text:
Pristis pristis
|Scope: Global
Language: English
|Scientific Name:
|Pristis pristis (Linnaeus, 1758)
|Infra-specific Taxa Assessed:
|Regional Assessments:
Common Name(s):
Pristis microdon Latham, 1794
Pristis perotteti Valenciennes, in Müller & Henle, 1841
Pristis zephyreus Jordan & Starks, 1895
Squalus pristis Linnaeus, 1758
|Taxonomic Source(s):
|Linnaeus, C. 1758. Systema naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordinus, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata. Impensis Direct, Laurentii Salvii, Holmiae.
|Taxonomic Notes:
|In a recent study, Faria et al. (2013) demonstrated that the existing taxonomy of the Pristidae required modification, recognising a total of five species in two genera. Pristis pristis had been recognised previously as consisting of up to three species (Pristis pristis, P. microdon and P. perotteti), but utilising a combination of mitochondrial DNA and morphological characters appears to be one species. While the P. pristis group is best considered a single species, it can be composed of a network of geographical units (subpopulations) that are not genetically distinct, but may be considered ecologically different.
Pristis pristis, has been referred to by many other names throughout its range. It was formerly known as P. perotteti in the Atlantic and sometimes in the Eastern Pacific, and P. microdon in the Indo-West Pacific.
|Red List Category & Criteria:
|Critically Endangered A2cd ver 3.1
|Year Published:
|Date Assessed:
|Kyne, P.M., Carlson, J. & Smith, K.
|Harrison, L., Simpfendorfer, C. & Pillans, R.
|Harrison, L.
The Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) formerly had a widespread tropical distribution, consisting of four subpopulations (Eastern Atlantic, Western Atlantic, Eastern Pacific and Indo-West Pacific). A recent taxonomic review has shown that P. perotteti (Atlantic) and P. microdon (Indo-West Pacific) are synonymous with P. pristis and this Red List assessment replaces the previous (2006) assessments for those species. The Largetooth Sawfish is a large (6.5+ m total length) euryhaline species, with juveniles occurring in freshwater systems and adults in marine and estuarine environments (although in Lake Nicaragua, individuals spent much, if not all, of their lives in freshwater). All subpopulations have undergone significant population declines and the species is now apparently extinct in many former range states. In most others, recent records are rare (e.g., there have been very few records in the Eastern Atlantic in the last decade). In the Western Atlantic, current records indicate that Largetooth Sawfish can only be regularly encountered today in the Amazon River basin, the Rio Colorado-Rio San Juan area in Nicaragua, and possibly some remote areas of French Guiana, Suriname, and Guyana. In the Indo-West Pacific, northern Australia represents a globally important remaining population centre. Overall, a population reduction based on a reduction in extent of occurrence (EOO) of ≥80% over a period of three generations (i.e., 1960s to present) is inferred. Despite protection in some range states (e.g., Australia, India, Brazil, United States, Mexico; it is possibly extinct in the latter two range states), threats are ongoing and the species is assessed globally as Critically Endangered.
|Range Description:
|The Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) comprises four distinct subpopulations: Eastern Atlantic, Western Atlantic, Eastern Pacific and Indo-West Pacific.
Eastern Atlantic
The current distribution of Largetooth Sawfish in the Eastern Atlantic is uncertain due to species identification issues, lack of reporting, and the general contraction of its range. Largetooth Sawfish were historically found along the coast of West Africa from Angola to Mauritania (Faria et al. 2013). Historic records indicate that Largetooth Sawfish were once relatively common in the coastal estuaries of West Africa. Verified records exist from Senegal (1841–1902), Gambia (1885–1909), Guinea-Bissau (1912), Republic of Guinea (1965), Sierra Leone (date unknown), Liberia (1927), Côte d'Ivoire (1881–1923), Congo (1951–1958), Democratic Republic of the Congo (1951–1959), and Angola (1951) (Burgess et al. 2009). Most records, however, lack data and locality and may have been confused taxonomically with other species. Unpublished notes from a 1950's survey detail 12 Largetooth Sawfish from Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria. The presence of sawfishes in the Mediterranean Sea is still uncertain (Whitehead et al. 1984, Bilecenoğlu and Taşkavak 1999). There have been only two countries with confirmed records for the region in the last 10 years (Guinea-Bissau in 2003, 2004 and 2005; Sierra Leonne in 2003) and unconfirmed records (Pristis sp.) from one other country (Mauritania in 2010). It is likely that areas around Guinea-Bissau represent the last areas where sawfish can be found in West Africa (Mika Diop pers. comm. 2012).
Although Largetooth Sawfish were included in historic faunal lists (Serena 2005), it is still debatable whether sawfishes occurred as part of the Mediterranean ichthyofauna or as a vagrant species as seasonal migrants from areas off West Africa.
Western Atlantic
In the Western Atlantic, Largetooth Sawfish were widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical marine and estuarine waters. Largetooth Sawfish were found from Uruguay through the Caribbean and Central America, the Gulf of Mexico, and seasonally to the United States (Burgess et al. 2009, Faria et al. 2013). Currently, Largetooth Sawfish are thought to primarily occur in freshwater habitats in Central and South America. Largetooth Sawfish have been recorded in locations at least 1,340 km from the ocean in the Amazon River, as well as in Lake Nicaragua and the San Juan River and other east coast Nicaraguan rivers. The species has also been reported in coastal systems in Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana and Columbia in South America. In Central America, scattered reports still exist for Largetooth Sawfish in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Belize. In Mexico, the lack of records may indicate the species is no longer found west of the Yucatan Peninsula (R. Graham pers. comm. 2012). Throughout the Caribbean Sea, the species presence was historically uncertain and early records may have been Smalltooth Sawfish (P. pectinata). Though historically reported in the United States, it appears that Largetooth Sawfish were never abundant and was likely a season migrant. The species has not been reported in the United States since the 1960s (Burgess et al. 2009).
Eastern Pacific
In the Eastern Pacific, the historic range of Largetooth Sawfish was limited by the cooler water currents to the north of its range (California current) and the Humboldt Current in the south (V. Faria pers. comm. 2012). The historic range is thought to occur from Mazatlán, Mexico to Peru (Chirichigno and Cornejo 2001, Cook et al. 2005, Faria et al. 2013). Other references (i.e., Amezcua-Linares 2009) suggest that it occurred south from Topolobampo (some 440 km further north than Mazatlán), highlighting the uncertainty over its historic range. The occurrence of Largetooth Sawfish in Peru may have represented seasonal migration from the species' core range in Central America. Largetooth Sawfish were historically reported from a number of freshwater systems in the Eastern Pacific (as summarised by Cook et al. 2005).
Indo-West Pacific
The Indo-West Pacific subpopulation of the Largetooth Sawfish was formerly wide-ranging from parts of the Western Indian Ocean through India, the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia to New Guinea and northern Australia. Its current distribution is now patchy across its range. It had been confirmed from several major river systems of Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Malaysia (including Borneo), Cambodia, Viet Nam and the Philippines (Roberts 1978, Tan and Lim 1998, Compagno et al. 2005, Stevens et al. 2005). Its occurrence in many of these is now uncertain or non-existent. It may now be extinct in several range states, including South Africa, the Seychelles, Thailand and others; elsewhere it has been severely depleted.
Northern Australia may be the last viable population stronghold in the Indo-West Pacific, although it may persist in remote parts of the region. It occurs across tropical northern Australia from the northeastern coast of Queensland, across Cape York, the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region (Western Australia). It has occurred as a vagrant to southwestern Australia (Last and Stevens 2009).
|Countries occurrence:
Native:Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia); Bangladesh; Belize; Brazil; Colombia; French Guiana; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Honduras; India; Madagascar; Mozambique; Nicaragua; Pakistan; Panama; Papua New Guinea; Sierra Leone; Somalia; Suriname
Possibly extinct:Angola; Benin; Cambodia; Cameroon; Congo; Congo, The Democratic Republic of the; Côte d'Ivoire; Ecuador; Equatorial Guinea; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Guatemala; Guinea; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Liberia; Malaysia; Mexico; Nigeria; Peru; Senegal; Seychelles; Singapore; South Africa; Thailand; Togo; United States; Uruguay; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
|FAO Marine Fishing Areas:
Possibly extinct:
Atlantic – western central; Atlantic – southwest; Atlantic – southeast; Atlantic – eastern central; Indian Ocean – eastern; Indian Ocean – western; Pacific – eastern central; Pacific – western central; Pacific – southeast
|Additional data:
|Range Map:
|Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.
|Western Atlantic
The population size of this species in the Western Atlantic remains unknown. There are no data or information on trends in abundance, thus the population status is inferred from reports of capture records. Its abundance has been continuously declining over the past few decades to the point that it can now be considered rare or even extirpated in some areas where it was previously considered a common species. Burgess et al. (2009) reported on recent records of Largetooth Sawfish in the Western Atlantic. Over the last 10 years, records have only been consistently found in Brazil (Burgess et al. 2009). Records of fishermen still catching sawfish in Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras and Belize have been reported but are scarce (R. Graham pers. comm. 2012). While the species is protected in some areas, illegal fishing and bycatch landings continue to occur which indicates the population still may be in decline except in the most remote areas.
Eastern Atlantic
The population size of this species in the Eastern Atlantic remains unknown. There are no data or information on trends in abundance, thus the population status is inferred from reports of capture records. Its abundance has been continuously declining over the past few decades to the point that it can now be considered rare or even extirpated in some areas where it was previously considered a common species. While records of the species still exist (Burgess et al. 2009), in many areas, the time between records is long indicating the population is still declining. Historic records of Largetooth Sawfish include most countries from Angola to Mauritania (Faria 2007, Burgess et al. 2009). However, there have been only two countries with confirmed records for the region in the last 10 years (three animals in Guinea-Bissau in 2003, 2004 and 2005; one animal in Sierra Leonne in 2003). There are unconfirmed records (Pristis sp.) from two countries (three animals in Guinea-Bissau in 2011, and one animal in Mauritania 2010). It is likely that areas around Guinea-Bissau represent the last areas where sawfish can be found in West Africa (Mika Diop pers. comm. 2012). Given many areas still have artisanal gillnet fisheries with little or no regulation, it is likely the population will continue to decline.
Eastern Pacific
The population size of this species in the Eastern Pacific remains unknown. There are no data or information on trends in abundance, thus the population status is inferred from reports of capture records. While historically found from Peru to Mexico, the only recent records (within the last 10 years) are from Columbia, Nicaragua, and Panama (R. Graham pers. comm. 2012). Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, which encompasses the Corcovado National Park's Rio Sirena and the Térraba-Sierpe Wetland are thought to host a remnant population of sawfish, based on fisher interviews of recent but unconfirmed sightings (I. Zanella pers. comm. 2011). However, in the contiguous Golfo Dulce (Costa Rica), artisanal hook and line and net fishers interviewed in 2004 reported that they had not seen a sawfish in decades (R.T. Graham pers. comm. 2012).
Largetooth Sawfish existed in Panama's Pacific-draining man-made Lake Bayano in 1982 (Montoya and Thorson 1982), but there are no recent records from that site or other parts of Panama or nearby Colombia, based on an IUCN Shark Specialist Group (SSG) survey of members and researchers sent out by the SSG in 2011–2012. The species may now possibly be extinct in several countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador and Peru; there are no confirmed records in many parts of the region for the past decade. This represents a significant contraction in the species' extent of occurrence in the Eastern Pacific. There are some poorly studied parts of the region with suitable sawfish habitat (e.g., the Darien, Panama), suggesting that surveys are required to locate any remnant populations.
Given the degree of mangrove loss and the level of artisanal net fishing, it is likely that the remnant population is still in decline.
Indo-West Pacific
There are almost no data on population status of Largetooth Sawfish across the Indo-West Pacific; all populations are, however, probably severely depleted.
Landings of Largetooth Sawfish are now extremely rare in former range states of the Western and Northern Indian Ocean. Although the St Lucia estuary system of South Africa was once an important breeding area, sawfishes (including Largetooth Sawfish) now appear to be extinct in that country. They also now appear to be absent from southern Mozambique (S. Pierce pers. comm. 2012) and while once common in the Zambezi River (Wallace 1967) no recent sightings have been documented. Madagascar, the Seychelles, Pakistan and India, amongst other Indian Ocean range states, have all seen depletions of sawfishes, including Largetooth Sawfish. Sawfish were previously common in artisanal fishing catches on the western coast of Madagascar, but are now extremely rare along that coast (Manach et al. 2011). There are no sawfish records from the Seychelles in the last decade (D. Rowat pers. comm. 2012), and a 2009 record of a Largetooth Sawfish in Gwadar, western Balochistan, Pakistan (A. Rahim pers. comm. 2012) represents a very rare event. Surveys with fishers in Raigad District (Maharashtra state) of India (where sawfishes were commonly harvested historically) indicate a drastic decline in the sawfish fishery from 1985–1990, with only occasional catches in recent years (R. Raut pers. comm. 2012).
In Southeast Asia, localised depletions and extinctions of sawfishes have been reported or inferred from across the region. During some eleven years of market surveys (over 160 visits to 11 market sites) in various parts of Indonesia only two individual sawfish (both Largetooth Sawfish) were recorded which were caught in the Arafura/Banda Sea region (W. White pers. comm. 2012) and possibly came from illegal fishing in Australian waters. Demersal elasmobranchs are intensively targeted in Indonesia (Blaber et al. 2009), and this extremely low occurrence (out of some 60,000 chondrichthyans examined) is indicative of severely depleted populations in Indonesia. In fact, it is thought that sawfishes are extinct from large areas of Indonesia. Despite the presence of sawfish rostra in houses near fishing ports, local Indonesian fishermen indicate that they have not seen sawfishes for more than 20 or 30 years (W. White pers. comm. 2012). Populations in Borneo are thought to be seriously depleted (Last et al. 2010). In Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), fishers and villagers reported sawfish as abundant in the 1970s and declining sharply in the 1980s, with very limited catches since that time (Manjaji 2002). The last known record from the Kinabatangan River was in 1996 (B.M. Manjaji-Matsumoto pers. comm. 2012).
Datasets from as early as 1963–1972 showed the considerable decline in batoids in the Gulf of Thailand (Pauly 1979), which included the virtual disappearance of sawfish (Pauly 1988). Declines in demersal fishes in the Thai Andaman Sea were also documented (Pauly 1979) and these likely included sawfishes. In contrast, historic accounts indicated that sawfishes were 'common' and caught in 'considerable numbers' in Thailand, including in rivers (Smith 1945). Within the Cambodian Mekong system, numbers of Largetooth Sawfish have reportedly decreased considerably. Historically, they were regularly seen as far upstream as Khoné Falls, and in other areas of the Mekong (Tonlé Sap and Great Lake), none have been seen for 'several decades' (Rainboth 1996).
Largetooth Sawfish were considered common in the Philippines by Herre (1953) but none were recorded in more recent surveys and it is thought that the population 'has greatly declined in the Philippines' (Compagno et al. 2005).
Largetooth Sawfish had previously been described as common in the middle reaches and large tributaries of the Fly River, Papua New Guinea (Roberts 1978) but its status there requires reappraisal. More recently, the 'demise' of the species has been reported in Lake Sentani, West Papua as a result of the change from traditional fishing methods to the use of gill nets (Polhemus et al. 2004).
All sawfish species have undergone significant, albeit largely unquantified, declines in Australia. In places, viable populations persist, representing some of the last viable populations in the Indo-West Pacific, with Australia being one of a limited number of global strongholds for sawfishes (Stevens et al. 2005, DSEWPaC 2011a). Genetic data indicate that Largetooth Sawfish has moderate levels of genetic diversity and male-biased dispersal in Australian waters (Phillips et al. 2011, Phillips 2012). Genetic evidence suggests that females have strong reproductive philopatry (returning to sites previously used for reproduction), with maternal population structuring between Western Australia and the Gulf of Carpentaria, with the northern coast of the Northern Territory and the Queensland east coast populations also potentially forming distinct maternal populations (Phillips et al. 2011). In contrast, males disperse between at least Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the Gulf of Carpentaria (Phillips 2012).
Species-specific data to accurately ascertain the status of Australian sawfishes is generally lacking and the evidence for decline and range contraction is largely anecdotal. Data from the Queensland Shark Control Program, which operates 'bather protection' fishing gear along the Queensland east coast, shows a clear decline in sawfish catch (non species-specific) over a 30 year period from the 1960s and the complete disappearance of sawfish in southern Queensland (Stevens et al. 2005). All Pristis species are now extremely rare along the Australian east coast (the area in which human population and habitat modification is greatest) where they have undergone a considerable range contraction. Although populations across northern Australia have undergone significant reduction and their status is uncertain, Australian populations are considered some of the highest in the world.
While specific management measures are now in place in Australia, including full species protection, education of fishers about safe release practices, and fishery-specific management, threats are ongoing and there is no information to suggest that the population is recovering from previous declines.
Across the Indo-West Pacific, a population reduction of ≥80% is inferred based on a reduction in extent of occurrence (EOO) over a period of three generations (i.e., 1969 to present). Declines and continuing threats (much of the species' Indo-West Pacific range, with the exception of northern Australia, is subject to intense human pressure, particularly through generally unregulated and unmanaged fisheries, and habitat loss and degradation in critical sawfish habitats) are resulting in the continual declines of remnant populations. The Australian population of Largetooth Sawfish likely comprises a high proportion of the global population (Stevens et al. 2005).
|Current Population Trend:
|Additional data:
|Habitat and Ecology:
|Available life history information on Largetooth Sawfish comes from in Lake Nicaragua in Central America (Thorson 1976; 1982) and from northern Australia.
Largetooth Sawfish are generally restricted to shallow (<10 m) coastal, estuarine, and fresh waters, although they have been found at depths of up to 26 m in Lake Nicaragua. Largetooth Sawfish move across salinity gradients freely and in northern Australia, parturition probably occurs in brackish or saltwater and juveniles spend ~4–5 years in the freshwater reaches of rivers and floodplain waterholes before migrating to estuarine and marine waters (Thorburn et al. 2007, Peverell 2008, Whitty et al. 2008, Whitty et al. 2009, P. Kyne unpublished data). In Lake Nicaragua, individuals spent much, if not all, of their lives in freshwater with reproduction of the population occurring primarily in the lake (Thorson 1982).
The life history of Largetooth Sawfish, like many elasmobranchs, is characterised by slow growth, late maturity, and low fecundity, which generally contributes to a low intrinsic rate of increase. The maximum reported size of Largetooth Sawfish is 656 cm TL, although it has been estimated up to 700 cm TL (Compagno and Last 1999). Very large individuals are now rarely seen anywhere in the Indo-West Pacific.
The reproductive method of sawfishes is most likely lecithotrophic viviparity. The only known reproductive study of Largetooth Sawfish was from Lake Nicaragua in the 1970s (Thorson 1976) with other observations from northern Australia. Thorson (1976) found that both ovaries appeared to be functional, though the left seemed to be larger and carry more ova. Litter sizes in Lake Nicaragua were 1–13 (mean 7.3) following a gestation period of about five months. While the reproductive cycle is possibly biennial in the Western Atlantic (Thorson 1976), it appears to be annual in northern Australia (Peverell 2008).
Size at birth ranges 72–90 cm TL (Peverell 2008). Size at maturity is ~300 cm TL for females and ~280–300 cm TL for males (Thorburn et al. 2007, Peverell 2008, Whitty et al. 2008). Age at maturity in Queensland, northern Australia, has been estimated at 8–10 years (Peverell 2008). Peverell (2008) using a preliminary vertebral growth ring analysis estimated a maximum age of 35 years in northern Australia.
Using life history information from populations in Central America, Simpfendorfer (2000) estimated an intrinsic rate of increase of 0.05 to 0.07 per year and population doubling times of 10.3–13.6 years. These rates were estimated under ideal conditions (i.e. no fisheries, no population fragmentation, no habitat modification and no inbreeding depression). Moreno Iturria (2012) estimated an intrinsic rate of population increase of 0.12 yr-1, a population doubling time of 5.8 yrs and a generation time of 14.6 yrs for Indo-West Pacific Largetooth Sawfish, and an intrinsic rate of population increase of 0.03 yr-1, a population doubling time of 23.3 yrs and a generation time of 17.2 yrs for Western Atlantic Largetooth Sawfish.
|Freshwater; Marine
|Use and Trade:
While international trade sawfishes is banned under the species' listing on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), illegal international trade may still exist due to the high value of their products.
The exploitation of elasmobranchs is high in many parts of the Largetooth Sawfish's global range, and there is no doubt that it is still caught, landed and traded.
McDavitt (2005) reviewed all available information related to sawfish trade and identified six sawfish parts, derived mostly from sawfish captured as bycatch in fisheries, which were historically or currently found in trade. These sawfish parts identified in trade are: fins, whole rostra, rostral teeth, meat, organs and skin.
The fins of sawfish are used to produce shark fin soup and sawfish fins are highly favored in Asian markets (NMFS 2009). Because of their large fins with high fin needle content, fins of species in the family Pristidae are highly valued for shark fin soup (CITES 2007).
Sawfish rostra are often traded as curios, ceremonial weapons, or for use in traditional medicines (NMFS 2009). Rostra have long been a favorite marine curio (Migdalski 1981), with large rostra commanding impressive prices (McDavitt 1996). Organized curio trade in rostra of species in the family Pristidae has recently been reported in Brazil (Charvet-Almeida 2002, McDavitt and Charvet-Almeida 2004). It was estimated that 90–180 large rostra are purchased annually by Asian buyers from the main fish market in northern Brazil, presumably for the curio trade (McDavitt and Charvet-Almeida 2004). Local artisans in Brazil sometimes decorate medium-sized pristid rostra (usually Largetooth Sawfish) for sale to tourists. Overall, an estimated 1,000–1,500 small- to medium-sized rostra are sold per year from this same market for a variety of purposes (McDavitt and Charvet-Almeida 2004). The use of rostra in traditional medicine includes some use in Mexico and Brazil (NMFS 2009).
Rostral teeth of species in the family Pristidae have been the preferred material used to manufacture artificial spurs on Peruvian fighting cocks (Cogorno Ventura 2001). The rostral teeth are mostly obtained from Brazil, Ecuador, Panama and various Caribbean countries (CITES 2007). Charvet-Almeida (2002) and McDavitt and Charvet-Almeida (2004) determined that rostra find their way into the international cockfighting market from Brazil.
Sawfish are regularly used for their meat; however, most of the consumption is local and so they appear to be only occasionally traded beyond local markets (NMFS 2009). In the north of Brazil, Charvet-Almeida (2002) reported a limited market for meat, rostra and rostral teeth of fish in the family Pristidae.
Chinese traditional medicine also uses other sawfish parts, including liver, ova and gall bladder (NMFS 2009).
Sawfish skin has been used to produce leather, which, like shark leather, is considered of very high quality (NMFS 2009). The leather is used to make belts, boots, purses, and even to cover books (NMFS 2009).
Sawfishes are highly prized as display animals in public aquariums due to their large size, bizarre shape, and shark-like features (McDavitt 1996, NMFS 2009). Prior to the uplisting of 'Pristis microdon' to CITES Appendix I at the 16th Conference of Parties in 2013, it was listed on Appendix II (in 2007) 'for the exclusive purpose of allowing international trade in live animals to appropriate and acceptable aquaria for primarily conservation purposes'. This legal international trade in Largetooth Sawfish for aquaria originated only from Australia and involved a small number of Largetooth Sawfish. In 2011, Australia determined that it was not able to issue a Non-Detriment Finding, ruling that 'it is not possible to conclude with a reasonable level of certainty that any harvest of P. microdon for export purposes would not be detrimental to the survival or recovery of the species' (DSEWPaC 2011b). As such, there has been no export since 2011. Domestic harvest for aquariums in ongoing in Australia with juveniles periodically collected in the Northern Territory and Queensland.
In the Eastern Pacific, Largetooth Sawfish were used for human consumption (meat) (McEachran 1995), or for ornamental purposes (Amezcua-Linares 2009), as well as the other uses outlined above. Sawfish have been historically highly valued for fins, meats and liver oil in the Indo-West Pacific. India has traditionally been a regional hub in the shark fin trade, collecting fins from around the Western Indian Ocean (e.g., Red Sea, Persian (Arabian) Gulf, Indian subcontinent), and shipping these to the main markets of Singapore and Hong Kong (M.T. McDavitt pers. comm. 2012). Trade in shark fin is significant throughout Southeast Asia.
In northern Australia, the meat of sawfish is sometimes utilised by Indigenous communities but the extent to which Indigenous Australians harvest and utilise Largetooth Sawfish is unknown; it is likely localised and at a low rate.
See CITES (2007) for a comprehensive overview of trade in sawfishes.
|Major Threat(s):
The principal threats to this species are from fishing; it was formerly targeted, but is now mostly taken incidentally in broad-spectrum fisheries (CITES 2007). The long toothed rostrums of sawfishes make them extraordinarily vulnerable to entanglement in any sort of net gear, gillnetting and trawling in particular. The exploitation of elasmobranchs is high in many parts of the Largetooth Sawfish's range, particularly in coastal areas and freshwater systems. Unregulated and unmanaged fisheries, and habitat loss and degradation all threaten sawfishes across large parts of its range.
For at least part of its life cycle, the Largetooth Sawfish relies on a variety of specific habitat types including freshwater systems, estuaries and mangroves; these are all affected by human development (CITES 2007). Agricultural and urban development, commercial activities, dredge-and-fill operations, boating, erosion, and diversions of freshwater runoff as a result of continued coastal and catchment development has caused substantial loss or modification of these habitats (CITES 2007). Mining activities, in northern Australia, New Guinea (e.g., the Fly River) and elsewhere, pose a risk to Largetooth Sawfish through freshwater habitat alteration or potential pollution events. Alterations to river courses are a realised threat to Largetooth Sawfish which migrate upstream in early life stages. These range from smaller barrages and road crossing in northern Australia to large-scale river alterations in Southeast Asia.
In West Africa, shark fishing increased significantly in the past several decades and 'the intensive exploitation of sharks over the past thirty years has completely decimated the most vulnerable populations…' (Diop and Dossa 2011). The disappearance of sawfish in the region was thought to have begun in the 1970s when new fishers entered the region and new fishing gear was developed (Diop and Dossa 2011). Threats are ongoing in the region and given that many areas still have artisanal gillnet fisheries with little or no regulation, it is likely the population will continue to decline.
In the Western Atlantic, the main threats are region-wide gillnets used effectively in rivers, at river mouths, estuaries and nearshore waters (up to 200 km out in case of Amazon-Orinoco estuaries; P. Almeida pers. comm. 2012), and trawling. In the Eastern Pacific, Largetooth Sawfish were caught by gillnets, longlines and trawl nets.
In Australia, datasets indicate that net fisheries account for the greatest bycatch of sawfish (all species) across northern Australia (80.2%) followed by trawling (16.6%), line fishing (9.2%) and recreational fishing (0.3%) (Stevens et al. 2005). Largetooth Sawfish are captured by all these fishing activities (Giles et al. 2004) and declines in Largetooth Sawfish are suspected based on potential levels of exploitation (Larson et al. 2006). A survey across northern Australia from Western Australia to Queensland appears to support the assertion that fishing is responsible for declines, as it found greater numbers of sawfish in areas of lower fishing pressure (both commercial and recreational) (Thorburn et al. 2003). The sustainability of Largetooth Sawfish populations in northern Australia is considered to be at high risk due to the cumulative effects of all fisheries, and the species' low biological productivity and susceptibility to gillnets (Salini et al. 2007).
A number of Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australian inshore net fisheries continue to catch Largetooth Sawfish incidentally. Despite requirements to release these, there is no doubt a continuing level of bycatch-associated mortality.
The extent to which recreational fishers interact with Largetooth Sawfish across northern Australia is unknown, but in some areas where the species has been recorded, recreational fishing is a popular activity, which is increasing in popularity and could pose a threat to the species. In the Fitzroy River (WA), recreational fishers have been reported killing incidentally caught Largetooth Sawfish for the 'trophy' rostrum and for retrieval of fishing tackle (Thorburn et al. 2003).
Sawfish (non species-specific records) have been recorded in derelict fishing nets in northern Australian waters; the Gulf of Carpentaria is a particular hotspot for these 'ghost nets' (Gunn et al. 2010) and capture in these may result in sawfish mortality. Because of their toothed rostrum, sawfish may be exceptionally susceptible to entanglement in other types of marine debris, and entanglement has been reported in a number of types of marine debris (Seitz and Poulakis 2006). Entanglement in discarded or lost recreational fishing line may occur on occasion, as has been documented for Largetooth Sawfish in Western Australia (Thorburn et al. 2004).
|Conservation Actions:
All species of sawfish are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), which effectively bans commercial international trade in sawfish or their parts.
Eastern Atlantic
Sawfish are protected in the Exclusive Economic Zone in Guinea and Senegal and in Marine Protected Areas in Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau (S.V. Fordham pers. comm. 2012).
Western Atlantic
Largetooth Sawfish are protected in Brazil. The commercial fishery for both shark and sawfish is banned in Lake Nicaragua and all take of Largetooth Sawfish is banned in Mexico (where it already appears to be extinct). Largetooth Sawfish are also listed as Endangered under the US Endangered Species Act.
Eastern Pacific
All take of Largetooth Sawfish is banned in Mexico (where it already appears to be extinct). Elsewhere throughout the Pacific range of Largetooth Sawfish, there are no conservation or management measures, and these are urgently needed.
Indo-West Pacific
Within Australia, Largetooth Sawfish has the following conservation and protected status listings: Australian Commonwealth waters, Vulnerable (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999); Queensland, Protected (Fisheries Act 1994); Northern Territory (NT), Vulnerable (Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000); Western Australia (WA), Totally Protected (Fish Resources Management Act 1994). The take of the species is therefore prohibited within Australian Commonwealth, state and territory waters.
In addition to the above legislated regulations, the Commonwealth, Queensland, NT and WA all have fisheries management plans in place for interactions with protected species, including Largetooth Sawfish. These include mandatory reporting of interactions with these species, release of live animals, observer coverage of most of the fisheries (although this is very low in state and territory fisheries which are likely to interact with Largetooth Sawfish) and education programmes for fishers on identification and ways to minimise interactions with this species. The Queensland Government has published a guide to the safe release of sawfish for commercial fishers (DEEDI 2010) and NT shark fishers have a Code of Practice for the release of live sawfish from gillnets (Salini et al. 2007).
Several spatial closures in riverine, estuarine and coastal waters in the NT Barramundi Fishery offer Largetooth Sawfish some refuge from commercial gillnet fishing activities in the NT. Closed areas within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the closure of rivers in Princess Charlotte Bay to gillnetting may also afford some protection. Seasonal spawning closures for the take of Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) (mostly during the summer wet season) throughout much of the range add a level of protection to the species, however, information on Largetooth Sawfish long-term movement patterns and habitat use are required in order to assess the benefits of closed areas and seasons not specifically designed for sawfish.
In northern Australian prawn trawl fisheries, the use of turtle exclusion devices (TEDs) and bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) is mandatory, though the benefit of these devices on sawfish is poorly quantified. In one study, they have been shown to reduce the catch of Narrow Sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata), however, they and other sawfish species are still being caught as their rostra become tangled in the body of the net (Brewer et al. 2006).
Outside of Australia, awareness needs to be raised, and regulations put in place to protect all sawfishes and promote population recovery. While sawfishes (including Largetooth) are theoretically protected in India (Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act), threats continue with little beneficial management, although increasing awareness of sawfishes in India is encouraging. Largetooth Sawfish are also protected in Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia. Although protected in these range states, the lack of enforcement or specific fisheries regulations, and ongoing gillnet and trawl fisheries, means that the threats are ongoing.
|Kyne, P.M., Carlson, J. & Smith, K. 2013. Pristis pristis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013: e.T18584848A18620395. . Downloaded on 26 September 2018.
|To make use of this information, please check the <Terms of Use>.
|If you see any errors or have any questions or suggestions on what is shown on this page, please provide us with feedback so that we can correct or extend the information provided


text:
What I didn't know, at first, was that I would also receive a Magic Bullet To Go. I found out when I submitted all of the entries including a couple of my own. Wow! What an unexpected surprise! This will be faster and easier to make in my Magic Bullet-- I can't wait for it to arrive. There are four of you who will receive one. Here are the winners, chosen by the lovely and generous folks at Magic Bullet:
Patti, of "Scrappin' Mint". Patti wrote:
I'm a big sweet snack addict..one of my favorites is instant cheesecake for one (okay so it might be enough for two but hey, who's counting). I take a few graham crackers and smash them up (this would be so much easier with a magic bullet!), mix them with a little melted butter and put them in the bottom of a small bowl (I just use a cereal bowl)set aside. In a seperate bowl combine a small container of greek yogurt, about 1/2 package of cream cheese, some sugar to taste, and a squeeze of lemon juice, mix until smooth ..again would be sooo much easier in a magic bullet ;) pour over graham cracker 'crust'. Whip up some fresh whipped cream and spread over top. Chill for as long as you are able to wait.(sorry, don't think magic bullet would help with the waiting part, although it would get the rest done faster!) :)
"Pink Lady Gumbo" entry was:
im so not a snacker, but when i get the urge, i like to snack on something that i never liked until recently...cinnamon pecans! simply coat 2.5 cups of pecans in 1 egg white and 1 T of water (mixed). then in another bag, mix 1/2 c of sugar, 1/4 t salt and 1.5 t of cinnamon and toss the eggy pecans in to coat. bake on 225 for about a hour and yummmmmmmm!!! well, let cool first ;-)All Things Yummy wins a Magic Bullet. She submitted a recipe that I definitely plan to make:
I've always wanted a magic bullter so I'm excited to enter My favorite snack is pita chips and hummus.Soup's On submitted:
2 cups canned garbanzo beans, drained
1/3 cup tahini
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 kosher teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic (these are best used after being roasted but raw is ok)
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley or basil
4-6 sundried tomatoes packed in oil (add more or less to taste) start with Directions Blend all ingredients in food processor (or magic bullet) until smooth.
Garlic White Bean Dip
2 (15oz ea) cans cannellini beans
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup plus 3T olive oil
1 roasted red pepper, diced
1T parsley, chopped
1T basil, chopped
salt & pepper
1) Drain & rinse beans; set aside 1/2 cup of beans for garnish. Puree remaining beans in a food processor with the garlic, lemon juice and salt & pepper to taste. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil, then transfer to a dip bowl. Toss reserved beans with red pepper, 3T olive oil, parsle and basil, and additional salt & pepper to taste. Spoon over the dip and serve.
Congratulations to the chosen winners! Please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com with your shipping address so that your Magic Bullet To Go can be shipped out to you. Thank you to the rest of you who visit my blog, and who also submitted your snack ideas. I'm looking forward to finding ways to make quick recipes like salsas, egg salad and more smoothies. The possibilities look endless!
To your healthy summer!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The music below is a low-resolution version of Oh! Susanna for free online viewing. A high resolution PDF version is also available to download and print instantly. Get the PDF
Download Oh! Susanna instantly as a high resolution PDF file for printing or using with a tablet.
Price: $2.49Add to Cart Buy Now


text:
NEW YORK (AP) — Claire Vaye Watkins has won a $20,000 Story Prize, the first woman to do so since 2007.
Vaye received the ninth annual Story Prize on Wednesday night for "Battleborn," a collection of 10 short stories set in the American West in the past and present.
The other finalists were Junot Diaz for "This is How You Lose Her" and Dan Chaon (shorn) for "Stay Awake." Each will receive $5,000.
The last woman to win the Story Prize was Mary Gordon for "The Stories of Mary Gordon."
The award was established in 2004 to honor short story collections. Previous winners include Edwidge Danticat for "The Dew Breaker," Patrick O'Keeffe for "The Hill Road" and Steven Millhauser for "We Others."


text:
SEATTLE (AP) — The Army staff sergeant accused of killing 16 Afghan villagers during nighttime raids last year is due to be arraigned Thursday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, and his lawyer said the judge has asked prosecution and defense teams to be ready to discuss key issues in the case.
Staff Sgt. Robert Bales could face the death penalty if convicted in the massacre early on March 11. He faces premeditated murder and other charges in the attack on two villages in southern Afghanistan.
Prosecutors say Bales left his remote base, attacked one village and then returned to the base before slipping away again to attack another nearby compound. Of the 16 people killed, nine were children.
Bales, an Ohio native who later moved to Washington state, is being detained at Lewis-McChord. His civilian lawyer, John Henry Browne, said Tuesday that Bales will plead not guilty at the arraignment.
Browne also said the judge has told attorneys on both sides to be ready to argue about whether the defense will be allowed to present any sort of mental-health defense, given that Bales has refused to participate in a "sanity board," an Army review aimed at determining his mental state.
Browne had objected to the conditions for the sanity board, saying the Army would not let Bales have an attorney present and would not record the examination.
"The judge is trying to get us to deal with critical motions at the arraignment," Browne said. "We need to slow this railroad down."
The judge also asked prosecution and defense teams to present their witness lists on Thursday, Browne said.
Johnson can be reached at https://twitter.com/GeneAPseattle


text:
About Eric White
In his cinematic paintings, Eric White presents photorealistic scenes with a surreal visual twist. For source materials, White turns to 1940s-era Hollywood films and film noir; he also claims inspiration from David Lynch's darkly humorous TV series Twin Peaks. Compressing a sequence of events into a single moment, White creates claustrophobic scenes populated by glamorous figures locked in ambiguous psychological drama. As he explains: "There are psychological issues going on, and metaphysical things happening, and self-reflection and alienation and anxiety and all the stuff that I enjoy."
American, b. 1968, Ann Arbor, Michigan, based in New York, New York
Solo Shows
Group Shows
A Tree Falls in the Woods - curated by FMLY Projects
Chandran Gallery,San Francisco,


text:
World Water Week is an annual conference addressing the world's most urgent water-related challenges. For the 2014 conference, IUCN will be one of the three collaborating partners for the global meeting.
Each year, the conference brings together over 2,500 experts, practitioners, decision-makers and business innovators from around the globe to exchange ideas, foster new thinking and develop solutions for water.
Along with the World Bank and Sustainable Energy For All, IUCN will help shape and support the World Water Week (WWW) 2014 in partnership with the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). In 2013 the conference three collaborating partners were WWF, the Global Water Partnership and WBCSD. The overarching conclusions of WWW 2013 with theme 'Water Cooperation - Building Partnerships' can be found here.
World Water Week 2014 will l be held under the theme of energy and water. Global demand for energy as well as water is booming and demand for both is projected to increase by 50 per cent over the coming decades. Water is vital for the production of energy and energy is indispensable for water provision. For participation and involvement, a recent Call for Abstracts and Event Proposals was launched and deadline for submissions is January 19, 2014.
World Water Week will take place from August 31 - September 5, 2014 in Stockholm, Sweden.
For more information, please visit: www.worldwaterweek.org


text: You are here: Home>Archive Catalogue>The Capitular records of Guildford Cathedral>Records of the Construction of the Cathedral; Fittings, Furnishing and Contents of the Cathedral>Papers relating to the textiles of the Cathedral>Kneeler Patterns>Wheatsheaf Design Negative Wheatsheaf Design Negative 1 pattern design negative for the Wheatsheaf kneeler, ink on squared tracing paper signed by Edward Maufe. The design shows a wheatsheaf in front of a ploughed field with a scythe behind it and flames surrounding. From: The Capitular records of Guildford Cathe... Date of creation Not dated Extent 1 tracing paper pattern chart; 28x42cm Reference number Guildcath/1/G/G5/0001/0131 Storage location MC/2/4 No Comments Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page! Add a comment about this page Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Your comment:Name * Email * Website I consent to my name and e-mail address being stored along with this comment, and to the website editors communicating with me by e-mail about the comment if necessary. My name may be published alongside the comment on the website, but my e-mail address will not be published. My information will not be shared with any third party (see our Privacy Statement - opens in a new window). * Browse this collection Collection: The Capitular records of Guildford Cathedral Series: Records of the Construction of the Cathedral; Fittings, Furnishing and Contents of the Cathedral Sub-series: Papers relating to the textiles of the Cathedral File: Kneeler Patterns Item: Aeroplane (Valiant)Item: Aeroplane (Valiant) Design NegativeItem: Angels and FlowersItem: ArchitectItem: ArchitectItem: Architect Design NegativeItem: AustraliaItem: Bee KeepersItem: Bee Keepers Design NegativeItem: BellsItem: BishopItem: Bishop Design NegativeItem: Boy Scouts Design NegativeItem: BuilderItem: BuilderItem: Calder HallItem: Calder Hall Design NegativeItem: CarpenterItem: CarpenterItem: Carpenter Design NegativeItem: Charterhouse SchoolItem: ChemistryItem: ChemistryItem: CherubsItem: Chi-Rho (Anchor)Item: Chi-Rho (Anchor) Design NegativeItem: Chi-Rho (Fishes)Item: Chi-Rho (Fishes) Design NegativeItem: Chi-Rho (Shells) Design NegativeItem: Christmas ToyItem: Christmas Toy Design NegativeItem: Coal MiningItem: CrownItem: Crown and SailsItem: Crown and SwordsItem: Crown Design NegativeItem: Crown with JewelsItem: Crown with Mitre and FlameItem: DecoratorsItem: Dove DescendingItem: Dove Descending Design NegativeItem: Dove of PeaceItem: Dove of Peace Design NegativeItem: Electrical EngineersItem: ElectricianItem: Electrician Design NegativeItem: EngineersItem: FactoriesItem: FarmingItem: FarmingItem: FlameItem: Fruit GrowingItem: GardenerItem: Gardener Design NegativeItem: GFSItem: Girl Guides & Boy ScoutsItem: Girl Guides Design NegativeItem: Guild of VergersItem: Guildford/StewardItem: HouseItem: Housekeeping/CookingItem: HovercraftItem: IBICCItem: Keys and SwordItem: Keys and Sword Design NegativeItem: Lamb and FlagItem: Lamb and Flag Design NegativeItem: Lamp Design NegativeItem: LaundressItem: Laundress Design NegativeItem: Leaping StagItem: LionItem: Lion Design NegativeItem: Loaves and FishesItem: Loaves and Fishes Design NegativeItem: MarinesItem: Mechanical EngineersItem: Mechanical EngineersItem: MedicineItem: Modern CityItem: Modern CityItem: Modern City Design NegativesItem: Mothers' UnionItem: Motor RacingItem: Motor Racing Design NegativeItem: MusicianItem: Musician Design NegativeItem: NursingItem: OilItem: Olympics 1960Item: PaintersItem: PhotographyItem: PhysiotherapyItem: Pilgrimage (April 17 1955)Item: Pilgrimage (April 17 1955) Design NegativeItem: Plan and StarsItem: Plan and Stars Design NegativeItem: PlanesItem: PlanesItem: Planes Design NegativeItem: PowerItem: PowerItem: PrayerItem: Prayer Design NegativeItem: PrinterItem: PrinterItem: Provincial Grand Lodge of SurreyItem: QARANCItem: Queen MaryItem: Queen Mary Design NegativeItem: R.A.F.Item: ReapingItem: Reaping Design NegativeItem: RowingItem: Rowing Design NegativeItem: Saint JohnItem: Saint John Design NegativeItem: Saint LukeItem: Saint MarkItem: Saint Mark Design NegativeItem: Saint MatthewItem: SewingItem: Sewing Design NegativeItem: ShellItem: Shell Design NegativeItem: Ship and FishesItem: ShipbuildingItem: ShippingItem: SputnikItem: Stag and TreesItem: Stag and Trees Design NegativeItem: Stag Design NegativeItem: Stag's HeadItem: Stag's HeadItem: Stags and ShellsItem: StigmataItem: StigmataItem: Stigmata Design NegativeItem: StudentItem: Student Design NegativeItem: Teacher/TeachingItem: The PloughItem: Tinplate WorkersItem: TOC H/Talbot HouseItem: Townswomen's GuildItem: United NationsItem: W.I.Item: WheatsheafItem: Wheatsheaf Design NegativeItem: Winston Churchill 1874-1965Item: Winston Churchill 1874-1965Item: Wolf Cubs Design NegativeItem: Yachting Search the archive Advanced search Browse by keyword Browse by date


text:
The Nov. 9, 2012 news item on Nanowerk lists the report title as "Filling the Knowledge Gaps for Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace",
In 2007 and 2009, NIOSH [US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health] published progress reports detailing the accomplishments of the NTRC [Nanotechnology Research Center], including the results of ongoing laboratory and field research and the publication of technical and other guidance documents on the safe handling of engineered nanomaterials (see Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace, www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/pubs.html).
This 2012 update presents the program accomplishments of the NTRC from its inception in 2004 through 2011. It includes an analysis of the progress made toward accomplishing the goals and objectives of the NIOSH Strategic Plan for Nanotechnology Research and toward addressing the goals and research needs identified in the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) research strategy.
The report is approximately 400 pp. most of which are devoted to descriptions of various projects, both completed and currently underway. The actual report comes in at roughly 65 pp. I find the cover art to be particularly interesting given my interest in data visualization,
For those who don't fancy reading the report, here's a list of the accomplishments from the report's Executive Summary (p. 8-9 PDF version),
Summary of NTRC Program Outputs and Impacts
Among the many program outputs and impacts, the NTRC researchers:
■ Developed some of the earliest guidance on the design and conduct of nanotoxicology studies.
■ Identified pulmonary and cardiovascular hazards of some types of carbon nanotubes in animals.
■ Determined that the dispersion of ultrafine carbon black nanoparticles in the lungs of rats following intratracheal instillation results in an inflammatory response that is greater than agglomerated ultrafine carbon black.
■ Determined that ultrafine TiO2 or carbon black is more inflammogenic than fine TiO2 or carbon black on a mass-dose basis.
■ Developed a system to generate nanoparticle aerosols for inhalation toxicologic studies.
■ Conducted over 40 field assessments in nanomaterial manufacturer and user facilities.
■ Produced more than 400 peer-reviewed scientific publications, resulting in over 5,000 primary and 82,000 secondary citations.
■ Provided over 650 invited presentations.
■ Published a framework for conducting workplace emission testing.
■ Developed innovative sampling methods for engineered nanomaterials.
■ Contributed to the development of a bio-mathematical model in rats to describe clearance, retention, and translocation of inhaled nanoparticles throughout the body.
■ Developed recommended exposure limits (RELs) for TiO2 and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs).
■ Developed interim guidance for medical screening and hazard surveillance.
■ Identified what research will be needed to ensure the health of workers handling nanomaterials.
■ Established formal partnerships and collaborations with private, governmental and academic centers in the U.S. and globally.
■ Co-chaired the NNI Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group and contributed significantly to the development of the 2011 NEHI environmental health and safety (EHS) strategy.
■ Chaired the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials Steering Group 8 on exposure measurement and exposure mitigation for manufactured nanomaterials.
■ Provided widely used guidance on responsible development of nanotechnology.
■ Helped to establish the U.S. and international position that a precautionary approach to controlling exposures to engineered nanoparticles is warranted.
■ Have shown how responsible nanotechnology development and worker safety and health can be achieved.


text:
Maine inmate gets life for killing fellow prisoner
Guy Hunnewell pleaded guilty Tuesday
Maine inmate gets life for killing fellow prisoner
Guy Hunnewell pleaded guilty Tuesday
ROCKLAND, Maine —
A Maine State Prison inmate already serving a 40-year sentence for killing an ex-girlfriend has pleaded no contest to using an electric guitar to fatally beat another prisoner to death last year.
Guy Hunnewell had previously pleaded insanity in connection with the June death of with the 57-year-old Alan Powell, but changed his plea to no contest Tuesday in Knox County Superior Court.
The 43-year-old Hunnewell was sentenced to life behind bars in Powell's killing, a sentence that won't start until he has completed his 40-year sentence for the 1997 slaying of the woman.
Authorities say the men were in the exercise area of the prison in Warren when Hunnewell beat Powell with the guitar. It's not clear what prompted the assault.


text:
London Studio Where Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello + Others Recorded May be Turned Into Apartments
North London's Church Studios, which has been home to the creation of records from Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, the Eurythmics, Radiohead and more, may soon cease to exist as a recording studio and could eventually be turned into apartment space.
The BBC reports that the studio's owner, musician David Gray, has applied to local authorities to convert the space into five apartments and an office space. Prior to being a music studio, the building was a chapel. The Eurythmics' Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart were responsible for converting it into a recording studio back in 1984. Gray purchased Church Studios in 2003.
The singer's architect stated that the recording facilities have become obsolete and attempting to continue as functioning studio was not a viable option. Local residents are reportedly fighting the change, stating that losing the space would "have a significant effect on the vitality of the local arts scene."
Dave Stewart, who once lived in an adjoining apartment to the studio, recently stated that he sympathizes with Gray. He adds, "It has so many memories for me, not just recording sessions. I would host evening soirees with poets, philosophers, musicians, etc … Dylan would turn up with his band and hold court or Joni Mitchell would play drums! Things have changed now. The music scene is not the same. I understand him having to sell. I wasn't bothered about the cost of running it (always at a loss)."


text:
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the most ambitious film franchises put together by a studio, and perhaps the best thing about it is how every move made within it continues to build and add toward something bigger and better. With each new story we learn more and more about the world behind the silver screen, and we are always left with a mix of satisfaction and want for more. Because of the intricate details of the comic book world, anything is possible, and it's great fun to speculate about the implications of every twist, turn and maneuver as they lead to Marvel Studios' second big landmark film: The Avengers: Age of Ultron.
The mega blockbuster is now nearly here as Phase Two films like Shane Black's Iron Man 3, Alan Taylor's Thor: The Dark World, Joe and Anthony Russo's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy have all found their respective ways into theaters over the last few years. Obviously they all have a huge impact on the big future of the MCU, but what do we know so far and how will it lead into Avengers 2? What is the latest development with all of the characters involved? Read on below as I break it all down.
Joss WhedonJoss Whedon is the only non-fictional person/being who gets his own section on this list, but that should just stress how important he is to the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and, therefore, The Avengers: Age of Ultron. In August 2012 it was revealed that the writer/director had signed a three-year deal with Marvel Studios that not only locked him in to both write and direct a sequel to his first massively successful blockbuster, but to serve as a guide for what has been dubbed Phase Two. Sadly, it appears that this will be his last Avengers movie, as it has been announced that The Avengers: Infinity War films will be helmed by Joe and Anthony Russo – the filmmakers behind Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Iron ManTony Stark went through some interesting changes at the end of Iron Man 3, which puts him in an interesting place leading up to Avengers 2. The billionaire playboy philanthropist was shown not only destroying all of his Iron Man suits, but also finally getting the arc reactor out of his chest – suggesting that he was done with the superhero lifestyle. Following the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D., though, he and Stark Industries entered into the world of private global security, and while this may seem like a good idea, it's also what leads to the creation of a new supervillain: Ultron (more on him below!) We also now know that Tony will be part of Captain America 3, which should launch the Civil War. But we need to see where he is at the end of Age of Ultron.
ThorJust like what Iron Man 3 did for Iron Man, Thor: The Dark World left its titular hero in an interesting position right before the credits rolled. The end of the film featured the God of Thunder rejecting the throne of Asgard in favor of returning to Earth so that he can be with his love, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). This means that when it comes time for The Avengers to reassemble, Thor won't even have to travel by wormhole to answer the call – he can just swing his hammer around and fly back to the Avengers Tower in Manhattan . The audience knows that Thor actually left Asgard to be ruled under the iron fist of Loki (Tom Hiddleston), but he probably won't figure that out until Thor 3.
Captain AmericaOf all the films we've seen in Phase Two, Captain America: The Winter Soldier has had by far the biggest impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not only did the eponymous hero have to deal with a horror from his past in the form of The Winter Soldier, S.H.I.E.L.D. turned out to be a massively corrupt institution that had been taken over by HYDRA, and was subsequently destroyed by our heroes. The movie left Cap not only in a future he's unfamiliar with, but really unable to trust anyone around him. Perhaps his only salvation is his fellow superheroes in the Avengers squad. Things are going to get tougher for The First Avenger as the MCU rolls on. We now know that he'll oppose Tony Stark in Captain America 3. Will the split begin to form in Age of Ultron? Look for the growing conflict.


text:
Walter Dowdle got to the hunting club late but still had enough time to see the buck of a lifetime and squeeze off a shot.
He may not be able to top this giant buck, his best in 38 years of chasing deer. The mainframe 12-point has a few extra stickers and some non-scoring points that push the wide Alabama buck to eye-popping proportions. Dowdle told the Alexander City Outlook that if you counted the ones you can hang a ring on, it has 22 points. Those "ring points" may not all be scorable, of course, so the final B&C total has yet to be seen.
Dowdle switched his ammo at the last second for that he hoped "would do the most damage" on the big bruiser, he told the newspaper. He was shooting a custom Remington .300 with a 165-grain short mag bullet.
"I dropped him through both shoulders, but I still didn't have any idea how big he was," Dowdle said. "I called a friend of mine that was hunting with me and told him, 'I think I may need some help.'"
As he approached the deer, Dowdle said he could only see one side of the antlers sticking up.
"When I got up closer, I was just shocked," Dowdle said. "I lifted the head, and I just started jumping and hollering. I knew it was better than anything I had ever shot. Matter of fact, it is the biggest we have ever killed at the hunting club."
Read the full account here in the Alexander City Outlook.


text:
Search Coin Community
Coin Forum
Numismatic Search Engine
Spot Prices
Numismatic Articles
Appraising A Coin Collection
Numismatic Event Calendar
Stamp Forum
Advertise Here
CCF Partners
Please always start your eBay and Amazon shopping with these links, it helps!
US Coins & Currency
US Coin Facts
US Mint Sets
US Proof Sets
US Coin Grading
US Coin History
US Commemorative History
US Paper Money Facts
Australian Coins
Perth Mint NCLT Mintages
Perth Mint Coin Programs
Perth Mint Latest Releases
Canadian Coins
Canadian Coin Facts
Canadian Coin Grading
Canadian Commemoratives
Be a Site Supporter
eBay Coin Shopping
Search CCF Members
eBay Tools
eBay Coin Search Engine
eBay Coin Categories
All eBay Categories
eBay / CCF Member List
eBay / CCF Member Sales
Popular Items
Error Coins
US Error Coins
US Cheap Coins
US Hot Coins
US Most Watched Coins
Aussie Cheap Coins
Aussie Hot Coins
Aussie Most Watched Coins
Canadian Cheap Coins
Canadian Hot Coins
Canadian Most Watched Coins
Ancient Cheap Coins
Ancient Hot Coins
Ancient Most Watched Coins
World Cheap Coins
World Hot Coins
World Most Watched Coins
eBay Coins By Type
eBay Coins By Year
Active Users
There are currently
users on this website.
Stuff for Members
Member Photo Galleries
New CCF Member Sales
Walking liberty halve lot
New Dansco Morgan Dollar 1878-1890 with Sleeve
1921 Morgan Ring size 12
Handmade Rings for sale
Reverse Auction Fun! 1888-0 Morgan Dollar
5 gram .9999 Gold Pamp Suisse Bar for Sale
Lot of 20 2006 Silver 10-coin Proof Sets
Royal Australian Mint 1997 Proof set with Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Com
2010 Royal Canadian Proof Set with 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy D
2016 1/10th Ounce American Gold Eagle Coin
A few Large Cents for sale
5 oz Proof Libertad in Capsules, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016
Graded Type coins for sale
1865 2C Copper PCGS MS65bn CAC
Mix of Certified coins for sale below greysheet
NGC MS63 1884-O Morgan Dollar
Bulk Canadian pennies
1974 D LMC Split planchet (struck after split) for sale or possibly trade
1809 Classic Head Half Cent, C-6, PCGS AU Det, super nice coin!!
Save Password
Forgot your Password?
Member CCF Sales
Member eBay Sales
New Posts
Welcome Guest!
Need help? Got a question? Inherit some coins?
coin forum
is completely free!
Register Now!
All Forums
US Coins and Currency Forums
US Classic and Colonial Variety and Error Coins
1831 Capped Half Overton Help
To participate in the forum you must log in or
Sheldon Overton Baby
Valued Member
United States
165 Posts
Posted 06/21/2018 2:57 pm
I am struggling to attribute this one.
Report this Post to the Staff
Pillar of the Community
United States
1092 Posts
Posted 06/21/2018 3:40 pm
O-116 or O-117, I'm leaning towards O-117.
Report this Post to the Staff
Bedrock of the Community
United States
15716 Posts
Posted 06/21/2018 6:38 pm
117 looks right to me too.
Report this Post to the Staff
All Forums
US Coins and Currency Forums
US Classic and Colonial Variety and Error Coins
To participate in the forum you must log in or
Coin Community Member eBay Sales
Certified Coins
Certified VAMs
Certified Errors
View Last 100 New Topics
1882 Liberty Head $5 Gold Coin - Don't hold anything back. Judgement day.
can someone school me on split seriffs
Can anyone identify or pass any information on this coin please ?
1798 or 1799 1C date & hair type clarification needed
Coin to Identify with shield
1920 straits settlement penny
1991 Lincoln Memorial Cent Off center strike tell me about this coin please
1990 Lincoln Cent partial collar strike
Still looking threw and found this!
1989 d double die? Value?
Big Change at Collectors Universe
Lovely Trajan Dacia Denarius
New add: Galerius Augustus AE follis, Genius reverse
1991 LMC DDR on E PLURIBUS UNUM
1998 Lincoln Memorial Cent "Wide AM" found searching bankrolls
2000 d/s omm with close am penny what is the error? Help here.
G Bell Auction eye candy
Toned Peace Dollars - A Thing Of The Past?
Need advice on this 1934-s Peace Dollar
View Last 100 Active Topics
How far back can we go? Fifth Edition!
1991 Lincoln Memorial Cent Off center strike tell me about this coin please
Lovely Trajan Dacia Denarius
1882 Dominion Of Canada 4$
G Bell Auction eye candy
can someone school me on split seriffs
Post your new currency acquisitions!
Women on Banknotes
Question on restored buffalo nickels
Minor Error On 2003A $1.00 Banknote
Help with used book smell
Guess The Price - Season 65 - Round 10
Coin to Identify with shield
Post your presidential (and other) campaign commemorative challenge coins and tokens!
Can anyone identify or pass any information on this coin please ?
Want to know my coin
Post your Soccer themed coins
Post your "Almost a Fancy S/N"
ID help - German denar?
Hello again everyone.
Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2018 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited.
Contact Us
Advertise Here
Privacy Policy / Terms of Use
Coin Community Forum
© 2005 - 2018 Coin Community Forums
It took 0.37 seconds to rattle this change.


text:
February 13, 2013 21:59 ET
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 13, 2013) - Mindoro Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:MIO) (ASX:MDO) (FRANKFURT:WKN 906167) ("Mindoro") is pleased to provide an update on the joint venture projects with TVI Pacific Inc. (TSX:TVI) (OTCQX:TVIPF) ("TVI"), and its Philippines operating subsidiary TVIRD. Mindoro and TVI have signed four joint venture agreements, previously announced on July 6, Sept. 7 and Sept. 27, 2012, relating to the Agata and Pan de Azucar mining projects located in the Philippines on the Islands of Mindanao and Panay, respectively. The joint ventures present TVI and Mindoro with multiple growth opportunities for near-term and medium-term cash flow generating potential. Under the agreements TVIRD may earn up to a 60% interest and will act as operator of the projects. A management committee composed of senior management members of both TVIRD and Mindoro will oversee each of the projects.
Mindoro currently holds a 75% interest in the Agata and Pan de Azucar projects and has the option to acquire an additional 25% in the Agata Project from its partner Minimax Mineral Exploration Corporation. If all options are exercised, TVI will have a 60% interest in the Agata Project and Mindoro 40%. Mindoro will be carried to production for the DSO stage, and through feasibility study for the processing stage.
Tony Climie, PGeol., and CEO of Mindoro, comments, "We are delighted with the rapid progress being made by the operator TVI, the exciting development opportunities unfolding, and the potential for early cash flow. After many years of assembling and advancing our Philippine project portfolio it is especially gratifying to see these approaching fruition".
In a TVI news release on the joint venture progress, Mr Clifford M. James, Chairman and CEO of TVI stated, "These projects comprise a pipeline of potentially long-life assets, capable of substantial, growing and continuous cash flow generation, which are expected to propel the company into a strong mid-sized, diversified miner. These are exciting opportunities and represent a major step forward for TVI."
TVIRD, as the operator of the projects, brings to the table a proven management team capable of project execution (the Project Execution/Technology Development team), on time and on budget. The Project Execution/Technology Development team for the Mindoro joint venture projects is composed of highly skilled technical experts who are familiar with the assets and the type of processing plant technology expected to be used.
Prior extensive pre-feasibility and engineering works have been conducted on the Mindoro properties. These reports can be accessed on Mindoro's website at www.mindoro.com or under Mindoro's profile on SEDAR at ww.sedar.com.
Map 1: Philippines: Agata (Island of Mindanao) and Pan de Azucar Mining (Island of Panay) Project Locations
Map 2: Agata Mining Project - Site Layout
The Agata mining project, located on the Island of Mindanao, includes the following opportunities:
Historical estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves at Agata are set out in the technical report entitled "Technical Report for the Agata Nickel Laterite Project, Mindanao, Philippines" dated 20 December 2011 prepared by Ausenco for Mindoro (the "Agata Report"). Key assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare the historical estimates are set out in the Agata Report, which uses the categories required by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").
The historical drilling by Mindoro referenced in the Agata Report was 682 drill holes for 12,252 metres in the main Agata North resource and 199 holes for 2,605 metres in Agata South resource.
High Iron and Limestone DSO Operations/Lime Production Facility
Both the high iron DSO and the limestone DSO operations are near-term opportunities that have the potential to generate strong cash flows beginning in late 2013 (contingent on, among other things, receipt of permits in a timely manner). The high iron laterite and limestone deposits occur up to 1 kilometre from the coast, which is expected to positively impact transportation costs due to the close proximity of the mine pit to the port.
The upper portions of the laterite profile comprise the ferruginous zone and limonite zone, both rich in iron. It is estimated that there are approximately 7 million wet metric tonnes (wmt) of high iron material with iron grades ranging between 45% and 52%. These historical estimates are set out in the Agata Report referred to above. The deposit is expected to be developed as a surface mining operation with the high iron material most probably sold to the Chinese iron ore market.
Beneath the ferruginous and limonite zone is the higher nickel grade saprolite zone, which will be the dominant feed for a new nickel processing facility currently under consideration by the Project Execution/Technology Development team. The high iron DSO operation would be expected to generate early cash flow until the nickel processing plant is built and becomes operational, but shipments are expected to continue after this until the high iron material is exhausted. The high iron DSO operation already has an existing Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC); however, other permits such as a port permit and a Declaration of Mining Feasibility are also required.
The limestone occurring at the coast is a massive recrystallized limestone of very high purity levels with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) of greater than 95% according to the Agata Report. Five (5) holes were drilled into the limestone horizon by Mindoro but the number of holes drilled is not considered sufficient to classify a mineral resource.
The limestone is estimated in the Agata Report to be up to 50 metres thick. The potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature, because there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. The initial plan is to develop a resource, and mine and ship limestone DSO utilizing the infrastructure developed initially for the high iron DSO operation. Currently no permits are in place for mining the limestone.
Since the quality of limestone quarried at Agata is expected to be high, the Project Execution/Technology Development team also plans to construct a lime production facility at the Agata project site. The lime produced would be used in the nickel processing plant, offsetting the costs of imported lime while also creating potential for some to be sold. The lime processing facility is a medium-term project currently expected to come online at the beginning of 2015 pending the receipt of all required permits, among other things.
The development plans and initial pre-development activities for the two DSO operations are underway and include:
a) For the high iron DSO operation:
b) For the Limestone DSO operation:
An update to the NI 43-101 report prepared originally for Mindoro, together with a scoping study on both the high iron and Limestone operations are also initially planned and are to be followed by feasibility studies.
Agata Nickel (Ni) Processing Plant
The Agata Ni processing plant is a medium-term growth opportunity, which TVI expects could come into production in mid-2015, dependent on such things as a successful metallurgical testing program and pending receipt of the required permits. The plant would initially be designed to have a 20-year life, and would be built in modules with the ability to add capacity over time by adding further modules to increase throughput and Ni production. The Project Execution/ Technology Development team is proposing the use of innovative, low cost leaching and downstream Ni recovery and purification technology rather than the traditional high cost HPAL processes used in the laterite nickel industry. TVIRD's team of technical staff engaged to deal with the Mindoro joint venture projects have substantial expertise in this leaching and downstream Ni recovery and purification technology and their expertise will be used to fast-track the processing plant.
The laterite feed to the processing plant comprising limonite material and saprolite material would be mixed with sulphuric acid and undergo numerous steps to ultimately produce a nickel hydroxide product. This intermediate nickel product could either be sold as is or further processed to produce metallic nickel. The estimated capital cost for the nickel processing plant plus associated infrastructure (port, water, power, etc.) is expected to be less than US$100 million. The cash operating costs are estimated to be approximately US$4 per lb Ni (approximately US$9,000/t Ni), assuming the use of imported sulphuric acid. If the Pan de Azucar pyrite project can be successfully commercialized (refer below), then the opportunity exists to self-produce sulphuric acid at the nickel plant site, thereby further reducing operating costs, and with the added benefits of by-product electricity and steam.
Site infrastructure is excellent with local sources of labour, fresh water and power (supplemented by back-up generators). The processing plant will be located within two kilometres of the port, thereby simplifying acid transport and other logistics, as well as keeping operating costs down. Deep water for ships up to 50,000 tonne capacity occurs within 250 metres of the coastline.
A number of activities relating to the Agata Ni Processing Plant are underway and include:
An update to the NI 43-101 report prepared originally for Mindoro, together with a scoping study, are initially planned, to be followed by delivery of a full feasibility study. The feasibility study is underway and expected to be completed by the end of 2013. Pending a positive feasibility study and a decision to proceed, plant construction is expected to commence in 2014 with the commissioning/commercial production of nickel hydroxide product in Q2 of 2015, dependent on obtaining permits in a timely manner, among other things.
Pan de Azucar Pyrite Project
As described in Mindoro's news release of February 8, 2012, the Pan de Azucar pyrite project located on the Island of Panay is a drill-defined exploration target, which comprises a pyrite-rich mineralized horizon of between 10 and 40 metres in thickness and dipping at a shallow 10 to 15 degrees. The mineralized horizon is exposed at the surface. Mindoro reported it has drilled 30 holes into the mineralized horizon, showing a potential quantity of 8 million to 12.7 million dry metric tonnes with a grade range of 35% to 40% sulphur (70% to 90% pyrite). The potential quantity and grade has been determined by averaging the intercepts from the drill assays. The potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature, because there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource (including number of holes drilled) and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.
TVI expects that commercializing the project may involve both the DSO export of pyrite material to China for the production of sulphuric acid and/or the self-production of sulphuric acid at the Agata Ni processing plant site. Currently there are no permits in place for the mining of the pyrite material.
Activities planned or underway for the Pan de Azucar Pyrite Project include:
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Tony Climie, CEO
About Mindoro
Mindoro is a Tier 1 Issuer trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (MIO), Australian Securities Exchange (MDO) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (WKN 906167). Mindoro has a 75% interest, and an option to acquire the remaining 25%, in the Agata Nickel Project, Mindanao, and the Pan de Azucar Sulphur-Copper-Gold Project, Iloilo. TVI Pacific Inc. has the option to earn up to a 60% interest in these projects by meeting the earn-in requirements outlined in the September 27, 2012 release. Mindoro also holds a 53.3% stake in ASX listed Red Mountain Mining (ASX:RMX), which has a 100% direct and indirect interest in the Batangas gold and copper-gold projects.
Tony Climie is the CEO of Mindoro Resources Ltd and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Tony Climie consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears.
This release may contain forward-looking statements including management's assessments of future plans and operations, and expectations of future production. These statements are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with the mining and exploration industry (e.g. operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty with respect to results of exploration, the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production and the uncertainty of the availability of capital). The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements except where required to do so by law.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Mindoro Resources Ltd.Investor email@example.com Resources Ltd.Australia:Clayton Northey+61 3 9614 5055Canada:CHF Investor RelationsJeremy Hill+1 416 868 1079 ext 238www.mindoro.com
See all RSS Newsfeeds


text:
We detect that you are using an outdated version that is not fully compatible with our website. We suggest updating your browser to the most updated version of your browser of choice in order to interact with our website and others without issue. Thank you for shopping with us!
This soaking tub is patterned after Japanese ofuro in which a single person sits, relaxing in soothing hot water as part of a traditional, centuries-old daily bathing ritual designed to cleanse the body and calm the spirit. Favored by high-end spas and resorts, the soaking tub is individually handcrafted in the U.S. of 14-gauge, 304-grade stainless steel with 18% chromium composition for years of durability and simple maintenance, and it is tungsten inert gas (TIG)-welded for the smoothest seams possible. Three non-slip steps with a handrail provide access to the tub and the rail extends around the rim of the tub. The seat sits 15" from the bottom of the hand-buffed 3" thick, double-walled metal tub, which warms quickly to a soothing temperature when filled with hot water. Eighteen air jets built into the seat and sides of the tub provide streams of water that massage and soothe muscles; the jet system has three settings, controlled with the touch of a button. Insulation within the walls retain heat, ensuring a comfortable soak. Though spacious and deep, the tub takes up minimal floor space; it can be installed into a deck or used as a free-standing tub. A built-in drain and overflow assembly is on the outside of the tub; plumbing is accessed beneath the seat from the outside. Our white glove delivery includes in-home set up and removal of packing materials. Plugs into AC. 71 1/2" L x 48" W x 45 1/2" H. (500 lbs.)
Shipping charges noted in parentheses apply in addition to our standard shipping & service.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available. Please call 1-800-395-7006 for Premium or Express delivery rates.
Oversized items scheduled for expedited delivery (Premium or Express) may incur additional shipping and services charges because of their unusual size. Please call 1-800-321-1484 for an estimate of S&S charges. International callers, please call 1-513-860-3397.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available for oversized items.
Shipped via truck and may require customer assistance upon delivery. You will be contacted to make an appointment for delivery.
We're sorry, but gift wrap and gift cards are not available.
GST still applies and will be charged upon processing. For complete shipping & service charges please call Customer Service at
May we recommend:
COPYRIGHT © 2018 HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER & COMPANY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. W106147 E. 57th ST • NEW YORK, NY • 10022 • 1-800-_321-1484
Register at Hammacher.com for:


text:
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is meeting with Senate Democrats on Capitol Hill to get their help in passing a broad range of proposals that are part of his second-term agenda.
The meeting Tuesday comes on the first of three days of president trips down Pennsylvania Avenue with partisan caucuses in both chambers.
The visits come as the government is operating under broad spending cuts and under the prospect of a shutdown later this month. But the talks also were designed to cover many other topics. White House spokesman Jay Carney says Obama wants to discuss immigration reform and gun control among other priorities that require congressional action.
Obama plans to meet with House Republicans Wednesday. And he is scheduled talk to Senate Republicans and House Democrats Thursday.


text:
Skip to comments.Christopher Hitchens: Don't Trouble 'Deaf Heaven' With Prayers for Me
Posted on 04/02/2011 7:04:30 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
With less than two weeks before Everybody Pray for Hitchens Day, cancer-stricken Christopher Hitchens is encouraging believers to hold off on praying for him.
I dont mean to be churlish about any kind intentions, but when September 20 comes, please do not trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries, the atheist author wrote in a first-person article for Vanity Fairs October 2010 issue.
Unless, of course, it makes you feel better, he added, echoing a past comment.
Last month, in an interview with CNNs Anderson Cooper, Hitchens said he was well aware of the prayer groups that have formed since he announced late June that he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer the same cancer his father died of.
When asked if he told people not to pray for him, the devoted atheist told Cooper, No, but said those who feel better in doing so have my blessing.
In an interview days later with The Atlantic, Hitchens also said, I take it (prayer) kindly on the assumption that people are praying for my recovery.
Now, about a month after the interviews, Hitchens appears to have decided to discourage prayer particularly on Sept. 20 noting in his Vanity Fair piece that it would present him with another secular problem.
[W]hat if I pulled through and the pious faction contentedly claimed that their prayers had been answered? That would somehow be irritating, he wrote.
Author of the New York Times bestseller God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, Hitchens is one of the most prominent figures in the new atheism movement, though the English-born author describes himself as an anti-theist.
Hitchens contends that organized religion is "the main source of hatred in the world" and has appeared in a number of debates with Christian theologians and pastors, including Pastor Douglas Wilson, who Hitchens engaged in a series of written debates on the question "Is Christianity Good for the World?"
In his Vanity Fair piece, Hitchens said Wilson was among those praying for him and that the Moscow, Idaho-based pastor was praying for three things that I would fight off the disease, that I would make myself right with eternity, and that the process would bring the two of us back into contact.
He couldnt resist adding rather puckishly that the third prayer had already been answered, Hitchens remarked.
To date, Hitchens says hes received an astonishing and flattering number of correspondences from people regarding his illness.
And very few, he said, failed to say one of two things.
Either they assured me that they wouldnt offend me by offering prayers or they tenderly insisted that they would pray anyway, Hitchens shared.
He also noted that there are some quite reputable Catholics, Jews, and Protestants who think that I might in some sense of the word be worth saving, including renowned geneticist and believer Dr. Francis Collins, who Hitchens described as one of the greatest living Americans.
He has been kind enough to visit me in his own time and to discuss all sorts of novel treatments, only recently even imaginable, that might apply to my case. And let me put it this way: he hasnt suggested prayer, and I in turn havent teased him about The Screwtape Letters, Hitchens wrote.
But not all, unsurprisingly, have been praying for Hitchens well-being. Some have been praying for him to die a horrible agonizing death, while others have been praying for him to burn in hell.
Some even believe the tumor in his esophagus is Gods revenge for him using his voice to blaspheme him, though the cancer has yet spread to his throat.
But, as Hitchens noted, cancer is quite evenly distributed among saints and sinners, believers and unbelievers.
Furthermore, he says, even if my voice goes before I do, I shall continue to write polemics against religious delusions, at least until its hello darkness my old friend.
Even if he developed cancer of the brain and became a terrified, half-aware imbecile who near death would call for a priest, Hitchens insists while I am still lucid that the entity thus humiliating itself would not in fact be me.
[T]he god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe, he said, calling out those who ditch long-held principles in hope of gaining favor at the last minute.
While not mentioned, some have interpreted Hitchens' "entity" remarks to be a subtle reference to the late Professor Antony Flew, who became a deist six years ago after championing atheism for most of his life.
Flew, who died this past April, was one of the best-known atheists of his generation. And to this day, his conversion remains contentious as there were doubts over Flew's mental capacities after 2004.
"With his powers in decline, Antony Flew, a man who devoted his life to rational argument, has become a mere symbol, a trophy in a battle fought by people whose agendas he does not fully understand," wrote New York Times Magazine writer Mark Oppenheimer after meeting up with Flew in England prior to the professors death.
To guard against such an occurrence and to dispel potential rumors, Hitchens has insisted that any story about him making a death bed conversion should be quickly rejected.
If that comes, it will be when I'm very ill, when I'm half demented, either by drugs or pain where I wouldn't have control over what I say, Hitchens told Anderson Cooper last month.
I can't say that the entity wouldn't be me, he added. But while hes still lucid, Hitchens said he wouldnt do such a pathetic thing.
So if there is some story that on your death bed Cooper began to ask.
Don't believe it, Hitchens quickly responded.
He's been consistent, belligerently so, for his entire career. That consistency has made him many enemies on his side of the aisle. And it's why so many of us have so much respect for him. I never had a favorite Trotskyite until I started reading Chris Hitchens.
Yes, he's a great writer and has a wonderful mind. I just pray for his heart and soul.
I will pray for him.
It makes me feel better - prayers for Hitchens...
Christopher Hitchens...who the heck is he? ANSWER: a pipsqueak.
He doesn't come close to either thief on the cross....forget him
Dear Christopher, (whose name means "Christ-bearer") prepare to be surprised.
He has been a man of consistent and honest beliefs - even though such consistency and honesty has brought him condemnation from former friends who hoped he would join them in hypocrisy.
This is rare and it's to be respected.
I wish him well, though if it isn't to be, then I wish him a dignified and painless death.
Poor bastard. Of course we should pray for him.
Love it. Harder cases have cracked under less duress. Praying that he lives to celebrate his change of heart.
"There isnt any thing swinish about praying for the soul of another man. The Holy Spirit keeps working on him."
I didn't mean to imply that it is. The verse seems to imply the rejector is a swine, certainly not the caster of the pearls.
Similarly, when Jesus sent His disciples out to preach the gospel, if they were refused, they were instructed to shake the very dust off their feet as a testimony against that town.
So I think there is a consistent sense of discerning times to witness and pray and times to not witness and pray.
I don't pretend to perfectly know when those times are. I don't think we are supposed to continually hold up the Lord and His sacrifice for abuse, though.
"Why do such supposedly enlightened, intellectual people rail so vehemently against even the possibility of a Higher Power???"
Wow, he's saying he'd rather be dead than see God get any credit for his recovery. He'd rather die than be wrong in his atheist beliefs. Thus, essenstially, he'd rather be dead than have to live with God. It's a shame he will very probably learn the eternal implications of that mindset the hard way.
When in disgrace with Fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art, and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least.
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
Thanks, I understand. I guess I have a hard time letting any one go regardless how they behave.
He calls Heaven "deaf". This hints at anger and self pity. It is not the statement of an unbeliever.
RE: why are you now posting an article from last september 7?
1) Is there any reason why I should not ? I did not post it in the NEWS section did I?
2) It was posted in the RELIGION section. Religious issues are TIMELESS and can be discussed ANYTIME.
3) I have posted articles that are over a year old that have never been posted in FR. Is there a rule in this forum that tells us we can only post articles that are most recent?
Yeah, that line stuck me the same way. Hitchens has got himself into the sort of lethally ironic situation in which the only way he wins is if he loses--only he won't be around to gloat about it when he does. And if (may God will it despite him) he does live, it will be under conditions that he at least fears will serve to undermine everything he's been going on about--if not in the minds of his targets, then--perhaps most unbearably of all--in his own mind. To save face, he's already pre-emptively ruled out any effect that a death-bed conversion might have on popular opinion by claiming that it would be the result of failing mental powers, drug-induced dementia, or mortal terror, which are apparently the only motives he can conceive of for a belief in God--which is part of his problem. (Not that mortal terror can't be a good place to start--it's just not a good place to still be at a couple of years down the road.)
It's a shame he will very probably learn the eternal implications of that mindset the hard way.
Probability and the history of the personality involved certainly suggest that this is the most likely outcome. But you never can tell--mortal terror has the effect of (in the words of Samuel Johnson} clearing the mind wonderfully, by displaying sharply antithetical (and absolutely final) alternatives and then demanding what might be called an existential leap. What happens under those conditions, no man--not even the one making the leap--may reliably predict until the moment is upon him, and he may not be consciously aware even then why he has chosen what he has chosen--only that some unsuspected and essential something has compelled him to leap one way or the other. Moments like this are hidden in glorious mystery, and are, I suspect, one of the reasons God created us with free will in the first place, and refuses to affect it directly--so that (in a sense) even He can be "surprised" by what happens next!
In our discussion of all this, I am afraid that we may forget that Mr. Hitchens is not a lay figure or a straw man in an idle philosophical debate--he is an actual man actually dying: and I would hate for any reluctance he might have about surviving after our prayers for him to be based on his very likely suspicion that he would be twitted and jeered at by many for changing his mind about God on the edge of disaster, or that our prayers would forever after be thrown back into his face as "evidence" that he was wrong about us after all. He is standing at precisely that point--in fear of his life--that most of us would do anything to avoid facing, but will nevertheless have to face eventually, one way or another; and whether he agrees with it or not--and especially if he doesn't--he needs our prayers.
What he does with the results of them is up to him. And the same goes for us.
Hitchens is true to the template: every modern atheist I've met has been an arrogant selfish "intellectual" who fashions himself the smartest person in any room. Their arguments are delivered with an elitist sneer.
I'll pray for him anyway...God doesn't pay any attention to whether we wish his grace or not..He gives it anyway.
The Holy Spirit has softened harder hearts than Christopher Hitchens'.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.