text:
Erik Bartholomew, furbearer biologist for the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Mike O'Meilia, program
supervisor for the Wildlife Department, take conduct research on
a mountain lion that was killed by vehicle Nov. 1 near Minco.
Credit: wildlifedepartment.com
Caption: Erik Bartholomew, furbearer biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, takes measurements while conducting research on a mountain lion that was killed by vehicle Nov. 1 near Minco.
Oklahoma's quail season opens Nov. 12 and runs through Feb. 15, providing hunters with an opportunity to hunt one of the most popular game birds in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has conducted annual roadside surveys in August and October since 1990 to index quail populations across Oklahoma. Department employees run 83 different 20-mile routes in all counties except Oklahoma and Tulsa, and large counties like Beaver, Ellis, LeFlore, McCurtain, Osage, Pittsburg and Roger Mills have two routes.
"The 2011 statewide index decreased 37 percent from 2010, which was already down from the 21-year average," said Doug Schoeling, upland game bird biologist for the Wildlife Department.
The continued decline in quail numbers is believed to be a result of the continued drought and the record number of days above 100 degrees this summer, which are known to negatively impact quail nesting attempts and success. The only region where the number of quail observed increased from the 2010 survey was in the south-central region, where quail numbers only slightly increased over 2010 numbers."
Even though the survey shows quail numbers down, Schoeling still encourages hunters to get out this season. Some areas of the state experienced rain in August that could have contributed to successful late nesting attempts that may not necessarily be reflected in the survey results. There are always those areas that have good habitat that experienced favorable nesting conditions where there will be opportunity for some good hunts. Wildlife management areas (WMAs) in western Oklahoma probably will offer hunters the best opportunity to find birds on public land. Quail season shooting hours and regulations on some public lands may vary from statewide seasons, so hunters should consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" for specific area details. To view the current Hunting Guide or find contact information for the WMAs, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
Oklahoma still remains one of the strongest holdouts of native bobwhite quail populations and habitat. However, seeking to address quail population declines, the Department has launched several major research efforts to try to identify the factors contributing to their decline.
As part of the initiative, the Wildlife Department is working with the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, Texas A&M, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Texas Tech universities on a project called Operation Idiopathic Decline. Wildlife Department biologists are trapping quail and sending biological samples to Texas Tech University where researchers are investigating the potential impact of disease, parasitism, pesticides, toxins and contaminants on quail.
The Wildlife Department is also starting an upland game bird initiative that will provide extensive information on matters that could lead to improvements in the quail population and quail habitat management.
"We're working with Oklahoma State University to implement a long-term, well-designed telemetry study that's going to look at the dynamics of reproduction, recruitment and the movements of quail," Schoeling said. These key aspects of quail ecology will be evaluated in relation to habitat management, weather patterns and events, vegetation and insect abundance, predators and hunting.
Although the research will focus on Packsaddle and Beaver River WMAs — where intensive quail habitat management is being done such as strip disking, patch burning and regulated grazing — research findings will also be used to assist landowners in managing quail on their properties. Quail populations will be closely monitored before and after the application of these management efforts, and their response carefully documented. Quail will be leg-banded and fitted with radio tracking devices where biologists can track movements, reproductive success and survival. Hunters harvesting banded or radio-tagged quail are asked to contact the Wildlife Department or Oklahoma State University. Signs will be posted on the areas detailing how hunters can report banded and tagged birds. Researchers will also use weather stations on the two WMAs to intensively monitor and collect information on localized weather events in order to correlate the relationship between weather, vegetation and insect abundance and intensive management habitat efforts.
The Wildlife Department will be working to improve methods for monitoring quail populations on a yearly basis.
"Effectively monitoring the quail population is critical to evaluating management efforts, tracking annual fluctuations in the quail population and informing hunters," Schoeling said.
Limited supplies of a Wildlife Department publication called "Upland Urgency" are available free for those wanting to learn more about quail research in Oklahoma. To request a copy, call the Wildlife Department at (405) 521-3856 or visit the headquarters office at 1801 North Lincoln in Oklahoma City.
Wildlife Commissioners discuss Oklahoma quail research
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation continues to stay at the forefront of upland game bird research efforts intended to benefit important species like the bobwhite quail and lesser prairie chicken.
At its Nov. 7 meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission heard a presentation from Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the Wildlife Department, regarding ongoing upland game bird research efforts in the state. After record heat and drought, the Wildlife Department's October roadside quail survey index decreased 37 percent from 2010, which was already down from the 21-year average. Facing a gradual downward range-wide decline in quail populations, biologists have been working on research initiatives to learn more about what factors affect quail mortality.
As part of the initiative, the Wildlife Department is working with the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, Texas A&M, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Texas Tech universities on a project called Operation Idiopathic Decline. Wildlife Department biologists are trapping quail and sending biological samples to Texas Tech University where researchers are investigating the potential impact of disease, parasitism, pesticides, toxins and contaminants on quail. Additionally, the Wildlife Department is starting an upland game bird initiative on Oklahoma's Packsaddle and Beaver River wildlife management areas that will provide extensive information that could lead to improvements in the quail population and quail habitat management.
"We're in the process of finalizing a contract with Oklahoma State University to conduct bobwhite quail research over the course of the next six years totaling several million dollars," Peoples said.
The Department also continues to closely monitor the lesser prairie chicken in northwest Oklahoma. Collectively — between the Wildlife Department, other state and federal agencies, conservation organizations and business industries — over $40 million has been spent on or committed to associated habitat management efforts that benefit the lesser prairie chicken. Peoples said he believes the efforts are proving successful, citing evidence from surveys conducted by the Sutton Avian Research Center that indicate the presence of more prairie chicken leks, or breeding areas, than in previous surveys. Future efforts will include the use of surveys, interstate working groups in partnership with other states, and continued partnerships with the Sutton Avian Research Center and OSU on future research efforts.
In other business, the Commission was updated on the status of the Grand Lake paddlefish fishery. Coming up on its sixth year of operation, the Paddlefish Research and Processing program stationed near Twin Bridges State Park in northeast Oklahoma helps collect important data to assist biologists in managing the unique fish population.
Paddlefish are large, native fish that eat tiny plankton and are caught by snagging. Every spring large numbers of paddlefish move upstream out of lakes into rivers and tributaries to spawn. It is during this time that anglers have the most success catching them, and the Department's Paddlefish Research and Processing Center is open for anglers to have their fish cleaned and processed for free in exchange for biological data from the fish and, if female, any eggs present. The Department directs funds derived from the sale of the paddlefish eggs back into the resource through projects that improve fishing access, educate anglers and help manage paddlefish.
Dr. Dennis Scarnecchia, a paddlefish expert from the University of Idaho who has been consulting with Wildlife Department biologists on the state's paddlefish program since 2004, delivered a presentation to the Commission that explained the significance of the research in sustaining the fishery.
Through angler support and participation, the popular paddlefish program is providing the Wildlife Department with significant data that otherwise would not have been possible to obtain.
"The key result of our work so far has been the identification of the 1999 year class as the dominant one contributing to the fishery each year," Scarnecchia said.
Since male fish take six to seven years to mature to breeding age and females closer to eight or nine years, the 1999 class must be managed to support the fishery until the next significant age class matures to breeding age and begins spawning.
In addition to lending insight into important age class information, research has revealed data that led to fishing regulation changes in 2010. The changes, which included the implementation of catch-and-release days and restricting fishing in certain spawning areas, were designed to effectively reduce the total harvest and help sustain the world class fishing opportunities provided by Oklahoma paddlefish.
Because of the Paddlefish Research and Processing Center, Wildlife Department biologists know more than ever before about this unique population of fish. Proper management will ensure sustained populations of fish and excellent fishing for the future.
The Commission also heard a presentation from Barry Bolton, chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Department, on how the summer's heat and drought have affected stream flows and fish in rivers across the state. Two fish kills were confirmed in 2011 at the Lower Illinois River, where water shortages and insufficient stream flow are threatening the river's year-round trout fishery. Bolton said recent repairs to Tenkiller Dam have stopped a leak that had previously been keeping the fishery supplied with ample water and flow, and other water supplies from the lake that had previously been available have depleted. Bolton said the only realistic long-term solution is reallocation of water from Tenkiller Lake.
Additionally, fish kills occurred along a 100-mile stretch of the Red River extending to the west end of Texoma Lake, as well as at Jack Fork Creek below Sardis Lake. Water scientists with the Oklahoma Department of Environment Quality and Environmental Protection Agency are still working to determine the exact cause of the fish kill along the Red River, which occurred in July and included significant numbers of large fish such as blue catfish, smallmouth buffalo and largemouth buffalo.
At Jack Fork Creek, a mussel kill was confirmed after summer temperatures and lack of water releases from Sardis Dam resulted in flows of less than one cubic foot per second. While most fish were able to swim downstream to safety, widespread mussel mortality occurred. Among the species of mussels that were killed is the state and federally endangered Ouachita rock pocketbook. Bolton discussed solutions and resolutions to the issues and said the Wildlife Department is working diligently to address water and stream flow issues affecting the state's wildlife.
Additionally, the Commission heard a presentation provided by Buck Ray, environmental biologist for the Wildlife Department, and Damon Springer, aquatic resource education coordinator for the Wildlife Department, on how mitigation is administered in Oklahoma for damages to natural resources. Natural Resource Damage Assessments, or NRDAs, are created by federal legislation through the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act with the goal of compensating the public for damages to natural resources. One recent case in Oklahoma includes damages to a 12-acre site along the Canadian River as a result of motor fuel refinement processes on the site. The site consists of mixed wetlands and riparian zones, but because of it unique landlocked location, mitigation funds will be used along the same watershed at the Wildlife Department's Arcadia Conservation Education Area. Projects include various habitat enhancements like invasive vegetation and tree control and wildlife and habitat educational tools such as the development of a trail and curriculum for area schools. The total mitigation, including various joint settlements and funding, includes almost $309,000.
The Commission addressed several other agenda items at its November meeting, including the following:
* A donation of $2,500 from the Indian Territory Quail Forever Chapter was accepted for the Wildlife Department's Shotgun Training and Education Program (STEP). The donation was presented by Terry Free, ITQF Chapter member, and will be used to purchase gun security lockers for STEP trailers.
* Steve Tully, wildlife biologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, was recognized by the Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for his outstanding contributions to wetland conservation in Oklahoma. Recognitions were presented by Alan Stacey, senior wetland development biologist for the Department, and John Hendrix with the USFWS.
* The certified annual financial and audit report was presented by auditing firm Finley and Cook, LLC. The Department has an independent audit of the financial records and federal aid records of the agency. The FY2011 audit found no findings, and the auditors complimented the agency on its staff and internal controls.
* The actuarial firm, Buck Consultants, presented the FY2011 Actuarial Valuation Report for the Department's retirement plan. The funded ratio of the plan dropped from 81.5 percent last year to 78.1 percent this year. The decrease is mainly contributed to the change that was made last year to decrease the investment rate of return assumption from 7.5 percent to 7 percent.
* An update was provided on the legislative task force on endangered species and economic development. The task force has met three times and is currently focused on planning and organizing initiatives for conserving the lesser prairie chicken.
* Tenure awards were presented to David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa Co., for 25 years of service to the Department; Tom Cartwright, District 4 lieutenant game warden stationed in Hughes Co., for 25 years; Tracy Daniel, District 8 law enforcement chief stationed in Kay Co., for 30 years; James Champeau, District 5 law enforcement chief stationed in Logan Co., for 30 years; Keith Green, paddlefish program coordinator, for 30 years; and Robert Fleenor, law enforcement chief, for 35 years.
The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wildlife Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.
The next scheduled Commission meeting is set for 9 a.m. Dec. 5, at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), located at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.
Online hunter check station brings newfound convenience to checking in big game
Many hunters have already experienced the convenience of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Check Station Web Portal, which allows sportsmen to check in their harvested deer, turkey and elk electronically. It is simple and fast, requiring only a computer or mobile device with Internet access.
Hunters can print a carcass tag from a printer or simply write their confirmation number on the field tag that they made when they harvested the animal.
"Any computer or cell phone with internet access can be a check station," said Micah Holmes, information supervisor for the Wildlife Department. "The online method is both convenient and economical."
According to Holmes, being able to check in a deer 24 hours a day and seven days a week is a value in itself, since not having to transport their animal to a physical check station means they can save on automobile fuel expenses and start cooling the meat from their animal almost immediately. Additionally, a hunter who checks an animal online will not have to worry about his or her personal information, since data entered online goes straight to a secure server. There also is potential for hunters to query the online database and view their past deer, elk, or turkey entries.
The online check system was first implemented during the 2009 deer season, and over 17,000 hunters experienced the ease of the new system. That number almost doubled in 2010 with over 30,000 hunters checking in almost 40,000 deer electronically.
Those without Internet access can still check in their animal at the nearest hunter check station, or have a friend or relative with Internet access check in the animal for them and provide the confirmation number to be used on the field tag.
Not only is the online check station economical and convenient for the hunters, but it also saves the Wildlife Department time and money. Physical check stations require a minimum of five visits by a biologist or technician each year. Department employees spend over 200 man-hours editing check station books by correcting mistakes and illegible handwriting. The instant data provided through the online check system allows biologist and game wardens to quickly access information. The online database also allows for "real-time" analysis of harvest numbers.
The online system also helps the Wildlife Department enforce wildlife laws.
David Clay, game warden stationed in Osage County, was able to make two cases in 2010 using the online system. Two illegal hunters used hunting license numbers other than their own to check in deer they had illegally harvested. Both subjects pled guilty and paid $1,500 in fines and costs.
Current physical check stations can continue providing a service to sportsmen by offering Internet access at their locations, and some have already made the switch.
"It's great," said Gloria Bishop from the OC Corner Mart in Keota. "We don't have to write anything, and I think it is even faster than the old book. Hunters come in to check their deer and they can still get their deer weighed and picture taken if they want to. We've found it just easier all around."
To check in a deer, elk or turkey online, log on to wildlifedepartment.com and follow the link on the homepage to the "Online Check Station."
Support your sport with a habitat patch
Approximately 97 percent of the land in Oklahoma is private
property, creating an ever-important need for more public
land for hunters, anglers and conservation efforts.
Sportsmen can help increase public hunting and fishing lands
by ordering the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation's 2012 pronghorn antelope habitat donor patch
or donor hat, available now in the Wildlife Department's
Outdoor Store on wildlifedepartment.com.
The revenue generated from the sale of the Wildlife Department's habitat donor patches goes into the Land Acquisition Fund, which is used to purchase, lease, or acquire easements for property to be used for public hunting and fishing.
"Habitat patches are an important way for wildlife enthusiasts and sportsmen to support public hunting, fishing and conservation, and also gain a collectable item," said Melinda Sturgess-Streich, assistant director of administration and finance for the Wildlife Department. "This program ensures public hunting and fishing for the future sportsmen and women of Oklahoma, as the Department has purchased approximately 1.2 million acres of public land."
To purchase a donor patch or hat, log on to the Wildlife Department's Outdoor Store. Outdoor Store order forms may also be found in copies of the Wildlife Department's Outdoor Oklahoma magazine. Additionally, patches may be purchased at the Wildlife Department headquarters in Oklahoma City.
rut activity at a glance
Deer rifle season kicks off Saturday, Nov. 19, and promises as usual to be the biggest day of the year for hunting in Oklahoma.
With 63 percent of last year's total deer harvest coming from Oklahoma's rifle hunting seasons, it accounts for the greatest portion of deer taken by hunters. Surveys indicate that last year, more than 156,000 hunters took part in the 16-day regular deer gun season alone, and when taking into account the youth deer gun and holiday antlerless deer seasons, that number jumps to nearly 204,000.
Preliminary harvest numbers from muzzleloader season show that the current state harvest is similar to what it was this time last year, with physical deer check stations down slightly over 30 percent in the number of deer checked, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's online check station up by about 34 percent in the number of deer checked.
"We are on par with last season," said Jerry Shaw, big game biologist for the Wildlife Department. "While many feel we are off to a slow start, we are tracking pretty closely with last year's data."
In anticipation for what is hopefully another great year for deer hunters, personnel with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are offering information just in time on current rutting activity in regions across the state. The rut, or deer breeding season, is a biological process that typically occurs around mid November. Deer activity during the rut picks up but the amount of activity can be influenced by a host of factors such as day length, temperatures, moon phase and herd condition.
The northwest region of Oklahoma is famed for its excellent deer hunting — not to mention big deer — and biologists believe opening weekend will be timed well with rutting activity.
Drought has had an impact on food and water availability in the region. All spring and summer food plot plantings on northwestern wildlife management areas failed, and water and food availability in the region is limited. However, fall food plots on WMAs and wheat fields in the area appear to have benefited from recent rains and are reportedly in fair condition.
According to Steve Conrady, northwest region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department, rut activity in the northwest region is "fairly consistent" year to year, and most reports so far indicate that only the early stages of rutting activity have occurred. These signs include immature bucks sparring and chasing unreceptive does, and increased activity at scrapes.
"The general consensus is that the deer rut will be very near the peak by opening weekend of deer gun season," Conrady said.
According to Eddie Wilson, Wildlife Department biologists stationed at Cooper and Ft. Supply WMAs, the deer rut in his area "usually kicks off somewhere between Nov. 15-20."
"With the dark of the moon coinciding with opening weekend, hunting should be good," Wilson said.
According to Weston Storer, biologist stationed at Beaver River, Optima, Rita Blanca and Schultz WMAs, the Panhandle has received some needed rain, but forage is limited. Storer said young bucks are showing early rutting activity.
"On Nov. 10, in the middle of the day, a buck destroyed both my archery targets in my backyard," said Storer, who expects the rut to be in "full swing" by the opening weekend of gun season on Beaver River WMA.
According to bowhunters using Canton WMA during the weekend of Nov. 12-13, deer movement has continued to remain "very slow," with most deer activity taking place during the last hour of legal shooting light. Kyle Johnson, biologist stationed at Canton, said rattling has drawn attention from young bucks, and scrapes are being actively visited after shooting hours.
"At this point, it looks favorable that at least the early part of the deer gun season should be very good for rut activity," Johnson said.
Rutting activity in the northeast region may be more underway than in the northwest, with reports that bucks of all age classes "are chasing hard." According to Craig Endicott, northeast region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department, the rut may already be reaching its peak, but breeding activity will likely remain strong through the first week of rifle season.
"Movement of deer is on the rise, with bucks chasing does throughout the day," Endicott said. "Most movements have been observed in areas with good food availability."
Endicott expects deer activity to continue to pick up with the onset of coming cold fronts, rain and cooler temperatures.
"Hunters should be patient and stay in the woods as long as they can," Endicott said. "Bucks will be cruising all day looking for that first receptive doe. Remember to scout. Look for good food sources, especially acorns, which can be in short supply. Locate some good trails to set up on that have seen very recent use."
Endicott said successful public lands hunters are those who spend lots of time scouting.
"There is good hunting on the WMAs, but with the high usage associated with these areas, hunters need to scout for some less used corners and back areas. Try targeting bedding areas that will hold does and keep an eye out for signs of buck activity such as rubs and scrapes. Rutting on WMAs is really gearing up. Remember, be patient and spend time in the woods or on the stand. If you are hoping to harvest a mature buck, let the young ones pass."
"If it keeps going the way it is, gun season is going to hit it right on the nose," said Joe Hemphill about the rut in southeast Oklahoma. Hemphill, southeast region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department, said controlled hunts at McAlester Army Ammunition Plan have had smaller harvest numbers this year than in years past, and said there has yet to be much buck activity in the region.
Hemphill suspects the extended period of high heat at the end of the summer may have "backed everything off," but he did say that despite the heat and drought, food sources are available.
"There are remarkably more acorns than you would think," he said, adding that hunters who find acorns or good water sources may be in luck.
With opening day just days away, rutting activity may be timed just right for southeast region hunters.
The rut is beginning to build in intensity, according to Rod Smith, southwest region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department.
"In the past few days, bucks apparently in search of does have been observed during daylight hours," Smith said. "Since the deer rut appears on the upswing, we may experience near peak rut conditions during the opening week of deer gun season."
Smith said availability of native food sources for deer have been abnormally low, but like in other regions, recent rains have increased the availability of certain fall food sources. Still, areas with agricultural crops may be a good place for hunters to start.
Deer have also been underweight compared to normal, which Smith said could be contributing to later-than-normal rutting activity, along with warmer weather during the first part of November.
"Because the rut is just now getting 'into the swing,' hunters should look for new scrapes and other sign that could appear at any time," Smith said, adding that "hunters should revisit areas that may not have had much sign a week or two ago."
With most of the region still in the "exceptional" or "extreme" drought category, Smith said deer distribution might appear different than in years when there is no drought. Recent rain has resulted in winter wheat germination and growth in food plots on WMAs in the region.
Like in some other parts of the state, reports from hunters and Wildlife Department personnel in the central region indicate the rut is slightly behind the "normal" schedule.
"Rutting has picked up the second week of November, with some bucks seen chasing does and an increase in the number of road kill deer," said Jeff Pennington, central region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department. "It appears that opening weekend of deer gun season will occur at or very near the peak of the rut."
Pennington said 2011 drought conditions had a negative effect on food production in the region, but that overall deer activity has been higher this fall due to the associated nutritional stress.
"Despite the terribly dry conditions, patchy portions of the region produced a surprising number of acorns," Pennington said. "Locations that still have good acorns will be prime hunting spots during gun season as drought-stressed deer try to replenish energy reserves. While the region is still in drought status, there have been sufficient fall rains in most areas to get wheat fields up and growing. In areas with no acorns, deer are already heavily using these fields."
While drought is never considered good for wildlife, Pennington did say the drought limited the height of grasses and other vegetation, which could increase hunter visibility this year.
"If the weather cooperates, I look for the 2011 gun season to provide excellent hunting conditions in the central region due to the late peak of the rut, the limited food availability, and reduced cover," Pennington said.
Deer gun season at a glance
Deer gun season runs Nov. 19 through Dec. 4 — a full 16 days of long-awaited and long-celebrated tradition in which more than 156,000 hunters participate every fall, making it one of the largest sporting events in the state.
Since 1933, deer gun hunters have been making their way into the woods and fields of Oklahoma for hunting season, and this year looks to be no different. In the early part of the last century, when deer populations were down to just a few hundred animals, hunters and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation took up the call to once again have healthy deer populations across the state. Part of this conservation effort began with the historic deer trap-and-transplant projects of the mid-1940s, '50s and '60s. Today, Oklahoma can boast having deer in every county and a whitetail population in excess of 500,000 animals. Hunters have generous harvest limits and expansive opportunities statewide for hunting deer.
To hunt deer in Oklahoma, residents much have a hunting license or proof of exemption, as well as a deer gun license (antlered or antlerless) for each deer hunted or proof of exemption. Resident youth hunters 16 or 17 years old must purchase a hunting license but can purchase a youth deer gun license for each deer hunted that costs only $10. Nonresident deer hunters are exempt from a hunting license while hunting deer, but they must possess a nonresident deer gun license or proof of exemption. Holders of nonresident lifetime hunting and lifetime combination licenses are not exempt from purchasing deer licenses.
Antlerless deer may only be harvested on specified days and in zones open to antlerless harvest. A map showing the antlerless days and zones is available on page 25 of the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide," available online at wildlifedepartment.com.
The deer gun limit is one antlered and two antlerless deer (at least one antlerless deer must be harvested from Zone 2, 7 or 8). The harvest of antlerless mule deer is prohibited during deer gun season, and deer taken by hunters participating in deer gun season are included in the hunters' combined season limit of six.
Resident hunters who do not harvest an antlered deer during deer gun season may use their unfilled deer gun antlered license to harvest an antlerless deer on the last day of the deer gun season, but they must still comply with the limit restriction of no more than two antlerless deer during deer gun season.
Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide season dates. For full details and regulations, consult the "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" online at wildlifedepartment.com.
No hunter ed is no problem for most Oklahomans who still want to hunt this weekend
Four changes to the state's hunter education requirements took effect in August, resulting in more opportunities for Oklahomans to try hunting while making hunting safer for the state's youngest big game hunters.
Now in effect, anyone 31 years of age or older is exempt from hunter education requirements. Additionally, hunters ages 8-30 may purchase an apprentice-designated hunting license that allows them to go hunting without first completing a hunter education course, provided that they are accompanied by a licensed adult mentor who is at least 18 years old and hunter education certified (or exempt from license and hunter education requirements). In addition to making the apprentice-designated hunting license more accessible, one other change requires all hunters under the age of 10, whether hunter education certified or not, to be accompanied when hunting big game.
"These three changes simplify the requirements for responsible adult hunters to get involved in hunting while making the apprentice-designated license available to youth who are ready to start hunting under a mentor at a younger age," said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Big game hunting is a safe and fun sport, and our state's young hunters deserve to be introduced to the joys it offers. But they also deserve to be mentored and guided so that they are equipped to be safe, responsible hunters in the future. This is a reasonable change, and we are confident it is resulting in safer hunting situations for our young big game hunters."
Most Oklahomans who want to hunt big game must be hunter education certified or exempt in order to hunt alone, or must possess an apprentice-designated hunting license and remain within arms reach of a qualifying mentor hunter. Exemptions from hunter education certification as of Aug. 26 include anyone 31 years of age or older, anyone honorably discharged from or currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, and members of the National Guard.
Meek encourages new hunters to complete the Department's hunter education course, and reminds hunters who plan to hunt in other states that completing a course may be required. The Wildlife Department's hunter education class covers a variety of topics including firearms safety, wildlife identification, wildlife conservation and management, survival, archery, muzzleloading and hunter responsibility. It is available as a standard eight-hour course held in communities across the state, an Internet home study course and a workbook home study course. A full listing of course dates and locations can be found online at wildlifedepartment.com.
Additionally, resident hunters who are exempt from hunter education requirements in Oklahoma but who want to hunt in another state that requires certification are eligible to take a proficiency exam for certification without having to complete the course. For more information, call Meek at (405) 522-4572.
For more information about hunting in Oklahoma, log on to the Wildlife Department's website at wildlifedepartment.com.
Hunters making a difference for the hungry
Every year thousands of hungry Oklahomans reap the benefits of deer season through the Hunters Against Hunger program.
According to Becky Rouner, administrator of the Hunters Against Hunger program for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, hunters donated over 49,000 pounds of venison last year.
Through the program, hunters who legally harvest a deer during any of this year's deer seasons can donate the meat to feed the hungry. All they have to do is deliver their harvested deer to the nearest participating meat processor after checking the deer at a hunter check station or online at wildlifedepartment.com. Sportsmen can also use wildlifedepartment.com to view a list of participating meat processors.
To help with processing charges, each hunter is requested to contribute a tax-deductable $10 to assist with the program.
The ground venison is then distributed to the needy through a network of qualified, charitable organizations. Participation by meat processors and hunters is critical in providing this meat source to Oklahoma's hungry.
The Wildlife Department pays a special thanks to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of eastern Oklahoma for their participation in the Hunters Against Hunger program. Important donors to this program also include Tulsa-based conservation group NatureWorks, and the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International. To learn more about NatureWorks, log on to natureworks.org. To learn more about the Oklahoma Station Chapter of SCI, log on to oklahomastationsci.org.
To learn more about the Hunters Against Hunger program, contact the Wildlife Department at (405) 521-4660.
Biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are urging waterfowl hunters to "think geese and cranes" between now and Nov. 27, as large numbers of early migrants have flocked into southwest and western portions of the state in the last five to seven days.
"People may not be thinking about geese and cranes yet, but we are encouraging hunters to take advantage of the opportunity while they are here. Typically, most of these early migrants don't hang around long but move on to their wintering grounds further south," said Josh Richardson, migratory game bird biologist for the Wildlife Department.
There is good reason for waterfowl hunters to take advantage of the large numbers of migrants while they can, not only because the first half of goose season closes Nov. 27 — not to reopen again until Dec. 10 — but also to help farmers in the region who have already been impacted by record drought conditions which may have delayed planting of their winter wheat. "Young wheat that has not yet reached the tillering stage is more vulnerable to damage by birds pulling up the plant. It is when large numbers of these birds are allowed to concentrate for long periods of time on specific fields that we start seeing impacts to crops like winter wheat. We always encourage the use of hunting to help minimize the impact of geese and cranes using private agricultural land," said Richardson.
Winter wheat fields are prime spots for finding migrants right now, since they are utilized as a green food source for birds flying to and from limited water sources. The refuge portion at Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area is one of the few places holding water now in southwestern Oklahoma, and large numbers of geese and cranes are being observed there. Hunters should obtain permission from local landowners whose properties are near these limited water sources
Richardson said he expects that hunters all across western Oklahoma should have good success if they scout agricultural areas and obtain landowner permission in areas where they find birds.
To hunt geese, hunters need a hunting license, an Oklahoma waterfowl license (unless exempt) and a federal duck stamp. In addition, all migratory bird hunters must carry an Oklahoma Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit. Permits are available anywhere hunting licenses are sold for $3 or for free online at wildlifedepartment.com.
Sandhill crane season remains open until January 22, 2012. To hunt sandhill cranes, hunters need a hunting license, a HIP permit and a federal sandhill crane permit that is available for $3 from license vendors or at wildlifedepartment.com.
Arbuckle Lake
meeting to offer insight to anglers
Lake of the Arbuckles has been making a name for itself as a premier bass fishery in recent years, producing three largemouth bass weighing over 12 lbs. each since 2008 alone. One of those tipped the scales at 14-lb. 8-oz. The lake is also providing anglers with quality crappie and white bass fishing opportunities. In short, the lake is serving as an important fishing destination for anglers, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is keeping the public informed by providing an opportunity Dec. 6 to learn about a range of Lake Arbuckle fishing information.
A public meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area's Travertine Nature Center Auditorium. Guests will receive informative updates from Department fisheries biologists on the status of the fishery and related issues. Biologists will address the biological and social aspects of fisheries management and regulations at the lake, and they will present the new Lake of the Arbuckle Five-Year Management Plan developed by the Wildlife Department. Visitors will have a chance to provide feedback on the plan as well as visit with biologists about fishing at the lake.
"Angler opinions are important when developing management plans," said Matt Mauck, south central region fisheries supervisor for the Wildlife Department. "We encourage the angling public to join us for an evening of informative discussions and input opportunities."
Lake of the Arbuckles was impounded in 1967 as a Bureau of Reclamation reservoir. At close to 2,350 acres, the Murray Co. lake offers fishing for all types of anglers and has been an active lake in the Department's lake record fish program. Current lake records include a largemouth bass over 14 lbs., flathead and blue catfish weighing over 50 lbs., channel catfish weighing nearly 20 lbs. and smallmouth bass tipping the scales at over 4 lbs.
Anglers can learn more about fishing at Lake of the Arbuckles by attending the public meeting and can find regulations and harvest limits in the current "Oklahoma Fishing Guide," available online at wildlifedepartment.com. The site will also offer a draft copy of the lake's new management plan prior to the Dec. 6 meeting.
A map to the Travertine Nature Center is available online at http://www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/upload/CHICmap1_2010.pdf
From field to freezer the right way
A hunter will tell you that the freezer full of meat that a harvested deer provides throughout the year is one of the most rewarding aspects of the deer hunting experience. It's not difficult to take a deer from the field to the freezer, but some care and effort is required.
First and foremost, hunters must be properly licensed. To hunt deer in Oklahoma, residents must possess an appropriate hunting license. Additionally, hunters must carry a valid deer license for each deer hunted. Nonresident deer hunters are exempt from a hunting license while hunting deer, but they must possess an appropriate nonresident deer license or proof of exemption. Holders of nonresident lifetime hunting and combination licenses are not exempt from purchasing deer licenses. Licenses are available online at wildlifedepartment.com or at sporting goods dealers and other businesses across the state.
Upon harvesting a deer, all hunters, including lifetime license holders, must immediately attach their name and hunting license number as well as the date and time of harvest to their deer. The attached item can be anything, such as a business card, as long as it contains the required information and remains attached to the carcass until it is checked. In addition, all annual license holders are required to complete the "Record of Game" section on their license form.
All deer must be checked at the nearest open hunter check station, with an authorized Wildlife Department employee or online at wildlifedepartment.com within 24 hours of leaving the hunt area. Once checked, the deer will be issued a carcass tag or online confirmation number, which must remain with the carcass to its final destination or through processing and storage at commercial processing or storage facilities.
Deer should be field-dressed, or "hog-dressed," as soon as possible to prevent spoilage of the meat. After field dressing, hunters may opt to butcher their own deer or have a reputable meat processor prepare it for them. In either case, the meat should be kept clean, cool and dry until it reaches the freezer.
"The second you harvest that deer, the clock starts ticking," said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Wildlife Department. "You need to get it cleaned and cool as soon as possible. Dirt, heat and moisture are three things you'll want to keep away from and off of your deer meat all the way through field dressing and processing. The better you care for your venison in the hours immediately after a harvest, the better it will taste throughout the coming year when you go to the freezer for a cut of venison for the dinner table."
To learn more about deer hunting in Oklahoma, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
Deer hunting plays important economic role in Oklahoma
According to Joanna Matthews of the Antlers Chamber of Commerce, deer hunting season has an important impact on the local southeast Oklahoma community.
"It is like Christmas," she said. "The Friday before opening day of rifle season, the highways and stores are all packed with people coming in to hunt."
With deer gun season underway, similar sentiments are shared in other communities across Oklahoma, including those in the far western region of the state. Steve Musick with the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce said the Rogers Mills Co. community booms during deer season. Motels and restaurants fill up, and local hunting guide businesses stay busy with clients.
Drawn by family tradition, the chance to be outdoors, or even the opportunity to harvest a trophy animal, deer hunters who are participating in the season are having far-reaching effects on the state's economy. Hunting sustains jobs, draws in-state and out-of-state business and floods the economy with millions of dollars each year. The number of people who hunt in Oklahoma could fill both Oklahoma University's Owen Field and Oklahoma State University's Boone Pickens Stadium almost two times, and deer hunters make up a large portion of those hunters.
Original expenditures made by hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers generate rounds of additional spending throughout the economy. According to the most recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (2006), the total economic effect of deer hunting activity in Oklahoma during 2006 was estimated at nearly $500 million, and the total economic effect from 2006 hunting activity in Oklahoma in general was estimated to be about $843 million.
Expenditures made for hunting, fishing and wildlife watching activities support jobs throughout the state. Many of these jobs are in companies that directly serve recreationists, such as retailers, restaurants, motels and more. Others are in companies that support the first companies and employees such as wholesalers, utilities, manufacturers, grocers and more. Total jobs — full and part time — supported in Oklahoma in 2006 from deer hunting-related activities was estimated at about 5,662.
Given that outdoor recreation dollars are often spent in rural or lightly populated areas, the economic contributions of fish and wildlife resources can be especially important to rural economies.
Deer season draws hunters to Oklahoma from across the country as well as the thousands of sportsmen who live and work in Oklahoma. These hunters purchase gear — some of which is made right here in Oklahoma — and they stay in small-town hotels and spend money at local grocery stores, restaurants, and other vendors. Hunting is big business in Oklahoma and an important part of the fabric of the state's economy — a relatively healthy one compared to other parts of the country.
During hard economic times, families and friends are drawn closer together through hunting, and the fabric of Oklahoma's economy is woven even tighter and stronger thanks to a pastime enjoyed by thousands and supported by Oklahoma's rich natural resources.
Deer gun season runs through Dec. 4, and deer archery runs through Jan. 15, 2012. Additionally, the holiday antlerless deer gun season will run Dec. 16-25 in open areas (refer to antlerless deer hunting zones map on page 25 of the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide for open areas). To learn more about deer hunting in Oklahoma, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.


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Bulk Bag Material Conditioner
The patent-pending Material Master bulk bag material conditioner returns solidified bulk bags of troublesome material back to a manageable, free-flowing state. The unit features hydraulically actuated pivoting conditioning arm weldments for the most thorough bag penetration. It also includes a manual turntable base with a hydraulic lift feature for targeting the most problematic areas within the bag. The system features momentary contact push-button controls and full machine guarding for operator safety.
Material Transfer & Storage, Allegan, MI 800-836-7068 www.materialtransfer.com
High-Speed Robotic Palletizer
The A1800 high-speed robotic palletizer provides a robust, fast palletizing and depalletizing solution. The new robot is capable of 1800 cycles/hr, payload capacity up to 310 lb, the ability to operate at a range of 360º, and can stack more than 28 bags/min. The low-maintenance unit is space and energy efficient, featuring a touch screen interface for user-friendly pattern programming and easy-to-use operation.
Columbia/Okura LLC, Vancouver, WA 360-735-1952 www.columbiaokura.com
Hot-Air Bag Sealer
The Supersealer SS1 hot-air bag sealer has a new airflow system and is equipped with variable-speed and stainless-steel components. Autoreversing the belts when temperature is out of range means no bag exits the machine without a seal. Features include: low maintenance (no Teflon bands to change) and variable speed as standard. The unit will seal any heat-sealable material from 0.5 to 30 mil.
O/K International Corp., Marlborough, MA 800-521-2908 www.okcorp.com
Bulk-Bag-to-Bin Weigh Batching System
This dust-free bulk bag weigh batching system features a manual Spout-Lock clamp ring atop a pneumatically actuated Tele-Tube telescoping tube that creates a high-integrity, sealed connection between the clean side of the bag spout and the clean side of the hopper, and automatically elongates the bag as it empties to promote evacuation. Partially empty bags can be retied dust-free with a Power-Cincher pneumatically actuated flow control valve. A low-profile de-lumping device breaks up agglomerates and discharges into a gravimetric feeder connected via a PLC to a floor scale, thereby allowing accurate batch weights to be loaded into rigid totes.
Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, PA 888-353-9426 www.flexicon.com
Bulk Bag Loaders
BEST bulk bag loaders feature state-of-the-art technology in weighing and loading systems. The simple-to-operate Model BBL loader fills bulk bags, bulk boxes, and fiber drums. Standard features include pneumatically actuated, pillow-block mounted, pivoting bag support arms; natural gum-rubber inflatable fill head; control panel; and dust-collection outlet port with cartridge. Many options are available.
Metso Minerals Industries Inc., Brunswick, OH 800-827-9237 www.bestvibes.com
Bulk Bags with Loops
The patent-pending EZ Loop is not like the stand-open loops that many companies have tried. It features lift loops that are not only open, but stand wide open. Each of the loops is open more than half the width of the bag. This creates a large area for the forklift to use, even when the operator is working blind on a stack that is two or three bags high.
AmeriGlobe LLC, Lafayette, LA 866-264-5623 www.ameriglobe-fibc.com
High-Speed Palletizer
This high-speed palletizer with low-level construction gives packagers the convenience and economy of floor-level operation. The automatic grouping module allows layer transfer during product accumulation, which effectively stages and stacks layers every 15 seconds. The palletizer runs cases, trays, totes, bags, or bundles and can accept product from low-level or high-level infeed. The unit allows for easy installation in existing line layouts. Its compact footprint and modular design provide reduced installation costs. Low-level design ensures easy access to operating parts, and eliminates the need for costly catwalks, platforms, and overhead conveyors.
A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp., Tarpon Springs, FL 800-237-5975 www.abcpackaging.com
Manual Bag Dump Stations
These manual bag dump stations provide complete, compact work areas for breaking and dumping bags of material into conveying systems. Each station is equipped with a cartridge filter dust collector, exhaust fan, and collecting hopper to prevent product waste. The airborne fines produced by emptying bags of material into the unit are drawn away from the work area and captured by the cartridge. When the cartridge is reverse-pulse cleaned, the collected fines are released into the hopper and conveyed to the process, thereby ensuring all material is recovered and utilized. Standard features include heavy-duty steel construction, high-efficiency filter media, and manually operated cartridge cleaning.
Nol-Tec Systems Inc., Lino Lakes, MN 651-780-8600 www.nol-tec.com

subset: commoncrawl


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Oregon freshman Jillian Alleyne appreciated going against Stanford star Chiney Ogwumike, even if it was another loss for the Ducks.
"It was a great experience to go against Ogwumike because she's a great player and she's known throughout the nation," Alleyne said.
Ogwumike had 22 points and 13 rebounds, and fourth-ranked Stanford beat Oregon 86-62 on Friday night for its fifth consecutive win.
Ogwumike came into the game ranked sixth in the nation with an average of 22 points, and seventh with an average of 12 rebounds. Her double-double against Oregon was her 16th this season.
Alleyne had 13 points and 13 rebounds for the Ducks, her eighth double-double. She currently leads the conference and is ranked 3rd in the nation with an average of 12.9 rebounds per game.
She is the first freshman to lead the league in rebounding since Arizona's Shawntinice Polk in 2002-03
"I just know I have to keep working hard because I have to do more," Alleyne said. It's great to be No. 1 in the Pac-12 and it's great to be No. 3 in the nation and I'm working hard to be No. 1 in the nation by the end of my freshman year."
Joslyn Tinkle had 16 points for the Cardinal (19-2, 7-1), who led by as many as 29 points in their 12th straight victory on the road this season.
It was also the 400th Pac-12 victory for Tara VanDerveer, who is the only coach in conference history to win that many league games.
The Cardinal are undefeated since a 67-55 loss to then-No. 7 California on Jan. 13 at Maples Pavilion. Stanford's only other loss came against then-No. 2 Connecticut in late December.
Stanford, the 12-time defending Pac-12 champion, leads the all-time series 46-8, including the last 16 straight. The Ducks haven't defeated Stanford since the 2005 season.
Ariel Thomas added 17 points for the overmatched Ducks (3-8, 1-7).
The Cardinal grabbed an early 23-6 lead on Tinkle's layup. Tinkle accounted for 10 points in the first 10 minutes of the game.
Ogwumike, the reigning Pac-12 women's player of the week, converted a layup to make it 31-11. But the Ducks responded with a 12-2 run, capped by Ariel Thomas' 3-pointer that trimmed Stanford's lead to 33-23 with 3:43 left in the half.
Stanford led 38-27 at the break, and extended its advantage to 51-29 on a 3-pointer from Toni Kokenis. Sara James' 3 made it 71-45 with 6:10 left in the game.
The Ducks, under coach Paul Westhead, have struggled with injuries, and were even down to a seven-player rotation at one point earlier in the season. But they got a boost when Liz Brenner returned after missing most of the nonconference schedule while she helped Oregon's volleyball team reach the NCAA championship game.
The Ducks, sitting in last place in the conference, broke through for their first Pac-12 victory last week at Washington State. Oregon's only other wins came in nonconference play against Fresno State and Samford.


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I love that I've posted two entries that have both deviated from my NaBloWriMo plan – and it's only the second day. Typical. But I assure you over the next few days you will get your fair share of apples.
This past Saturday I found myself alone in the house. After the initial shock of the unfamiliar sound of silence and reveling in the peaceful moment I turned on the oven, cranked up the tunes and set myself for the task at hand – create a winning pumpkin pie. You see, somehow I got myself into a pie contest for the Queen Anne Farmers Market. I blame twitter – re-tweet with caution for it could get you signed up for pie contests.
Really though the contest was fun and I need very little, if any, excuse to bake a pumpkin pie.
Let me quickly point out that my pie was not the winner – making it therefore, a loser. However, I am still going to share the recipe because I rather enjoy it – particularly for breakfast. Pumpkins are a vegetable thereby making it a healthy dish. (Don't you just love my logic?)
I knew I was taking a chance with this pie. With creativity being a category for the judging I thought briefly about toppings and chocolate or just about anything else that would win me points. I just couldn't do it. To me there is not much that beats classic pumpkin pie – especially Grandma's pie.
So it was her classic recipe I turned to as it is always the favorite item on our Thanksgiving table. Of course I tweaked a few things to make the recipe reflect my style. The crust was Grandma's recipe using olive oil instead of canola oil. This substitution gave the foundation a hearty, savory flavor. The pumpkin puree – from a can because that's how Grandma would do it – was infused with bay, vanilla bean and the traditional spices. My pie was subtly sweet with the addition of a dark Muscovado sugar.
The top of the pie was covered in Fall leaves made from an all butter crust and brushed with various egg or cream washes so they would each be a different shade. I served the pie with a Maple whipped cream.
It's a winner – well not technically – you be the judge.
The Losing Pumpkin Pie
2 cups Flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup cream
In a medium bowl combine the flour and salt. Stir in olive oil and cream. And *poof* pie dough is done. The dough will be wet. Press into pie pan and bake for 30-40 minutes at 360* until completely baked but the color will remain light. Pour in pumpkin pie filling (below) then continue baking until custard is slightly loose in the center. 350* approximately 35-45 minutes.
Pumpkin Pie Filling
2 cups pumpkin puree
3 eggs
1/2 cup cream
1/2 cup Muscovado sugar (you can easily substitute dark brown or even light brown sugar)
1/2 tsp salt
1 dried bay leaf
1 vanilla bean
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp fresh nutmeg
Combine the puree, cream, sugar and spices in a medium sauce pot then place on low heat. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the puree and throw the pod in there as well. Cook the filling for about 10-15 minutes. Turn off the heat then let it sit for an hour or two – this isn't vitally necessary but allows the flavors to meld. You could also do this the day ahead.
Re-warm the filling then stir in the eggs taking care not to cook the eggs. I like to put warm filling into a warm crust because it cuts down on the baking time.
Bake as directed above then let cool completely.
Garnish with Fall leaves using your favorite pie crust recipe (you could use the same crust recipe as directed above but I find that it doesn't roll out very easily even when rolling between two piece of parchment. I used my Perfect Pie crust – all butter)
I used a variety of washes to get the differing colors on the leaves. 1. one egg and one yolk whisked together 2. one white and 1 tbl. water 3. Heavy Cream
Some of the leaves were sprinkled with white sugar, some turbinado and the rest, Vanilla sugar – and of course a little sprinkle of salt over all of them.
Serve with Maple whipped cream – simply add 1-2 tbl to 2 cups whipped cream.


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how should i pinpoint the location of a particular IP Address??
Do you mean you own or someone elses.
Personally I usually use NeoTrace Pro. If you don't want to pony up the moola to buy it, try going to www.google.com and doing a search for IP tracking tools.
It isn't paranoia when you KNOW they're out to get you...
There are generalized locators, such as Neotrace and Visualroute. They are not without their faults though.
You could always use something along the lines of Sam Spade and acquire the ISP contact info concerning the IP block in question. Now, that won't likely get you near the IP or the physical location at all, but if you have a security/ abuse concern, then it would be wise to send an email to the contact listed for the said ISP.
Regards and hope this helps,
Note - I would assume that you are just looking for generalized info as there isn't too much a need for specific details any how. I would probably stick to contacting the ISP's abuse contact if you are having repeated attacks from a specific IP in their block.
\"I believe that you can reach the point where there is no longer any difference between developing the habit of pretending to believe and developing the habit of believing.\"
NeoTrace is really the best but this site has it's own IP locater. I find it doesn't always give you the most accurate info because it only tells you were your IP is registered.
AO's IP Locater
You can use ARIN Whois or whois from the command prompt to check who owns the IP addresses. From there you should be able to figure out the location.
check the whois function on
www.ripe.net (european registry)
www.arin.net (american registry)
www.apnic.net (asia pacific registry)
When you find the ip you can see who the registred owner of the ip net is and the contact information etc. from there on you can check the domain (usually exposed by the email address) then check the domain contact information to pinpoint a more exact location. Domains need the name phone number and address of the owner! much closer than that you wil not get unless you contact the owners of the ip net and negoatiate some kind a deal with em!
I agree with the suggestion to check out the Sam Spade program (www.samspade.com). It's free and has a bunch of cool networking utilities all rolled into one easy to use interface. The utilities include, DNS lookup, whois, ping, traceroute, nslookup (I think), and some others. I used it during an independent study of mine to get info about machines that were interacting with my honeypots and never had any problems with the program itself. The one thing I don't really like, though, is that the traceroute interface only gives IP addresses and doesn't translate the actual machine name, like many command line equivilents do. Or, you could always just use the command line utils as well.
There is a pretty cool program that is a GUI version traceroute but a bunch faster you should be able to get a roundabout loctation of where they are. Less accurate but free. He also has a lot of other programs like some packet sniffers and such.
I used to use ip-to-country.com but it seems they've been making so many weird changes to it that it's not reliable anymore... *sigh*
\"Windows has detected that a gnat has farted in the general vicinity. You must reboot for changes to take affect. Reboot now?\"
Forum Rules


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UK biz groups bemoan CGT reform
Oh Darling, how could you?
British businesses have joined forces in an attempt to convince the government to rethink its decision to reform capital gains tax (CGT).
In his first Pre-Budget Report (PBR) last week, chancellor Alistair Darling said he would dump taper relief on CGT replacing it with a single 18 per cent tax rate from April next year.
But four main business groups, representing thousands of firms across the UK, have slammed the government's plans claiming that such an overhaul to the CGT system will have a huge impact on the economy.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the CBI, the British Chambers of Commerce and the Institute of Directors have, in what has been considered by many as a rare move, buddied up to cry foul over Darling's CGT strategy.
In an open letter sent to the new chancellor today, the group puts pressure on the government to suspend the axing of CGT taper relief arguing that the "announcement came as a bolt out of the blue".
The group also collectively agreed that small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) would be particularly squeezed by the change.
They wrote: "Owners of small enterprises, who have toiled over years to build up an asset, are now faced with selling up before April or facing a substantial dent to their investment.
"The 1.7 million ordinary employees who are in company share schemes could also face an 80 per cent increase in their tax bill and a serious disincentive to taking up and retaining share options in the future."
The FSB described it as a "hammer blow" to SMBs and said it will continue to push to get the decision reversed.
Nearly 6,500 people have already signed an online petition urging Darling to do a U-turn over his CGT reforms.
Darling said during his PBR speech that the new flat rate of 18 per cent for CGT was "one of the most competitive single rates of any major economy".
There's more on CGT here.
Will the business lobby's pleas be listened to in Whitehall? No, if the experience of the PC industry is anything to go by. Last year's pulling of the Home Computing Initiative in the budget prompted warnings of dire consequences by vendors and dealers. The tax-break was pulled anyway, and a raft of small British tech companies promptly became history.®


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Noble Corporation (NYSE: NE) is a leading contract drilling firm in the oil and gas industry. Noble's business model depends on a mix of short-term and long-term contracts with national oil companies and independent producers; major oil companies are a small percentage of its business. This helps shield NE from the volatility of the consumer market for oil and has contributed to its longevity.
As an offshore oil exploration and production firm Noble Corporation has nearly 87% of its fleet deployed in international markets, including the Middle East, India, Mexico, the North Sea, Brazil and West Africa, with a majority of revenue generated from its international operations.[1] Noble is the second largest offshore drilling company in the world, behind Transocean (RIG). Increased demand for deepwater oil exploration has enabled NE to capitalize on its world-wide fleet drilling capabilities which consist of 13 semi-submersibles, 4 drill-ships, 43 jack-ups and 2 submersibles.[1]
The surge in the rising worldwide demand for energy and geopolitical turbulence in oil-rich nations over the past several years have driven up oil prices and day rates for drilling contractors, and as a result Noble Corporation has nearly doubled its operating revenues from $2,100,239 billion in 2006 to $3,640,784 in 2009.[2] The company's success has been tied to high oil and natural gas prices because high energy costs entice producers to either extend or take up new contracts with large drilling firms like Noble that are capable of drilling more wells.
Noble Corporation generates revenue from renting its drilling rigs to oil and gas companies based on a day-rate price per rig. Increases in gas and oil prices stimulated demand for drilling activity, resulting in higher average day-rates--from 2008 to 2009, average day-rates increased 13% to $197,143.[3] While Noble Corporation's operating expenses have remained consistent, its operating income and total revenues have skyrocketed as a direct result from the rising worldwide demand for energy, especially oil and natural gas.
Fiscal Year 2010 Summary
In 2011, Noble had net income of $773 million, a 54% decrease from the previous year, with operating revenues of $2.8 billion, a 22.9% decrease from the previous year. Contract drilling services revenue dropped mainly due to decreases in average dayrates and utilization. Jackups and Semisubmersibles generated less revenue due to decreases in dayrates from re-pricing of rigs in the Middle East, the North Sea, and Mexico, and drilling restrictions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.[4]
With controversy surrounding BP and Transocean's oil spill, the oil industry's reputation is at stake. Although Noble Corporation was not involved in the Deepwater Horizon incident, it will indirectly be affected by the lower overall consumer confidence in the industry. Safety has become a higher priority for oil companies--regulators will become more strict and companies will become more scrutinized.
On May 6, 2010, the Department of the Interior announced that no applications for drilling permits for operations on the Outer Continental Shelf will be issued until the Department of the Interior completes a safety review process of offshore drilling. Although Noble conducts 87% of its business in international markets, the moratorium will severely limits Noble's production capacity in the Gulf of Mexico.
On December 28, 2010, Standard & Poor's lowered its credit ratings outlook on Noble to A- from stable, due to expectations of the company's credit quality remaining weak because of slower permitting for deepwater-drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, lower dayrates, and negative free cash flow due to a heavy capital expenditure program. Production has decreased significantly, and since the drilling moratorium was lifted in October, U.S. regulators have approved just one well above 500 feet.[6]
On February 28, 2011, Noble won the first US deep-water drilling permit in the Gulf of Mexico since the oil spill 10 months ago. With plans to use a containment system developed by Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc., Noble was able to meet the new standards for safety and spill control in design, casing, and cementing. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, reports that more permit approvals are expected in "coming weeks or months." This could indicate a start in the recovery of the drilling industry.[7]
The economic conditions of oil and gas prices have been the major factor in Noble's success. Oil cost less than $20 a barrel in 2000[8], and peaked on July 3, 2008, when crude oil futures reached a record high of $145.85.[9] Although oil prices took a dip in 2009 due to the global financial crisis, averaging $62 per barrel[10], prices have returned, averaging at $79 per barrel during first quarter of 2010.[11] This allows companies such as Noble Corporation to increase its margins, as well as its revenues. Over the last decade, oil prices have fluctuated violently, but the overall trend has been beneficial to Noble Corporation, as it has been trending upwards.
As exploratory work intensifies, the increase in demand for drilling rigs relates to the rising demand for oil and gas in emerging industrialized countries such as China and India. As a result, the global economic cycle has been heavily impacted by the economic growth of developing nations.
Traditional oil producing basins have matured, particularly on land, and oil exploration and production companies have started to look for new reserves in challenging, deepwater environments. The recent increases of oil and gas costs have enabled offshore drilling contractors to engage in deepwater oil exploration that was once too expensive to pursue. For Noble, the prospect of entering new long and short-term contracts is more economically feasible because it profits from exposure to rising day-rates with short-term contracts. The company also mixes in long-term contracts to protect itself if day-rates plummet. Noble Corporation stands to profit from deepwater drilling because of its superior fleet of 62 offshore drilling units. Noble Corporation's average day-rates for its higher end rigs can go upwards of $400,000.[3]
Severe weather conditions threaten the entire offshore contract drilling industry, especially those concentrated in hurricane prone areas such as the Gulf of Mexico. These areas are especially vulnerable to environmental disasters as we witnessed with hurricanes like Katrina and Rita. With 28% of its operations in the GOM Noble Corporation recorded a $20 million charge of insurance recoveries for the non-reimbursable portion of damages sustained in the those hurricanes and $49.8 million in losses of insurance proceeds for their fleet of semi-submersibles. Operating days are far less during hurricane season because storms can delay or completely halt operations for several days. Moreover, rigs can be damaged and maintaining, upgrading or replacing rigs is very expensive.
Rising oil prices have led both consumers and companies to seek out alternative sources of energy and invest in renewable energy such as nuclear, solar, wind, biofuels, and ethanol. As the global consumer demand shifts toward renewable energy sources due to recent environmental concerns over climate change, this change in consumer consciousness may adversely affect the oil and gas industry. With the advent of hybrid and fuel cell vehicles and the cost of gasoline becoming dangerously close to $4 per gallon, consumers have become less inclined to purchase gas guzzling SUV's opposed to more fuel-efficient cars. As a result offshore contract drilling companies stand to lose if the oil and gas industry encounters a sudden decrease in demand.
In the offshore contract drilling industry, competition is primarily encountered on a regional basis. For 87 years Noble Corporation has been able to sustain its longevity by retaining one of the highest industry-wide utilization rates for its rigs in both the international (97%) and domestic (96%) arenas. Noble Corporation's utilization efficiency is significant when compared to the overall rig utilization statistics for the entire competitive rig fleet which is 85.4%.[12] Noble purchased Frontier for US$2.16 billion in July 2010 and Noble's fleet grew up seven units offshore drilling units.
High utilization rates indicate large profits because most of Noble Corporation's revenue is generated through its day-rates. High day-rates and continual increases of oil and gas prices may indicate that discovering new deposits of fossil fuels is becoming more difficult.
Noble Corporation encounters significant regional competition. Below are listed NE's major competitors.
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|Energy Companies
Anadarko Petroleum BP ChevronTexaco Arch Coal Cameco ConocoPhillips Enbridge Consolidated Edison Entergy Exelon Exxon Mobil Frontier Oil GE Halliburton Philips Massey Energy Occidental Petroleum PG&E Peabody Energy Shell Sasol Schlumberger Sinopec Suncor Sunoco SunPower Suntech Suzlon Toshiba Valero Xcel


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Broccoli Pesto to Lamb Ragù: 15 Ways to Enjoy Pasta
What would we ever do without pasta? When it comes to quick, simple dinners, pasta reigns in my household. (My husband's family is Italian, which also has something to do with this; pasta is one of the major food groups around here.) Here's a look back at some of our best pasta recipes, with an emphasis on sauces. Some of my own personal favorites are here: A pesto sauce made with steamed broccoli and feta, and a rich, creamy wild mushroom ragù that is nevertheless quite light and cream-free. There's a meaty lamb sauce, and mint pesto for spring. Read on, then share your own favorite pasta sauce for springtime!
• 1 Velvety Broccoli and Feta Pasta - Broccoli goes pesto in this quick, deceptively creamy pasta sauce.
• 2 One-Pot Pasta e Fagioli - Hearty beans and pasta cooked together.
• 3 Pasta with Mint Pesto, Peas and Ricotta Salata - Perfect for spring.
• 4 Southwest Skillet Ragu - What Hamburger Helper only dreams it could be.
• 5 Rich and Meaty Lamb Ragù - When lamb goes on sale the day after Easter, buy some and make this.
• 6 Rich No-Cream Wild Mushroom Pasta Sauce - A creamy sauce that depends on a roux instead of cream.
• 7 Lemony Ricotta Pasta with Basil - Creamy and lemony.
• 8 One-Bowl Microwave Macaroni and Cheese - So much better than Kraft.
• 9 Peppery Whole Wheat Pasta with Wilted Chard - Pasta with mushrooms, chard, and plenty of pepper.
• 10 Slow-Cooked Bolognese Sauce - Nothing beats that slow-cooked, meaty taste.
• 11 Pasta with Butternut Squash, Sage, and Pine Nuts - This is best when the pasta is really browned in the pan.
• 12 A Simple Duck Ragu - Why should beef get all the fun? Duck ragu is delicious too!
• 13 Marcella Hazan's Famous Tomato Sauce - A classic marinara sauce, amazingly simple.
• 14 Make a Free-Form Pasta Casserole - How to make a pasta casserole from anything.
• 15 Goat Cheese and Swiss Chard Pasta Casserole - A lovely dish for spring.
Are you cooking pasta this week? What are you doing with it?
(Images: See linked recipes for full image credits)


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about the artist
bySarah Guse Brown
Michigan, US
Hi! I'm Sarah, and I am a designer, small business owner, and typography enthusiast. When I'm not busy working on submission for Minted, I'm designing for my stationery shop Banter & Charm.Visit Sarah Guse Brown's store
Copyright © 2008 - 2018 , MINTED LLC, all rights reserved


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SUNNYVALE, Calif., -- March 21, 2002 -- Artisan Components, Inc., (Nasdaq: ARTI), a leading provider of semiconductor intellectual property (IP), today announced the availability of its SAGE-HS High-Speed Standard Cell Library. The new SAGE-HS Library complements the proven technology of the SAGE-X Library by providing significantly higher performance with minimal area increase.
For the first time, designers can choose between two cell libraries for use in different parts of the same design: the SAGE-HS High-Speed Library for cell blocks that require the highest performance and the SAGE-X Library for cell blocks that require both speed and area optimization. The SAGE-HS Library has a rich set of almost 600 cells and over 150 functions and can offer up to 30% speed improvement. The library is architected with Artisan's time-tested Process-Perfect™ development flow and includes simulation models for industry-leading timing, synthesis, power, place-and-route and DFT tools. SAGE-HS evaluation kits for TSMC's 0.18-micron generic process and 0.13-micron low-voltage process are now available for downloading from Artisan's web site.
"Artisan is committed to complementing our free library offering with application specific products that can be purchased to provide designers more choices on the speed-power-area continuum," said Neal Carney, Artisan's vice president of marketing. "Artisan's new SAGE-HS Library allows designers to make the right performance vs. area decision for each block on their chip. This solution enables better designs and quicker timing closure for our customers."
Product Availability
The SAGE-HS Standard Cell Library's evaluation kits for TSMC's CL018G and CL013LV-LK (standard Vt) processes are immediately available and can be downloaded by licensed customers from Artisan's web site at http://access.arm.com.
About Artisan Components
Artisan Components, Inc., (Nasdaq: ARTI) is a world leader in intellectual property (IP) components, providing high-quality solutions for many of the world's leading semiconductor foundries, integrated device manufacturers, ASIC vendors and IC design teams. Artisan's Process-Perfect™ memory generators, standard cell and I/O libraries are optimized to achieve the full-speed, density and low-power potential of each semiconductor process. Each product is verified using the industry's most comprehensive QA and validation procedures and delivered ready to use with a complete set of views and models supporting leading design tools. Artisan's headquarters are located at 141 Caspian Court, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1013.
Artisan Components is a registered trademark and Process-Perfect is a trademark of Artisan Components, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


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LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming basketball player accused of kicking a man in the face during a bar fight last winter has been ordered to serve jail time and pay $58,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge.
Luke Martinez of Bismarck, N.D., entered the plea Monday in circuit court in Laramie, according to Joshua Merseal, deputy Albany County prosecutor.
Magistrate Matthew Castano sentenced Martinez to 45 days in jail and ordered him to pay the restitution. Martinez started serving the sentence Monday, Merseal said.
Martinez was accused of kicking Parfait Nayigihugu, who was unconscious at the time, outside a Laramie bar on Dec. 30.
Martinez had faced a felony charge of aggravated assault and battery, which carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Martinez immediately was suspended from the team and never played again the rest of the season, which was his senior year.
His trial had been set to start Aug. 26.
Merseal said the case against Martinez changed when Nayigihugu told prosecutors on July 31 that he was unable to attend the trial because of job commitments in another state.
"You need a victim for an assault charge," Merseal said.
As a result, the prosecution had no choice but to dismiss the felony charge and refile it as a misdemeanor, he said.
In an email to Merseal, Nayigihugu said he was OK with the lesser offense against Martinez.
"I do not choose for the defendant to have a felony on his record," he wrote. "This is my personal decision. I want to put this situation behind me and move on with my life, as I'm sure Lucas would like to as well."
Martinez's attorney Thomas Fleener did not immediately return a telephone message for comment Tuesday.
Nayigihugu filed a lawsuit against Martinez seeking unspecified damages for pain and suffering, severe emotional distress, lost income and other issues. His attorney in the civil case, Steve Aron, was not available Tuesday, according to his office.
Before the incident, Martinez was a starting guard for the Cowboys and was leading UW in scoring, averaging 14.5 points a game. The Cowboys were off to a 12-0 record to start the season at the time of his suspension. They ended up 20-14 overall and 4-12 in the Mountain West Conference.


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APPLETON, WISCONSIN -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident. My husband and I purchased a Toshiba 42" television set from Best Buy Store in Appleton, Wisconsin in November 2004. We purchased an extended service warranty at that time. February 11th, less than three months from purchase the set stopped working. My husband called the company's 800 number and was told a technician could not come to service the television until February 18th.
On Thursday, February 24th we still had not heard from the company as to the status of the television set. I called the Appleton Best Buy store and was told that **, the store manager was not available. A supposed assistant store manager came to the phone calling herself ** refusing to reveal her last name. After explaining the situation she phoned the 800 number twice and told me the technician had waited two days and ordered the four defective parts on Sunday, February 20th.
I asked for the technician's name and a way to contact the technician and was told by ** that she was not able to get that information and all she knew was that he was identified as '**'. The lack of communication between the Appleton store and the technician is very troublesome to us and the employee's refusal to completely identify herself is indicative of fraudulent behavior.
Today, March 1st, I called the Appleton store yet again and was told that ** was not available again. Again I was routed to a person described as a 'manager on duty' named ** who also refused to completely identify herself. Once again I explained the situation and she made four calls to the Best Buy 800 number before she could even access our account. I asked her why it took the technician two days to order the parts and when exactly a technician would return to complete the job.
Perhaps ** missed work the day that customer service was taught, or maybe she is just a rude person, but the result was the same - she hung up the phone rather than complete our conversation. My husband and I have purchased several big appliances from this store in the past - a refrigerator, clothes dryer, and microwave oven to name a few and feel we have been treated extremely poorly as returning customers.
As a resolution, I would like the following: Until the point that ** hung up the phone we honestly thought that perhaps we could get our television fixed in a timely and satisfactorily manner. Her rude behavior seems indicative of the level of service and competence this company provides. With her rude treatment we have decided that we do not want to be doing business with this store on any ongoing basis and want to return the defective television set that worked less than 3 months for a full refund.
We are not satisfied with the television set that did not perform as promised. We also are not satisfied with the rude treatment we received from ** as returning customers. Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.
JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident. I quit AOL months ago and asked for final bill. It took them over 6 weeks to send me the bill for $15.00. During that time I received 5 calls asking for the bill to be paid. I said I was still awaiting the bill and several of them told me they were in a separate department and were not aware of that.
Upon receipt of the bill I paid it through my bank electronically. I called them and told them. The very next day the calls started again with them calling even after 9 pm. I told them to not call again as the bill had been paid and verified by the bank. I told her to not call again. She said she would put a paid note in the file and forward this information. Two hours later I get another call and have to explain it again to another.
I asked for their manager because I was sick of their constant annoying because the bill had been paid right after I received it and I had already notified 6 different individuals at AOL. Yesterday I received a letter stating that the bill was turned over to collection. I will again attempt to contact these people, but since I have gone this way several times before I expect the same. It is obvious they do not communicate between departments or anywhere else at this company.
As a resolution, I would like the following: I would like them to correct this situation and verify no mark has been placed in my credit report. There has to be a better way. Harassment to me and my family with the constant threats is wrong and unacceptable. Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.
WAUNAKEE, WISCONSIN -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident. Stainsafe will not honor my warranty that I paid over $170 for a 5 year warranty because - THEY SAY - I did not get my digital pictures to them by email within 30 days of filing the complaint. This is AFTER they originally denied my claim because they determined it was not reported within 30 days of the problem occurring! I battled with them for almost a year. Now they are saying 'Ask for a refund of your remaining warranty from Slumberland.'
As a resolution, I would like the following: I would like them to honor the repair warranty & fix my couch/recliner. Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.
WAUPUN, WISCONSIN -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident. I currently have an automobile loan account with Ford Credit. We have had some financial hardship due to illness and layoffs. Ford Credit has repeatedly phoned our relatives even after having been asked to stop. Recently, my landlord brought a note to my door to call Ford Credit. When I phoned them, I asked them how they got my landlord's phone number. I was told that I had supplied the number on my application. This was impossible since I had only been living here since last Oct. 2004 and the loan application was supplied in 2002.
When I informed them of this, they stated they had 'just called my neighbor.' I again told them not to call my relatives or to seek out my neighbors by way of the phone book. They continue to call relatives on average of three times per week per relative. This includes their home and workplace. They also continue to phone my place of employment even though I have been off work since January. I had explained to them that I cannot receive personal phone calls at work and that such phone calls would subject me to employee disciplinary action. They continue to call.
As a resolution, I would like the following: I demand Ford Motor Credit only attempt to contact me at my home number or cell phone number which has been supplied to them. I want them to stop calling my relatives and neighbors. Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.


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|Institution Type:
|Campus Setting:
|Southwest Large City
|Highest Degree Offered:
|Level of Institution:
|Four or more years
|Four-one-four plan
UTA is one of the cheapest universities in Texas! It has a lot of awesome features, such as being close to Six Flags, and having an awesome Greek life! UTA…
The campus of the University of Texas at Arlington is filled with culture and liveliness from student clubs to events. It has been growing, with new buildings and places added…
a wonderful school, with merited professors, tons of things to do both on and off campus and an attitude that truly allows you to push your limits. …
The university is great. However, financial need for middle class people is horrible. Parking is horrible also.…
The University of Texas at Arlington is an amazing vibrant campus that will allow you to excel in college academics. Since being here i have made several friends and the…
One of the most popular attractions, and my favorite place at The University of Texas at Arlington is the Maverick Activity Center (MAC). This state of the art facility features an gym better than many of the gyms that I've payed for in the past. What makes this gym even better is that it's FREE to all students!!Read More
The UTA campus is a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. The student council is always finding ways to engage the students in campus activities.Read More
My living situation wasn't the greatest and I didn't feel safe. I paid way more for my Centennial Court apartment than it was worth.Read More
I enjoy being here because what I am getting here is far better from what I previously hadRead More
This is a friendly campus. Everyone is willing to help everyone out. There are so many activities on campus such as Ooze ball, which is volleyball in the mud and the Fall/Spring concerts.Read More


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Visiting Home: How a Sabbatical in the UK Became Multiple Projects
For Dr. Bill Davies, a four-month sabbatical wasn't just a chance to soak up the familiar scenery of his native United Kingdom after spending five years as an expat professor in the United States; it was a rare opportunity to surround himself — quite literally — with his studies. And for once in his career, he wouldn't be the only guy in the country studying the legal history of the constitution of the European Union.
"Meeting people in the same scenario and doing the same research you are is invigorating and exciting and refreshing — you just can't replicate that — because I'm one of only a very few people in the United States doing this kind of research," Davies said. "There's one other guy. He's in Connecticut, I think."
If Dr. Davies's area of expertise sounds unusual, that's because it is. The assistant professor in the Department of Justice, Law and Society occupies a specific niche in academia: he studies the transnational legal structures of the European Union. And last semester, he spent four months on sabbatical traversing Europe, interviewing judges and diplomats, and poring over legal documents in Britain's National Archive — all while putting the finishing touches on his first book, Resisting the European Court of Justice: West Germany's Confrontation with European Law 1949-1979.
"In my research I look at the relationship between the 'federal' European court and the national courts in the European Union," Davies said. "I just finished a book about the relationship between German courts and the Court of Justice [of the European Union], and wanted to move onto a different national case study — Britain, where I'm from."
"The EU is constantly in some kind of crisis — anyone who studies it kind of rolls their eyes when they hear it's in crisis because it has been since it was created," he continued. "It's mainly because of the legal system that the whole thing works and sticks together."
Davies was granted a visiting professorship through the Leverhulme Trust, a charitable organization that supports research and education across all academic disciplines, and traveled to the United Kingdom in January. He spent the majority of his time at the Bracton Centre for Legal History Research at the University of Exeter, intermittently taking trips to the National Archives in London, and to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
But even Davies himself was surprised by just how fruitful his time in Europe turned out to be. In addition to gathering information about the complicated relationship between Britain and the European Union — "There's a paradox when you look at Britain because it's a very reluctant member of the EU," Davies explained, "the public doesn't like it, the elite doesn't like it, but it makes Britain much richer" — he stumbled across a treasure trove of unexpected information that he will be able to mine as a rich vein for papers, projects, and quite possibly, more books.
"I knew I wanted to write about Britain," Davies said, "but two exciting things happened that overtook everything else."
Davies was allowed into the Legal Service of the European Commission's archive in Brussels, which is notoriously difficult to access, and typically closed to researchers and scholars.
Davies said, "A colleague and I managed to go for three days, writing and copying like mad. I can't express the excitement — it was like The Da Vinci Code, finding a map behind a wall or something. And just awesome."
His good fortune didn't stop there. Towards the end of his sabbatical, he managed to track down the family of Walter Much, one of the early General Directors of the European Commission Legal Services. Davies was invited to Much's home near Luxembourg to sift through his personal archive containing thousands of previously unread papers pertaining to the European legal system. Davies now plans to prepare an academic paper based on these letters.
"Apart from the collectors themselves, I am the only person ever to see many of these documents," Davies said. "I don't have enough hours to do all the processing and writing I want to do from this trip. As the Americans say: I really hit the mother lode."


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For the best experience on the Abcam website please upgrade to a modern browser such as Google Chrome
Abcam's IL-2 Human in vitro ELISA Set is designed for the quantitative measurement of IL-2 in cell culture supernatants, buffered solutions, serum, plasma and other body fluids.
The IL-2 ELISA set includes both the capture and the detection antibodies as well as Horse-Radish peroxidase conjugated Streptavidin (HRP-Strep) and TMB which are the reagents used in the colour development step.
This ELISA set is intended to measure human IL-2 in cell -culture supernatants, as well as in serum and plasma samples. The enclosed procedures provide general guidelines for ELISA preparation. This procedure may need some optimization depending on the plastic, matrix, standard range.
|5 x 96 tests
|10 x 96 tests
|15 x 96 tests
|Detection biotinylated anti-IL-2 antibody
|1 x 0.55ml
|2 x 0.55ml
|3 x 0.55ml
|IL-2 Capture antibody
|1 x 0.5ml
|2 x 0.5ml
|3 x 0.5ml
|IL-2 Standard (Lyophilized)
|5 vials
|10 vials
|15 vials
|Ready-to-Use TMB
|2 vials
|4 vials
|6 vials
|1 vial
|2 vials
|3 vials
Our Abpromise guarantee covers the use of ab48471 in the following tested applications.
The application notes include recommended starting dilutions; optimal dilutions/concentrations should be determined by the end user.
|Sandwich ELISA
|Use at an assay dependent concentration.
ab48471 has not yet been referenced specifically in any publications.
Please note: All products are "FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY AND ARE NOT INTENDED FOR DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USE"


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Free Christian concert planned
Last summer, I along with several others helped the Todd Becker Foundation with an event where we blocked of part of the downtown in Gothenburg. The event had an attendance of about 600 people. We agreed we needed to do something like this again.
We just were able to have three bands—Vota, Eternity Focus and Orphans Cry—and a speaker from Rachel's Challenge come to Gothenburg on June 22. The program was to have several worship bands, a speaker and an altar call, with counselors available to talk with people at this time also. We had 500 to 600 people come out even with a rain and hail storm in the middle of it. We did end up getting rained out and Vota and the speaker where unable to go on.
We will be having Tenth Avenue North, Jefferson Bethke and The Digital Age come and put on a free event for the area on Sunday, Aug. 18, starting at 5:30 p.m. by the four plex in Gothenburg.
This event is being put together by men and women from several churches working together. The primary purpose is to bring people into the Body of Christ. Secondly, it is designed to bring people together who are Christians for praise and worship in an open setting outside of our separate church buildings standing together before our Lord lifting up praise to the One Who Saves.
We are excited that every church in Gothenburg has at least one person that is assisting with this event.
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