Trader Joe's, including the distinctive ding-ding of the brass bell. (Does anyone know what that means?)
Favorite products come and go, quirky things remain. Despite all this, Trader Joe's is still a favorite destination. It's one of the few places where we can be a little spontaneous and not break the bank, and there's usually a few fun discoveries in the What's New section.
These days, that's entertainment our pocketbook can afford.
6 Comments
The bells are for customer service up front. The number of rings signifies the type of service they need.
I only know that from going to TJs WAY too much :)
According to the TJ's Fearless Flyer that just happens to be in front of me ...
"One bell - Let's open a new register
Two bells - There are questions to be answered
Three bells - Captain's help is needed"
Umm, I got slightly weepy reading this. Seriously, my eyes are a bit watery. It might be partly because I miss their dried rhubarb (haven't seen it there in a couple of years, presumably discontinued). But it might also be because I really miss Trader Joe's (haven't been there in a long time). This reminded me how happy it always made me to go there. You know how some women can be made instantly happy by going clothes shopping? That's what's it's like when I go to a happy food store like Trader Joe's.
I LOVE TJ's, and most of this hilarious song - good and bad - is, admittedly, true. Except the paper bag handle claim - they're the sturdiest I've ever encountered, and we're fairly guilty to admit that we don't bring our own bags to TJ's on purpose - so we can bring home a couple of theirs! They hold EVERYTHING (and we reuse ours for toting, recycling, bringing in firewood, etc)! Great video.
King Arthur has a good catalog and you can mail order their flour there. It's the basic flour of choice in New England and can be had in any grocery store here. I didn't even realize TJs carries it (I just get it at Stop & Shop).


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Ivanovic Wins Los Angeles, Rises to No.4
Published August 12, 2007 12:00
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA - Regardless of how she did in the final, Ana Ivanovic was assured of moving up to a new career-high of No.4 in the world on Monday. But she still gave it her all against Nadia Petrova Sunday afternoon, beating the Russian in straight sets, 75 64, for the East West Bank Classic presented by Herbalife singles title.
Ivanovic, seeded No.3, grabbed a critical break of serve in the penultimate game of the opening set before serving it out, then claimed the only break of the second set in the first game, holding her serve the rest of the match for the one-hour, 34-minute win. On match point in the 10th game of the second set she fired her third ace of the match to win her second title of 2007.
"It was tough for me to get going as I had some muscle pain from yesterday, but I tried to stay relaxed and win each point," Ivanovic said. "I felt I started quite slowly but I tried to take my chances, be aggressive and finish it in two sets."
"She played a very solid game today - it was all about the breaks and she did it," Petrova said. "I just couldn't break her back. I was trying but it just didn't work out. I didn't know what she was going to do and had to be very alert."
Ivanovic has had a meteoric rise among the upper echelon of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour ranks this year, starting with winning Berlin, which propelled her into the Top 10. Reaching her first Grand Slam final in Paris and following that up with a semifinal showing at Wimbledon had pushed her up to No.5 in the world, which became No.4 by virtue of her run to this week's final.
Petrova was impressed by the improved play of the Serbian teenager, who fired 23 of her 31 winners off the forehand side: "I would say she just rips it without even thinking; compared with any other players it is the best forehand by far on the Tour. Her fitness coach did a great job with her. She is in good condition and lost some weight."
In spite of her lengthy semifinal victory over No.2-seeded countrywoman Jelena Jankovic Saturday, where she fended off a 4-1 third set deficit and two match points trailing 5-4, Ivanovic looked fresh during the final. Afterwards, she explained what keeps her motivated when it comes to going on court.
"Coming here I tried to take it step by step and that is how I got the best results," a jubilant Ivanovic said to reporters. "At the moment in women's tennis anyone can beat anyone. This is probably the best time in my career to get the most out of the game. I am trying to enjoy myself and I'm having lots of fun on the court."
The East West Bank Classic presented by Herbalife title was the fourth title of Ivanovic's career on the Tour. She had already captured Canberra in 2005, Montréal last year and Berlin earlier this season. She is now 4-2 lifetime in Tour singles finals. On the other side of the net, Petrova fell to 7-8 in finals.
After the pre-quarterfinal departures of seeds No.5 through No.8, including No.6 Marion Bartoli and No.7 Martina Hingis, the tournament returned to form as the Top 4 seeds all made it through to their projected semifinal slots. After Ivanovic caused her minor upset over Jankovic Saturday afternoon, Petrova won by walkover after No.1-seeded Maria withdrew with a lower left leg strain.
"My muscle was getting tighter and tighter when I came here; when I began to warm up it was getting worse and worse," Sharapova stated. "I couldn't lift my foot on the serve nor could I run to more than two or three balls. I was in the treatment room trying to get everything done to it but it did not help.
"I would love to get on the court and I've been playing some of my best tennis this year. But, when you can't play 100% and can't lift your foot..."
The doubles final was, by contrast to the singles final, a total whitewash, as the No.2 seeds, Kveta Peschke and Rennae Stubbs, cruised past top seeds and recent Roland Garros champs Alicia Molik and Mara Santangelo, 60 61. Peschke and Stubbs won all but 11 of the points in each set during the 43 minute rout.
"We have had some really tough matches," said Stubbs, who won her first Tour doubles title of the year and the 56th of her career. "We came out really, really ready. We did not play well last week and so we were practicing really hard."


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The Photographers Directory is curated by Stefano Mattia, Jamie Hamilton, Joel Zimmer, Alejandro Campos Herrera
Designed byJon Rothenbergfor Tumblr.
I am a 13 year old amateur photographer. I express myself through photography, capturing anything that makes me feel.
22 Sep 2013 / 201 notes / photographers on tumblr color landscape nature submission
WOW! Are you sure you are 13? Great job. :)


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Pennfield IMC
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"drop his name, push it in and twist the knife again. watch my face, i feel no pain."
"She's like finally coming home and seeing that light in the window on. After being gone too long, she's like finally coming home, standing in the rain, staring at the sun."
"I'm impressed but I see you and I know me. I'd say right now that I'm the last thing that you need. But, don't get me wrong, I'd sure love to do this. But somewhere in my heart I know the truth is you ought to be walking away."
"We don't have to miss each other.
We don't have to fix each other.
We don't have to say forever.
You don't have to stay forever.
Come over."
We don't have to fix each other.
We don't have to say forever.
You don't have to stay forever.
Come over."
"You can say we're done the way you always do. It's easier to lie to me than to yourself. Forget about your friends, you know they're gonna say we're bad for each other. But you know we're not good for anyone else."
"Maybe there's more than one soul mate for everybody you know? Cause say I am like born in Texas right? And my soulmate is born all the way in Massachuetts, that seems randomly unfair. It would only make sense to have more than just one. Cause you have your first, its new and you feel things that you never thought you could feel, and then… they break your heart. You cry about it, you're sad, then over it. But then you meet someone else, and for that time they're your new soulmate because they make you feel things that the other one couldnt and then they break your heart."


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(Services near Froedtert Hospital)
Questions? Contact Us
For media inquiries, contact our public relations team.
In honor of their 50th anniversary, the Partners of St. Joseph's Hospital unveiled and dedicated a statue of St. Joseph in the center of the hospital's Healing Garden, outside the Garden Café, during their annual luncheon Tuesday, Sept. 23.
St. Joseph's Hospital will hold "Surviving & Thriving," a free presentation and discussion about breast health, breast cancer risk factors and the latest screening recommendations Thursday, Sept. 25. Two sessions will be held.
Community Memorial Hospital recently announced Kayla Barth, RN, as its third quarter DAISY award winner. A patient nominated Barth for her compassionate, kind and heartwarming care. Barth was honored at a Sept. 17 ceremony where she received a certificate, pin and a sculpture.
St. Joseph's Hospital will host a community blood drive Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
St. Joseph's Hospital will host a free prostate cancer screening Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2-8 p.m. at St. Joseph's Hospital campus, Kraemer Cancer Center, 3200 Pleasant Valley Road, West Bend. Space is limited. Registration is required.
The Kraemer Cancer Center at St. Joseph's Hospital has received three-year full Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer, the highest result the CoC awards.
Muriel Lindholm, RN, a resident of West Bend, has been recognized with St. Joseph's Hospital's DAISY award for her extraordinary care. Lindholm was nominated by Laura and Kevin Tillman, Lomira, for Lindholm's care of their newborn twins, Carter and Westen.
Three Waukesha area providers have joined Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network — Kathy Hartke, MD, obstetrics and gynecology, Kim Henrichs, NP, and Alex Romashko, MD, otolaryngology.
The North Central Minority Supplier Development Council (NCMSDC) named Froedtert Health as a recipient of its 2014 Supplier Diversity Award of Excellence. Their award honors NCMSDC corporate members for their commitment to economic development of minority-owned business enterprises in their local communities.
St. Joseph's Hospital has received echocardiography accreditation from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiology Laboratories
in the areas of adult transthoracic, adult transesophageal and adult stress echoes.


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What Can I Do With Fresh Dates?
Good Questions
Q: I am an adventuresome eater, willing to try anything once. I see fresh dates, sold on sticks, and have no clue what to do with them, how to eat them — I do have to say I tried sneaking one and biting into it and it was horrid — same pruning effect as eating an unripe persimmon — which if you have never had the misfortune — is akin to eating chalk.
Do you know what to do with fresh dates? They look so beautiful on their stalks.
Sent by Heidi
Editor: Heidi, it sounds like the date you tried was not yet ripe. Green dates are indeed very astringent, as Emily learned in this market report on fresh dates. After they ripen a little more they get sweet and crunchy like an apple.
If you can get ahold of some properly sweet fresh dates, try this salad:
• Recipe: Asian Pear, Fresh Date, and Pomegranate Salad
Readers, any more tips on fresh dates? Recipes?
Related: Farmers' Market Report: Fresh Dates
(Image: Emily Ho)
7 Comments
Apparently dates will continue to ripen after they've been picked. Here are a couple relevant articles:
Stuff them with pistachios, crystallized ginger, and mascarpone cheese!
next time you see small and red dates that are fresh you should grab them. Those are Asian varieties and they're VERY good when they're not dried.
I've made the same mistake of biting into an unripe one and certainly learned my lesson too :) now i make it a point to pick the really soft, darker golden ones off the "stick" at the store (I get them from the Indian grocery). I absolutely love them in my oatmeal. they remind me of their dried counterparts, only a lot less sweet--and way more nutritious.
Such good information - on a topic I've wondered about too. Thanks.
Atuff them with goat cheese. Amazing!
for fresh dates when they are in season-freeze the dates for a day or two, defrost them, let them sit for a few hours, and they should be soft and ready to eat


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By CHRISTINA A. CASSIDYAssociated Press
ATLANTA (AP) - State lawmakers made few major changes to education policy during this year's legislative session.
A bill that would let parents and teachers try to convert failing public schools into charter schools stalled, as did an attempt to change state curriculum standards.
Lawmakers did lower grade-point average requirements so that more students would qualify for the popular HOPE grant for technical colleges.
Perhaps the biggest change to state education policy was the standardization of teacher evaluations based, in part, on student performance.
The bill is under review by the governor.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
1551 Briarcliff Rd., NEAtlanta, GA 30306Main Number: (404) 875-5555News Tips: (404) 898-0100


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So now Brooklyn is solely comprised of regentrified neighborhoods??? Whatever. This is not real Brooklyn fashion. Weak!
When's the last time you actually were in Red Hook? Tiburon's been closed a long time.
Or hiposters.
No, Brooklyn isn't that white. It's just that most people of color are invisible to the type of people who read and write this rag! We need a new Ralph Ellison to expose this Hipster-ocrisy. Or are they Hopsters???
Dude, where's the DIVERSITY?!? This is crazy.
Um, yeah. I don't even live in NYC, but the model representations for these BK nabes seem WAY off. Brooklyn can't be that white. I'm not buyin' it. Nope.
Wow it's good to see that one black person lives in Bushwick and the guy repping bedstuy? Seriously? SMH
Wow all the hipster neighborhoods good job
Lol your comments are all fake. Here, I'll help you jam 30 great keywords by an artist under 30.
I'd like to add that the Salinger documentary will also have a Salinger book. You'll want to see it and read it.
Mink Stole and Penny Arcade are also doing a production of Tennessee Williams' The Mutilated November 1 at the New Ohio Theatre
Hells yeah! Love Elijah :) I hope he keeps yo-yoing in and out of the show, spilling truth tea and then disappearing in a blaze of bitchy glory...
I love Andrew, and I love Elijah. Yeah, he's a jerk, but aren't all the characters, to an extent? Will forever love him for telling Marnie that she and Hannah were cut from the same cloth.
I'm actually completely relieved my neighborhood didn't make this list.
so you basically named every white transplant neighborhood in brooklyn.... are there any weight transplant neighborhoods you didn't include in this list?
(ahem ...)
Bunna Cafe: http://bunnaethiopia.net
Subscribe to our mailing list to get regular updates about events: http://bit.ly/bunnaemails
Come get us for lunch: Ethiopian Lunch Box in Bushwick, Tues - Fri 11 to 4 at Mama Joys 1084 Flushing http://bunnaethiopia.net/ethiopianlunch
Everything is eshi... Thanks L.
Its kind of a first to not include addresses and contacts and such. Do you think you could have afforded to at least add the links to each of your best-of's given we are reading a blog entry with dozens of cool-ish suggestions?
Brooklyn is huge...this list doesn't illustrate the REAL food/cultural variety in BK. Re-do, please.
That's not what your mom's said last night. Where can I find a party where women will vomit feces from their pussy into my mouth.
I need help


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haven't posted here in a while…haha, I have had some interest events occur in my life that I could contemplate blogging about@5 months ago with 1 note
bay area kid living on the east coast for grad school - started this blog to document my cross-country drive (check road trip link), decided to keep it running to keep friends and family updated on my life. enjoy!
haven't posted here in a while…haha, I have had some interest events occur in my life that I could contemplate blogging about@5 months ago with 1 note
OMG ONE LAST THING! SHOULD I FLY BACK FOR A CAL GAME THIS FALL?! If yes! WHICH ONE?! OSU? UCLA (@ la)? BIG GAME?! the possibilities are endless
caveat (haha science word there!) = 500$ for a plane ticket…that is bad news bears…thinking about it right now if i really want to bust out 600 bucks a pop for just like 24 hours of fun but it's so worth it yet not but yet it is I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO! k, it's time to go to bed I have much to accomplish tomorrow@1 year ago
my lord….where has the time gone? i think i've ignored this bad boy for…probably at least this entire year. i've been posting random vids and pics that i come across but when it comes to updates about life i think that's pretty nonexistent.
well, let's summarize the past 6 months in this one post and update the world about my thoughts and the like..here goes nothing!
first, xmas break was a blur - i think i hung out with a million different ppl/grabbed meals with so many different ppl and it was just a whirlwind of fun, but really all it did was remind me of how much i love the yay area…and how that is just home for me. bottom line. my parents and harry's there. all my buddies from mitty, cal, and all the other good friends i have in CA. nothing beats it. don't get me wrong i love my friends out here but it's been such a challenge for everyone to connect because we all are just so busy with lab all the gdamn time…i think it's really worn on all of us to the point where we just have no motivation…to do anything…it's so sad :( i know in a few years when this chapter of my life i'm totally gonna miss my grad school friends, but right now the thing that's missing is that california GOLDEN SUN YADDAMEANNN?!
okay, enough about that. since i've been back the first thing i was working on was my first EVER first author paper! (for those of you that aren't familiar with graduate research/the field of biology the measuring stick, and ultimate ticket to graduation, is publishing first author papers describing some of the "whatever you found" research to the public world). it took me and my PI a good…3-4 months to finish writing that bad boy, but i can happily say that we submitted our manuscript in mid May to Science (for those of you that aren't in biology, there are 3 scientific journals that are considered the "pillars" of molecular biology research - cell, nature, and science, so us submitting to science is my PI's attempt to get our work one of the most prestigious journals in my field, in short, if we get in here, OH MY FRIGGIN!!!!!) But let's be real, it's not gonna get into science, I'm not hanging my hat on that cuz that'd be crazy and all i'd be setting myself up for is disappointment, but the fact that we wrote and submitted a manuscript is an accomplishment in it's own right, bc it means i have completed a body of scientific research that is presentable and open for other scientists to read, critique, and learn from (yayyy….)
Paper writing, burned. me. out. It was exhausting. It was so stressful, and now I'm back to executing experiments and I'm just so drained all the time. Not necessarily physically, but mentally/motivationally it's just totally lacking…sigh., but since we submitted in early-mid May, I've spent the last 1.5 months just doing more experiments so it's been more of the same daily grind for the most part…hopefully our manuscript gets to the review stages of submission (that would be the next big deal before getting accepted - ultimately you want ur paper to be accepted and therefore published - usually they just reject ur paper saying it's bs or not interesting haha…have i mentioned science is a beezey?)
ANYWAYS! Point is! Science is hard! Grad school is hard! And it just eats away at your attitude/outlook on life/soul! BUT IM ALIVE AND I WILL CONQUERRRRR! In the meantime, lets take a look at some of the fun things I've been doing!
about a month ago, I flew back to CA for two events: GW bachelor's party and Harry's graduation. GW bachelor's was fun bc it was fun to see the ol guy again and just catch up with the gang from mitty. we ended up staying at TW's cabin up in Truckee, and just drank and partied the first night there. I of course, took two power naps during the evening in time to wake up for poker and liar's dice (probably one of my fav games of all time). The next day we spent a great majority of the day playing an 18 hole golf course called Coyote Moon. It was the first weekend it opened so we got a sweet deal (only 65$ for the whole round!). I had a blaaaast! I was popping out some sweet iron shots and overall had a great time playing my first 18 holes ever. After that we (me GW/SW/SvdA/NP) showered up and met up with RY/TW/GB at the peppermill to bet on the sharks and play a lot of blackjack. most of the guys ended up playing pretty well - i had a pretty bad off night…but it was my first time at the casino in 2 years so it was just fun to be playing again. of course we made our obligatory trip to stripclubbbb but it wasn't really all that interesting….here's some pics!
the wolfpack
beer pong
the entire wolfpack (minus me)
one of many pics i have of coyote moon…simply gorgeous!
me and the bachelor and his buddy NP from penn - we were a trio that teed off together (SW/SvdA went before us with another pair)
last one of the course
Harry also graduated from Cal! Go Bears! On Monday my parents, NT, PT, and I all wound up going to berkeley to watch Harry graduate with a BA in CS in the EECS dept. so proud of my little brother, can't believe he's already done with college and is now in the workforce…today was actually his first day at work (flixster up in SF…gotta thank DX for hooking Harry up with his job!!!), but still it's pretty crazy to think of harry as a real adult now after watching him grow up behind me…I don't have any pics of my entire family on my iphone - those are all on my parents' cameras that I don't have on this laptop =( but in the meantime here are two pics of me and harry from his graduation
proud to be a cal alum…AND a cal BAND alum!!
pretty classic :)
yup, i think that about sums it up. that was back between may 16-22ish? gw is getting married at the end of this month (6/29/2013) so i'll be flying to wyoming in less than two weeks!!!! it's gonna be soo much fun and i can't wait to see him and KS get married!!
in the meantime MM (from mitty aaaaandddd cal annnnnnnnd cal BANDDDD!!) is out here in goldsboro for an opto rotation @ seymore johnson air force base. I picked her and her friend (LH…or LS kinda depends on how you want to go about it, it's confusing) from RDU a few weeks back and have basically hung out with them on and off at least once a week. it's nice to have an old friend out here on the east coast! way easier to connect and hang out :) hopefully we have a few more sessions before they fly back to cali aka the bay aka the yay aka homeeee!
im putting this up bc of MM's face
im putting this up bc this is classic
im putting this up bc i love LA and her bf DS - thx for driving that night my man i owe you one
lastly, here's a pic of harry at his first day of work (courtesy of DX again haha) LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that's all for now! gw's wedding is coming! GO GIANTS! f the niners losing and the dubs losing and the sharks losing…especially the niners/sharks…dubs was exciting as hell and omg curry/klay/barnes combo is gonna be so legit in the years to come but good lord why did the niners have to lose and good lord we should've beaten the kings!!!! stupid torres suspension/havlet injuries…destroyed our forward depth and sigh sigh sigh @ not getting that last TD….but can't lament about it anymore…
giants need to step it up, get healthy, get their starting pitching back on course and start winning some games bc this is starting to unravel way too fast!
thanks to all that read this!
eddie@1 year ago with 1 note


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Fitness Centers: No More Gym Intimidation (cont.)
Whatever gym you join, here are some tips for achieving workout success:
Originally published June 10, 2005.
SOURCES: Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief exercise physiologist, American Council on Exercise, San Diego. Joann Goodman, Austin, Texas. Kevin Steele, PhD, vice president, sales, 24 Hour Fitness, Carlsbad, Calif. Sally White, PhD, professor and dean, Lehigh University College of Education, Bethlehem, Pa. American Council on Exercise web site. WebMD feature: "Finding a Personal Fitness Trainer." WebMD feature: "The Gym Culture Handbook."
©2006 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.
Last Editorial Review: 7/24/2006