text:
© ® The Nobel Foundation
IPCC honoured with the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize
Phone: +41-22-730-8208/84 e-mail:
Forests and woodlands2 provide many goods and services that society values,
including food, marketable timber and non-wood products (fuel, fiber, construction
material), medicines, biodiversity, regulation of biogeochemical cycles, soil
and water conservation (e.g., erosion prevention), carbon reservoirs, recreation,
research opportunities, and spiritual and cultural values. Forests play a key
role in the functioning of the biospherefor example, through carbon and
water cycles (the latter is discussed in Chapter 4)and
hence indirectly affect the provision of many other goods and services (Woodwell
and MacKenzie, 1995). Changes in global climate and atmospheric composition
are likely to have an impact on most of these goods and services, with significant
impacts on socioeconomic systems (Winnett, 1998).
Since the SAR, many studies have dealt with changes in the structure, composition,
and spatial patterns of forests (e.g., VEMAP Members, 1995; Smith et al., 1996a;
Bugmann, 1997; Shriner et al., 1998). The biogeochemical literature has focused
on the carbon cycle (e.g., Apps and Price, 1996; Fan et al., 1998; Steffen et
al., 1998; Tian et al., 1998; IPCC, 2000; Schimel et al., 2000). There is an
expectation that directed land-management practices can either increase or retain
carbon stocks in forests, thereby helping to mitigate increases in atmospheric
CO2 levels; this is discussed elsewhere (IPCC, 2000; see also TAR
WGIII Chapter 4 and TAR WGI
Chapter 3).
The influence of climate change on forests and associated goods and services
is difficult to separate from the influence of other global change pressures
such as atmospheric changes, land use, and land-use change resulting from human
activities. The State-Pressure-Impacts approach outlined in Section
5.1 is used here as a framework to examine interrelated responses to global
change and expected changes in supply of services from forests and woodlands
(see Table 5-1). In this section, the focus is on
some of the important pressures, impacts, and responses for three goods and
services provided by forests and woodland ecosystems: carbon, timber, and non-wood
goods and services. The impact on biodiversity in forests is covered in Sections
5.2 and 5.4. The state of the sector and the pressures
acting on it, as well as possible responses, impacts, and adaptation opportunities,
will differ among the regions of the world; here the focus is on global commonality.
This section presents an overview of the current status and trends for forests
in general; specific regional trends are presented in some of the regional chapters
(Chapters 10-17).
The world's forests cover approximately 3,500 Mha (FAO, 1997a), or about
30% of the total land area (excluding Greenland and Antarctica). About 57% of
the world's forests, mostly tropical, are located in developing countries.
About 60% are located in seven countries (in order): the Russian Federation,
Brazil, Canada, the United States, China, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic
of Congo.
In 1995, plantation forests were estimated to cover 81 Mha (2.3% of total estimated
cover) in developing countries and about 80-100 Mha in developed countries
(FAO, 1997a). They play an important role, particularly in the production of
industrial roundwood and fuelwood, restoration of degraded lands, and provision
of non-wood products (FAO, 1997a). Some countries obtain 50-95% of their
industrial roundwood production from plantations that cover 1-17% of their
total forest area (Sedjo, 1999). In many developing countries, plantations often
occur as community woodlots, farm forests, and agroforestry operations.
Between 1980 and 1995, the area of the world's forests decreased by about 180
Mha (5% loss of total forest area in 15 years) as a result of human activities
(FAO, 1997a). About 200 Mha were converted to agriculture (subsistence agriculture,
cash crops, and ranching), but this loss was partially offset by about 40 Mha
increase in plantations. In developed countries, forests increased over the
same period by about 20 Mha through afforestation and natural regeneration on
land no longer in use by agriculture, despite losses of forests to urbanization
and infrastructure development. Loss of native forest in developing countries
(tropical and nontropical) appears to have slowed during 1990-1995, with an
overall loss of about 65 Mha (FAO, 1997a). However, other changes such as fragmentation,
nonsustainable logging of mature forests, degradation, and development of infrastructureall
leading to losses of biomasshave occurred over large areas. Of about 92
Mha of tropical closed forest that underwent a change in cover class during
1980-1990, 10% became fragmented forest and 20% was converted to open forest
or extended forest fallow (FAO, 1996). There are no global estimates of forest
degradation, but data from specific areas give an indication of the extent of
degradation. Logging practices damage and degrade more than 1 Mha yr-1
of forest in the Brazilian Amazon; surface fires (e.g., those in 1998) may burn
large areas of standing forest in these regions (Cochrane et al., 1999; Nepstad
et al., 1999; see also Chapter 14). These authors conclude
that present estimates of annual deforestation for Brazilian Amazonia capture
less than half of the forest area that is impoverished each yearand even
less during years of severe drought. In the boreal zone, there has been continuing
encroachment by agriculture and development of infrastructure (roads, survey
lines, wellheads, etc.) that open access to primary forests. Preliminary estimates
of these effects for Canada, for example, indicate a net loss of 54,000-81,000
ha yr-1 of forest over the period 1990-1998 as a result of various
activities (Robinson et al., 1999).
Table of contents
IPCC Homepage


text:
Student Election Aides Needed (Video)
The Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking school-age students, grades 6-12, to serve as Election Day student aides during the 2012 Presidential General Election, Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Students willing to serve in Burtonsville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Olney, Rockville, and Silver Spring are currently needed.
Students and their guardians must attend mandatory training to serve on Election Day and, if applicable, to receive Student Service Learning (SSL) credits. Students are placed in neighboring precincts according to their home addresses. This initiative combines civic participation and the opportunity to observe democracy in action.
This program is available to all students within a public, private, independent, religious or home-school setting located in Montgomery County. U.S. citizenship is not a pre-requisite to participate. Students with bilingual and American Sign Language skills are encouraged to apply.
Learn more in this video
Interested parents/guardians can register their student(s) before October 1, 2012, online by visiting the Montgomery County Board of Elections' website. For additional information, email Board of Elections.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Welcome to ZionFireFriends. We're glad you're here! Our public forums are open, but you must be logged in to participate in the discussions and member forums. You can become a ZFFriend just by submitting a quick registration. You be notified by email with your login information, usually within a few minutes. If you do not receive a validation email, first check your bulk or spam folder. If not, then please contact us through the Help Me! button below and we will validate you.
Who we are, what this forum is about
Benefits of of becoming a ZFF member
click here for registration form
Can't register or log in? Ask for help.
Take a tour of our worship banners
Join our community!
If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:
|Access Denied
Error Code: 7002:2483042
|3:19 AM Aug 19


text:
Your cart is empty.
The 5.11 Tactical RUSH 12™ Backpack is made of water-resistant 1,050-denier nylon and features a main compartment with a pocket that fits most sleeved laptops and a front zippered compartment with 9 sections to help organize your gear. The reinforced hydration pocket accommodates most bladders up to 60 oz., and a zippered, fleece-lined pocket helps protect your eyewear. Web platforms on the front, sides and shoulder straps enable easy integration with SlickStick™ accessories (not included). Grab handle, padded, contoured shoulder straps and an adjustable-height sternum strap.


text:
Quantity in Basket:
Manufacturer: Scubamax
Product Code: DB-602-K
This bag can serve double duty as a snorkeling gear storage and carrybag or as a collection bag for shells,lobster or speared fish.Made of heavy duty interlocking nylonmesh the bag has a top opening drawstringwith a ABS plastic closure.The mesh bag is a great space saver! Everysnorkeler in the family can have one of their own and hung up ready to go for thenext beach or pool time. Size: 18" x 30"Color: Black


text:
City utilizing new method of repairing sewer lines
Details on a collection line system conducted in the Queen of the World Parish area were presented during Monday evening's St. Marys City Council meeting. GIS Coordinator Travis Skrzypek explained the cast-in-place, or cure-in-place, project recently conducted on 1,100 feet of pipe. This type of work can be done on specific areas requiring repair, rather than the entire pipe, saving the customer time and money. The presentation included video footage from a camera inserted into the eight-inch pipes.


text:
Tile Fixing Products
Browse our product & system range
Prep (Preparation Products) (4)
Preparation products such as levelling compounds, primers and an under-tile tanking system
Fix (Ready Mix Tile Adhesives) (4)
Ready-mixed ceramic wall tile adhesives for all situations
Set (Cement Based Tile Adhesives) (8)
Cement-based tile adhesives for floor and wall tiles offering a choice of setting times and levels of flexibility
Joint (Tile Grouts) (6)
Product range includes mould-resistant tile grouts and silicone sealant in a wide choice of colours
Key Products
weberfix plus
A high-performance, ready-mixed ceramic wall tile adhesive for interior use, particularly with heavier or larger tiles
weberset rapid SPF
A rapid-setting, flexible, low-dust, cement-based floor and wall tile adhesive, available in light grey or white for interior and exterior use.
weberjoint pro
A water-repellent, mould-resistant, flexible tile grout for interior and exterior use
weberfloor flex
High-performance, fibre-modified, self-smoothing, self-levelling renovation screed (up to 50 mm)
Jobsite solution
View the list of common problem and solutions.
Case Studies


text:
The California Highway Patrol is tough on speeders, but not that tough.
This week signs appeared on Highway 101 near Marin City and on Highway 37 in Novato reading: "Speed Enforced By Drones" complete with a missile firing from the craft.
Speeders do have to worry about CHP officers, but not by getting bombed by one of the unmanned aerial vehicles.
"No, we do not have drones," deadpanned Marin CHP spokesman Andrew Barclay.
The signs, discovered Monday, were found eastbound on Highway 37 near Novato Creek and north and southbound along Highway 101 at Marin City. It's not clear if they were meant as a prank or political statement on the controversial weapon.
"Our officer drove by the first one on Highway 37 and did a double take," Barclay said. "He went back and tried to remove it, but it was put up with tamper-resistant bolts."
Eventually Caltrans had to be called to remove it. By Monday night all the signs were down.
"They were very professionally done, someone knew what they were doing," Barclay said.
The signs were in black and white and even had reflective material. As best as can be determined the signs were put up late Sunday night or early Monday morning.
The CHP is investigating the case and trying to determine where the signs were made in hopes of nabbing the perpetrator.
"The problem is people might slow to look at these things, or to take pictures, and the next thing you know we are responding to an accident," Barclay said.
Barclay noted the signs violate the California Vehicle Code, which prohibit unauthorized signs from being posted on highways.
This is not the first time rogue signs have appeared along Marin roads this year.
In April retired resident Gerry Pearlman put up placards along Highway 1 in Muir Beach telling slow drivers to pull off the road into turnouts to let others pass.
Caltrans yanked those signs down and eventually put up its own.
Contact Mark Prado via email at firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
On Sunday 4 May, the Sunday Independent reported HIV statistics released by the Development Bank of South Africa. In particular, the report stated:
Numerous statistics about the South African HIV epidemic of varying quality have been collected. Here are some of the most reliable, high quality ones.
HIV/AIDS denialism dealt an irreversible blow! Now, how do we prevent HIV infections, save lives and build a decent health system all?
Constructed using mortality data from Statistics South Africa and Instituto Basileiro de
Geografia e Estatística.
A health system in crisis and without leadership: A TAC briefing sheet
23 August 2006
Long waiting list for antiretroviral treatment at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Durban
On 21 July 2006, the Department of Health released the annual HIV and syphillis antenatal survey2. What does this survey show? Is it of any use? Is it true that the number of people with HIV is finally stablising? What do we really know about the the prevalence of HIV and the number of AIDS deaths?
TAC has been asked these and many similar questions. They are good questions and so this analysis will try to provide useful answers. But to do so, we really need to explain HIV/AIDS statistics in South Africa generally.
TAC/TAG Africa TB/HIV Workshop
Westville prisoners take Department of Correctional Services to court for right to treatment
Important Constitutional Court case to be heard on right to privacy of people with HIV on 9 May 2006
TAC statement on verdict in Jacob Zuma trial


text:
Director, Office of Safe and Healthy Students
|You are here: OESE Home > Programs/Initiatives > OSHS
David Esquith is the Director of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Healthy Students located within the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Mr. Esquith is a former Peace Corps volunteer, special education teacher, lobbyist for the Association for Retarded Citizens, and Congressional aide. Before coming to the Office of Safe and Healthy Students, he worked in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
Last Modified: 01/13/2014


text:
Get a Whiff of these guys...
BLACKFOOT—Every year as part of an age old tradition 14 strapping young men, seniors at Yale, gather together to enthusiastically sing songs across the world. This year the Whiffenpoofs, comically named in part of a joke that featured a mythical dragonfish over 100 years ago, will venture into Southeastern Idaho to display their vocal talents.
The group comes from varying corners of the world and each go through a grueling audition to get into the Whiffenpoof group. McKay Nield, a whiff from Kimberly, ID said, "The whiffs have gone to Sun Valley to perform for the last few years. This is the first time they have ever come to Southeastern Idaho." Nield's love for Idaho was the big push behind getting the group to come to the area.
"From what I hear, Idaho is gorgeous; according to McKay, the scenery on the drive through Idaho is one of the most beautiful things he's ever experienced," said Whiff Brandon Hayes from Waterford, CT "I am really looking forward to sharing that experience with him and with the rest of the Whiffenpoofs."
The Whiffenpoofs are known throughout the world and historically visit 6 of the 7 continents during their tour. The 2012 Whiffs visited all 7 continents last year with a trip to Antarctica. Most of the whiffs take a year off of school to perform with the group. This year two of the group members are continuing their studies while participating in the group.
Last Friday the group received a last minute call from Comedy Central to preform for a fundraiser known as "Night of Too Many Stars." The fundraiser goes to Autism Education. The vocalists practiced the song in the car on the way to New York City and performed back to back with Katy Perry.
The Whiffenpoofs will begin their tour of Idaho October 22 with a performance in Twin Falls. Then hit the road to travel to Rexburg. The adventuring group is planning on going shooting, "Most of the guys have never touched a gun." explained Nield. Nield also plans on having the group hit the dunes in St. Anthony and visiting the famous giant baked potato in Blackfoot. "I LOVE potatoes." Said Hayes "I am so looking forward to getting some nice, good, tasty, quality, home-grown, Idaho potatoes."
The Whiffenpoofs will close their tour with an a cappella performance Tuesday night October 23 at 7 p.m. at the Rexburg Tabernacle Civic Center.Tickets can be reserved in Twin Falls by calling (208) 732-6288 and in Rexburg at whiffenpoofs.com/tickets.


text:
Isaiah Washington Speaks His Mind, Laments His Firing to NewsweekSteve Marsi at . Comments
It's a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles, and Isaiah Washington is on the set of the independent film The Least of These, Newsweek reports.
Isaiah Washington plays a priest in the movie, and he's dressed in full-on black on black with a sliver of white at his collar.
He greets his guests with a gentle smile and an extended hand. Sitting in his small trailer filled with the scent of myrrh incense, he seems at peace.
Isaiah Washington can't stop himself from doing what he's been doing a lot lately: explaining away a situation that already cost him a beloved job - and could ultimately cost him much more.
Last fall, Washington, by his own admission, picked a fight with Patrick Dempsey, one his co-stars on the ABC hospital drama Grey's Anatomy.
Fighting with a co-worker is never smart, but Washington took it further by using an offensive term to refer to a gay cast member, T.R. Knight, during the altercation.
"Patrick and I had a philosophical disagreement that got out of hand and that I regret a great deal," Isaiah Washington says.
"I said a lot of negative things that were never reported, but there was one word that caught everyone's attention, particularly someone who wasn't even in the room with us. It was a fight between two men that shouldn't have happened. But someone heard the booming voice of a black man and got really scared and that was the beginning of the end for me. I see that now, but I didn't then."
But that's not the end of the tale.
When the cast was celebrating at the Golden Globes in January, a reporter asked about the altercation, and about Washington's anti-gay comment. Washington took the mic to defend himself â€" and used the slur again. Once may have been a slip of the tongue, but twice? The public got angry.
Earlier this month, ABC did not offer Washington a new contract for the show's fourth season, which begins filming this summer.
Washington has expressed bitterness about the situation, especially since he did everything the network asked to atone for his mistakes.
"I apologized and showed my remorse for what I said and for the pain I caused anyone," says Washington.
"If a black man can't get forgiveness in this country, when so many other people like Robert Downey Jr. and the governor of California get second and third chances ... I think that says a lot about race and where we stand."
ABC asked Washington to go to rehab to deal with his alleged homophobia, which he did; he says he even paid half the fee.
"I thought them sending me meant they actually wanted me to succeed and come out on the other end," he says. Yet Washington now says that his counseling - or "homophobia reprogramming" - wasn't exactly what it seemed.
"There is no rehab for homophobia â€" that was just some crap being put out by the network," he says.
"I went into an executive counseling program which many people in this industry know about and go to. They knew what the program was but chose to call it what they wanted to fit an agenda. More importantly, I volunteered for it because I wanted to understand my fight with Patrick and how it got out of hand like that. I wanted to know what I could do to avoid it happening again."
ABC declined to comment.
Shortly after the second incident in January, cast member T.R. Knight appeared on The Ellen Degeneres Show and said he felt he had no choice but to admit he was gay after Washington's fight on set.
Washington has said that Knight fueled the flames of the situation to advance his own career. No cast member has spoken to the media since Washington's firing.
Washington is no stranger to anger.
He has somewhat of a reputation in the film industry for lashing out at others while working and for also speaking his mind with no fear of consequences. A few years back, he had a confrontation with Tracey Edmonds, an African-American producer of the Showtime program "Soul Food."
Washington chalks up those previous incidents to an artist's temperament. "I have a mind of my own and I do speak it when I feel it's right," he says. "In this business that's considered being difficult and hard to deal with. A lot of actors face this and it does hurt you with work and in the future jobs. It's a price you pay though for doing the projects you want and making things turn out the way you want. I have an opinion and that should be valued by my employer."
Washington's use of the "F" word seems surprising, given that he portrayed a gay character in Spike Lee's 1996 Get On the Bus â€" and wrote an essay condemning homophobia in the black community a few years back.
One thing that's also been lost with so much focus on Washington is the sad reality of homophobia in the black community. From rap music to Eddie Murphy jokes, insensitivity to homosexuals seems to be a mainstay of African-American culture.
"Growing up in the South, I wasn't exposed to as many different lifestyles and personalities as I could have been. That's always a problem, because the more you're exposed, clearly the more you know and understand," Washington says.
"My mother had several cross-dressing friends who she sometimes referred to with names I'd never use, but she didn't know any better. There was no hate, just lack of awareness."
Washington has spent untold sums of money tracing his roots back to the small nation of Sierra Leone, where he is currently funding the building of a five-room school for village children. That sort of work might seem to contrast with his harsh comments. But if Washington is conflicted, he doesn't see it that way.
"People who know me know what's really in my heart," said Washington. "That is what's hurt me so much with all this. I was doing what I'm doing in Africa for years â€" before Angelina and Bono. But I've worked at homeless shelters for years and given money to make sure people knew they didn't have to be hungry or the street. I have shared my blessings, but all that changed when this happened and it's truly heartbreaking for me."
The actor, who is traveling to Ghana along with Jamie Foxx, Chris Tucker and Forest Whitaker to recognize the end of slavery there 200 years ago next week, also feels that race played a part in his public flogging and eventual firing.
"Well, it didn't help me on the set that I was a black man who wasn't a mush-mouth Negro walking around with his head in his hands all the time. I didn't speak like I'd just left the plantation and that can be a problem for people sometime," he says.
"I had a person in human resources tell me after this thing played out that 'some people' were afraid of me around the studio. I asked her why, because I'm a 6-foot-1, black man with dark skin and who doesn't go around saying 'Yessah, massa sir' and 'No sir, massa' to everyone? It's nuts when your presence alone can just scare people, and that made me a prime candidate to take the heat in a dysfunctional family."
In conclusion, does Isaiah Washington have any regrets now that a chapter of his life is now closed?
"My mistake was believing that I would get the support from my network and all of my cast mates across the board. My mistake was believing I could correct a wrong with honesty and sincerity. My mistake was thinking black people get second chances," he says. "I was wrong on all fronts.
Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.


text:
Matching the most imaginative and esteemed authors with the world's best performers—including Academy Award winners, respected stage actors, and Juilliard graduates—Audible Studios produces a diverse catalog of engaging listens for story lovers. With groundbreaking original works and celebrity reads, we push the envelope of what an audiobook can be. Check out our favorite new releases and featured productions below.
1 of 5
Average Customer Rating


text:
NEW YORK (AP) - October 31, 2013 --Kristin Cavallari and her Chicago Bears quarterback husband Jay Cutler are one step closer to having their own football team.
Cavallari is pregnant with their second baby. The 26-year-old former star of MTV's "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills" confirmed the news Wednesday on Twitter. She wrote: "We are so excited for Camden to be a big brother!"
Camden is the couple's 14-month-old son.
Cavallari and Cutler were married last June in Nashville, Tenn.
The family splits their time between Nashville and Chicago.


text:
Subscription Info
Legal Notice
Privacy Policy
Main Menu
Current Issue
Print Archive
Subscription Info
Subscription Order
Advertising Rates
Editorial Information
The Forum for the Recorder Â
Welcome! This is the open access to our new platform for the recorder. Built around the German recorder magazine Windkanal, a quarterly periodical dedicated to the exciting world of the recorder since 1997, it opens doors into the wonderful world of our instrument via services in German and English.
First of all, the printed magazine: All printed issues are available in our online archive services in German. Enjoy a wide variety of articles with pictures and musical examples, written by well-known ambassadors of the recorder. Read their portraits, comments, news, reviews on CDs, sheet music, reference books and special events. Profit from the information contained in the different media available on our advertising platform.
Notice our exclusive online material: In the enhanced content, you will find a special collection of articles in German only available on this website.
For English readers we have prepared a selection of special articles from the magazine either in their original version or in translated texts. Apart from interviews with the trend-setters of our instrument (such as recorder soloists, ensembles, instrument makers, musicologists and correspondents) you will find interesting sound files, rare images and literature on topics of repertoire, history as well as lots of other information to inspire you.
We hope our range of articles will be interesting and useful. The team at Windkanal wishes you a nice reading tour!
Current Issue
Content Overview
Flipping Book
Change of Address
Mollenhauer Seminars
Windkanal The Forum for the Recorder
Weichselstraße 27 | 36043 Fulda/Germany
Fon: +49(0)661/9467-0 | Fax: +49 (0)661/9467-36
© Copyright Conrad Mollenhauer GmbH 1997 2018


text:
Talk:Special Vehicles in GTA IV
| This talk page is for discussing the Special Vehicles in GTA IV article.
This includes commenting on the article, questioning whether it is correct, or adding suggestions for improvements
Questions about GTA games, not about the wiki page itself, should be asked at Community:Questions.Remember to always add your signature to the end of your comments/replies using four tildes:
Ivan Bytchkov's Ruiner
I thought his Ruiner was a dark brownish color (with gold ground effects).--Thescarydude 20:45, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
Will change it
I will change it at some time Fox Protector 08:11, 24 August 2009 (UTC)
- My bad, I thought it was brownish, but the ground effects are more of a yellow because there are black and gold Ruiners in the driven by peds and they obviously emulate some Z28 Camaros, but Ivan's is differently colored kinda like a Trans AM but not really because it's too yellow.--Thescarydude 20:22, 28 August 2009 (UTC)
FAQ with unique vehicles
On GameFAQs, there's a FAQ on Special Vehicles, which lists all the unique variants. Use that to fill up the page with vehicles, but just don't copy/paste from the document. It's by Lancet Jades, just so you know. --Fluffy Clouds 19:23, 28 August 2009 (UTC)
- I'm already aware of that list, and I will of course be careful Fox Protector 19:21, 29 August 2009 (UTC)
Special Vehicles
There are some vehicles on the "Special Vehicles" page that are not listed here, and please do not add The Lost And Damned or The Ballad of Gay Tony unique vehicles here. (This was just a tip, have a nice day.) --DT-boy 13:29, September 12, 2009 (UTC)
- I was thinking about adding unique vehicles from the Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, but since I don't have an Xbox 360, I can't, besides, this page is only dedicated to main GTA IV game and not the DLC's Fox Protector 17:16, September 14, 2009 (UTC)
I'll will defend this article by saying I created this page to give a more detailed way of acquiring special vehicles in GTA IV, besides, the Special Vehicles Page GTA IV section has so little information. What I really wanted was to have this article moved to "Special Vehicels in GTA IV", but I don't seem to have that clearence yet, at least not on this page -- Fox Protector 08:27, July 12, 2010 (UTC)
- This page is basically duplicate information of the GTA IV section of the Special Vehicles article. We don't need two different articles with slightly different names containing almost the same content. Since "Special Vehicles" contains information on many GTA games, and this only contains one, It would be logical to delete this one instead. Chimpso (Talk) 09:09, July 12, 2010 (UTC)
Roman's Taxi
After completing the game 100%, Roman's Taxi service doesn't use Calvacades. Why is my copy different? BTW: I have it for PS3.


text:
Proposal 2 Power Grab Demands Review of Government Unionism
Now that Michigan voters have resoundingly defeated Proposal 2, it is appropriate for lawmakers to review the status in this state of collective bargaining for government employees.
Most people do not realize this is a relatively recent phenomenon in the United States, only becoming common in the 1960s and 1970s (1965 was the year it decisively took hold in Michigan).
Eight states forbid government employee collective bargaining altogether for all or most government employees, while in approximately 20 others it is mandatory for the vast majority of public-sector workers. In the remaining states the practice is mostly or entirely optional for public employers — it is neither required nor prohibited.
Stay Engaged
Not surprisingly, Michigan is in the "mandatory" camp. A state statute mandates collective bargaining for all local governments and public school districts, and a ruling of the constitutionally authorized Civil Service Commission does the same for state employees.
When unions were given the privilege of imposing mandatory collective bargaining on public employers, government workers already enjoyed the substantial protections and job security afforded by "civil service" laws enacted during the Progressive era of the early 1900s. Under these laws government workers could only be dismissed "for cause" (rather than "at will"), and only after detailed legal procedures were followed.
The additional layer of collective bargaining, along with the huge expansion of government that began around the same time, greatly enhanced the already formidable political power of government employees. Over time their unions have become arguably the most powerful special interest in state and local affairs.
This excessive power has resulted in many abuses. It's no accident that Michigan state, local and school employees receive fringe benefits whose value exceeds private-sector averages by $5.7 billion annually. Almost all school collective bargaining agreements contain provisions benefiting employees at the expense of students, such as "last in first out" layoff and recall policies protecting poor teachers with high seniority at the expense of excellent ones with fewer years on the job. Many municipal governments appear to be managed primarily for the benefit of the employees rather than taxpayers and residents. This is but a tiny sample of the many excesses that no fair-minded person can regard as reasonable and proper.
Nevertheless, in enacting some comparatively modest reforms Gov. Rick Snyder and the current Legislature have sought to tread lightly on government union perks and privileges, deliberately avoiding the more confrontational approach of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
The response of the government union bosses was the equivalent of a ballot initiative tantrum. Proposal 2 would not just have rolled back recent reforms; it would have all but guaranteed far greater excesses going forward. Had it not been defeated, the measure would have supercharged the power of government employee unions, converting them into a virtual fourth branch of government with powers in many areas superseding those of the democratically elected governor, legislature and courts.
Having dodged that bullet at great expense and trouble, the public interest of this state now demands a re-examination of the government employee union status quo.
Ideally, Michigan should join the states that forbid public sector unionism, embracing the position famously articulated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who stated "(T)he process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service."
Short of banning the practice altogether, the Legislature should amend existing laws to no longer require government employees to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. The day after the election Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville told Mirs News, "I think that's on the table. . . . We need to seriously consider all options."
He's right, and the sooner this step is taken the better for restoring citizens' faith that government is placing their interests ahead of a powerful special interest.
Beyond that, public employees should be given a stronger say in which union represents them at their workplace by allowing them to recertify their acceptance of union representation every two years. (Under current law once a union is voted in, it stays in perpetuity unless the employees go through a very difficult and confusing decertification process.) Recertification votes should be held at least every two years, with at least 60 percent of employees participating in a secret-ballot vote for the election to be valid.
Other government union reforms would also help level a playing field heavily tilted against taxpayers. These include:
- Making collective bargaining optional for local governments and school districts. A city council or school board should be able to tell unreasonable and overbearing union bosses to take a hike, and allow individual employees to represent themselves in pay and benefit decisions.
- Stop using taxpayer dollars to pay local union officials on government payrolls to perform union work on government time.
- Increase union transparency by requiring regular, detailed and independently audited income and spending disclosures.
Even though it was defeated, it's likely that Proposal 2 has already cost Michigan jobs, as investors and business owners who might have considered locating or expanding here put those plans on hold pending the outcome. The relationship between the people and the public servants employed by government is way out of balance in this state, and needs to be fixed.
Jack McHugh is senior legislative analyst at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a research and educational institute headquartered in Midland, Mich. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the author and the Center are properly cited.
Related Articles:
Medicaid Dues Skim May Come To An End, After All
It's Labor Day, But Union Officials May Not Be Celebrating
Where Michigan's Public Sector Union Laws Rank
Conflicted: Unions Call Nonmembers 'Free Riders,' But Insist on Representing Them
'Goliath' Unions Complain About 'David'-Sized Think Tanks' Worker Outreach Campaign
For Union Dues Opt-Out Story, NPR Finds Teacher Making $27,000 Less Than Average


text:
East Detroit and St. Clair Shores are overrun with rats. If Clinton Township doesn't immediately put some restrictions on its residents on feeding birds and squirrels, we will soon have the same problem. The rats will go where the food is.
— Clinton Township
Let's give Detroit to Canada. Michigan taxpayers are fed up with Detroit and its corruption and crime.
— Clinton Township
Former Gov. John Engler built education's coffin by allowing charter schools. Gov. Rick Snyder and his lame-duck Legislature are digging the grave of public education. Goodbye, good educators.
— Sterling Heights
We need to restore tax rates on the wealthy to the rates before the Reagan administration when we did just fine.
— Harrison Township


text:
Firzouzeh Collection
10% OFF all orders CODE: BACK2SCHOOL Sale ends: Aug 21, 2018
1 - 1 (of 1)
List Price: $605.51$465.78
Free ShippingIn Stock
1 - 1 (of 1)
About Pastel Furniture
Pastel Furniture manufactures superior furniture with a distinguished elegance. They have created an innovative line of swivel bar stools and counter stools that fit into rooms of all styles. Pastel's bar and counter stools are made to last with heavy duty steel frames and web seating construction for durability and a chrome plated finish to fight against rusting. Pastel also provides a great selection of dining chairs, standard and counter height dining tables, and full dining sets.


text:
Instagram is a famous video sharing application all over the world. People share their pictures to fans and gain likes from their friends via Instagram. Companies post their products, interaction to their customers on Instagram to upgrade their brands and products. The amount of likes has become an important indicator of popularity. More and more person and company purchase likes for their post. Below are some examples for you.
1. Gain more followers: More likes you get, more followers you will gain. It is more effective than purchase followers only.
2. Gain more Traffic: If you have filled in your website in profile and purchase some likes, it will get more traffic for your website via Instagram.
3. Make your picture more trustworthy: More likes of your photo will make your account like an old one and more real.
4. Probability to reveal: Hundreds of millions of photos post everyday on Instagram. Pictures with new profile or less likes is hard to spread on the label of Instagram. Purchasing some likes service will increase the probability of exposure and recommended by Instagram.
5. Promotion of brands and new products: More likes you get, more people will share your photo and it is needed to promote your brands and new products.
6. Be happier: You will be happier with more likes of your post.
Don't buy Instagram likes
Obviously, some people refused to buy Instagram likes with reasons as below: 1. Punishment by Instagram: It is easier to be punished by Instagram as the likes are robots.
2. It is better to buy followers than likes: Once you get followers, it will get likes later.
3. Unstable: It is unsuitable for user as the likes you purchased will be cancelled.
Above are some reasons to buy Instagram likes or not, we suggest you to buy some likes if you want to promote your brands or products. Don't worry about the disadvantages of purchase Instagram likes, just choose the appropriate merchants. As for the second disadvantage, more users watch your photo before your profile, fans may be not interested to see your profile as your photo with less likes, so it is useful to buy some likes first.


text:
Haruka Amami in her Pop Sound Blossom costume from THE IDOLM@STER SP (game).
Sort: Most Views | Most Comments | Last Comment | Newest Image | Oldest Image
United States
More galleries by Michi
Yarimashita yo, Kusanagi-san!! (4)
108th Generation Devil Hunter (8)
Yes! Yes! Yes! Pocky Girls (4)
Japantown Anime Faire 2005 (28)
Cherry Blossom Festival Parade 2005 (23)


text:
Final day at Bill Rodgers running store
Final day at Bill Rodgers running store
Wednesday marked the final day of business for the Bill Rodgers Running Center store in Faneuil Hall marketplace.
Rodgers' store had been in business for 35 years.
The store's walls bore memories of Rodgers' career as a Boston running icon.
The store included a Wall of Gloves, which marked the white painter's gloves that Rodgers used to wear running on chilly days.
Steve Scala of Mansfield was one of the final customers, and he was helped by Charlie Rodgers, Bill's brother, who ran the store.


text:
P1/PD pumps have integrated digital electronics to control functions in real time. Windows-based software allows proportional control of pressure, displacement, torque limiting, anti-stall, and constant flow. Sensors for pressure, speed, temperature, and displacement optimize pressure and flow output. They operate at pressures to 280 bar with displacements to 75 cc/rev.
Parker Hannifin Corp., Hydraulic Pump Div., 800) 551-5956, www.parker.com


text:
Who's Your Inventor?
Lesson 3 of 9
Objective: SWBAT research inventors by answering questions about key details in an informational text.
Big Idea: Is the proverbial saying true? Is necessity the mother of invention? Do ingenious solutions come from difficult situations? Come find out.
Summary and Context:
We know that many students suffer a big slump in 4th grade with their reading comprehension. One shift in the Common Core State Standards that seeks to alleviate this problem is by asking teachers to have students work with informational text from the early grades. That is one reason I am engaging my students with this material. Thankfully, our anthology does include an informational selection on inventors, specifically, African-American Inventors. Today, my students will be able to choose one of the inventors in their anthology or choose one from our classroom library. They will spend time reading their text to find out why their inventor is important. They will work collaboratively because some of the material is somewhat challenging and I want to give them support. It is also early in the year, and they benefit from learning to work together at this point. As they read, they will be talking with each other about what they are reading. Once they are done, they will write about what their inventor did.
Before reading their texts, I will model what type of information I am asking them to find. I am using the life of Garrett Augustus Morgan to model. I use him as an example because getting a patent for a traffic signal is an invention they can understand.
Opening Activity:
I briefly review our objective and what we are doing today.
To model, I use the informational sheet on Garrett Augustus Morgan that I used yesterday. Except, today, I am using it differently.
I have a subscription to enchantedlearning.com, and I have found lots of good material on the site. You can use any short informational text that you deem is a good level to model with your class. I have a chart paper on the easel to model where and how I am writing down the information. They will be doing the same independently.
As I move through the sheet, I read slowly and reread certain parts. I tell them, "Let me share my thinking with you. I know I am reading about an inventor, and I am looking for specific information about what he invented. I know I can use the words in the text and the photos/pictures to find out important details."
I show the students the text. When I find the information I am looking for, I am dramatic about it, and then I proceed to write that information on the chart. I remind them that it is not important to read everything in the text they may have selected and that they should look specifically for the inventor they chose/what he or she invented and how we use it today.
Resources (2)
Choosing Their Inventor
Still on the rug, I have my students choose the inventor they want to research. Yesterday, I had the students practice writing questions about an inventor, and, today, I tell them that they may choose that same inventor to continue to learn about or they are free to choose another one. In letting them choose another inventor, I seek to build breadth and depth about topics they are studying. These are English Language Learners, and I know I must work on exposing them to various sources of information.
My students benefit much from having different types of conversations. Therefore, I ask them to pair-share about what inventor they want to choose. In doing this, I also help them be accountable to their choice, and it informs me of their choice.
Resources (2)
Resources (2)
Reading About Inventors
Students sit around the room and are grouped according to the inventor they chose. They are to share the sources they have on that inventor and look for information about him or her and what he or she invented. I am allowing up to 4 kids per group and I am making sure the students in each group are compatible. If I see students bickering, I ask them to solve it quickly. If it continues, I change the group. I don't let them waste time.
They read with the purpose of finding out what their inventor invented and why. I am looking for them to work collaboratively and help one another with the reading since the text can be challenging for some of them at this time of the year. I let my students sit all around the room because I want them to feel like this is their room, and they should feel comfortable in it.
To make sure they know their task, I repeat the questions:
- Who is the inventor?
- What did the inventor invent and why?
In asking them to think about the why, I am challenging them to synthesize the information they are reading to generate a response. At this time of the year, this may be to hard for some, while others will rise to the challenge. I am curious as to who rises to the challenge.
As students work, I walk and monitor their behavior. It gives me an opportunity to ask them questions to get a sense of where they are at and how I can help. Also, this allows me to hear what they are discovering:
- FindingImportantPointsofGWC
- GWC Wanted To Learn More About Plants
- What Happened In Her Life Patrica Bath
I work with a Small Group because, at this time of the year, these three students benefit from this type of support. I guide them step by step.
Writing Independently
Students now spend time writing about their inventor. While they worked collaboratively reading about their inventor, their writing is an independent task.
I am looking for them to use complete sentences and to go back into their text to provide evidence about who their person was and what their person invented. I did ask them to write about the important parts of the inventors' lives. One way in which I helped them to understand how to look for what was important by looking at what the person invented and how it helped people.
Here are some of their work samples:
Students need many different opportunities to communicate/share their work with different audiences. My students are English Language Learners andI like to give them as many opportunities to use the academic language they are learning. At the end of most of our lessons, I have some students share out their learning with the whole group, and I have taught the rest of the students how to give feedback.
This is the feedback system I use:
- Two Stars: Two different students share what they specifically like about the content of the writing.
- A Wish: Another student shares specifically how they think the writing can be improved.
Here are the speakers for this lesson:


text:
On 11/26/12 21:28, Lars Hanisch wrote:
AdvertisingAm 26.11.2012 21:24, schrieb Oliver Schinagl:Why build it externally? I was quite certain that the ddbridge drivers are in mainline for a while now? Which modules to you select?ddbridge is upstream with DVB-S2 support, but not the driver for my C/T-module.
Ah! that explains a lot. I did a quick read through that german site, but they simply pull the latest media-linux git tree, so that should go into mainline every cycle or so I guess.
Nevertheless, good to know that DVB-S2 on the ngene is well supported (I guess ) :)
Lars.On 11/26/12 18:20, Lars Hanisch wrote:Hi, Am 26.11.2012 10:13, schrieb Oliver Schinagl:I'm thinking of getting into the whole satellite thing (DVB-T user for now) and was searching for interesting DVB-S2 tuners. I found that the l4m octopus/duoflex-s2 a very interesting device. While expensive you can connect up to 8 tuners! to a single PCI-e 1x lane (Bandwith should be more then enough). While I know there is a octopus mini-pcie device, I heard that there where some PCB issues so decided on getting the PCI-e version. I have tried googling for some up to date linux! information but found very little. Are there any l4m/dd octopus/duoflex DVB-S2 (or even CAM/DVB-C/DVB-T) users here that can share their current (and past) experiences? The tuner (only 1 dualtuner board and the octopus) will set you back a good 200Euro so I want to be sure that the devices is properly supported.I'm using a DuoFlex with a DVB-C/T dual tuner modul. How to build the latest drivers is described here (german only): http://www.vdr-portal.de/board16-video-disk-recorder/board85-hdtv-dvb-s2/113367-aktuelle-treiber-f%C3%BCr-octopus-ddbridge-cines2-ngene-ddbridge-duoflex-s2-duoflex-ct-cinect-sowie-tt-s2-6400-teil-2/ If you'r using Ubuntu or yaVDR, there's the linux-media-dkms package with this driver included. My DVB-C/T card is working here for months with no problems. Second dual tuner is ordered... :) Lars. _______________________________________________ vdr mailing list email@example.com http://www.linuxtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/vdr_______________________________________________ vdr mailing list firstname.lastname@example.com http://www.linuxtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/vdr_______________________________________________ vdr mailing list firstname.lastname@example.com http://www.linuxtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/vdr
_______________________________________________ vdr mailing list firstname.lastname@example.com http://www.linuxtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/vdr


text:
LeTourneau University has some great advantages for pre-med students.
Unlike large state schools, even our entry-level science courses are taught by professors. Undergraduates have opportunities to work directly with professor as lab and research assistants, often building close, mentoring relationships.
These relationships are invaluable for pre-med students, as medical schools are looking for great reference letters from professionals who can provide informed recommendations for students they know well.
A strong network of local physicians invest in the lives of LETU pre-med students. These physicians:
At LETU, undergrads can be actively involved in hands-on research projects, rather than merely assisting graduate students. For example, students who join the Wheels Project travel to Kenya to complete studies on the efficacy of wheelchair designed for use in low-income countries.
"As a team of four students and our professor, Karen Rispin, we were able to experience a new culture, make international friendships, and conduct research in a tangible and meaningful way."
- Emily Tutt, Biology (Pre-Med)
LeTourneau University has a student led club, Hygeia, which includes current students as well as alumni. The Facebook page and the meetings on campus provide opportunities to learn from those a step ahead in the journey.
As you likely already know, pre-med is not a major. If you hadn't heard this, the Association of American Medical College is a great resource for basic information. As you'll see, a student can enter medical school successfully from any major as long as he or she has done well in all the pre-requisites and competencies required or suggested.
However, there are three majors at LETU in which most pre-med students enroll:
Greg Frederick
Professor of Biology,
Pre-Med Advisor
Chair, Department of Biology
(903) 233-3354
These advantages also apply to students heading into other health-related professions that require graduate school, such as
For more information on preparing for these other professions at LeTourneau visit the pre-physical therapy or pre-health pages.


text:
How to Plan Your Spring Garden
The winter weather may be keeping you indoors, but that shouldn't stop you from getting a jump- start on your spring garden. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, consider these gardening tips and plans to help you get ready for spring.
- Seed catalogs: Add variety to your spring garden and order new seeds from a seed catalog. Just be sure not to purchase or use seeds that are more than a year old. This will help you organize which vegetables or flowers you want to plant for the coming season. Plus, it's a fun activity you can enjoy with the entire family.
- Take inventory: Keep a record of which types and how many plants you'll be using to help create the layout of your garden and determine space needs.
- Garden blueprint: If you're creating a new garden or expanding an existing one, map out or make a rough sketch of the area you'll be using. Doing so will help you identify the proper maintenance and garden tools needed to care for your plants, vegetables and flowers.
- Container gardening: Use containers of the appropriate size, with drainage holes to begin growing your plants indoors. Although unexposed to the winter weather, it's still important to place plants in areas within your home that receive a good amount of sunlight, and water as needed. '


text:
Please choose the appropriate form below to order a new web hosting account,
register and park a domain name, redirect a domain name, renew a domain name or order a
merchant account or payment processing.
These secure forms require your reseller username and password.
Use this form to order a new web hosting account including the registration of a new domain name or transfer of an existing domain name.
Copyright © 2018
PagePlop.com Comments.


text:
Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Maker's Mark, Chestnuts and Sage
Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Maker's Mark, Chestnuts and Sage
By Amanda Freitag, Executive Chef and TV Personality
The Maker's Mark® Bourbon added at the end pairs well with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, and gives them a heady bourbon accent.
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Ready In:
Cook Time:
Ready In:
- 1/4 cup Maker's Mark® Bourbon
- 4–5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and large dice
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup celery, small dice
- 1-1/2 cups whole peeled chestnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chiffonade
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Place diced sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Add salt to the sweet potatoes and bring to a boil.
- Simmer the potatoes for approximately 25 minutes or until just tender, not too soft.
- Drain the potatoes until dry and place them back into the pot.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup of butter and Maker's Mark® Bourbon while the potatoes are still hot.
- As you stir the potatoes, they will naturally mash and still hold some of their shape.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a ceramic serving dish and hold.
- Prepare the chestnuts by first melting the 2 tablespoons of butter into a sauté pan, then sauté the celery on a medium heat.
- After 2 minutes add the chopped chestnuts and the maple syrup to the celery and cook together until incorporated.
- Finish the chestnuts with the sage and season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the chestnut mixture over the sweet potatoes and serve.
Tags: Recipes, Side Dishes, Sweet Potatoes, Unsalted Butter, Celery, Chestnuts, Maple Syrup, Sage, Salt, Pepper, Hungry


text:
Forum Search
Sign Up for Email Alerts
Sign up here to receive email alerts regarding BirdLife's Globally Threatened Bird Forums
Thank you for signing up!
- Africa (211)
- Americas (376)
- Caribbean (50)
- Central America (73)
- Hawaii (22)
- North America (120)
- South America (262)
- Archive (860)
- Asia (320)
- Australia (42)
- AZE (Alliance for Zero Extinction) (16)
- Europe & Central Asia (90)
- Illegal killing of birds (2)
- Middle East (59)
- Pacific (148)
- Species Group (236)
- Bustards (16)
- Galliformes (37)
- Hornbills (12)
- Parrots (76)
- Seabirds (69)
- Vultures (9)
- Waterbirds (61)
- Taxonomy (164)
Five most recent topics
- Shelley's Eagle-owl (Bubo shelleyi): revise global status?
- Le Conte's Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei): request for information.
- Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys): revise global status?
- Henslow's Sparrow (Passerculus henslowii): revise global status?
- Harris's Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula): revise global status?
Top BirdLife News
- Tread softly: new guide for businesses working in important ecosystems May 14, 2018Most businesses want to minimise their impact on the natural world – but it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, the process has just got a whole lot easier with the release of a new roadmap for companies operating in some of the most biologically significant places on the planet. The report, […]
- Conservationists gather in Middle East to protect migratory birds May 14, 2018"A Summit for the Flyways" united 100 different organisations from 70 different countries to address one problem: how to protect migratory birds on their incredible journey. And with millions of migratory birds passing through the Middle East, it was the perfect opportunity to tackle regional issues, too. BirdLife took advantage of the fact that conservation […]
- Kulan roam the steppes of central Kazakhstan once again May 14, 2018The latest update from ACBK/BirdLife Kazakhstan on its project to reintroduce a small herd of Turkmenian kulan to central Kazakhstan, long after the wild ass species disappeared from the region. At the end of last year, Danara Zharbolova from our Kazakh partner ACBK recounted the promising first steps in an exciting project to establish a […]
- Tread softly: new guide for businesses working in important ecosystems May 14, 2018
Tag Archives: New Zealand Grebe
Archived 2015 topics: New Zealand Grebe (Poliocephalus rufopectus): downlist to Near Threatened?
This discussion was first published as part of the 2013 Red List update, but remains open for comment to enable reassessment in 2015. BirdLife species factsheet for New Zealand Grebe New Zealand Grebe Poliocephalus rufopectus is endemic to New Zealand. It is … Continue reading
Posted in Archive, Pacific, Waterbirds Tagged New Zealand Grebe 4 Comments


text:
You should be able to get a lof of benefit from it when you are at chapter 19 or so.cthomas wrote:Since I'm learning New Testament Greek by self study using Basics of Biblical Greek. At what point should I start using Dr. William D. Mounce A Graded Reader of Biblical Greek?
Return to Koine and Biblical and Medieval Greek
Users browsing this forum: Google Adsense [Bot] and 30 guests


text:
Two firsts occurred at the Central Kansas League tennis tournament hosted at Pratt on April 29: Pratt finished as runners-up, a best-yet placing since joining the CKL in 2010, and every Greenback on the team pocketed a coveted
Two firsts occurred at the Central Kansas League tennis tournament hosted at Pratt on April 29: Pratt finished as runners-up, a best-yet placing since joining the CKL in 2010, and every Greenback on the team pocketed a coveted CKL medal.
"The CKL is pretty stacked in most sports, and tennis is no exception," said coach Larry Kahmeyer. "When you're talking about going head-to-head with Hesston, Smoky Valley, Sterling, even Hillsboro, you're talking about swimming in a deep pool. We placed 4th two years ago, 3rd last year, and put up a good battle against Hesston for 2nd this year. I was thrilled with the guys' effort and happy that everyone medaled. We haven't collected many of those in the past, so this was a high-water mark for us as a team."
Hesston lead all teams with a perfect 60 points, followed by Pratt (48), Sterling (36), Smoky Valley (21), Hillsboro (21), Kingman (18), and Haven (6).
Thomas Mayberry, a senior playing #1 singles, had a first round bye. Jonathan Schotte at #2 singles, Christian Kurz and Liam Kahmeyer at #1 doubles and Shivam Bhakta and Trae Forman at #2 doubles all cruised in the opening round. Bhakta and Forman dropped a mere 2 games, the other Frogs were perfect in the opening round.
The semi-finals narrowed the field of talent, but Mayberry gave Sterling's Zach Brashear a 6-0, 6-0 pasting. Kahmeyer and Kurz continued to the finals with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Schneider and Bellah from Smoky Valley. Bhakta and Foreman got to the finals with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-0 win over Weiner and Comley from Sterling. Schotte dropped a tough 3-6, 0-6 match to Caleb Hendricks of Sterling.
With the exception of Schotte, who would face Kingman's Leroux for 3rd, the finals pitted Pratt against Hesston to decide the team championship.
Mayberry hit well, but eventually fell 1-6, 3-6 to the Swathers' ultra-consistent LeFevre.
"Thomas beat Keegan at Smoky Valley earlier in the year, so I knew he had a chance to win again, but today the consistency tables turned in LeFevre's favor," commented Coach Kahmeyer.
Liam Kahmeyer and Kurz faced Hesston's Dahlsten and Jensen in the finals and put up a good battle, only to fall 3-6, 3-6.
"Like Thomas, Liam and Christian were blasting away against a very good team and if one can be pleased with a loss, I was," reflected Kahmeyer. "Playing good competition pulls you up and our guys responded with aggressive groundstrokes and volleys. It was fun to watch."
Schotte bounced back with a 6-1, 6-2 defeat of Leroux to secure the 3rd and final medal in his flight.
"Jonny has grown so much this year with mental discipline and patience and he came back strong after his semi-final loss," said Kahmeyer.
Bhakta and Foreman jumped their third seed to finish second after losing the final round to Hesston's Penner and Penner 1-6, 3-6.
"In some ways, Shiv and Trae had the day's best performance to finish second," enthused Kahmeyer. "Take away one shaky set against Sterling in the second round, and they played as well as they've played all season."


text:
You don't have to be an alcoholic to risk damaging your health. Regularly drinking just above recommended levels can be harmful.
Regularly drinking more than 14 units a week risks damaging your health.
Fourteen units is equivalent to six pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of low-strength wine.
New evidence around the health harms from regular drinking have emerged in recent years.
There is now a better understanding of the link between drinking and some illnesses, including a range of cancers.
The previously held position that some level of alcohol was good for the heart has been revised.
It is now thought that the evidence on a protective effect from moderate drinking is less strong than previously thought.
To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks:
If you're pregnant or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum.
Read more on pregnancy and alcohol.
If you drink less than 14 units a week, this is considered low-risk drinking.
It's called "low risk" rather than "safe" because there is no safe drinking level.
The type of illnesses you can develop after 10 to 20 years of regularly drinking more than 14 units a week include:
The effects of alcohol on your health will depend on how much you drink. The less you drink, the lower the health risks.
Read about alcohol units to work out how much alcohol there is in your drinks.
Drinking too much too quickly on any single occasion can increase your risk of:
To reduce your health risks on any single session:


text:
New Stories
The stories people tell about the world, their perceptions of reality, their very dreams-these are the lasting legacies that give shape to daily life, often over generations. So new stories that change the way people think about their lives can be among the most powerful catalysts for change. Often when people change their stories, they are empowered to change everything else: the evidence they collect, the capacities they work to build, and the rules under which they operate. From competing stories about ways of farming to alternative visions of providing energy for daily life, people throughout the developing world are rethinking the paradigms of development. From fundamental gender identities to new narratives about the role of poor people themselves in remaking their communities, the world is reinventing its guiding themes. And these themes will, in turn, reinvent the lives of poor people.The Pivotal Challenge
Action Zones
Even as local science is inventing new hybrid forms of rice enriched with Vitamin A, farmers across the developing world are reconsidering the economic promise of industrial agriculture and reinventing practices that emphasize organic and ecologically sensitive methods at different scales. And for the many who have left their farms behind, urban farming is a new frontier.
Farm debt
Organic alternatives
Urban farming
The Pivotal Challenge
The Cost of Sustainability
Developing nations face a resource curse: untapped oil, minerals, and forest lands promise new wealth as countries enter into global agreements for developing these resources. At the same time, extractive business is often a toxic business-and one that disrupts not only natural ecosystems but the communities that depend on them. Choosing sustainability will require a host of new solutions.
Carbon credit strategies
Ecuador leaves oil reserves untapped in exchange for international funds
Community-based sustainable management
CBOs restore fisheries, promote equal access in Bangladesh
Traditional practices
Al hima is a traditional Muslim practice of "protected places"
Discover More Signals
Government, NGOs, private sector pursuing sustainable agriculture in Indonesia
Climate change threatens food supply, economy for Southeast Asia
Dhaka developing world's first vitamin A-rich rice
China moving to control rice production
Effectiveness of hybrid rice overhyped?
Organic rice farming in Thailand as a method to escape debt entrapment
Food self-reliance program in Indonesia focuses on farmer education and empowerment
Land degradation and organic response in central India
Farmers rejecting hybrid rice
Thai rice farmers experimenting with sustainable agricultural practices
Thai farmers growing own food for financial security
Indonesia's bid to become (organic) bread basket of the world
Agriculture in Thailand needs structural/political support
In Yemen, replacing Qat with less-harmful agriculture could boost health
Salinity-tolerant agriculture could improve livelihood of rural farmers in Bangladesh
From lingerie protest to social enterprise
Confusion over definition of social enterprise/entrepreneurship
UK & Australia support social entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia
Domestic private companies filling gaps in Lebanon
Admitting failure, finding success, and improving development
When for-profit businesses take over not-for-profit initiatives
African Development bank's alternative capital caught in crossfire
Pay with service model for businesses serving the urban poor
Bongo Flava: Boosting East Africa's creative economy
Formalization of the social sector
Rise of the "feminized sector" in Southeast Asia
Growing religious fundamentalism threat to women's rights in Southeast Asia
Gender disparities in wages, work, and vocational training in Indonesia
Technology, affluence correlate with increases female feticide in India
Female genital mutilation continues to threaten mothers in Benin
In poor communities, cost-benefit analysts of keeping girls out of school
Women and peace
Trade liberalization does not equal gender equality
Women's rights laws sometimes ignored, rejected by citizenry in Africa
The new witches
Solar energy investments in Bangladesh could supplement, replace electricity grid
Bangladesh invests in solar energy experiments
Egypt embraces wind energy to reduce oil dependence
Turning acid mine drainage into a solution for water and energy shortages
Power development fund as strategy to curb resource curse
Hydroelectric dams on Mekong threaten downstsream food supply
Recent increases in oil prices could lead to longer-term economic damage for poorest countries
Punjab government plans to set up rooftop solar plants
Gas reserves in Bangladesh depleting rapidly
India plans new nuclear authority
Southeast Asian countries with less access to electricity use more combustible renewables
China's path towards low carbon development
Biofuels on the rise in South America
Qatar successfully powers a commercial flight with biofuel
South America's increasing hydroelectric capacity
Civil society and energy


text:
Shanghai, Shanghai 201818
Shanghai, Shanghai 201818
Shanghai Xingfei packaging machinery co.,ltd. Is a professional manufacturer in the research and development of packaging machinery and food machinery, and we'r a member of the Chinese food packaging machinery industrial association.
Our potential customers are middle and large scale enterprises from mainland china and international market. Our packaging machinery, food machinery, and packing production lines have been sold not only in the mainland china but also in more than thirty foreign countries, such as the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstani, Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa, and other countries and regions. based on straight-out management notion, outstanding quality product and favorable after-sales service, we've gained extensive recognition of customers from at home and abroad and built up long-term relationships with them.
Since our establishment, we have used European and Japanese advanced experience for reference and have developed several kinds of top-grade vertical packaging machinery, horizontal packing machinery, and packing equipment used for different granule, powder and liquid, and other assistant packing machine, we also can supply the layout of automatic packing processing lines. if you choose" XINGFEI", you choose assured quality


text:
Happy 2013 from the National Coffee Association!
With each new year comes eager anticipation for NCA's annual convention. This year, the Association heads to San Francisco for its 102nd annual meeting. To many, it's the coffee's industry's premier meeting, where senior executives interact with coffee professionals from every industry segment and all corners of the global supply chain.
Like NCA itself, the convention is unique in its embrace of the entire coffee community – traditional and specialty, roaster and retailer, barista and importer, cause-coffee certifier and equipment manufacturer, producer and packager, and more. While NCA membership accounts for over 90% of U.S. coffee commerce, a majority of members are small and mid-sized companies.
The NCA convention is where the coffee community connects. Top executives are on hand to network with attendees from companies, large and small, that provide products and services of all types to the industry. A table-top exhibit brings entrepreneurs into direct contact with senior managers who hold decision-making and purchasing authority. A curriculum of educational sessions, led by the industry's top thought leaders, gives attendees the competitive edge that only real-time, top-flight knowledge can deliver.
This year, NCA is also adding new dimensions to that emblematic educational program. For the first time, the convention will offer a pre-meeting scientific and legal symposium. The pre-meeting event, Coffee at the Crossroads of Law and Science, is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge they need to meet science-based legal and regulatory challenges that are ramping up as a significant challenge to business as usual. Gary Kushner, Esq. of Hogan & Lovells in Washington DC will be the moderator, and members of the National Coffee Association's Scientific Affairs Committee will be among the presenters. Later in the Convention program, Committee members will speak in a general session entitled "Busting Popular Myths about Coffee."
NCA is also hosting the annual International Women's Coffee Association (IWCA) luncheon. The group's mission is to "empower women in the international coffee community to achieve meaningful and sustainable lives and to encourage and recognize the participation of women in all aspects of the coffee industry. Delivering the luncheon address will be American philanthropist, actress and singer Grace Hightower De Niro, who says of her efforts on the Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda website: "Inspired by the spirit of the Rwandan people, I have created these coffees as a way to celebrate and support the coffee farmers of Rwanda. Through direct sourcing, fair trade, ethical practices and environmental stewardship, our dedication to the coffee farmers of Rwanda will allow them to create a sustainable business that can be passed from one generation to the next."
- Other Sessions
Additional speakers and topical sessions scheduled for the NCA convention include:
- Michelle Stacy, President, Keurig, Inc., opening with a General Session address
- G. Scott Clemons, Chief Investment Strategist, Wealth Management, Brown Brothers Harriman, presenting his popular and highly-rated annual economic update
- Fernando Vega, Ph.D., U.S. Department of Agriculture, covering the history of coffee and the danger of the coffee berry borer to the coffee industry worldwide
- Susie Spindler, Executive Director, Cup of Excellence, offering a coffee tasting of Honduran coffees designed for both beginning and more advanced cuppers
- Oscar Schaps, Managing Director, INTL FCStone, and Kellee James, founder of Mercaris Co., presenting the findings of the Coffee Futures Working Group, an NCA task force looking into the merits of developing an additional contract to manage differential risk
- Dr. Tim Schilling, Executive Director, World Coffee Research, the research and development program funded by the global coffee industry and managed by the Borlaug Institute at Texas A&M University, and Carlos Brando, Director and Partner of Coffee Consulting, P&A International Marketing, on international approaches to sustainability
- Paul Rice, President, Fair Trade USA, Melanie Rutten-Suelz, Executive Director, 4C Association, and Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, Chairman, 4C Association, on their organizations' certification programs
- Other topical sessions covering the Food Safety Modernization Act, the NCA's 2013 Consumption Promotion Campaign, Proposition 65, How to Develop a Digital Strategy, Climate Change and Adaptation, and new NCA market research for 2013
- Additional sessions to be announced.
The 2013 NCA Convention takes place on March 21-23 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Registration is now open. Accommodations at the special event rate are available at the Palace Hotel by calling 888-627-7196 or 415-512-1111 and mentioning the National Coffee Association or NCA.


text:
Eco Drumsticks Bag Nr 10
Handmade eco drumsticks bag made with recycled materials by Crea-Re Studio.
This eco drumsticks bag is realized with up-cycled truck tarps and/or advertising banners, safety car belts bike inner tubes and paragliding wires.
The bags are reinforced in critical points to resist any accidents in the best way.
The drumsticks eco bag by Crea-Re has 4 spacious section for holding drumsticks, mallets and brushes.
Furthermore has an internal compartment where you can keep pencil and/or drum accessories.
By the 2 paragliding wires you can mount the eco drumsticks bag on the floor tom.
The paraglinding wire even if can seem too tiny, is able to supports up to 75 kg.
An adjustable shoulder strap by car safety belt and two handles made by bike inner tubes to go everywhere with your drumsticks by bike, scooter, bus, skate, horse, dog, cat, Yeti…
All the materials used for Crea-Re Drumsticks Bag model are very strong and resistant.
This drumsticks bag will be available soon on Etsy or in one of our retail shop
Check out other models available ready to ship here or contact us for a custom music bag order
Only few models available.
Each piece is unique, handmade, waterproof, washable and 101% eco-friendly.
The best way to have your unique, personal eco drumsticks bag.
Internal measures when open:
46 cm x 46 cm
External measures when closed:
52 cm x 24 cm x 5 cm


text:
Catawba Red Cross chapter helps after Irene
The area chapter of the American Red Cross is sending more volunteers east to assist with clean-up and assistance efforts after Hurricane Irene.
The Catawba Valley chapter of the Red Cross is sending at least two more volunteers to counties in eastern N.C., adding to six volunteers and employees already helping out, said chapter Executive Director Suzan Anderson.
Emergency Services Regional Administrator David Garrison is in Little Washington inside Beaufort County assisting with clean-up and sheltering in the area. More than 400 homes in Beaufort County have been damaged from the storms, Anderson said.
Garrison is a site director and is administering shelter set-up, donation distribution and mass feedings, Anderson said.
Anderson said when the Catawba Valley chapter is finished helping, they will have about 10-12 volunteers in eastern North Carolina.
"At one point, a third of the people deployed were from the (Catawba Valley) chapter," Anderson said, adding that the volunteers are assisting with mass care sheltering and feeding.
"They are spread all over eastern North Carolina," Anderson said, adding that some are in Dunn, New Bern and the Beaufort area. "They do what they need to do and then move to another area."
Except for Garrison, all of the Red Cross helpers are volunteers. Anderson said the volunteers are trained in specific areas and have particular roles at each site.
"They give up 14-21 days of their lives to do this," she said. "They get extensive training."


text:
February 19, 2013
Contents of this issue:
- 'Best practices' money recommended for elimination by 2014
- Michigan high school graduation rate increases
- Eight Muskegon Heights teachers uncertified
- Taylor teachers will see 10 percent pay cut
- Fraser Public Schools purchases 5,000 iPads for students
'Best Practice' Money Recommended for Elimination by 2014
LANSING, Mich. – As part of his education spending plan, Gov. Rick Snyder is recommending eliminating "best practices" money for schools, The Detroit News reports.
According to The News, the best practices money is a per-pupil grant intended to encourage districts to adopt recommended fiscal practices, such as competitively bidding non-instructional services, participating in Schools of Choice and posting financial and academic information online.
The News reports that Gov. Snyder is recommending reducing the grant from $52 per student to $16 per student during the 2013-14 school year. The grant would be eliminated by the 2014-15 school year, according to The News.
Budget Director John Nixon told The News that the money was always meant to be a one-time grant. "We said it until we were blue in the face," he told The News.
SOURCE: The Detroit News, "Michigan's school aid increase may actually leave districts with less," Feb. 15, 2013
FURTHER READING: Mackinac Center for Public Policy, "Reducing 'Best Practices' Money Best for Taxpayers," Feb. 15, 2013
Michigan High School Graduation Rate Increases
LANSING, Mich. – New data from the Michigan Center for Educational Performance and Information show that more high school students are graduating, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The Free Press reports that 76.24 percent of students in the Class of 2012 graduated, compared to 74.33 percent of students in the Class of 2011.
This is heartening, according to the Free Press, because graduation rates had fallen the previous year, and some suspected that was due to new, increased graduation requirements imposed by the state.
The graduation rate for Detroit Public Schools increased as well, the Free Press reports. Nearly 65 percent of DPS students graduated in 2012, compared to 59.74 percent in 2011, according to the Free Press.
SOURCE: The Detroit Free Press, "More Michigan high schoolers are graduating on time," Feb. 13, 2013
FURTHER READING: Mackinac Center for Public Policy, "New Graduation Requirements Mean Fewer Grads," Oct. 23, 2012
Eight Muskegon Heights Teachers Uncertified
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. – Eight teachers at the Muskegon Heights charter district were not certified as of January 2013, according to Michigan Radio.
Michigan Radio reports that state law requires teachers be certified or have a permit to teach. According to Michigan Radio, the eight teachers who were uncertified amounted to about 10 percent of the district's teaching staff.
Mike Connelly, the chief executive officer of the company running the charter district, told Michigan Radio that the company verified that all teachers hired were eligible for certification. He told Michigan Radio that the company expected those teachers to obtain proper certification, but that the company should have followed up.
According to Michigan Radio, the uncertified teachers at the district obtained certification in February.
SOURCE: Michigan Radio, "Investigation uncovers non-certified teachers at Muskegon Heights new charter school," Feb. 12, 2013
FURTHER READING: Michigan Education Digest, "Muskegon Heights could become charter district," June 8, 2012
Taylor Teachers Will See 10 Percent Pay Cut, Per Union Agreement
TAYLOR, Mich. – The Taylor Federation of Teachers ratified a five-year agreement with the district that includes a 10 percent pay cut, the News-Herald reports.
The News-Herald reports that the district was spending about $19 million more than it was taking in. Layoffs are expected, the News-Herald reports, but the number of teachers who will be laid off has not been released.
SOURCE: The News-Herald, "Taylor: Details of contract concessions reveal cuts to resolve district deficit," Feb. 12, 2013
FURTHER READING: Michigan Capitol Confidential, "Taylor School Board Approves Contract Forcing Teachers To Pay Union," Feb. 16, 2013,
Fraser Public Schools Purchases 5,000 iPads for Students
FRASER, Mich. – Fraser Public Schools has purchased 5,000 iPads for district students, according to Patch.
Patch reports that the iPads were purchased using money from a $19.9 million bond passed in 2011. According to Patch, this is the largest deployment of iPads in Michigan, and one of the largest K-12 iPad deployments in the world.
Superintendent David Richards said in a statement, according to Patch, that the deployment is part of an effort to offer personalized learning to students.
"Our drive in Fraser to redesign our school district comes from a realization that we must provide our students with customized educational experiences that will prepare them to be successful in today's college and work environment," he said, according to Patch.
SOURCE: Patch, "Fraser Public Schools Wraps Up Largest iPad Deployment in Michigan History," Feb. 16, 2013
FURTHER READING: Michigan Education Digest, "Michigan Firm Develops iPad Math Programs," April 13, 2010


text:
InCube Labs and Teijin Limited Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Healthcare Innovation
Jan 08, 2013, 08:00 EST
SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- InCube Labs, a life sciences research lab focused on developing medical breakthroughs that dramatically improve patient outcomes, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Teijin Limited, a worldwide leader in technology innovation. Headquartered in Japan and with around 150 companies and 17,000 employees in over 20 countries worldwide, Teijin will have regular access to InCube Labs' leadership team to help define new strategic growth opportunities for Teijin's healthcare business.
As part of the agreement, Teijin will also invest in InCube Ventures, InCube's life sciences venture fund. Through its strategic investment in InCube Ventures, Teijin will have access to InCube's network, portfolio companies and partners.
"Our objective was to find a US partner that deeply understands the market including the technology and business opportunities in healthcare," said Kazuo Imose, Teijin Group Corporate Officer & General Manager, New Business Incubation & Development Division. "We have been extremely impressed with InCube Labs' deep domain knowledge and impressive track record of healthcare innovation and company formation. We are confident that Mir Imran and the InCube Labs team will provide tremendous value as we assess opportunities in the healthcare space. We are proud to participate in InCube Labs' network."
"Teijin has a long history of innovation which to date has centered on its novel materials from polyesters and aramids to polycarbonates. The company has been expanding beyond its materials business, and now is pursuing a range of additional market opportunities including healthcare," said Mir Imran, Chairman & CEO, InCube Labs. "We are in a strong position to help Teijin identify and pursue the most promising and strategic new healthcare opportunities to grow Teijin's business."
Teijin has declared healthcare as one of its most promising growth businesses. In Fiscal 2011, healthcare – including pharmaceuticals and home healthcare – accounted for 18% of Teijin's business. Teijin aims to further expand the business by creating new solutions based on materials and healthcare technologies.
About InCube Labs
Based in Silicon Valley and San Antonio, InCube Labs is a life sciences research lab focused on developing medical breakthroughs that dramatically improve patient outcomes. Our multi-disciplinary approach integrates traditional device technologies such as electronics, software, mechanical engineering and material science, with innovations from the pharmaceutical industry, often involving protein chemistry, pharmacology and cell biology. InCube is led by Mir Imran, an accomplished medical innovator, entrepreneur and venture capitalist, who has founded more than 20 life sciences companies and holds more than 200 patents. Many of Imran's innovations have resulted in new standards of care, including the first FDA-approved Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. For more information, please go to www.incubelabs.com.
About the Teijin Group
Teijin (TSE 3401) is a technology-driven global group offering advanced solutions in the areas of sustainable transportation, information and electronics, safety and protection, environment and energy, and healthcare. Its main fields of operation are high-performance fibers such as aramid, carbon fibers & composites, healthcare, films, resin & plastic processing, polyester fibers, products converting and IT. The group has some 150 companies and around 17,000 employees spread out over 20 countries worldwide. It posted consolidated sales of JPY 854.4 billion (USD 10.7 billion) and total assets of JPY 762.1 billion (USD 9.5 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012. For more information, please go to www.teijin.co.jp.
SOURCE InCube Labs


text: Shower pans have a Sistine Stone surface that is encased in metal. Pre-fabricated resin bond shower pans eliminate the need for "hot mopping"(using asphalt to bed layers together). The metal encasing the Sistine Stone surface makes our shower pans leak free. A Neo 42 x 42 Sonoma style shower pan has a 4x4 Tile Floor surface. This Neo shower pan has a Right angle cut with a Center drain.Features


text:
Bona now a playful patrol trainee
BONA the baby elephant is well on the road to recovery ahead of her second birthday, with the playful mammal now training to become a patrol elephant.
But the road to health wasn't an easy one for the small elephant found severely malnourished only five months ago.
Hervey Bay's Amanda French was one of three Australian volunteers who took up Bona's cause, raising much-needed funds for the elephant that nobody thought would survive.
"When we first heard about Bona in March she was really unhealthy, both mentally and physically," Ms French said.
"She wasn't expected to make it through the month."
Ms French said Bona had made great strides towards a healthy new life thanks to the generous donations of people across the world.
"So far we've spent about $24,000 feeding her and rehabilitating her," she said.
Bona is expected to celebrate her birthday on October 24 according to Ms French, who said the happy elephant had already begun her training to work as a patrol elephant.
"She has started her basic training towards her future as a conservation patrol elephant and she's doing very well," she said.
Fraser Coast locals can keep track of Bona's progress by visiting her Facebook page facebook.com/savebona.