text:
Testing intelligent hinged robot units for future manned and unmanned missions
The aim of the German ROKVISS (RObotic Components Verification on the ISS) experiment is to test highly integrated, modular robot components under the conditions experienced in space. The experiment has been developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in the Oberpfaffenhofen-based Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics. At the same time, the experiment also serves to demonstrate various new control procedures in both automatic and so-called telepresence mode. The experimental flight unit will be installed on the International Space Station (ISS) in January 2005 following the launch of a Russian spaceship called Progress in December 2004. The experiment will be run on the station for about one year.
The components used will form the basis for new lightweight robot elements which it is hoped will be used on future manned and unmanned space missions.
At its heart the system consists of a robot arm with two hinges, a 'metal finger' at the end of the arm, a stereo video camera and a mono camera. These elements are fitted on a basic platform on the outside of the Russian Service Module (SM) on the ISS. The base plate also accommodates electronic boxes for power distribution and image processing and a special experimental contour that is used for dynamic motion experiments on the robot and for tests on the hinge parameter settings. The robot's hinges and the cameras are controlled by a central experiment computer inside the ISS.
Control from Earth in telepresence mode
When in non-automatic mode, so-called telepresence mode, the experiment is run by an operator on the ground. This is only possible when the ISS is passing through the range of transmission and vision of the ground station in Weilheim, south-west of Munich. When in this range, a high-rate S-band link belonging to the ROKVISS ensures communication between the station and Earth and vice versa. The images taken by the stereo camera onboard the ISS are transferred to the operator's screen while the forces impacting on the robot and its hinge positions are also transferred at the same time. The forces can be sensed on the joystick used by the operator. The mono camera, secured to the head of the robot arm, can check the condition of the ISS at close range and take pictures of Earth.
Telepresence mode is only available during the phase of direct radio contact between Earth and the space station. The forces measured on the sensors' hinges are transferred directly to the operator's joystick. This mode requires an exacting up-and-down-link for the robot and video data. The maximum time delay for all data transfers is no greater than around 10 milliseconds.
Automatic mode is used during the phase in which there is no radio link from the station to Earth. During this time, the experiments are controlled by the experiment computer onboard the ISS and the experiment data saved for subsequent analysis.
ROKVISS –German aerospace skills
The project is being financed by DLR with funding from the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The hardware and software has been developed and built by EADS Space Transportation in Bremen, acting as the main contractor, and the DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics in Oberpfaffenhofen, which is responsible for the robot components, running the experiments and scientific evaluation of the results. Kayser-Threde from Munich is assuming responsibility for the development and construction of the experiment's computer and power supply as well as providing the DLR institute with technical support. Hoerner & Sulger are supplying the camera equipment and electronic accessories. Project management is being handled by DLR's space agency. Implementation of this mission is based on an agreement between DLR's space agency, the Russian partner Roskosmos, RKK Energia and Munich-based Kayser-Threde, which is also acting as the main contractor for the S-band communication infrastructure.
ROKVISS – the ambitious space experiment
For reasons associated with cost and safety, robot applications in space require the use of lightweight elements which must offer a high degree of mobility and interactivity. The ratio of the load the robot has to move to its own weight should wherever possible be 1:1. The new robot concept developed by DLR is designed as a modular system, comprising the basic elements, the intelligent hinge drives and the electronics. The experiment aims to investigate and test highly integrated lightweight robot elements under the real conditions of space along with new control procedures for automatic operations and online control by an operator. System development is based on robot components already used on Earth.
ROKVISS – the complex and complete system
The ROKVISS system consists of several main components:
External flight unitThe basic platform is fitted to the outside of the ISS, on the Russian Service Module (SM) on what is known as the universal workstation. It was installed by the cosmonauts when they were working outside the station. The robot arm, along with its two highly integrated hinges, are fitted on the platform, at the end of which are the camera systems. The stereo camera transfers images of how the experiment is proceeding while the mono camera is used for observing at a distance. Other electronic units, such as power distribution and image processing, are also located on the platform.
These are joined by the S-band communication unit with antenna, telemetry and telecommand box as the data transmitting and receiving station for controlling the experiment. Kayser-Threde is the contractor responsible for this unit. The contour also fitted on the platform is used to run the experiments, i.e. to shut down paths and undertake contact operations in automatic and telepresence mode.
Internal flight unit The ROKVISS onboard computer controls all the external flight unit's elements and therefore all the operations undertaken by the robot. It is also the link to the Russian control system and to the ROKVISS S-band communication unit.
Ground stationThe flight system is controlled and monitored by the transmitting and receiving station of DLR's Space Operations Centre in Weilheim, southern Germany. The ROKVISS ground control unit is also situated here. This consists of a joystick with force feedback, the computers for path generation and image processing and a 3D virtual reality-based image projection unit.
ROKVISS – high levels of flexibility provided by the different operating modes
Telepresence mode To repair satellites and perform other service tasks in space, it is absolutely essential that the operator can be included in the control circuit and a rapid data circuit is key to this. During the direct space-to-Earth data link, the robot experiment can be controlled directly from Earth. This mode requires what is known as a deterministic, very fast up-and-down link between the ISS and Earth-based control centre in order to transfer control and video signals. The signal time (physical runtime and time required to process the data) on this link should be kept to a minimum. In other words, operations are in real-time. When in this mode, there is direct force feedback between the station and Earth. When combined with the stereo video images transferred from the station, the data gives the operator a real impression of the processes taking place on the robot system on the ISS.
Automatic modeWhen in this mode, the robot is controlled automatically by the experiment computer. The data for automatic mode are saved on-board and transferred to the ground station for analysis once the experiment is complete. This is done during the next phase of radio contact following the experiment.
Prospects – what is the next step for space robotics after ROKVISS?
The main aim of the development project and experiment is to produce a blueprint for a new complex robot for use with service robots in space. An initial application for this is the TECSAS (Technology Satellite for the demonstration and verification of Space systems) mission. Once the feasibility investigation was completed, the definition phase of this project was begun in October 2004. The project is being run in conjunction with the Russian Space Agency, the Russian company Babakin Space Research Centre in Moscow, German companies and institutes and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).


text:
Receive free standard shipping with your online purchase of 1 or more denim items at forever21.com. To redeem online, eligible customers must select this option during checkout in order to receive free shipping. Gift cards, e-gift cards, packaging, taxes, and prior purchases do not qualify toward the minimum purchase requirement and offer cannot be applied to such items. Valid on standard ground shipping within the 48 continental U.S. states only. Not valid on shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, P.O. Boxes, APO/FPO and international addresses. If you choose another shipping option, additional charges may apply. No adjustments on previous purchases. Forever 21 reserves the right to modify or cancel this promotion at any time without notice.
Shop the 'Gram
Upload your favorite F21 outfit on Instagram with
#F21xME for a chance to be featured!
Terms and Conditions
Forever Connected

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Here you will find information on travel, accommodation, flights, tours, restaurants, thing to do and attractions.
Why not be part of the discussions and post your comments on your travels to such places as America or Australia.
We shall be updating the blog with the latest information on travel and related services.
Thank you for visiting.
Tags: Accommodation, Attractions, Businesses, holidays, itravelworld, Restaurants, Shopping, Tours, Travel
The hub of the city's commercial and financial affairs, the Central Business District of the city of Sydney is a very strategic point. It is one of the most popular places tourists indulge in when they visit Sydney. It's an area that harbors very major tourist attractions sites and various activities that someone on holiday can indulge in. from art, to history to nature, you will get it all in Sydney's Central Business District. Read the rest of this entry »
Sydney is a gem during the day and during the night alike. There is so much to see and do both during the day and the night. There are lots of interesting places to see at night in and around the Sydney CDB, and all are within easy traveling distance from one another. From Centerpoint Tower you can see all of Sydney & inner suburbs. Sydney's Centerpoint tower is a great place to start the evening with a meal in its revolving restaurant that has gives the visitor a spectacular look over the city and harbor from all angles. You can also take a drink as you take in this great view all in from one of the bars. Read the rest of this entry »
Fleurieu Peninsula
This is one region in the south of Adelaide with a diverse landscape and offers vast coastlines with beautiful beaches, rolling Mt Lofty ranges, ancient vineyards and farmland communities.
The middle and south parts of the coast of the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula are a great place for expert surfers. The frequent swells in summer and storms in winter add an extra thrill to the lovers of the board. These different surf conditions offer a variety to the experiences surfers to test their prowess in this hobby, and practice to sharpen the skill as well. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Adelaide, Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula
This is a wonder feature that is located in Western Australia. It is specifically stretches over 100km south of Coral Bay and north towards Exmouth . Ningaloo means 'Point of Land'. This is one of the wonders of the world that has been preserved over the years. It is a coral reef that runs over 260 kilometers and one of the things that makes this very unique is the fact that you can walk from the beach to a coral reef straight. Some of the most rare species of fishes and other sea animals are found in this reef and they live well even with people's interference as they visit the reef.
There is great variety of fishes and coral and millions of a great share of marine animals are found this reef. Some of the rare animals found here are such as the humpback whales, the dugongs, the manta rays, the whale shark is also found in this wonder of the world. The waters of Ningaloo are also breeding grounds for the whale shark that comes all the way here to breed. To get the best places to view the whales is off the Tantabiddi and Mangrove Bay areas. For your information the Whale Sharks are not dangerous they eat planktons and you can swim in the Ningaloo Reef without the fear of the sharks snapping out your life.
One of the greatest experiences in the Ningaloo Reef is the diving schools for the vast majority of visitors that come to the Ningaloo Reef and cannot swim. It is through the diving that you get the best views of the magnificient coral reef. Other ways of veiwing the reef is thrrough glass bottomed boats, there are also semi submersible boats depending on what one prefers.
From Perth the Ningaloo Reef is accessed via the Brand Highway. It is one long road drive. For those who would prefer to fly the closest point to fly to reach the Ningaloo Reef is Learmonth Airport 40km south of Exmouth. Carnarvon is 130km from Gnaraloo, 240km from Coral Bay, and 350km from Exmouth. Carnarvon does have its own coral to snorkel on, right next to shore 40km north of town at the Blowholes (Point Quobba).
The Ningaloo Reef is a must visit for anyone who is on tour in Australia it is unforgivable to leave before making a trip to the largest coral reef in the world. The one reef that is visible from space. Accomodation options in Ningaloo Reef are several.
Tags: attractions in Western Australia, Carnarvon, Coral coast, Exmouth accommodation, Ningaloo Reef
The city of Fremantle is more or less a "port city" located in Western Australia.
From its history, you will realize that it was the first settlement of the Swan River colonists back in 1829 and was later declared to be a city in 1929. It has a population of approximately 26,000 people.
Fremantle city is named after a Captain – Charles Fremantle, who was the English naval officer who had pronounced possession of Western Australia back in the colonial days. The captain had established a camp at the site. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: fremantle, fremantle accommodation, fremantle attractions, Things To See in Fremantle
Margaret River is a very spectacular holiday destination that is located in Western Australia; approximately 300kms from the city of Perth. This is an area blessed with attractive landscapes (including caves), mediterranean maritime climate and a huge variety of wines to choose from. It would be indeed justifiable to say that this is a fantastic place to visit; which has all the qualities of a perfect holiday all in one.
The wine culture here began 40 years ago and this time has been a complete turnaround for Margaret River from a small town to being a much sought after tourist destination, having the distinction of being one of the top wine producing regions in the world. This region is home to over 200 vineyards and 90 wineries. The Margaret River wine region stretches for about 120 km from North to South and about 30 km from East to West. The area accounts for twenty percent of Australia's premium wines and is world famous for its lovely features. Actually wine is the backbone of Margaret River area and all activities revolve around it in and around the wineries. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: margaret river, margaret river attractiions, Margaret River wine region
This is one region that occupies a large chunk of Western Australia. It stretches from Coolgardie and towards the east to the Northern Territory and South Australia states' boundaries. This is one area that you must ensure before you set out to visit you have enough supplies and water. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: goldmines in western australia, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, southern cross, Western Australia Outback
Melbourne is a popular destination for a variety of reasons. Some may be going for business other on vacation. One of the things to think about before even leaving is where you are going to be living during your stay in Melbourne. There are many accommodation solutions and one of them is renting a serviced apartment. Serviced apartments rental is a popular, comfortable, and luxury option for accommodation in Melbourne.
Being a business and tourist destination, Melbourne has thousands of visitors. It is a busy seaport city and is home to several offices of multinational corporations. Melbourne is a hub for import and export activities and as a business person this is one place you are likely to be frequenting.
Tags: Melbourne Hotel Booking, Melbourne Hotels, Melbourne Serviced Apartments, Serviced Apartments


text:
I am going to share a review on all of the papers I bought in this order with this one note. I have been purchasing papers from scrapbook.com for a long time and this order was the same excellent service and quality of materials that I have come to know from scrapbook.com and Graphics 45! There is no better place on the web (or in real life) for me to do business with and as always this order was perfect!
I am in love with Graphics 45 papers. It's almost a compulsion, but a wonderful one! Their products exude quality, no bleeding colors here and the weight is suitable for pages in your scrapbooks or any paper project you can imagine. I love the fact that the patterns are so creative and inspiring. I can go on but let's just say this is not my last order and that I am completely satisfied with all the items I ordered!
Thanks again to those at scrapbook.com! You are great!!!
This is a great paper pack. I made cards out of them and they were so cute. I also love the ideas that you sent with this one. I have one granddaughter that I would love to make a page for her iin the Secret Garden Collection paper like you sent the ideas for. I don't have all of the extra's but i can make do with what i have. Thank you for sharing those ideas! They give me a lot of inspirational ideals.
What a great packet of paper. I love the book The Secret Garden and the paper is a wonderful testament to the book. I also ordered the other items that went along with the paper and have been using it all non-stop. Definitely on the Feminine side but so worth it for anything vintage and girlish.
Graphic 45 has certainly out done them selves this time. This paper can be used for so many different things. My intention is to do a collage wall hanging of my daughters wedding and a couple of gift calendars and the rest will be worked into cards...
I love this set of papers. They make you feel like spring and summer with the butterflies and beautiful flowers. It is one of the best designs Graphic45 has done. It can be used in so many different ways.


text:
SSC6230 - 30' Safe-T QC Steering Cable
List Price
Your Price
Item Number
Model Number
SeaStar Solutions Teleflex Marine
Mechanical Steering
Seastar Solutions Qc Steering Cables
FOR CURRENT SEASTAR SOLUTIONS ROTARY SYSTEMS AND REPLACEMENT FOR OLDER CABLES. Now service both threaded and quick connect helms with one new cable. When it comes to a steering repair, you're faced with a lot of questions. Do I need to replace the whole system or just a cable? Is it a threaded helm or a new Quick Connect? Fortunately the answers just got easier, thanks to the SeaStar Solutions QCII™ steering cable. The new cable is designed to fit any SeaStar Solutions rotary helm. New or old. Threaded or quick connect. Because each QCII comes with a specially designed converter, so you can complete most steering service jobs with just a snap. QC Cables (SSC62XX) do not include SA27620P Helm Converter.
Additional Info
Standard quick connect rotary cable fits SH5150P, SH4910P, SH4920P, SH5094-1P, SH91190P, SH91526P, SH91527P, SH91523-1P
SSC62XX (use with SA27620P adaptor)
Old Safe T (SH5023P, SH5075P, SH91075P and SH91077P) and Big T helms (SH5000P and SH91525P) use with SSC61XX steering cable.
Note: SSC61XX is directly replaced by SSC62XX and SA27620P


text:
Adorable Baby Arthur Recreates Classic Movie Scenes [PHOTOS]
Baby Arthur is back! With a big assist from his photographer mom Emily Cleaver, seven-month-old Arthur plays a starring role in some of the most famous scenes in movie history.
Previously you saw the little guy recreating scenes from 'Jaws' and 'The Shawshank Redemption.' Now he's back with more baby versions of classic flicks. You haven't seen 'Rambo,' 'American Beauty,' and other cinematic classics until you've seen them with baby Arthur playing the lead roles.
The talented baby's cute movie interpretations are featured on the blog 'Arthur Recreates Scenes From Classic Movies,' with notes from proud mom Emily Cleaver about how Arthur is usually pretty calm and easy to work with. (No baby divas on this set.) Check out more of the tot's priceless posses below.
'The Godfather'
'The Blair Witch Project'
'American Beauty'
[via Studio Arthur]


text:
Get the Flash Playerto see this player.
|O Creampies
Short review: Asian chics get it full in the face, and full in the slit, at this original and original internet-sites that offers damp and wild creampie films.
Content Amount: Want to savour some Japanese crotch filled with cum? Then O Creampies is for you. This is an exclusive and original internet site that features alluring Japanese chicks-a-biddy in non stop hard-core act which focuses on the moist and mussy endings. Cum in the face, cum in the crotch, wherever there is a lad blowing his load he's aiming at her and she takes it all. This is Bukkake at its great, with high quality videos to download as full length films or in parts.


text:
|Episode Description
|Tuesday, Feb 19, 2013 - 8:00 AM
"Desert Treasures"
The desert can yield a bounty of treasures, but what does gold have in common with trees, fish and meteorites? To the right person, they all have a sentimental, if not monetary, value. Using the Tucson Gem and Mineral show as a launching pad for the quest, The Desert Speaks travels around the country's deserts to find out where exactly these items come from and who values these unusual treasures. The search begins with a hunt for fish fossils in the Red Desert of Wyoming and then a visit to the Painted Desert with the Bach family. D
|More on PLUS (MT)
|No upcoming shows in database
|Previous on PLUS (MT)
|No Past shows in database


text:
Dave White Profile
Dave White
Your Movies.com Man at the Multiplex
Dave White's first movie review was of the animated feature Snoopy Come Home. He was seven years old...Read full profile
Your Movies.com Man at the Multiplex
Dave White's first movie review was of the animated feature Snoopy Come Home. He was seven years old...Read full profile
Tom Cruise: no longer annoying. Read full review
Grae Drake Profile
Grae Drake
Movie maven about town
Grae Drake began her love affair with cinema as a wee bairn, as she spent every weekend corralling her friends over to the local...Read full profile
Movie maven about town
Grae Drake began her love affair with cinema as a wee bairn, as she spent every weekend corralling her friends over to the local...Read full profile
It was worth the wait. Read full review
Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.
out of 100
Metascore®Generally favorable reviewsbased on a weighted average of allcritic review scores.
Ghost Protocol brims with scenes that are exciting and amazing at the same time; they're brought off with such casual aplomb that they're funny, too.
Read Full Review
It's not the generic plot that's so memorable, even though its convolutions are clever enough, or the cast of mostly interesting characters, but the surreal swirl of form and color that frequently fills the enormous screen.
The impact of spectacular action on striking international locales is moderated somewhat by the repetitive nature of the challenges faced by this rebooted team of American agents.
Oscar-winning animator Brad Bird seems to have accomplished the impossible with the fourth Mission: Impossible installment by injecting the 15-year-old series with newfound, breathtaking energy.
See all Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol reviews at Metacritic.com
Iffy for 13+
Spy franchise returns for more action-packed thrills.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the fourth installment in the popular Mission: Impossible franchise has all the hallmarks that made the previous incarnations successful: a twisty plot, a motley crew (led by Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt) on a spying mission, and lots and lots of jaw-dropping stunts and high-tech gadgetry. Expect tons of thrilling-but-violent action sequences, including assassinations and weapons that maim, bomb, and kill. The body count definitely adds up, but blood is minimal. There's also some swearing (including "s--t"), as well as some kissing and flirting, social drinking, and smoking.
Messages: This is a pretty straightforward good-versus-evil story. Teamwork is what really makes Ethan's team successful; they all watch one another's back and are loyal to the group. Another notable takeaway: Gadgets can fail, so human relationships and resourcefulness matter more.
Role models: Ethan is definitively on the "good" side, though there are allusions to him having gone off-mission and killed six men. He appears to be a dedicated guy, though clearly one with a few demons. Everyone on his team is pretty well-intentioned and principled. There's a strong female character on the IMF team.
Violence: Plenty of action/thriller violence, with high body counts resulting from gunfights, bombings, hand-to-hand combat, and the like. There's an assassination, and characters end up bloodied, maimed, and killed. One spy is shot point blank. Some of the fight scenes make you wince. Some characters refer casually to having killed others. The villain wants to detonate a nuclear missile.
Sex: A lingering kiss; a spy attempts to get information from someone by flirting with and seducing him.
Language: Infrequent use of words including "s--t," "hell," "ass," and "damn." Also "my God," etc. as exclamations.
Consumerism: Brands/labels in the movie include Ford Motors, Porsche, Maserati, Dell, LG, and plenty of Apple products, including the iPad and the iPhone.
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking at parties; some characters smoke.
An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.
© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.
Movies.com, the ultimate source for everything movies, is your destination for new movie trailers, reviews, photos, times, tickets + more! Stay in the know with the latest movie news and cast interviews at Movies.com.
Copyright © 2018 FANDANGO MOVIES.


text:
DocEmrick wrote:Steve Dave wrote:Is the guy on the Casa D'oro commercial gay? Not that there's anything wrong with that.
I think he's just flamboyant. His home country isn't really that progressive.
His name is Reza, correct? I think it's a Persian name. Many Persian names are lyrical and cool, imo.


text:
MIAMI (AP) — A U.S. military judge on Wednesday ordered the U.S. government to turn over confidential reports compiled by the International Committee of the Red Cross on conditions at Guantanamo Bay prison, a disclosure the ICRC argued could compromise its global mission.
Army Col. James Pohl, presiding over the trial of five Guantanamo prisoners charged in the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, said he would review the documents to see if any material might be useful to the defense lawyers preparing for a trial at the U.S. base in Cuba.
The judge, who held a hearing on the issue in June, issued a written order that rejected prosecutors who said they should be able to see the material first as well as the argument from the Red Cross that the files must remain confidential.
Lawyers for the five prisoners accused of planning and aiding the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the United States had said the Red Cross records on the men's conditions of confinement inside a secret section of Guantanamo known as Camp 7 could be relevant to their defense or, if they are convicted, in the penalty phase of the trial.
"It's a huge, legally significant finding," said Navy Cmdr. Walter Ruiz, the court-appointed lawyer for a Saudi defendant, Mustafa al-Hawsawi. "It allows us to pierce the veil of that information."
A Red Cross lawyer told the judge in June that confidentiality is fundamental to the organization's role in ensuring that humanitarian laws are followed.
The judge said in his ruling that the records are not classified and could not be withheld in a criminal case.
The conditions of confinement for the defendants could be a factor in deciding whether they get the death penalty. Lawyers for the men have argued that they have been subjected to harsh treatment that included torture during the period when they were held by the CIA, before being taken to Guantanamo in September 2006.
The five, who include the self-professed terrorist mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, face charges that include terrorism, hijacking and nearly 3,000 counts of murder for their alleged roles in the attack.


text:
About Herbs – James Cruise
"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
James (Jay) Cruise is passionate about health, fitness, nutrition, spirituality, metaphysics and natural healing and how they all work together as a unified whole (holistic medicine). His interest in health from an early age led him into medical school, where he discovered his calling in holistic medicine where the focus is upon the whole person (mind, body & spirit) rather than the symptoms of disease. He discovered that people actually could heal, achieve optimum peak fitness levels and live a much greater quality of life by discovering their own power and use "creative dreaming" to bring their desired experiences into manifested reality.
Simply how to use the scientific and spiritual "law of vibration" to align or match what you are wanting to the necessary people, places and things (resources) to make it show up in your everyday life. The Law of Vibrations also applies to healing in homeopathy or medica homeopatica as it looks for the frequency of the imbalance and matches it like a magnet and then gently and effectively draws it out of the body. It's the same way a musician can match the frequency rate of the matter of a wine glass and shatter it. It's the Law of Attraction for healing and it works, without harming the body's natural balance or adding extra dis-ease by unnecessary side effects.
James brings together the best of modern science and technology and combines it with the time-tested and human verified wisdom of our ancestors for the best natural healing, health, nutrition and performance regimens known on our planet.These are not meant to replace your doctor or professional medical therapies, rather show you how to use natural remedies in conjunction with them, or as a safe and effective alternative method that works with your body instead of against it. Use what makes sense to you, and pass on what you don't need at this time.
See and experience for yourself, and then let no outside "expert" tell you otherwise. You have the wisdom concerning your own body- please don't ever give it away, it's a gift from the divine. We all have the wisdom of the divine within us, and when we connect with it we see the creative solutions to all we are desiring at each moment. The right plants, herbs, foods, technologies and supplements will "make intuitive sense" to us and we heal and perform at our highest level. We can feel better than we have for a long time, with boundless energy, a sense of purpose in our lives and the desire to share this happiness and sense of unity with others who are ready or in vibrational harmony. The purpose of all of his websites are to empower you to discover and claim your own power and use it to heal yourself and experience the most passionate and joyful time on this earth.
Words alone don't teach, only experience does that and knowledge is wonderful but wisdom (applied knowledge) is even better. Please check out my other health, fitness and natural healing websites and discover how you can help yourself and inspire those you love to live their best life each and every day. I bless you today with Love, Peace, Prosperity, Healing, Harmony and Appreciation!
- Homeopathic Medicine (About Homeopathy – Non-toxic homeopathic remedies that induce your body to heal naturally)
- Holistic Medicine (About Holistic Natural health, nutrition, beauty and natural healing remedies for optimal health and peak performance)
- Arthritis Remedies (About Arthritis – Natural and holistic remedies and treatments for arthritis and musculoskeletal health)
- Mind Body Spirit (About Spirituality – Devoted to the unity of the mind, body and spirit – and how to discover your passion to create the life experience you really desire)
- Herbal Remedies (About Herbs – How to use mother nature's cupboard to promote an optimum state of wellness)
- Elite Fitness (About Fitness – How to achieve your highest level of fitness for health, sport or competition using natural fitness routines, organic nutrition and holistic supplementation)
- Zeolite Detox (Showcasing the zeolite mineral that has strong heavy metal, radiation, viral and cancer healing properties)
- Water Ionizer (Shows you how to stop disease, improve your health, and access winning performance levels using highly alkaline, structured ionized water)


text:
Some liberals are pushing the idea that Republican members of Congress who campaigned against Obamacare are being hypocrites by accepting the health care plan provided to them, as U.S. legislators, by the federal government. This notion is idiotic even by hack leftist standards.
Those who oppose Obamacare typically support the pre-Obamacare status quo, coupled with certain modifications, e.g., tort reform, the ability to purchase insurance across state laws, etc. Under that status quo, most people receive their health insurance through their employer (a phenomenon that, supposedly, need not change under Obamacare).
Thus, there is nothing hypocritical about favoring the pre-Obamacare status quo (or that status quo, "plus") and accepting coverage from one's employer. The fact that, in the case of members of Congress, the employer (the entity that provides compensation) happens to be the U.S. government makes no difference.
If a member opposed coverage for members of Congress, then it probably would be hypocritical for that member to accept coverage. So too, perhaps, if a member opposed a system under which, by and large, employers provide employees with health care. Otherwise, there is no hypocrisy.
Suppose the Dems passed legislation providing a guaranteed income to people who earn no money. Would it be hypocritical for members of Congress who want to repeal that legislation to accept their government-paid salaries? Of course not. By essentially the same reasoning, it is not hypocritical for congressmen who oppose Obamacare to accept the component of their compensation that provides them with health insurance.
If anyone in Congress should turn down health care coverage, it's those who find it immoral for some people to receive health insurance through their employers, while others don't get such insurance or are unemployed. This, in fact, is what leftist Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio did until Obamacare was passed. But even Obamacare leaves some folks uninsured, so Sen. Brown might still be accused of hypocrisy.
- Subscribe now!... Get rid of ADs!Support Power Line...VIP MembershipPresentsPower Line
Most Read on Power Line
Our Favorites
- American Greatness
- American Thinker
- Ann Althouse
- Belmont Club
- Churchill Project
- Claremont Institute
- Dartblog
- Gatestone Institute
- Hot Air
- Hugh Hewitt
- InstaPundit
- Jewish World Review
- Legal Insurrection
- Library of Law and Liberty
- Lileks
- Lucianne
- Michael Ramirez Cartoons
- Michelle Malkin
- RealClearPolitics
- Ricochet
- Roger L. Simon
- Steyn Online
- The Federalist
- Tim Blair
- Urgent Agenda
Subscribe to Power Line by Email
Find us on Facebook
"Arise and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time." Winston Churchill
"Proclaim Liberty throughout All the land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof." Inscription on the Liberty Bell


text:
By Laila Kearney
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The California prison system had no imminent need to force-feed hunger-striking inmates on Tuesday, a day after it won federal court permission to do so because of concerns that prison gangs may have coerced prisoners into refusing food, a prison health spokeswoman said.
U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson, responding to a request by state authorities, ruled on Monday that prison doctors may force-feed some gravely ill inmates, even if they had signed orders asking not to be resuscitated.
Prisoners launched the hunger strike in prisons statewide on July 8 to demand an end to the housing of inmates in near-isolation for years on end because they are believed to be associated with gangs.
As of Monday, some 136 California inmates were taking part in the strike, which was longer than a similar strike in 2011. Of those taking part, 69 had refused food continuously since the strike began.
Joyce Hayhoe, a spokeswoman for the federal receiver in charge of medical care in the prisons, said authorities had sought the feeding order as a precaution to treat inmates who may experience illness brought on by extreme hunger.
But there was "no imminent need" to force-feed any prisoners on Tuesday, Hayhoe said. "However, we do have inmates who have been on hunger strike for 44 days consecutively. So that could change rather quickly," she added.
The hunger strike is the latest difficulty to plague the state's prison system, which has been ordered by a federal court to reduce crowding by the end of the year, possibly by releasing up to 10,000 inmates early.
Prior to Monday's ruling, California policy prohibited force-feeding of inmates on a hunger strike if they had signed medical orders refusing resuscitation in the event they lost consciousness or experienced heart failure.
Now, doctors may force-feed inmates who had previously signed "do not resuscitate" orders if those orders were signed during or just prior to the start of the hunger strike.
California prison officials have said they are concerned that some inmates may have been coerced into taking part in the strike, aimed at conditions in California's four Security Housing Units. State officials say the units help stem the influence of prison gangs.
Administrators have characterized the hunger strike as influenced by gang leaders, and Hayhoe has said that corrections officials had presented compelling evidence that some inmates had indeed been coerced.
There was no immediate word on how many hunger-striking inmates have "do not resuscitate" orders or when they were signed. State corrections officials did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment.
Carol Strickman, an attorney who represents some of the hunger strikers, said inmates wanting to enforce their orders not to be force-fed or resuscitated would need to file a motion to modify Henderson's order.
"What disturbs me is that this force-feeding order applies to those people who have signed an advance directive and said they don't want to be force fed," Strickman said.
She said she did not know if the remaining hunger strikers had signed advance directives.
(Editing by Cynthia Johnston and Steve Orlofsky)


text:
This document sets out the Privacy Policy of Franklin Central Apartments effective from September 2015.
We recognise that your privacy is important to you. We are committed to ensure that any information which you provide to us is collected and managed in an open and transparent way and in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.
Use of your Personal Information
We may use your Personal Information for the following purposes:
- To manage your reservation and booking.
- To manage your stay at our hotel.
- To improve our services including to better understand your needs and requests and to tailor our products and services to better suit your desires.
- To send you newsletters, promotions and marketing material about offers at Franklin Central Apartments or our partner organisations or to contact you by telephone.
- To improve our services.
- To secure and improve your use of our services.
- To comply with any obligations imposed on us by law.
Collection of Personal Information
We may collect information from you which is:
- General information: this is information which is anonymous data that we use to analyse trends for general use and to help us understand the needs of our customers so that we can improve the quality of your stay with us. General information includes the number of room nights booked and used, where guests are from, room rates, age, gender, purpose of travel and whether the booking is done by telephone, through a booking agency or through our website and services used by guests during their stay at Franklin Central Apartments.
- Personal information: Personal Information is any information that personally identifies you such as your name, age and date of birth, home address, contact telephone numbers and email address, your driver's licence and passport, your credit card details, your company name if the travel is for business purposes, your car registration number and how the account will be settled. We may obtain from you whether you have any dietary requirements, room preferences, disabilities or other lifestyle information. While staying with us, we may record the number of times you have stayed, telephone numbers dialled, movies watched, room service ordered, third party bookings which we arrange at your request such as tours and other information you supply to us. Personal information may be collected from you if you make an enquiry by telephone, email via our website, when you make a reservation or at the time of check in or check out or as a result of your dealings with us during your stay. Personal information may be collected from a partner organisation, booking agency, a tour operator or an internet reservation system to whom you have provided your Personal Information to make a booking at our hotel. Personal information may also be collected from you if you enter a competition run by us, if you reply to a survey conducted by us, if you purchase a membership with us, in communications with us or our staff, before, during or after your stay, if you attend an event, function or conference held with us or if you utilize any of the facilities at Franklin Central Apartments. Franklin Central Apartments uses social media to communicate with guests and the public at large. Any information which you disclose to Franklin Central Apartments through social media may be collected by Franklin Central Apartments. Franklin Central Apartments monitors public areas of its hotel by close circuit television and may collect information about you as a result.
We may also collect Personal Information from you if the law requires us to collect that information.
Sensitive Information
Sensitive information is information about your origin, beliefs, membership, sexual preferences or health. In ordinary circumstances, Franklin Central Apartments does not collect sensitive information other than information that identifies any memberships that you have.
Franklin Central Apartments will not collect sensitive information from you without your consent. If we collect sensitive information from you, we will disclose to you the reason for seeking it.
Sharing and Dealing with your Personal Information
If you provide Personal Information to us we will only use or disclose that information for the purposes of our business unless:
- You consent to the use or disclosure of your Personal Information; or
- You would reasonably expect that we will use or disclose your Personal Information for that purpose as, for example, making a booking on your behalf with an external service provider; or
- As otherwise required by law or permitted by the Australian Privacy Principles.
Franklin Central Apartments has a number of partner organizations. Those organizations are listed on our website. Your Personal Information may be provided to them solely for the purposes described above.
You can object to us using your Personal Information as described in this Policy. However, if you do, Franklin Central Apartments may not be able to provide you with the service requested or only on conditions such as, for example, requiring a cash deposit or bond if you do not wish to provide your credit card details.
You may request that you do not receive direct marketing communications from us. If you make a request we will respond to that request as soon as reasonably practicable.
You may request that your Personal Information is not provided to our partner organisations.
Franklin Central Apartments does not disclose Personal Information to overseas recipients except to booking agencies which you have used to make a booking with Franklin Central Apartments and which require information to confirm or manage your booking with Franklin Central Apartments. In those circumstances, Franklin Central Apartments will notify the booking agency of Franklin Central Apartments privacy policy and seek an undertaking from that booking agency that it will comply with Franklin Central Apartments' policy. The personal information which is provided by Franklin Central Apartments to a booking agency is limited to the information required for that purpose of managing your booking.
A cookie is a small data file that may be placed on the computer of a web user (usually in the browser software folder) the first time a computer visits a web site which operates cookies. Cookies are necessary to facilitate online transactions and ensure security. If you do not wish to receive any cookies you may set your browser to refuse cookies. This may mean you will not be able to take full advantage of Franklin Central Apartments' services. Franklin Central Apartments does not use cookies to keep personal profiles of its customers' use of the Franklin Central Apartments web site, only to determine the current server to which you are connected on. If your browser is set to refuse cookies, you may not be able to connect to Franklin Central Apartments' website.
Protection of your Personal Information
We are committed to take reasonable precautions to protect the security of your Personal Information. This includes limiting access to our computer systems by use of passwords and other security devices and to prevent unauthorized access, modification, use or disclosure and back-up systems to prevent accidental or malicious loss of data or information.
We will take such steps as are reasonable to destroy any Personal Information that we have about you if there is no longer any need for us to keep that information.
Access to and Correction of Personal Information
We will take reasonable steps to ensure that any information which we hold about you and use is accurate, up‑to‑date, complete and relevant.
We will provide you with access to any Personal Information that we hold about you without charge.
Access can be obtained by emailing email@example.com or writing to Franklin Central Apartments, 36 Franklin Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Anonymity and Pseudonymity
If you wish to stay in our hotel on an anonymous basis, we may be able to accommodate your request but we cannot guarantee it. You will not be able to make a booking in advance.
At the time of check in, if you do not wish to provide credit card details, you must pay for the cost of your stay in full in advance and you will be required to pay in cash a bond on account of services or facilities that are provided to you during your stay. The cash bond will be refunded to you on your departure provided that your room is left in good order and you have paid for all services supplied by Franklin Central Apartments and there are no other outstanding liabilities such as mini bar.
Availability of Franklin Central Apartments Privacy Policy
Franklin Central Apartments' Privacy Policy is available on its website. Alternatively, you can obtain a copy of this by making a written request to Franklin Central Apartments.
Questions or Comments regarding our Privacy Policy
Questions or comments regarding our Privacy Policy should be directed in the first instance to the General Manager as follows:
Email email@example.com
Franklin Central Apartments, 36 Franklin Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
If you feel that Franklin Central Apartments has not treated your Personal Information in accordance with our Privacy Policy or in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles, we invite you to contact us by directing your complaint to the General Manager at the above address.
Australian Privacy Principles
If you are interested in obtaining further information about the Australian Privacy Principles, you can visit the Australian Government website at www.comlaw.gov.au.
The following are direct partner organisations of Franklin Central Apartments:
Franklin Central Apartments
Miller Apartments Adelaide
Adelaide Paringa Motel
Last updated 26 July 2017


text:
Intimate Portraits of People Eating at Home: The Dinner in NY Project by Miho Aikawa
Last week a New York-based photographer, Miho Aikawa, emailed me with a project that she wanted to share with our readers at The Kitchn: a photographic series exploring the way real people eat, and what their mealtime environments look like.
As I paged through the photographs of her project, titled Dinner in NY, I found myself face to face with young professionals, eating on their beds and watching television; a mother feeding her baby while Skyping with grandparents; an extended family at a raucous and lively table; a monk from Myanmar about to share food with his neighborhood. I found the series both touching and insightful and it evoked in me the exact question that Aikawa is asking: "What is a quality dinner?"
Carlos Ledesma, from Argentina usually enjoys Sunday night with his friends watching TV show on HBO at home. Age: 31, Time: 8:06 PM Location: Astoria, Queens
As she says, having dinner is not just about eating food — our mealtime environments reveal many aspects of our lives.
So we are sharing some of these photographs with you today, a look into a few microcosms of New York life and real people's mealtimes. What common themes do you notice? What strikes you?
Here's a little about from Aikawa's motivations and questions in this project. She says:
A study in Public Health Nutrition which compiles data relating to Americans' food-related time use over the past 30 years reveals some interesting trends: Eating as a primary activity declined in the past 30 years. On the other hand, eating as a secondary activity rose dramatically in the past 30 years. When we combine the primary and secondary eating time, we see that in total we're spending an average of 25 minutes or more minutes eating daily than we did 30 years ago. We now do almost 50 percent of our eating while concentrating on something else.
I would like to propose thinking what a dinner should be by objectively seeing diverse dinner situations. When you enjoy mealtimes, you're more likely to eat better. Let's think what we can do to enhance the pleasure of the table.
You can see the whole series — nearly 30 photos — at Miho Aikawa's website.
See the full project: Dinner in NY from Miho Aikawa
Related: The Kitchens Where We First Learned to Love Food
(Images: Miho Aikawa)


text:
Welcome to the Department of Economics
The Department of Economics is part of the Gordon Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University. We offer undergraduate programs in Economics, Mathematical Economics, Actuarial Science and Business Economics as well as a minor in Economics that works well with most any other program on campus. We also offer a Master of Arts in Applied Economics that can be completed in as little as one calendar year. Our undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to give the student a solid background in general economics plus some exposure to specialized areas. We believe that our students receive excellent preparation for employment in a wide variety of jobs in business and government service, as well as preparatory training for graduate study in economics. Our students are also well prepared for the pursuit of professional careers in law, academics, financial planning, and others. Our department houses the WKU Center for Applied Economics and the Center for the Study of Capitalism. These centers are excellent examples of our efforts to create applied learning opportunities for our students and to contribute economic expertise to our regional communities.
Our faculty are highly qualified and well-trained Ph.D.'s from all over the country. While we remain active in basic and applied research, we pride ourselves in maintaining a stimulating learning environment for our undergraduate and graduate students. Inclusive faculty and student hallway debates on the appropriateness of a recent public policy change are common occurrences in our department. The department has an implicit open-door policy so that students feel comfortable approaching the faculty for assistance, advising, and mentoring.
Our department is very active in promoting the Gordon Ford College of Business' Honors Program. These courses allow WKU Honors College students the opportunity to take required business courses in a smaller, more interactive classroom environment. Dr. Dennis Wilson is an Associate Professor of Economics and chairs the GFCB Honors Program. If you are interested in the advantages of participating in GFCB Honors courses and events, please contact Dr. Dennis Wilson.
The Economics Department has a long history in offering faculty led Study Abroad programs. In the recent past, we have offered study abroad courses in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, and The Netherlands. Faculty are currently developing programs for South Africa, Kenya, Belize, and Estonia. Many other students of economics choose study abroad programs led by faculty of other institutions or choose to study for a semester at universities all over the world. Dr. Daniel Myers is an Associate Professor of Economics and director of GFCB's Internationalization efforts. Please contact Dr. Dan Myers if you are interested in more information about study abroad opportunities.
Our department sponsors two student organizations: the WKU Economics Club and the Epsilon Chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international honor society for the Economics discipline. The WKU Economics Club hosts recruiting events in the fall semester and holds regular meetings throughout the academic year. The students and faculty advisors participate in philanthropic activities, including volunteering for the local Junior Achievement organization. The club president serves on the Dean's Student Advisory Council and coordinates our club's efforts with the spring GFCB Career Day activities. The club ends the year with an annual study away travel experience to a destination such as Chicago, Washington D.C., Atlanta, St. Louis, and New York City. Please contact Dr. Claudia Strow or Dr. Alex Lebedinsky for information about our Economics Club. Our Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE) chapter hosts an annual spring banquet which recognizes our most academically successful undergraduate and graduate students. Invitations for membership are distributed in late February or early March each year. Please let me know if you have any questions about ODE.
Calendar of Events for the
Economics Department
From the Chair:
My goal as chair is to help foster a learning environment that is interesting, informative, and innovative, with degree programs that provide graduates with skills sought by a wide variety of employers and graduate schools. Please send questions or comments about our programs to me at firstname.lastname@example.com or call me at 270.745.2249. I look forward to hearing from you.
Catherine Carey
Note: documents in Portable Document Format (PDF) require Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher to view,
download Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Note: documents in Quicktime Movie format [MOV] require Apple Quicktime,
download quicktime.


text:
The legendary Raleigh Chopper, a milestone in influenceand design, has been re-launched. Every generation hasits symbolic products and the Raleigh Chopper was theessential bike of the 70's.
With its air of effortless style, the all new Raleigh Chopperboasts an impressive component list to match its stylishdesign. The ultra-reliable traditional Sturmey Archer3 speed internal hub gear system is coupled with alloy V
brakes & levers and alloy rims with differential sized frontand rear tyres. But what you really want to know is, howdoes it look?The eye-catching ape hanger style handlebars make a
real stand out impression, whilst the matching designhockey stick chain guard and 2 piece seat simply add afurther touch of class.
Free delivery on the Raleigh Chopper Neon bike to most of the UK.
More stock arriving
Tuesday 25 September!
Please reserve your Raleigh Chopper Neon bike now.
Please use the yellow "Pre-Order NOW" button to reserve your bike.
We will email you as soon as your bike is despatched.


text:
Is Apple already gearing up for an iPhone 5S release? That's the word on the street after Chinese news source The Commercial Times reported Monday that Apple is gunning for a test production as early as December. The paper reports that Apple is looking at an initial production volume of 50,000 to 100,000 units and will begin volume production in Q1 of next year. In addition to a new iPhone, we may see a new iPad in Q2.
It's hard to believe that Apple could be seriously entertaining the idea of releasing a new iPhone some six months after releasing their last one, but it would jibe with Apple's recent deviation from its clockwork annual iPhone/iPad release. The company notably released a new fourth generation iPad just six months after releasing its third generation iPad, but whether or not that was a good idea is up for debate.
The Commercial Times reports that the display resolution on the last iPad was "lower than expected," which is why Apple is already on the move to get a new iPad out. It's not clear whether the publication is referring to the regular iPad or the iPad mini, since the iPad mini is the one that came under fire for having a lower resolution.
But more importantly, if this rumor is true, it would mean that Apple is officially throwing its traditional annual release cycle to the wind. True: its competitors don't release new devices once a year, but Apple's highly anticipated release events are a big part of what makes the Apple brand its popular appeal. The energy build-up leading up to an Apple event has become a global cultural phenomenon. It's like Christmas.
While Google, Samsung, and HTC don't observe a once-a-year release cycle for their smartphones and devices, one competitor does: Amazon. And one thing that Amazon is known for is its brand awareness. Remember once upon a time, before the Kindle Fire, when analysts predicted that the only company with the brand awareness to give Apple a run for its money in the smartphone and tablet markets was Amazon.
But then again, Google and Samsung have become major competitors, and it's possible that Apple is having to compromise some of its Father Christmas-like brand identity to compete effectively. It's already had to sacrifice its margins to compete with its competitors.
We'll see if this rumor stays alive, and if so , then there's probably some merit to it.
Image source: mashable


text:
We offer what you need to achieve success. Come explore and find out why so many students have decided to call one of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District the pathway to their future.
Not sure where to start? Our Career Assessment Tool can help.
Alamo Colleges Education Services is a secure portal connecting Faculty, Staff & Students to Academic Resources, Email, and other Online Resources.
Support Contacts Helpdesk (210) 486-5000
Lib Guides
Online Catalog
Off-Campus Access
Library Instruction
Student Resources
Academic Calendar
Student Life
College Map
The primary function of the Department of Resource Development is to apply for external funding to develop projects in support of the mission of the college. Our staff collaborates with NLC faculty and staff seeking new opportunities for our students and the college.We welcome any ideas for funding you may have.
MESA Program
Resource Development
Library (NLIB 304)Phone: (210) 486-5008
1201 Kitty Hawk Rd. Universal City, Texas 78148 (210) 486-5000


text:
OAKLAND — Imagine you're walking into the lobby of the Paramount Theatre.
The sight before you is indescribable. The details are too rich to take in all at once — the golden glow from large decorated wall panels, the intricate ceiling lights.
A buzzing mixture of sounds surrounds you.
Women in full-length gowns adorned with sequins and men in tuxedos fixed with bow ties fill the room, dancing to a live jazz orchestra or enjoying a cocktail.
The style is reminiscent of a scene from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby."
But it's not fiction. It's what is planned for Saturday's Art Deco Preservation Ball, where the guest of honor will be the Paramount Theatre, celebrating 40 years since it was restored and honoring those individuals who helped.
The Art Deco Society of California has been celebrating surviving buildings from the Art Deco period (the 1930s and 1940s, mostly) since the first Art Deco Preservation Ball in 1984. Since then, the society has recognized other venues, including Bimbo's 365 club in San Francisco and the Berkeley City Club, said Laurie Gordon, founder of the ball.
At this year's ball honoring the Paramount, which Gordon called the "crowning jewel of the area," the Art Deco Society will give its Preservation Awards to the Paramount Theatre and a handful of key individuals who contributed to the preservation of the theater.
"The ball is as close as you might get to a time capsule and being able to go in a door and magically, you're in 1936 — or pick a year," said H. Lynn Harrison, preservation director for the Art Deco Society.
"It's losing yourself for a moment in a time warp; plus it's a really fun event."
Grand movie palace
The Paramount Theatre opened its doors in December 1931, two years after the stock market collapsed and the Great Depression began. Faced with the worst financial era in American history, everybody went to the movies.
Extravagant theaters began popping up all over the country, including the Fox Theater in Oakland, which opened in 1928.
Business boomed at the Paramount, but as the years passed, the movie house went from being one of the most popular theaters in the Bay Area to a forgotten gem.
Over decades of neglect, its golden walls were buried under layers of black smoke residue. Seats and other furnishings deteriorated.
The demand for such large theaters declined and, like many other movie palaces, the Paramount continually lost business until the doors closed in 1970.
It was facing demolition when the Oakland East Bay Symphony chose the Paramount as its new home.
First, though, came the job of convincing the symphony that the Paramount should be restored, instead of undergoing a modern renovation. And that was difficult, said Jack Bethards, one of those being honored Saturday for his vision of the restoration.
"(The challenge) was convincing people that the art deco style of the theater was an important artistic expression and should be preserved as is," Bethards said. "There was some pressure to modernize the theater, and we resisted that."
The preservationists won, but it took extensive research and a look into photos and documents from the files of the Paramount's original designer, Timothy L. Pflueger.
The restoration crew determined what was original and what could be replaced; the furniture, paintings, carpets, mirrors that needed replacing had to be as close to the original fixtures as possible.
Volunteers scrubbed the blackened walls, unveiling the once-forgotten massive golden relief, a sculptural technique where the figures are raised from a flat surface, depicting scenes of nature, people, creatures. Seats were updated to accommodate handicapped patrons, the carpet was replaced and air conditioning was installed.
Even the most minute details could not be overlooked in bringing the theater back to life.
Nine months and nearly $1 million later, the doors reopened in September 1973 as the symphony's new home, and looking just as it did in 1931. Only now, the one-time move palace was a concert hall, a stage for ballet dancers, singers, bands, comedy acts and, of course, a venue for classic film screenings.
Work is still being done as new theater details are discovered that need care.
Art deco
Art deco, a term coined in the 1960s, is defined by architecture designed with geometric shapes, vivid colors and clean, sleek lines.
"The Paramount is one of the few theaters that retains a uniformity of style and quality of workmanship all the way down to the smallest or least significant room," Bethards said.
As patrons enter, under the well-known vertical "Paramount" sign, about 10 stories high and emblazoned with lights, a mosaic depicts a man and a woman holding four tiers of puppets — people, animals and mythical creatures — in a preview of what's in store.
Through the doors is a huge lobby characterized by ceilings more than four stories high. The eastern and western walls display large vertical panels emitting a golden glow with more than 50 golden statues of women of ancient Egypt. Facing the auditorium entrance, spirals, circles, diamonds and other shapes make up a grille that climbs the walls and along the ceiling, illuminated by emerald lighting.
The theater is expansive, comfortably fitting more than 3,000 seats and rich in detail, from the carpeting to the walls covered from floor to ceiling with murals in a golden relief. The ceiling bears intricate light fixtures in floral shapes. Golden light emits from five identical panels of grilles.
Going to the restroom is a trip in its own, with a foyer and sitting rooms before reaching a stall.
Not even Peter Botto, manager of the Paramount from 1973 to 1999 and the restoration project's coordinator, feels he's seen everything.
"After 27 years walking around the building during concerts, standing there and looking at the features on the walls," he said. "There's always something new to discover."


text:
Looks like you're already verified.
If you still have trouble signing in, you probably need a new confirmation link email.
{* resendLink *} Please resend verification.
You're now logged in.
Are you already a home delivery subscriber for Austin360.com?
You're now logged in.
You're now logged in.
Yoga is an experience for the senses. Join us for Yoga in the Garden, hatha style yoga for all levels of experience led by instructor Brigitte Edery. As weather permits, class will be the held outdoors. Otherwise, the class will be held in the Crenshaw Learning Center. No registration required. Please bring your own mat. $10 members/$15 non-members. (Every Wednesday & Friday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM ; Every Saturday - 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM)


text:
Lou Williams wants to be playing for the 76ers this upcoming season. President Rod Thorn and coach Doug Collins want the 6-1 guard to be back in his normal role as scoring guard off the bench.
But Williams also wants to see how much interest there is in him throughout the league and what kind of contract might be offered to him by other teams. It is the reason he has decided to opt out of his final contract year with the Sixers, a year in which he was scheduled to make $6.39 million, the final year of a five-year, $25 million deal.
The 6-1 guard has spent each of his seven seasons with the Sixers, mostly in a reserve role, starting just 38 of his 455 regular season games. He led the team in scoring this past season with 14.9 points a game (a career high), becoming the first player since Dell Curry in '93-94 with the Charlotte Hornets to be the team's top scorer despite not starting a game. For his career Williams, 25, has averaged 11.3 points on 42.1 percent shooting.
There is little doubt the Sixers would want to keep the diminutive guard as scoring was a problem most of last season and losing the leading scorer would certainly hurt. Plus, coach Doug Collins is a big fan of having scoring punch coming off of his bench, a big advantage for his team this past season.
"We'd like to sign him, if at all possible," said Thorn. "He wants to test the waters. To become an unrestricted free agent doesn't happen often, maybe once or twice in a career. He wants to see what's out there. He has said he wants to stay with us, but we'll have to wait and see what happens."
A league source said that the interest in Williams throughout the league is "significant" and that a contract to land him could be "in the Thaddeus Young range." Before this past season Young signed a 5-year deal worth close to $43 million.
"It's impossible to gauge (how much a team would be willing to pay) because there is are so many teams who have money and Lou certainly is a good player," said Thorn. "The natural inclination is for teams who have money to spend some of it, of course. The last couple of years there are a lot of teams that have gotten way under the salary cap and I'm sure that Lou will get some interest from teams."
The Williams situation is just one of many that are facing the team. Starting center Spencer Hawes is an unrestricted free agent and, as the league source said, "There are a lot of teams interested in him. Who wouldn't be? He's a big man who can do a lot of things and is only 24 years-old." Several sources have said Hawes could garner anywhere from $5 to $7 million a season.
The team also needs to decide whether they will amnesty the contract of Elton Brand, who is scheduled to make $18.16 million next season. The team would pay Brand that money, but it would come off of their salary cap. Doing this seems to be a no-brainer, if the new ownership group is OK with writing that check. If they do amnesty Brand, and can't sign Williams and/or Hawes, that would free some money, perhaps allowing the team to go after a coveted free agent (maybe Orlando's Ryan Anderson, a restricted free agent).
They would like to keep Temple product Lavoy Allen, whose one-year rookie deal is up. Allen's play in the playoffs probably upped his price range to about $2 million a season. The Sixers, already short on strong, big men, can ill afford to lose Allen.
Those decisions don't even include the all important draft, which will take place on June 28. The Sixers will have picks at the 15th, 45th and 54th spot. They have stated their want being a big, athletic type, but that may hinder on whether they feel Williams is likely to return. If they feel he isn't, do they target a scoring guard with the 15th pick (Washington's Terrence Ross or Duke's Austin Rivers)?
"We can make contact (with Williams) on the first (of July)," said Thorn. "We certainly would like to who know what's going to happen out there, but at the same time you've got to be cognizant of your salary cap in moving forward."


text:
As part of our continued dedication to bringing you the best quilting content out there, we're pleased to bring you this 12-part series from one of our sister sites, McCall's Quilting. If you missed the prior posts in this series like Pressing Basics, Accurate 1/4″ Inch Seam Allowances, Rotary Cutting Basics, Safety & Maintenance, Basic Quiltmaking Supplies, Quilt Fabric Preperation, Chain Piecing and Opposing Seams and Color Selection Using a Focus Fabric – be sure to check them out!
Have you ever shied away from a quilt pattern simply because it featured appliqué? Take a few minutes to learn just how easy fusible-web appliqué can be!
Note: please click any image to go directly to the video lesson.
Laura Stone Roberts walks you through every step of the process, sharing tips and clear explanations along the way. From tracing and cutting out the designs from the sheet of fusible web, to pressing the shapes onto your fabric.
She talks about layering fusible appliqués, and shows you several different options to further secure the shapes with edge stitching.
Remember fusible appliqué when you need a quick, simple alternative to hand appliqué. Click here to watch the FREE video demonstration of how to use fusible web for quick, simple appliqué.


text:
Crystal Lake Carpentry Services Contractors
Learn more about our licensed Carpentry Services contractors in Crystal Lake by clicking any of the listings below. When you find a contractor to your liking, contact us to receive your 3 projected estimates and to set up a private project assessment. The process takes only a minute, and best of all, the construction estimates are free!
If you cannot find a Crystal Lake Carpentry Services contractor below who meets your needs, please let us know. We'll do our best to connect you with another Carpentry Services contractor in your area right away. By choosing a SignatureCertified™ licensed contractor in Crystal Lake, Illinois, you get more than just a free estimate, but someone with a proven track record of success in Carpentry Services. Contact us to today to get started! 866.355.7164
Linevich Carpentry
2912 Red Barn Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Proudly serving Greater Chicago, north to Milwaukee
Bell Painting and Remodeling
5185 RT 31 #330, McHenry, IL 60050
Proudly serving
BreziCrew Development, Inc
606 LaCrosse Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
Proudly serving
Great Plains Trade Company
1001 Joshua Tree Dr., Harvard, IL 60033
Proudly serving
MS Quality Construction
3724 N. Sayre, Chicago, IL 60634
Proudly serving North Chicago, Northern Suburbs, Northwest Suburbs
MultiFinish Corp.
944 Cortney Drive, Carpentersville, IL 60110
Proudly serving Chicago, North Shore, Northern, Northwest and Western Suburbs
Northwind Tile & Stone
3853 N. Pacific, Chicago, IL 60634
Penaco Remodeling and Design
586 Gaslight Dr., Algonquin, IL 60102
Proudly serving Greater Chicago Suburbs: Barrington, Crystal Lake, Inverness, Algonquin, Dundee
Trail Construction, Inc
1922 Olde Mill Rd., Plainfield, IL 60586
Proudly serving
Wood Image Construction
20 Burnette Drive, Antioch, IL 60002
Proudly serving Far Northwest suburbs of Chicago and the communities of southern Wisconsin.


text:
Scott Kenney
Clay Middle School
Carmel Clay Schools
5150 E. 126th Street (Map It!)
Carmel, IN 46033
(317) 844-7251 ext. 6783
Use this block to say a little about your class. In the block below you can create and manage assignments.
You can place additional information in blocks in the second column. You can add or delete any block you like including this one.
© 2018 CCS All Rights Reserved
Web Design by LightSky ADA Notice


text:
Dear Visitor:
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to my site! Throughout the years, I have been touched by the loyalty of my fans. Your kindness, support and enthusiasm have always inspired me, and I am grateful that you like my work!
For many years, acting has been my world and when fans come up to me and quote dialogue from various shows I've done, or remember special moments from roles I have played, it never ceases to bring a smile to my face.
Thank you for your presence in my life and may we all continue to enjoy life to the fullest.


text:
Books on the work of CPT, written by CPTers and our supporters.
- Captivity: 118 days in Iraq and the struggle for a world without war, by CPTer James Loney
- Create Space for Peace: 40 years of Peacemaking, by Gene Soltzfus, edited by Dorothy Friesen and Marilen Abesamis.
- As Resident Aliens: Christian Peacemaker Teams in the West Bank, 1995–2005, by CPTer Kathleen Kern
- In Harm's Way: a History of Christian Peacemaker Teams, by CPTer Kathleen Kern
- 118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams held hostage in Iraq, essays written by CPTers and CPT supporters, edited by Tricia Gates Brown
- Getting in the Way: Stories from Christian Peacemaker Teams, essays written by CPTers, edited by Tricia Gates Brown
- To Baghdad and Beyond: How I got born again in Babylon, by CPT delegation member Jonathan Wislon-Hartgrove
- West Bank Diary: Middle East Violence as Reported by a Former American Hostage, by CPTer Jerry Levin
- Iraq: A Journey of Hope and Peace, by CPTer Peggy Gish
- Getting in the Way: Studies in the Book of Acts, by CPTer Kathy Kern
- Whatever Kindles: a Play About CPT, by CPTer Tricia Gates Brown (PDF file)
Captivity: 118 days in Iraq and the struggle for a world without war
by CPTer James Loney; Knopf Canada, 2011
Hardcover, 432 pages
In November 2005, CPTer James Loney and three other men — Canadian Harmeet Singh Sooden, British citizen Norman Kember and American CPTer Tom Fox — were taken hostage at gunpoint. The then unknown Swords of Righteousness Brigade released videos of the men, resulting in what is likely the most publicized kidnapping of the Iraq War. Tom Fox was murdered and dumped on a Baghdad street. The surviving men were held for 118 days before being rescued by Task Force Black, an elite counter-kidnap unit led by the British SAS.
Captivity is the story of what Jim described upon his return to Toronto and reunion with his partner Dan Hunt as "a terrifying, profound, transformative and excruciatingly boring experience." It presents an affecting portrait of how Jim came to be a pacifist and chronicles his work in Iraq before the kidnapping. It brings the reader immediately into the terror and banality, the frictions, the moral dilemmas of their captivity, their search to find their captors' humanity, and the imperative need to conceal Jim's sexual identity. It examines the paradoxes we face when our most cherished principles are tested in extraordinary circumstances and explores the universal truths contained in every captivity experience. At its heart, the book is a hope-filled plea for peace, human solidarity and forgiveness.
Create Space for Peace: forty years of peacemaking: writings of Gene Stoltzfus
edited by Dorothy Friesen and Marilen Abesamis; Trimark, 2011
Peperback, 255 pages
Create Space for Peace: 40 Years of Peacemaking is a collection of articles, letters, and speeches from Gene's journey of Christian peacemaking. This collection draws from his peacemaking experience around the world and contains stories of direct peace actions, including highlights of current political and military trends. Gene Stoltzfus (1940 - 2010) was the Founding Director of the Christian Peacemaker Teams from 1988 until 2004. More information here.
In Harm's Way: a History of Christian Peacemaker Teams
by CPTer Kathleen Kern; Cascade, 2008
Paperback, 620 pages
In 1984 Evangelicals for Social Action founder Ron Sider posed the questions, "What would happen if we in the Christian church developed a new nonviolent peacekeeping force ready to move into violent conflicts and stand peacefully between warring parties? . . . Everyone assumes that for the sake of peace it is moral and just for soldiers to get killed by the hundreds of thousands, even millions. Do we not have as much courage and faith as soldiers?"
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has been trying to answer those questions since 1986. CPT has responded to invitations from grassroots organizers on five continents who are using nonviolent strategies to confront systemic oppression. This book provides a glimpse into the mistakes and successes, the triumphs and tragedies, that teams have shared in with local co-workers in various nations. It also continues to pose the question, What would happen if CPT's efforts were multiplied by millions of Christians with a radical commitment to Jesus's nonviolent gospel?
118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams held hostage in Iraq
edited by CPTer Tricia Gates Brown; Christian Peacemaker Teams, 2008
Paperback, 227 pages
On November 26, 2005, Christian Peacemaker Teams members Tom Fox and Jim Loney along with delegation members Norman Kember and Harmeet Sooden were kidnapped in Iraq. Tom Fox was killed on March 9, 2006. Jim, Norman and Harmeet were freed two weeks later on March 23 after 118 days of captivity. The kidnapping of these four peacemakers was like a rock thrown into a pond. This collection describes the ripples on the water, the impact and results of that rock, in stories characterized by hope, courage, friendship, and forgiveness. 118 Days bears witness to vital peacemaking being done around the world in these times.
As Resident Aliens: Christian Peacemaker Teams in the West Bank, 1995–2005
by CPTer Kathleen Kern; Cascade, 2009
Paperback, 372 pages
"As the crucifixes drenched with Jewish blood drop from our hands, we stand impotent and wordless before this tragedy of Israel and Palestine … In the name of the crucified Messiah, we must struggle against the conditions which make history a trail of crucifixions. Only then, in solidarity with Jews and Palestinians, can we dream of Messianic times, of a shalom without victims." With these words, theologian Rosemary Radford Reuther laid out the pitfalls for Christians entering the arena of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Nevertheless, in 1995, a small cohort of pacifist Christians decided to paddle against the currents of history, against the crusades, pogroms, and colonial enterprises of their co-religionists, toward that goal of "a shalom without victims." Setting up a project in the West Bank city of Hebron, over the next ten years Christian Peacemaker Teams forged relationships with Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals who were resisting the Israeli military occupation of Palestine. As "resident aliens" (See Exodus 23:9) they have sojourned in the Holy Land to support Palestinians and Israelis who reject violence as a means of solving the conflict, who think that one nation has no right to subjugate and exploit another, and who believe all the residents of the region are entitled to the same, exactly the same, human rights. This book charts the growth of CPT in Palestine, how it adapted to changing political conditions, spread to locations outside of Hebron, and developed networks with activists throughout Palestine and Israel.
Getting in the Way: Stories From Christian Peacemaker Teams
edited by CPTer Tricia Gates Brown; Herald Press, 2005
Paperback, 300 pages
Christian Peacemaker Teams stop soldiers from firing on unarmed protesters in the West Bank, "occupy" a military base in Chiapas, Mexico, and oppose brutality against native fishers in Esgenoopetitj (New Brunswick, Canada). These are three of the stories recounted in this collection of first-person narratives written by members of CPT. The fear, joy and challenge faced by these committed Christians is reported vividly from trouble spots like Haiti, Iraq and Colombia, where the CPT work to reduce violence and conflict. Whether relating an account of incarceration in an Israeli prison, the death of a CPT member in Iraq, or coming face-to-face with angry loggers in the forests of Canada, the narratives in Getting in the Way are intimate, moving and deeply humanizing.
Getting in the Way Study Guide [PDF], by Tricia Gates Brown.
To Baghdad and Beyond: How I got born again in Babylon
by CPT delegation member Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove; Cascade Books, 2005
Paperback, 113 pages
'To Baghdad and Beyond' is the story of a young evangelical couple who followed the conviction of their faith into a war zone on a CPT delegation and discovered an alternative to the violence of empires and the complicity of quietism in the "third way" of Jesus's beloved community. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove writes of his journey from a rural Southern Baptist church to Iraq in a time of war to a Christian community of hospitality in an urban neighborhood. Excited by ways that Christian hope is taking concrete form, Wilson-Hartgrove describes a new monastic movement that is witnessing to a world at war that another way is possible.
West Bank Diary: Middle East Violence as Reported by a Former American Hostage
by former CPTer Jerry Levin; Hope Publishing, 2005
Paperback, 248 pages
When he was CNN's Beirut Bureau Chief, Jerry Levin was kidnapped and held hostage by the Hezbollah for almost a year. Yet when he was released, instead of being vindictive against his captors, Jerry decided to devote his life to giving voice to peoples silenced by foreign policies that often victimize the innocent.
Rather than return to his role as an observer and reporter, he became a dedicated advocate for nonviolence and a CPT worker in Hebron, West Bank. In this book Jerry describes his firsthand observations and personal experiences. Determined to demonstrate the power of nonviolence, he sets out to be an example as he escorts Palestinian children to school or farmers to their fields, being a peacemaker in a world filled with hate and violence. He shows how merely "getting in the way" of the Israeli occupation becomes a visible act of social consequence that gives recognition, courage and hope to those seeking to defend and protect Palestinian human rights.
Iraq: A Journey of Hope and Peace
by CPTer Peggy Gish; Herald Press, 2004
Paperback,296 pages
Peggy Gish went to Iraq as an attempt to prevent war. But on March 20, 2003, the bombs began falling on Baghdad. In her book, Peggy recounts the moving experiences of CPT's work in Iraq, before, during and after the 2003 war and occupation. Told as her personal account, Peggy makes real the story of prisoner abuse, the character of the Iraqi people, and a passionate vision for peace.
From the fall of 2002 to the spring of 2004, she chronicles her Iraq experience. Here are stories of sleeping in a tent during bomb attacks, villages surrounded in razor wire, being deported out of Iraq, fighting for justice for Iraqi prisoners, being robbed, creating relationships with Iraqi citizens, and through it all -- seeking the way of Christ's peace.
Getting in the Way: Studies in the Book of Acts
by CPTer Kathleen Kern; a CPT-printed 33-page booklet
This unit of four lessons from the Book of Acts is designed for groups who wish to study the work of CPT within the context of the biblical witness. Each lesson is tied to a passage from Acts with study focusing on the first century church and the history of CPT. Great for Sunday School discussion!
Bound booklets available from CPT for US$5.00 per copy, or download PDF files below:
Lesson Introduction
Lesson One: In the Beginning
Lesson Two: Subverting Privilege
Lesson Three: Speaking Truth to Power
Lesson Four: the Logistics of Growth
Whatever Kindles: A Play About Christian Peacemaker Teams
by CPTer Tricia Gates Brown
Click here for the PDF version, 56 pages.
As Resident Aliens
Christian Peacemaker Teams in the West Bank, 1995–2005
By Kathleen Kern
|Getting In The Way Book Study Guide.pdf
|Sunday School Lesson - Intro.pdf
|Sunday School Lesson Session 1.pdf
|Sunday School Lesson Session 2.pdf
|Sunday School Lesson Session 3.pdf
|Sunday School Lesson Session 4.pdf
|Whatever Kindles.pdf


text:
The Revs are back in Foxborough until February 9th when they leave for the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup. New England Soccer News reviews the Revs' first trip to Arizona, listing what they believe are the team's priorities during this training session.
The Attleboro Sun Chronicle's recap of the Revolution's preseason trip to Arizona centers on giving everyone a chance. Twenty-five players were used during the Revs' friendly against the Whitecaps FC. See what Peter Gobis thinks about Jay Heaps' preseason strategy.
The Revolution adds to the big soccer year in the state of Arizona. During their first trip, Casa Grande Sports World served as the Revs' home, while they will spend time in Tucson for the second leg. AZcentral's Odeen Domingo breaks down the action in this piece.


text:
This month project team members of the 'Coastal Livelihoods Adaptation Project' travelled to Potuakhali, Borguna and Kuakata, in remote disaster prone areas to visit the communities in southern Bangladesh and discovered not just one but more than one hundred talented hopefuls. Blank canvases soon became works of art, even though most of the young students from West Behala High School and Badurtoli Government Primary School had never even seen or used pastel colors to draw.
This was an initiative between GIZ (German Development Cooperation) and IUCN Bangladesh and over 120 students took part in the 'Coastal Livelihoods Adaptation Project' (CLAP) art competitions. Students from grades three five (primary level) and six to eight (secondary level) were provided with topics, covering their experiences and knowledge about disasters, climate change and adaptation. A selection of these illustrations by the children will be used in the books to be printed for them, as a part of the project. 'The talent from the students is amazing', said Remeen Firoz, IUCN's education and training consultant of the project, 'we are really excited to be able to include the students' artwork in our books!'
The aim of the joint project is to implement a school-based education and awareness programme on disaster preparedness and adaptation to climate change over a five year period, in five coastal upazilas for primary and high school students and their teachers.
Focus Group Discussions were also held with the Rakhaine community members, which took place at Amkhola para, the Rakahine Palli in Kuakata or the Gora Amkhola para (administrative name). The Rakhaine community experiences a number of regular or recurrent natural disasters, exasperated because of climate change effects. They were found to be enterprising and adapting to anomalies in the rainfall patterns and seasonal changes that affect their crop calendars and livelihoods.
The Rakhaine homesteads are traditionally different from those of other parts of the coast or the flat areas of Bangladesh. They have thatched roofs made of golpatta (nypa fruticans), a readily available tree in the mangroves. In addition, their homes stand on bamboo stilts, which allow storm surges to pass through. A typical Rakhaine house will be about 6 to 7 feet high from the ground and can be a two-storied structure (see photo below). However, in recent years, because of a rise in sea level, the height of these stilts probably needs to be raised (as the waves during surges are increasingly becoming higher). 'This type of structure has been adopted from Arakan (the Rakhaine state on the western coast of Myanmar), where the Rakhaine community is originally from', informed by Choten, an elderly Rakhaine community member.
An interactive and lively Focus Group Discussion also took place between Rakhaine boys and girls and members of IUCN B and partners. These children are high school students and study at the local Mohipur Cooperative High School.
The children were found to be musically inclined and performed popular songs as well as a local song based on the nature, environment and people of Potuakhali and Kuakata.
Bangladesh has a long history of natural disasters. Between 1980 and 2008, it experienced 219 natural disasters, causing more than USD $16 billion in damage and an estimated 200,000 deaths (UNDP, 2012). Bangladesh remains a country most vulnerable to natural disasters and is experiencing the impacts of climate change. UNDP reports that 30% of Bangladesh's land and 26% of its population is exposed to three or more kinds of hazards.
Schools play an important role in disaster risk reduction. Schools educate the community and often provide shelter during a disaster. Children in particular play an important role within the community, sharing their knowledge from school with their families and the general community.
Educational material
The 'Coastal Livelihoods Adaptation Project' (CLAP) is an initiative of GIZ (German Development Cooperation) funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and IUCN Bangladesh is their technical partner for implementing one of the components of the project that focuses on education and awareness.
Consultation sessions with students, teachers and educational officials are currently taking place, the feedback from the consultation sessions will be used to develop Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials such as information books and guides for primary and secondary school students and their teachers in both Bangla and English. These will identify issues and topics that will assist in addressing vulnerability factors such as sensitivity and exposure and educate the wider coastal community on preparing and responding to future climate change impacts and natural disasters.
The education materials will be mainly pictorial and will focus on weather and climate, climate change manifestations, adaptation, mitigation, key vulnerabilities and risks, local and Bangladesh specific case examples, etc.
Based on recommendations from the consultation sessions the materials will also include information on cyclonic warning signals, preparedness and adaptation options including plantation of tree species suitable for cyclonic winds, a disaster map of the country, local case studies, history of the disasters in Bangladesh, to mention a few. This project has been replicated from the highly successful 'Char Development and Settlement Project' (CDSP) III funded initiative of the Government of Netherlands that was implemented in from 2008-2009 by IUCN Bangladesh in the coastal and offshore areas of Noakali region. The project and the popular mascot 'Rana Bhai', the climate change ambassador frog, were enormously successful in raising awareness about climate change and disaster risk reduction.
Considering the success of this project and the emerging need for improvement in disaster risk management and preparedness measures, GIZ has requested IUCN to provide technical guidance to implement this phrase of the project. The basic drafts of the books will be validated by the users themselves - through consultations with students, teachers, local Education Officers of the GoB, partners and education and communication experts. It is expected that the distribution of the teachers' guides and students' books will take place from beginning 2013; the project will continue to work with the schools and organize campaigns, competitions and capacity building programmes for the next few years.


text:
Recruiting Article: Tom Lemming on Prater and committing
Tom just posted an interesting piece about Prater and USC. One thing Tom points out is that kids, contrary to what they say publicly, do not care about tradition or especially academics. It's something, specifically the academics, I've always stated was a bogus quote from kids. What kids really mean when they say they care about the academics means , "how is a school going to help me pass my classes?" I don't blame them and god knows I wish I had the type of academic support these kids have when I was at Michigan. But let's get real, the vast majority of these kids want to use college ball as a launching pad to the NFL.
Anyways, whether you like Tom or not, it's a good read


text:
Tom Cruise & Andrea Riseborough: New 'Oblivion' Trailer!
Tom Cruise goes shirtless in the new trailer for his highly anticipated new film Oblivion!
The 50-year-old actor plays a veteran soldier to a distant planet, where he has to destroy the remains of an alien race. The arrival of an unexpected traveler causes him to question what he knows about the planet, his mission, and himself.
Oblivion, which also stars Andrea Riseborough, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and Melissa Leo, will be hitting theaters everywhere on April 19.
WHAT DO YOU THINK of the new trailer for Tom Cruise's Oblivion?
"Oblivion" – Trailer


text:
Evan Smith L'12 awarded prestigious Skadden fellowship
For the fourth year in a row, a University of Pennsylvania Law School student or alumnus has been awarded a prestigious Skadden Fellowship to assist public interest work.
Law School graduate Evan Smith L'12 has received a fellowship for 2013-2015 – one of 29 awarded by the Skadden Foundation to law students and recent graduates around the country – to support his work representing coal miners and their families in mine safety and black lung cases.
Smith, who is currently clerking with Judge John M. Rogers on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, will work with the Appalachian Citizens' Law Center, a non-profit law firm in Whitesburg, KY, where Smith is from.
His project will focus on enforcing legal rights afforded miners under two federal, statutory regimes: the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, which protects miners who raise safety concerns; and the Black Lung Benefits Act, which assists disabled miners ravaged by exposure to coal dust. Smith's background and familiarity with eastern Kentucky make him a unique advocate for this underrepresented group: in addition to providing direct client representation, he also plans to use his knowledge of and family connections in Kentucky to expand the network of attorneys working on mining issues and to identify potential impact cases to effect systemic change.
Described by the Los AngelesTimes as a "legal Peace Corps," the Skadden Fellowship program was established by the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in 1988 to address the need for greater funding of young lawyers who wish to devote their careers to providing legal services to underserved communities, whether the poor, the elderly, the homeless and the disabled, and those deprived of their civil rights. Fellowships are awarded for two years. To apply, students create their own projects at public interest organizations.
Since its founding, the Skadden Fellowship program has funded 677 law school graduates and judicial clerks to work full-time for legal and advocacy organizations. Penn Law students and alumni have secured Skadden Fellowships in each of the past four years.