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Dr Stephen Bell
Conjoint Fellow
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Career Summary
I work as a vegetation ecologist and consultant botanist, and have been involved in native vegetation survey, classification and mapping in the Greater Sydney and Hunter Regions of New South Wales since 1990. Under contract to State government, I have undertaken comprehensive plant surveys for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in over 30 conservation reserves, and have been Lead Botanist for several large scale regional projects within the Sydney Basin bioregion. On behalf of Local government, I have co-ordinated and completed LGA-wide vegetation classification and mapping projects across a number of local Council areas, and have examined the distribution and ecology of several legally protected Threatened Ecological Communities and numerous threatened plant species. Also dabbling in the plant taxonomy field, I have discovered and co-described a small number of new plant species from the Hunter Valley, with ongoing studies continuing into other regional novelties.
In October 1996, I established a specialist botanical consultancy providing high quality services to government and the private sector, a business which remains my principle employer. After 25 years in the consulting field, I have developed a wide network of contacts both in government and industry, which I use to facilitate my research interests. Following 15 years of data collection in the private consulting field, I began my PhD studies in 2004 to tackle strategic planning issues that became evident from many years attempting to 'pigeon-hole' the vegetated environment. In particular, I found the lack of recognition of geographically restricted and rare plant communities in regional strategic planning initiatives frustrating, and an improvement in methods of classification and mapping was seen as paramount. During this process, a number of restricted plant communities have been defined and delineated, some of which (eg: Kincumber Scribbly Gum Forest, Quorrobolong Scribbly Gum Forest) are now legally protected through threatened species legislation. Revisions to other legally-defined communities are ongoing.
Linking back with the School of Environmental and Life Sciences in 2014, I now hope to use my skills, experience and contacts to further research into the ecology of plant species and vegetation communities of the Hunter and Greater Sydney Regions.
Research Expertise
My research priorities sway between two related streams of investigation. First and foremost, all of my research involves native plant species, the communities in which they occur, and how the activities of Man impact upon them. In this regard I strive to apply the same principles behind individual plant species recognition and conservation to the habitats (plant communities) in which they live. I am particularly interested in the detection, recognition and mapping of rare plant communities, as it is these that are most often overlooked in strategic planning instruments. I do this by investigating how such communities can be best sampled, analysed and depicted in vegetation maps, so that land-use planners and practitioners can manage landscapes accordingly. Legally protected plant communities (such as can be listed on the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) are a specific avenue of research, as in many cases these threatened communities are also geographically restricted. Other fields of interest include:
• Vegetation classification of the Sydney Basin bioregion – in collaboration with other researchers from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, I have been classifying and mapping the native vegetation of the Sydney Basin since the early 1990's. Continuing data collection and analysis furthers our understanding of how different plant communities are related to one another, and also opens up a number of new research opportunities.
• Threatened and significant plant taxa - the ecology and distribution of individual plant taxa is also of research interest, particularly threatened plant species and those that are endemic to the Hunter region. Many of the Hunter's endemic species (of which there are >100 taxa) are legally protected; however the vast majority is not. It is these unprotected endemic taxa that require further research, as some of these may become threatened in coming years.
• Restoration of disturbed landscapes - being based in the Hunter Valley of NSW, home to the largest coal export port in the World, I am also interested in the return of native vegetation following coal mining and associated ground disturbances, and in the management of former grazing lands that have been purchased for conservation offsets. As much of the Hunter Valley floor supports threatened ecological communities, it is particularly important that the regeneration of former grazing lands adds to the conservation of these communities.
• Historical botany - in recent years, I have begun to appreciate the value of the writings and journals of early Australian botanical explorers as they moved through the Hunter region and other parts of New South Wales. The observations made by some of these are truly astounding, and provide important commentary on what the originally vegetation must have been like. Part of my research on plant species and communities incorporates investigation into these historical writings, to aid current-day understanding of the vegetation we see today.
With support from the University of Newcastle Foundation, I am collaborating with Chris Rockley and past and present students from the University's Bachelor of Natural History Illustration course to prepare a monograph highlighting the endemic plant species of the Hunter and Central Coast region. Several Hunter endemic species are new to science and remain scientifically undescribed, and many others have never been illustrated in detail before. Over 100 plant species are endemic to our region, and it is hoped that the monograph will highlight both their plight and the incredible artistic talents of the University's natural history illustrators. See http://engage.newcastle.edu.au/capturing-the-rare-beauty-of-hunter-flora/ for more information.
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Science, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Newcastle
- endemic plants
- historical botany
- native vegetation
- strategic planning
- threatened & rare plants
- threatened communities
- vegetation classification & mapping
- vegetation communities
- vegetation restoration
Fields of Research
|Community Ecology (excl. Invasive Species Ecology)
|Plant Biology not elsewhere classified
|Land Use and Environmental Planning
Professional Experience
|Organisation / Department
|1/01/2018 - 31/12/2019
OEH Expert Panel on Threatened Plant Species
A NSW-wide expert panel process to generate the data required to determine habitat suitability assessments for threatened species under the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM). Generated data will be used to update the Threatened Biodiversity Data Collection database within BioNET. Contributions to the South East, North West, Hunter and Sydney Metropolitan project regions.
|NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
|1/11/2017 - 28/09/2018
OEH Expert Panel on Threatened Ecological Communities
Provide expert advice on the identification, distribution, threats and management of several Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) as part of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Saving our Species initiative. TECs addressed include Hunter Lowlands Redgum Forest, Hunter Valley Weeping Myall Woodland, Kincumber Scribbly Gum Forest, Kurri Sands Swamp Woodland, Low Woodland with Heathland on Indurated Sands at Norah Head, Lower Hunter Spotted Gum-Ironbark Forest, Lower Hunter Valley Dry Rainforest, Pittwater-Wagstaff Spotted Gum Forest, Quorrobolong Scribbly Gum Forest, Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland, Warkworth Sands Woodland.
|NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
|1/11/2015 - 31/12/2018
Vegetation Classification Working Group
The IAVS Vegetation Classification Working Group is an international network dealing with all aspects of vegetation classification at all spatial and organisational scales.
|International Association for Vegetation Science
Czech Republic
|1/01/2015 -
Membership - Australasian Systematic Botany Society (ASBS)
The Australasian Systematic Botany Society is an incorporated association of people with professional and amateur interests in Australasian systematic botany. The aim of the Society is to promote the
study of plant systematics in Australasia.
|Australasian Systematic Botany Society (ASBS)
|1/01/2014 - 31/12/2014
|Biodiversity Modelling & Prioritisation: Hunter, Central & Lower North Coast Region Technical Workshop
|Biodiversity Modelling & Prioritisation: Hunter, Central & Lower North Coast Region Technical Workshop
|1/01/2014 - 31/12/2014
|Hunter Valley Woodlands Expert Technical Workshop
|Hunter Valley Woodlands Expert Technical Workshop
|1/01/2013 - 31/12/2013
|Grevillea parviflora Expert Panel & Workshop Lake Macquarie City Council
|Grevillea parviflora Expert Panel & Workshop Lake Macquarie City Council
|1/01/2013 - 31/12/2013
|Hunter Valley Grasslands Expert Panel & Workshop
|Hunter Valley Grasslands Expert Panel & Workshop
|1/01/2012 - 31/12/2012
|Membership - Review of Benchmarks for Greater Hunter Vegetation Classification Expert Panel
|Review of Benchmarks for Greater Hunter Vegetation Classification Expert Panel
|1/01/2012 - 31/12/2012
|Priority Action Statements for Threatened Species Expert Panel
|Priority Action Statements for Threatened Species Expert Panel
|1/01/2011 -
|Membership - International Association for Vegetation Science (IAVS)
|International Association for Vegetation Science (IAVS)
|1/01/2009 - 31/12/2009
|Hunter Vegetation and the NSWVCA Expert Panel
|Hunter Vegetation and the NSWVCA Expert Panel
|1/01/2009 - 31/12/2009
|Tetratheca juncea Expert Panel & Workshop Lake Macquarie City Council
|Tetratheca juncea Expert Panel & Workshop Lake Macquarie City Council
|1/01/2008 - 31/12/2008
|Climate Change & Biodiversity Impacts Expert Panel
|Climate Change & Biodiversity Impacts Expert Panel
|1/01/2008 - 31/12/2008
|Vegetation Classification Expert Panel
|Vegetation Classification Expert Panel
|1/01/2006 - 31/12/2007
|Hunter Valley Threatened Flora Recovery Team
|Hunter Valley Threatened Flora Recovery Team
|1/01/2005 - 31/12/2005
|Kurri Sands Swamp Woodland EEC Recovery Team
|Kurri Sands Swamp Woodland EEC Recovery Team
|1/01/2005 - 31/12/2005
|Regionally Significant Vegetation Expert Panel
|Regionally Significant Vegetation Expert Panel
|1/01/2003 - 31/12/2003
|Hunter Valley High Conservation Value Vegetation Expert Panel
|Hunter Valley High Conservation Value Vegetation Expert Panel
|1/01/2000 -
|Membership - Ecological Society of Australia (ESA)
|Ecological Society of Australia (ESA)
|1/01/1998 - 31/12/1998
|Expert Panel for the Lower North-east CRA division
|Expert Panel for the Lower North-east CRA division
|1/01/1996 -
|Membership - Australasian Native Orchid Society (ANOS)
|Australasian Native Orchid Society (ANOS)
|1/01/1995 -
|Membership - Australian Network for Plant Conservation (ANPC)
|Australian Network for Plant Conservation (ANPC)
Professional appointment
|Organisation / Department
|1/01/2019 - 7/01/2021
Editorial Board - Phytocoenologia
Phytocoenologia (ISSN 0340-269X) is an international, peer-reviewed journal of plant community ecology. It is devoted to vegetation survey and classification at any organizational and spatial scale and without restriction to certain methodological approaches. The journal publishes original papers that develop new vegetation typologies as well as applied studies that use such typologies, for example, in vegetation mapping, ecosystem modelling, nature conservation, land use management or monitoring. Particularly encouraged are methodological studies that design and compare tools for vegetation classification and mapping, such as algorithms, databases and nomenclatural principles. Papers dealing with conceptual and theoretical bases of vegetation survey and classification are also welcome. While large-scale studies are preferred, regional studies will be considered when filling important knowledge gaps or presenting new methods.
|Phytocoenologia - an international journal on vegetation classification
|1/07/2017 - 30/06/2019
Committee Member (Ministerial Appointment)
The NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee is established under the http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/bca2016309/" rel="external">Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. It is an independent committee of scientists appointed by the Minister for the Environment.
|NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee
|1/07/2014 - 30/06/2019
OEH Species Technical Group
Provide peer review for major changes to Saving our Species (SoS) conservation projects proposed by Species Project Coordinators, or for allocation of newly listed species, ecological communities or populations to an SoS management stream.
|NSW Species Technical Group: Flora (SoS Program)
|1/01/2001 - 1/12/2003
|Committee Member (Ministerial Appointment)
|Hunter Regional Vegetation Committee
Stephen Bell
Stephen Bell
Eastcoast Flora Survey
|Title / Rationale
Developing and monitoring 'SMART' rehabilitation completion criteria for the establishment of native vegetation communities on mine rehabilitation.
Organisation: Hunter Coal Environment Group
Effective Biodiversity Offsets: Improving planning, valuation and monitoring practice (with Martin Fallding).
Organisation: The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment Description: Mine Rehab Conference 2014: Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation, 25 September 2014, Singleton.
Introduction to the flora of the Hunter Valley - history, diversity and ecology
Organisation: Australian Network for Plant Conservation Description: Plant Identification for Flora of the Hunter Valley, 7th - 8th April 2014, Kurri Kurri, Australian Network for Plant Conservation
Vegetation of the Worimi Conservation Lands, Lower North Coast, New South Wales
Organisation: Nature Conservation Council Description: HOTSPOTS Fire Project: Awabakal and Worimi Fire Forum, 27th July 2011, Williamtown, Never Never Resources
Vegetation of Wanaruah Lands, Sandy Hollow, Upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Organisation: Nature Conservation Council Description: HOTSPOTS Fire Project: Wanaruah Fire Forum, 17th – 19th August 2010, Sandy Hollow, Upper Hunter Valley, Nature Conservation Council
Surveying, classifying and mapping vegetation on the Tomago Sandbeds, Lower North Coast, New South Wales
Organisation: Geoscience Australia Description: Coastal Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Workshop, 3rd – 4th September 2009, South West Rocks, NSW (Geoscience Australia)
An evaluation of vegetation survey and threatened plant species listings in the Hunter Region
Organisation: Hunter Environment Lobby Inc. Description: Vegetation Management & Biodiversity Conservation - Hunter Region. Proceedings of a Workshop held in May 2000, organised by the Hunter Environment Lobby Inc.
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Book (3 outputs)
Bell S, Rockley C, Llewellyn A, Flora of the Hunter Region Endemic Trees and Larger Shrubs (2019)
|Bell SAJ, Driscoll C, Vegetation of the Cessnock-Kurri Region: Survey, Classification & Mapping, Cessnock LGA, New South Wales, Department of Environment & Climate Change, Sydney South, 271 (2008)
|Bell C, Bell S, Helman S, Cannon G, Key Guide to Eucalypt & Related Species, Singleton Shire. A Pocket Guide for Identification of Eucalypts in the Field, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Muswellbrook, New South Wales, 102 (1998)
Journal article (30 outputs)
Bell S, 'Macrozamia flexuosa C. Moore (Zamiaceae): a review of distribution,
habitat and conservation status of an endemic cycad from the Hunter
Region of New South Wales', Cunninghamia, 19 7-27 (2019) [C1]
|Bell S, Sims R, 'Extensive populations of Dracophyllum macranthum (Ericaceae) in Coorabakh National Park suggest a review of threat status', Australasian Plant Conservation, 27 11-14 (2018)
|Bell S, 'The responsibilities of ecological consultants in disseminating outcomes from threatened species surveys: a call to arms', Australasian Plant Conservation, 27 3-6 (2018)
Bell SAJ, 'Fate of a rare flowering event in an endangered population of Acacia pendula (Weeping Myall) from the Hunter Valley, New South Wales', Cunninghamia, 18 79-88 (2018) [C1]
Bell S, Driscoll C, 'Acacia wollarensis (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae sect. Botrycephalae), a distinctive new species endemic to the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Australia', Telopea, 20 125-136 (2017) [C1]
Bell S, Driscoll C, 'Hunter Valley Weeping Myall Woodland ¿ is it really definable and defendable with and without Weeping Myall (Acacia pendula)?', Cunninghamia, 16 15-30 (2016) [C1]
Bell S, Walsh NG, 'Leionema lamprophyllum subsp. fractum (Rutaceae); a new and highly restricted taxon from the Hunter Valley of New South Wales', Telopea, 18 505-512 (2015) [C1]
|Bell S, Holzinger B, 'Wildfire reveals new populations of the endangered 'Commersonia rosea' and 'Monotaxis macrophylla' in northern Wollemi National Park, NSW', Australasian Plant Conservation, 23 2-4 (2015) [C2]
Bell S, Driscoll C, 'Acacia pendula (Weeping Myall) in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales: early explorers¿ journals, database records and habitat assessments raise doubts over naturally occurring populations', Cunninghamia, 14 179-200 (2014) [C1]
Bell SAJ, Nicolle D, 'Eucalyptus expressa (Myrtaceae): a distinctive new stringybark from the sandstone ranges north-west of Sydney, New South Wales', TELOPEA, 14 69-76 (2012)
|Show 27 more journal articles
Conference (1 outputs)
|Bell S, 'An evaluation of vegetation survey and threatened plant species listings in the Hunter Region', Proceedings of Vegetation Management and Biodiversity Conservation in the Hunter Region - Where to from here?, Singleton, NSW (2000)
Report (71 outputs)
|Bell S, 'Verification Survey of the Critically Endangered Pomaderris reperta (Denman Pomaderris) at Aarons Pass Road, Central Tablelands, NSW', NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, 15 (2019)
|Bell S, 'Survey and monitoring of the Vulnerable Pterostylis chaetophora (Rusty Greenhood) in the Lower Hunter Valley, NSW: 2018 Results', Office of Environment and Heritage, 62 (2019)
|Bell S, Sims R, 'Targeted surveys for the Vulnerable Dracophyllum macranthum (Ericaceae) in Coorabakh National Park, Lansdowne Plateau, NSW', NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, 28 (2018)
Bell S, 'Distribution, habitat and conservation status of Macrozamia flexuosa (Zamiaceae) in Lake Macquarie LGA and the lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales', Lake Macquarie City Council, 52 (2015) [O1]
|Bell S, 'External Review: Draft Threatened Plant Survey Guidelines', Office of Environment & Heritage, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, 20 (2015) [O1]
|Bell SAJ, 'Supplementary Assessment of Kincumber Scribbly Gum Forest CEEC: Erina Land Capability Study', GeoLink Pty Ltd & Gosford City Council, 30 (2014) [R2]
|Bell S, 'Preliminary Data Analysis of Slaty Gum (Eucalyptus dawsonii) Forests & Woodlands in the Hunter Valley', Department of Environment, Ecological Communities Section, Protected Species & Communities Branch, 20 (2014) [R2]
|Bell S, 'Tablelands Snow Gum TEC: Field Survey & Classification Analysis, Southern Tablelands, New South Wales. Tallaganda & Badja State Forest Trial Areas.', NSW Office of Environment & Heritage, 98 (2014) [R2]
|Show 68 more reports
Thesis / Dissertation (2 outputs)
|Bell SAJ, Defining and mapping rare vegetation communities: improving techniques to assist land-use planning and conservation, University of Newcastle (2013)
|Bell SAJ, Effects of the weed Scotch Broom on bird communities in open forests on Barrington Tops, University of Newcastle (1990)
Grants and Funding
|Number of grants
|Total funding
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20061 grants / $20,000
Improved Methods of Predicting Threatened Species Preferred Habitat$20,000
Funding body: NSW Environmental Trust
|Funding body
|NSW Environmental Trust
|Project Team
Stephen Bell
|Environmental Education Program
|Funding Start
|Funding Finish
|Type Of Funding
|Aust Competitive - Commonwealth
20041 grants / $1,500
An assessment of the vegetation occurring on coastal sands at Pelican Flats, Lake Macquarie LGA$1,500
Sixteen vegetation communities have been mapped and defined through numerical and intuitive classification for Pelican Flats, within Lake Macquarie local government area. This area, occupying 768 ha between Belmont and Swansea, is comprised almost exclusively of Holocene sand deposits which have developed a diversity of vegetation communities dependent on drainage and proximity to oceanic onshore winds. Due to a long history of human occupation in this area, only 29% (or 225 ha) currently supports native vegetation. The diversity of vegetation communities present at Pelican Flats includes one grassland (Beach Spinifex), one saltmarsh (Saltmarsh), two rushlands (Estuarine Juncus Rushland, Phragmites Rushland), seven scrubs and heaths (Coastal Sand Banksia Scrub, Coastal Sand Bottlebrush Wet Heath, Coastal Sand Foredune Scrub, Coastal Sand Wallum – Heath, Mangrove – Estuarine Complex, Tomago Clay Wallum Scrub, Bitou Bush Scrub), two dry forests (Lake Macquarie Spotted Gum Forest, Pelican Bangalay Forest), and three swamp forests (Coastal Sand Swamp Forest, Swamp Mahogany – Livistonia Swamp Forest, Swamp Oak – Rushland Forest). Detailed descriptions of each of these communities is provided, and their distributions mapped. Nearly all are present elsewhere in the local government area and region; the exceptions are Tomago Clay Wallum Scrub (which also occurs in Port Stephens LGA) and Pelican Bangalay Forest (endemic to Lake Macquarie). The latter is floristically related to three other regional communities; a focused numerical analysis of these four communities has shown that Pelican Bangalay Forest is significantly different (p<0.001) to the Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland from Gosford LGA (a listed Endangered Ecological Community under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995), Pearl Beach Sand Forest (Gosford LGA) and Tomago Apple-Banksia Forest (Port Stephens LGA). Vegetation present at Pelican Flats is representative of three Endangered Ecological Communities (Coastal Saltmarsh, Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest, Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains), incorporating six of the defined communities for the area. Although not currently listed as such, the highly restricted Pelican Bangalay Forest meets the IUCN criteria for a Critically Endangered ecosystem, based on an estimated 72% loss of geographical distribution since 1750 (32 ha down to 9 ha), a current-day Extent of Occurrence of 145 ha (1.45 km2), and an Area of Occupancy of just one single 10 x 10 km grid cell. It follows, therefore, that Pelican Bangalay Forest qualifies as Critically Endangered under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and it is suggested that a nomination to this effect be prepared.
Funding body: Lake Macquarie City Council
|Funding body
|Lake Macquarie City Council
|Project Team
Stephen Bell
|Lake Macquarie Environmental Research Grant
|Funding Start
|Funding Finish
|Type Of Funding
|Other Public Sector - Local
20001 grants / $4,250
Demography and Conservation Status of Selected Acacia bynoeana Populations within the Lake Macquarie LGA$4,250
Acacia bynoeana is an endangered low shrub endemic to the Central Coast and Tablelands of New South Wales, with a previously reported total population in NSW of only a few hundred plants. Estimates of population size are provided for all known populations of this species in Lake Macquarie LGA, and a brief assessment of the conservation status of the species given for its entire distributional range. On current knowledge, Lake Macquarie LGA represents a major stronghold for the species, with a total approaching 3000 plants. Of the 18 populations recorded for the City, only one of these occurs within a secure conservation zoning (Lake Macquarie SRA). During field survey, two new populations were discovered after examining potentially suitable habitat. The significance of the Lake Macquarie populations cannot be understated, and in particular the north-south corridor existing between Morisset and Wyee supports nearly 90% of the known population, a total in excess of 2400 plants. Any proposed developments within this corridor will need to seriously consider the implications on this species, both locally and State wide.
Funding body: Lake Macquarie City Council
|Funding body
|Lake Macquarie City Council
|Project Team
Stephen Bell
|Lake Macquarie Environmental Research Grant
|Funding Start
|Funding Finish
|Type Of Funding
|Other Public Sector - Local
19991 grants / $4,400
Distribution, habitat and conservation status of Macrozamia flexuosa (Zamiaceae) in Lake Macquarie LGA and the lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales$4,400
Macrozamia flexuosa (Zamiaceae) is a rare cycad endemic to the Hunter Region of New South Wales. Several populations are known from Lake Macquarie local government area (LGA), although little other information is available on the species. Currently carrying a conservation risk code of 2K, a review of the distribution and habitat of this poorly known species has found that it occupies a range of habitats within the LGA and region, and that on current information is not under immediate threat. An existing IUCN Red List assessment of Endangered is current for this species (although it is not listed in threatened species legislation), but a re-evaluation using contemporary data suggests this to be inappropriate. GIS analysis of existing records of Macrozamia flexuosa for the region (n=551) and Lake Macquarie LGA (n=71), showed that the species occurs most prevalently in Permian-aged sediments (principally the Newcastle Coal Measures in Lake Macquarie, at 82% of records, but in the Branxton, Farley and Rutherford Formations elsewhere in the region). Older Carboniferous sediments (particularly the Wallaringa Formation) are also well represented in the data regionally (such sediments are absent in Lake Macquarie), although this is likely the result of previous concentrated survey effort within Columbey National Park. Smaller occurrences are evident within the younger Triassic Narrabeen and Quaternary sediments within Lake Macquarie and regionally. The most frequent soil landscapes supporting the species in Lake Macquarie are the Awaba and Warners Bay units, together accounting for 73% of all records (n=71). Consistent soil landscape data for the remainder of the region is unavailable. All Lake Macquarie records fell within the 1000-1200 mm/yr annual rainfall bands, but regionally a larger spread was evident ranging from <700mm/yr to ~1400mm/yr. This suggests that the distribution of Macrozamia flexuosa is not limited or determined by available soil moisture, and that the species is tolerant of a wide range of moisture conditions. Within Lake Macquarie LGA, three local-scale vegetation communities comprise the majority of Macrozamia flexuosa records (54% of 71 records): two of these (Lake Macquarie Spotted Gum Forest & Hunter Valley Moist Forest) are strongly dominated by Corymbia maculata in the canopy, over a semi-mesic understorey. Small numbers of records (1-6) also occur within an additional 12 local-scale vegetation communities, and 7 records fall in areas now cleared of vegetation. Regionally, interpolation of database records across 175,000 hectares of locally-accurate vegetation mapping shows that Macrozamia flexuosa has been most frequently recorded within the Lower Hunter Spotted Gum-Ironbark Forest (41% of 383 records), followed by Kurri Sands Swamp Woodland (16%), Coastal Foothills Spotted Gum-Ironbark Forest (15%) and Coastal Plains Smooth-barked Apple Woodland (13%). The remaining 15% of records are spread across a further thirteen regional and four non-regional (local) communities, each all supporting less than 4% of records. Numerical analysis of full floristic plot data (n=86; 13 in Lake Macquarie LGA) has highlighted the importance of five regionally-defined vegetation communities for Macrozamia flexuosa, which largely supports results obtained in the GIS analysis of observation records: the Lower Hunter Spotted Gum-Ironbark Forest (Unit 17, & including a transitional form from Cessnock LGA), Hunter Valley Moist Forest (Unit 12), Kurri Sands Swamp Woodland (Unit 35), Coastal Plains Smooth-barked Apple Woodland (Unit 30), and Coastal Foothills Spotted Gum-Ironbark Forest (Unit 15). For each of these five communities, Macrozamia flexuosa contributes 3-5% of the diversity of all species present, with it also ranking in the top ten most important diagnostic species for each community. Other less important regional communities include Seaham Spotted Gum-Ironbark Forest (Unit 16), Coastal Plains Scribbly Gum Woodland (Unit 31) and Sandstone Grey Myrtle Sheltered Forest (Unit 10). Six of these regional communities are known to occur within Lake Macquarie LGA (Units 10, 12, 15, 17, 30 & 31). In the light of this study, a review of the conservation significance of Macrozamia flexuosa suggests that the existing conservation risk code of 2K be revised to 3RCa (distributional range >100km; rare but not immediately threatened; adequately conserved in at least 13 conservation reserves). Under the IUCN (2001) threat criteria, a code of NT (Near Threatened) is here considered appropriate for Macrozamia flexuosa, recognising some of the uncertainties applicable to the assessment of Criteria A and B. This finding is in contrast to the current Red List assessment of Endangered for this taxon, but is consistent with studies on other Macrozamia that are also listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Based on anecdotal observations of reproduction and dispersal in this species, it is plausible that Macrozamia flexuosa may currently be in decline due to limitations in flowering, pollination, or dispersal mechanisms over a long period of time (many decades), with the longevity of individual specimens confounding any observable trends. The suggested further research (population age structure, flowering cues, pollinator presence, pollination success, seed production rates, seed predation and dispersal, and the impacts of repeated fire) will go some way towards clarifying this situation, particularly in regard to quantifying recruitment in this species and how that may impact on IUCN assessments of observable continuing decline (Criterion A). Depending on the outcomes of such research, and the extent of land clearing and development in existing habitat that may continue in coming decades, a review of the NT coding for Macrozamia flexuosa may be necessary.
Funding body: Lake Macquarie City Council
|Funding body
|Lake Macquarie City Council
|Project Team
Stephen Bell
|Lake Macquarie Environmental Research Grant
|Funding Start
|Funding Finish
|Type Of Funding
|Other Public Sector - Local
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Past Supervision
|Level of Study
|Research Title
|Supervisor Type
Defining hanging swamps on the Somersby Plateau, NSW. An examination of floristics, structure and the influence of fire
The Somersby Plateau consists of a diverse array of vegetation types many of which have been well studied and documented. However, for the wet heath vegetation of hanging swamps little work has been carried out to provide a detailed definition of what a hanging swamp is, where they occur in the landscape and how fire influences floristic and vegetation structure. Although a number of regional scale vegetation mapping projects have identified hanging swamps as a discrete community a detailed account is lacking to describe the variation in floristic patterns occurring throughout the landscape. Without an understanding of the dynamics of hanging swamps, management to maintain both site and landscape diversity is difficult. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to provide a definition of what a hanging swamp is (and what is not) by examining the floristics of a number of hanging swamps in relation to past fire events and environmental factors. Hanging swamps are scattered throughout the landscape in locations where an interaction of geology, groundwater and topographic position combine to produce edaphic conditions suitable to support a vegetation assemblage adapted to moist conditions. This vegetation type differs considerably to the vegetation surrounding hanging swamps creating a mosaic distribution pattern across the landscape. Variations in floristics and structure of hanging swamps is highly influenced by fire creating the potential to have various forms of hanging swamps due to variations in fire regimes. The scattered distribution pattern of hanging swamps presented many opportunities for sampling. Sites were selected according to their accessibility and time since the last fire event measured by the categories of Very Short (1-3 years), Short (4-6 years), Medium (7-14 years) and long 15 years since the last fire. Ten sampling locations extending from Kulnura on top of the Somersby Plateau to Patonga were identified and sampled for floristic composition and environmental factors. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination was used to examine patterns in the community structure based upon floristic composition, cover abundance and length of time since the last fire event. A clear separation was evident for locations subject to differing fire treatments identifying three broad floristic types. Floristic variation within each location was examined using hierarchical clustering analysis of replicate samples within each fire treatment. Quadrats forming floristically distinct clusters were defined at the 40-60% level of similarity. A total of nine clusters were identified suggesting nine possible floristic variations of hanging swamps existing within the study area. Vegetation structure and soil characteristics were examined using the BIO-ENV procedure which found only weak correlations between environmental factors and floristic composition. However limitations due to sampling timing may have reduced the significance of this test as field observations suggests soil moisture is a defining characteristic of hanging swamps. This study found that hanging swamps are represented within the landscape by a variety of floristic types highly influenced by fire. Furthermore, hanging swamps are not exclusively found on the edge of cliffs, moreover they can be associated with an array of factors the most apparent being soil moisture content of approximately 15%, the occurrence of key indicator species such as Schoenus brevifolius, Gonocarpus salsoloides and Hakea teretifolia and the depth to the underlying geology beneath the soil surface of hanging swamps. In light of this seven hanging swamp variants are described for the Somersby Plateau representing an interaction of floristics and geomorphic characteristics. Of all locations sampled two floristic variants were not considered to be hanging swamps as they lacked an interaction with underlying geology and supported species not representative of the wet heath vegetation of the hanging swamps defined. To manage hanging swamps it is clear the influence fire has on floristics and structure also have to be managed. To produce the most species diverse community it appears an intermediate fire disturbance is required (fires occurring every 4-6 years). However this fire regime will not provide for a diversity of structural forms as fire intervals of a very short duration (1-3 years) have produced a community type much different to other fire treatments. Therefore, to maintain both species and structural diversity a combination of both fire regimes is necessary.
|Ecology and Evolution, University of Newcastle
|Consultant Supervisor
Dr Stephen Bell
Conjoint Fellow
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Faculty of Science
Contact Details
|0407 284 240


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|Sighting Report
|Occurred : 5/29/2011 12:00 (Entered as : 05/29/11 12:00)
Reported: 5/29/2011 9:47:31 PM 21:47
Posted: 6/3/2011
Location: Rockwall, TX
Shape: Rectangle
Duration:3 minutes
|Black slightly transparent rectangular UFO in Rockwall, Texas.
I was driving in Rockwall during lunch time traffic with kids on Ridge Road, when I spotted a black yet transparent (?) square UFO. It was pretty high and no movement at first. I pointed it out to my teenage daughter since I was trying to drive and she kept up with it.
It was sitting just on the other side of interstate 30 on the right.
At first I thought maybe it was an advertisement but it was very high in the sky.
Once we passed under 30 on Ridge road it was gone.
I searched online to see if anyone else had seen it today and noticed one mentioned last month that fits the description perfectly in the same town!

subset: commoncrawl


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In September 1977, during the Joint Attack Weapons Systems Test (JAWS) at Fort Benning Georgia, the entire base witnessed a UFO invasion. As many as 1300 troops were involved in the event. Most were left with severe psychological trauma and "missing time" gaps.
John Vasquez was courageous enough to undergo counseling, regression therapy, and hypnosis. After 15 years of personal research, John and co-author, Bruce Stephen Holms present the story along with plenty of government documentation.
Readers are asked to enter this experience with an open mind. After reviewing the official documents and scrutinizing the appendix make up your own mind regarding the Incident At Fort Benning.


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§ 7. Mr. Powell
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will indicate the rate of progress during each of the past two years in bringing additional cellular accommodation into use in Her Majesty's prisons in Northern Ireland; and what is his estimate of the rate of progress during the next two years, showing in each case the number of special category prisoners who have been or, as the case may be, will be, undergoing imprisonment.
§ Mr. Concannon
In 1976 two new cell blocks, each with 100 cells, were completed at Maze Prison, and another 20 cells at Armagh Prison. In the course 1843 of 1977 another six cell blocks of 100 cells each became available at Maze Prison, together with 54 places for borstal trainees, at Her Majesty's borstal, Millisle. A new establishment for young offenders, with 300 cells, should be ready before the end of 1978. The need for additional cell blocks is under review.
In January 1976 there were about 1,500 special category prisoners. By January 1977 there were 1,100, and by January 1978 the number had fallen to just under 800. The number is expected to fall by about 200 in each of the next two years.
§ Mr. Powell
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that information. May I express to him the satisfaction of my colleagues and myself that we address him now as "right honourable"—something which we regard as only deserved by the attention which he has given to the interests of Northern Ireland within his province? May I also ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that my hon. Friends and I will support him in endeavouring to bring forward as rapidly as possible the provision of cellular accommodation and the final termination of the special category, since this is the only way in which long-stay prisoners can receive proper rehabilitation, which is one of the purposes of their imprisonment?
§ Mr. Concannon
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his kind words at the beginning of his supplementary question. The problem of the special category arouses deep emotions in Northern Ireland. At this stage there are no plans for transferring the rest of these prisoners into the cellular accommodation. The deployment of prisoners is, however, a matter that is kept under continuous review—as it has to be—by the security forces.
Mr. Wm. Ross
Is it intended that there will now be a change in the categories of prisoners housed at Magilligan, in view of the recent removal of a large number of IRA men from that prison?
§ Mr. Concannon
The use to which we shall now put Magilligan is under review. I am glad that the hon. Gentleman has mentioned that point. With the falling numbers of special category prisoners we can now house them all together in the compounds at Maze and have them all 1844 in one spot. The question of what we are to do with the prison at Magilligan is under review.


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The CrossFit Workshop: Running is an intensive single-day course that teaches participants how to improve technique and increase safety for improved economy and performance. Under the guidance of Pose Method founder Dr. Nicholas Romanov and his team, participants will learn from class discussion and innovative drills before leaving with a newfound ability to run fast and efficiently.
The CrossFit Workshop: Running enables participants to:
Sent electronically 1-2 weeks after course completion to the email address used for registration.
The default language for the CrossFit Workshop: Running is English. In some countries, a translator is provided. Lecture and small-group practical sessions are translated in real time. Courses with a translator are specified in the "Language" section from the event registration link. Generally, translators are used in Latin America and some countries in Europe and Asia.
Upon successful completion of this course, a Certified CrossFit Trainer may claim eight CEUs towards their continuing education.
** CrossFit reserves the right to update pricing at any time. Pricing is applicable at the time course registration is opened. Applicable local taxes are additional.
CrossFit does not accommodate refunds or transfers.
Email email@example.com for discounts for active duty or retired military personnel (upon 20 years of service or permanent medical retirement) and first responders.
Twitter: @posemethod
Those who attend the CrossFit Workshop: Running receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Note: The Pose Method offers a Running Technique Specialist credential. This is a separate course outside CrossFit that allows attendees of the Running Workshop to further their education and sit for an online exam.
Please follow this link for more information: https://posemethod.com
Please arrive at 8:30 a.m. to check in.
(9a.m. - 6p.m.)


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It's Christmas in July! that time of year when some of us are panicking because we only have five months left to make all those homemade gifts. Others are just beginning to make them and completely relaxed. So who will still be hooking away on Christmas Eve?
My advice? I tend to go by the KISS rule: Keep It Sweet and Simple. Along that vein, I leave you with a Christmas in July present for those oft forgotten fur babies. My roommate's kitten loves these things. So much so, that she keeps stealing my samples before I can photograph them.
Keep it Simple Cat Toy
by Laurie Laliberte Designs
This fun and simple project is a great pick-up gift to sell at craft bazaars or just to make for your favorite fur babies. I use a single plastic grocery bag to stuff the ball*, but a small amount of polyester stuffing works well too.
The design includes a reinforced chain with a finger loop at the end to make it an interactive toy, but many cats are just as happy to knock it around the house without any prompting from the people they own.
Finished Measurements:
ball, approximately 2" in diameter
string, approximately 12" long
Supplies Needed:
size G-6 (4.0mm) crochet hook
small amount of worsted weight yarn
small amount of polyfil or one plastic grocery bag for stuffing
small hook or yarn needle for weaving in ends
All instructions use American Terminology.
Round 1: sc 6 in magic loop (6 sts)
Round 2: 2sc in each st around (12 sts)
Round 3: [2sc in next st, sc in next st] around (18 sts)
Round 4: [2sc in next st, sc in each of next 2 sts] around (24 sts)
Rounds 5-9: sc around (24 sts)
Round 10: [sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 2 sts] around (18 sts)
Note: Now is the best time to stuff the ball, just be careful that you keep your stuffing inside as you close the ball.
Round 11: [sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in next st] around (12 sts)
Round 12: [sc dec in next 2 sts] around (6 sts)
Continue sc dec until the top of the ball is closed OR close by stitching with a yarn needle.
Optional play string:
chain 50, sl st in 10th st from chain and in each chain back to the top of the ball, end with sl st to top of ball, fo, weave in ends
chain 50, sl st in 10th st from chain and in each chain back to the top of the ball, end with sl st to top of ball, fo, weave in ends
*While this item is machine washable, if you choose to stuff it with a grocery bag, make sure you wash it in cold water and DO NOT tumble dry it.
Merry Christmas in July!


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I've lived in Downtown Los Angeles for over 7 years. During that time I've done some projects related to Skid Row through the Skid Row Photography Club which I co-founded and through the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council.
Now it's time to raise some serious money for charities in Downtown LA that cater to folks living in Central City East/Skid Row. I'm matching 7% of every donation to cover the credit card processing fees, and because I want to help the Skid Row Housing Trust as much as possible. They rock so much and do some much great stuff for the community. Please kick in as much as you can so we can help make a difference.


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But instead, they're going to deny reality, vote in the upcoming election, and pretend that whoever occupies the Oval Office has both the intention and the power to make any real difference. That belief is delusional, as is the belief that the national debt somehow doesn't really matter.
The delusions are, of course, leading us all directly into a head-on collision with history, where the global debt collapse unfolds at a quickening pace and becomes "real" for hundreds of millions of people in North America who have so far escaped the reality of the financial collapse happening across Europe. Before that day comes, here are 26 things you might want to get done.
26 things to get done before the global debt collapse
See a holistic dentist and get the mercury removed from your mouth.
Buy some hardcopy books so you have something to read when the power grid fails. Read more....


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Gunesh who represented Belarus at the 1st Turkvizyon Song Contest has released her latest single "Heartbroken Women".
"Heartbroken Women" is produced by Sweden Songs who are heavily involved in the Eurovision selection processes across Europe. The past year has seen Gunesh start a family and also return to Turkvizyon as a juror and mentor to their participant, the song itself was originally written with Eurovision 2016 in mind however Gunesh decided not to participate.
Listen to the song below:


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Satellite Radio: Music and More in Real Time
Millions of radio listeners in America and all around the planet have become so much more happy with the addition of satellite radio. Now, folks can listen to actually hundreds of stations offering radio talk shows, news, music and much more in almost real time and at a substantially higher audio quality than that which FM or AM radio provides.
With traditional radio, land-based stations broadcast their signals to your boom box, computer, or car radio through the airwaves of the earth's. With satellite radio yet, suppliers transmit encrypted signals to satellites the signs broadcast to customers' listening devices. Nevertheless, you can not use only any radio; you need a unique receiver (which is accessible at electronics) and a satellite radio set. It is also possible to listen to satellite radio transmissions in your vehicle since many new automobiles have satellite-prepared equipment installed. All you'd have to do is pay for your own monthly subscription.
In America, XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio offers service. Sirius, a firm located in nyc, has over 125 stations from which to select, 67 of them -free music as well as the remainder to various other content. XM, on the other hand, offers more than 160 stations, which offer content that's as varied as that. The services are accessible coast to coast, so geographic access to applications isn't a problem. A customer in Los Angeles can listen to the exact same talk show. Keep in mind that digital radio is also meant by satellite radio — audio is crystal clear. There is none of the static or hissing you'd occasionally hear on AM radio or FM. Non-US residents may also make the most of the advantages of satellite radio; Sirius and XM offer their services in Canada, while WorldSpace broadcasts its service across Asia, Africa, Europe, as well as the Middle East. Australia has several suppliers of its own additionally.
Variables that bring individuals to register for satellite radio subscriptions are numerous. To begin with, there is the joy of listening to commercial-free music. There's still no pressing requirement for marketing revenue since the suppliers earn their money from subscriptions. Another attractive feature this service offers is that information about the tune being played at the minute is shown in your radio set — a little convenience for all those people that need to understand about who's singing what tune right now. The truth that satellite radio scheduling is not entirely censored in the minute is also a draw for a lot of individuals. Notable characters, including shock jock Howard Stern (who was kicked out of network radio scheduling) has made satellite radio his new airing house. Whether you would like to listen to news programs, stand-up comedy shows, or hip-hop music, satellite radio offers them — all totally uncensored.
Read More HD Radio (Hybrid Digital) vs Satellite Radio – Coverage, Price, and Technology


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Two Common Negotiating Mistakes Copywriters Make, and How to Avoid Them
This month I'll share two financially ruinous negotiating tactics often made by beginning copywriters. Both recently came from my coaching students.
Financially ruinous negotiating tactic #1 comes from a successful book author who is adding copywriting to his writing skill set. Here, paraphrased, is a comment he made to me:
"My client seems unhappy with the work. I'm thinking of telling her she doesn't have to pay the final 50 percent."
My response:
Copywriting is part science and part art. And the subjective aspect of assessing copy often leads writers to feel responsible when a client is not happy.
However, time and expertise is all the copywriter has to sell. A client contracts for that time and uses it and must respect it with the agreed-upon pay.
Is the copywriter always right to demand payment when a client's satisfaction is unrewarded?
If the copy is indeed poor, then of course the client shouldn't have to pay anything at all. But in the case of my student, a Creative Brief was used, and in fact, filled out by the client herself.
Thanks to the Creative Brief, the Web site copy was on target, and since I reviewed it as a copy chief, I know that first draft copy was very good.
However, the client's email noted that the "voice" was not sufficiently hers, that she did not feel that her positioning as a "rural GP" came through strongly enough, that her bio seemed overly altruistic, and that it was clear that she would have to take the copy in house to finish.
When a copywriter gets this kind of feedback, his immediate response is often one of confusion, and sometimes deep insecurity. These emotions cause him to react defensively,instead of studying the response.
Rather than throw in the towel and lose half the copywriting fee, I advised my student to call the client and offer to add what she perceived to be missing from the copy.
Unless the copy is way off mark,and it shouldn't be if the writer used a Creative Brief,the solution is to make changes and edit until the work is acceptable and meets expectations.
The take-away: DON'T offer refunds or partial payments. DON'T get defensive. Instead, study and analyze a client's response. Get a clear picture of what the client is complaining about, then fix it.
If the client can't specifically tell you what's wrong, then it becomes obvious to both parties that it's the client who is failing in the communication process. Revisions, refinements, and editing are a natural part of the copywriting process. In this case, the small two-person operation exhibited characteristics typical of small business. They were unsophisticated about marketing and its processes and unclear about the value of copywriting. They confirm my timeworn advice to avoid small businesses and seek work from more marketing-savvy mid-size and large companies.
Financially ruinous negotiating tactic #2 comes from one of my recently "graduated" coaching students.
She asks: "Do you always quote based on your time or do you quote based on the value the project has to the client?"
The answer is to always quote based on the value to the client. If your work makes the client many thousands of dollars, or more, then you should be fairly compensated.
In cases where your work is directly linked to leads or sales, it helps to view yourself not so much as a copywriter but as a sales pro. Get the fact that you're a writer out of your head and see yourself in a different light.
Who are the most important individuals in any for-profit entity? Those who bring in the business! Everyone else's salary depends on them. That's why they're usually paid more than anyone else. YOU are in that category.


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Digital Christmas Card 2014
My Christmas cards are never normal. I wanted something a little more graphic than some of my previous years versions. Next year I will have to take it up another notch again. ;-) And how can you not like Jack Black in Tropic Thunder?
Project details
- :
- Category : Digital, Greeting Card, Product,
- Share This:
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Diana Gabaldon, author of the OUTLANDER series, recently tweeted about the unsavory choice to major in English, and the internet responded…well, as the internet usually responds to comments that are destructive and full of ignorance: with force.
Not only was her tweet a slap in the face to English majors, but it was also a jab at those who work in the fast food industry. As someone who waitressed six years to put herself through college, and who then worked at least three jobs at any given time in order to set herself up for the life and career she wanted as a writer, this is not only offensive, but disappointing.
Now, I'm going to take a moment here and start off by saying that my English degree has quite literally provided me with everything that I have in this life, both professionally and personally. That's not to say that all of this would have been impossible without the degree, but rather enforces the fact that the degree, itself, is not in fact, worthless. Every job that I've landed has been because of either my verbal skills, my blog, my publications, my teaching experience, etc., all because I was mentored and taught how to communicate efficiently, effectively, and properly.
After earning my degree in English Literature, I went on to continue my education by earning a MFA. While studying at university, I met my publishers at an open-mic poetry reading and then went on to earn five Bram Stoker award-nominations, publish four solo poetry collections and one novel, go to Ireland, work in a corporate office for an accounting firm, and continue to write and travel and earn a living based off skills that I 100% wouldn't have if I wasn't for my education.
I've met life-long friends and wonderful colleagues during my studies, and in the process of doing blog tours, and conferences, readings and fundraisers, I've met and been published alongside my heroes, all while paying my rent and still being able to splurge on an Italian-leather briefcase that I picked up when I was helping run a writer's residency in Dublin, Ireland.
Now, the counter argument here is that one can get a variety of the same jobs and go on to still be a writer and get employed without a degree in English, and yeah, that's true. You can. But keep in mind, you'll be going up against people in the job market who have an English degree and who most likely have sharper skills and a more intricate background of internships, magazine experience, and editorial work than you do.
Furthermore, the English degree also teaches you how to:
- Create and maintain a blog;
- Create a website;
- Conduct an interview (thank you, journalism background);
- Overcome your fear of public speaking;
- Write a proper query letter;
- Write a book summary;
- Write a book review;
- Learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry;
- Meet and connect with critique partners, writing groups, and beta readers;
- Research industry standards and not only read the nuts and bolts of what is required of an independent writer, but understand the practices and concerns of signing a contract, maintaining a business and doing your taxes; and
- Learn how to write a scholarly paper with a clear thesis statement and properly cited sources according to the format style of choice.
If I didn't major in English, I wouldn't have a community of readers and writers who support me and lift me up when the words don't want to come. I wouldn't have the outlet to create stories that are properly developed in regard to character, plot, and setting. I wouldn't be able to pay my student loans because writing has always been my best, most marketable skill, and without it, I would have majored in something that bored me or perhaps gone on to work in a field that wasn't fulfilling, probably ended up quitting, and then did something that paid me less than what I deserved. But most importantly, I wouldn't have been happy because I would have chosen something else that someone other than me thought was more practical to my life. I would have been miserable working in a full-time job that I hated because it's what I had to do in order to survive, and then maybe, sure, I would have written occasionally when the depression wasn't too bad, or when I had the energy or desire to do so because my work flow was 45 hours a week, and my travel time was an additional 10 hours a week on top of that, and then the laundry needed to be done, and the bathroom needed to be cleaned, and on and on and on…
But yeah, my degree was a bad decision.
Happiness is overrated.
In total support of the English Degree,
Stephanie M. Wytovich


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Get in touch with us
Do you have specific questions about our services? Would you like to find out more about us and the way we work with our customers?
Give us a call or fill out the contact form and we will get back to you.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.


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It was almost lunchtime when the sky finally fell. We had to take shelter at the nearest food joint and ate our way through the massive downpour. We resumed our visita iglesia as the rain abated; next on our list was Laguna's San Pedro de Alcantara Church or Pakil Church for short.
Like most old churches, Pakil's own has survived through fires and earthquakes through reconstruction. The structure was initially made from bamboo in 1676 and was later upgraded to a stone church a half century later.
The church houses the Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Turumba (Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba) which was enshrined there in 1788. The oil painting is really quite small, almost bond paper in size and depicts Mary in pain as a dagger pierces through her heart.
It was said that the image was found by fishermen from the boat of shipwrecked missionaries crossing the Laguna de Bay, the icon however was unable to be lifted by the local folks. The parish priest, notified of the incident then gathered his people to fetch the image and as they began lifting, the people started singing and dancing.
It is interesting to note that the word Turumba has been associated with various meanings. Some says that it may have come from the words Turo which means to point and Umbay which denotes slow and sorrowful funeral music. Another popular interpretation is it has been derived from the phrase Natumba sa Tuwa or Trembling in Great Joy which might have reference to the festive dancing that ensued during the image's transfer to the church.
Pakil Church's cream-colored façade is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Its intricate Colonial Baroque design seems almost wood-like with its rust-weathered look. Upon closer inspection, one can see that it is really made of stone. Numerous cherubs adorn its walls along with decorative Corinthian columns. And like its neighboring churches of Morong, Baras and Paete, it is also elevated on a series of steps.
Although we were unable to fully photograph its interiors due to an ongoing mass, we can see from afar its ornate retablo filled with fourteen saints of the Franciscan Order. Another noteworthy painting inside is the Judicium Finale (see photo above) which depicts Heaven and Hell by a Paete local named Jose Dans. What's intriguing about this painting is that Hell is populated only by women while men are on the heavens above, controversial to say the least.
The church is best visited during the Lenten season during the annual Turumba Festival. The commemoration starts during Palm Sunday and ends at Pentecost, during this time thousands of devotees congregate to Pakil to sing and dance to Turumba.
Pakil Church, San Pedro de Alcantara Parish
Tavera Street cor. TBR
Pakil, Laguna
(049) 557-0211
Click to View Location on Google Maps
PART OF A RIZAL-LAGUNA LOOP DAY TOUR: Morong Church | Baras Church | Pakil Church | Paete Church
** Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba Photo from Wikipedia by Chrs Aquino
** Judicium Finale painting photograph used with permission from Lisa of Lisaism


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Read the Latest
Happy Hour
Happy Hour
I overdid Amsterdam.
Because puberty wasn't embarrassing enough.
A message to all the kids with messed up dads.
A lesson on understanding others.
The theory of grit as a predictor of success.
no filter
No Filter
The chronicles of every single thing that pisses me off.
God bless this man.
I ran a survey about attractiveness and fidget spinner use, and it turned out exactly as I expected.


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Aller-Ghidorah (アレルギドラ is a pollen allergen Areru Gidora)kaiju that appeared in a Japanese pollen allergy awareness campaign featuring Godzilla and related monsters.
Aller-Ghidorah's name comes from the word "allergy" (アレルギー, and Arerugī)Ghidorah (ギドラ. Gidora)
Despite sharing part of his name with a species of three-headed dragons, Aller-Ghidorah does not resemble the other Ghidorahs at all. Aller-Ghidorah has a rounded body mostly yellow in color that is covered in spikes, with spikes for arms and legs, giving Aller-Ghidorah the appearance of a pollen grain. Aller-Ghidorah has a tail that is tipped with a red flower-like structure. Aller-Ghidorah's head has a frill of spikes surrounding it, with a large red nasal horn. Aller-Ghidorah has large red eyes with black pupils, and large fangs on the sides of his mouth. Aller-Ghidorah's chest is green in color and covered in rows and rows of spikes.
Aller-Ghidorah apparently has the ability to fly by propelling himself with a cloud of allergens. Aller-Ghidorah can also fire an allergen beam from his mouth.
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You're a Marketer
Posted on | August 11, 2009 | No Comments
I'm curious. What drove you to start your own small business? A passion for the product or service you provide? A desire to be your own boss? A chance to dust off some ambition? A drive to stick it to "the man?"
Did you become a small business owner because you enjoy marketing? Probably not. But, if you're going to continue to grow your business you have to realize this important fact: you are a marketer, not a widget provider.
Let me quickly show you the difference between a marketer and a widget provider.
A Widget Provider: A Marketer:
Has products Sells products
Talked to prospects Continually talks to a list of prospects
Has customers Builds relationships with customers
Owns a business Grows their business
Hopes they'll stay in business Is building their business future
So how do you become a marketer?
I'll get into that with subsequent emails. However, here are a few questions I want you to think about:
Do you know the difference between advertising and marketing?
Are you building your prospect and customer lists?
Does your business have a marketing "system" in place?
Remember, marketing can make the difference between doing alright, and skyrocketing your business!
If you want to grow your business instead of just manage it, then you need Automated Follow-up Marketing software. Discover the difference.
Tags: Ambition > Boss > Business Marketing > Desire > Doing Alright > Marketer > Marketing Software > Marketing System > Passion > Prospects > Relationships > Small Business Owner > Widget


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Virginia Tech is solidly committed to maintaining the integrity of its intercollegiate athletics program, sports teams, coaches and student-athletes. This commitment and obligation extends to the operation of the athletics department in adherence to the principle of Institutional Control, consistent with the spirit of NCAA, ACC, and University rules and regulations. Proper control of the athletics program is maintained through:
- Responsible actions by athletics department staff members, administrators, faculty, and other University entities.
- The education of coaches, staff members, student-athletes, and other individuals involved with the operation of the athletics program;
- The development of clear and effective operating systems within the athletics department and the University that provide guidance in how to successfully work within existing rules.
- The monitoring of these systems to ensure that all athletically-related functions are carried out within the scope and intent of applicable regulations.
All rule violations will be reported to the appropriate governing bodies with copies to the President, Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), Supervising Associate AD of the involved sport, and any involved staff members.
Also, it is the policy of Virginia Tech to cooperate fully with NCAA or ACC representatives whenever suspected violations are investigated.
Secondary Violation
A secondary violation is one that provides only a limited recruiting advantage and that is isolated or inadvertent in nature. Repeated secondary violations by a member-institution also may be identified by the NCAA staff as a major violation. If the Committee on Infractions determines that repeated secondary violations have occurred and that the institution is not taking appropriate action to prevent such violations, a penalty appropriate for a major violation may be imposed.
Major Violation
All violations other than secondary violations are major violations, specifically including those that provide an extensive recruiting or competitive advantage.
In accordance with NCAA rules and regulations, all suspected or alleged violations of NCAA rules shall be investigated. If it is determined that a violation has occurred, appropriate and adequate corrective measures will be taken, and a report of the violation will be submitted in the appropriate manner to the NCAA national office and/or ACC officials. In responding to rules violations, the University will evaluate such factors as whether the violation is intentional, whether any recruiting or competitive advantage is gained, and whether violations are recurring (either in the same sport or of the same type). Virginia Tech's goals in responding will be to encourage communication, and to seek consistency and accountability.
Virginia Tech is a strong proponent of NCAA rules education. The Athletics Department firmly believes that education is the best means of preventing a violation of NCAA regulations. In addition to this focus on education, and in recognition of the complex regulatory framework within which a Division I intercollegiate athletics program operates, the following policies and procedures have been established to address potential violations when they occur.
Virginia Tech is a strong proponent of NCAA rules education. The Athletics Department firmly believes that education is the best means of preventing a violation of NCAA regulations. In addition to this focus on education, and in recognition of the complex regulatory framework within which a Division I intercollegiate athletics program operates, the following policies and procedures have been established to address potential violations when they occur.
Reporting an Alleged or Potential Violation
Any individual (e.g., athletics department staff member, student-athlete, university employee, representative of the University's athletics interests, members of the community) may report an alleged or suspected violation. The individual may report the alleged or suspected violation verbally or in writing to any of the following persons: any member of the compliance staff, the Director of Athletics, or the FAR. Whenever an alleged or suspected violation is communicated to any athletics department staff member, the staff member has an obligation to immediately notify one of these individuals. Failure to report a suspected violation may result in termination.
Procedures for Investigating and Self-Reporting a Secondary Violation
Once informed of an alleged violation, the Senior Associate AD for Compliance or the Assistant AD for Compliance will conduct a preliminary investigation to ascertain the basic facts surrounding the incident.
The Senior Associate AD for Compliance, Assistant AD for Compliance, and FAR are is responsible for determining whether the evidence establishes the occurrence of a violation. If, after an evaluation of the facts and relevant NCAA legislation, it is determined that no violation has occurred, the Senior Associate AD for Compliance will place a summary of the matter in the permanent file. This summary will include: the date of the alleged violation and by whom it was reported, names of all persons involved, a chronology of the actions taken by Virginia Tech in the investigation, and the rationale for concluding that the allegation was inaccurate or that the situation did not constitute a violation of NCAA regulations.
If, after an evaluation of the facts and relevant NCAA legislation, it is determined that a violation has occurred, the Senior Associate AD for Compliance will initiate a comprehensive investigation. The Director of Athletics is responsible for overseeing all institutional investigations. During this discovery period, all parties involved will be interviewed and written notes of the interviews and the investigation will be kept. The investigation file will be housed in the Compliance Office. The Senior Associate AD for Compliance will keep the Director of Athletics informed of all events surrounding the investigation, as necessary.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the Senior Associate AD for Compliance will meet with the Director of Athletics and Supervising Associate AD of the involved sport to review the matter and determine the appropriate corrective actions.
Once the corrective actions have been determined, the Senior Associate AD for Compliance or Assistant AD for Compliance will prepare and file the appropriate report with the NCAA or ACC office, as required by NCAA legislation. The self-report will include, at a minimum, the following information:
- The date and relevant timeline of the violation.
- The identities of the involved individuals (prospects, student-athletes, coaches, staff members, etc.) who played a role in the violation.
- The means by which the institution became aware of the violation.
- An explanation of the circumstances surrounding the violation, including any mitigating factors.
- The cause(s) of the violation.
- A list of corrective and/or punitive actions taken by the institution in response to the violation.
The Senior Associate AD for Compliance is responsible for ensuring that all corrective actions are clearly communicated to the appropriate individuals and that they are carried out. Copies of all subsequent correspondence with the NCAA and/or the ACC are permanently filed in the Compliance Office.
Procedures for Investigating a Major Violation
If, based on the evaluation of facts gathered during the internal investigation, the potential for a major violation exists, the Director of Athletics, Senior Associate AD for Compliance, and other senior staff members selected by the Director of Athletics, will hold an immediate meeting to initiate an appropriate investigation. This meeting may include the University's General Counsel, FAR and/or a representative from the President's office. NCAA and/or ACC investigatory assistance will be solicited as circumstances warrant.
Alleged Violations Involving Other NCAA Institutions
If an individual has knowledge of an alleged violation that involves another NCAA member institution, he/she may report the alleged violation to a compliance staff member. After evaluating the allegation, additional contact may include the Director of Compliance at the accused member institution, the ACC office and/or NCAA enforcement staff.


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Frugal Foodie Friday: Every week I receive at least one email that includes something similar to the following phrase, "I live in a small town so I don't have access to many specialty foods." My response every single time, "get online people!" I live in a rural area too, but I have embraced online ordering to the full extent. Not only can you have just about every product imaginable shipped right to your doorstep, but you can also usually get it even cheaper than in stores!
Both my husband and I stalk countless online stores to find the best deals, but I always end up ordering from Amazon at least once a month. They are my go-to for finding great deals on pantry items. I have Nutiva Coconut Oil, Let's Do Organic Coconut, Coombs Organic Maple Syrup, Ambrosia Raw Unfiltered Honey, and Good Earth Tea all on my Amazon Subscribe & Save (for an additional 15% off plus free shipping!).
In addition to these regulars, I keep an eye on Amazon's Monthly Special Offers. Some months are duds, but this month they are prepping with back to school items, and there are some fantastic picks. These are my favorite dairy-free* (and in most cases gluten-free and vegan) deals of the month:
Cereals & Bars
There are of course many more items on sale right now. For all of the current grocery deals, see the Amazon Sales & Special Offers Section.
Just a warning, Amazon does sell out on some of the sale items as the month progresses. They restock, but not always in time for the special offers. So I usually try to purchase early in the month when I see a deal I want.
For more online stores that sell dairy-free and specialty food products, see our list of Online Retailers.
*note that a few select flavors of some of the brands may not be dairy-free, read the ingredients!


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Hi all,
Been a lurker here for some time but finally signed up as I need to offload most of my collection.
There's a lot of info on here but just wondering the best way to go about valuations and sales?
Got a few prints, some seem decent, but no idea how much they're worth (if anything at all).
Any help and advice would be really appreciated.


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The Greater Houston Partnership's Certified Property Program allows land owners and brokers to promote select properties to businesses and site selectors, consultants and other decision makers through the Greater Houston Partnership and its economic allies' digital, printed, and physical networks.Learn more »
Commercial Gateway is the number one source of information for commercial real estate properties for Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast. As a member you gain access to more information about other members' commercial properties; members can also access additional researched information that has been compiled by the Commercial Gateway staff about properties available for lease or sale. Commercial Gateway members know more about the Houston Commercial Real Estate marketplace.Go to Commercial Gateway
CoStar Group is commercial real estate's leading provider of information and analytic services. CoStar conducts expansive, ongoing research to produce and maintain the largest and most comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. Their suite of online services enables clients to analyze, interpret and gain unmatched insight on commercial property values, market conditions and current availabilities.Go to CoStar Group


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Sunday, October 31, 2010
Bandelier A Year Ago
Not quite a year ago visited Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. It was a nice day getting late into November and was there just a short time. Very interesting and saw just a tiny bit. Hope to get back there soon and spend a bunch more time looking around.
There are ruins but as you see they lived in the sandstone cliff faces as well. Some of these ladder pictures from the inside I like a lot.
Decided to start putting a picture from the current post at the top of the page.
Have never been inside of anything even close to what we found here. There are several pictures close to the same but each different and I like them all. Each one seems to be very intense and then being able to see structures as well below.
7 comments:
Great idea about putting a current post picture on the top of the blog.ReplyDelete
I really, really like the interior photos.
Can I rent one of those caves out for a few years? :-)
I think I could live there too RZ.ReplyDelete
In a fucking heart beat.ReplyDelete
ME TOO!ReplyDelete
I just need a one bedroom-you guys getta fight over the rest.ReplyDelete
Cousin - I'm so glad daddy told me about your blog (which is funny because he has no idea what computers are, blogs, etc being blind!) I'm thoroughly enjoying these pictures - keep adding more! Hope all is well with you - stay warm! JulieReplyDelete
What a nice surprise! I don't remember saying anything about this just because of just what you said but I must have. Your Dad was so sharp I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed each visit I had with him. Still confused hoe you found this as I keep my blogs away for the most part from relatives as with OTC they will be offended and there is no reason to be. This was so nice.ReplyDelete


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Getty Images
A few months ago, we noted that ex-Cardinals quarterback Max Hall had signed with the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
On Friday, Hall will make his first CFL start for Winnipeg, which is in the midst of a four-game losing streak and recently changed general managers. He's the third different starting quarterback for the Blue Bombers.
"I feel prepared," Hall said Monday, per the Winnipeg Free Press. "I will say it took me a while to get used to the CFL game but I feel comfortable. I feel ready and I feel confident."
Hall, 27, started three games for the Cardinals in 2010. He was a student assistant at BYU in 2012.


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Russia Did It.......
'Connect the dots' and follow the script right back to a Madison Avenue public relations department that is running this 'Russia did it' fantasy.
The goal is to demonize Russia so the American people, and those throughout the west, will roll over like lemmings and allow the Pentagon and NATO to militarily encircle Russia as they work toward 'regime change' in Moscow.
It's a daily thing now that I witness 'progressive' activists spouting the corporate oligarchy line that Russia did it. It reminds me of 2003 when so many people swallowed the blue pill of 'WMD' being in Iraq which led to 'shock and awe'. It's sad that so many people allow themselves to be led by their nose right into another war. This time it would be a war with a nuclear armed global power that has a strong alliance with another nuclear power called China.
Live and learn they say - but this time we might not live long enough if this Russia demonization game continues on its present course.
Might be better if we said, "Wake the hell up and see the writing on the wall! Quit believing the recycled red baiting drivel that is coming from the corporate funded and directed media."


text: How to enable the App drawer on the LG Aristo and LG Aristo 2 Posted on February 11, 2018 by Codango Admin — Leave a reply Today's video I show you how to enable the Home & app drawer on the LG Aristo. Thanks for watching Please Subscribe for more future Videos. source


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Montash have been engaged by a Global Retail Company to source a project coordinator to work on a number of different online and digital projects
You will be responsible for gathering requirements and coordinating work with offshore development teams across a number of different digital products and projects.
You will be covering User Interface, User Experience, Supply Chain and Stock Availability and Backend Payments.
This person will be faced full time in the client's head office, just outside of Amsterdam.
You will have worked in a similar environment before and have a good understanding of e commerce, user experience, user interface and backend e commerce such as payments
project coordinator / junior project manager / payments / e commerce / ecommerce / web / web developer / web project coordinator / backend systems / payment coordinator


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-Stephen Wright
Our farm store, the Spotted Wattle is doing well, thanks for asking. We bought the little building at the end of last summer. Keith and our three sons did all the electrical, insulation and other work like installing the two large freezers. I painted. They painted. I painted again.
We opened it for business in November.
Every day we learn something new about running the store. We have regular business hours but seems something always comes up where both of us have to be gone from the farm for awhile. Just as we were contemplating doing a self-serve deal, one of our customers came while we were gone, selected meat, weighed the meat and left appropriate payment.
Our customers...brilliant !
Other store issues included the following
What to stock ?
How much ?
Should we sell items for other farmers ?
What are the rules and regs for this ?
Do we even want to know the rules and regs for this ?
What about risk and liability ? I could drop burger on my feet.
Do I need a permit ?
Should I buy items from others on consignment or buy them outright ?
If I don't sell the 20 lip balms I just purchased will my family accept them as Christmas gifts ?
Should I test, use, bake with , everything I sell so I can honestly promote those items ?
If I keep eating and testing everyone Else's products will I ever lose weight ?
And the most important question. How do I keep the floor clean ?!?!?!?
To date we carry a fair variety for a dinky on site farm store. Specifically, our own certified organic meat, all natural lip balms, certified organic corn meal and wheat flour, pasture raised turkey, Aztec Blue Corn Meal, All natural popcorn and soap made by yours truly.
|Free range eggs from two area farmers. Emily Jones and the McWilliams family
Find them at http://grazinacres.com/ and http://www.littlefarmontheprairie.com/
In future blogs I will continue to take pictures of items we sell and give you contact info about the local farms in this area, their services, their products and their visions.
Now, if any of you have had experience with running a farm store, the kind that is located on your own property, please share your findings with the rest of us. What kind of restrictions did you find with your county and state authorities ? Which items sold best ? How did you market your store ? And of course, How did you keep the floor clean ?
Thanks a million.


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Bengals about to be yesterday's news
CINCINNATI — They can't get the right number of players on the field. The offense can't get into the end zone. The defense? Another sad story.
Around Cincinnati, it's yesterday once more.
The bad old days have returned for a franchise that thought it had finally escaped them. A 24-7 loss to Tennessee on Sunday left the Bengals in one of those back-to-the-future moments.
Yes, it's that bad.
They're 0-2 for the first time since 2003, when Marvin Lewis arrived as head coach, lost his first three games, then slowly raised the franchise out of its decade-long funk. Fans thought the franchise had turned a corner when the Bengals made the playoffs in 2005 — their only winning record since 1991 — and had an offense that ranked among the league's best.
Three years later, the Bengals are stunningly bad. And no one saw this coming.
"See what coming?" Lewis said Monday. "You can always lose. Unfortunately that's where we are. You don't want to lose two to begin with, but we did. And we just have to fight out of it."
One more loss and they could be down for the count.
The Bengals have scored only one touchdown on offense in their first two games. The next test comes Sunday at the Giants, who provide a small glimmer of hope. Last season, the Giants lost their first two games before going on to win the Super Bowl.
But those are the Giants. These are the Bengals.
"We just need to try to find a way to stay positive," said quarterback Carson Palmer, who is getting knocked around regularly and connecting with his Pro Bowl receivers sparingly. Palmer is the lowest-rated passer in the NFL with a 37.1 rating.
Palmer has three interceptions and no touchdowns. He has completed only 49 percent of his throws. In two games, he has thrown for 228 yards combined. Receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ocho Cinco have combined for 11 catches.
Fans are already writing them off. Attendance on Sunday was 64,540, the Bengals' smallest home crowd since the first game of the 2003 season. Fans in the upper deck taped up a sign that played off Lewis' "NOW" theme for the season.
"Believe in NOW?" the banner read. "Show us HOW."


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Are you thinking of ways to build your knowledge and skills to better present an excellent demo based on Microsoft Dynamics 2010 GP, then look no further!
"Attend this one-day instructor-led course to acquire the information and tools to use Dynamics GP 2010 VPC Demonstration Image. The course will focus on how to utilize the image during any given sales cycle and will provide guidelines and best practices for optimizing the VPC demo image. The goal of the course is to accelerate students' understanding about how to use the VPC tool in all Microsoft Dynamics sales engagements," informed Microsoft.
This course is being held in multiple locations across the United States throughout Nov' and Dec'10.
More Info: Partner Learning Center


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If you are new to North County Gymnastics and the Gyminny Kids, WELCOME! Here is a quick guide to get you and your child started on the way to FUN and FITNESS through gymnastics.
STEP ONE: What are you looking for? We offer regular year-round classes, camps, birthday parties, open play activities and much more.
CLASSES: Start by giving us a call to schedule your free, no obligation tour and assessment. During this time one of our highly-trained staff will interact with your child, take them out onto the equipment, and asses the level that would fit them best. After this our friendly office staff can review the schedule and pricing for open classes.
CAMPS: If you have been registered in a program with the gym before, your account has been created, and you can log in to make your reservation for camps online through our parent portal. Click for Parent Portal
BIRTHDAY PARTIES: You are one call away from booking a hassle free, fun filled celebration for your birthday child. Over the phone, our staff can check the availability of the day you are looking for (parties are held on Saturday afternoons), and send paper work to your email, and complete the deposit over the phone. Pictures are available on our web site as well. Learn More About Our Birthday Parties
TOURS: If you would like to take a tour of the gym, please give us a call to set up your appointment today. We will be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have.
QUESTIONS: Please visit our FAQ page.


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My bookshelf will remain on my sidebar all year and that one is clickable if you want to investigate the titles further :)
I'll obviously be reading other books throughout the year but these are my definite ones for the challenge and the reviews will be accompanied with 'inspired by' art/craft. They're in no particular order and I have no clue at the moment in which month I'll read each one... apart from the two Scrooge ones. I'll be saving those till the end of the year. The Christmas Carol is because I love all the Scrooge adaptations but have never yet read the original.
My books come from charity shops, borrows, presents, kindle downloads... I save up Amazon vouchers from online surveys to buy myself new ones... wherever I can lay my hands on them basically ;) Like every one else in the challenge who have probably got piles of books collected and hoarded - now's the time to make inroads into getting them read whilst providing a bit of artistic inspiration at the same time.
My book for January is going to be (would you believe I am actually sat here still trying to decide which one...) The End Specialist by Drew Magary which I believe I bought in the Kindle sales last January!
I'll post my first book club review and art piece on the 25th of January - thanks for stopping by.
Oh... and Happy New Year :)


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14 KT Yellow Gold & Genuine Citrine Dangle Gemstone Earrings Lovely, chain style earrings, with Round & Oval shaped Genuine Citrine gemstones. Bezel set stones Measures 45 mm x 5 mm Post Style Earrings Other stone & gold color combinations available. Please see all listed. Great look! Pretty golden tones. Hot fashion look! Made in the USA
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When you create an account we can store payment and shipping information for quick future access.
We accept all major credit cards.


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Author(s): MARVEL
Marvel, Star Wars, Lego and Licensed Product
Steve Rogers was a kid with a dream to fight for his country. When he encounters Dr. Abraham Erskine, the scientist recruits him for the Scientific Strategic Reserve, an experimental-serum program that transforms Rogers into a Super-Soldier. Now Rogers throws himself into the battlefields of Europe, where he finds himself on a dangerous mission to stop the Red Skulland the evil Hydra organisationfrom destroying the world! Read the complete adventure that turned Steve Rogers into the hero Captain America.


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No sooner had the virtual ink dried on our commentary on the alarming Troj_emfsploit.A Trojan, than the company that discovered it Trend Micro scaled down its claims.
The gist was that the malware appeared to be exploiting a critical vulnerability only two days after Microsoft had patched it. Now it turns out that this claim was in error.
It looked like hard evidence that vulnerabilities were now being exploited almost as quickly as they could be patched, the obvious implication of which was that a major zero day exploit was in the offing.
There are a number of metrics at work in assessing the possibility of zero day exploits.
First, there is the rate at which patches are being developed as vulnerabilities are unearthed by the research and vendor community. Next, there is the rate at which malware is being developed to creep through the holes in software. This is definitely getting closer to zero day scenario.
The only zero day that really matters is one that affects a major piece of software and in a major way. How quickly this happens if anybodys guess, but it is no great act of prediction to say it will happen one day.
The final factor is supposed to be the extent and speed at which systems are being patched by customers, but clearly there is a mysterious fourth dimension at work - the speed at which anti-virus vendors can crank out there warnings of disaster narrowly averted.
In Trends case, this was a zero day of the wrong sort. They reported an exploit before it had actually been created.


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The figures are based as for 15mm and 950 points per side sure fills the table.
The Parthian camp.
The Roman camp.
My two central commands.
There were a lot of Romans.
Horse Archers ready to harass the Romans.
The Romans start to rush forward.
The left flank of the Parthian army engage Roman skirmishers in some broken ground.
The Roman infantry is screened by skirmishers.
Will the Parthians be able to disrupt them?
The Roman centre has taken some casualties.
The swarm of Parthian horse archers is well evident in this bird's eye view.
The Daylami about to get into action in the broken ground on the right flank.
While on the left the Parthian skirmishers are failing to make an impression.
This is the Parthian CinC's command,
but even with the elite horse archers it is not making much impact on the advancing legions.
The Parthian centre looks formidable.
It seems the Daylami got the upper hand
They have just about cleared the Romans from the broken ground.
All this fighting is thirsty work.
The Roman genius commander becomes super genius.
View from the Roman side. Their extreme right.
The Romans have advanced with impunity (mostly) against the Parthian CinC.
But the Roman centre is in trouble.
And the Roman left is in a bad shape as well.
And the far left looks in danger of being turned as the Daylami surge forward.
The right wing Parthian commander, despite the success of his troops,
is having a poor day.
Catastrophe for the Parthian CinC!
He lost the combat but threw a 1 for the Cohesion test.
The Roman Gods intervened with a Hand of Fate.
The re roll was the dreaded six.
The CinC might be in trouble, but his horse archers are clearing a gap on the Roman flank.
The Parthian CinC with his white cloaks has been able to break-off.
The Parthian centre is ready.
As is the Parthian right.
Over kill!
The weakened Roman centre is burst open as their cavalry is cut to bits in a final hurrah.
But the Parthian CinC has fled,
although his command is not broken.
But the Parthian centre has triumphed.
Along with the Parthian right.
The victory point loss chart tells the story.
Both armies had deployed left to right. The Romans had three commands. The top listed one was their CinC on their left, then their centre and their (much more successful) right. The four Parthian commands start with their doomed CinC on their left, then the two centre commands and finally the poor right wing.