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Acadian-Cajun / French-Canadian Boutique > SOULARD to WILLET Surname Products > VINCENT Family Crest > VINCENT Family Crest Large Mug
VINCENT shop features products ranging from messenger bags, to house wares, to appeal young and old. Choose from a large selection VINCENT gifts such as t-shirts, mugs, hats & so much more!
Give this mug as a funny, unique or personal gift. The outside of the mug has a bright white base that is perfect for photos, logos,
designs or sayings.
Our large ceramic coffee mug is about 33% larger than those smaller mugs.
Choose between 2 styles:
white or white with black handle & interior.
Drag the square at the left to choose the part of your image you want to use. Tips: Click and drag any corner to resize; click and drag from the inside to move.
Click done if you're happy with the way it looks.


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Suffolk County
Mental Health Court
The Mental Health Court (MHC), a specialized part of the Suffolk County District and County Criminal Courts, utilizes a court supervised program for those who have a mental illness and have been arrested in Suffolk County on misdemeanor or felony charges.
MHC combines the resources of the court, law enforcement, transitional case management, substance abuse agencies, and mental health service providers, to provide effective support and intervention to individuals with mental illness.
MHC is comprised of a presiding judge, a mental health court coordinator, Division of Community Mental Hygiene clinical staff members, and transitional case managers and probation officers, who supervise each defendant.
Initially, the District Attorney's Office evaluates each defendant's criminal history to determine legal eligibility for participation in the program.
Thereafter, the MHC coordinator conducts a preliminary screening to determine eligibility.
A representative from Division of Community Mental Hygiene evaluates each defendant to determine clinical eligibility for participation.
The treatment team establishes an appropriate treatment protocol for each defendant. Treatment protocols may change as defendants progress in the program. Referrals for appropriate treatment are provided. Eligibility for treatment is not denied due to inability to pay.

subset: commoncrawl


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The unbelievable energy of this phenomenal wedding package culminates as guests join you dancing in the aisle to Viva Las Vegas. It's truly the wedding experience of a lifetime!!
Our Gazebo Wedding in its secluded, garden-like setting is one of our most popular choices for Las Vegas weddings.
You'll be so glad you made it to your Viva Las Vegas Bluez Brotherz themed wedding with Jake & Elwood. The band is back in black and singing the blues on your wild and wacky wedding day!
Be wed under the stars in a tranquil garden reminiscent of a French postcard..
On your wedding day, you want everything to be picture perfect.
Elvis, Elvis and more Elvis. If an Elvis wedding is what you have always wanted, we can certainly accommodate you.


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The Northwest Credit Union Association made it official Tuesday: its veteran CEO John Annaloro is retiring Oct. 2.
He will be succeeded by Troy Stang, the president of the trade group which resulted from the merger of the Oregon and Washington leagues in 2011 and includes members from Alaska.
The NWCUA said the changing of the guard will occur at the annual convention and business meeting in Vancouver, Wash., and include a reception in his honor on Oct. 4.
Annaloro was CEO of the Washington Credit Union league from 1997 until the merger and was the first CEO of the new group, which has about 200 members. He previously was a senior executive with the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues.
Annaloro is widely credited with creating one of the most progressive state-charter environments in the nation, the NWCUA said, crediting him with "fostering a cohesive credit union community in the Northwest that maximizes the industry's collective strengths."
"(He also) is known as a promoter of aggressive and effective government affairs programming, and he has earned numerous awards for his efforts over the past 15 years, including the Eagle Award from the American Association of Credit Union Leagues for his outstanding record of achievement as a system leader," the NWCUA said in a statement.
Annaloro also is the recipient of the Herb Wegner Memorial Award from the National Credit Union Foundation for his work with the PBS series "Biz Kid$," a program launched in Seattle with credit union funding.
Former CUNA CEO Dan Mica cited Annaloro's leadership advocating for passage of the Credit Union Membership Act of 1998. The act significantly opened credit union membership eligibility to consumers. Today, nearly 93 million Americans belong to a credit union.
"John spared no effort advancing the credit union charter. He clearly established Washington state as what I would call a 'soldier on the ground,' taking critical issues door-to-door to the people," Mica said.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to work with and get to know John over the past few years," said Bill Anderson, NWCUA chairman and CEO of the $164 million Mid Oregon FCU in Bend. "His focused and agile leadership he has put in place the very foundation that has made this organization—and indeed, our industry—such a success."
Annaloro said, "Serving the credit union system has been an honor in every way. I appreciate the trust vested in association executives by our credit unions. These appointments are noble endeavors, worthy of anyone's best efforts to provide a brilliant future. I will miss many friendships, as well as the staff, board members and past chairmen who have been my partners."


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Posts tagged 'DIY mason jar candle'
By Blogger August 11, 2012
I know I don't always post on Saturdays but I wanted to share a little bit of my special day with you all. Today I'm turning 25. Happy Birthday to me! Among other perks that come with a birthday, one of my favorite parts is the decorating of the party. I've had a couple of ideas for my party that I want to make sure to execute before the big event this evening.


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About LibyaLibya is a predominately desert country in North Africa, bordering Egypt and Tunisia. Libya budget travel includes a range of highlights from ancient Roman ruins to vast desert landscapes and fascinating Arab cultures and traditions.
Libya Budget Travel
Below is a list of Libya's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.
Fast Facts
Libyan Dinar (LYD)
Dialing Code
Libya HIV/AIDS precautions include the following:
• Don't ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment may not be adequately sterilised, or blood may not be properly screened for HIV
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing unless the equipment is sterile
Major Libya airports include:
• Benina International Airport
• Tripoli International Airport
Libya birdlife includes some 317 species, with total of 8 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the country. Species includes Moussier's Redstart, Tristram's Warbler, Lesser Kestrel and Slender-billed Curlew.
With a number of species now extinct, Libya conservation efforts are essential to protect the country's threatened and endangered bird and animal species. Projects include sea turtle conservation and tortoise preservation projects.
Libya cultures include the following influences:
• Literature plays a vital role in spanning the multi-cultural heritages of Libya
• Food and drink are a strong part of all cultures in the country
• Berber influences date back to the country's earliest times
• Italian and Greek influences can both be found in ancient ruins and villages
• Architecture and use of space plays a key role in surviving the desert climate
Libya customs allows for free import of the following:
• 200 cigarettes, 250g of tobacco or 250g cigars
• 250ml of perfume
Libya health facilities are infamous for being overcrowded and inadequate, so take precautions to stay healthy and avoid the public health care system. Take out comprehensive travel insurance, avoid tap water, pack a basic first aid kit and do not eat food that has been left to stand.
Libya vaccinations include the following:
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever (if coming from an infected zone)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus-diphtheria
Libya languages include the following:
• Arabic
• Italian
• English
Libya malaria information includes:
• Malaria medication is not needed to visit Libya
• Malaria medication includes Larium, Malarone, or doxycycline
• If you are coming from a malaria zone be sure to continue the course as prescribed
• Follow basic guidelines such as using mosquito repellent and mosquito netting
• Speak to your doctor about malaria medication you will need
Libya money and banking info is as follows:
• Local currency is Libyan Dinar and dirhams
• Libya is a cash society - credit cards are very seldom accepted
• Currency can be exchanged at airports and some major hotels
• Be prepared and organise cash when you have the chance
• There are few reliable ATMs in Tripoli
Libya people include the following groups:
• Berber and Arab 97%
• Egyptians, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians and Albanians 3%
Libya local phrases in Arabic include:
• Hello - As-salaam-alaikum
• Goodbye - Ma'assalama
• Thank you - Shokran
• Please - Men fadlak (male), men fadlik (female)
• How much? - Bikam?
Mostly desert, the small amount of Libya plant life includes a relatively narrow coastal strip and highland steppes, sparse grassland, as well as the lush Jabal al Akhdar (Green Mountain), named after its leafy cover of pine, juniper, cypress, and wild olive.
A July 2006 United Nations estimate puts the Libya population at 5,900,754.
Libya religion includes the following groups:
• Sunni Muslim 97%
• Christian
• Other 3%
Safety Tips
Libya safety tips include the following:
• Libya is generally a safe country to visit with very little problems
• Driving can be a hazard however, with camels and sand, and poor standard headlights making it hard to navigate desert roads, and speeding and heavy traffic in city roads
• Driving after dark in rural areas is not advised
• Tourists can sometimes be scammed or hassled – be polite and firm
• It is illegal to bring alcohol into the country or drink, and penalties can be very severe
Libya local transport options include the following:
• Train
• Car
• Taxi
• Plane
Travel Books
Libya recommended travel books include the following:
• Libya - Culture Smart!: A Quick Guide to Customs and Etiquette by Roger Jones
• Waterproof Libya Map by International Travel Maps and Books
• Footprint Libya Handbook: The Travel Guide by James Azema
• Libya: A Civilization Amidst the Dunes by Giorgio Galanti
• Libya In Pictures by Francesca Di Piazza
Visa Requirements
Libya visa information is as follows:
• It is notoriously difficult to obtain tourist visas for Libya
• Holders of passports containing a valid or expired visa for Israel will be refused entry or transit
• Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months
• Visitors must be in possession of a minimum of foreign currency equivalent to US$1,000 on arrival
• Travelers who have proof of Libyan family or organisation who are sponsoring them are exempt from the above clause
What To Buy
What to buy for Libya safaris:
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour
• Backpack plus a good quality moneybag to keep valuables
• Libya travel guide plus Arab phrase book and a good map
• First aid kit with basic supplies and malaria medication
• Travel pack with wet wipes, toilet roll and waterless hand wash
What To Pack
What to pack for Libya safaris: Camera, batteries and spare film or memory as well as binoculars
• Long-sleeve, loose, lightweight clothing with skirts and t-shirts covering shoulders for women as well as headscarves
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhat and swimming costume
• Warm jacket for cooler months and night time
When To Go
Best time to visit Libya:
• The best time to visit Libya is from November to May, when the temperatures are cooler
• In summer (June to September) the ghibli sandstorms make it hard to get around
• Summer is generally very hot with average temperatures on the coast around 30°C
• Avoid the desert areas from mid-May until October, when temperatures reach a sweltering 55°C
• Desert temperatures can drop below freezing at night
• For more information about Libya, take a look at Guide for Africa's detailed guide.
With 87 species of mammals and a large number of reptiles to be found, Libya wildlife is fairly abundant. Most species are desert-dwelling, with a range of animals including Barbary sheep, desert fox, Gazelle, Kleinmanni tortoise, Libyan Jerboa, Cape Hyrax, Olive Baboon, African Savanna Hare, as well as marine animals like Pilot whale and dolphin.
Commenting is not available in this channel entry.
The highlight of my trip had to be Gweru in Zimbabwe, it was my idea of paradise. So much to do there with the animals and the location of it was just beautiful!
— Anne B (27) from Ireland
The trip was great! A very relaxed ride in a mokoro, followed by camping in the Okavango Delta and watching the animals on the islands was awesome!
— Michael & Silke from Germany
I loved every millisecond of the entire trip... Guess what I did in Swakopmund? I skydived out of a plane - woohoo was that AWESOME :-)
— JoJo E (61) from Switzerland
Finally home and had a great time…. I loved the shark diving, Sossusvlei and Himba people. Saw Lions, a Leopard, Elephants, Giraffes, everything really! Thanks for…
— John E from Canada
I did not believe in god till i visited Chobe National Park.
— Juca from Uruguay
Do this on the Cape Town to Nairobi with Gorilla Trek.Tours with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Do this on the 14-day Kruger and Mozambique Safari.Tours with Kruger National Park Game Drive
Do this on the Best of South West Africa.Tours with Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursion
Do this on the Best of East Africa.Tours with Serengeti National Park Excursion
Do this on the Best of South West Africa.Tours with Victoria Falls Flight of Angels
Do this on the Best of South West Africa.Tours with White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
Visit Etosha National Park on the Best of NamibiaTours through Etosha National Park
Visit Okavango Delta on the Best of South West AfricaTours through Okavango Delta
Visit Serengeti National Park on the Best of East AfricaTours through Serengeti National Park
Visit Victoria Falls on the Best of South West AfricaTours through Victoria Falls
Visit Zanzibar Island on the cape town to darTours through Zanzibar Island


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Source: Julie Lea, 785-532-7564, email@example.com
Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010
MANHATTAN -- In an on-field ceremony at today's Kansas State University football game, Rand and Patti Berney, Bartlesville, Okla., announced their $5 million commitment to K-State to establish the Berney Family Capital Project Fund.
This fund will provide support for the two highest-priority capital projects on K-State's Manhattan campus. The fund will be directed by K-State President Kirk Schulz for the renovation and maintenance of the welcome center at Memorial Stadium and the initial construction of the basketball training facility.
In recognition of this gift, K-State will name the athletic field adjacent to the welcome center at Memorial Stadium as the Berney Family Field, and will name the pre-function reception lobby in the basketball training facility as the Berney Family Reception Center.
The Berneys are members of the KSU Foundation's Presidents Club, a philanthropic leadership organization for friends and alumni of K-State. They have contributed to numerous funds and campaigns for more than 30 years, including Telefund, the College of Business Administration Dean's Excellence Fund, the K-State Alumni Association's Tradition Founders Fund, and the Ahearn Fund's National Leadership Circle. Rand Berney is also a member of the KSU Foundation Board of Trustees, and was recently elected to serve on the board's executive committee.
Rand Berney is a native of Phillipsburg, and is currently senior vice president of corporate shared services at ConocoPhillips, an integrated energy company engaged in the exploration, production, refining, processing and marketing of petroleum and natural gas. He graduated from K-State in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in accounting, and earned his Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla., in 1982. In 2004 he was inducted into the K-State College of Business Administration's Business Leaders Hall of Fame, and was recognized as the college's Distinguished Business Leader of the Year. In 2006 he was again honored by the College of Business Administration when he was named an alumni fellow. He has served as the company's liaison with K-State for 30 years, and since 2007 he has been instrumental in the success of the university's ConocoPhillips SPIRIT Scholars program. The program provides leadership and personal development opportunities in the form of mentorships and internships for students at K-State.
Patti Berney grew up in Derby and attended Fort Hays State University. She and her husband first moved to Bartlesville in 1981, where she was an active volunteer for the community, schools and church for 22 years. In 2002 the couple moved to Houston, and she continued to volunteer for activities with the Red Cross, Greenspoint Mission, Target Hunger and the Special Olympics. Since returning to Bartlesville in 2009 she has served on the boards of Mary Martha Outreach, Family Crisis and Counseling, Price Tower Arts Center, Bartlesville Symphony Society, Friends of Frank Phillips Home and the Samaritan Advisory Board.
"Patti and I are excited about the vision and leadership that Kirk Schulz and John Currie have brought to K-State, and are pleased to be able to make a gift that will help them change the face of our great university," Rand Berney said. "K-State is a place where great things develop, from research and scholarship to student programs and athletics. To be a lasting part of that success is both humbling and satisfying."
"Rand and Patti Berney are making an enormous statement as to their belief in K-State," President Schulz said. "Their gift will continue to help us welcome the best and brightest students to our campus, and give our student athletes an outstanding experience as a part of K-State athletics. The better we can serve our students, the closer we are to our goal of becoming a top 50 research university by the year 2025. We are honored that the Berneys have chosen to become such an integral part of our future."
Philanthropic contributions to K-State are coordinated by the Kansas State University Foundation. The foundation staff works with university partners to build lifelong relationships with alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students through involvement and investment in the university.


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Krabi Tour Packages
Rs 17,000 /-person (Start)
- 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Holiday Type : Group Tour. Thailand Tour Packages
- Countries: Thailand Tour packages
- Visit Cities: Krabi Tour Packages
- Stay: Krabi, Thailand – 3 Nights
- Hotel Categories:
Joining Leaving Cities
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
- Travel by comfortable A/c or Non A/c coach / Vehicle as per the tour itinerary
- Entrance fees of all sightseeing places to be visited from inside
- Accommodation in comfortable and convenient hotels
- All Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (set menu) as mentioned in the itinerary
- All Tips – Guide, Driver and Restaurants
- 1 Lt. Water Bottle per person per day
- To and fro Air or Rail fare and Airport or Railway station transfer for 'Joining and Leaving Tour Guests'
- Govt Tax of 5.00% over and above the Tour Cost mentioned
- Any applicability of new taxes from Government
- Any upgradation in Airline class or hotel room category
- Cost of Insurance
- Cost of Pre/Post tour hotel accommodation
- Any extra expense such as route change, Airline change, Date change, Accommodation facilities, etc incurred due to the unforeseen, unavoidable forced majeure circumstances during the tour
- Porterage (coolie charges), laundry, telephone charges, shopping, wines and alcoholic beverages, mineral water, items of personal nature and food or drink which is not part of a set group menu
- Any extra cost incurred on behalf of an individual due to illness, accident, hospitalisation, or any personal emergency
- Any services or activity charges other than those included in the group tour itinerary
- Anything specifically not mentioned in the 'tour price includes' column
Documents to be submitted:
- Booking form with details filled
- Photo ID proof.
Terms and Conditions
- Above rates are valid on a minimum of 2 adults travelling together.
- Rates are subject to change in case of any additional taxes, government fees change etc.
- Any meals and services unless mentioned in the itinerary, are not included.
- In case of unavailability in the mentioned hotels, alternate accommodation will be arranged in a similar category hotel.
- AjToursAndTravels reserves the right to decline any passenger.
Payment policy
Booking Fee
- 3 months in advance: 60%
- 2 months in advance: 70%
- 1 month in advance: 100%
Payments can be done by Cheque, Cash or Online using Debit Card or Credit Card
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Fee
- 30 or more days before departure: 25%
- 15 or more days before departure: 50%
- 4 to 7 days before departure: 100%
Tour Requirements
- ADULT: Adhar card/ Driving Liscence/ Voter ID / Passport
Coach Travel
A/C Coach – Seating capacity depends upon group size
Non A/C Small Vehicle in Munnar
Things To Carry Along
- Mobile phone with appropriate sim card
- Along with your necessary clothing and toiletries carry sun screen lotion, hand sanitizer, sun glasses, cap, sports shoes, umbrella / windcheater, camera etc. and woollens if needed
- If you are on any medication, carry sufficient stock of the medicines with prescription
Mandatory Documents to Carry
- ADULT: Adhar card/ Driving Licence/ Voter ID / Passport
- Hot
- For detailed Information about weather kindly visit www.accuweather.com
Ivory carvings, pottery, brocade fabrics, earthenware products, gold, Indian spices and banana chips
Joining Leaving Cities


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Moldova, country lying in the northeastern corner of the Balkan region of Europe. Its capital city is Chișinău, located in the south-central part of the country.
Formerly known as Bessarabia, this region was an integral part of the Romanian principality of Moldavia until 1812, when it was ceded to Russia by its suzerain, the sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Bessarabia remained a province of the Russian Empire until after World War I, when it became a part of Greater Romania, and it reverted to Russian control in 1940–41 and again after World War II, when it was joined to a strip of formerly Ukrainian territory, the Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, on the left bank of the Dniester River (Moldovan: Nistru) to form the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic. Upon the collapse of the Soviet Union in August 1991, this republic declared its independence and took the name Moldova. It became a member of the United Nations in 1992.
Since its independence in 1991, Moldova has been beset with an array of challenges stemming from four problematic situations. First, the country has sought to establish a viable state where no tradition of self-government and sovereignty had existed before. Second, without a local political tradition, it was difficult for Moldova to agree on a constitution and to find political leaders untainted by association with the highly centralized, authoritarian Soviet Union. Third, the transition from a controlled economy to a free market economy has been rocky. A largely agricultural economy based on state and collective farms had been developed under Soviet rule. When many of these farms were broken up and turned over to individuals after independence, considerable dislocation, loss of productivity, and allegations of corruption resulted. Finally, the economic transition was further impeded by the fact that much of Moldovan industry was located in the separatist region of Transdniestria, which had proclaimed independence from Moldova in 1990, resulting in a brief civil war. Although a cease-fire was declared in 1992, relations remained tense between Moldova and Transdniestria, and Russian troops are still present in the security zone. Transdniestria is also the source of much of Moldova's electricity, which has been cut off at various times. Thus, Moldova's road to nationhood has remained bumpy—from the first efforts at nation-building to the country's pursuit of peace and prosperity in the 21st century.
Moldova is bounded by Ukraine to the north, east, and south and by Romania to the west. The bulk of the republic lies between the great meandering Prut and Dniester rivers.
Moldova lies to the east of the great arc of the Carpathian Mountains. It is underlain mostly by deep sedimentary rocks covering the southwestern portion of the ancient structural block known as the Russian, or East European, Plain. Harder crystalline rocks outcrop only in the north. Its surface is a hilly plain, with an average elevation of 482 feet (147 metres), cut by a deep network of river valleys, ravines, and gullies.
The uplands of the centre of the republic, the Codri Hills, lie at an average elevation of about 1,150 to 1,300 feet (350 to 400 metres), and the highest point, Mount Bălănești, in the west, reaches 1,407 feet (429 metres). These uplands are interlaced by deep, flat valleys, ravines, and landslide-scoured depressions separated by sharp ridges. Steep forested slopes account for much of the terrain. The Dniester uplands, their eastern slopes forming the high right bank of the Dniester River, border the central uplands on the east and northeast.
The northern landscape of Moldova is characterized by the level plain of the Bălți steppe (500 to 650 feet [150 to 200 metres] in elevation) and also by uplands averaging twice this elevation, culminating in Vysokaya Hill (1,053 feet [321 metres]). The northern uplands include the strikingly eroded Medobory-Toltry limestone ridges, which border the Prut River.
In the south, the extensive Bugeac Plain is broken by numerous ravines and gullies, while, in the east, left-bank Moldova includes spurs of the Volyn-Podolsk Upland cut into by tributaries of the Dniester.
Moldova has a well-developed network of rivers and streams, all draining south to the Black Sea, but only about one-tenth of these exceed 6 miles (10 km) in length, and even fewer exceed 60 miles (100 km). In fact, many of these are small, shallow streams that dry up during the summer. The Dniester, the rapidly flowing main artery, is navigable almost throughout the republic; the river becomes swollen by spring snowmelt from the Carpathians and by heavy summer rains. It does not freeze over during warmer winters. The other, smaller, main artery, the Prut, is a tributary of the Danube River, which it joins at the extreme southern tip of the country. The Ialpug, Cogâlnic, and other small southern rivers drain largely into the Danubian estuary in nearby Ukraine. Underground water, extensively used for the republic's water supply, includes more than 2,000 natural springs. The terrain favours construction of reservoirs.
The soils of Moldova are varied and highly fertile, with chernozem—rich black soils—covering three-fourths of the republic. The best-developed chernozem, fostering the growth of grain, tobacco, and sugar beets, is found in the north and in the low-lying parts of the central and Dniester uplands, as well as in the left-bank regions. Soil quality diminishes southward, but grapes and sunflowers still can be grown. Brown and gray forest soils characterize the uplands: two-fifths are covered by forests, the rest by orchards, vineyards, and fields of grain. Alluvial soils characterize the floodplains, while the lower reaches of the Prut and southern river valleys have saline and marshland soils. In general, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides during the Soviet period has resulted in significant contamination of the soil and groundwater.
Moldova's climate—warm and moderately continental—is characterized by a lengthy frost-free period, a comparatively mild winter, considerable temperature fluctuations, and, in the south, extended droughts. The average annual temperature is in the mid-40s F (about 8 °C) in the north and the low 50s F (about 10 °C) in the south, but the July averages rise to the upper 60s and low 70s F (about 19 and 23 °C), respectively, and the mercury seldom drops below the low 20s F (about −3 °C) in January. Extreme lows near −30 °F (about −36 °C) in the north and excessive highs near 100 °F (about 41 °C) in the south have been recorded. Moldova receives highly variable amounts of precipitation—usually averaging about 20 inches (500 mm) annually, with totals a little lower in the south—but these figures conceal variations that may double the quantity in some years and result in prolonged dry spells in others. Most precipitation occurs as rain in the warmer months, and heavy summer showers, coupled with the irregular terrain, cause erosion problems and river silting. Winter snow cover is thin. Winds tend to come from either the northwest or the southeast.
Plant and animal life
Northern and central Moldova is a forest zone, while a steppe belt crosses the south. There are more than 1,500 species of plants in the republic, with scenic expanses of forest, covering about 1,150 square miles (3,000 square km), of particular importance, especially in the central Codri Hills region. The most common trees are hornbeam and oak, followed by a rich variety including linden, maple, wild pear, and wild cherry. Beech forests are found at the sources of the Ichel and Bâcu rivers. At the beginning of the 19th century, forests covered about one-third of the country. However, a large increase in population severely reduced the forested areas. The extensive deforestation in the 19th century has also resulted in soil erosion, wind damage, a drop in the water table, flooding, desertification, and loss of fauna. Well aware of the raft of problems caused by the loss of so much of Moldova's woodlands, authorities and scientists began lobbying for increased afforestation plans, and large-scale reforestation projects have been carried out in the republic since the early 1990s. The state's plans initially met resistance from peasants who were fearful that their agricultural and grazing lands would be converted into less-profitable forests, but by the early 21st century increased crop and livestock yields had demonstrated the program's success.
Moldova's steppes originally were grass-covered, but most of them are now cultivated. Lush meadows and reed growths occur in the floodplains of the Dniester and portions of the Prut, while salt-marsh grasslands flourish in the saline valleys of the Cogâlnic, Ialpug, Botna, and lower Prut.
The animal life of Moldova is rich, despite the republic's small size. Mammals include wild boar, wolves, badgers, wildcats, ermines, martins, and polecats. Roe deer, hare, foxes, and muskrat are of commercial importance. Siberian stags, fallow deer, and spotted deer also were successively introduced and are now prevalent.
There are many species of birds, both resident and migratory. The marshy lower reaches of Moldova's rivers provide sanctuary for wild geese, migratory ducks, and herons, while white-tailed sea eagles are found in the floodplain forests. The wood lark, jay, song thrush, blackbird, hawk, and long-eared owl frequent the republic's forests. Plentiful fish supplies include carp (raised in artificial reservoirs), perch, bream, ruff, and pike.
Ethnic groups
About three-fourths of Moldova's population consists of ethnic Moldovans. There are smaller populations of Ukrainians, Russians, Gagauz, Roma (Gypsies), and Bulgarians. The Ukrainian population of Moldova, the largest minority group, is divided between those who are native to the country (their ancestors having farmed for centuries in what is now Moldova) and those who migrated to Moldova during the periods of Russian and Soviet control. The former group makes up the majority of Ukrainians in Moldova.
Moldova's Russian population arrived during the periods of Russian imperial and Soviet rule, usually as civil servants and labourers. The Gagauz, a mainly rural people, have lived on the Bugeac Plain since the late 18th century. The country's ethnic Bulgarians also are mainly rural and inhabit the southern districts, where they settled at the end of the 18th century. Only a small percentage of Moldovan citizens identify themselves as Roma.
Moldovan is designated as the country's official language in the constitution. During the Russian imperial and Soviet periods, the Moldavian language (as it was then called) was written in the Cyrillic alphabet. Soviet scholars, mainly for political reasons, insisted that this language was an independent Romance language that was distinct from Daco-Romanian (see Romanian). In fact, Daco-Romanian and Moldovan are virtually identical, and differences between the two are confined to phonetics and vocabulary. In 1989 the script of the Moldovan language was changed to the Latin alphabet; thereupon began a heated debate over whether the language should be called Romanian or Moldovan. By the middle of the first decade of the 21st century, there was general agreement from both sides that Moldovan and Romanian were in fact the same language. Nevertheless, Moldovan pride in the Moldovan language is reflected in the country's national anthem, "Limba Noastra" ("Our Language"), and the national motto, Limba Noastra-i o Comoara ("Our Language is a Treasure").
Some of Moldova's ethnic communities have preserved their respective languages, but not without accommodations brought about by urbanization. Those who have been drawn to the cities, especially ethnic Moldovans, often have accepted Russian as a second language. Few, however, have abandoned their native language, and bilingualism has become the norm. The Moldovan state acknowledges and protects the right to preserve, develop, and use Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, and any other languages spoken within the country's borders. Gagauz is the official language in the autonomous area of Gagauz, but Moldovan, Romanian, and Russian are spoken there as well. Although the Gagauz language is Turkic in origin, it was traditionally written with the Cyrillic alphabet; however, since 1989 the Gagauz have developed a Latin script.
During the period of Soviet rule, the influence of churches in Moldovan public life was limited by the religious policy imposed by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU): separation of church and state, exclusion of the churches from education, and subjection of the faithful to atheistic propaganda. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, however, all churches have undergone a revival and have striven to regain their former prominence. The overwhelming majority of ethnic Moldovans, Russians, Gagauz, and Ukrainians are Eastern Orthodox Christians. There are also other Christians and smaller Muslim and Jewish communities. The Jewish community is overwhelmingly urban and began to enter present-day Moldova in substantial numbers after 1800, but its numbers have been greatly reduced by wars, pogroms, the Holocaust, and emigration (since the creation of the Moldovan republic, there has been considerable emigration of Jews to Russia, Ukraine, and Israel). Less than one-tenth of Moldova's residents consider themselves nonreligious.
Settlement patterns
Economic policies imposed during the Soviet era brought significant changes to both the countryside and cities. The pace of urbanization was dramatic, in part because Moldova was the least urban of all the Soviet republics. Industrialization spurred the growth of large and small cities in every part of the republic, but nowhere more so than in the capital, Chișinău, the economic, administrative, and cultural centre of the republic. The collectivization of agriculture during the Soviet period concentrated population in large villages, most of which have between 1,000 and 5,000 inhabitants. As villages assumed new economic and administrative functions, they became more modern in level of comfort and in the public services they could provide.
After independence the population of Moldova became even more urban as the movement from the countryside to the cities became continuous. At that time ethnic Moldovans were relative newcomers to the cities, and in the early 21st century they accounted for only about one-third of all urban inhabitants. The majority of the remainder of ethnic Moldovans reside in the rural areas in the centre and north of the republic. A majority of the Ukrainian population lives in urban centres, with approximately one-fourth of them living in the eastern section of the breakaway region of Moldova known as Transdniestria (Transnistria; Pridnestrovie), which is located on the east bank of the Dniester River. Russians constitute about one-fourth of Moldova's urban population, but thousands of them have resettled in Transdniestria.
Demographic trends
During the 1960s the population of the republic grew rapidly; however, starting in 1970 it increased at a steady but slower rate. Since independence, though, Moldova's population has decreased, largely owing to the emigration of Moldovans seeking economic opportunities elsewhere and to the virtual end of immigration from Russia and Ukraine, which had contributed to earlier population growth. Moreover, a sharp decline in the standard of living and in the quality and availability of public health and medical facilities in the early 1990s lowered life expectancy. Infant mortality and insufficient health care, especially in rural areas, were serious problems. The number of stillbirths and infant deaths, which had fallen significantly from the early 1970s to the early 1980s, rose in the late 1980s and remained high throughout the early 2000s. In the early 21st century Moldova's birth rate remained low compared with the world average.
During the communist era a diversified industry was established in Moldova, agriculture was modernized, and transport and the building industry were overhauled. Following independence, the government began the gradual transformation from a command (centrally planned) to a market economy, establishing a program to privatize many state enterprises primarily through distribution of ownership vouchers to the public. The transition has been slow and uneven because of corruption, lack of foreign investment, and other economic pressures. In the early 21st century Moldova was among the poorest countries in Europe.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
More than half of the country's land is arable, and most of that land is used to grow temporary crops (those that are sown and harvested during the same agricultural year). About one-tenth of the land is used to cultivate permanent crops (those that are planted once but will not be replanted after each annual harvest). Agriculture has been highly mechanized, and almost all agricultural jobs are performed by machines. Virtually all landowners have access to electricity, and chemical pesticides and mineral fertilizers are widely used. Most Moldovan farmers dedicate large shares of land for export crops.
There was no large-scale private farming during the Soviet period, but collective farmers did have small plots for their own use. Private land ownership, consisting primarily of small holdings, was initiated in 1990. The amount of privately owned land grew slowly at first but proliferated after the advent of a government program of large-scale privatization in 1995. Conversely, collective farms (engaged mainly in cultivation of grain crops and mixed farming) and state farms (usually specializing in the cultivation and processing of a particular crop) began to diminish in importance. By the early 21st century, those who tended to privately owned farms outnumbered those who worked on collective and state farms 10 to 1.
Since 1940 the area used for vegetables, orchards, berries, and vineyards has undergone significant expansion. Viticulture, fruit and vegetable growing, and other specialized farming activities are particularly important, constituting about one-fourth of the commodity output of arable farming. Grapes are Moldova's most important industrial crop, with the largest vineyards found in the southern and central regions. Most orchards are situated in northern and southeastern Moldova. Sunflower seeds, another significant crop, are grown throughout the republic, though the southeastern regions have the largest plantations. Sugar beets, a relatively new crop in Moldova, are cultivated in the north. Moldova also is a major tobacco grower. Vegetables are grown mainly in the southeast. The chief grain crops are winter wheat and corn (maize). Wheat is used for the republic's own needs, and corn is exported as a seed crop. Most of the grain is grown in the north. Sheep and cattle breeding also are important, as is pig farming.
High rates of deforestation have greatly affected Moldova's forestry sector. About two-thirds of the country's forests are designated for wood supply, while the rest is protected in national nature reserves. Still, there is a shortage of forest resources, and Moldova has to import some wood from Russia. Wood in Moldova is mainly used for energy—more than one-half of the timber felled from the country's forests is used for fuel. The remainder of the wood supply is used for construction, the production of furniture and other consumer goods, and packaging. All forests are owned by the state.
The main types of fish found in Moldova's lakes and rivers are bream, carp, roach, catfish, pike, and perch. The country's fish production decreased in the mid-1990s; thereafter, most fish-processing companies were privatized, and the amount of fish imported greatly exceeded the local catch. Dozens of foreign-owned companies are active in the importing, processing, and canning of fish. After 1991 aquaculture was largely privatized, with pond ownership being transferred to local municipal authorities, who began leasing the ponds for private fish farming.
Resources and power
Moldova's greatest resources are its fertile soil and its climate, both of which contribute to the agricultural potential of the country. Other natural resources include limited quantities of lignite, found in the southern part of the country, and phosphorite and gypsum, which are found throughout Moldova. Deposits of natural gas also have been discovered in the southern part of the country.
Thermoelectric power plants are located in Chișinău, Băīți, and Tiraspol, and there are hydroelectric stations in Dubăsari and Camenca (Kamenka), on the Dniester River. The republic provides electricity to the southern regions of Ukraine and also to Bulgaria through a transmission line.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Moldova lost a large part of its manufacturing sector. This was due in part to the economic shock of the transition to a market economy and Moldova's separation from the integrated economy of the Soviet Union and Soviet bloc. Moreover, the bulk of the country's industry is located in the breakaway region of Transdniestria, though, owing to Transdniestria's isolation from the rest of the country, manufacturing in the region has failed to live up to its potential.
The industrial sector of Moldova's economy is concentrated mainly on food processing, with the machine-building, power-engineering, consumer-goods, and building-materials industries still undergoing development.
The food industry has numerous branches; sugar refining, wine making, canning, and oil pressing, as well as the production of essential oils, are especially significant. Moldova is an important exporter of wine, champagne, and brandy. For local needs the republic has flour and other mills and well-developed meat, dairy, and confectionery industries.
Machine building, established in the mid-1950s and centred on Chișinău, Bălți, Tiraspol, and Tighina, has remained important. Tractors made in Moldova are specially equipped for use in orchards and vineyards. Light industry includes the production of furs at Bălți, garments and knitwear at Chișinău and Tiraspol, footwear at Chișinău, and silk fabrics at Tighina. Building materials produced in Moldova include brick, limestone, tile, cement, slate, and concrete blocks. Râbnița is the leading centre of this industry.
The National Bank of Moldova began issuing its own currency, the Moldovan leu, in 1993. By the mid-1990s Moldova had stabilized the leu, brought inflation under control, and balanced the national budget. Transdniestria has its own currency, the ruble, and its own central bank.
The services sector accounts for about one-third of Moldova's gross domestic product. Most of the retail sector is located in the capital. Tourism (especially rural tourism) has grown since the 1990s. Local culture in Moldovan villages, traditional festivals, and the country's many monasteries are of particular interest to international visitors; however, owing to its lack of hotels and its poor transportation infrastructure, the country is not always able to adequately accommodate visitors.
Labour and taxation
The pressures of inflation and the economic downturn that followed independence resulted in widespread unemployment and underemployment. As a result, average Moldovans have had to struggle to provide for their families. In many parts of the country, especially in the rural areas, the necessities of life are procured by barter rather than by purchase. Individual farmers tend to deliver their own goods to food stores.
A taxation system was created in Moldova in 1992 to facilitate the transition from a planned economy to a market economy. It was reformed in 1996 to improve the collection process. There are two levels of tax collection in Moldova—national and local. National taxes include an income tax, a value-added tax (VAT), excise taxes, property taxes, and customs and road duties. Local taxes are collected on land, property, and use of natural resources.
Prior to 1991 Moldova traded almost exclusively within the Soviet Union. Today the states of the former Soviet Union remain important markets for Moldova, whose main trading partners are Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Belarus, as well as Germany and Italy. In 2014 Moldova concluded an association agreement with the European Union that strengthened economic and political ties with the EU. Foodstuffs, beverages (notably wine), and tobacco products make up the bulk of Moldova's exports, followed by apparel and agricultural goods. Moldova's main imports are mineral products (notably petroleum products), machinery, chemical products, and textiles for reexport.
Transportation and telecommunications
Railway and motor transport are the basis of the republic's transport system. The railway network includes two main lines—one linking Tiraspol, Chișinău, and Ungheni and the other linking Tiraspol and Reni. Incoming freight includes coal, petroleum products, iron and nonferrous metals, timber, mineral fertilizers, and machines and equipment. Motor transport generally carries freight inside Moldova, over a road network that is nearly all paved but generally needing repair. River transport is of local importance, and air transportation links Moldova with other countries. The republic's main airport is in Chișinău.
Telecommunications are regulated by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The industry was privatized in 1997; nevertheless, Moldova has one of the lowest numbers of cellular phone and Internet users of all the former countries of the Soviet Union.
Learn More in these related Britannica articles:
Balkans: Pulling back from Moscow…had been reincorporated into the Moldavian S.S.R.) the Romanian language was now printed in Cyrillic. The national economies were not only refashioned on the Soviet model but also subordinated to Soviet needs. This subordination was particularly true for Bulgaria and Romania, which, as defeated powers in World War II, were…
flag of MoldovaMoldova declared independence during World War I. At various times in prior centuries it had been a part of Moldavia, Russia, the Ottoman Empire, and Romania, and its symbols are derived from historical and cultural links with Moldavia and Romania. Its flag of December 1917…
Balkans, easternmost of Europe's three great southern peninsulas. There is not universal agreement on the region's components. The Balkans are usually characterized as comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia—with all or part of each of those countries…
Europe, second smallest of the world's continents, composed of the westward-projecting peninsulas of Eurasia (the great landmass that it shares with Asia) and occupying nearly one-fifteenth of the world's total land area. It is bordered on the north by the Arctic Ocean, on the west by the Atlantic Ocean, and…
Chișinău, city and capital of Moldova (Moldavia). It is situated along the Bâcu (Byk) River, in the south-central part of the country. The first documentary reference to Chișinău dates from 1466, when it was under the rule of the Moldavian prince Ștefan III.…
More About Moldova4 references found in Britannica articles
Assorted References
- Balkan region
- flag history
- physical geography
- population and demography


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Jeep Wrangler TJ Pair Hood Hinges 97-06 Inca Gold OEM Ships Free
We are Southeast Jeeps located in Palm City/ Stuart, Fl and we sell good quality used OEM Jeep parts salvaged from recently wrecked running and driving Jeeps, We only sell parts that we would put on our own Jeeps and any damaged or worn out parts we scrap. We ship most small parts USPS Priority Mail and larger heavier items UPS or Fedex, Body Parts, Engines, Transmissions, Transfer Cases, Differentials go truck freight on a pallet .
This listing is for a good used Jeep TJ Wrangler part:
This listing is for
A Pair of
Factory OEM
Hood Hinges
Color : Inca Gold
Hinges have some scratches, and small surface rust, review pictures.Item pictured is what you will receive.
Fits 1997-2006 TJ
This is for one of the items pictured.
May fit other vehicles, check compatibility before ordering. Please review pictures, item pictured is what you will receive.
Southeast Jeeps Stock number 030517A14
We have many more parts listed in our eBay Store.Southeast Jeeps is a full service repair and customization shop specializing in Jeep Wranglers. Unless specified as new, all of our parts are used and will show some signs of wear. The parts we sell are used but in usable condition. We dispose of any unusable parts. We make our best attempt to disclose any defects in the parts in the description. Many of the parts that we have for sale are still on the vehicles. If there are any problems during the removal of the parts You will be notified right away and refunded accordingly. These are Jeeps! The parts will have some dirt and wear on them.
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On Saturday, April 27, the North Texas chapter of Docomomo US (Docomomo US NTX) and Preservation Dallas conducted two tours of the historic Statler Hilton Hotel and the adjacent Dallas Public Library, both located in downtown Dallas. Over 100 modern enthusiasts joined the tours, which included the public areas of both buildings as well as the room floors of the hotel.
The Statler Hilton, designed by New York architect William Tabler, opened in 1956 to great acclaim, with positive reviews and coverage by leading professional journals, including Architectural Forum and Architectural Record. The Y-shaped room tower (designed to optimize light and views to all 1001 rooms) included a number of innovative features, most notably a curtain wall of blue-green porcelain panels and clear glass in aluminum frames supported by a cantilevered flat-slab design, for an unusually light and elegant appearance.
The Dallas Public Library, designed by Dallas architect George Dahl (perhaps best known as the master architect of the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition at Fair Park), opened in 1953, replacing a 1901 Carnegie library on the same site. The new three-story facility - a simple composition of rectangular forms of marble and aluminum - featured a soaring reading room day-lit from above by an east-facing clerestory, a 250-seat auditorium, and a roof garden. A 10 x 24 gilded metal screen by Harry Bertoia hung above the circulation desk, noticeably similar to the larger screen by the same artist in the 1954 Manufacturer's Hanover Trust building in New York.
The very occurrence of these tours is a happy event, as the future of both buildings has been highly uncertain in recent years. In 2003, the author of this article wrote an unhappier article for the Docomomo US newsletter, which included the following ominous statements:
Currently two significant landmarks of mid-century modern, both located in the city of Dallas Harwood Street Historic District, are under threat of demolition if new plans for a park in the area are realized.
...a privately funded planning effort for the revitalization of downtown has recently recommended construction of Commerce Gardens, a new two-block park, one block of which would occupy the current site of both buildings.


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Unsurpassed StyleExpanding on the sophisticated elegance of the current line, the new dv series is defined by fluid, modern lines and metalized finishes with surprising innovations inside and out. High-gloss HP Imprint finish in bronze and chrome now encases all surfaces visible during normal use for greater durability. The dv5 series Intersect Imprint features an argyle-like pattern for subtle contrast to the liquid appearance of the metallic finish. The streamlined look is enhanced with a color-matched keyboard and touchpad. And touch media controls light up and become visible only when the system is powered on further enhancing the clean appearance. HP's mobile products have won coveted International Red Dot, iF and CES Innovation design awards and been recognized by other leading design institutions.
Mobile EntertainmentProviding more choices than ever, QuickPlay enables access to DVDs, videos, photos, music, karaoke, games, Internet TV, and streamed or recorded TV (with an optional TV Tuner at the touch of a button. Built-in demos show you how to add music to your slide shows or videos with drag-and-drop functionality - and much more. An HDMI port enables you to watch films on an HD TV. Muvee auto Producer makes creating films complete with effects and transitions a snap! Extras include dual headphone jacks and an HP Mobile Remote Control. It's time to play!
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1


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|Pearled Barley
|A refined form of the grain barley; the outer husk and bran have been removed and the remaining starch has been steamed and polished. As a result of such processing the barley is devoid of all fiber and much lower in fat protein and minerals than its unrefined counterpart which has only the inedible (by humans) hull removed.
|Pine Nuts (pignoli)
|These diminutive cream-colored nuts are found inside of certain pine cones, which must be heated in order to make removal possible. A key ingredient in Pesto Sauce, Pine nuts are rich in protein fat and flavor and are quite costly due to the labor-intensive methods required.
|Pinto Beans
|A relative of the kidney bean pintos have a pale pinkish beige background with streaks of reddishbrown. This South American native is named for the Spanish word for painted. Pinto beans are used extensively in Southwestern cooking and are found in Chili Con Carne Tacos and Refried Beans.
|Plum Tomato
|An eggshaped fleshy variety of tomato generally available all year round. They are often used to make tomato paste because of their favorable flesh to seeds ratio and their robust flavor which is very suitable for cooking.
|Portobello Mushrooms
|A dark brown variety of common mushroom that is very large meaty and intensely flavored. Served whole these mushrooms make an impressive entrée but are equally good sliced grilled or sauteed and used as fillings or in salads.
|Found: 5
|5336 Little Road
|New Port Richey, FL 34655
|(727) 807-3225


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Thursday, July 25, 2013
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Arc of Westchester's Annual Meeting presents a Flock of Flamingos, an unveiling of a new look, musical performances, and Keynote Speaker – Peter V. Berns, C.E.O of The Arc.
Event Location and Ticket Information
Loading Map....
Arc of Westchester
265 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY
Handicap Accessible? Yes
Date: Thursday, July 25, 2013
Times: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Ticket pricing:
Free event
Get tickets now
Presenter: Arc of Westchester
Presenter Phone: 914-949-9300


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IMPOSSIBLE TRIVIA: Survey Asked, 'If You Could Be a Flavor, What Flavor Would You Be?'
Lite Rock 96.9 WFPG is giving you the chance to spend your Valentine's Day at Caesars Atlantic City, for an evening of musical excellence with Vanessa Williams.
From her beginnings on the national stage here in Atlantic City as the first black Miss America, Vanessa Williams has conquered the musical charts, Broadway, music videos, television and motion pictures. She has sold millions of albums worldwide and has achieved critical acclaim as an actress on stage, in film and on television.
Her albums The Right Stuff, The Comfort Zone and The Sweetest Days earned multiple Grammy nominations and have yielded such classic hits as "Save the Best For Last," "Dreamin," "Work To Do" and "Love Is," and the Academy Award-winning single "Colors of the Wind," from Disney's "Pocahontas."
In 2012, Vanessa and her mother Helen landed on the NY Times Best Seller list after publishing the memoir You Have No Idea: A Famous Daughter, Her No-Nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss (and Each Other).
In 2007, pop and R&B singer Vanessa Williams achieved a career pinnacle, with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her accomplishments as a performer. In December 2010, the International Foreign Press Academy named Vanessa as the recipient of the 2010 Mary Pickford Award For Outstanding Artistic Contribution to the Entertainment Industry. The award honors her international achievements and success in film, television, stage and recording over the past 28 years.
Vanessa Williams brings her band to Caesars Atlantic City for one memorable night, Friday, February 14th, and Lite Rock wants you to spend your Valentine's Day with her!
To win tickets to see Vanessa Williams, play Lite Rock Impossible Trivia weekdays at 7:20am on the Lite Rock Morning Show with Eddie Davis. By the way, Vanessa Williams will also be my special guest this week on the Lite Rock Morning Show.
This morning's question: A survey asked, " If you could be a flavor, what flavor would you be?" The number one answer was coffee! What was the #2 answer?
The answer? Banana flavor


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Ridgefield too much for Warde
What started out as an unfortunate, ill-timed circumstance, may now turn into a clear-cut advantage for the Ridgefield High football team.
When starting quarterback Connor Rowe was suspended for two games for an off-field issue three weeks ago, the 2012 fortunes for the Tigers were expected to plummet. But last week back-up Ryan Dunn stepped in and completed 15 of 16 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns as the Tigers beat Wilton by 35 points. Then Friday night, in Ridgefield's 28-7 victory over Fairfield Warde, Rowe returned and a two-headed monster was hatched.
"It is hard enough playing against a good team like Ridgefield; now we have to defend against two good quarterbacks like that? That's scary," Warde coach Duncan Dellavolpe said. "That's a tough team to play now."
Dunn, a sophomore, started Friday and helped the Tigers (4-1) to a 12-0 lead. But the senior Rowe entered with four minutes remaining in the half and led the team on a 98-yard drive that made it 18-0.
Dunn was 8 for 13 (23 for 29 the last two games) for 73 yards. Rowe, meanwhile was 5 for 7 for 78 yards passing and rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns. So, now what does coach Kevin Callahan do going forward?
"It's hard to say," he said. "It raises a thousand questions. We have to decide what's fair and right for the team. Dunn deserved to start tonight after what he did last week, but Rowe was playing with a chip on his shoulder.
"I don't know," Callahan continued, "it could end up being the two of them."
Callahan is smart. He knows that it will be a major headache for future opponents to prepare for three possibilities -- Rowe or Dunn or Rowe and Dunn -- rather than just one.
Such a headache was felt by the underdog Mustangs (1-4), who trailed by only 11 with two minutes remaining in the third quarter. After Ridgefield's Sam Gravitte scored from 11 and 14 yards out, Warde had a first and goal at the Ridgefield 6, but were stopped. Rowe came on and the Tigers marched 98 yards with Rowe going the final 22 for an 18-0 lead.
Warde cut it to 18-7 on a 34-yard Hail Mary pass from Max Garrett to Mark Byrne on the first half's final play. Gravitte's 31-yard field goal and then Rowe's 41-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter completed the scoring.
Gravitte finished with 52 yards rushing but also caught seven passes for 107 yards.
Warde was led by Garrett (8-for-18 115 yards) and running back Dawud Mohamed, who rushed for 41 yards.
Ridgefield 28, Warde 7
R--Sam Gravitte, 11 run (kick blocked)
R--Gravitte, 14 run (run failed)
R--Connor Rowe, 22 run (run failed)
W--Mark Byrne, 34 pass from Max Garrett (Cristian Ocana kick)
R--Gravitte, 31 field goal
R--Rowe, 41 run (Gravitte kick)
Records: Ridgefield 4-1, Warde 1-4.


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AMD is one of the top two video card companies in computers with offices all across the world. They were the first to market with a DirectX 11 card and are now on the second generation of DirectX 11 cards. They recently launched the Barts cards in the form of the HD 6870 and the HD 6850, which replaced the HD 5830 and HD 5770/5750 cards.
XFX has built video cards for years now with their first cards based upon NVIDIA chips, but with the launch of the GTX 480 and HD 5xxx series they have now become exclusive to ATI cards. With today's launch of the HD 6970 and HD 6950, XFX has released versions of both cards. This review is on the HD 6950 card which should prove interesting as the card is priced at $319.99.


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Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are to reunite for a comedy special – set in rehab.
The Bafta-winning comic duo, who have not performed together since a Comic Relief sketch in 2009, are to star in a new instalment of The Comic Strip Presents, titled Five Go To Rehab.
"It's great that Dawn and Jennifer are back together again. Viewers have really missed them," an insider told The Sun.
Jennifer's husband Ade Emondson will also appear in the upcoming show – a spoof of Enid Blyton's Famous Five books – which will be filmed this month in Devon before being screened later this year on comedy channel GOLD.
Dawn and Jennifer, Britain's most popular female comedy duo, have been working on separate projects since they were last seen on screen in a Comic Relief sketch about Mamma Mia.
Dawn has been working on ITV1 reality show Superstar alongside theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, while Jennifer has been busy writing the Spice Girls musical Viva Forever and Absolutely Fabulous.
They rose to fame after appearing in The Comic Strip in the 1980s, and the new programme marks the 30th anniversary since the original Comic Strip Presents – Five Go Mad In Dorset.
Commissioning editor Sarah Fraser added: "Five Go To Rehab is one family reunion where extreme havoc reigns."
French and Saunders reunite for Rehab comedy
Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are to reunite for a comedy special – set in rehab.


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Somewhere Over the Rainbow, There Words Fly
I use words. That's what I do. Mostly I write, but I also like to talk. I love words…the feel of them in my mouth, the sound of them in my head, the pleasure of gliding my eyes over a word buffet laid out in front of me and, from all the little tubs and platters and chafing dishes, carefully laying a selection on my plate. The use of "proposition" in "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." gives me joy. Because it had to be that word, and none other. Some people create with paint or clay or song or lots of bubbling pots on the stove. I use words.
Sometimes, however, words leave me. The more I call, the more I search behind the couch and under the bed, the more I fret and start tacking up missing posters around the neighborhood, the more words stubbornly refuse to come. That's when I know I need to walk away from words for awhile and do something else. And just when they feel like they are being ignored, words come sauntering back home. Maybe words are cats.
I distance myself from words in a number of ways. I might spend a week just listening to music, or taking long hikes, or meandering through museums, or baking lots and lots of cookies. But what I usually do is think about stuff. All kinds of stuff. Sometimes I choose a theme to mull over for a few days…reading and listening to interviews and making connections. Much like what Elizabeth Gilbert did about genious, but less eloquently. But sometimes the theme plops down in my lap, product of serendipity and chance and, perhaps, a pinch of destiny.
That's what happened to me this last week. It has been an intense period of lots of commercial writing with old colleagues from sleekwriters.info, which is great for paying the bills but not so great for feeding the muse. Words checked out on me a couple of weeks ago, and after a few days of whistling for them on the back porch I realized that I needed to walk away.
So, I thought about color.
I didn't choose it…it chose me, in the guise of a couple of really cool—and slightly spookily related—sources that I found so fascinating that I am going through the trouble of sharing them here.
It all started with this engaging article about synaesthetes, which I found through Jodi Ettenberg's brainy link-o-rific newsletter. Synaesthetes are wired neurologically to have multiplex senses, so they can "hear" colors or "see" numbers as a color. Perhaps the most famous of synaesthetes was Nabokov, whom I have always loved because he was such a master wordsmith (despite speaking English as a second language), a talent probably linked to his multi-sensory perceptions. The article was absolutely compelling and I'm considering purchasing an iPhone primarily to download the Sonified app mentioned.
So, I was thinking about this word/number/color alternate reality mash-up when my friend Marco (endless font of nifty links and fascinating factoids) randomly sent me the website of Cuban photographer Abelardo Morell. His Camera Obscura collection stopped me in my tracks; for a geek like me, these shots are utterly fascinating technically, but the poignant juxtapositions between the intimate rooms cast with the watercolor-tinted upside-down image of the outside world…surreal, moving, and with an eye that took what could have stopped as a highschool physics project into the realm of art.
And just when I was putting these two elements together, a third nugget of color-related coolness came my way through the one of my favorite podcasts, Radio Lab. A little bit of science, a little bit of history, a little bit of literature…all wrapped up in one gripping hour of color discussion. How does a rainbow look to a dog, or a butterfly, or (the color-seeing rockstar, as it turns out) the mantis shrimp? Were the ancients colorblind? Is there an ethical quandry about obtaining a color from the Cambodian killing fields? Lots of stuff to ponder, lots of neurons making their new paths.
The end result? Some cocktail chatter fodder, some distraction, and the return of words. I got up this morning and here they were, mewing at the door, curling around my ankles, tumbling around in my mind and waiting for me to put them in order.
Color me unblocked.


text:
Ecuador Volcano Presents Perfect Natural Lab
SOCORRO, N.M. July 20, 2009 – New Mexico Tech geophysics professor Dr. Jeffrey Johnson recently completed a successful month-long field course studying the Tungurahua Volcano in Ecuador.
|Students in New Mexico Tech's field course in Ecuador pose in front of Volcan Tungurahua during a June expedition. The town of Banos can be seen on the slopes of the volcano. From left are Sarah Meyer of UC-Santa Cruz, Sarah Hanson-Hedgecock of the University of Buffalo, Niranjan Khalsa of New Mexico Tech, Branden Christensen of the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and Carolyn Parcheta of the University of Hawaii-Manoa. Photo by Hunter Knox/New Mexico Tech
Sixteen graduate students from 12 universities in four countries – including three from New Mexico Tech – spent June in Ecuador learning about volcanoes and their inner workings. Johnson led the graduate level class, Geophysics 572, along with New Mexico Tech scientists and instructors from the Instituto Geofísico of the Escuela Politécnica Nacional in Ecuador.
"This was one of the best classes I've ever taken," doctoral student Hunter Knox said. "Ecuador is an excellent natural laboratory for teaching students about volcanoes."
The New Mexico Tech instructors included Dr. Rick Aster, geophysics professor and chair of the Earth and Environmental Science Department, geochemist Dr. Nelia Dunbar, geochronologist Dr. Bill McIntosh and geophysicist Dr. Mark Murray.
Field equipment for the course was supported by the IRIS PASSCAL Instrument Center at New Mexico Tech. Supported by the National Science Foundation, the Instrument Center is the nation's leading facility for academic seismic instrumentation and field support.
The course also gave the New Mexico Tech scientists an opportunity to build relationships and expand partnerships with colleagues in Ecuador.
"It's an exciting time for science in Ecuador," Aster said. "We have all sorts of ongoing associations there. They have a great group of people and they're at the forefront in South America in building their national Earth science and hazard reduction capacity."
Mario Ruiz, the principal seismologist at the Instituto Geofisica, earned his master's in geophysics in 2004 from New Mexico Tech, where he studied with Aster.
"Because of our historic ties to the Ecuadorian science community through Jeff, me and others, we're in a great position to work with them in science and education in the future," Aster said. "We hope to bring more Ecuadorian students to New Mexico Tech and send our faculty and students down there."
Dunbar and McIntosh have worked in several other South American countries, but never Ecuador. Dunbar said they developed some new partnerships and have begun projects based in Ecuador.
"I brought back samples to look at the chemistry of a sequence of very explosive eruptions at the volcanic center of Quilotoa," she said. "The scientists in Ecuador seemed really happy that we were interested in collaborating with them and producing high-quality geochemical and geochronological analyses on rocks from Ecuadoran volcanoes."
|Geophysics professor Dr. Jeffrey Johnson demonstrates to graduate students how to set up a seismometer station in Ecuador in June. New Mexico Tech Photo
Dunbar has already started to analyze the volcanic glass and crystal samples in her electron microprobe laboratory at the Bureau of Geology at New Mexico Tech.
Each of the Tech scientists said Ecuador is vibrant and inspiring.
"It's a spectacular place to work and the Ecuadorians have made a commitment to reducing natural hazards and learning more about the geophysics of their nation, including the installation of a new state-of-the-art national seismographic network," Aster said.
Knox said the Ecuadorian people take seismic safety quite seriously, largely due to the proximity of metropolitan areas to active volcanoes.
"The level of hazard is tremendous," Dunbar said. "There's a big steaming volcano – Guagua Pichincha – looming over the capitol city, Quito, so there's good reason to think about science."
"When the volcanoes start to rumble and shake, people become concerned," Knox said. "Volcano seismology is relevant. People have to worry about hazards."
Ecuador has a population of 14.5 million and is about the size of Wyoming. The country has five active volcanoes and overlies a major subduction zone. Johnson selected Volcan Tungurahua as the study site because it has proved to be a reliable source of both seismicity and infrasound data. Since it started erupting in 1999, the volcano's vent has typically stayed open, providing the ultimate outdoor teaching laboratory where students can deploy instruments for just a few days and collect significant data, he said.
Johnson is an international leader in the growing field of studying infrasound waves, the sub-audible, low frequency sound waves created by volcanoes, volcanic earthquakes and other phenomena.
"I've also been interested in recording earthquake motions both in the ground and in the air in order to be able to infer what's happening at the vent when you can't see the volcano," he said. "I always deploy both seismometers and infrasonic microphones – a tool capable of quantifying the concussions in the atmosphere."
|Dr. Mario Ruiz, Omar Marcillo and Dr. Jeffrey Johnson on the slopes of Volcan Tungurahua in Ecuador. Ruiz is a 2004 Tech graduate and the lead seismologist at the Instituto Geofisica in Ecuador. Marcillo is a Tech student who hails from Ecuador. New Mexico Tech photo
Johnson's course focused on the deployment and maintenance of acoustic-seismic arrays, data processing and physical volcanology. Johnson taught students about volcano seismology, video and infrasound instrument deployment. Students collected and retrieved data, then processed and analyzed the infrasound data. The course was equally divided between field work, lectures, physical volcanology field trips and hands-on data analysis.
The course is the second summer expedition Johnson has led. The 2008 field course was in Hawaii and was 11 days long. He plans to alternate summer field courses between Ecuador and Hawaii.
"Primarily, it was a teaching class," Johnson said. "But we also recorded some very high quality data, thanks to the fact that the volcano was very cooperative. We entered the experiment when it was erupting nearly continuously."
Volcan Tungurahua erupted five to 10 times each day and periodically produced large "cannon shots."
"Those cannon shots produced excellent signals that we can use to study eruption physics," he said. "We were there for a 12-day deployment and we hit it just right with a nice level of activity with a reliable source of volcanic earthquakes and infrasound."
The team set up camp in the vacation town of Banos at the foot of Tungurahua, which towers to 16,500 feet. During the first week, Johnson and the students deployed a seven-station seismic array and a 10-component infrasonic network.
Johnson and Tech graduate student Omar Marcillo, a native of Ecuador, taught the students how to set up infrasound recording instruments and seismometers and how to analyze data.
"We were interested in understanding how earthquakes relate to eruptive phenomena," Johnson said. "Through our instrument deployment, we had the capabilities to understand where these quakes were located within the volcano."
During the first week, the class witnessed a rare occurrence – a rain-mobilized ash flow, or lahar, tumbling down one of Tungurahua's drainages. Click here to download the video.
|Graduate students Carolyn Parcheta (left), of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Kristen Chojnicki of Arizona State, pose in the shadow of Volcan Tungurahua in Ecuador. New Mexico Tech photo
"We serendipitiously stumbled upon some signals that were associated with lahars," Johnson said. "Anyone can watch a volcano erupt, but to be able to watch a lahar is rare. That was especially exciting. Plus, lahar signals are of interest because they are a principal volcanic hazard."
Niranjan Khalsa of New Mexico Tech was one of two undergraduate students on the trip. She was effusive with praise for the quality of the learning experience.
"It was amazing," she said. "We got to do everything from start to finish. I had no experience with seismometers or volcanoes, so it was super cool and fun."
The students helped scout locations to place two arrays of instruments. Each station was placed in a trash-can-style bucket and buried in the mountainside. The stations were roughly 100 meters apart and set in roughly a cross-shaped configuration. The first array of seven instruments included both infrasound microphones and seismometers. The second array was just infrasound. In addition, the team set up time lapse cameras trained at the volcano.
"This is a novel class," Johnson said. "Lots of folks do field science, but they are usually geologically focused. This is fundamentally different in that we brought our hardware to understand and record ongoing earth movements using geophysics. Our students had the opportunity to get dirty in the field and gather their own data."
During the second week, the group set out on a whirlwind volcano road trip while waiting for the Tungurahua instruments to collect data from volcanic earthquakes. Scientists from the Instituto Geofisica led tours of the nation's volcanic areas, with supporting lectures by the New Mexico Tech professors. After the weeklong tour, the group returned to Banos for instrument redeployment and a week of data synthesis and interpretation.
Knox is studying volcano seismology and had plenty of experience with the instrumentation prior to the trip. She has worked abroad as a professional engineer and participated in a New Mexico Tech research expedition to the Mount Erebus Volcano in Antarctica. The Ecuador trip was unique, she said.
"You can read a lot of papers and text books, but when you are standing on a volcano, looking at the deposits, hearing it and feeling it erupt and explode, it gives you an intuitive feeling about the processes going on," she said. "Tungurahua is a dynamic volcano with cannon shots, earthquakes and lahars. We began to develop an understanding of a broad spectrum of volcanic activity."
Johnson said each small eruption was especially satisfying to experience, knowing that the corresponding elastic wave radiation was being recorded.
|New Mexico Tech professor Dr. Jeffrey Johnson (right) observes as three graduate students check the GPS device they are attaching to a seismic station near Volcan Tungurahua in Ecuador. From left are Aida Reyes of National Autonomous University of Mexico, Ashley Edelman of UNM and Aaron Gutierrez of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Photo by Hunter Knox/New Mexico Tech
"The great success of this course was in the merger of geophysical education and research," he said. "The students developed familiarity with digital signal processing, seismic wave beam-forming, and infrasound waveform modeling. Quantitative field volcano studies enthused students in large part because Earth processes occurred while they were watching and waiting."
The 14 students came from varied backgrounds – geology, geochemistry and engineering dynamics. Knox, Khalsa and Johnson each said the three-week course was intense and focused. Johnson said the students were a cohesive and motivated group.
"People grabbed the bull by the horns and worked hard to get results," Knox said. "We got up early and worked late and the energy was really high, which probably is why the class was so intense."
"We had a lab set up at the base of the volcano," Johnson said. "We had six computers and all the software and we just set up shop at Tungurahua. The students did an excellent job of synthesizing seismic activity and doing an array of analyses. We all sat in the lab together and worked on the data as a team."
Students divided into small groups to analyze seismic and infrasound array data. Students identified their own projects of interest and, on the final day of the course, they presented reports at the Instituto Geofisica in Quito.
Knox was one of the few students specifically studying volcano seismology. She helped all the groups put together their presentations. Johnson said he has high hopes that the excellent quality data and impressive student motivation will lead to one or more journal publications in the coming months.
"The Instituto Geofisica handles the observation of Tungurahua," Knox said. "We helped collect supplementary data and performed some of the basic processing that could lead to extraordinary discoveries. It was great professional development to meet Mario Ruiz and all the people at the Instituto Geofisica."
By Thomas Guengerich


text:
Washington, D.C., November 14, 2013 - The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) commends Senator Tom Udall (NM) and Representative Donna Edwards (MD) for introducing yesterday S. 1677, and H.R. 3449 ,the Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act. The intent of the legislation is to provide critical support to advanced stormwater strategies that improve our nation's ability to effectively manage polluted runoff and sewage overflows while relieving pressure on aging infrastructure.
The legislation would establish up to five regional centers of excellence that would conduct research, develop recommendations, and provide training and technical assistance for implementing practices for stormwater control and management. It would also promote the use of innovative stormwater solutions within the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Water and related programs and provide technical assistance to states, local governments and the private sector.
This bill remains one of ASLA's top legislative priorities. A host of allied organizations have joined ASLA in providing advice and technical assistance to the bills' sponsors, including American Rivers, the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF). Other organizations supporting this bill include the American Planning Association and the National Parks and Recreation Association.
More information about this bill is here. Visit here to learn more about ASLA's stormwater management resources, including more than 475 green infrastructure case studies and a report on the economic benefits of green infrastructure.
"ASLA applauds Senator Udall and Representative Edwards for introducing the Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act, which will help provide research and support to communities across the country in managing polluted stormwater runoff," said Nancy C. Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. "The regional centers of excellence in this bill will provide designers with the information they need to continue to push the envelope. Landscape architects are on the front lines designing advanced stormwater management controls that reduce polluted stormwater runoff and reduces costs for cities and municipalities while adding tremendous value to communities."
"Stormwater runoff is a leading cause of water pollution across the country, contributing to beach closings, increased health risks, and harm to local economies. More and more, communities are taking action by using green infrastructure techniques-like green roofs, rain gardens and permeable pavement-to mimic nature and stop runoff at the source," said Scott Slesinger, legislative director of NRDC. "Not only do these innovative approaches prevent pollution and recharge drinking water supplies, they have the added benefits of beautifying neighborhoods, cooling and cleansing the air, reducing asthma and heat-related illnesses, lowering energy costs, boosting economies, and supporting American jobs. NRDC supports the Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act, which will provide much-needed resources for green infrastructure research and implementation nationwide."
"This bill will help communities manage polluted runoff using innovative techniques that protect clean water, save money, decrease flooding and increase green space," said Bob Irvin, president of American Rivers. "It will increase research and investment in innovative stormwater practices that work with the natural landscape to capture and infiltrate rainwater where it falls to protect our clean water supplies. We applaud Senator Tom Udall and Representative Edwards for their leadership in introducing this legislation."
"As more cities and towns across the country pursue creative solutions to manage stormwater and combined sewer overflows, there is a growing recognition that innovative stormwater management techniques can meet these needs in a more cost-effective and environmentally-effective way," said Ken Kirk, the executive director of NACWA. "NACWA commends Senator Tom Udall and Representative Donna Edwards for introducing the Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act, a bill to help municipalities nationwide advance innovative stormwater practices and develop regional centers of excellence to provide critical research and information coordination services. I urge all members of Congress to swiftly enact this legislation."
"The Water Environment Federation (WEF) strongly supports the Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act," said Eileen O'Neill, the executive director of the Water Environment Federation (WEF). "The impacts of stormwater runoff continue to increase as we develop the landscape, and it is becoming apparent that the use of natural systems, such as green infrastructure, can be an effective and cost-efficient approach to address these impacts. This legislation, which seeks to establish technical stormwater centers of excellence as well as seek innovative financing solutions to stormwater infrastructure needs, is closely aligned with the WEF's goal of driving innovation in the water sector."
About ASLA
Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 15,000 members in 49 professional chapters and 76 student chapters. The Society's mission is to lead, to educate and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. Members of the Society use the "ASLA" suffix after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Learn more at www.asla.org.
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