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Report of the 2004 Evian Encounter on the Himalayas and Mekong
Meeting Report
Wetland Conservation and Wise Use in the Himalayas - Hindu Kush - Pamir - Alay and the Mekong River Basin
1 - 5 November, 2004, Hotel Royal, Evian, France
The Evian Encounters are an important component of a Ramsar Convention project financed by the Groupe Danone, owner of the Evian Mineral Waters Society. The Encounters, of which this was the fifth since 1998, are designed to bring together high-level officials of the Convention's Contracting Parties, along with the Convention's NGO International Organisation Partners and other relevant international organizations, in order to discuss in an informal atmosphere the current approaches and challenges in the implementation of the Ramsar Convention.
The 2004 session was devoted to countries in the Himalaya-Hindu Kush-Allay region and Mekong river basin. As the Himalayas function as Asia's water tower, the roof of the world, and with unique cultural and ecological values, they are a real global focus for action. The Ramsar Convention Secretariat has been pleased to see a regional initiative emerging from the collective effort of the countries in the region, with the support of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and WWF International, as well as individual experts. This Evian Encounter 2004 meeting provided the opportunity for a valuable further step in consolidating the initiative, and to define its modus operandi, so as to support effective regional cooperation on the conservation and wise use of wetlands in the Himalayas' shared watersheds and river basins.
The report which follows focuses on the discussion and conclusions of the meeting, so as to record the issues and agreements on future directions and activities decided during the Encounter. We have not included the excellent detail of the presentations by each of the participants, since these were made available on CD-ROM to all participants during the Encounter.
Opening statements and discussions
The first session of the Encounter was opened by Peter Bridgewater, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, who warmly welcomed participants and set the scene by stressing the importance of taking an integrated approach to managing the world's water towers.
Christophe Lefevbre (Coordinator of the Danone Evian Ramsar Fund Programme and International Affairs Officer of the French Coastal and Lake Shore Conservancy) explained the activities of the Danone Evian Fund for Water in support of the Ramsar Convention implementation process around the world, work which focuses on communication, public awareness educational and training activities.
Each participant briefly summarised their role, responsibilities and areas of expertise, and shared their expectations from the Encounter. The list of participants is annexed to this report.
Douglas Taylor (Wetlands International) stressed the importance of undertaking a wetland inventory process so as to provide a sound basis for policy implementation in the development regional activities such as the proposed Himalayan Initiative.
Nick Davidson (Deputy Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention) reminded participants of the mission and main objectives of the Ramsar Convention, and its particular focus on practical and technical implementation of conservation and wise use; underlined the Convention's recognition of the importance of international cooperation for its deliver; and described the guidance for developing regional initiatives adopted by Contracting Parties at the 8th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP8, Valenicia, Spain, 2002). He used the example of the Convention's Mediterranean Wetland Initiative (MedWet) to describe how this initiative had been developed progressively since 1991, and then outlined the elements of the guidance adopted by COP8 in the Annex to Resolution VIII.30 concerning regional initiatives under the Convention - which should be considered in establishing any such initiative. Peter Bridgewater urged all participants to take fully into account during their discussions these important lessons about the regional initiatives.
Margarita Astrálaga (Senior Advisor for the Americas, Ramsar Convention Secretariat) shared her experiences with development of a regional initiative in Central and Latin America on conservation and wise use of High Andean wetlands as strategic ecosystems for conservation of biodiversity and poverty alleviation, which was endorsed by COP8. She urged the need to establish a regional strategy for any initiative, which should be designed to implement the initiative's vision and goal, and that initiatives should develop progressively and that large, resource-expensive administrative and governance structures should not be created before the initiative has resources for beginning on-the-ground implementation, such as through donor-funded projects. Another key early stage is to review national situations (policies, implementation mechanisms etc.), and what is known about the role and value of high altitude wetlands in each country. Summarising the national situation, such as that reported by Tajikistan concerning high-altitude wetlands, provide valuable sources of information to share in the development of a regional strategy.
Concerning developing coordination and governance mechanisms, Margarita Astrálaga outlined how these are being approached in the High Andean Initiative, whereby the coordination role will be shared sequentially between different organizations in different countries from time to time. This helps to increase the sense of network ownership and involvement by all stakeholders. The initiative partners did not want to have a formal Secretariat in the initial stages, since firstly it entails unnecessary bureaucracy, and second that the limited resources available to initial phases of an initiative should go primarily into the project implementation. A full regional coordination role should be developed only as and when the initiative expands with more support, including funding. This model has been followed by the MedWet Initiative, which started with project-based coordination and has progressively developed over 13 years to its present structure with a funded Coordination Unit which also supports further project development, and an advisory MedWet Committee.
Two further issues were raised in the discussions: a) how to set the 'downstream altitudinal limits' for high-altitude wetlands; and b) to what extent the initiative should include linkages with the downstream parts of the river basins originating in the Himalayas region.
Concerning downstream definitional limits, the Deputy Secretary General pointed out that what can be considered mountain wetlands and ecosystems is not as simple as a standard altitudinal limit, since the distribution of mountain ecosystems is also influenced by latitude and climate. He and Douglas Taylor recommended taking a pragmatic approach through assessing the functionality of different wetlands within the 'mountains to the sea' river basins, and focussing on those upper wetlands acting as providers and regulators of downstream flows, so maintaining downstream wetlands. In other words, those areas where locals communities are acting as 'guardians' of the water sources, hence maintaining wetland and water services to downstream 'users'.
It was recognised that to avoid the risk of 'dilution' of the Himalayas Initiative it should focus on these upper basin areas, where the local communities are often amongst the poorest, but that that the initiative should also seek to draw more attention to the upstream-downstream links and the need for downstream uses to recognise better that they are dependent for their continuing water and wetland services on the high-altitude 'guardian' communities, and encourage better linkages and support to the guardians from downstream users.
Guanchung Lei (Senior Advisor for Asia/Pacific) reviewed progress achieved by Himalayan Mountains Wetlands Conservation Initiative. He explained the complexity and diversity of ecosystems involved in the region, the strong religious and cultural attachment to them nature, and drew attention to the impact of climate change on glaciers. He stressed that the participation of the Mekong River Basin countries in this meeting demonstrates the basin-scale recognition the impact of changes happening in high-altitude ecosystems on downstream basins. The evolution of the initiative had started with the Urumqi workshop, through the Kathmandu and Sanya workshops and now this Evian Encounter. The main outcome of the Sanya workshop was unanimous recognition of a need for regional facility in form of an open partnership between country members. The objectives of the initiative established at the Sanya workshop include: inventory and collection of information, regional cooperation and sharing of knowledge, valuation of high-altitude wetlands, the impact on downstream and daily life and overall sustainability, enahancing capacity to manage wetlands, designation and management of transboundary Ramsar sites; CEPA to develop a common vision to increase awareness of the values of ecosystems, and the development of wetlands policies. A number of proposals have been developed including for wetland inventory (for EU funding by WI and ICIMOD), management of high-altitude lakes (ICIMOD), and regional network development and capacity building (WWF and Danone). A WWF/Danone training workshop will be held in June 2005. Guangchun Lei also presented a comparative analysis of the design of the Himalayan Iinitiative against the guidance annexed to Resolution VIII.30, and identified a number of gaps in the design of the Initiative, which needed further discussion during the Encounter.
Contracting Party presentations
Kun Lei made a presentation on the progress with Ramsar Convention implementation in China, with the focus on high-altitude wetlands. High-altitude systems cover nearly one-quarter of China, at the average altitude of 3,500 m amsl. The key priorities within the National programme in the Himalayan Region include establishment of upland wetland nature reserves, restoration and master-planning for specific wetlands, and international cooperation. Mr Lei presented Nick Davidson and Guangchun Lei the Ramsar Information Sheets for nine new Ramsar Site designations being made by China. The presentation was concluded with confirmation of the full support of China to the objectives of the Himalayan initiative.
Yousaf Qureshi from Pakistan requested help in identifying useful examples of community involvement in the conservation and management of wetlands. Mr. Kun Lei responded that China has begun to realise the importance of community participation but that as yet the overall process is still dominated by governmental decisions due to the lack of awareness and economic constraints. Dr. Xu Jianchu of ICIMOD mentioned example of two sites. One is near a UNESCO World heritage site where there has been established a committee with active public participation; and the other in the Tri rivers area where some level of involvement of civil society has taken place, but this area proved to be far too large to achieve full engagement, and the community participation was almost invisible to the government. The Deputy Secretary General suggested that priority should be given at an early stage of the initiative to community participation issues.
Siddarth Kaul stressed the significance of high-altitude wetlands as a source of freshwater and a role of wetlands in general in recharging groundwater, the impact of climate change as a pressing problem on high-altitude wetlands, and underlined that this regional initiative is a vital step forward to address these issues. He noted that research and development should support policy and management activities. He outlined that his expectations from the Encounter were: a confirmation of the need for the regional initiative, but stressed that before its full launching all countries can make a start already through exchanges of personnel and data, cooperation on transboundary sites, and considering ways and means of establishing a regional support facility.
Avazbek Arynov outlined the two main current issues concerning Kyrgyz wetlands. The first concerns the size of Lake Issyk-kul as a designated Ramsar site. This was originally designated by the former Soviet Union to include the area of the entire lake. During the re-designation process by the Kyrgyz Republic in 2002 on its accession to the Convention, the site area was restricted to a cluster of 12 nature reserve around the lake. After receiving a letter of concern from the Secretariat about such a drastic Ramsar site boundary restriction the State Forestry is now reconsidering the case. The second issue is a recent reduction in the legal level of protection status of the high-altitude lake Chatyr-Kul. This wetland received a 2003 Ramsar Small Grant Fund project for preparation of the Ramsar Information Sheet for the designation of the lake. After receiving expressions of concern from the Ramsar Secretariat, the government is now reviewing the case based on the recommendation of the State Forestry Service to restore the full protection status of this unique high-altitude lake.
Santi Boonprakub described progress in Ramsar implementation by Thailand. The key issues concern developing further stakeholder involvement in planning and participatory management, based on good experiences of this process in the Krabi Estuary and Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area pilot areas; and improving linkage between local, regional and national levels in planning, management and implementation.
Kokul Kasirov recognised the challenges faced by Tajikistan for Ramsar implementation, notably the lack of resources and capacity. A particular difficulty is that Russian is not an official Convention language, noting that at least 15 Contracting Parties in the region operate in Russian language and there is limited language capacity for the convention official languages. He also urged the organisation of a training workshop regarding the Convention and its implementation for Central Asian countries. It was noted that such a workshop could form part of a future Ramsar Small Grant Fund proposal which could be submitted jointly by Central Asian Parties, and which might include also proposals to increase English-language capacity within the countries. [Note. The issue of increasing the number of official Convention languages has been kept under regular review by the secretariat and Standing Committee, and at present remains a capacity and resource limitation issue. However, the secretariat strives to ensure that amongst its staff are speakers of other languages such as Russian, Chinese and Arabic so as to facilitate communication and support to Contracting Parties in which such languages are more widely spoken than the official Convention languages.]
Laxmi Prasad Manandhar described the wetlands conservation and management activities underway in Nepal, noting that whilst Nepal is rich in biodiversity its wetlands are facing increasing socio-economic and biophysical pressures.
Abdul Mutaleb summarised the status of wetlands in Bangladesh, and focussed on two designated Ramsar sites: Tanguar haor and Sundarbans, covering the main activities of the Ministry of Environment and Forests for the management and conservation of these two unique wetlands ecosystems. The Sundarbans is a tranboundary wetland shared with India, and some collaboration at local level has taken place in terms of conservation efforts for the Bengal tiger population and public awareness campaigns with local communities - but political barriers remain to full- scale international cooperation. Dr Kaul suggested that there are further opportunities for collaboration in relation to exchanges of personnel and information on other wetland topics. The DSG mentioned that there is increasing activity developing for the designation of transboundary wetlands as Ramsar sites in several parts of the world, and that the Secretariat is developing briefing notes for Contracting Parties on appropriate approaches and experiences in such designations, and noted that for the first time two Parties (Belgium and Luxembourg) have jointly designated an internationally important transboundary wetlands as a Ramsar site.
Pre-accession country presentations
Raling Nawang Drukdra described his country's high biodiversity, and noted the human population of Bhutan is only 700,000 people. The Government policy for biodiversity conservation is to keep at least 60% of natural areas undisturbed. This is being achieved thanks mainly to the efforts of local communities, who attach strong cultural and religious beliefs to wetlands and nature in general. However, implementing capacity is low, and when Bhutan joins the Convention it would expect some support for capacity-building. Bhutan has transboundary wetlands areas with India and with China, and attention to these will be another priority for the country after its accession to the Convention.
Lao PDR
Mr Boribun Sanasisane expressed the will of his government to join the Ramsar Convention. An RIS has already been prepared drafted for a candidate first Ramsar site, and further promotion and awareness activities in the government are being developed, including through a current Ramsar Small Grants Fund project so as to accelerate the accession process. Being one of the member countries of the Mekong River Basin Commission, Lao PDR has been involved in the development and implementation of many programmes and projects related to wetlands, which continue to be subjected to many threats and pressures, notably increasing human population pressure, and urbanisation/development of wetlands.
Mr Tin Tun explained to the audience that Myanmar has got a long history of forest management dated back 1859 but realises that international cooperation is indispensable for long-term effect. Myanmar is a home for many types of wetlands including high-altitude ones and all play an important role in lives of people. In 2004 Myanmar finally decided to accede, having recognised the importance of conservation and wise use of wetlands resources. The key issues in the implementation process will be stakeholders participation and international cooperation. [Note. Since the 2004 Evian Encounter Myanmar has advised the secretariat that it has transmitted its accession papers to UNESCO, which acts as the Convention's legal depository.]
First day concluding remarks
Margarita Astrálaga (Ramsar Secretariat) provided some thoughts and feedback on the day's presentations and discussions. She especially noted Thailand's experience in successfully developing participatory approaches to wetland management, an approach which is very transferable to implementation by other countries, and she recognised the approach as a lesson learned for consideration by Neotropical countries in their forthcoming Americas COP9 regional meeting as a priority aspect to be incorporated in the High Andean Initiative.Drawing on her experience with the development of the High Andean Initiative, she urged the Encounter to take several issues into account in their discussions about the development of the Himalayan Initiative:
Undertaking a systematic analysis of on-going projects (since many donors are interested in high mountain ecosystems), and it is important to keep track of on-going activities in this area so as to identify the gaps and overlaps and also to know which donors to approach for potential support for further development and future implementation of the Initiative.
Development of a regional strategy as a way to ensure a common vision and common approach to the issues of high-altitude wetlands. It should provide the direction of where to go with all planned and ongoing activities. By identifying the national priorities, the priorities for all regional countries could be set.
The governance structure of the High Andean Initiative is very simple, whereas the proposed setup for Himalayan Initiative is complicated and without giving a clear indication how/where to find resources - a simple step-by-step approach is more suitable at the early stage of initiative development.
International Organisation presentations
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
Xu Jianchu presented the ICIMOD's perspectives on mountains in the Himalayan and other regions. He stressed the complexity of the issues involved and the challenges which need to be addressed by policy and decision-makers.
Mekong River Commission (MRC)
Chumnarn Pongsri described the objectives and work of the MRC, and in particular the technical environmental work which he oversees in his capacity of director of the MRC Environmental Division. Integrated Water Resource Management applied within the river basin is a key principle of the agreement between the countries of Lower Mekong river basin.
WWF International
Denis Landenbergue (WWF Freshwater Programme) introduced the activities of his programme in relation to supporting development of integrated river basin management (IRBM) initiatives and increasing capacity in countries for Ramsar site designations and management around the world, and shared the key lessons learnt from this experience. There are a wealth now of different terminologies and approaches, including basin-scale network commissions, authorities and other transboundary organisations tackling basin-scale water resource and land-use planning and management. It was recognised that there is no single model that fits all, since the approach should be always context-based, depending on for example the key ecosystems, population demographies and economies of the particular basin. Initiatives have begun for different reasons and with different priorities: the MRC had an initial focus on hydropower generation and then gradually recognised the importance of an integrated and international approach; the Lake Chad Basin Initiative has focussed on addressing land-use issues; and the Niger Basin Initiative with the designation of protection areas - an approach which has been endorsed by the heads of state of the nine countries participating in the Niger Basin Authority. The nine countries have also reached agreement on a shared vision and have adopted a Memorandum of Understanding through which they commit to not undertake development activities without the preliminary agreement with other potentially affected countries in the basin. The Mekong Basin Commission countries address such issues through identifying three levels of impact: minor impact, for which no preliminary agreement is needed, a medium-level impact, which requires prior consultations, and a significant impact which necessitates an agreement being reached between all countries prior to any development.
It was suggested that a useful future action could be to call a workshop, under Ramsar Convention auspices, to bring together representatives from various basin commissions and initiatives to share experiences and profile different approaches and solutions. Nick Davidson noted that there might be opportunity for such a mechanism as part of development of a capacity-building programme on wetlands and water issues in Africa being currently developed by the Ramsar International Organisation Partner group to, through and after COP9.
University of Fribourg
Martin Beniston reviewed current scientific understanding of climate change, and in particular its current impacts and future scenarios for mountain ecocystems especially in the Himalaya. Although some predictions have a degree of uncertainty, there is now strong consensus that climate change is occurring, and will certainly continue to occur in the future, with rising temperatures leading to widespread rapid melting of glaciers, and likely shifting of monsoon rainfall patterns taking place. This is likely to increase water stress in some river basins and there are also major problems developing in the upper catchments from flash floods from glacial lake outflows as glaciers retreat. The importance and issues of mountains ecosystems have not been properly considered in intergovernmental processes (where the focus has been largely on forests): for instance, at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 it was put on the agenda the last minute.
Wetlands International (WI)
Douglas Taylor described the development of wetland inventory opportunities and initiatives in the Himalayan Mountain Region as Wetlands International's proposed contribution to the initial phase of the Initiative, developed from the available Asian Wetland Inventory methodology, which is a multi-scalar approach from landscapes to individual wetlands. A joint WI/ICIMOD pilot project proposal has been submitted for funding to the European Union to undertake wetland inventory for high-altitude wetlands in China, India, Nepal and Bhutan. Several other country participants in the Encounter expressed interest in such a project being extended to cover other countries in the region.
Developing a Himalayan regional initiative
The general consensus amongst the countries of the region on the need for a regional Himalayan wetlands initiative was re-affirmed.
Discussion on further development of the Initiative focussed on developing a regional strategy for delivery of the common vision; the geographical and altitudinal (high altitude and downstream) scope and focus; identification of additional key objectives to those developed by the Sanya workshop; simplifying coordination and governance structures, and the next steps towards Ramsar COP9, including priorities for project development for initiating implementation.
Developing a Regional Strategy for Himalayan wetlands
It was agreed that a Regional Strategy is needed to identify how to deliver the common Vision for the Initiative (which itself also needs to be developed), and the Initiative's objectives. It should set the context within which to set priorities, and to develop regional projects.
The key priority issues which, from the countries' perspectives, would benefit from regional action and which should be identified in the Strategy were identified as: climate change impacts and adaptation responses; approaches to enforcement of legislation; engaging participatory involvement of all stakeholders; empowering high-altitude wetland custodian communities through incentives and education and awareness and capacity building; development of policy and management plans; inventory and assessment; cultural values of wetlands; traditional knowledge, including traditional medicine; hydrological aspects in management of wetlands, the role of wetlands in groundwater recharge and aquifers; the role of wetlands in poverty alleviation and wealth generation; engaging improved awareness of wetland values and services at local government level; promoting downstream and upstream linkages; and addressing common issues of ecological safety (wetlands-related disasters).
In support of the Strategy, it was agreed that an early step in the Initiative should be to undertake a systematic analysis of relevant ongoing projects and Initiatives in the regions, and to undertake a "Key gaps analysis", and to then identify donors interested in supporting work on the topics relevant to the initiative priority issues.
Participants established a working group to develop a draft Regional Strategy for consultation. [Note. This group met on the day following the Encounter to initiate its work.] The Strategy document should be very simple as a broad framework of directions and it should be endorsed by the governments of the region covered by the Initiative. Some of countries could act as initial sponsors for specific activities, where these are in line with the national priorities.
Confirming the Objectives of the Initiative
The Encounter confirmed that the Initiative objectives developed at the Sanya Workshop were appropriate, but three additional objective topics were identified and which should be addressed at a regional scale through the Initiative:
- Community-driven participatory management (building especially from Thailand's experiences);
- Valuation of wetland ecosystem services as a tool for informing decision-making; and
- Linking upstream - downstream - upstream livelihood support
A description of each of these objectives needs to be developed and added to the suite of 'Sanya workshop objectives'.
Defining the geographical scope of the Initiative
Over-expanding the scope of the Initiative, at least in its initial phases, has a strong risk of spreading the activities too widely and thinly to be effective. It was agreed that the focus of the Initiative should be on the broad Himalayan region high-altitude wetlands and water management. As and when appropriate, the Initiative should establish working links and joint projects with basin-scale initiatives in the region (e.g. with the Mekong Basin countries through the MRC) and seek to encourage others, so as to address the "upstream-downstream-upstream" linkages issue in particular.
Phasing the development of the Initiative
Noting that in its early stages the MedWet Initiative was about scientific and technical implementation - a programme of demonstrable actions before developing governmental involvement at the policy support level was sought - an early phase of the Himalayan Initiative could most effectively focus on scientific and technical aspects, such as the proposed WI/ICIMOD inventory programme.
Applying a phased approach to the development of the initiative, the first phase should be to develop a common vision and a strategy which describes the way to go towards achieving this vision. High Andean countries' first steps were through building on an existing small basin initiative, as a mechanism for stimulating expansion of the initiative.
Gaining political support and initiative authorisation
There was general agreement that a regional initiative agreement - 'Himalayan Initiative Framework Agreement' should be drafted for endorsement by national governments, provisionally at the Ramsar Asia regional meeting in February 2005 in India.
Developing coordination and governance mechanisms
The Encounter discussed the Himalayan Initiative in the light of the experience of the progressive development of the Ramsar Convention's Mediterranean Wetland Initiative (MedWet) and the issues emerging from the development of the High Andean wetlands initiative, noting that a coordination unit for MedWet was not financially feasible at the outset - rather the function was first delivered through initial and progressive donor-funded project coordination. With the maturing and growth of MedWet, a coordination unit was later established and which is financed from several sources: ongoing projects overheads; generous support of the host country (Greece) where the MedWet Coordination Unit office is based; additional annual contributions from all Mediterranean Ramsar Parties; and an allocation from the Ramsar core budget line for the regional initiative for 2002-2005. It has taken some time to establish such a structure and secure these funds. Similarly, the Medwet advisory committee was created subsequent to the initial development of the initiative, and its meetings still need to be funded through additional voluntary contributions from donor countries in the regional and elsewhere.
The Encounter recognised that the Himalayan Initiative should have a simple and evolving governance and coordination structure at first, and then develop this as and when resources become available, and to focus on initially developing and funding some initial projects to start delivery of priority objectives.
Participants identified the following issues and opportunities concerning developing coordination and governance for the Initiative:
- Potential donors are unlikely to be interested in funding the establishment of secretariats, coordination units and other bureaucratic mechanisms - rather, any project funding would need to be for on-the-ground implementation. However, initial development of coordination could be done through such project mechanisms and overheads.
- The role of technical advisory committee could be played by a working group of collaborating countries and organisations participating in the Initiative.
- The Ramsar Secretariat could, resources and capacity permitting, assist in guiding initial coordination - but in line with Resolution VIII.30 the Ramsar Secretariat should not perform the coordination function for the Initiative.
- To facilitate initial networking, communication and dissemination of materials, the Ramsar secretariat could assist be establishing an email listserve for participants in the Initiative development.
- Wetlands International and ICIMOD could act as technical advisors for the initial phase for project development and implementation, as demonstrated through their wetlands inventory pilot project proposal.
Resourcing development of the Initiative
Participants identified the following issues and opportunities concerning developing funding and capacity for the Initiative:
- The situation in Himalayan region is very different from that of MedWet, since there are no donor countries in the Himalayan region - so any donor funding will need to come from outside the region covered by the Initiative.
- Existing and/or completed projects and mechanisms relevant to the Initiative should be identified and used to build upon as much as possible as initial contributions to implementation, and so as to demonstrate the added value of the Initiative. Examples identified by participants include an existing wetland education centre already constructed in Kyrgyzstan, and a similar development in Pakistan. Opportunities for such development can and should be identified through the Strategic review of projects and initiatives in the region.
- As far as possible existing and imminent projects should be used to profile and demonstrate that implementation of some of the Initiative's objectives are attracting donor funding support. Notably, the current Danone/WWF project will support further networking and capacity building in the coming year, including through its planned technical workshop in June 2005. Likewise the Wetlands International/ICIMOD inventory proposal, if funded, would demonstrate an important kick-start to that objective of the Initiative.
- The June 2005 workshop provides an opportunity to plan a technical and scientific programme, including preparation of a list of brief project concepts (and summaries of current projects) relevant to the delivery of each of the Initiative's objectives.
- A multi-country regional project, designed to support further development and initial implementation of the initiative, should be developed as a priority.
Participants considered that it would be helpful to seek the recognition of the Ramsar Convention at COP9 for support for further development of the Initiative. Two options exist for COP9 support: endorsement of the Initiative and encouragement for its further development (i.e. as was done for the High Andean initiative by COP8); or such endorsement plus a request for financial support for the start-up of the Initiative from a core budget line for 2005-2008 for regional initiatives.
This matter should be further discussed at the Asia regional COP9 preparatory meeting in India in February 2005, taking into consideration the following points:
There may be strong 'competition' for any such core budget line established by COP9, and any initiative considering making such a request should decide first if it is sufficiently mature and developed in its approach as to be able to use such resourcing as seed funding to yield maximum added-value - and to be able to demonstrate this by 2008. It may therefore be more appropriate for the Himalayan Initiative to seek COP9 endorsement, and use this endorsement to support project proposals for initial funding - and then subsequently to consider requesting an allocation of core convention funds.
The Ramsar Secretariat anticipated that so as to make a coherent proposal to COP9, the Standing Committee will request any regional initiative seeking COP9 endorsement and/or funding to provide sufficient information about its approach and capacity for it to be assessed against each aspect of the guidance Annexed to Resolution VIII.30, i.e. for the Standing Committee and COP to establish if the proposed initiative is suitable to be recognised as a Ramsar regional initiative.
Any requests concerning budgetary issues will need to be considered by the Standing Committee Subgroup on Finance, in relation to its consideration of proposed 2005-2008 Convention budget, during the 31st meeting of the Standing Committee in June 2005.
Any requests for core budget line support would need to be accompanied by a clear breakdown and explanation of what such an allocation will be used for, and how it relates to any other available funding and/or funding being sought.Rather than Contracting Parties submitting a large number of separate draft COP9 Resolutions on different regional initiatives, it is anticipated that the Standing Committee will urge such Parties and initiatives to submit to them elements of the proposed Resolutions, such that the COP may receive and consider a single consolidated draft Resolution on regional initiatives. This would be in line with the intent of Resolution VIII.45 concerning ways and means of streamlining and simplifying consideration of scientific and technical issues by COP.
An Action Plan for the Initiative development towards COP9
The following action plan and timeframes of further development of the initiative was agreed at the meeting:
November 2004 to February 2005
- Develop a draft Regional Framework Initiative Agreement (Working Group: GL (Ramsar Secretariat), China, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, WWF)
- Prepare draft Initiative proposal, including a summary Strategy (and very brief summary of current implementation activities relevant to the objectives of the Initiative) & description against each element of COP8 VIII.30 Guidance
- Identify any Ramsar Core budget line request to be made.
9-12 February 2005
- Discuss and agree draft Initiative documents and future approach during the Asia regional COP9 preparatory meeting in India.
By end of April 2005
- submit request for Himalayan Initiative COP9 support to Standing Committee (& its
Finance Sub-group if funding is to be requested)
June 2005
- Standing Committee will consider all regional initiative requests and will prepare its advice to COP9, provisionally in the form of a "Regional Initiatives" draft COP9 Resolution.
June 2005
- Ramsar Technical Workshop (supported by Danone/WWF) in India - develop technical project and implementation ideas (workshop plans to be to be discussed by end of 2004 between WWF India and India Ministry)
7-15 November 2005:
- COP9 and COP9 Budget Committee considers all regional initiative proposals.
Cooperation with other regional initiatives
The Participants of the Evian Encounter 2004 requested that the following message be transmitted to the participants of the Americas COP9 regional preparatory meeting (Merida, Mexico, November 2004).
The participants considering the development of the Himalayas regional initiative:
- Are appreciative of the advice and experience concerning the development of the High Andes initiative presented to them by the Ramsar Secretariat's Senior Advisor for the Americas; and
- Suggest establishing and maintaining an exchange of information and experience between the initiatives in their further developments to COP9 and beyond so as to identify common interests and understanding
Acknowledgements and thanks
The participants of the Evian Encounter 2004 wish to express their gratitude to the Danone Group and the Evian Water Company and their staff for their support through the Danone/Ramsar project which permitted the holding of the Encounter, and to the staff of the Royal Hotel, Evian, France, for ensuring the smooth running of the meeting and for providing a most conducive atmosphere for their valuable and important debates concerning enhancing wetland conservation and wise use in the Himalayas - Hindu Kush - Pamir - Alay and the Mekong River Basin region.


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Covered in an action-packed, statement making and colourful cartoon print, this backpack adds instant oopmh to your daytime wardrobe. Fill with your daily essentials - protecting your laptop in the padded sleeve and keeping your essential to hand in the outer pocket and head out for the day in carefree retro chic.
Wear this backpack with stonewash jeans, hi-top kicks and a crop top for a daytime look that sleeks your street style.
Useful info:
- Backpack by Mi-Pac
- All-over Americana print
- Woven construction
- Faux suede bottom
- Adjustable padded straps
- Top carry handle
- Zipped front pocket
- Internal padded lap-top sleeves
Colour: Multi. Polyester.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
What do we want?Gradual Change!
When do we want it?Incrementally!
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a free tumblr theme designed by brand. build. sell.
student, webmistress, piano player, coffee consumer, wanna-be linguist, couch potato; and above all: digital native.
sometimes i'm perceived ANTI-RELIGIOUS; but I'd rather be perceived ANTI-HARM and ANTI-PRETENDING and ANTI-LIE.


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We have a wide selection of upper body workout routines and strength training exercises designed for all fitness levels. Target all areas of your body from your shoulders and upper arms to your thighs and lower abs with these full-body exercises. The American Council on Exercise is committed to helping all workout enthusiasts reach their fitness goals safely and efficiently. For full-body workouts featuring these exercises, visit our Workouts section.
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Summer drinks can be so refreshing (especially when sipped poolside, right?). But most of those drinks can pack a caloric punch. But here's some good news: You can still enjoy a refreshing summer beverage without packing on the pounds. Here are some great tricks and tips to...
Fitness and movement are too much fun to let it be boring, argues ACE Certified Pro Jonathan Ross, who explains how to use walking games to make your walking workouts more enjoyable. After all, when exercise is more fun, you don't have to force yourself to do it!
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Business Ideas in the News / July 7, 2011
Kids may not show much interest in math and science in a traditional setting, but Camp Invention puts a whole new spin on the idea. The camp was created to help inspire children to open their minds and become innovators, reports Bonner County Daily Bee.
"The main mission here is to get kids interested in science," said Bob Parker, inventor of the digital thermometer, battery charge tester and other thermal-oriented technologies.
It's a good thing, then, that about 80 first through sixth-graders get plenty of education amidst all the fun. The kids had opportunities to play games, plan inventions and undertake entertaining lessons of science in action. For example, at the "work for food" booth, campers could charge a generator with kinetic energy by pedaling a stationary bicycle. Volunteers then used the energy to power blenders, whipping up a tasty smoothy for the camper.
Kids also got to see camp co-founder and famed inventor Forrest Bird's medical respirator work its magic on a pair of pig lungs. The display provides an informative and entertainingly gross lesson in science and anatomy. It also demonstrates the difference in effectiveness between a pink, healthy lung and a brown, damaged smoker's lung.
Parker himself had the chance to school kids on imagination, persistence and creativity — all necessary traits for the would-be inventor.
"One idea can be used to change the world around you," he said.
Image from Camp Invention
Originally posted by Angela Shupe on July 7, 2011 in Ideas.
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text:
Committee to study Harper school issues
Solving problems facing students and educators at Harper Elementary go beyond the possibility of physically moving 525 kindergarten and first graders from the existing building to another location.
That's the message a group of concerned Harper supporters heard Wednesday from Dr. Dan Rawls, Webster Parish superintendent of schools. Some of those attending the meeting will be members of a committee tasked with finding a solution to problems at the school.
"There's a lot of things we're going to look at, not just physically moving students and changing buildings," Rawls said. "We're going to look very carefully at how this is going to impact instruction."


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Sophie Bennett ♡ 6 ♡ Grade 1 ♡ Babytard/Emmi Butler ♡ reserve
What is your full name? First. Middle. Last. Do you have a nickname? is there a backstory to your nickname?
Hihi! I'm Sophie Bennett! That's my full name. Well my middle is Kate but I don't use that a lot unless I'm in trouble. Then daddy uses it. His name is Benny. Benjamin Bunnymun! Just so you know. I call him my Bunny though. Mummy made me keep her last name cause mummy and daddy aren't married and I mostly live with daddy and jamie now but I used to live with mommy and jamie a lots of the time. And Jack was there too!
How old are you and when is your birthday? What have you been told about your birth?
I am six! And was borns on june the eleventh! I dunno how i was born. Mommies used to say the stork!
Who are your parents? What's your relationship with your parents like?
My daddy is . . Benny! -giggles- And my mama. Well her name is… uhm. .. mommy? I dunno. I forgets it I'm sorry! But I love them both lots and lots and lots and lots!
Do you have any siblings? If so what are they're names? Do you have a good or bad relationship with them?
I HAVE TWO BIG BROTHERS! There is Jamie, me and him fights lots and lots cause he's silly and dumb. But I still love him cause he's my big brother. And then there is my Steps brother. I dunno why they call hims that he doesn't looks like stairs. His name is jack. Jackie is my bestest brother cause he's super nice to me. I love him lots and lots and lots! Just like mommy and daddy cause we are a big family. He has a different daddy though so he has a different last name then me. It's Frostman. Jack Frostman.
What's the strongest memory you have from when you were a child?
But I am a child? So don't have any other kinds of memories. You're silly for that question though!
What about your greatest memory at the Academy. Tell us something about that.
Uhmmmms I liked the memory of when I first started kindygarten! And made lots and lots of friends! It was a good day. A GOOD DAY!
How would you describe yourself? Give us both good and bad traits.
I am very very happy! and very very talkative and people say sometimes I'm too talkative but I say shut up. Jack says that's a bad word and I shouldn't say it but I don't care because when people are mean. I get means back. It's only fair!


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Center fielder Nate McLouth stayed off the disabled list and in the Braves' opening day lineup after passing tests Sunday to convince trainers – and manager Bobby Cox – that he and his hamstring were ready.
"He feels he can go," Cox said of McLouth, who was slowed Friday and Saturday by a sore right hamstring. "Range of motion was good, everything was good. He did everything. He's fine."
Cox added, "And if he's not, we'll go to Plan B tomorrow."
McLouth slumped badly during spring training and has dropped from the leadoff spot to eighth in the order for opening day Monday against the Chicago Cubs and pitcher Carlos Zambrano.
Melky Cabrera will start in left field and bat leadoff in the opener, and would move to center field if McLouth has any problems with his hamstring.
Matt Diaz isn't in the lineup, but Cox told his players that all four primary outfielders – McLouth, Cabrera, Diaz and rookie right fielder Jason Heyward – would play plenty this season.
Diaz is expected to get plenty of starts in left field against left-handed pitchers and probably some right-handers, too.
McLouth was relieved to avoid the DL to start a season he believes is full of promise for the Braves.
"It's good feeling to know that we have the type of team that we feel like can contend right from the beginning," he said. "We're in a tough division, but we're part of what makes it tough, and we think we have a good shot to compete in the division and ultimately compete for a playoff spot."
Kawakami pitches in minor league game
With his regular-season debut still a week away, Kenshin Kawakami was sent to pitch in a minor league game Sunday.
The Japanese right-hander pitched four strong innings for Class AAA Gwinnett in an intrasquad game, allowing four hits, one run and no walks with five strikeouts. He threw 58 pitches.
Kawakami is scheduled to start next Sunday at San Francisco in the sixth game of the season. Opening-day starter Derek Lowe is set to pitch again in Game 5 and will be on regular rest because of an off day in the schedule Tuesday.
Jair Jurrjens will pitch Wednesday against the Cubs, followed by Tommy Hanson on Thursday and Tim Hudson in the series opener Friday against the Giants.
April 4th, 2010
4:58 pm
April 4th, 2010
5:02 pm
I had a lot of hopes that McLouth would be "the man" but he has been disappointing, to say the least. Really hope he turns it around this year. If not, Melky looks like a ballplayer.
April 4th, 2010
5:28 pm
I'm curious as to why Esco is batting so low, I'm guessin Bobby wants to put him into some RBI situations that will lead to some nice production from the bottom of the order with the JHay Kid! Heading to Atlanta in the morning!! Let's go out and support our team with a full house tommorow!!!!!
April 4th, 2010
5:43 pm
Esco is at the bottom because he hasn't proven to be a situational hitter. Too selfish at the plate (He hasn't shown he'll sacrifice his bat for a runner . . . but he can hit)
April 4th, 2010
5:57 pm
Esco has high batting average with RISP
April 4th, 2010
6:48 pm
I hope that that McLouth does not get spot light syndrom. it sometimes hits small market players, when they come to the bigger cities. thats why not everyone is cut out for new york. at least we dont have to worry about that happening to Melky. now if he can only reach his potential and be a solid player for us, then there is hope. Ive got a feeling that we are gonna need him. I dont like some of the things im seeing from McLouth.
April 4th, 2010
7:49 pm
Kind of odd that Diaz hits over .300 EVERY year but isn't starting over McLouth who may have had the worst spring of any MLB player. And to top it off Mclouth has a sore hammy! WTF!!! I know Cox is a good manager but sometimes……
April 4th, 2010
8:15 pm
Esco is batting lower to take advantage of his ability to hit with RISP. Prado is actually a better situational hitter (bunts, advancing runners, etc) than Esco, so he is a better fit at #2 while Esco has more power and RBI ability and therefore is a better fit at #6.
April 4th, 2010
8:54 pm
RomeDawg, how sore is McLouth's hammy? Seems like you know more about it than the Braves do.
April 4th, 2010
9:57 pm
Although I love Matt Diaz to death, the reason he consistently hits over .300 every year, is because of how well the Braves use him in a platoon role.
April 5th, 2010
12:05 am
9:57 pm — Can't buy into that. I think Diaz is an everyday player who has been held back by the manager for the last two or three years.
April 5th, 2010
12:22 am
Agree. Diaz should be a full time starter. Look at the outstanding play Diaz had last year when the Braves OF depth sucked and forced them to play Diaz every game.
The guy can flat out hit. His defense is not special but because he plays hard, it is very serviceable. Platooning him only slows him down.
I give him a big pat on the back for not causing a stink about it.
April 5th, 2010
1:10 am
Two years ago Diaz was named a starter, he struggled badly and then got hurt. I have posted on here before and will once again Diaz is the best 4th OFer in MLB. But he is not an everyday player. He doesnt draw walks and top notch righties make him look bad. I am a huge Diaz fan, hes a very good hitter when protected and a underrated fielder.
April 5th, 2010
3:18 am
Matt Diaz is a good man, a class act and a team player. You haven't and you won't hear a peep out of him about his situation. That's what team players do. He learned it early in life due to good parenting, and later in life that carried over to his years playing at Florida State University, where the best players there are all team players under Mike Martin and his assistants there. He can't do anything more than what he's already done to earn a starting spot with the Braves. But mark it down… he will get lots of at bats and be the main reason for many wins for the Braves this year, because that's what he's always done.
April 5th, 2010
4:06 am
Diaz is an everyday player and he proved it last year for sure. He has shown that he can hit lefties and righties, and play all three outfield positions well. If all goes as planned the Braves should be in great shape in outfield with the players that they have.
April 5th, 2010
4:13 am
By the way, top notch righties make a lot of good right hand hitters look bad. But, he does need to be more selective about what he swings at, and try to wait for better pitches.
April 5th, 2010
7:45 am
K.K. would be the third starter on some teams and he is our 5th. Braves starting pitching is once again the class and envy of all of baseball. Should be one heck of a fun season….go Braves!
April 5th, 2010
8:22 am
McLouth's legs are like Mike Hampton's arms!! I hope that doesn't come back to bite us.
April 5th, 2010
9:40 am
I thought we were going to leave Heyward in Gwinette for a couple of weeks? I read a few weeks ago, if we did, he would have to stay with Atlanta another year (6 years) before becoming a free agent. I guess we can now plan on him being gone in 5 years!
April 5th, 2010
10:08 am
rme — U been on da moon, the last few weeks?
April 5th, 2010
10:19 am
U still shoulda heard about Heyward, even in outer space!
April 5th, 2010
10:41 am
something tells me rme is just ruffling feathers…I don't recognize his/her moniker…therefore I think the comment is fake. He/She just wants the comments section to explode!
April 5th, 2010
11:13 am
I don't know OR care how McLouth's hammy is, my point being start Diaz. I realize some of you say he is a 4th outfielder, however wouldn't today be a great day to start him? Isn't this why you have a 4th outfielder, when your everyday guy is banged up and not hitting? Why does Bobby reward a horrible spring with an opening day start for McLouth?
April 5th, 2010
2:13 pm
Im not sure they are doing McLouth any favors hitting him eighth, though I guess it might make him look at a few more pitches
Diaz is a victim of the same old, same old way of thinking in baseball. He's a platoon player basically because that's what he's always been. You see the same thing in reverse with guys who are first round picks–they get chance after chance with the team that wasted the pick, and then somebody else grabs them.
On the other hand we got Diaz for nothing from the Royals (who still havent had an OF as good). The scouts probably said (cause that's what their lazy butts heard from the Royals scouts) He kills lefties but cant hit RHers and isnt good defensively
What this ignores, of course, is that good players work on the weak parts of their game. But the rep is hard to shake. Diaz is probably an average LF now cause he worked on it—certainly better than Garrett the Slug. Same with his baserunning. I love the kid and hope he gets a chance to shine again this year
April 5th, 2010
2:14 pm
sorry about the long post. A pet peeve I guess
April 8th, 2010
11:00 am
McLouth should be the fourth outfielder and given a spot on the bench. He may have potential but from what I have seen since he came from Pittsburgh he is not living up to it.


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text:
I just want to tell you, it takes everything in me not to call you. and I wish I could run to you and I hope you know that every time I don't, I almost do.
We made quite a mess babe, we're probably better off this way. And I confess baby, in my dreams you're touching my face, and asking me if I want to try again with you, and I almost do.
Smoking in bed and listening to my Lana Del Rey/Frank Ocean playlist. Bliss, I swear.
As of last night my life is over. I'm 18 yet my parents treat me like I'm 12. I'm over it.
It's official! I'm going to Santa Barbara the weekend of the 15th to visit my best friend! I miss her so much.
I wish I could wake up and be five to ten to fifteen pounds lighter just so it'd be easier to lift myself out of my bed. I feel heavy these days. Not in a fat way, necessarily, but in a "need to sleep more and forget what I look like" way.
I'm getting my puppy on either Sunday or Monday! Please help me name her, I'm having a tough time!
Last night I went to a kickback and I got really drunk. Usually I'm not a sad drunk but I guess last night I was. Anyway I was crying to my friend Jasmin about my life and everything and then once I got home I literally wanted to die. I tweeted that I was going to kill myself (even though it was barely readable) and I wrote on facebook "goodbye" (and that was barely readable too). I dont know why, but I decided to lay in my brothers bed because he had fallen asleep on the bed downstairs. I am guessing that I passed out in the process of thinking about how I was going to kill myself, why I wanted to, and the aftermath of it all, because I woke up at 4 am to my mom screaming and crying. Basically word got around really fast about my tweets and statuses because everyone was writing on my wall, tweeting me, calling me, and texting me. And eventually, this guy I went to highschool with even came to my house at 4am to make sure that I was ok. When he did, my mom came running upstairs and couldn't find me so of course she was freaking out but then eventually found me in my brother's bed. I've never seen her cry so hard. And then 20 minutes later, the police showed up at my house. Basically parents both know now that I'm an avid drinker and still depressed even after therapy and meds so she and my dad are trying to send me to a clinic or rehab center. Only I'm 18 so I don't have to go but I'm trying to decide if I should go or not. But anyway, that was my night.


text:
- Primary Role
- Managing Member @ FireStarter Fund
- Investments
- 9 Investments in 9 Companies
- Website:
- http://www.okcupid.com
Person DetailsUpdate
Sam Yagan is the Chief Executive Officer of Match, Inc., a division of IAC/InterActive Corp (Nasdaq: IACI) and co-founder of OkCupid. Sam oversees the management of IAC's global online dating portfolio which comprises over forty brands around the world, including leading properties like Match.com, OkCupid, OurTime, Meetic, Twoo, and ParPerfeito. These businesses generated revenues of over $700 million and profits of over $225 million in 2012. Sam has been a leader in the dating industry since he co-founded OkCupid in 2003. He and his co-founders grew OkCupid into one of the most popular dating sites in America, amassing nearly four million active users. OkCupid has earned widespread media acclaim and has been described as "the Google of online dating" and where "dating meets Facebook." In 2011, Match, Inc. acquired OkCupid for $90 million.
Sam's prior entrepreneurial ventures in the consumer internet sector include eDonkey, Inc. (founded in 2002), once the largest P2P file-sharing application in the world and SparkNotes (founded in 1999), still the dominant brand of study guides. He sold SparkNotes to Barnes & Noble, Inc., where he served as Vice-President and Publisher and oversaw the expansion of the previously all-digital brand into an expansive multi-media business.
Outside of work, Sam's primary passion is working with early-stage entrepreneurs. In 2009, he co-founded Excelerate Labs (now TechStars Chicago), a leading start-up accelerator, and served as its first Chief Executive Officer. As a board member of TechStars Chicago, he helps to guide its growth and continues to work closely with its portfolio companies. Sam is also an active angel investor and sits on the board of several start-ups, including BabbaCo, ShiftGig, LiveMinutes, StatHat, AllTuition, and OVM. He also advises several venture capital funds, including Hyde Park Venture Partners, Great Oaks Venture Capital, and the FireStarter Fund, which he co-founded.
Sam has testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee and has spoken at the CATO Institute, Digital Hollywood, and the Federal Trade Commission. He was also named to Crain's "40 Under 40" in Chicago, Billboard Magazine's list of "Top 30 Executives Under 30" in the entertainment industry, Crain's "Tech 25," and Silicon Alley Insider's SAI 100 and the recipient of IMSA's "Distinguished Leadership Award" and the DCIA's "Pioneer's Award." Sam has a BA with honors in Applied Mathematics and Economics from Harvard College and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he earned distinction as a Siebel Scholar, an Arjay Miller Scholar, and the Henry Ford Scholar, an award granted to each class's valedictorian.
Experience (11)Update
Sep, 2012
Chief Executive Officer
Co-Founder & General Partner
Jan, 2013
FireStarter Fund
Managing Member
Jan, 2012
Techstars Chicago (Formerly Excelerate Labs)
Co-Founder & Board Member
Nov, 2009 - Jan, 2013
CEO, Co-Founder
May, 2003
Co-Founder & President
2002 - Jan, 2006
Advisory Roles (1)Update
Hyde Park Venture Partners
Education (2)Update
Harvard University
BAApplied Mathematics and EconomicsJan 1, 1999
Stanford University
MBAGraduate School of BusinessJan 1, 2005
Investments (9)
Authy provides an API for developers to customize the user experience when adding two-factor...
$3M / Seed with 9 other investorsSep 8, 2014 - Seed Round Details
AgLocal is an e-commerce platform for buying and selling meats of animals that are free of...
$1.3M / Venture with 9 other investorsApr 24, 2014 - Venture Round Details
The first online refractive eye exam. Opternative delivers a valid prescription, signed by an...
$1M / Seed with 10 other investorsFeb 25, 2014 - Seed Round Details
Rocketmiles is a startup that lets travelers earn frequent flier miles in major airline programs...
$6.5M / Series A with 5 other investorsJan 29, 2014 - Series A Details
Affordable personal nutrition coaching
$2.3M / Seed with 5 other investorsOct 16, 2013 - Seed Round Details
LiveMinutes is a real-time collaboration platform enabling users to work with teams on notes,...
$1.4M / Seed with 3 other investorsJul 23, 2013 - Seed Round Details
BabbaCo (acquired by Barefoot Books in 2014)
BabbaCo is an e-commerce subscription company sending age-appropriate activity boxes to kids and...
$1.2M / Seed with 6 other investorsAug 1, 2011 - Seed Round Details
Alltuition is an online search engine for students to find suitable loan providers.
$1M / Seed with 4 other investorsMar 8, 2011 - Seed Round Details
News (2)Update
EduLender Raises $1 Million For Student Loan Comparison Search Engine03/08/11 -techcrunch.com
Excelerate Labs Brings A Startup Incubator To Chicago03/20/10 -techcrunch.com


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Sanjay Gets Aati
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text:
Obit of the Day: Another Schindler
Berthold and Elise Beitz were not anti-Nazi. The German couple, who lived in Boryslaw, Poland as Mr. Beitz managed the Carpathian Oil Company, simply recognized the treatment of the Jews as horrific and wrong: "When you see a woman with her child in her arms being shot, and you yourself have a child, then your response is bound to be completely different."
While serving as the manager of the oil company, Mr. Beitz used his influenced to protect 250 Jewish workers that he had classified as "professional workers" who were vital to the war effort. (Similar to the work of his more famous peer, Oskar Schindler.) This included men, women and children who were clearly unable to actually work.
The Beitz family would also hide Jewish residents in their home putting their own family, which included three daughters, in jeopardy.
After the war, Mr. Beitz was awarded Poland highest civil honor. In 1973 he was named "Righteous Among the Nations" by the Yad Vashem in Israel. (Mrs. Beitz was honored in the same way in 2006.)
Mr. Beitz, who was also a member of the International Olympic Committee served on the board of directors for the 1972 Munich Olympics*, died on July 30, 2013 at the age of 99.
Sources: Haaretz, Bloomberg.com, and Yad Vashem
(Image of Elsa and Berthold Beitz and their daughter Barbara, undated, is courtesy of Yad-Vashem.org)
* In a tragic irony, it was at the Munch Games that 11 Israeli athletes were murdered by Palestinian terrorists.
Other posts of interest:
Jerzy Bielicki - The man who escaped from Auschwitz
Jean Julich - Member of the resistance group known as the "Edelweiss Pirates"
Olga Nowak - She hid dozens of Jews in her home
Mitek Pemper - The man who typed up Schindler's list
Tina Strobos - She and her mother Maria Schotte saved 100 Jews from the Nazis


text:
Preemptive plea: Government can't sue to keep you from suing"Tell them they can't sue me." That, in essence, is what the city of Burlington pleaded to North Carolina's courts. It was referring to the Alamance News. This has been an interesting legal case all along — the Alamance News,...
Please log in to see full story.
By Mike Rouse
Published in Editorials on September 10, 2004 12:53 PM


text:
By Karen Cohilas - bio | email
ALBANY, GA (WALB) – The Department of Revenue fined the county several years ago for not charging ad valorem taxes at fair market value. The county did a revaluation of properties, but not quickly enough for the state's liking.
The county appealed once. After it became clear the department of revenue was not going to relent, County leaders decided to go ahead and pay the $66,000 fine.
"If we continue the appeal forward and onward and have to spend more money and time, particularly on attorneys fees or having to get some kind of expertise help, it would cost more than the fine itself," said County Commission Chairman Jeff Sinyard. "There is a point of no return to where it doesn't make sense to use taxpayers money."
The county was ordered to pay the penalty in 2006 but waited to pay until exhausting its appeals.
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Okay, don't freak out. Actually, freak out a little bit -- but just enough so that you can take what I'm about to tell you seriously without having a full-blown panic attack. I know, I know, easier said than done. Just do your best.
Anywho, there was this study ... dum dum DUM! No good news ever comes after the word "study," does it? No, it doesn't. Here's the bummer discovery made by this particular study: That women who took over-the-counter NSAIDs, which masquerade in your bathroom cabinet under the names ibuprofen and naproxen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), during their first trimester of pregnancy more than doubled their risk of having a miscarriage.
Relax, relax. I know what you're thinking: But I had that headache last week!! It's okay. Because a second study found the numbers to be significantly less scary than initially reported ...
Apparently, once researchers accounted for other risk factors in the women taking the NSAIDs, including diabetes, high blood pressure, lupus, and heart disease, they realized that the medication itself was only responsible for making women 2.4 times more likely to miscarry.
That's not nearly as terrifying as "more than double" now, is it?
The take-home message is still one worth hearing, I think, or at least one I would have wanted to know about if this discovery was made during either one of my pregnancies: If you can help it, don't take NSAIDs during your first trimester. No biggie. Better safe than sorry, right?
Plus, I have to admit that when I was newly pregnant (especially with my first), I felt so vulnerable that any little concrete measures I could take -- temporarily giving up coffee, sushi, wine, etc. -- gave me the illusion of being in some semblance of control, and that made me feel better. Not so vulnerable. Even if it was a placebo-effect kind of thing, and even if I sort of knew it at the time, it still worked.
Does avoiding potential pregnancy hazards, even if they're very slight, help you to feel less anxious?
Image via Robert S. Donovan/Flickr
I knew about this too. The only thing I ever took while pregnant was tylenol a couple times.
I lol'd @ "why is there vitamin water in the medicine cabinet?" I was wondering that too.
I knew this. I don't take anything during pregnancy if I can help it, but sometimes during the first trimester I get headaches that are literally debilitating, but even then I try to avoid it.
I've always been told that Tylenol is the safest to take for pregnant women. Of course I have a paranoid researchaholic of a husband who immediately hit the internet the second we found out I was pregnant to find out all of this stuff. :-P
I pretty much avoid anything potentially hazardous during pregnancy. The biggest thing is that all my food be completely cooked. That's my compromise with my husband, the Pregnancy Food Drill Sergeant. I can indulge in any craving and he won't give me crap, as long as it's not raw or undercooked.
While I would never knowingly take anything not needed when pregnant, (why risk it) I did take Motrin early in pregnancy with my first son. I had completely given up on getting pregnant and was getting what I thought were period cramps and I was taking Motrin for days before I realized I was pregnant. Everything turned out fine. On the flip side, I had a miscarriage with my first pregnancy and I never took anything at all.
As completely ridiculous as this sounds, but I have been friends with girls that were prescribed NARCOTIC PAIN RELIEVERS during their pregnancy...and the prescribing doctor knew that they were preggers! For something as simple as a pulled tooth (which I wouldn't do while pregnant and most denstists won't do anything but a cleaning on a pregnant woman) to a sprained ankle...these doctors were handing out Lortabs like they were freakin candy! Just seemed crazy to me...but the craziest part...is that the girls were taking them as prescribed!


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I was lucky to visit the Capital OTB Channel's set on the backstretch of Saratoga Race Course and talk about the book. Tom Amello asked me an interesting question to which I gave the worse answer. He asked when I came across the subject, what arrogance did I have to pursue it?
Arrogance may have been a funny word to use, but I think I get it. Why did I feel like I could pull it off? My answer was terrible. I went into how I went to U Mass and studied journalism and it got off course from there. What I should have said was that I love story telling. I love tight frames for nonfiction and I love to see my characters in their elements. I should have said I hate hit-and-run journalism; get the quote and get on with it.
That's what this amounts to. I've been trained to love long form narrative nonfiction. That's what the answer should have been.
Live TV. Live with it.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Arrogance
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Greater muscular involvement with less perceived exertion; that was the goal when Endurance set out to design a line of commercial quality elliptical cross trainer fitness equipment with a compact design and an affordable price for in-home workout enthusiasts.
With its patented elliptical cross trianer motion providing ergonomically correct workouts, the Endurance E4 crosstrainer enables you to experience a weight-bearing exercise with a non-impact cardio workout. Challenge yourself with 15 levels of smooth, magnetic resistance as you stride towards peak cardio efficiency. Maintain correct posture as you grip the ergonomically designed SynchroStride arms. Burn calories faster and with less perceived exertion than with any other type of equipment.
The Endurance E4 also features conveniently located Contact Heart Rate grips and a large, 5-function data display, enabling you to monitor your workout and keep pace with your desired level of fitness.
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Try to find a better elliptical cross-trainer or a more comfortably efficient cardio workout, and you'll end up at the health club. Whether your goal is weight loss, cardio fitness or endurance training, you'll always hit your stride with the Endurance E4.
Endurance Elliptical Trainer Console for the E4
Order the Endurance E4 Elliptical from the LARGEST Fitness Dealer Online.
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Enerji Ltd.
Investors Not Elsewhere Classified Australia
| OTC Markets: ENJLY | ASX: ERJO | ASX: ERJ
Similar to: Financière de l'Odet SA, Ocean Wilsons Holdings Ltd., Tamburi Investment Partners SpA
Enerji Ltd. is a clean power company that engages in recovering wasted energy normally lost in power generation and industrial processes. It is focused on commercializing the Opcon Powerbox, which transforms waste heat into electricity and also involves in the international marketing of energy recovery and energy generation solutions. The company was founded on October 4, 1989 and is headquartered in West Perth, Australia.


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RadCom September 2014, Vol. 90, No. 9August 22, 2014
News and Reports 6 RSGB Matters Including international friendship through amateur radio, volunteer vacancies, exam availability, joiners and rejoiners, QSL matters and congratulations 12 News All the amateur radio news 14 New Products The latest ne...Read more
RadCom is the RSGB members' magazine sent free every month to members of the Society – it has the largest amateur radio readership in the UK and is respected throughout the world.
Members can read the past year here – use left/right arrows to scroll through editions.


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Talking Points
UN Women: The New UN Gender Equality Entity
Posted on: Thursday, July 1, 2010
Keywords: UN, Human Rights Advocacy, GEAR
MADRE is pleased to announce that, through the amazing efforts of global, regional, and national networks of the Gender Equality Architecture Reform (GEAR) Campaign, the General Assembly has agreed on its newest gender equality entity, UN Women.
From today's press release:
Charlotte Bunch of the Center for Women's Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University, a founding member of the GEAR Campaign, stated, "We have high expectations for this new agency to be a solid foundation for advancing the human rights of women as central to global policy efforts to reduce poverty and move toward greater realization of peace an democracy in the world. The coalition of women's groups and other social justice, human rights and development organizations that have played a pivotal role in this effort will now turn its efforts toward ensuring that the new body has the human and financial resources necessary to succeed."
Tomorrow, July 2, 2010, a press conference will be held at 11:15 am to announce this new entity. MADRE will be following new developments and posting more details in the coming days.
For additional information on UN Women and the GEAR Campaign:
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TIME ranks iLounge in 50 Best Websites
We don't typically like to toot our own horn, but we're quite proud to have been listed in TIME's 50 Best Websites (alternately called "50 Coolest Websites"), with special mention given to our fantastic community. It's been a long journey since our humble beginnings in 2001, but three iPod generations (and a mini) later, the iLounge community now has over 23,000 members.
Thank you for making iLounge the largest and most notable iPod community on the Internet.
Related Stories
Posted by liam on June 25, 2004 at 11:47 AM (CDT)
iPodLounge rocks!
Posted by Darrell on June 25, 2004 at 12:24 PM (CDT)
yay! i'm happy for u guys! iPodlounge DOES rock!
Posted by draell on June 25, 2004 at 1:52 PM (CDT)
iPodlounge rocks BIG time!!
Congrats guys!
Posted by Darthjooz on June 25, 2004 at 2:04 PM (CDT)
W00tness!... I mean congratulations!!!
Posted by knarf135 on June 25, 2004 at 2:36 PM (CDT)
YES! Ipod Lounge rocks BIG TIME FRIENDS !
Posted by cobra271 on June 25, 2004 at 3:06 PM (CDT)
congrats to you dennis for putting this together, and the members for their amazing contributions!! keep the plaudits rolling in : )
Posted by yinyang on June 25, 2004 at 7:25 PM (CDT)
Yay iPodlounge! Congratulations!! :)
Posted by skylark in New York City, USA on June 25, 2004 at 9:11 PM (CDT)
yes we rock!
Posted by Snowy in Australia on June 26, 2004 at 4:07 AM (CDT)
Thats great :D
Posted by Sypher on June 26, 2004 at 1:21 PM (CDT)
wow what an honour!
Posted by ginalee on June 26, 2004 at 11:50 PM (CDT)
There are only 2 things I do on line every day; thats check my e-mail and check out IPODLOUNGE
Posted by jwc110869 in Rochester, NY on June 27, 2004 at 8:13 AM (CDT)
What rank did it come in? Or was this list not ranked?
Posted by md on June 27, 2004 at 12:48 PM (CDT)
It isn't listed 1-50 but split into categories - iPodlounge is featured 4th in a list of 8 in the Communities section -
It's a small world, after all, and the Internet can make it seem even smaller. Each of these sites, in one way or another, and for one reason or another
Posted by MadPict in UK on June 27, 2004 at 3:19 PM (CDT)
Posted by Woody on June 27, 2004 at 11:48 PM (CDT)
ipodlounge.com roouullz yeeew
Posted by stefan on June 28, 2004 at 5:02 AM (CDT)
Way cool! Now everyone will know what we've known all along ;)
Posted by altcountryman on June 28, 2004 at 9:21 AM (CDT)
i love da iPod and iPod lounge has made it even better!!!!!!
Posted by luke on June 28, 2004 at 12:36 PM (CDT)
I give a crap!!!
Posted by bagofbeef on June 29, 2004 at 12:29 PM (CDT)
Congrats to Dennis and the iPodlounge team for putting together a fantastic site and for keeping it that way.
Posted by honeybee1236 on June 29, 2004 at 5:28 PM (CDT)
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
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Please Register as a New User or Login as Existing User to gain full access to all the photos on this site. Registration is quick and completely free.
Unregistered users can only view full size photos that have been added this month.
Start of Cornicabra
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Fitness Programs
Fitness Challenge
This program is designed to help participants keep those New Year's resolutions. Earn points by exercising and eating well. Earn 20 points by registering by January 9th at 8pm. Rack up points win cool prizes! If you accumulate 300 fitness points, you will win a sweatshirt. 500 points enters you into a drawing for various gift cards. This program is for those ages 18 and above. It begins January 13th and lasts until March 14th with a registration deadline of January 17th at 6pm. Join the program to whip yourself into shape this winter! For more information, contact Zach at 465-5621.
Spinning Classes
Guess what! You know those spinning bikes you see when you come to the McCreary Building? We are now doing a spinning class! Our fitness instructor Mary Laborde will be teaching these classes. There multiple ways to spin. You can sign up for our monthly classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, come to our weekly Saturday morning class, or join our "Intro to Spin" class taught by Augie Hohl on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm-7pm.
Zumba Fitness
Dance your way into shape! This fun, aerobics class promotes fitness through dancing and movement. This cardio class gets your heart rate up and your body moving! No dance experience necessary. Join us on Monday and Wednesday evenings for this fun class.
Pilates blends body awareness, breathing, and elongation of the spine with strengthening of core muscles. Enjoy our aerobics room that includes a padded floor, fitness balls and BOSU balls. Class members will also be able to take a body mass index test. There are two class times available. They are both three-week programs and class size is limited, so sign up today. Classes are instructed by veteran licensed instructors.
Water Fitness
Choose from three water aerobic classes all year around. They are of varied intensity. Thise exercises improve flexibility, strength and coordination. Contact the McCreary Center at 465-5621 for more information.
Other Programs
Aquatics Programs
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How Long Does It Take YOU to design a book?
Just curious here … Just finished, uploaded and ordered my first book last weekend, and it took a lot more time than I imagined … of course choosing to do a 106 page, 260+ image book right out of the box may not have been the wisest choice (ask me next when the book arrives!). All told, I probably have over 100 hours into the project, took me nearly a month with at least an hour or two every day and about 4 or 5 days of 6-8 or more hours. I'd guess I spent 40% of the time designing the book (choosing page layouts, selecting photos, and figuring out where to place them), 50% post-processing the images, and 10% writing the text. The amount of post-processing time needed to prep the photos and size them to fit the limited layout choices Blurb provided was what really caught me by surprise. Having been through it once now there are clearly some things I can do to make my workflow more efficient, though.
It's hard to answer your question with any sort of accuracy. I've put out four (five if you count a hard cover version of one of them) books so far, and it's becoming easier each time. As you mentioned, I would like more options in regard photo (and text) layouts. None the less, the one book I've shown to folks so far has been received with positive responses. I've used one other book publisher (MyPublisher) and have found Blurb to offer more versitility in their formatting and options then the other company. Also, I've found Blurb customer service (responding to a question) very good.
Hope this helps,
Posted by
Dec 2, 2008 4:53pm PDTPermalink
I do my books entirely in photoshop now. I wrote a Visual Basic program that interfaces with photoshop and generates templates for single page, double page, double page with gutter (panorama) and covers based upon the Blurb recommendations. It also batch splits the double pages and saves everything as jpeg. Then I just drop everything into full bleed templates. I find this to be about the same speed as using booksmart, but, it is infinitly more flexible. The only negative is that it took about 80GB of hard drive . In today's market, thats about $8 of disk, which I think is worth it.
Not counting the time it took me to scan old photos, It took roughly 80 hours to do a 200 page book of all photos. Had I not been up against a hard deadline, I would have put another 10 hours or so into it to add more captions and change the order of some of the pages.
The organization of 400 to 500 photos was very difficult. To deal with so many, Adobe Bridge helped a lot. I've now aquired Lightroom, and I have better control of the metadata and filtering. I plan on doing two more books like this one, and Lightroom can sort and track the photos much better than Bridge.
It is hard to answer. I have at least 1300 images from my trip. I culled that down to about 350 that I worked in Photoshop over several days. Now that I am putting the book together in the Blurb software what should be a fairly quick process feels like it is taking forever due to the balky nature of the software. Just getting it to scroll takes forever. And using the tool to move an image around in its little box is extraordinarily frustrating because it doesn't move fluidly, stops moving altogether for no apparent reason from time to time, etc. I have images that don't fit the templates very well so I am chosing the 4 or 9 image layout and placing multiple copies of the same image next to each other and then trying to line them up. It is working but it takes way too long because of the crappy software issues.
I made a book using MyPublisher last year and I do not recall their software being nearly this frustrating to use. While they do have slightly fewer page layout choices I believe my book came together more quickly. I am hoping Blurb's quality of the finished product will measure up.
How long is a piece of string?!
My first book, of poems and photos, took a few days to put together, but I had a lot of material which was just begging to go in a book and didn't need much tweaking. I did no post-processing on the pictures and was very happy with them.
Others have taken longer, except my MA which took a couple of hours because it was text, althrough I threw in a few pix for interest. Did have to rejig the formatting quite a bit, but still quick. Actually I just got that yesterday and am really chuffed! Looks very professional!
I found the software easy to learn and use although somewhat restricting and frustrating. I have been quite happy to use Booksmart to resize my pix generally, unless they need a more accurate or dramatic crop. I never really understood why some people feel the need to resize pix to the exact spec as I have been very happy with the results from just throwing in pix of all sizes, from my old 2mp camera or my new 10mp one. For my first book I never even found the zoom tool! But that was all with my old camera and I could frame my pix with that – the new camera is wide-angle so I have to crop to frame pix far more now.
Glennaa – I agree that moving pix within the frame using the mouse is horribly annoying, but they can also be moved with the cursors – far more accurate.
Posted by
Dec 16, 2008 1:48pm PDTPermalink
Can you send me a link to preview your book ?
Joe Sisco
I just made the two books I did this way public. The preview on the Hawaii book is a better example. The book of my daughter was a bit of a rush job.
Man, mine seem to take FOREVER. It's not so much the photographs that take the time, but figuring out a (somewhat) logical format to follow so the pictures make sense, plus the captions. I process all of my pictures as soon as I get them home because I sell prints online, so that part is already done by the time I want to create a book.
It's also very difficult for me to decide which pictures to use and which ones to cut. I just like them all! haha
Hey, folks. I am working on my first book, but it's taking my time.
The main problem is that I did my work in word originally. I then did copy and paste into the Blurb software. But I notice that almost all of the first lines of all paragraphs are disfugured—a word or a few cross the margin. And fixing it is a real headache.
Could anyone help me with some advice? firstname.lastname@example.com
First of all, please try NOT to do multiple posting! Please kindly refer to Forum Guideline.
If you conduct search query related to your problem with cut and paste from Word to Blurb Booksmart, you will find some solution, workaround and many pretty good discussion on some forum discussions for quite some time.
Hope that helps and good luck,
Posted by
Jan 2, 2009 12:06pm PDTPermalink
Thanks for for informing about the multile posting. I didn't know, and I am sorry for that.
Now, you could be more specific with the kind of help I need?
The two big books i've done were 160-190 pages in 13×11 format and they took about 120 hours each. For each a pool of 1,500-1,800 photos were the starting point. Last book was 1/3 done in photoshop and I wish I had done them in photoshop from the start. Much easier, and you have a good chance of dropping the same jpgs into a different size format without a lot of changes. I keep my photos well organzied and since they were trips it was easy enough to select a chronological or geographical organization. Selecting right photos took time, but editing the photos and avoiding dupes took a lot of time up.
One of books I reformatted from 13×11 to 10×8. It took about 20 hours to reformat, including converting some pages to photoshop. The 10×8 templates simply wouldn't allow all the things I had done in 13×11, so I had to go the Photoshop route for several more pages.
I found text formatting such a disaster in Booksmart that I will no longer do a text-heavy page in the software. I'm leaning strongly towards 100% Photoshop for future books. It will take up a lot more diskspace, but it also means I would be able to have the book printed elsewhere in the future without a lot of new work.