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Environmental Sustainability
In a post-Paris Agreement world, one would expect to have a clearer idea of what bonuses and drawbacks the major sources of renewable energy might have for the environment, but that is not necessarily the case. Every few weeks I see an article proclaiming "Denmark leads charge in renewable energy" or "Costa Rica powered by 100 percent renewable energy for over 75 days." At first glance, this sounds great. Global societies are reaching feasible models of large scale, renewable energy production. However, phrases like "renewable energy" have been coopted by popular culture to represent the best alternative to fossil fuels. It is important to consider the fact that not all means of harnessing renewables are beneficial for the ecosystems in which they are implemented.
In 2014 I spent six weeks on Barro Colorado Island in Panama as a research assistant at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Depending on the week, there were typically between 20-50 scientists and assistants staying on the island. During meals, many scientists would sit around and, being scientists, talk science. They came from a broad number of specialized fields, so the topics of discussion were far ranging. Not being a scientist, I often found myself in the position of explaining that "I'm not a scientist, but I play one on TV," and participating as best I could. At the time, there was a news story being passed around that touted Costa Rica's 80%+ use of renewable energy sources, so I brought it up, and was surprised to find out that many of the scientists were not happy about the achievement.
In Costa Rica, the majority of their energy comes from conventional, large-scale hydroelectric power plants. Hydroelectric power generation has various environmental and social impacts depending on the size and method of production. In some cases, micro or small-scale hydropower production has the potential to provide clean energy with a small ecological and social footprint. However, in other cases, conventional large-scale hydropower production can devastate local ecosystems and can be as bad or worse for the environment than coal plants. One such method is to create artificial reservoirs from which water is released through a dam. This method allows more control over energy production, but is often highly destructive. The flood plains become filled with dead and rotting plant matter which release large amounts of methane into the atmosphere, the migratory patterns of fish are disrupted, and buildups of silt can choke the oxygen out of the stream, causing dead zones.*
A number of the scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute had worked in Costa Rica and explained that the production of "renewable" energy had disrupted local ecosystems and wreaked havoc on plant and animal populations that they had previously studied. That was the first time I realized that when it comes to energy, going green does not necessarily equate to going clean.
Despite our varied concerns with large scale hydroelectric power production, Domini recognizes the need and immense value that electricity creates for society at large. When reviewing utilities that focus on hydroelectric power production, we evaluate the size, scale and location of the production, potential or ongoing controversies with the displacement of communities or indigenous peoples, ecosystem damage, uncertainties with the production of carbon and methane emissions, and other concerns among the wide array of environmental and societal risks that are associated with large-scale hydropower.
My intent in writing this piece was to remind readers to always look beyond the headlines. When I went to find the article that I had brought up in the cafeteria in Panama, this post's origin story if you will, I found that there were plenty of articles out there in 2014 that talked about the ecological consequences of damming rivers, but I had just never seen them. Just because a headline is using the word "renewable" does not mean a project is without controversy. Ironically, I couldn't find the original story. I guess good headlines go viral then die, while good articles are often left for dead but live forever. As we move towards greater and greater adoption of renewables, it is important to stay informed and understand which sources can bring us to a more sustainable future.
For many years, Domini has incorporated concerns about the environmental risks of companies owning and producing fossil fuels into our investment standards. Over time, we have gradually eliminated an increasing number of these firms from our holdings as our concerns about a variety of environmental and safety issues, including climate change, have increased.
We have never held coal-mining companies, and have historically approved very few major integrated oil companies. In recent years, we have excluded the few integrated oil companies that we had previously approved, and eliminated an increasing number of the smaller oil and gas companies from our list of eligible investments, due to concerns over safety or the environment.
We had historically favored companies focused on the production of natural gas because it burns more cleanly than oil. But as innovation took hold and hydraulic fracturing became widely used, we began to differentiate between the records of these natural gas companies. Due to increasing concerns about methane emissions, safety and community health issues, we gradually reduced the number of natural gas companies approved, until we divested from this segment of the energy industry entirely.
We exclude companies that are substantial owners and producers of oil or natural gas reserves and are included in the Integrated Oil & Gas or Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Industries as defined by the Global Industry Classification System (GICS), as well as companies significantly involved in coal mining.
We have made each of these decisions in light of the financial, environmental and moral concerns associated with fossil fuels and in recognition that an increasing portion of the responsible investment community has found divestment a productive avenue to further debate on climate change, one of the most important and difficult issues of our time.
I was first introduced to the concept of laboratory-grown meat a couple of years ago. My son's fifth grade glass was studying "foods of the future." In response to the challenges of climate change and population growth, the class had identified two alternatives to our traditional diets: lab meat and insects. I have to say I was somewhat less than enthusiastic about either option, and the less said about eating insects, the better. The kids, however, were very excited and fearless to try something new that might protect the environment. It was inspiring, but unpalatable.
I came across lab meat again while speaking at the SXSW Eco Conference in Austin, Texas last fall. I think the kids were on to something.
What is lab meat, or "cultured meat", the term New Harvest, a non-profit dedicated to the incubation of these new technologies, prefers? According to New Harvest, "Cellular agriculture is the production of agricultural products from cell cultures. [It] allows us to make milk, eggs, meat, leather, fur, rhino horn, and any other animal products from cell cultures rather than from animals."
The basic insight is that we now know how to produce meat without the animal. You can think of an animal's body as a machine designed to grow muscle from cells, but that doesn't mean we need to continue to treat animals like machines. We can learn from these natural processes and duplicate them in a laboratory or factory, beginning with a cell culture, harmlessly taken from the animal. Once brought to scale, the meat production facility of the future will look like a brewery, filled with shiny steel tanks suitable for public tours, in contrast to the factory farm or slaughterhouse of today, that are, conspicuously, out of sight, out of mind.
Why do we recoil at this? One reason is that the meat and dairy products we eat come to us well packaged and clean. We don't see how they were produced, and frankly, we don't want to know. But ignorance is not always bliss.
Consider the egg, a staple of diets around the world and a symbol of the traditional family farm. Today, the vast majority of American eggs are produced on "battery farms," where, according to The Humane Society of the United States, each hen is provided "67 square inches of cage space—less space than a single sheet of letter-sized paper on which to live her entire life." As entomologist Dave Goulson puts it in "Filthy Flies," a chapter in A Buzz in the Meadow (highly recommended, by the way): "These are among the most unpleasant places that man has thus far managed to create. If you've never been in one, count yourself lucky; continue to avoid the experience, and stop buying cheap battery-farm eggs. Battery farms are vast, dusty, foetid places."
According to Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return (FAIRR), a new coalition of investors working to address the financial risks of the factory-farming system, approximately 70 percent of the world's farm animals, and 99 percent of US farm animals, are now factory farmed. FAIRR points out that factory farming is the number one reason for the rapid spread of bird and swine flu, and is accountable for 80 percent of all antibiotics used in the US. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that overuse of antibiotics could threaten the achievements of modern medicine and lead to a "post-antibiotic" era, with significant risks to human health.
Livestock produce more global greenhouse gas emissions than the transportation sector. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) claims that ruminant livestock account for between 7 percent and 18 percent of global methane emissions from human-related activities. Our food-production systems are massive users of water, and leading contributors to deforestation. A recent study found that atmospheric emissions of agriculture-related ammonia, from livestock waste and nitrogen fertilizers, now exceeds the effects of fossil fuel combustion emissions on our atmosphere's nitrogen cycle, contributing to soil acidification, decreased biodiversity, and changes to the chemistry of lakes and streams.
One hundred and ten years after the publication of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, which exposed horrific working conditions in slaughterhouses, workers are still exposed to dangerous and unhealthy working conditions. And, of course, there is the welfare of the animals themselves, many of which live their lives in strict confines, as meat-producing machines.
All of this is bad enough without considering that the entire enterprise is designed to produce food for human consumption.
What can cultured meat offer? New Harvest claims these technologies can produce more nutritious meat while dramatically reducing the environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and water and air pollution. It claims that cultured meat can be produced in a clean, controlled environment that should dramatically reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses. And unlike factory farms, which take vast amounts of acreage, cultured meat facilities can expand vertically. Imagine being able to eat a juicy burger without having to kill an animal.
Although we may be ten years away from seeing cultured meat in the supermarket, plant-based meat and dairy products are already on the shelves. I learned at the recent Ceres conference in Boston that General Mills has an investment in Beyond Meat, a company producing a variety of plant-based meat products. Kite Hill, sold at Whole Foods, makes milk, cheese and yogurt entirely from almonds; Hampton Creek's "Just Mayo" uses a powder made from Canadian yellow peas instead of eggs; and Impossible Foods is working on a burger that tastes like beef, made from plants. This is not your standard veggie burger. Impossible Foods is substituting the basic building blocks of meat with proteins and nutrients taken from plants. It is a process that begins at the molecular level. According to a Wall Street Journal taste-test, it currently ranks with turkey burgers. Not quite there.
Why, you might ask, would anyone want to turn plants into meat, when we can simply become vegetarians, or better yet, vegans? What is the easiest and most direct path to a more sustainable food system: converting the vast number of the world's meat-eaters to veganism, or providing a delicious burger that satisfies our desire for beef, with relatively no environmental impact? Plant-based meat is a bet on the latter path of least resistance. As Impossible Foods puts it on their website, "while creating the burger, we left a few things out: cholesterol, hormones, antibiotics, and slaughterhouse contaminants. We hope you understand."
The biologist E. O. Wilson believes we need to permanently set aside half of the Earth for wildlife if we are to avoid a manmade mass extinction event on the scale that wiped out the dinosaurs. This idea requires us to rethink how we feed ourselves. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 26 percent of Earth's ice-free land is used for livestock grazing. WWF claims that 25 percent of global land use, land-use change and forestry emissions are driven by beef production, including conversion of forests in the Brazilian Amazon. If we are to preserve biodiversity for its own sake, as well as for future generations, we must make some hard choices. The FAO reports that "globally, there is enough cropland to feed 9 billion in 2050 if the 40 percent of all crops produced today for feeding animals were used directly for human consumption."
These technologies are in their early stages, and success is by no means guaranteed, but they're getting closer every day. What will consumers think? Will these new products suffer because of the emphasis on their production methods, while traditional meats benefit from our illusions of how our food is actually raised? Will traditional food companies transform into some of the most sustainable companies in the world? And, I'm sure many will wonder about genetic engineering. To date, the technologies discussed here do not require genetic engineering. But will GMOs play a role in these technologies going forward, and can those risks be appropriately managed?
By the time my son and his classmates reach my age, the human population will be approaching 10 billion. If these people are going to eat, they are going to need a radically transformed food production system. The food of the future is coming, and I, for one, am ready.
Fixed-income investments provide an important opportunity to create public goods, address a wide range of economic disparities in our society, and to fill certain capital gaps – funding needs that have often received insufficient attention from investors. We seek to address some of these disparities through the investments of the Domini Social Bond Fund, while simultaneously seeking to achieve competitive returns for our Fund's investors.
The following provides an overview of the social and environmental objectives of the Fund, particularly those addressing access to healthcare, climate change and affordable housing.
Standard Setting by Asset Class
Stock ownership offers the opportunity to set standards for corporate behavior and to influence management through the exercise of shareholder rights. Fixed income investments offer a different set of opportunities for long-term, lasting impact.
If you think of a bond as a loan, the key questions for responsible lenders should be: To whom am I loaning my money and for what purpose? Despite some of the complex details of the fixed income markets, we believe these are the threshold questions that responsible investors should ask.
Domini's Global Investment Standards are directed towards two long-term goals: universal human dignity and the preservation and enrichment of the environment. The standards applied to the Domini Social Bond Fund's portfolio focus on three key themes:
- Increasing access to capital for those historically underserved by the mainstream financial community
- Creating public goods for those most in need
- Filling capital gaps left by current financial practice
These three themes flow from our belief that healthy economies must be built on a strong foundation of fairness and opportunity for all.
We look to diversify our holdings in the Fund across a broad range of social issues, including affordable housing, small business development, education, community revitalization, rural economic development, the environment, and health care.
Below, we provide examples of several types of fixed income investments and the standards we utilize to select the Fund's holdings.
Financing Governments
Governments around the world issue bonds (or "debt") to finance a wide variety of public goods including education, infrastructure, national defense, the judiciary and social welfare. Although sovereign debt is issued to finance such public goods, debt raised by governments with a history of corruption can be misallocated and misused at the expense of the well-being of the nation and their own citizens.
We therefore use indicators of political freedom and corruption, including Transparency International's global corruption index, to eliminate from consideration certain countries' bonds. We use these threshold indicators to help us to identify a country's ability and willingness to utilize the proceeds of these offerings for proper purposes.
In addition, we will not invest in debt issued by certain "tax haven" jurisdictions -- countries characterized by low or no taxes, financial secrecy laws, and light regulation. Tax havens can help to facilitate criminal activity, including allowing dictators to shelter embezzled funds, and wide scale tax avoidance by corporations and wealthy individuals. Tax havens foster global economic inequality, which is destabilizing to the financial markets and to society.
We do not invest in U.S. Treasuries or Russian government debt, as these instruments partially finance the maintenance of these countries' nuclear weapons arsenals. The United States and Russia possess over 90% of the world's nuclear warheads. We believe they carry a special obligation to eliminate this global threat.
Municipal Bonds
We generally consider municipal bonds – debt issued by states, cities or counties or other quasi-public organizations-- to be closely aligned with our investment objectives, particularly when they are issued by jurisdictions with below-average resources. They can help to finance the creation of substantial public goods, such as transportation infrastructure, educational facilities, brownfield redevelopment, technical assistance for small enterprises, and other services needed to close the gap between these localities and the rest of society.
Municipal bonds can also help to ensure broad access to environmentally beneficial technologies to all members of society. We therefore look to invest in municipal bonds that generate environmentally positive impacts for underserved communities. Municipal issuers have a key role to play in terms of climate adaptation, disaster prevention and recovery. We are seeking to purchase these types of bonds as well.
We will seek to avoid purchasing the relatively few government-issued bonds that are explicitly issued to finance the development of projects, such as nuclear power plants or casinos, which are fundamentally misaligned with our investment objectives.
Affordable Housing
The Domini Social Bond Fund has maintained a long-term commitment to affordable housing, which the Fund supports primarily through the purchase of securities backed by pools of mortgages.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two U.S. government-sponsored entities, play a particularly prominent role in increasing access to affordable housing and sustaining the housing recovery in this country. Among the range of debt instruments they offer, those targeted to low income neighborhoods, low-income borrowers, multi-family housing or specific community revitalization projects have a particularly direct social impact. Also, these institutions have specific programs to help homeowners stay in their homes or otherwise avoid foreclosure. These efforts have helped to stabilize neighborhoods, home prices, and the housing market.
Green Bonds
Green Bonds are designed to finance projects and activities that address climate change or serve other environmentally beneficial purposes. These environmentally themed bonds are rapidly growing as a new asset class, with issuers including supranational banks, governments, and corporate entities. The market for green bonds more than tripled in 2014, rising from only $3-5 billion per year between 2007 and 2012 to $39 billion in 2014.
Today, we are cautiously optimistic about the development of this new asset class. The stakes are high, however, as this market develops. We are concerned, for example, that an overly aggressive use of the word "green" could conceal environmentally harmful impacts, threatening the credibility of this important avenue for financing critical unmet environmental needs. We therefore established our own guidelines to identify appropriate green bonds for the Fund, considering the social and environmental record of the issuer as well as the specific purpose of the bond.
Our Approach to Green Bonds
The following are some of the key questions Domini asks when evaluating green bonds:
- Who benefits from the proceeds of the bond? We favor investments that generate positive impacts for people and communities in need, with a special focus on vulnerable groups, including low-income populations, minorities, and immigrants.
- Can the proceeds from the bond contribute to innovations that address serious sustainability challenges? We favor investments such as those mitigating the impacts of fossil fuels in energy-intensive industries, promoting energy efficiency, or otherwise addressing environmental and social justice issues.
- What is the quality of the issuer's relations with communities, customers, employees, suppliers and the environment? Does the issuer maintain credible due diligence processes to address environmental and social risks?
We will seek to avoid the following:
- Bonds that finance projects with substantial sustainability concerns such as first-generation biofuels, waste-to-energy plants using toxic substances, or projects that prolong fossil fuel dependence such as carbon capture sequestration or refurbishment of coal power plants.
- Bonds issued to finance nuclear power, activities related to the mining of coal or uranium, or the production of weapons, tobacco, alcohol or gambling.
Green Buildings
Significant capital will be needed to finance the transition to a low carbon economy and adapt to the physical impacts of climate change. For example, while current investments in clean energy alone are approximately $250 billion per year, the International Energy Agency has estimated that limiting the increase in global temperature to two degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels requires average additional investments in clean energy of at least $1 trillion per year between now and 2050.
We believe that the real estate industry is in a unique position to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency improvements that are low cost and that create value within the underlying asset. We have therefore purchased several bonds designed to finance green buildings. In particular, we are looking for the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a comprehensive green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.
In addition to using social, environmental and governance standards to select our investments, each year the Domini Social Equity Fund submits shareholder proposals to corporations in its portfolio, addressing a broad range of social and environmental issues. Since 1994, the Fund has submitted more than 250 proposals to more than 95 major corporations.
Frequently, companies will reach out to us to see what steps they could take to convince us to withdraw our proposal and avoid a shareholder vote on the issue. A high vote on a proposal is nice, but we always prefer to withdraw our proposal in exchange for an agreement. Over the years, often in partnership with other investors or NGOs, we have convinced numerous companies to adopt new policies to protect factory workers and the environment, and to enhance public transparency.
In the first quarter of 2015, we withdrew four proposals in exchange for the following commitments:
Lowe's, the world's second largest home improvement retailer, agreed to eliminate neonicotinoid pesticides — a leading contributor to global bee declines — from its stores by 2019. The company will also redouble its pesticide management efforts with its plant suppliers, and will begin a variety of consumer education initiatives focused on pollinator health. Lowe's has also informed us that it now offers a full range of natural or organic alternatives to its synthetic pesticide offerings. Read more about this important announcement.
Avon agreed to review and revise its palm oil purchasing policies to address impacts on deforestation and human rights. Avon utilizes palm oil derivatives (products derived from palm oil) in a wide variety of products. About 60% of the palm oil consumed globally is in the form of derivatives. Read more about this important announcement.
Southwestern Energy committed to publishing annual methane emission reduction targets and to include these targets in determining bonuses for management and staff. Methane is a relatively short-lived, but potent, greenhouse gas. The company is leading a group of companies called the ONE Future Coalition, a collaborative effort to reduce methane leakage below 1%, from the well-head to your kitchen burner. Southwestern, however, has not set its own targets yet. This is the first time the company has publicly committed to do so.
MeadWestvaco agreed to full disclosure of its political contributions. Thanks to concerted efforts by investors, including Domini, more than 140 large corporations now disclose their political spending so that they may be held accountable by their investors and consumers.
Friends of the Earth, Domini Social Investments and Trillium Asset Management praised Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) for making a commitment to eliminate neonicotinoid pesticides — a leading contributor to global bee declines — from its stores.
After input from suppliers, NGOs, investors and other key stakeholders, the company announced it will phase out neonicotinoids ("neonics") as suitable alternatives become available, redouble existing integrated pest management practices for suppliers and provide additional material educating customers about pollinator health.
"We commend Lowe's for taking a leadership position on this critical issue," said Adam Kanzer, Managing Director and Director of Corporate Engagement at Domini Social Investments. "Sales of neonic-containing products may be exacerbating a critical systemic risk – alarming declines in honeybees and wild pollinators that support our food systems. As investors and as human beings, we all depend upon pollinators. We believe Lowe's actions will help protect an irreplaceable resource."
"We are pleased Lowe's is listening to consumer concerns and to the growing body of science telling us we need to move away from bee-toxic pesticides by taking steps to be part of the solution to the bee crisis," said Lisa Archer, Food & Technology Program Director at Friends of the Earth. "Bees are canaries in the coalmine for our food system and everyone, including the business community, must act fast to protect them."
"Lowe's public commitment will better position the company to meet the demands of an increasingly environmentally-conscious consumer base. And, it sends an important market signal that restricting the use of bee-harming pesticides is essential to tackling bee declines," said Susan Baker, Vice President, Trillium Asset Management. "We applaud the company's positive steps on this issue."
Friends of the Earth Campaign
This announcement follows a two-year campaign led by Friends of the Earth and allies* to urge Lowe's and other garden retailers to stop selling plants treated with neonicotinoids and remove neonic pesticides from their shelves. More than one million people signed petitions and thousands of activists delivered letters directly to Lowe's stores in cities across the U.S. and Canada asking for this change.
A study released by Friends of the Earth and Pesticide Research Institute, Gardeners Beware 2014, showed that 51 percent of garden plants purchased at Lowe's, Home Depot (NYSE: HD), and Walmart (NYSE: WMT) in 18 cities in the United States and Canada contained neonicotinoid pesticides at levels that could harm or even kill bees. In the past year, more than twenty nurseries, landscaping companies and retailers—including Home Depot, Whole Foods (NASDAQ: WFM) and BJ's Wholesale Club have taken steps to eliminate bee-killing pesticides from their stores. The UK's top garden retailers including Homebase, B&Q and Wickes, have also stopped selling neonicotinoids.
Investor Engagement on Pollinator Declines
Investors, in collaboration with the Investor Environmental Health Network, began engaging home improvement retailers and food companies in their portfolios about the environmental risks of neonics in 2013, the year Domini and Trillium opened conversations with Lowe's about the topic.
While Domini and Trillium had constructive dialogue with Lowe's, the investors chose to submit a shareholder proposal in November to stress the urgency of the issue. The proposal, submitted by the Domini Social Equity Fund (Ticker: DSEFX) and by Trillium Asset Management, on behalf of Ellen Webster, asked the company's Board of Directors to conduct a risk assessment of its environmental protection policies and practices to determine whether continued sales of neonicotinoid-containing products are in the best interests of Lowe's, its consumers and its shareholders.
The investors withdrew the shareholder proposal in response to new commitments which will help the company provide its customers with products that promote healthy gardens and reduce risks to pollinators and other beneficial organisms.
Lowe's Commitments:
- A time-bound phase out of neonicotinoid ("neonics") containing products in shelf products and plants, to be completed by the Spring of 2019, as suitable alternatives become available. For nurseries, Lowe's will phase-out neonics for bee-attractive plants, and plants where regulatory requirements do not require the application of neonics (certain states require the application of neonics on certain plants and nursery material). Lowe's plans to implement this phase-out as soon as is practicable.
- Redoubling pesticide management efforts and the addition of an application reduction plan with plant suppliers, including the collection and sharing of growers' best practices around use of biological controls and integrated pest management ("IPM") practices, and research into best alternatives. Nurseries will be required to disclose to Lowe's the amount of pesticides used per acre, or a similar metric.
- Increased focus on consumer education initiatives including in-store distribution of EPA and Pollinator Partnership pesticide brochures and product tags which will highlight the health of bees and other pollinators.
- Funding of pollinator gardens through the company's philanthropic and volunteer programs.
- Disclosure of these efforts in its 2014 Corporate Social Responsibility Report.
- Continued dialogue with Domini, Trillium and Friends of the Earth focused on implementation and public reporting of these commitments.
"Along with our allies, we will continue to work with Lowe's and other retailers to move neonicotinoid pesticides off their shelves and out of garden plants as soon as possible to ensure bees can find save havens in our backyards and communities," said Archer. "With a new spring planting season upon us, it's important for gardeners to be aware that many plants in stores today still contain neonicotinoids. We look forward to the day shoppers can buy home garden plants without worrying about harming pollinators."
Lowe's announcement comes eight months after a meta-analysis of 1,121 peer-reviewed studies by the Task Force on Systemic Pesticides concluded neonicotinoids are a leading factor of bee declines and are harming birds, earthworms, butterflies and other wildlife. The Task Force called for immediate regulatory action.
In October, 2014, the Council on Environmental Quality issued guidance for federal facilities and federal lands which included acquiring seeds and plants from nurseries that do not treat these items with systemic insecticides.
On April 2, the EPA announced a moratorium on new or expanded uses of neonicotinoids while it evaluates the risks posed to pollinators. Last month, more than four million Americans signed petitions calling on the Obama administration to put forth strong protections for bees and other pollinators. The Pollinator Health Task Force, established by the White House this past June, is charged with improving pollinator health, and assessing the impacts of pesticides, including neonicotinoids, on pollinators.
The complexity of our food production systems is astounding, as are its staggering impacts on climate change and human rights. Any given meal or afternoon snack can touch on issues as far-ranging as the survival of the orangutan or a land rights dispute in Africa. Climate change, water scarcity, nutritional content, marketing to children, animal welfare and labor rights are all on the table.
Behind each familiar brand lies a complex set of relationships stretching across the globe. We view these relationships as opportunities for positive impact. As investors, we can create the incentives for companies to simultaneously be more transparent and to dig deeper to ensure their businesses are operating responsibly. Through your investment in the Domini Funds, your money is working to help catalyze this process of transformation.
For example, deforestation is an important driver of climate change, accounting for an estimated 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. The Consumer Goods Forum, an industry association, has acknowledged that "the consumer goods industry, through its growing use of soya, palm oil, beef, paper and board, creates many of the economic incentives which drive deforestation." All 400 members of the Forum, representing all the world's major consumer goods manufacturers, retailers and service providers, have committed to zero net deforestation by 2020.
Who will hold these companies accountable for these commitments? What do they mean in practice?
The shareholder proposal is an effective tool for encouraging corporate management to come to the table to discuss our concerns. We developed a proposal that we have submitted to several of the largest food companies, asking for public reports assessing each company's impact on deforestation and its plans to mitigate these risks. We've asked these companies to report on their impact by commodity, as each carries its own set of risks and possible solutions. Among these commodities, palm oil has received the most attention because its production is responsible for large-scale forest conversion in the tropics and extensive carbon emissions.
At Domini Social Investments, the research we conduct to understand the dynamics of our food systems is core to the investment process. Whether it is expressed in the avoidance of many manufacturers of agricultural chemicals, in the search for systems that provide safer food for all, or in the proxy votes we cast or the hard questions we ask of corporate managers, we view our social and environmental standards as key to the process of helping both the public and corporations understand what is at stake.
Download our 2014 Annual Report (PDF) to learn more about the ways the Domini Funds are helping to promote better food production around the globe, including our approach to local and organic sourcing, genetically modified organisms, pesticide use and deforestation.
Originally appeared in The Intelligent Optimist (March/April 2014)
About 50 years ago, The New Yorker published a cartoon that tickled my father's funny bone, so he got the artist to give him the original. It featured two men looking at a large flip chart on which was drawn a five-story urban type of building, such as you might see in any city. One man was explaining to the other, "It is designed to use modern energy-efficient technology, with windows that open to let cool breezes in." Because of that cartoon, I know that people have been talking about the lost art of energy savings for 50 years or more.
When you start looking at the many ways to preserve energy that the typical Victorian knew but that we have forgotten, it gets a bit disheartening.
My neighbor used to have those outdoor awnings covering each of her windows. When you walked into her house on a hot summer's day, the temperature dropped fifteen degrees. That's because the glass in the window magnifies heat from the sun. If you don't let the sun hit the window, you get a much cooler house. Then she'd open the windows at night to let the cooler air in, closing them again the next morning.
I'll admit, I just don't like air-conditioning. Somehow it just feels wrong. So I began this article with cooling ideas, but there are other energy savers that have fallen from use. Refrigerators keep getting bigger and bigger, and really, they use energy that our forebears didn't have so didn't waste.
A friend of mine grew up in a house built in 1699, with a cellar, not a finished basement; it had a dirt floor. The family had one room down there with floor-to-ceiling shelves. Fresh eggs were stored there for a month or more. Potatoes, carrots, beets, winter squashes, along with apples and pears and grapes, sat in baskets on the shelves. Jars of jam could be left happily for several years with wax poured over the top. The melted wax adhered to the top of the jelly. Since nothing could get in, not even air, there was no mold, so no germs. Even with the door closed, it got enough heat from the kitchen so that nothing froze, but much could be stored there that today would have to be refrigerated.
I'm not trying to make a case that the world should return to dirt floors in the basement. We are creatures of the generation we grew up in. But it is important to remember that we're not taking the simple steps we could be taking to do our own part in the fight to save the planet from extinction. Climate change is too big a price to pay for personal convenience. So let's get serious about the steps we can take.
First, let's change our lightbulbs. Electric lighting accounts for roughly 25 percent of the energy the average home uses. Yes, the newer, more efficient bulbs cost more up front, but estimates say they save you $20 over the lifetime of the bulb. I don't argue that lower cost is a reason to swap; I only use it to point out how much extra energy the old bulbs are wasting.
Next, let's think efficiency when we consider the purchase of a car. My city has cars you can rent by the hour, and I've found that these work fine for most every need I have. But I do live in a city. If you need a vehicle, at least check the fuel efficiency and factor that into your calculation of the real price of the car. The new electric cars get the miles-per-gallon equivalent of roughly 60 to 120. In other words, they cost you less to fuel (a lot less), and they don't pollute as you drive.
My last thought will surprise some. Let's buy more secondhand. As a society, we create an awful lot of new stuff, and making new stuff uses energy. So does shipping new stuff, packaging new stuff, and lighting the stores that sell new stuff. Buying secondhand is fun and an adventure. It supports local owners and nonprofits. But importantly, it saves energy.
That cartoon on the wall is 50 years old and is as amusing today as it was when it was drawn. We giggle at the thought of claiming that opening windows is the height of new technology. But there is an important message there.
Sometimes simple steps are important.
Domini was honored to be invited to participate in an event on board Greenpeace's flagship, the Rainbow Warrior III, to celebrate progress in the protection of the canyons of the Bering Sea. We were asked to say a few words about our engagement with companies on sustainable seafood, and our interest as investors in preservation of these important undersea canyons. The small audience included Greenpeace staff and the ship's crew, as well as a government scientist and members of the fishing industry (Read Greenpeace's blog post on the event).
Greenpeace has been diligently working to protect the Bering Sea canyons, a delicate ecosystem that is threatened by the lucrative Alaska pollock fishery. The area is a breeding ground for pollock and other species, and its exploitation threatens the entire fishery. Over the past year, we have raised these concerns with McDonald's and Costco, two major seafood buyers.
On the eve of a critical meeting of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council in Juneau, Alaska, Greenpeace's Oceans Campaign Director John Hocevar reached out with an urgent appeal. Despite serious scientific studies supporting the need for conservation, the Pollock fishermen were standing in the way of the development of a plan. We contacted both companies to ask them to intervene and were pleased to learn that our email to McDonald's was circulating at the meeting. According to Hocevar:
"I do not know the details of what McDonald's did, but it definitely got people's attention in a very constructive way and was greatly appreciated by all of us in Juneau trying to move this issue forward."
Greenpeace is cautiously optimistic that they now have a plan in place that they can work with. When shareholders express their concerns, it can make a big difference. We were pleased to play a small role in moving this issue forward on behalf of our Fund shareholders, and thank McDonald's for their efforts.
A 2013 Time Magazine cover story envisioned "A World Without Bees." One third of U.S. honeybee colonies died or disappeared last winter, a 42% increase over the year before and well above the normal 10-15% losses. This alarming trend has been dubbed "Colony Collapse Disorder" (CCD), a global syndrome that is killing off honeybees in alarming numbers.
Why should investors worry about honeybees? Honeybees are the most economically important pollinators globally, and bee die-offs attributed to CCD pose serious threats to our food supply. According to the US Department of Agriculture, "Bee pollination is responsible for more than $15 billion in increased crop value each year" and "[a]bout one mouthful in three in our diet directly or indirectly benefits from honeybee pollination." The USDA warns that if losses continue at current levels, "it could threaten the economic viability of the bee pollination industry. Honeybees would not disappear entirely, but the cost of honeybee pollination services would rise, and those increased costs would ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher food costs." Crops dependent upon honeybees include almonds, blueberries, apples, lemons, zucchini – the list goes on. Honeybees provide an invaluable service that has no substitute. As Time Magazine warned, "eliminate the honeybee and agriculture would be permanently diminished." Other pollinators, including bumblebees, are also at risk.
Although the causes of this ongoing crisis remain unknown, recent studies show that even low doses of exposure to the class of pesticides called neonicotinoids (or "neonics") undermine bee immunity against pathogens and impair critical brain functions, and may be a contributing factor to CCD. The European Union has taken steps to ban certain neonics, and the EPA has issued warning labels.
As diversified investors, the Domini Funds hold shares in companies dependent on pollinators at several points in their supply chains. Working with other concerned investors, we sent letters to food producers, retailers and home improvement retailers who sell pesticides, including Mondelez International and Lowe's, where we are taking a lead role. Lowe's sells neonicotinoid-based pesticides and has been targeted by a Friends of the Earth campaign on this issue. We also spoke with Campbell's about their approach to pesticide use in their supply chain. We will be encouraging companies to review the science and the risks of neonicotinoids and other pesticides to pollinators, and to act accordingly.
Lowe's Commits to Decisive Action to Protect Bees and Other Pollinators
Home Depot to Phase Out Bee-Killing Pesticides (Links to third-party website.)


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Acute obstruction of the duodenum in the second and third parts is infrequent. The commonest causes of such an obstruction are congenital defects of the duodenum and pancreas, anomalies of rotation of the bowel, mesenteric artery syndrome, ulcers, neoplasms of the ampulla of Vater and duodenum, gallstones and foreign bodies, and invasive tumors of surrounding organs. Duodenal obstruction due to intramural hematoma was practically unknown until rather recently.
The first report of a case of duodenal obstruction due to intramural hematoma was made by McLauchlan in 1838.8 In 1948 Liverud described the x-ray findings of intramural hematoma, and, although in his case the hematoma was in the first part of the jejunum, the x-ray appearance was almost identical with that of intramural hematoma of the duodenum.6
Felson and Levin, in 1954, reported four cases of intramural duodenal hematoma and described in detail the x-ray appearance produced by barium
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subset: commoncrawl


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BDO Tax AlertsTax Alerts are short flyers issued by BDO tax experts to alert clients on important tax developments. They provide a quick overview of the main issues and potential implications of the new tax developments. You can get more detailed information on the topics covered in an Alert from the contact persons mentioned in the Alert or from a BDO tax expert in your nearest member firm.
Click here to review and download recent issues
Click here to review and download recent issues
World Wide Tax FactsWe produce a handy guide with information about the tax rates and main relief and exemptions for each country.
If you would like a copy of the World Wide Tax Facts, please speak to someone in your nearest member firm.
Holding Companies TableThe Holding Companies Table is a guide designed to assist in selecting the best holding company location for your specific situation. It contains information on the crucial international tax factors applicable to each country listed, such as treatment of inbound dividends and gains, interest deductibility, and Controlled Foreign Company rules. The table includes locations in Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Please speak to a tax expert in your nearest member firm for more detailed information on these locations, as well as other locations not covered by the table.
Click here to view and download the Holding Companies Table
© 2015 BWS BVBA. All rights reserved.
See Terms & Conditions for more information.BDO is an international network of independent public accounting, tax and advisory firms ("the BDO network"), which perform professional services under the name of BDO ("the BDO member firms"). BDO International Limited is a UK company limited by guarantee. It is the governing entity of the BDO network. Service provision within the BDO network is coordinated by Brussels Worldwide Services BVBA, a limited liability company incorporated in Belgium. Each of BDO International Limited, Brussels Worldwide Services BVBA and the BDO member firms is a separate legal entity and has no liability for another such entity's acts or omissions. Nothing in the arrangements or rules of the BDO network shall constitute or imply an agency relationship or a partnership between BDO International Limited, Brussels Worldwide Services BVBA and/or the member firms of the BDO network. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO member firms.


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Brandon is a happy 13-year-old who enjoys pleasing others and is polite and cooperative. His social worker says he is a pleasure to be with. Brandon is well-liked by his peers and is very protective of younger children. His favorite activities include singing in a choir, swimming, bowling, and playing video games. Brandon also enjoys being with the dogs and ferrets in his foster placement.
Brandon has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism. He does very well in school, where he receives special education services. He puts much effort into his classwork and as a result has won many awards. His teachers report that he is a joy to have in their classrooms and they appreciate the interest he takes in his subjects. Last spring he participated in Special Olympics bowling and is proud of the award he won.


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- This event has passed.
Westborough: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Christmas Eve services
December 24, 2013
Event Navigation
Westborough – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 183 West Main St., Westborough, will hold its Christmas Eve services Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. (children and family service), 7:30 p.m. (traditional service), and 11 p.m. (festival service).
To find out more, visit www.goodshepherdcares.org or call 508-366-7095.


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Mr. Clean: Doodles
Advertising Agency: Grey Buenos Aires, Brazil
Executive Creative Directors: Sebastián Garín, Pablo Gil
Creative Directors: Diego Rubio, Coco Olivera
Head of Art: Cecilia Ognio
Copywriter: Francisco Jose Ibarrola
Art Director: Emiliano Jabiu
Photographer: Juan Mathé
Retouch: Juan Erasmo
Published:May 2010
10 comments
werbefuzzi35May 17, 2010 - 10:27
Buenos Aires is in Argentina, not in Brazil. Brazilians may get offended
keithstoeckelerMay 17, 2010 - 11:36
I get the idea, and it's good, but the "writing" is poor. Would have been better with some phone numbers, grocery list, something besides a drawing.
raavigeorgianMay 18, 2010 - 2:45
the doodle could have been really funny...reflecting on the conversation on the phone....maybe sex
SpoonfeederxxxMay 21, 2010 - 2:56
Simplicity is okay, but as for originality I'm not sure...


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Product Recycling Fund
The price of this item includes a contribution to a Product recycling fund to ensure that waste electrical and electronic equipment is collected and recycled in a responsible manner.
More news and inspiration from IKEA
Chopping board. Set of 3. Bamboo.
8 ways to get the most out of your herbs and spices
GLÖDANDE limited time collection
Enjoy a delicious taste of Sweden at homeMeet the future professors in the kitchen
Cooking with parentsIKEA in collaboration with Walter Van BeirendonckSwedish Food MarketSee our range of chopping boardsBring big flavours to your cooking
Your IKEA essentials
Create a Shopping ListPrepare for your visit to the store. Create and access your shopping list anywhere.
IKEA Services for youHome delivery, assembly, kitchen and bathroom installation. We have the services to help you.
Your local IKEA store: Choose your store
Send us an email
Frequently asked questionsGo to FAQs
More questions?Email contact form
Call usMy local store


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- Accessory Case
Well Designed 11/01/2013
This review is from: Wireless Bluetooth Silicone Keyboard Leather Case Cover for Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 P5200 Black
Excellent design. Holds tab 3 10.1 very well - the tablet simply slides into a pouch with a simple flap that looks like it won't but absolutely does hold the tablet tightly in place - genius! All holes line up properly - easy to touch or access all tablet buttons and ports. 5 stars on the keyboard and tablet cover. Total weight with tablet: 2 lbs 3 oz.
Two eggs for the keyboard. I have to press each key EXACTLY and sometimes a couple times to make contact. The keyboard has a silicone cover over a tiny plastic keyboard - apparently to protect it from liquids, etc., but make typing very difficult for me. My hands aren't large - but I am a touch typist on a standard keyboard - I have to hunt and peck on this keyboard.
No place to hide/hold ear buds (not a real con because I wasn't expecting this - just asking the manufacturer to consider adding it please).
Other Thoughts:
I absolutely love the design of this - wish it had a little pouch to contain my ear buds - otherwise a really great design - stylish and secure, light weight, feels tough. I'm not enthusiastic about the silicone over plastic keyboard - really difficult to touch type on but much easier for me than using the tablet virtual keyboard (which is why I bought this). Glad I bought this product - well worth the money spent.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes / No Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!


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St. Pierre
Zac Brown Band Performs On 4th of July
Posted July 5th, 2014 @ 9:17am
Photo Credit: Video screen shot
Zac Brown Band took the stage on the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. The boys put in a killer performance. Figured I'd share it with you.
Zac Brown Band ~ Macy's 4th of July Fireworks... by HumanSlinky


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Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis - Topic Overview
Your doctor will ask questions about your child's symptoms and past health and will do a physical exam. Your child may also have blood tests and a urine test to look for signs of the disease. If your child has the disease, these tests can help your doctor find out which type it is.
Your child's treatment will be based on the type of JIA he or she has, and how serious it is.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation. If they don't work well enough, other medicines are used.
- Exercise and physical therapy help keep your child's muscles flexible and strong.
- Occupational therapy helps your child live as independently as possible.
- Surgery to correct joint problems is only done in rare cases.
Even when JIA isn't severe, your child may still need long-term treatment. To make sure that treatment is right for your child, work closely with the medical team. Learn as much as you can about your child's disease and treatments. Stay on a schedule with your child's medicines and exercise.
Take good physical care of yourself so that you can help your child through the more difficult periods of illness. Consider finding a support group of families who live with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Your local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation can provide classes and support group information.
Learning about juvenile idiopathic arthritis:
Being diagnosed:
Getting treatment:
Ongoing concerns:
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise


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So I recently had to repair my old kayak. The reason being is, it got a small hole in it....
Well last week was the big event that been building for quite from some time. Wilderness Systems Pro Staffer, Bobby Clark put on a benefit...
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Falcon School District 49 has appointed an interim CEO as a result of the restructuring of the district leadership.
"At a special meeting February 23, the Falcon School District 49 Board of Education appointed Becky Carter to the position of Interim Chief Education Officer. Becky has worked in the District for 28 years and currently serves as the Charter School Liaison. Her previous roles include Executive Director of Elementary Education and elementary school principal and teacher. Becky will serve as interim CEO to coordinate the efforts of the three Innovation Leaders and other departments within the District. In moving forward with the Innovation Initiative, she will help transition the District into the new organizational structure.
"This District has been my home for 30 years, I love this District," Becky says, "this plan has some really great things and I'm so excited to be a part of it." She says she is looking forward to moving ahead with the Innovation Initiative and she will begin meeting with Innovation Leaders this week. This position does not require the District to hire any new staff, and her duties as Charter Liaison will be absorbed by other departments. Unlike the Superintendent position, the CEO is singularly focused on education and instructional matters and is not the chief executive of the District.
As part of its Innovation Initiative, Falcon School District 49's Board of Education created the CEO position to provide consistent leadership throughout the Innovation process. "Becky's experience, loyalty and longstanding positive role in our District make her a perfect fit," says Board member Tammy Harold, "I have received an overwhelming number of calls and emails in support of her in this position, and it has been wonderful to get that feedback from our community.""


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How to Help Your Overscheduled Teen Stay Sane
When there simply doesn't seem to be enough time in the day, these expert tips will help keep stress at bay.
5 Ways to Make Stress Work for You
Yes, it's a fact of modern life. So why not use stress for good, not evil? Here's how.
3 Things to Do When You're Paralyzed by Stress
When you're so frazzled that you can barely see straight, let alone deal with one more crisis, that's a sign that you've been tense for too long, and that your stress is on the verge of morphing from the run-of-the-mill variety into the toxic kind. Here are three proven ways to break the stress cycle.
The Surprising Ways People Cope With Holiday Stress
And three science-backed ways to beat it.
6 Signs the Holidays Are Making You Craz
You bake 20 pounds of spiced nuts at 3 a.m., even though you have the flu...or cry on Christmas morning when your 4-year-old ignores the giant stuffed panda but loves that 99-cent pack of gum. Those are just a few of the warning signs that the stress is getting to you. Let these wise men and women offer a reality check—and tips for finding joy again.
This Trick Will Help You Stop Worrying About Work All the Time
So you can enjoy your time off in peace.
The Surprising Health Benefit of Washing the Dishes
Think twice before passing off this task.
The Quickest Way to Eliminate Tension
Use these simple hands-on techniques—no massage therapist required.
Why Your Office Design Might Be Making You Cranky
New research says open offices don't work if employees can't have some privacy.
A Simple Way to Calm Down Before a Big Event
When there's an anxiety-producing event looming—an important presentation, dental surgery, a first date—you can start to calm your nerves the day before with this exercise.


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The significance of the association of diabetes and tuberculosis is accentuated by two circumstances: (1) the continued rise in the frequency of diabetes and (2) the increase in the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in persons with diabetes in spite of the sustained prewar decline in the tuberculosis mortality rate in the general population. Relative to the association of diabetes and tuberculosis the available reports show a striking difference between European and American data.
If the tuberculosis morbidity rate is calculated by multiplying the mortality rate by 10, as suggested by Krause,1 the average tuberculosis mortality rate from 1927 to 1938, inclusive, corresponding to the period covered by the reports of the American authors presented in table 2, was 64 per 100,000. This indicates a morbidity rate of 0.6 per cent. When this figure is compared with the average incidence given in table 2, it appears that tuberculosis occurs four
Thank you for submitting a comment on this article. It will be reviewed by JAMA Internal Medicine editors. You will be notified when your comment has been published. Comments should not exceed 500 words of text and 10 references.
Do not submit personal medical questions or information that could identify a specific patient, questions about a particular case, or general inquiries to an author. Only content that has not been published, posted, or submitted elsewhere should be submitted. By submitting this Comment, you and any coauthors transfer copyright to the journal if your Comment is posted.
* = Required Field
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Indicate all relevant conflicts of interest of each author below, including all relevant financial interests, activities, and relationships within the past 3 years including, but not limited to, employment, affiliation, grants or funding, consultancies, honoraria or payment, speakers' bureaus, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, royalties, donation of medical equipment, or patents planned, pending, or issued. If all authors have none, check "No potential conflicts or relevant financial interests" in the box below. Please also indicate any funding received in support of this work. The information will be posted with your response.
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text:
Mr Jai
With over 4 years of verstalie development experience that includes two years of embedded software engineering which improved my memory managed, optimisation and module based programming and more than two years of iOS Application Development, that really gave me chance to do something innovative, lively and realistic, I am really a best fit for iOS related jobs. My strong points are, I am always open to learning new things, adapting to new conditions, taking quick decisions, and doing multitasking.
I feel my weak points are not having much expertise in other domains such as android, game development and web development, but I am trying to improve this as well.
Development is my passion and I don't take it just as a job so I always make sure that I use all my experience and skills to produce best possible results.
- Pakistan
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- Member for 4 years, 7 months
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Police report: March 6, 2011
Published: Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 7, 2011 at 10:30 p.m.
Portions of the following information are based on facts provided by the arrested individuals. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
March 6, 2011
Terrebonne Sheriff's Office
Demas Anthony Washington, 26, 425 Naquin St., Houma, improper vehicle equipment, liability insurance violation, driving under suspension child restraint violation, following too close, illegal possession of stolen things more than $500.
Jamie John Dolese, 26, 109 East Venus St., South Padre Island, Texas, failure to register as sex offender.
Michael James Batiste, 22, 304 Ash St., Houma, two counts simple burglary of inhabited dwelling.
Tyler Michael Naquin, 19, 3931 Oak Point Road, Montegut, attempted first degree murder of police officer, aggravated flight from officer, resisting an officer, DWI, reckless operation, seat belt violation.
Houma City Police
Jose Rivera Martinez, 25, 316 Fielders Court, Houma, DWI, speeding, operating a vehicle without a lawful presence in U.S.
Felipe De Jesus Delgado Montoya, 39, 227 St. Malo St., Houma, DWI, headlamp violation, operating a vehicle without a lawful presence in U.S.
Taja-Lee Dahkiah Williams, 18, 623-C Hobson St., Houma, careless operation, hit and run.
Rusty Thomas Foret, 22, 287 Smokey Court, Bourg, aggravated battery.
Richard Dwayne Steele, 31, 2610 Express Blvd., Houma, DWI.
Christopher James Chaisson, 34, 111 Goodman Court, Houma, hit and run, aggravated assault on peace officer with vehicle, unsafe vehicle.
Louisiana State Police
Horace Joseph Johnson, 35, 4817 York St., Metairie, DWI, open alcohol container in vehicle, careless operation, address change violation, failure to appear.
Neil Patrick Gautier, 41, 7241 Grand Caillou road, Dulac, speeding, registration violation, DWI.
Jason Michael Gilmore, 26, 1330 West Esplanade, Apt. F, Kenner, DWI, improper lane usage, expired driver's license, address change violation.
Earl Williams Baker, 41, 613 Hall St., Houma, disturbing the peace by intoxication, entry after being forbidden.
Terrebonne Narcotics Task Force
Chantelle Mataya Lecompte, 29, 1221 Schley Drive, Houma, possession schedule IV drug, possession schedule I drug, unlawful possession drug paraphernalia.
Ryan Nelson Sandt, 30, 202 Marietta Place, Gray, possession with intent to distribute schedule IV drug, possession schedule I drug, unlawful possession drug paraphernalia, possession schedule III drug, liability insurance violation, excessive amplified noise violation, failure to appear.
Albert Hartman, 29, 211 Academy St., Houma, possession schedule IV drug, possession schedule I drug, unlawful possession drug paraphernalia, vehicle registration violation, headlamp violation, driving under suspension.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Release date:
October 5, 2007
Studio: Fox Walden
Director: David L. Cunningham
MPAA Rating: PG (for fantasy action and some scary images)
Screenwriter: John Hodge
Starring: Ian McShane, Frances Conroy, Christopher Eccleston, Alexander Ludwig, Amelia Warner, Gregory Smith, Emma Lockhart, Gary Entin, Edmond Entin, John Benjamin Hickey, Wendy Crewson
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
Official website: SeektheSigns.com
Plot Summary:
Based on the acclaimed novel by Susan Cooper, "The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising" is the first film adaptation of the author's acclaimed "The Dark Is Rising" Sequence. The film tells the story of Will Stanton, a young man who learns he is the last of a group of warriors who have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of the Dark. Traveling back and forth through time, Will hunts for a series of mysterious clues and encounters forces of unimaginable evil. With the Dark once again rising, the future of the world rests in Will's hands.


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"U Get Me High" is the band's current single, but the tune off of Hypnotic Eye that's come the longest way since rehearsals in July is "Shadow People."
Latest Blog Posts
October 01, 2014
September 26, 2014
Find the playlist and streaming link from this week's Buried Treasure Show below!Filed under:
September 26, 2014
The stars came out in Music City on Tuesday night to welcome Tom and the band back to Nashville for their first show in four years.
September 26, 2014
"Well I started out down a dirty road…"
September 22, 2014
Florida shows are always special affairs on a Heartbreaker tour.
September 22, 2014
"Rebels" takes on a new life when played in the South.
September 22, 2014
25 years is a long time, but that's exactly how long Heartbreaker fans in the Lehigh Valley have been waiting for Tom and the band to return to their corner of Pennsylvania.
September 19, 2014
Find the playlist and streaming link from this week's Buried Treasure Show below!Filed under:
September 18, 2014
"Take as long as you want with it, really. We'll just hang back. Whenever you're ready to sing, just step up to the mike."
September 18, 2014
XL Center
Hartford, CT
September 13, 2014
"U Get Me High" is shaping into the big rocker on this tour that Tom and the guys envisioned when they recorded it for Hypnotic Eye.
Usually slotted in the set list about halfway through the show, the current single off the new album gets the crowd moving and singing along. Michael Brown, the tour's lighting designer, has created a technicolor rainbow look for it that vibes well with the lyrics and music. It's quickly becoming a fan favorite.
So You Want To Be A Rock 'n Roll Star (The Byrds cover)
Mary Jane's Last Dance
American Dream Plan B
Into The


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This event has expired. This may be a recurring event, so please check the calendar in the future for updated occurrences.
Hairpin 5K Run/Walk Door County
Fish Creek
Join us in Door County for the Hairpin 5K Run/Walk in downtown Fish Creek! This is a great 4th of July tradition for runners and walkers of all ages. This event fills up and is capped at 1400 participants, so register early! For more information or to register visit us online.


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Semper Fi Conditioning
View Single Post
David Boyle
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Oahu/Hawaii
Posts: 663
Took a crack at a workout I've been planning.
I will say now, I was unable to complete. Felt the effects of being under the weather the last few days. Lack of fluids, proper nutrition, etc etc.
"Linda - Plus 20"
*add 20 lbs to your current Linda
295 dead-lift
155 squat clean
205 bench press
I made it through 10-9-8-7-6...then I just ran out of it.
This was a very humbling workout. I felt like I was on Stalins working party!
After falling down on my squat cleans I knew I was on thin ice for an injury...cause I was crushed to say the least.
My time was up there too...like in the 30's. So I called it a day.
"Marlboro Man"
3 rounds for time
800m run - somewhat hilly in my neighborhood
21 KB swings w/ 24kg
12 Burpees
Was really sick when I did this wod...Don't know why I decided to go out last night and do this....getting out of my comfort zone I guess.
What was funny, I was thinking the whole time I was going to PR my previous 17:46...yea right!
"One must try everyday to expand one's limits."
~Mas Oyama~
David Boyle
View Public Profile
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I'm working with a client using ZOHO Recruit to manage his staffing agency. The form for candidates to submit THEIR information is given by ZOHO as a simple embed code. However, for employers to submit their jobs via form, it must use ZOHO's API - which is beyond what I know how to do at this point.
I'm all up for learning to do it myself and have been looking for tutorials, but I can't find a good starting place to learn. Here is what ZOHO sent - anyone around who can give me a starting place to know what to do with this? If it is helpful to the conversation, I can use Gravity Forms if there's something about it that makes implementing any of this easier.


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I have a specific folder setup on my corporate network that I need to manage the permissions for and the process isn't going to scale gracefully.
I have a folder named
Projects and within that one a folder for each project, say A, B, C. The tree structure looks like this:
Projects - Project A
- Project B
- Project C
A few people are assigned to each project so it could look like this:
Project A - Members 1, 2, 3
Project B - Members 1, 4, 5
Project C - Members 1, 2, 6
When I create the folder for project C I give permissions to members 2 and 6 to that folder. When member 6 tries to navigate to it it won't work until I give him permission to the folder
Projects as well.
Question: When I add user 6 to the folder
Projects he is also added to projects A and B (inheritance) and I have to go into each one of them and deny the user. Once I have a few projects going I need to go into each one of the projects and remove them one by one, something that might lead to mistakes.
Is there a better way of setting up the permissions?


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This dust bulb is an economical and "green" replacement for traditional dusters. Delivers a blast of air for quick and easy removal of dirt, dust and other debris. Ideal for board level repair, computer repair, cleaning keyboards, vents and much more.
20-4410 - Economy Duster 10 Oz.
Economical HFC152a based duster. Note: not for use on powered electrical equipment, on hot surfaces, and around open flames or sparks.
20-4587 - Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, 2 Pack
Soft and low-linting microfiber terry cloth is ideal for cleaning and polishing LCD and plasma screens, plexi-glass, chrome, and other sensitive surfaces Buffs surface to a shine with or without cleaner (works best with cleaner designed for specific surface)
SABU10191 - Fiberglass Pencil
A pencil which can contain fiberglass or brass brushes. As the brush is used it can be moved down by rotating the top of the pencil. Ideal for cleaning PCBs, copper tracks, etc. Refills are available separately.
22-8705 - Platoshear Lead Cutter
Lead cutters that provide effortless shearing action, and require less operator effort. Features a thin profile designed for those hard-to-reach areas in electronic assembly.
82-16621 - CCTV DC Power Female Jack to Terminal Block Adapter
DC power terminal block adapter ideal for quickly terminating two-conductor power leads from siamese CCTV bulk cable runs to fixed screw-down terminal block.
28-19385 - 12VDC 5A Regulated AC Power Adapter
12VDC 5A Regulated AC Power Adapter
UL and CSA listed AC to DC switching power supply suitable for a variety of portable electronic devices. Light weight, compact and highly efficient switch mode design incorporates regulated output within 3% of rated output, eve...
I am very pleased with both the products and the services. Thank you.


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Do Bike Helmets Create More Harm Than Good?
As a child, my bicycle meant freedom: the freedom to get where I wanted to go quickly, and the freedom to roam, to explore, to savor. Nowhere in my childhood mostly spent on two wheels was there a helmet.
As a child, my bicycle meant freedom: the freedom to get where I wanted to go quickly, and the freedom to roam, to explore, to savor. Nowhere in my childhood mostly spent on two wheels was there a helmet.
We're almost midway through the first month of the new year, and if you're like the majority of resolution makers, you're likely already starting to falter. According to a recent New York Times article, "By the end of January, a third will have broken their resolutions, and by July more than half will have lapsed."
That's why now is a great time to recommit to those oh-so-noble goals. Two ways to do that? Checking in with your resolutions often and rewarding yourself for your progress. Sure, losing weight, saving money and getting more sleep are their own rewards, but a little extra motivation never hurt, right?
It's back to school time for most families, which means it's a great time to think about how your school is doing on the green front — especially when it comes to the basics, like recycling.
If your school doesn't already have a recycling program in place, consider starting one. Experts say the general steps to follow are:
Was "go green" one of your New Year's resolutions? Even if your composter is still empty and there are chemical cleaners still lurking in your cabinets, don't fret — Only 12 percent of those who make New Year's resolutions actually keep them for a year. Which, frankly, is 12 percent more than I would have guessed. But if you're like me and the other 88 percent, what can help us keep resolutions is the support of others.
With that in mind, this Earth Day I'm enlisting my family in the greening goals I set for 2011. And by "greening" (aren't we all just getting sick to death of that word?), I mean treading more lightly on my wallet, my Daytimer, my blood pressure and Mother Earth. Surely THAT's a resolution worth fighting for!


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Pomodoro > Pomodoro MenuNoneBrookline Sample Menu
Popular Items
Arancini 12.00
Crispy risotto fritters with peas, fontina and truffle oil
Caesar Salad 12.00
Full leaf romaine, bread crumbs, white anchovies and shaved parmesan
Mista 10.00
Mixed baby greens, olive oil, balsamic and goat cheese
Linguine and clams 23.00
Native clams tossed in a classic white wine or roasted plum tomato sauce over linguini
Eggplant parmesan 23.00
Pan-fried eggplant with plum tomato sauce, pesto, and sauteed spinach
Disclaimer: Always check with the business for pricing and availability of menu items. SinglePlatform is not responsible for menu or pricing changes, but the information is believed to be accurate when posted. Listing of a menu does not mean that there is any affiliation, endorsement or sponsorship between SinglePlatform and the listed business.


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The Department of Homeland Security clarified rules Aug. 3 for undocumented immigrant youth looking to apply for temporary legal status. Now the immigrant-led coalition United We Dream is launching a campaign to make sure that all eligible youth understand and take advantage of the new rules.
The group plans a "day of action" Aug. 15, the day that Homeland Security gave as the first to apply for deferred action on their immigration status, which would allow these young immigrants to remain here to continue their education. Starting on Aug. 25, United We Dream will host events at application centers nationwide to help undocumented youth complete their applications and to offer legal advice.
President Obama announced the new policy June 15. "Since the president's announcement of this program we have been working around the clock to build a solid and massive infrastructure to ensure that DREAMers and our entire communities have accurate information and trusted assistance to apply for Deferred Action," Cristina Jimenez of United We Dream said in a press release.
Under the new rules, DREAM Act eligible youth will be able to avoid deportation proceedings for renewable two-year terms. These youth - undocumented immigrants brought to the country before their 16th birthday, are currently under 30, who have been here at least five years, who have not been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor and who are in school or are high school graduates - can also apply for work permits.
The DHS guidelines actually expand the number of youth eligible for deferred action. On June 15, Obama said only that only current high school students and graduates could apply. However, under the new guidelines, according to a report from Migration Policy Institute, undocumented youth who previously dropped out of school can apply for deferred action so long as they re-enroll in school by the time of their application. Original estimates suggested that 1 million young people might be affected by Obama's decision. New estimates put the number closer to 1.39 million.
The legal advice is essential, Crystal Williams, executive director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, argued in a press release. "This process, while generous, has no appeal and requires that you reveal yourself to the government," she said. "So it is important that you get good legal advice from a licensed attorney or accredited representative."
Across the country, advocates for immigrants are cautioning against sleazy "immigration lawyers" out to defraud immigrants who do not yet know the new process or rules for deferred action.
The coalition said that a centralized website and a national telephone hotline are being created to assist eligible youth.
In announcing it would begin accepting applications for deferred actions on Aug. 15, the Homeland Security department clarified further which crimes and misdemeanors would bar immigrants from applying. The department said such acts include, "regardless of the sentence imposed ... an offense of domestic violence; sexual abuse or exploitation; burglary; unlawful possession or use of a firearm; drug distribution or trafficking; or, driving under the influence." Further, any misdemeanor that carried a sentence of 90 days or more is considered significant.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, information provided on applications will be kept confidential, meaning that it will not be provided to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for use in deportation proceedings. However, a frequently asked questions section on the DHS website says the policy "may be modified, superseded, or rescinded at any time without notice."
In fact, because the entire rules change was done by executive order, a new president could reverse the policy entirely. While advocates do not think it likely that a possible President Romney would undo President Obama's decision - which polls well among most sectors of the American people - they can't rule it out. For this reason, and because only Congress can authorize a law allowing a path to citizenship, they argue that the DREAM Act is still necessary.
Even DHS says the DREAM Act is still necessary. "Deferred action does not provide lawful status or a pathway to citizenship," the department notes on its website. "As the president has stated, individuals who would qualify for the DREAM Act deserve certainty about their status. Only the Congress, acting through its legislative authority, can confer the certainty that comes with a pathway to permanent lawful status."
The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act was introduced more than a decade ago by Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Dick Durbin, D-Ill. It would provide a path to citizenship for the same youth now affected by the new DHS rules. The rules change accomplishes much of the DREAM Act, but does not offer a chance at citizenship or permanent residency. Though originally a bipartisan measure, the bill's most recent version was killed in 2010 in the Senate on a mostly party-line vote.
Photo: Cynthia Moreno's mother, Lorena, shows off her daughter's graduation medal from Barry Goldwater High School, at their home in Phoenix, Ariz. Moreno, 18, from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, doesn't have documents and is uncertain as to where to begin to get information about President Barack Obama's Deferred Action program. Moreno wants to go to the university to become a business owner, but hasn't enrolled because an Arizona education law states that undocumented immigrants must pay out of state tuition. (AP Photo by Nick Oza)


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I shared one of my blog entries on my facebook page. The image came up fine and if you click on the image it redirects to my website. However the web address under it (which is supposed to be my website http://www.picturebookphotographics.com/www.picturebookphotographics.com is only coming up as half an address and therefore doesnt work.
Anyone know why?
I spoke with the Bluehost people and they said they didnt know and that i should ask wordpress.
So wordpress... im askin!


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night Portrait by Fel-XWatch
©2014-2016 Fel-X
Son of my friend. My attempt with oil paints. plate 70x50cm.
I feel even the smell... Great...
Fantastic work.
Seems like your talent has no boundary
Admirable trabajo
Great work! Would like that I had that kind of "attempts"!
Pretty nice "attempt" haha. Don't tell me this was your first oil painting? Awesome job!
What a wonderful portrait. The family must be thrilled! Fav
beautiful warm colors and ambiance
Very nice work!!!
Excellent work and a great portrait!
Well done!
Absolutely beautiful!!!
"My attempt"... I'd like to have such attempts
Great job as usual
Great job as usual
Very well done my friend.


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Major Provisions in Senate Financial Overhaul Bill
The Senate financial overhaul package, which passed the Senate in a 59-39 vote on Thursday evening, would constitute the biggest overhaul of U.S. financial regulations since the 1930s. The legislation, broadly, is designed to close the regulatory gaps and end the speculative trading practices that contributed to the 2008 financial market crisis. Major components of the bill would:
- NEW REGULATORY AUTHORITY: Gives federal regulators new authority to seize and break up large troubled financial firms without taxpayers bailouts in cases where the firm's collapse could destabilize the financial system. Sets up a liquidation procedure run by the FDIC. Management could be removed, with shareholders and unsecured creditors bearing losses. Other provisions would make it harder for top executives at the failed firms to claim large compensation packages, and it would give the government power to limit payments for certain creditors of failed firms. Treasury would supply funds to cover the up-front costs of winding down the failed firm.
-CONSUMER AGENCY: Would create a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau within the Federal Reserve, with rulemaking and some enforcement power over banks and non-banks that offer consumer financial products or services such as credit cards, mortgages and other loans. The new watchdog would have authority to examine and enforce regulations for all mortgage-related businesses, large non-bank financial companies such as big payday lenders and consumer reporting companies, and for banks and credit unions with assets of more than $10 billion.
-DERIVATIVES: Would require the vast majority of all derivatives trading be executed on a public exchange as opposed to between banks and their customers as many contracts are currently.. Most controversially, the bill would adopt language written by Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D., Ark.), that would compel any large commercial banks that have access to the Federal Reserve's discount window to spin off their derivatives trading business. The Fed, FDIC, Treasury as well as the banking industry have argued against this measure.
-FINANCIAL STABILITY COUNCIL: Would establish a new, nine-member Financial Stability Oversight Council, comprising existing regulators charged with monitoring and addressing system-wide risks to the nation's financial stability. Among its duties, the council would recommend to the Fed stricter capital, leverage and other rules for large, complex financial firms that are judged to threaten the financial system. In extreme cases, would have the power to break up financial firms.
-OVERSIGHT CHANGES: Would eliminate the Office of Thrift Supervision, but an attempt to strip the Fed of its oversight of thousands of community banks in the bill was reversed with an amendment. Would empower the Fed to supervise the largest, most complex financial companies to ensure that the government understands the risks and complexities of firms that could pose a risk to the broader economy.
-FEDERAL RESERVE OVERSIGHT: Calls for a one-time government audit of the all of the Fed's emergency lending programs from Dec. 2007 onward, including facilities used to help deal with the collapse of Bear Stearns & Co. and the program to stabilize asset-backed securities markets. The Government Accountability Office would also review the Fed's corporate governance, including whether there are conflicts of interest inherent in the current design of the Federal Reserve System.
-BANK CAPITAL STANDARDS: Under an amendment adopted unanimously with little fan fare, the bill would force banks with more than $250 billion in assets to meet higher risk- and size-based capital standards. Treasury and Fed oppose the measure, authored by Sen. Susan Collins (R., Maine), warning it could make it harder for U.S. officials to negotiate global capital standards with foreign regulators.
-MORTAGE RISK: Would require firms that securitize mortgages and other loans to hold a portion of the risk on their own balance sheets, but – under an amendment added on the floor – also would direct regulators to establish a category of less-risky mortgage products – primarily fixed-rate, fully amortizing loans – that would be exempt from the risk-retention rule.
-HEDGE FUNDS: Would require hedge funds that manage more than $100 million to register with the SEC as investment advisors and disclose to the agency information about their trades and portfolios.
-CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: Would give shareholders of public corporations a non-binding vote on executive pay, and would give the SEC the authority to grant shareholders proxy access to nominate directors.
-INSURANCE: Would create a new Office of National Insurance within Treasury to monitor the industry, recommending to the systemic risk council insurers that should be treated as systemically important, as well as coordinate international insurance issues. The office would produce a study and recommendations to Congress on ways to modernize insurance regulation, but it is explicitly not a new regulator.
- CREDIT RATING AGENCIES: The bill will establish a new self-regulatory organization for credit rating agencies designed to eliminate a conflict in the current system where an institution pays for its rating and, at times, shops for the best rating it can get for the lowest price. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will appoint members of the new regulatory body, what will then assign credit-rating agencies to provide initial credit ratings of financial packages.
- INVESTMENT ADVICE: Several Democrats had hoped to tighten regulations for broker-dealers who give investment advice, but they weren't given a floor vote on their amendment despite near constant lobbying from consumer groups. As it stands, the bill directs the SEC to study the differences between fiduciary standards for investment advisers and broker dealers and make recommendations.


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Video Industry News Video Company News Technology Industry News Technology Company News Novelty Industry News Novelty Company News Gay Industry News Gay Company News Legal Industry News All Company News
Released: May 01st, 2005
Running Time: 110
Director: TT Boy
Cast: Max Black, Noot, Joachim, TT Boy, Mark Anthony (I), Ann (I), Roxanne (I), Rosanna, Daisy (I), June (I)
Critical Rating: AAA
Genre: Gonzo
If they like it kinda sleazy and raincoat era, they may well like this.
Production values? TT Boy don't need no stinking production values! Just a hotel room, a collection of bony Asian chicks, a few hung pals and a video camera. An assortment of sex related questions are asked prior to investigating the pussies of each semi-English speaking one-night-stands before they get banged.
Yumi and Maria are listed on the box cover but do not appear in the video. Daisy smiles big and squeaks like a Japanese love toy. Half black/half Filipino Roxanne bounces happily on the bed before taking some black dick. June and Noot chat back and forth while working over Joachim's cock. Ann and New are nightclub girls looking for a wild time, which includes a cock in Ann's ass.
Rosanna is gorgeous and gets a bonus solo scene on the DVD. The disks still gallery looks like a collection of medium quality amateur shots.


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This is the problem. With torrents you never know what you are getting.
You say these videos are not illegal, but I would have to question the wisdom of using torrents, and why not get those videos from elsewhere if they are not copyrighted or illegal copies.
It may be a codec issue. Have a look at GSpot Codec Information Appliance. It can test videos for both video codecs and audio codecs, and give you an idea if your computer is missing the proper codec for each video.
But if these videos are free, I would suggest you get them from elsewhere and not trust torrents.
Hello when i try to play downloaded videos (Not illegal movies or nothing) i get this weired noise... it doesnt do it on anything else like mp3s, videos watched directly on the net, games ect! but the videos do play correct on my torrents programs built in video player! just when i try to play it on an external media player like widows media player or classic media player the video makes those noises. i just dont get it. i built this computer by hand, programed it and everything. the sound card does work. its some kinda codec/glitch somewhere! if anyone has any ideas please help and thanks..


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Couscous With Olives and Lemon
Total Time
Prep 10 mins
Cook 10 mins
From a saved page of an old Gourmet Magazine. I prefer to use Israeli couscous, the pearl type, however you need to check package directions for additional cooking time. This was a great side dish for "Marinated Lamb Chops" Marinated Lamb Chops. I also used kalamata olives and skipped the salt.
Ingredients Nutrition
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 3⁄4 cups vegetable broth
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1⁄2 cups couscous
- 16 black olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1⁄2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely grated
- Cook garlic in oil in 2-3 quart wide heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until golden, 1-2 minutes.
- Add water and salt and bring to boil.
- Stir in remaining ingredients, cover pan and remove from heat.
- Let stand 5 minutes.
- Fluff with fork.
Most Helpful
Used chicken broth , and my own brined olives. Loved it, and wouldn't change anything! Made for Aussie swap august 2012
This made for a perfectly fluffy and pretty tasty couscous. We eat a lot of couscous and although like I said, it was fluffy and tasty, it just didn't make me personally go WOW!
Love this dish, and especially appreciate the fact it is ready in just a few minutes. I made it as written, but can imagine adding more lemon zest and perhaps a tablespoon of butter (bad Peggy). Served as a side to pan-fried fish and salad. Will make this often.


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5 posts tagged with case and shell.
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Make My New Smart Phone Stylish AND Durable
Good news, everybody! I got a new Moto X smart phone, and now I want to make it as stylish and durable as possible. What's the best compromise between keeping it protected and making it look good? [more inside]
Snap-on shell case for MSI U230?
Snap-on shell case for MSI U230? [more inside]
how to professionally cover up my unprofessional stickers
Are there any shell cases for (older) Macbook Pros that aren't translucent? [more inside]
Best keyboard skin for Mac Air? Best shell?
Best keyboard skin for Macbook Air? Best shell case (not for carrying)? [more inside]
Whats the best hard case for a Macbook?
I'm about to go backpacking for a while and need to take my MacBook 13". Can anyone recommend the best hard shell case you can get for it? [more inside]
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