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Are you working with someone who has trouble accessing the touchscreen on their tablet? Here are a few ways to help improve access:
To eliminate accidental touches and improve accuracy when using a touch screen, a glove or mitten with a hole cut out for a finger or thumb is one idea. When gloves are used in this manner, the only touch the screen recognizes is the touch from the ungloved finger/thumb.
NanoTips makes any pair of your favorite gloves/mittens "touchscreen" accessible. It is applied to the fingertip or thumb just like you would paint your nails. Once it dries, it is ready to go. There are two different versions; one for leather/rubber and one for fabric/fleece. This company will also be coming out with touch screen stickers called TAPS that can be applied to any glove, and they are waterproof. My guess is that there will be other uses for those stickers to make additional items touch screen compatible. We have not tried these products yet at Assistive, but they look promising.
iOS and Android devices have built in screen controls that allow one to change the way the screen interacts with touch. For example, iOS devices can be set to only activate when the finger is released or when the finger has held down in a spot for a predetermined number of seconds. An example for Android is Interaction Control where you can block certain areas of the screen within an app. For more Accessibility information for iOS go to this Apple Help Page for iOS10. For more info on Android Accessibility features go to this recent LiveWire Article.
Keep in mind that these built-in settings do not work in every app. The developer has to allow them when creating or updating the app. Some apps made for people with disabilities have screen controls built into them such as Proloquo2go or TobiiDynavox Compass.
Keyguards are pieces of Plexiglas with holes cut out for each of the keys on a keyboard, the buttons of a communication app, etc.. These attach to the tablet and allow the person with a disability to rest their hand on the Plexiglas and poke their fingers through the holes to touch a particular spot on the screen without accidentally activating the screen in the wrong place.
Keyguards work well if the user is staying on a particular screen where the underlying scene or buttons on the screen match the keyguard. Since each app on the tablet is going to have different dynamic changing scenes and activities, this does not make a keyguard the ideal screen access aid, but sometimes it is the option that works best. At the very least one would have to have a keyguard for each app. In addition, whenever an app updates, sometimes the layout of where the buttons are on the screen changes thus the keyguard doesn't match anymore and a new one has to be made.
Lasered Pics-makes keyguards for several iPad apps for people with disabilities. Make sure to check the compatibility with your version of the app.
This large-key Bluetooth keyboard features white or colorful 1" keys with bold lettering, offering an advantage to people who find it difficult to use a traditional keyboard. The large lettering makes it easy to see with letters nearly 250% larger than the print on standard keyboards. The keyboard includes oval F-keys for distinction from the regular keys. It uses wireless Bluetooth technology and can be used with Bluetooth enabled PC, MAC, Android and iOS devices (iPads).
BigBlu has an available keyguard that sits over the keyboard with spaces that a user can put their fingers or a pointer through, to hit the keys. This prevents accidental key hits.
When a student with reduced dexterity is ready to type letters on a computer or tablet, this keyboard/keyguard combination could be the answer. It may work better than the onscreen touch keyboard on an iPad. The key size may increase accuracy and speed for some individuals. The Bluetooth cordless aspect can provide more flexibility with mounting choices and is the connectivity needed for wireless use with an tablet.
The keyguard works just like the ones described above and will allow one to rest their hands on the Plexiglass while they poke their fingers through the holes to touch the keys or drag their hands across the keyboard without accidentally activating any keys.
A stylus is a pen shaped gadget that allows one a more accurate touch on a touchscreen monitor or tablet. This in combination with a stylus holder would help a person use the stylus without having to hold it. The stylus holder would attach to the hand, so one does not have to concentrate on holding the stylus AND use it for pointing.
Universal Cuff-add the stylus to this: http://www.caregiverproducts.com/universal-foam-grip-quad-cuff.html
Various Stylus Holders from ShapeDad on Etsy
A typical stylus has a small easily removable tip, so if you are working with a child who is still putting items in his mouth or one who is in a household with younger children, a child safe stylus may be in order. In addition, a larger stylus can be easier to grip for people. The Gummy Grip Stylus from Kensington is a large and kid-safe pointing device.


text: You may have seen me out in the middle of the track taking pics at the 2010 Track Attack BMX round and came looking for the shots here. To save you waiting around here, all of the pictures I took of Track Attack are over on my other website, Xenon Photography. You can even buy them there now! Enjoy.

subset: commoncrawl


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I have been seeing Dr. Eingorn for over 20 years! As a child I had severe scoliosis, and all doctors wanted me to have surgery. Eingorn was determined to lower the degree of curvature in my spine enough so I could avoid surgery, when all other doctors told me that was impossible. Together we succeeded to lessen the curve, and I am so incredibly grateful to him! Without Eingorn, I am certain I would be in a lot of pain. Instead, my scoliosis has lessened to the point where I hardly notice it at all, and I only see Eingorn for regular maintenance. He is a kind, attentive, generous, innovative, and careful chiropractor, and I have been recommending him for many years now.
Schedule an Appointment Now!


text:
Hello again,
wow, time is flying and it's time for some new words.
My "new" job keeps me busy, so I have barely time to list new items in the shop. Just did a big update and I'm happy to announce a KILLER batch of news on Soundflat Records! Most will be out late august, the KAISERS 10" won't be available before september!!!
Nice boxes showed up from one of my fave punkrock labels at the moment, Wanda, plus a juicy box incl. the new HI-RISERS LP from Sleazy!
If you miss something (and I know there is so much more out in the world of cool rekkids), please let me know and I will try my best to get it listed!
By now, enjoy the sun (and maybe some rain), have a top day,


text:
Hello everyone,
Once again, I'm posting some questions for salt chlorine generator owners. Since I know there are a diverse selection of scg owners, and I know everyone has an opinion, I would love to get yours. Please know that I am not looking for solicitation for Pool Pilot, and NO SLAMMING OF PRODUCTS.
-Thanks, Sean
************************************************************ ******************
Which Salt Chlorine Generator (scg) do you have?
Which size cell did you select?
Why did you selection that system?
What features are most important to you?
What did you pay?
How did you purchase it (internet, PB, e-bay, etc)?
How many gallons is your pool?
What additional features would you like to see on an scg?
How did you previously sanitize your pool?


text:
Journeys and What-not
Pencils and What-not is a Winchester based writing group whose passion for storytelling and poetry resonates from the pages of their second book.
From the familiar to the fantastical these stories will lead you to places that will stay with you, even when you've set this book down. Journeys and What-not is a map of words; discoveries of time and space – an exploration of both heart and soul where journey's unexpected end will enlighten and inspire…
Contributors: Marjorie Andrews, Christina Cummings, Sonja Eagle, Hilary Gregory, Carole Hastings, Gill Johnson, Peggie Keeley, Jenny McRobert, Anne Ponsonby, Angela Ramsell, Di Reid, Sally Thompson, Maria Watson, Kirsty Whittle, Madeleine Woosnam.
Published by Pencils and What-not. Printed by Direct-POD. Available from P&G Wells Booksellers Winchester, the Winchester Discovery Centre shop and through:
Web: www.pencilsandwhat-not.com
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Pencils and What-not are contributing £1 per book sold to First Story, the charity that supports and inspires creativity, literacy and talent in UK schools and communities.
|Article Actions
|f Share
|Article Information
|Posted by:
|Kevin Machin
|February 6, 2013 10:46 am
|travel, anthology
|0 – permitted
|3244 – public


text:
I'm not sure which is the most troubling part of this story. A company like Apple potentially being complicit with the NSA in order to install a backdoor into its products, or a company like Apple creating, marketing, and selling devices and services that they aren't aware have surveillance back doors. After the latest info on security leaks that said Apple's industry leading iPhones had a back door allowing the NSA to essentially track any communication or data exchange on those devices Apple has issued a strong denial. This latest story was featured in a Der Spiegel report about TAO, the NSA's toolbox and methods that it uses to gather data. In that report it was stated that a program called DROPOUTJEEP allowed the NSA to monitor any iPhone through a backdoor. The article left it open to interpretation as to whether Apple had been complicit with this kind of monitoring by allowing the backdoor to exist.
Of course Apple is going to issue a denial. It has no recourse but to do so. Apple reached out to TechCrunch and other sources to deliver that denial and here is the quote:
Apple has never worked with the NSA to create a backdoor in any of our products, including iPhone. Additionally, we have been unaware of this alleged NSA program targeting our products. We care deeply about our customers' privacy and security. Our team is continuously working to make our products even more secure, and we make it easy for customers to keep their software up to date with the latest advancements. Whenever we hear about attempts to undermine Apple's industry-leading security, we thoroughly investigate and take appropriate steps to protect our customers. We will continue to use our resources to stay ahead of malicious hackers and defend our customers from security attacks, regardless of who's behind them.
As mentioned in this story earlier today, these issues affect consumers, companies that create and market to those consumers, and most importantly the trust we all need to surrender to in order to make these systems work. Corporations can't afford to be constantly answering consumer questions bred out of mistrust. The real story will be to see how companies like Apple respond in the long term versus immediate pro-forma responses and now consumers respond going forward.
Of course there is another nagging question out there as well. How will we really know if these issues have been corrected? These questions will be asked of Apple, Google, Microsoft, and others in the months and years ahead.


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An African took over as director of Greenpeace Monday, bringing experience honed as a teenage opponent of white rule in South Africa and a network of powerful contacts to the battle against global warming.
Greenpeace was founded 38 years ago by activists who wanted to stop the United States from conducting underground nuclear tests in a region off Alaska that harbored endangered sea otters. Kumi Naidoo, the new director, said he still had much to learn about the group's current agenda, from protecting whales and forests to stopping nuclear tests and toxic dumping. But he has already grasped the issues around global warming, an increasingly overriding concern of Greenpeace and other environmental groups.
"We either get it right and all of humanity comes out on the other side with a new world," Naidoo told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview before he took the Greenpeace helm. "Or we get it wrong and all the world is going to sink."
Gerd Leipold, his predecessor at Greenpeace, said Naidoo's appointment is a watershed, both because he is the first African and because he is the first executive director to come from outside the organization.
After battling apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s and 1980s, Naidoo led global campaigns to end poverty and protect human rights. Recently, he has led the Global Campaign for Climate Action, which brings together environmental, aid, religious and human rights groups, unions, scientists and others and has organized mass demonstrations around climate negotiations.
"Previously, environmentalism was seen as for the privileged few," said Tasneem Essop, a South African environmentalist who has known Naidoo since their days as student anti-apartheid activists. She said the new Greenpeace chief will help rally other human rights and development workers to the climate cause.
As Naidoo puts it: "If the whole planet is under threat ... what's the point of not addressing that and saying we'll do other development work?"
Naidoo, 44, has fought for the rights of women and children, among the most vulnerable when droughts bring hunger or floods disrupt livelihoods. He has pushed to strengthen international cooperation and ensure the concerns of poor countries are heard when rich nations plan the future.
Naidoo took part in nationwide student protests as a 15-year-old, and by 16 had been kicked out of school for participating in peaceful protests against a system that denied nonwhites basic rights and economic opportunity. Greenpeace says he completed his high school studies at home, earned a law degree in South Africa and received a doctorate in political sociology as a Rhodes scholar from Oxford.
Following Nelson Mandela's release in 1990 after 27 years in prison, Naidoo returned from Britain to work for the African National Congress and other anti-apartheid groups.
Naidoo _ who earlier this year went on hunger strike for a month to protest human rights abuses in Zimbabwe _ said Greenpeace is committed to dialogue, but knows when to stir people into action and sticks to peaceful means.
Last month, Greenpeace activists dumped 18 tons of coal in front of the Swedish government's headquarters in a protest meant to pressure European countries to close coal-fired power plants. In Britain, they scaled the Parliament building to wave flags and banners drawing attention to calls for cuts in carbon emissions and investment in renewable energy.
"Governments, sadly, are unlikely to change as fast we need them to unless they are pushed," Naidoo said.
Greenpeace will be there when negotiators sit down next month in Copenhagen to try to draft an agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming. World leaders said Sunday it is unrealistic to expect an international, legally binding agreement to emerge from Copenhagen. Instead, the goal is a political framework, with a fully binding legal agreement left to a second meeting next year in Mexico City.
"Anything short of a binding treaty in Copenhagen must be read as a failure of leadership on the part of the political class," Naidoo told a news conference on Monday. "We can't change the science. The science is clear. We have to change the politics. If we can't change the politics, then we have to put our energies into changing the politicians."


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Subtotal: £0.00
Essential Oils
Get all the therapeutic benefits of organic essential oils in your home. Organic and Totally pure.
Thoughts from Dennis our, Lifestyle Guru:
"The best way to keep your sinuses clear in winter, as I think everyone knows, is a drop on a tissue to sniff when you get the chance."
Eases congestion, antiviral, fungicidal.
- £4.50
Thoughts from Dennis, our Lifestyle Guru:
"If you only had to choose one essential oil, this would be the one."
All-round preventative and curative; good for burns, blisters, etc. Mood enhancing.
- £5.50
Thoughts from Dennis, our Lifestyle Guru:
"Put a couple of drops in a cup of water and pop in the microwave for 5 minutes and the grease will just wipe off."
Useful in a hair rinse instead of vinegar; many uses around the home; healing and with a pleasant smell."
- £4.50
Thoughts from Dennis, our Lifestyle Guru:
"Add a drop to your trainers or socks to help deodorise them!"
Eases congestion, and a great remedy for indigestion.
- £4.95
Thoughts from Dennis, our Lifestyle Guru:
"Not just for poorly tums (as in Peter Rabbit and chamomile tea) but an essential to have in your aromatherapy kit."
Relaxing, promotes calmness and sleep.
- £9.95
Thoughts from Dennis, our Lifestyle Guru:
"We grow so much rosemary just for the smell. It has always been a favourite of my wife Pia's father as it reminded him of the island he came from."
A great hair tonic; uplifting; good in winter.
- £4.50
Thoughts from Dennis, our Lifestyle Guru:
"After we started selling our Car Diffuser, people asked us for the blend in its own right to use with vaporisers, candles, and so on. Makes a good air freshener too."
A fine way to start or end your day – simply add a few drops under when running a bath.
- £6.95
Thoughts from Dennis, our Lifestyle Guru:
"This oil has great healing powers and should be part of your aromatherapy kit."
Antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal; best blended with other oils because of the strong smell.
- £5.50


text:
Learning organizations inspire, encourage and motivate individuals to be continuous learners and, as a result, the organization is a constant and continual learning organization. Learning organizations are flexible, resilient and successful. Learning organizations embody a healthy response to negative external environmental changes rather than a reaction or impulsive response. They first look to sources of untapped potential and capacity within the organization, assess appetite for risk and explore bold moves to increase possibilities of success.
Becoming a learning organization is not an overnight phenomenon. Commitment, practice and effective learning programs and opportunities embedded in the culture are an automatic way of being in the organization. As more individuals become learners, they model the effect for others. Individuals who understand and observe how they learn have a greater capacity and competency to observe how others learn and are able to apply that relevancy to how an organization learns.
Being a learner, as an individual or organization, creates and supports openness to ideas, conversations and diversity. A learning organization consciously creates an environment where individuals can "continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are continually learning how to learn together (Senge, 2006).
The world is in dire need of learning organizations with multitudes of individual learners with a commitment to take appropriate action for continuous learning. Corporate organizations are accountable for being learning organizations for the sake of creating a culture of learners in the organization and, by extension, in the communities where their employees live and work.
To be meaningful requires being active learners. Learning organizations can revive the intrinsic learning nature that has fallen asleep in many of us. It is our nature, as humans to learn, and somehow that ability and desire to learn needs reawakening. Let us have a conversation to explore how the learning organization possibilities for you. Together, we will explore the:
- Current learning programs and effectiveness.
- Possibility for adding to your current learning programs.
- Reality of creating an internal Learning Institute.
- Feasibility of designing an internal coaching program.
- Value of an active reading group with suggested titles and discussion guides.
- Scenarios for an internal mentoring program.
- Advantage of joining the Friday Afternoon Leadership Conversation.
- Ideas relevant to the success of your own Learning Organization.
We look forward to connecting on this important need. Email Deedee or phone at 800.574.8877 ext 101


text:
LIVE on New York's WWRL, USAfrica's Chido Nwangwu is guest of CNN & NY DailyNews contributor Errol Louis.
LIVE on New York's WWRL news/issues show from 6.32am EST on Tues January 5, 2010, USAfrica's CHIDO Nwangwu
is the guest of CNN & NY DailyNews contributor Errol Louis. Insights n debate of Nigeria, Mutallab n terrorism listing/profiling issues....
plus live streaming via the web...
USAfrica: Our international community's News & Opinion Leader.
U.S official on 'Why U.S added Nigeria, Nigerians to enhanced terrorism risk list' » USAfricaonline.com special report
Obama confirms Mutallab trained by al Qaeda; Republicans attack Obama for "slow response" USAfricaNewswire, Jan 2, 2010
USAfrica multimedia networks, Houston. USAfricaonline.com
Nigerian Terror suspect's Houston visit raises questions....
USAfrica's Publisher Chido Nwangwu speaks to Houston Chronicle
Also see, The Mutallabs: contrasting terror-bound son Farouk and business mogul father Umar. Special report by Chido Nwangwu.
Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Mutallab is a man whose relatively mild-mannered public persona has been snatched from him; snatched by the most unlikely person: his own son, Farouk Abdul Mutallab.
FULL commentary at USAfricaonline.com https://usafricaonline.com/mutallabs-chido-usafrica
USAfrica and USAfricaonline.com (characterized by The New York
Times as the largest and, arguably, the most influential African-owned, U.S-based multimedia
networks) established May 1992, our first edition of USAfrica magazine
was published August 1993; USAfrica The Newspaper on May 11, 1994;
CLASSmagazine on May 2, 2003; www.PhotoWorks.TV in 2005
USAfrica: Danger ahead as Nigeria face population explosion without plan
By the Council on Foreign Relations
Special to USAfrica [Houston] • USAfricaonline.com
At a population conference in New York, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) Eze Duruiheoma estimated that the current population of Nigeria is 198 million, and that the population living in urban areas has been growing 6.5 percent annually over the past fifty years. He cites that World Population Prospects prediction that by 2050, Nigeria will displace the United States as the third most populous country in the world after China and India. He also noted the 2014 World Urbanization Prospects prediction that by 2050, 77 percent of Nigeria's population will be urban. The NPC chairman also looked at the number of internally displaced Nigerians. With respect to the Boko Haram insurrection in the northeast, Duruiheoma estimated that the number of internally displaced is 1.76 million, which is lower than other estimates, some of which can be as high as 2.5 million.
Nigerians know they are by far the most populous country in Africa, and they are proud of it. Estimates of the size of the country's population range from the World Bank's 186 million to 205 million by UN agencies. An accurate census is difficult in Nigeria in part because of infrastructure shortcomings. In the past, too, census results have also fueled ethnic and religious conflicts exploited by political figures. Nevertheless, in 2017 the director general of the NPC raised the possibility of a census in 2018. Given the practical and political difficulties and with the prospect of national elections in 2019, that timeframe seems overly optimistic. In the meantime, it is necessary to fall back on careful estimates.
Duruiheoma pointed out in New York that Nigeria's urban population growth has not been accompanied by a "commensurate increase in social amenities and infrastructure." More generally, economic growth has not kept up with population growth. Hence, the enormous slums outside city centers.
In effect, Nigeria has no population policy that would limit births, and Nigerians have traditionally valued large families. Yet the country's rapid population growth, especially in urban areas, poses difficult economic, social, and public health challenges. A huge, rapidly growing population is not necessarily a source of national strength.
USAfrica: Trump warns Buhari on "christians are being murdered, killed in Nigeria… we can't allow that to happen"
Trump warns Buhari on "christians who are being murdered, killed in Nigeria… we can't allow that to happen."
U.S President Donald J. Trump, this afternoon Monday April 30, 2018 at the White House, told visiting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari that his government is not only monitoring but outraged by "very serious problems with christians who are being murdered, killed in Nigeria."
The transcription of Trump's statement by USAfricaonline.com reads:
"We've had very serious problems with christians who are being murdered, killed in Nigeria. We're going to be working on that problem; and working on that problem very, very hard… because we can't allow that to happen."
Buhari, a retired army General and dictator/ruler (1984-1986), attempted to minimize those issues when he claimed, contrary to video evidence and eyewitness accounts, that the "farmers and herdsmen" only carry stick and machete; not AK-47s and other deadly weapons. Across the social media, Nigerians share pictures/videos of them brandishing weapons.
Obama administration and Buhari's started a deal for Nigeria to purchase up to 12 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft with sophisticated targeting gear for almost $600 million.
By Chido Nwangwu, Founder & Publisher of USAfrica [Houston], USAfricaonline.com and author of the 2018 book titled MLK, MANDELA & ACHEBE: Power, Leadership & Identity
World SOCCER SHOWDOWN: South Africa backs Morocco; U.S under pressure
Special to USAfrica [Houston] • USAfricaonline.com • @Chido247 @USAfricalive
"It is an old myth that Africa doesn't have the capacity, and naysayers should stop using the political argument. Africa hosted the best Fifa World Cup ever and with good support, Morocco can emulate South Africa," said the SAFA president Jordaan.
Johannesburg – South Africa Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan has promised Morocco that South Africa will give its unqualified support to secure another World Cup on the African continent in 2026.
Morocco is vying to stage the world's biggest football prize against a joint bid by Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
The Moroccan delegation comprises ex-Senegal and Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf and former Cameroonian goalkeeper Joseph-Antoine Bell.
Jordaan said it would be great for Africa to have a second bite of the World Cup cherry, adding Morocco's bid was Africa's bid.
Jordaan assured Morocco that he would personally lobby for the Council for Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) and the rest of the continent to rally behind the Moroccans.
In his remarks, Antoine Bell said Morocco had all the ingredients to host another spectacular World Cup.
"South Africa showed the way and I am confident Morocco will follow suit. The country has international standards, from the stadiums to top infrastructure. Morocco can compete with the best in the world," he said.
By giving Morocco its support, South Africa's voice would make all the difference on the continent, Bell said.
"When South Africa talks on the continent, the rest of the continent listens hence it is vital for South Africa to support Morocco. South Africa has the experience and Morocco will use this experience to win the 2016 bid," added Bell. African News Agency
USAfrica: Nigeria's embattled President Buhari returns to London
Nigeria's embattled President Buhari returns to London
Special to USAfrica [Houston] • USAfricaonline.com • @Chido247
In a few hours, Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Britain from Abuja on Monday April 9, 2017. According to a news release Sunday evening by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari who has been facing severe criticism on his performance since May 2015 will "hold discussions on Nigeria – British relations with Prime Minister Theresa May, prior to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings scheduled for April 18 to 20."
Since Buhari became civilian President, his first trip to Britain for medical treatment, according to USAfrica News Index, took place from January to March, 2017. Soon, following the clear evidence of the challenges he had regarding his health, he made his longest and most talked about trip when he left Nigeria back to London on May 7, 2017 and returned to an apprehensive nation on August 19, 2017. He is 77 years old
On another business matter, the former army General will meet the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Plc, Mr. Ben van Beurden regarding "Shell and other partners' plan to invest $15 billion in Nigeria's oil industry. These investment ventures will lay the foundation for the next 20 years production and domestic gas supply, bringing with it all the attendant benefits both to the economy and the wider society."
BrkNEWS: U.S government, technically, shuts down as 4 Republican Senators vote against Trump
Washington DC (AP) — The U.S federal government shut down at the stroke of midnight Friday, halting all but the most essential operations and marring the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump's inauguration in a striking display of Washington dysfunction.
Last-minute negotiations crumbled as Senate Democrats blocked a four-week stopgap extension in a late-night vote, causing the fourth government shutdown in a quarter century. Behind the scenes, however, leading Republicans and Democrats were already moving toward a next step, trying to work out a compromise to avert a lengthy shutdown.
Since the shutdown began at the start of a weekend, many of the immediate effects will be muted for most Americans. But any damage could build quickly if the closure is prolonged. And it comes with no shortage of embarrassment for the president and political risk for both parties, as they wager that voters will punish the other at the ballot box in November.
Social Security and most other safety net programs are unaffected by the lapse in federal spending authority. Critical government functions will continue, with uniformed service members, health inspectors and law enforcement officers set to work without pay. But if no deal is brokered before Monday, hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed.
After hours of closed-door meetings and phone calls, the Senate scheduled its late-night vote on a House-passed plan. It gained 50 votes to proceed to 49 against, but 60 were needed to break a Democratic filibuster. A handful of red-state Democrats crossed the aisle to support the measure, rather than take a politically risky vote. Four Republicans voted in opposition.
In an unusual move, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell allowed the roll call to exceed 90 minutes — instead of the usual 20 or so — and run past midnight, seemingly accommodating the numerous discussions among leaders and other lawmakers. Still as midnight passed and the calendar turned, there was no obvious off-ramp to the political stalemate.
Even before the vote, Trump was pessimistic, tweeting that Democrats actually wanted the shutdown "to help diminish the success" of the tax bill he and fellow Republicans pushed through last month. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders later termed the Democrats "obstructionist losers."
McCain kills Trump/Republicans' second effort to repeal ObamaCare
Washington (AFP) – US Senator John McCain on Friday announced his opposition to the latest Republican attempt to replace Barack Obama's signature health care law, likely dooming the repeal effort.
It is the second time in two months that he has defied his party and President Donald Trump over efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, often referred to as "Obamacare," which has long been in Republicans' sights.
"I cannot in good conscience vote for the Graham-Cassidy proposal," McCain said of the bill proposed by fellow Republican senators Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy.
"I believe we could do better working together, Republicans and Democrats, and have not yet really tried," the senator said in a statement.
In July, McCain made a dramatic return to Washington from Arizona after a brain cancer diagnosis to become one of three Republican senators who helped sink their party's earlier bid to replace Obamacare.
Now, rebels within the party ranks appear set to torpedo what may be the party's last chance to make good on a longstanding Republican goal, and a signature pledge of the president.
With both McCain and the conservative Rand Paul opposed, it would take just one more Republican defector to prevent the bill's passage before a deadline of September 30, the end of the fiscal year. At least two party moderates — Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski — are known to have serious reservations.
The bill's collapse would be yet another blow to the president and the Republican leadership, who have been unable to move forward on repealing Obamacare despite controlling Congress and the White House.
In coming out against the latest bill, McCain criticized the fact that it had bypassed regular Senate order, and noted that it would not be fully reviewed by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) before the end of the month.
The senator said he could not "support it without knowing how much it will cost, how it will effect insurance premiums, and how many people will be helped or hurt by it."
The bill's supporters might be eager to avoid a CBO score. In July, the non-partisan body projected that the ranks of the uninsured would grow by 23 million Americans, and premiums would rise 20 percent annually, over the next decade if the previous Obamacare repeal bill became law.
The White House scrambled earlier this week to win over Republicans skeptical of Graham-Cassidy, with Trump himself phoning lawmakers and state governors seeking to tilt the scales in favor of the bill.
And Trump made his position on Republican defectors clear on Friday, writing on Twitter that those who vote against Graham-Cassidy "will forever…. be known as 'the Republican who saved Obamacare.'"
While Republicans have pledged to repeal the Obama-era health care reforms, they have struggled to secure enough support to do so amid fears that proposed alternatives would dramatically increase the number of Americans without health insurance.
The American Medical Association has issued scathing criticism of the latest repeal effort, warning it "would result in millions of Americans losing their health insurance coverage, destabilize health insurance markets, and decrease access to affordable coverage and care."
McCain's rejection of the latest Obamacare replacement bill is yet another slight against the current president, someone he has repeatedly challenged from within the ranks of the Republican Party.
Trump, for his part, had mocked McCain's war hero status as a former prisoner of war in Vietnam as he ran for president, declaring: "I like people who weren't captured."
USAfrica: Buhari warns Nigerians "to question our collective existence as a nation… is a step too far"
By Nigeria's President MUHAMMADU BUHARI, on August 21, 2017
Special to USAfrica (Houston) • @USAfricaLIVE • @Chido247
My dear citizens, I am very grateful to God and to all Nigerians for their prayers. I am pleased to be back on home soil among my brothers and sisters.
In the course of my stay in the United Kingdom, I have been kept in daily touch with events at home. Nigerians are robust and lively in discussing their affairs, but I was distressed to notice that some of the comments, especially in the social media, have crossed our national red lines by daring to question our collective existence as a nation. This is a step too far.
In 2003 after I joined partisan politics, the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu came and stayed as my guest in my home town Daura. Over two days, we discussed in great depth till late into the night and analysed the problems of Nigeria. We both came to the conclusion that the country must remain one and united.
Nigeria's unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble, and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood.
Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance.
I believe the very vast majority of Nigerians share this view.
This is not to deny that there are legitimate concerns. Every group has a grievance. But the beauty and attraction of a federation is that it allows different groups to air their grievances and work out a mode of co-existence.
The National Assembly and the National Council of State are the legitimate and appropriate bodies for national discourse.
The national consensus is that, it is better to live together than to live apart.
Furthermore, I am charging the security agencies not to let the successes achieved in the last 18 months be a sign to relax.
Terrorists and criminals must be fought and destroyed relentlessly so that the majority of us can live in peace and safety.
Therefore, we are going to reinforce and reinvigorate the fight not only against elements of Boko Haram, which are attempting a new series of attacks on soft targets, but also kidnappings, farmers versus herdsmen clashes, in addition to ethnic violence fuelled by political mischief makers. We shall tackle them all.
Finally, dear Nigerians, our collective interest now is to eschew petty differences and come together to face common challenges of economic security, political evolution and integration, as well as lasting peace among all Nigerians.
I remain resolutely committed to ensuring that these goals are achieved and maintained. I am so glad to be home.
Thank you; and may God bless our dear nation.
U.S. Congressional Recognition for Chido Nwangwu on USAfrica's 25 years of "service truly worthy of the respect"
@USAfricaLive @Chido247
Washington DC: U.S. Congressional Recognition has been issued to the Founder of USAfrica multimedia networks Dr. Chido Nwangwu, in the brief but authoritative assessment of the impact of his works on the business, news, public policy, international security and cultural exchanges between Africans and Americans. It stated that for the past 25 years "Your service is truly worthy of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the United States Congress."
The Congressional Recognition pointed to the transformational leadership record of Dr. Nwangwu by noting that "We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference", as precisely articulated by Sheila Jackson Lee, member of Congress, representing the 18th district of Texas, who seats on the influential Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on the Budget. She is also the Ranking Member: The Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations; the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence; and co-chair of Congressional caucus on Nigeria.
The influential lawyer and Congresswoman who has attended several USAfrica fora and events added: "I take great pride in USAfrica on the occasion of their 25th Anniversary Award of the USAfrica International Heritage Champion."
On what set the networks on its pedestal, Dr. Chido Nwangwu noted that "USAfrica is respected for its acclaimed dedication to the business and interests of Africans and Americans, record of international community leadership and fluently mainstreaming contemporary African immigrant news and views in the melting-pot of American discourses. It's not been easy; it has come with a lot sacrifices but I'm blessed by God's grace and an extraordinary family, extended family, an outstanding team and initial backers."
USAfrica, characterized by the CNN and The New York Times as the largest (and arguably, the most influential) African-owned, U.S-based multimedia networks, was founded since 1992 by Dr. Chido Nwangwu. He is author of the soon-to-be-released 2017 book, Mandela & Achebe: Leadership, Identity and Footprints of Greatness, and former adviser on Africa business to the ex-Mayor of Houston.
Also, he established the 1st African-owned, U.S.-based professional newspaper published on the internet USAfricaonline.com. USAfrica Inc was established May 1992, first print edition of USAfrica magazine published August 1993; USAfrica The Newspaper on May 11, 1994; CLASSmagazine on May 2, 2003; PhotoWorks.TV in 2005, and several platforms and products. USAfricaonline.com is powered by the global resources of USAfrica, CLASSmagazine, CLASSmagazine.TV, PhotoWorks.Tv, USAfrica.TV, MandelaAchebeChido.com, AchebeBooks.com and ChidoNwangwu.com
Those initial pillars include Emmanuel Okoro, Eni Kanu, Ambassador Chris Chukwu, Rick Sellentin, John Rosenkrans, Emmanuel Odimgbe, Quincy Sintim, James Okorafor, Samson Nwangwu, Prof. Chigbo Ofong, George Nwanguma, Edem Archibong, Kelly Azuike, Dr. Chidi Amuta, Obinwa Nnaji, Kenneth Orji and Dr. Keith Robinson.
He adds "I must make a special mention of Kase Lawal, his brother Kamoru Lawal, former Gov. Donald Duke, Dr. Ralph Ekezie; Gov. Willie Obiano, Dr. Ernest & Mrs. Azudialu, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, Kenneth Yellowe, Emmanuel Diribe who is the person that advertised in almost every magazine and newspaper published by USAfrica; plus almost a hundred others in Houston and across all the major cities in the U.S., Nigeria and South Africa."
USAfrica honorees include business leaders, creative icons, fashion and music stars who represent the diverse skills and backgrounds of Africans and Americans.
Chido appreciates the fact that "The USAfrica BEST OF AFRICA™ awards bring together our two continents leaders, oil and gas executives, Governors, members of the U.S Congress, Nollywood superstars, key legislators, city officials, business heavyweights, banking executives, students, everyday folks and diverse achievers."
Following May 30 successes, will Biafra agitators compel restructuring Nigeria? By Olu Ojewale
By Olu Ojewale
Special to USAfricaonline.com • @USAfricaLIVE
[quote font="georgia" bgcolor="#eded9c"]
IT was a day that would be remembered for a long time to come. On Tuesday, May 30, the Ndigbo from different walks of life chose to commemorate the day the agitation for a Biafran state was declared 50 years by the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a soldier, politician and statesman.
As it happened, Odumegwu-Ojukwu and fellow agitators after fighting in a civil war that lasted for about 31 months, eventually decided to keep Nigeria as one. Although Ojukwu and probably majority of those who shared his Biafran dreams have all passed away, the younger generation of agitators appear unwilling to let them die.
Hence, all the pressure groups that have been formed over the years came together to declare that all the South East indigenes should participate in the stay home protest to commemorate the day. The protest turned out to be a resounding success as many as 75 countries all over the world participated in the protest. It is now common knowledge that activities, business, social and all others were paralysed in the whole of South East that day. Mercifully, there were no reports of bad incidents throughout the period the protest lasted.
That notwithstanding, the message to the federal government, albeit the political class, was unambiguous: Nigeria needs to change it attitudes to the Igbo nation or give it a country of its own. But it appears that the Ndigbo would need more than such agitation to change the current configuration of the country to suit every segment of the country.
In the past 50 years there appears to be an unending agitation for the realisation of Biafra dream as envisioned by Odumegwu-Ojukwu when he led the region in a civil war in which more than three million people were killed. Since then, the same old issue of marginalisation of the Ndigbo has almost been turned into a sing-song, no matter which government was or in power.
Articulating those issues recently, many Igbo extractions said when the civil war ended in 1970, the then military government had declared a no-victor-no-vanquish situation but the reality on ground have always showed the opposite
as Ndigbo were regarded as a conquered people.
Not only that, the apostles of Biafra State have also said that the Ndigbo have been marginalised in all aspects of the Nigerian polity including the economy and politics. They have similarly pointed that despite the pogrom that they suffered, the promise of the Gowon government of reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction were never applied to the people of the South East. Besides, instead of the federal government to harness the industry of the Ndigbo people they are being treated like second class citizens in a country where they should have equal rights.
That, perhaps, gave Uchenna Madu, leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, to say that: "the existence and sojourn of the people of Biafra can be likened to the affirmation of Jesus Christ himself when he compared the Hebrew children to the salt of the earth noting that the earth, would be worthless without its salt.
"Just as the children of light is the salt of the earth, so are the Igbos the salt of Nigeria. Political scene without the Igbo, Nigeria will lose its taste and Nigeria will be no more. In all ramifications, men of goodwill and uprightness know that this assertion is true."
Madu said trouble appeared to have started for the Ndigbo as far back as before and after the war. He said: "This attempt at establishing an independent state of Biafra was dependent upon the premeditated genocidal pogrom against the Igbo and other people of eastern region of Nigeria then outside of their homeland. This choreographed genocide was followed by the coup of July 29, 1966, during which Nigerian troops of Northern origin systematically killed many southern officers and men, of whom at least three quarters were easterners.
"It is apt to say that the involvement of military officers of Northern extraction in these massacres effectively destroyed the Nigerian army as an effective agent of Nigerian unity.
"The subsequent massacre of citizens of the Eastern region in the north, starting again in September 1966 and the mass migration back to the east that ensued widened the rupture in national unity. It was at this point that issues such as problems of refugees, economic support of displaced persons and intensified fears of citizens of the Eastern region for their personal safety combined to escalate the tension between the Eastern region and central government.
"Nobody could have blamed Ojukwu for declaring Biafra, which was brutally resisted by the Nigerian state but today the situation has not changed. What Ndigbo suffer today seems to be more. Harsh economic policies aimed at reducing the capacity of the Igbo."
Madu argued that the policies of marginalisation were efficiently and effectively carried out throughout the military era which dominated Nigerian politics at the time from 1970 to 1999. "Interestingly, the current democratic dispensation has also coincided with the emergence of a post-war Igbo generation who do not accept the obvious marginalisation of the Igbos in Nigeria. The manifestation of this resentment is seen in the number of Biafran groups and movements that have emerged to demand for the re-establishment of an independent Biafran state as a panacea to the alienation of the Igbos in the Nigerian polity," MASSOB boss said.
According to him, the new Igbo nationalism is anchored on a shared vision that the Ndigbo are better off as an independent state than being an integral part of the Nigeria state.
He vowed: "We the people of Biafra will never relent in promoting, projecting and upholding all the legacies of General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the supreme leader and Commander of Biafra Nation."
Supporting the separatist idea, Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, the founder of Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, said that there was not much for him to say because of the grim situation in the country, especially among the youths. He said: "You need no other barometer to feel the pulse of the people judging from their feelings of despair. The youths are so despondent that they are now asking to be allowed to opt out of the country. I do not need to say anything further.
"We are a country and but not a nation. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra, we remember the time we were invaded; we remember the killing of over three million Igbo and we also remember how we managed to survive. We are asking for self- determination
Similarly, Chilos Godsent, president of the Igbo National Council, INC, said in an interview that the economic policies of Nigeria had made things for the Igbo difficult. Godsent expressed the fear the Igbo would continue to find it difficult until the Nigerian state is liberalised to accommodate every ethnic nationalities in the country. He said he was convinced that the marginalisation of the Igbo people was deliberate.
The INC president said: "I can tell you authoritatively that those issues before and after the Nigeria/Biafra civil war have not been addressed. The issue of lopsidedness of political structure of the Nigerian state is still there. The deliberate marginalisation of the Igbo, the conspiracy of the Arewa and Oduduwa bloc against the Igbo nation is still very strong. Let me tell you that these issues led to the fear of uncertainty and made the Igbo feel so unwanted in the Nigeria federation.
"That was what started self determination, which they eventually called the Biafra Republic. The struggle is ongoing but what we are concerned about is the tactical approach and the existing frame work on the modus operandi of all the organisations that are struggling for the sovereign state of Biafra."
That notwithstanding, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, was pleased with the success of the sit-at-home protest, saying the realisation of a Biafra republic was near.
Speaking through Emma Powerful, the IPOB'S media and publicity secretary, Kanu said he was encouraged by the outing, vowing that he would stop at nothing in ensuring that the people of the area were liberated from the stranglehold of their oppressors.
He used the medium to thank "friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom all over the world for their tenacious efforts that made our Heroes Day Sit-At-Home Order a resounding success."
The IPOB leader said the fact that people obeyed the order to sit at home "is confirmation that IPOB which I lead has the mandate of all Biafrans to spearhead the ongoing Biafra restoration effort."
He added: "With near total compliance with this sit-at-home order I issued when I was still in Kuje Prison Abuja, it has proven to me beyond every conceivable doubt that Biafra restoration is a priority to all and sundry and I promise never to let Biafra down even upon the pain of death because you never let me down.
"We must join hands together, with all genuine and sincere individuals and groups, to restore Biafra with truth and honesty."
However, rather than join hands with the IPOB leader, the South East Peoples Assembly, SEPA, has asked the federal high court, Abuja, to revoke the bail granted Kanu.
The IPOB in collaboration with other groups, on Tuesday, May 30, organised a successful sit-at-home in South East, an action SEPA regarded as a breach of the bail conditions granted Kanu.
Indeed, the IPOB leader has been facing trial for treason and terrorism, being a major sponsor for the secession of South East from Nigeria on the platform of his group.
He was arrested on October 15, 2015, in Lagos, and eventually granted bail in May this year on health grounds with some conditions.
Justice Binta Nyako said that she was convinced that Kanu was ill and needed more medical attention than the Nigerian Prisons was giving him and therefore, granted him bail on conditions that he must not hold any rally, grant any interview or be in a crowd of more than 10 people.
Nyako gave other bail conditions to include three sureties in the sum of N100 million each and ordered that Kanu to deposit both his Nigerian and British passports with the court and that a report on the progress of his health must be made available to her on a monthly basis.
She adjourned the matter till July 11 and 12, for definite commencement of trial.
However, based on the sit-at-home order, the SEPA has accused Kanu of infringing on the bail conditions.
In a letter to Justice Ibrahim Auta, the chief judge of the high court, Chukwuemeka Okorie, president of the SEPA, asked the court, as a matter of urgency, to revoke Kanu's bail.
He said that Kanu had continued to conduct himself in a manner that was totally at variance with terms and conditions of his bail.
He listed the infractions to include holding rallies, grant of interviews or be in a crowd of more than 10 people.
"Obviously, the recklessness with which he made media statements and even organised the 'Sit at Home and Stay Indoor' protest to mark the so called Biafra heroes day on Tuesday, 30th May, 2017, is a threat to the unity, security and peace of Nigeria as a sovereign nation.
"We have no iota of doubt that he is trying to push our dear country Nigeria into an unnecessary precarious situation for his personal agenda and those of his paymasters.
"Sir, our decision to write this demand letter to your good office at this time is to forestall another civil unrest in Nigeria, particularly around the Igbo speaking region.
"As you well know, the struggle by Kanu to be relevant under the guise of actualisation of Biafra does not enjoy the support of right thinking Igbo people both at home and in diaspora.
"That he suddenly addresses himself as the Supreme Leader of Biafra points to how arrogant and disrespectful he is to legitimately constituted authority in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"The pertinent question on our minds as stakeholders is: Has Kanu been consistent in providing the court with reports on the progress of his health and treatment on a monthly basis since he was granted bail?
"We fear that if Kanu is not tamed by Your Lordship as a matter of urgency, the IPOB may create a situation where it becomes difficult if not impossible for genuine development to take place in the South East under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
"History has taught us that the Civil War of 1967-1970 started gradually and later turned out to be something that caused our people unimaginable losses.
"We cannot afford to fold our arms this time and allow a stooge imported from the United Kingdom by stark enemies of Nigeria to maintain a state of belligerence against the nation and keep the name of Igbo people in the news for the wrong reasons."
In any case, the SERAP's opposition has, no doubt, shown that not everyone is in support of the separatist movement of Kanu and his co-travellers.
Monday Ubani, a human rights lawyer and second national vice president of the Nigerian Bar Association, similarly disagreed with the agitation for Biafran state. Rather, he said that the Igbo cause could be better realised within the context of one Nigeria instead of plunging the whole South East into another avoidable crisis.
He admitted that there had been elements of marginalisation against the Ndigbo in the structure of Nigeria, but it was now left for the Ndigbo to build confidence with other ethnic groups in order to get whatever they want.
Ubani said: "If you say you want Biafra, in asking for Biafra what are the plans in place. Have you consulted your political office holders who are holding offices everywhere? Who is going to be the President and then where is the capital to be located? I don't have any problem with Biafra but I want to see what the plans are. Let's agree before you pull out."
He also said Biafra would be difficult to actualise by being hostile and rebellious to other ethnic groups in the country. According to him, the last Biafran war was a waste of lives and opportunities. "I will not at this level of my education now support the Igbo man to go to that level again, war, because I have kids. I will rather like us to get a larger chunk of our right in a more legitimate way in this country God has blessed.
"If you say Igbo should return home because of war, where are the industries to work. Please you don't sit down and create problems for others and generations yet unborn because you are frustrated. I will advise if we love our land let's begin to carry our investment home and attract foreign investors," he said.
Besides, he said that Odumegwu-Ojukwu who started Biafra, before his death said that Biafra was now a thing of the heart. Hence, Ubani said that if Ndigbo want to achieve Biafra "all of us must sit down and work out the modalities of a Biafra state."
For Nnia Nwodo, president general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the marginalisation of the South East by successive administrations necessitated agitation by the youths for a sovereign state of Biafra. At the forum of leaders of the South-South and South-East geo-political zones earlier in May, Nwodo noted that he aspired for a country where every part would be fully involved and the future generation would have a better country than the current generation.
"Our children are agitating. Our children do not want to be part of this country anymore because they feel that we are second-class citizens and because they feel that their parents are incapable of standing out for them.
"They want the Republic of Biafra because most of them feel they are discriminated against and are not equal with others," he said. He, however, argued that the country would be better as one, as the impact of war on any country could never be over-emphasised.
"We think that in the African continent, our size is our asset. We have built a brotherhood over the years since 1960 and we cannot break. Consequently, we have to put our heads together and find a better federal structure, a constitutional structure, which gives every part of this country satisfaction. In weeks and few months to come, the socio-cultural organisations will come together to seek an end to this impending catastrophe," Nwodo said.
On his part, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said engaging in dialogue with those agitating for an independent state of Biafra would be a sure way to resolving the issue.
At the Biafra conference in Abuja, on Thursday, May 25, the former president said Nigerians must treat the country with care. He recalled what happened during the Biafran war and why such should be avoided.
"I have maintained that the young officers who struck in 1966 were naive but there were some element of nationalism in some of them. Be that as it may, it set us back. The language used in the war did not help matters, the people on the Biafra side called us vandals and we called them rebels…
"We thought we would end the war in three months, but it took us 30 months, and the federal side nearly lost it. Civil war is more difficult than fighting in a foreign land because we are fighting to unite… Some of the people agitating for Biafra today were not even born then. They don't know what it entails," he said.
"But I think, we should even appeal to those saying they want to go, we should not tell them to go. We should make them understand that there is enough cake to share. We should massage Nigeria just like in a love relationship."
Similarly, Balarabe Musa, a veteran politician and a former of Kaduna State, in a newspaper interview, agreed that the Ndigbo have not had their fair share in the scheme of things in Nigeria since the time of the civil war. Musa, however, disagreed that majority of the Igbo are in support of Biafra.
He said: "Sincerely speaking, the South-East has not had a fair-share since the civil war. Their marginalisation is quite obvious. But if the policy of reconstruction, reintegration and reconciliation of General (Yakubu) Gowon and the late General (Murtala Mohammed) Murtala's administrations had continued, the agitation by the few Igbo for Biafra state would have been a thing of the past. It is the marginalisation that is making a small section of the Igbo to agitate for Biafra.
"If the reconstruction and reconciliation had been sustained, there wouldn't have been any need for Biafra because the number of those Igbo asking for Biafra is not more than 10 percent. The majority of the Igbo crave for a better Nigeria particularly because of their experience and they are prepared to fight for the unity of Nigeria. Majority of Igbo leaders have said in clear terms that they want a better Nigeria where they can expand because they are enterprising in nature.
"As you are aware, people who are enterprising would prefer a big community as against a small one. Some of them desire a better Nigeria because they don't want the previous experience of war to repeat itself. But the agitation for Biafra is a ticking time-bomb just as the level of poverty in Nigeria.
"Like I said earlier, the system of development in Nigeria tends to divide the people. There were times in history when the Igbo were targeted and isolated because they were enterprising and because of the system that operates in Nigeria. And probably the system could marginalise everybody until there is a brutal revolution."
Perhaps, fearing the untold damages that may result from another civil war in Nigeria, the only popular agitation in the country today is restructuring, which appears to be unpopular among some Northerners. But that has not diminished the debate for the need to restructure Nigeria to speed up its development.
Lending a voice to the argument, Olusegun Adeniyi in his newspaper column of May 25, said: "All said, as we reflect on 50 years after the declaration of Biafra and what might have been, I agree with the proponents of restructuring that there are sufficient grounds to question some of the assumptions on which the unity of Nigeria is predicated, especially in the light of our serial failings. But to beat war drums at the least provocation or to continue to marginalise (in critical appointments and projects) a significant section of our country are signposts that we have not come to terms with our past and that we have not learnt enough lessons from that tragic episode in our history to say NEVER AGAIN!"
Indeed, that was the view of the late Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who declared Eastern Nigeria a sovereign state on May 30, 1967, known as Biafra, when he gave his candid opinion on the same agitation in a video that had gone viral on social media.
He said in the video: "I led the first one and I can say I led 'proudly' the first one I don't think a second one is necessary. We should have learnt from the first one, otherwise, they would all have been in vain."
But whether the agitators for a Biafran state are going to heed to the advice is another matter. That notwithstanding, the fear of Biafra state, may after all be the necessary harbinger to reconfigure the country and give everyone a sense of belonging.
USAfrica 25th Anniversary & Best of Africa awards on 07-07-17
USAfrica 25th Anniversary & Best of Africa awards on 07-07-17 at Hilton Westchase in Houston.
@USAfricaLIVE @Chido247
USAfrica, the international multimedia company and public policy think-tank, will celebrate its 25 years of professional excellence with its signature 'BEST OF AFRICA'™ Awards, on FRIDAY JULY 7, 2017. On Saturday July 8 will be the USAfricaFORUM for insights to African and American business interests, democracy debates, immigration issues, and cross-cultural matters.
USAfrica, characterized by the CNN and The New York Times as the largest (and arguably, the most influential) African-owned, U.S-based multimedia networks, was founded since 1992 by Dr. Chido Nwangwu. He is author of the soon-to-be-released 2018 book, Mandela & Achebe: Leadership, Identity and Footprints of Greatness, and former adviser on Africa business to the ex-Mayor of Houston.
Also, he established the 1st African-owned, U.S.-based professional newspaper published on the internet USAfricaonline.com. USAfrica Inc was established May 1992, first print edition of USAfrica magazine published August 1993; USAfrica The Newspaper on May 11, 1994; CLASSmagazine on May 2, 2003; PhotoWorks.TV in 2005, and several platforms and products. USAfricaonline.com is powered by the global resources of USAfrica, CLASSmagazine, CLASSmagazine.TV, PhotoWorks.Tv, USAfrica.TV, MandelaAchebeChido.com, AchebeBooks.com and ChidoNwangwu.com
On what set the networks on its pedestal, Dr. Chido Nwangwu notes that "USAfrica is respected for its acclaimed dedication to the business and interests of Africans and Americans, record of international community leadership and fluently mainstreaming contemporary African immigrant news and views in the melting-pot of American discourses. It's not been easy; it has come with a lot sacrifices but I'm blessed by God's grace and an extraordinary family, extended family, an outstanding team and initial backers."
Those initial pillars include Emmanuel Okoro, Eni Kanu, Ambassador Chris Chukwu, Rick Sellentin, John Rosenkrans, Emmanuel Odimgbe, Quincy Sintim, James Okorafor, Samson Nwangwu, Prof. Chigbo Ofong, George Nwanguma, Edem Archibong, Kelly Azuike, Dr. Chidi Amuta, Obinwa Nnaji, Kenneth Orji and Dr. Keith Robinson.
He adds "I must make a special mention of Kase Lawal, his brother Kamoru Lawal, former Gov. Donald Duke, Dr. Ralph Ekezie; Gov. Willie Obiano, Dr. Ernest & Mrs. Azudialu, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, Kenneth Yellowe, Emmanuel Diribe who is the person that advertised in almost every magazine and newspaper published by USAfrica; plus almost a hundred others in Houston and across all the major cities in the U.S., Nigeria and South Africa."
USAfrica honorees include business leaders, creative icons, fashion and music stars who represent the diverse skills and backgrounds of Africans and Americans.
Chido appreciates the fact that "The USAfrica BEST OF AFRICA™ awards bring together our two continents leaders, oil and gas executives, Governors, members of the U.S Congress, Nollywood superstars, key legislators, city officials, business heavyweights, banking executives, students, everyday folks and diverse achievers."
We welcome nominations especially through Facebook.com/USAfricaLive and firstname.lastname@example.com
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text:
Especially for Photographers
The Canopy Family understands that photographers have different needs than hard-core birders. The common goal of many birders is to identify as many different species as possible, or spend their time searching for a few elusive species that our environment holds. Wildlife, nature, landscape and birding photographers strive to capture outstanding rainforest photography. Most photographers prefer finding a single setting with perfect composition, waiting patiently for the correct lighting, rather than walking around with heavy camera equipment.
We also understand that even a carbon fiber tripod, when carrying an eight-pound 500 mm glass attached to a pro DSLR, would inevitably constrain the walking range of anyone. How do we counter this issue? Well, instead of taking the photographer to the picture, we take the picture to the photographer. You only have to go outside to go on an amazing photography expeditions!
We are very excited to welcome all photographers. Our standard group sizes for tours are 8 participants per guide. We understand that the interests of birders and photographers vary greatly, and if you are a serious photographer, we highly recommend to request a private guide for photography expeditions.
Images from Canopy Tower/Canopy Lodge Photo Expeditions
Enjoy some images by Eloy Castroverde of Greenfield Images taken during one of our photography expeditions in 2011 led by Reinier Munguia.
The Canopy Tower
The Canopy Tower lounge and observation deck are ideal places to set your tripod and camera in comfort, while a variety of monkeys, sloths, iguanas and birds are close enough for great eye-level rainforest photography. Some of our photographers even decide to spend most of their time here -- and it's no wonder why! With wireless internet, an iMac to download pictures, cold refreshments at hand, couches, hammocks, your room just one floor down, and having wildlife this close and intimate -- all makes for an ideal photographic vacation!
On the ground floor we also have hummingbird feeders abuzz with activity. Here you will get great shots of perching hummers and maybe even that one-in-a-million spot-on flight shot!
At night the observation deck becomes a great place to take pictures of star trails. Also, from the observation deck the sunrise with the surrounding forest dotted with patches of fog and clouds make for great rainforest photography.
The Bridge of the Americas and the skyscrapers of Panama City in the distance, also make wonderful photographic subjects.
A closer subject, the Centennial Bridge, with its modern form and lighting, makes for a great shot as well.
With all these tools at your disposal, you will be assured to get some amazing rainforest photography at the Canopy Tower!
The Canopy Lodge
Just off the Canopy Lodge veranda we have a variety of feeders (hummingbird, grain and fruit feeders), only steps away from the guest rooms. Upon request, the feeders can be camouflaged to make for a more natural setting for photography. There are also plenty of flowers and fruit on the Lodge grounds, planted in such a way that the morning provides good natural lighting. The plants also attract many species of birds and insects. For a list of some of the species that visit our feeders, please see the FAQs below.
Insect light
We recently acquired an Ultraviolet light that we use upon request. At night the UV light attracts large numbers of interesting insects for amazing rainforest photography opportunities.
Rain opportunities
Photographers know that the worst environmental conditions can produce outstanding photos. Rain and lightning are great examples, albeit a more technical art form. With nearby Cerro Gaital, a tropical rainforest national park, the rainy season's thunderstorms and cloud formations are amazing to capture in pictures from the dry comfort of the Canopy Lodge veranda.
Another great experience is to go out in the early hours of the night in search of amphibians, reptiles and spiders. With a good flash or flashes, one is able to take great pictures of these rarely seen animals in their natural environment. Interesting species are sometimes gathered and brought back to the Lodge, where the next morning they are placed in ideal lighting conditions and photographed (perfect for your macro lens!), then the creatures are returned back to where there were found. Hummingbird feeders at night commonly turn into bat feeders, with Orange Nectar Bats making their nightly rounds. With the help of flashes, you can capture the bats during feeding, for very unique photographs!
El Cerro La Cruz, overlooking the entire El Valle de Anton (Valley of Anton), is located just 15 min. from the Lodge. Photography expeditions here make for even more fantastic sunrise photography.
The Canopy Camp
The Canopy Camp is an ideal location for photographing the best of Darién's birdlife. Right outside your comfortable tent, a deck gives ample view for setting up a tripod and camera. Surrounding each tent is lush tropical vegetation, ideal for luring in birds, butterflies and insects up close. From your private deck, you have spectacular views of the adjacent forest and towering Cuipo trees.
An open air lounge with hummingbird feeders and fruit feeders nearby is a great place to set up for photographing the wildlife at the Canopy Camp. Tall trees near and far offer different distances and attract a wide variety of birds along with White-faced Capuchins and Geoffroy's Tamarins. With ample space for tripods and cameras, many of our guests would be happy spending their days without moving from this spot!
An open area with a dozen verbena bushes attracts several species of hummingbirds at the Canopy Camp along with other nectar-feeding birds and butterflies. It is a great place to focus on hummingbird photography in a natural setting without the aid of feeders. Benches and shady areas make this area a very comfortable place for extended photography sessions.
From the open area at the Camp, within minutes you can immerse yourself in mature secondary forest along "Nando's Trail". With the right photography equipment for forest and low light conditions, this is an ideal place for capturing images of understory birds such as Black Antshrike, Golden-headed Manakin and Royal Flycatcher.
In the Embera village of Nuevo Vigia, local artisans display colorful, hand-woven baskets, plates and masks, Cocobolo wood and Tagua Nut (vegetable ivory) carvings depicting the flora and fauna of the area, and brightly colored fabrics worn by the Embera women. Photography expeditions here offer charming photographic opportunities of the local culture of Darien. The men, women and children of this indigenous community also make wonderful photo subjects.
Darién is a matrix of open and forested areas with winding rivers and cultural centers. A diverse variety of habitats offers many photographic opportunities away from the Canopy Camp property. Exploring the Chucunaque River by local "piragua" (dugout canoe) brings you up close with riverside species such as herons, kingfishers, raptors, parrots and much more. Our attentive guides will aid in leading photography expeditions, as well as finding and bringing in bird species to meet the goals of our guest photographers at all three Canopy Family lodges.
Photography FAQs
How many hummingbird feeders are there, and what hummingbirds visit the feeders regularly?
At the Canopy Tower we have five hummingbird feeders. The hummers that come regularly are White-necked Jacobin, White-vented Plumeleteer, Long-billed Hermit and Blue-chested, Violet-bellied, Rufous-tailed and Snowy-bellied Hummingbirds.
At the Canopy Lodge we have four feeders around the lodge and two in the garden. We also have plenty of flowers and trees (Heliconias, Erythrinas and Verbenas) that attract hummers. Regular visitors to the feeders and the garden are Garden Emerald, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Purple-crowned Fairy, Long-billed Starthroat, Green Thorntail, Rufous-crested Coquette, Green, Stripe-throated, and Rufous-breasted Hermits, Green-crowned Brilliant and Rufous-tailed, Violet-headed and Violet-capped Hummingbirds. The Snowcap and the Brown Violet-ear are seen along a mountain trail about 45 minutes from the lodge.
What hummingbirds migrate attitudinally or disappear for certain periods during the year, either during the dry season or during the wet season?
There is some altitudinal migration at the Canopy Lodge. For example, the White-tailed Emerald is seen during the dry season (January April). The coquette and the thorntail are best seen October - January.
What other feeders do you have and what species regularly visit?
We have 7 fruit feeders and one grain feeder at the Canopy Lodge, but none at the Canopy Tower because they attract White-nosed Coatis (a relative of the raccoon), which can become a nuisance. The fruit feeders attract several tanager species, including Blue-gray, Crimson-backed, Lemon-rumped, White-shouldered, Golden-hooded, and Dusky-faced. Other visitors include Thick-billed Euphonia, Rufous Motmot, Clay-colored Thrush, Whooping Motmot, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Collared Aracri, Striped and Buff-throated Saltator, Black-striped Sparrow, Tennessee Warbler, Red-legged Honeycreeper and even a Gray-necked Wood-Rail! The fruit feeders in EL Valle are very well attended indeed! We stocked them with bananas 4-5 times a day for the best rainforest photography opportunities.
The grain feeder attracts White-tipped Dove and Ruddy Ground-Doves.
Note: We have set up the feeders under trees so there are many natural perches around them. We also attach small branches to the feeders to create more perches.
What species can generally be expected during a morning at the Canopy Tower?
From the Observation Deck of the Tower, you can photograph some canopy specialties (these birds are almost impossible to see from the ground), like the Blue Cotinga and the Green Shrike-Vireo. Other favorites seen regularly include 3 toucan species (Keel-billed, Black-mandibled and Collared Aracari) along with trogons, tityras and puffbirds. Regular mammal visitors are Brown-throated Three-toed and Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloths and 2 monkey species (Mantled Howler and Geoffroy's Tamarin). Large Green Iguanas can be seen feeding on cecropia or basking in the sun.
Can I charge my equipment?
Yes, there are 110v electrical outlets in your room.
Anything else I need to know?
Bring plenty of memory cards or a storage device, as you will have countless rainforest photography opportunities to capture fantastic images!


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Local Family Funds WCTE Great War Documentary
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In partnership with the Tennessee Great War Commission,WCTE Upper Cumberland PBS is producing a new original documentary on World War I. This special half-hour program will premiere on WCTE on April 6, 2016, to commemorate the day the United States declared entry into the Great War. Produced by WCTE's Desiree Duncan and Craig Gray, along with TTU history professor Dr. Michael Birdwell, this documentary will focus on the volunteer spirit of Tennesseans in the World War I effort.
This project is made possible by the generous financial support of Andy and Sally Pardue of Cookeville, who donated $5000 to WCTE to support this production. "Andy and I are proud of the Tennessee tradition of volunteerism! It is our honor to provide support as financial volunteers to bring the wonderful stories of Tennesseans who served in WWI into our current generation to inspire our lives today. Being able to help the talented staff of WCTE and gifted storyteller Dr. Mike Birdwell carry the flame of knowledge forward is a gift for all of us," said Dr. Sally Pardue.
"Without the generous donation from the Pardues, it would not have been possible for WCTE to cover the 2015 Kickoff Event for the Tennessee Great War Commission on Nov. 7 in Nashville," said Dr. Birdwell. "Nor would it have been possible to produce the WWI documentary that we are currently putting together. So to Sally and Andy - a sincere thank you for your help with this important project."
For updates on this program, visit wcte.org.
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Cedar Crest College newspaper since 1923
By Laura D'Amato, Staff Writer
FADED is one of Cedar Crest's best kept secrets. It stands for Falcons Advocate Diversity Educational Drama. Their lively performances feature improvisational skits that portray situations that college students face on a daily basis. While the shows are kept very lighthearted and entertaining, they take on more serious notes as they show more ardent issues.
Each character takes on an extreme personality in order to best represent what FADED is all about – embracing diversity. Students give their characters detailed background stories and hilarious quirks to build a show that really tries to bring a new message to the audience.
Lindsey Hutterer-Gallagher
Lindsey Hutterer-Gallagher, a sophomore theater and secondary education double major with a writing concentration, plays Alex Tomaswski in FADED. Her character is a hardcore gamer; although Gallagher's personality is nothing like her character. She has been involved in FADED for two years and loves being a part of an improv group that not only promotes diversity but shows students that they are never alone when they are experiencing common college issues.
Breonna Lewis
Breonna Lewis is a junior biochemistry major with a concentration in forensics and a minor in criminal justice. She plays Deena Robertson, a transfer student that has dealt with a lot of change in her life and, in turn, has caused her to have a hard time making decisions. This is Lewis' first semester in FADED. When the cast portrayed issues that had to do with racism, it really hit home for Lewis because of her own experience with this issue. She is proud to help inform her peers about diversity through FADED, especially as she tries to prevent racism from remaining a recurring issue.
Angela Blum
Angela Blum is a junior English major with a concentration in writing. Her character is Cassandra Alsmith, a privileged student that is trying to step out of the shadow of her three successful older brothers but is actually going about it the wrong way and is having trouble fitting in. It is Blum's first semester in FADED, and she was happy to find that she could finally fit FADED into her schedule and be a part of bringing awareness and diversity.
Maria Vincent
Maria Vincent, a junior psychology and social work double major, plays Ava Aiken in FADED. Her character is socially awkward and has a wild imagination. For Ava Aiken, things may not always go her way, but she has the best of intentions. This is Vincent's third year with FADED. As a college student she has seen roommate issues similar to what FADED has shown. Vincent loves how FADED brings so many different personalities into the performances in order to truly reflect the diversity on a college campus.
Turner Vasil
Turner Vasil is a junior English major and plays Chris Blunder in FADED. His character is a socially awkward nursing student. Everyone thinks Chris Blunder is gay, but he just has trouble showing who he really is. This is Vasil's first semester in FADED. He is happy to be a part of a program that promotes diversity and helps students realize that communication is very important to be aware of the issues around them.
Samantha Korpics
Samantha Korpics is a senior genetic engineering major. She plays Laci Sharp in FADED. Laci Sharp is an art therapy major and is introverted in social situations. Her father was seriously injured in 9/11 and as a result, her family became very religious. Once Sharp was in college she rebelled and went through drug abuse and rehabilitation as well as self-harm and break-ups. Korpics has been involved in FADED for four years. She sees FADED as an opportunity for diversity on campus.
Amanda Pattison
Amanda Pattison is a senior genetic engineering major. Her character is Tiffany Goldstein in FADED. Tiffany Goldstein is Jewish, and her family is far away in Florida. Since she has been going through a lot of personal issues, she comes off as mean to her peers. This is Pattison's first semester in FADED. She was always a fan of FADED and was happy to join this year. In her experience she knows how personalities can clash, especially in an all-women's college, and she loves that FADED tries to represent all of these personalities.
Carly Athanasatos
Carly Athanasatos is a senior social work major and a co-director of FADED. Her character is Joy Davis, who grew up religious and somewhat prejudiced then rebelled in college, getting mixed up with drugs and a bad boyfriend. Athanasatos has been in FADED for three years. At first she loved how funny FADED was, then saw how well they advocated diversity and reflected her own values about diversity. As a co-director of FADED, Athanasatos works to put together the best possible cast. "We really look for someone who maybe can put on a good show but is also representative of us off stage," said Athanasatos.
Becca Lowe
Becca Lowe, a senior social work major with a certificate in child welfare, plays Courtney Pierson. Courtney Pierson is a Mormon who grew up in a Polygamous home in Salt Lake City. She broke off an arranged marriage and is now a graduate student and Hall Director at Falcon College. Lowe joined FADED four years ago to be a part of a group she found funny and cool. Since she started co-directing with Athanasatos, they have tried to bring FADED to the next level. They are striving to reach out to the campus community as much as possible as well as build a strong bond throughout the cast to make FADED the be the best it can be.


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Project Support
The following organizations have committed their support to our work towards a safer Highway 97:
Central Washington Latino Community Fund
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Nation – (click here to download a PDF of their letter of support)
Conservation Northwest
Mule Deer Foundation
Okanogan Trails Scenic Byway
Okanogan Land Trust
Quotes of Support
" The Okanogan Land Trust supports the construction of wildlife crossing underpass(s) on US Highway 97, south of Janis Bridge. The current situation in this very high deer kill area is a danger to the public safety and a disaster for our valuable mule deer population."
" Thank-you for having invited me to the meeting held in Tonasket some time ago now. I was clearly in the minority of people lucky enough not to have been in a collision with wildlife. The mitigated trauma, loss of life and property damage is clearly a strong motivator for this wonderful coordination of efforts between DOT, landowners, community leaders and concerned citizens in the safe passages project. This really does seem to be a worthwhile and responsible venture! Respectfully, Cindy Gagne, Mayor of Omak"
Ron Bruno, past president of Wenatchee Sportsmen's Association had this to say about their recently completed fencing project along 97A and a potential underpass project near Tonasket on HWY 97, " It's not just the safety of the wildlife but more the safety of our family's. We will all be winners."
Nancy & Jim Soriano, Tunk Valley Ranchers, " The section of HWY 97 between Riverside and the Janis Bridge has been known, for decades, as "Deer Alley". It bears this nickname because of the frequency of collisions between vehicles and deer, the carcasses along the road, and because "Death Valley" was taken. The radiator of my car was punctured late one night when we crashed into a deer that came out of nowhere. My small children were in the car with me. It was late at night and we were stranded. Our insurance did not cover the damage. As traffic continues to increase on this stretch of HWY 97, so does the risk of injury or worse. We are in favor of improvements to this section of HWY 97 for the safety of people and wildlife."
Local business owner, Dina Lund, " I would rather see venison on my table than dead deer on the Highway".
Tim & Janet Hulsing, " As a frequent traveler on HWY 97, we are disturbed by the amount of dead deer lying on the side of the road especially near the Crumbaker area. It is very sad to see deer dead or worse yet, maimed and left to suffer an awful slow death. Of course the other concern is the hazards to motorists and especially to motorcyclists. I think as humans we are obligated to help the safety of both the animals and people in any way we can. Putting safe crossings for the animals would help immensely with both, thanks".
Linda Pierce, " I am sending a request that consideration be given to providing a wildlife corridor along WA 97. I routinely travel this highway and have had MANY close calls with deer, usually in groups of two or more, trying to cross the roadway. Fortunately, I have not been involved in a collision with a deer, however, may have as there are often dead deer either in the road or along side the road which also presents danger for travelers who may not see the obstruction. I strongly support an option for providing a safe corridor for wildlife which will lower the risk of a high speed collision on a highly traveled roadway."
Michelle Engebretson, Hwy 97 adjacent landowner, "I very much support building underpasses for wildlife to safely cross HWY 97 in our area. We see daily blood spots or carcasses on the hwy-evidence another deer has been slaughtered by a vehicle while trying to cross the road. I feel badly for the driver who has to go through the expense and trauma of hitting an animal which results in painful injury and or death for the animal. Because the deer like the quiet area of our property which borders the hwy, we hear horns honking frequently at deer trying to make their way across the road in their daily lives. I have actually heard an animal hit just at the end of our driveway and on another occasion we heard the bleating calls of an injured deer being eaten by coyotes on our property early one morning. Sadly, when a deer is hit but not killed outright, it staggers up on our place to die-evidenced by their remains. We have watched moose trying to cross the hwy with no luck due to the traffic and thankfully turned and left the way they came. Just as surprisingly, Elk come through although I didn't know this until I found a large Elk spike antler in the mule coral the other morning. Wouldn't it be great for the animals to have a safe and quiet way to cross from one side to the undeveloped lands on the other without running the gauntlet of high speed vehicles? Let's build the animal underpasses-please!!!"
Omak Chronicle Article, December 5th 2012, An Okanogan County Sheriff's Office vehicle was damaged Dec 2 when the deputy driving it hit a deer on U.S. Highway 97 two miles north of town. Deputy Josh Brown was not injured. The SUV received an estimated $3,000-$4,000 damage, Sheriff Frank Rogers said. The front passenger side quarter panel, pushbar, grill and lights were damaged. Deputies have hit approximately 10 deer so far this year, and average six or seven a year, he said. "I think we all have hit one at some point," he said. The county is self-insured for vehicle damage, so the repair bill will come out of the sheriff's budget.


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All donations are greatly appreciated!
$50 helps us find a new loving home for a shelter pet.
Thank you!
Please click on the Donate button above to help us save animals.
The Pet Care Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the advocacy of shelter animals in Los Angeles City and County Shelters. All donations are tax deductible.
To find a pet near you, please go to www.petfinder.com or www.laanimalservices.com in Los Angeles.
Please click on the Donate button above to help us save animals.
The Pet Care Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the advocacy of shelter animals in Los Angeles City and County Shelters. All donations are tax deductible.
To find a pet near you, please go to www.petfinder.com or www.laanimalservices.com in Los Angeles.
Holiday Safety
Advisory Board
To Our Amazing Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer, please contact email@example.com or call Bill Crowe at 310-887-7070.
Gilda Amid
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Joan & Lloyd Elo
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Chris Fraser
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In addition to the LA City, Beverly Hills City and West Hollywood City Channels, you can now watch our
To see The Pet Care Foundation's TV show, ADOPT A PET TODAY, click here to go to YouTube.
It's a 30 minute show so there are 2 editions. You can also see our PSA's there too.
For very adoptable dogs and cats visit the Lange Foundation at
If you're looking for a sweet kitty contact the Stray Cat Alliance Building a No Kill Nation One Stray at a Time: www.straycatallalliance.org
Free spay/neuter for homeless, feral and stray cats in Los Angeles, and low-cost services for tame cats
For assistance in keeping your pet call 213-403-0129 for free spay/neuter, vaccinations,
licensing fees, fence/gate repair, dog training, some vet care, and tenant/property
owner negotiations. Your call will be returned within 48 hours.
The Pet Care Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, care and adoption of homeless pets.


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Bar Refaeli & Cameron Diaz: One Night Only at Studio 54!
Bar Refaeli and Cameron Diaz sandwich in Naomi Campbell as they attend Sirius XM's reopening of Studio 54 for "One Night Only" on Tuesday (October 18) in New York City.
The 26-year-old Israeli model will team up with E! for a new reality series called Scouted, where aspiring models try to become the next star in the modeling business.
Scouted begins November 28, and a source told the New York Post, "Bar will appear in one episode, advising and helping aspiring models."
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Bar Refaeli
Bigger pic inside…


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Business Equity Line of Credit
Unleash the buying power of the equity in your commercial property with a Business Equity Line of Credit. Use the "paid for" portion of your property to finance expansion, buy equipment, or take advantage of cash pricing with suppliers. Your first step is a call or visit with your local Dacotah Mortgage Banker or Dacotah Business Banker!


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Worshiping at Saint Columba's
Our Schedule During the School Year:
Sunday 7:45 am Rite I Mass
This Mass uses the Rite I liturgy (traditional, Elizabethan language). This is a quiet, spoken Mass with no music and it lasts approximately 45 minutes. Coffee and fellowship follow and a full breakfast is served on the 3rd Sunday of each month.
** During the summer months (Memorial Day-Labor Day), this Mass is held at 8:30 instead of 7:45am.
Sunday 9:00 am Low Mass
This is a said Mass and using the Rite II liturgy. Traditional hymns and our Saint Columba Choristers (youth choir) accompany Mass. Children's Chapel is also available during this Mass and the children are brought in during the peace to join their families. The Mass usually lasts about an hour and a full nursery is available starting at 8:30 am every Sunday.
** During the summer months (Memorial Day-Labor Day), this Mass combines with the 11:15 Mass and is held at 10:30 am.
Sunday 10:10 am Sunday School (September thru May)
|Both adult and children's education are held on Sunday mornings during the school year. A map with the location of each class is available at the Welcome Table and our ushers are happy to help visitors find there way to the appropriate class location.
Sunday 11:15 am High Mass
This Mass is a sung, choral Mass with incense, featuring the St. Columba Choir. It is said if you sing you are praying twice and this Mass encapsulates the wonderful talents of our music director and choir with melodious prayers rising up to God. Children's Chapel is also available during this Mass, with the children joining their parents during the peace. The Mass usually lasts an hour and a full nursery is available.
** During the summer months (Memorial Day-Labor Day), this Mass combines with the 9:00 Mass and is held at 10:30 am.
Wednesday 6:30 pm Stations of the Cross (During Lent)
|Walking the via dolorosa (the way of sorrows) is perhaps one of the best ways to appreciate the fullness of Jesus' passion and sacrifice. Stations will be read each Wednesday during Lent at 6:30. Stations lasts approximately 20-30 minutes and is an excellent devotion for everyone - young and old alike. Stations is an moving re-telling of the Passion of Jesus and is great way for those new to the church and children to discover more about Jesus and the significance of Easter resurrection.