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NPS hantavirus response followed policy
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — Federal investigators probing the hantavirus outbreak blamed for three deaths at Yosemite National Park recommended on Monday that design changes to tent cabins and other privately run lodging first be reviewed by National Park Service officials.
The report released by the Interior Department's Office of Inspector General found that park officials responded to last summer's outbreak appropriately and within department policy.
"When the outbreak was identified, NPS mobilized to contain and remediate the outbreak and to prevent further outbreaks," Mary Kendall, a deputy inspector general, wrote in a letter attached to the report.
Still, the report found that current policy didn't require park officials to approve design changes made to the "Signature tent cabins" by concessionaire Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts, which added rafters and wall studs to the structures.
Investigators determined that deer mice, which can carry the illness, nested inside the double walls of the new tents in Yosemite's family friendly Curry Village.
At least eight of the nine tourists who fell ill stayed in the tent cabins.
Because the changes to the cabins were considered routine maintenance, current park service policy did not require prior approval, the report found.
The report also recommended that the park service begin cyclical pest monitoring and inspections of all public accommodations.
While there is a current pest monitoring program at Yosemite, Delaware North was responsible for Curry Village, which was not considered at high risk for hantavirus.
The company issued a statement late Monday saying it would follow the recommendations in the report.
"DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite has consistently worked hand-in-hand with the National Park Service and public health officials on this issue," spokeswoman Lisa Cesaro said in the statement. "The Signature Tent Cabins have been removed from Curry Village. We are following the recommendations by the National Park Service, which were developed in consultation with the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Prior to the outbreak, Delaware only responded to pests in the cabins when visitors or housekeeping staff complained, the report said.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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Labor blasts economic 'triple whammy'
Labor has come out swinging against a "triple whammy" of weaker wages, lower spending and depleted household savings in the latest economic figures.
Opposition finance spokesman Jim Chalmers said the national accounts data exposed a federal government "too divided and too distracted" to focus on the things that matter.
"The Morrison government has dropped the ball on the economy. That's why we have slowing growth," Mr Chalmers told reporters on Thursday.
"We've got a slowing economy, weak wages, weak savings, weak spending, and that's because we have a desperately divided and dysfunctional Morrison LNP government here in Canberra."
Official figures released on Wednesday revealed the economy was slowing much more rapidly than expected after a growth spurt earlier this year.
Growth slowed to 0.3 per cent in the September quarter, and to 2.8 per cent over the year to September, the Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed.
That missed market expectations of 0.6 per cent growth for the quarter and 3.3 per cent growth for the year.
Household consumption and construction were both much softer than expected.
But Treasurer Josh Frybenberg said it was ridiculous to suggest the Australian economy was not strong.
"At 2.8 per cent the Australian economy is growing faster than any G7 nation except the United States. We're growing faster than the OECD average," he told ABC radio.
"This is a very strong story. Only the Labor Party are trying to poke holes in these national accounts."
Consumer spending has fallen to a five-year low, primarily due to a lack of wages growth.
The figures seemed to suggest people were dipping further into their savings just to stay afloat.
But the treasurer sees the trend in a different way.
"People feel confident to spend," Mr Frydenberg said.
Australian Associated Press

subset: commoncrawl


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Initially this was a hard decision to make because I never have to make such decisions. Naturally, all goodie bag gifts go to me. me. me cos I'm a selfish child that Nana sometimes calls ''Milisukusa'' or ''Miss Milli Bitch''. Our housekeeper has a special place for all the beautiful paper bags that I receive on a weekly basis. I look at them, just like I looked at that brown and black Louis Vuitton bag and think mmm, it's nice, all these things are nice, but they only make me temporarily happy, not really truly happy. After all, they are just things.
When I was a child, I used to think white people must be the happiest people on earth. They have money, big houses, cars, sweet cabinets, swimming pools, their parents make lunch for them, they go on aeroplanes and miss school while on their overseas holidays and they have straight hair that is not painful to comb every morning. I was convinced that they were better than us blacks who always seemed to possess an air of entropy even when we were smiling. Of course I grew up to know the facts of life and that that was almost a win for the apartheid ideology which tried its best to perpetuate that silly notion that white people are better. Unfortunately, a lot of black people still live lives that might lead them to believe this nonsense, because when you look around, little has changed for white people and only a fraction of black people's lives have been truly transformed. Anyway, this is not what this blog post is going to be about. Let me get to the point, because it's long.
So here I am now, honestly living the life I planned for myself. I am 27 (older people you are welcome to roll your eyes), I have a great career that I have carved out for myself, I have friends that I not only love, but I really like them as human beings and I simply adore my family. I even have some money at the end of the month, a big apartment, a car, a sweet cabinet, I occasionally go on an aeroplane to foreign places and I don't have to comb my painful natural hair because I have braids. There, I have it. The life I thought was the gateway to happiness. I should be happy right?
Three years ago, I used to walk down Louis Botha from work to my cottage in Norwood and almost everyday, I would to say to myself, ''When I get my licence my life will transform and I will be happy.'' Then I got my licence and the saying changed to ''the day I get a car, I will have achieved my dreams''. Then I got a car and it became something else that was supposed to guarantee my happiness. I then learned that life is not about reaching a destination and then sitting back, arms behind your head, reclining in satisfaction. Those moments are great but they do not last.
My favourite wise guy, Hugh Prather, puts it best: ''No one becomes permanently comfortable. Life is not solved. Like a large hibernating animal, it turns on its belly and once again we have to crawl out from under it. If we don't move, we die''. I am at a point where I have reached some of the goals I set for myself two years ago. But the time has arrived for me to turn on my belly and crawl out from under my comfort zone.
I have been finding it difficult to maintain the level of motivation that got me here and in my many moments of trying to figure out ''what is wrong'', I realised two things, one practical and one slightly esoteric. The first thing, I realised while going for a ralk (a run + walk) yesterday. It is that that two years ago, I was motivated by motivation. I was motivated and inspired to do things to test myself, to see if I could really achieve something from nothing. [If you think I am bragging, perhaps you are not getting my angle or perhaps I am not explaining myself well enough. This is not me ''waxing lyrical'' (gosh I hate that term) about how great I am, in fact, there are many moments where I think ''I am so wack'' that occur every single day.]
Now that I have seen that I can start something from nothing and get unsolicited recognition as a result, I now realise there is something else that needs to motivate me. Unfortunately, as a person responsible for a business, this something else to some degree is money. It's a bit of a contradiction to say I have never been motivated by money because I am involved in a number of businesses, but it's the truth. Because I got the ball rolling, the ball has got to keep on rolling, payments are due at the end of the month and clothes can't exactly walk over to customers and sell themselves. This doesn't thrill me, but it's forcing me to grow up and set bigger goals for myself and to find something new to motivate me enough to be excited about waking up everyday.
I must say, that feeling of excitement when I wake up has escaped me the last couple of months, which leads me to the second ralk realisation: ''Unbroken happiness is a bore. It should have ups and downs''. I remember reading this Moliere quote in Half of A Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Depression is actually a very natural occurrence in human beings, I don't know why we are told otherwise, or made to feel like there is something deeply wrong with us if we are feeling dark. I don't want to cut myself or do anything drastic, but I am feeling a bit under the weather and it could be a winter gloom or it could just be some energies that need to be released from my being. Whatever it is, with trepidation and not really much of a choice, I am embracing it and understanding that it happens to the best of us. I think the most important thing is to acknowledge it and then try and figure out a way to move from it. I'm not really ready to make any moves at the moment because I don't have a direction. I have been advised to keep my mouth a little more closed than I usually would and observe more. I have stopped my column in the Mail and Guardian, much to the happiness of people like Bongani Madondo who sends me late night SMSes to tell me how terrible I am despite the fact that we have never met nor exchanged numbers. I stopped because I want to enjoy writing for writing, not because I have a deadline every Monday. And because I have nothing to say any more, at least while I figure out what's happening. I wanna try a little bit of shut the hell up for a while and see how that goes. Yes it's a bit of a luxury to be able to quit an income producing activity on a whim but it's done and I am sure I will learn to improve my skill by the time I am ready to write for that kind of publication again.
So there, girls and boys. These are mostly the adventures that occur between the pages of my personal journal. I am not having the greatest time these days and it's fucking ok! There are little pleasures (like having written this today) that every single day offers, as much as there are maggots of displeasure.
And so far, what's come out from under my little dark cloud is that I would like to be in the business of discussing feelings and ideas rather than people and things (Lawd, what will become of this blog I wonder?). And no this is not some grand announcement of an impending calamity - no moves remember, I am just sharing! This is me just being me. I felt like writing an honest post today. And the joy of this all? I know I'm not the only one going through what I'm going through. Mwaha ha ha ha ha ha. Bitchez. Ps Sit down if you think this is a #middleclassproblem.


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You are Here:
/ Iowa EQIP
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program that helps agricultural producers in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, agricultural producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land.
EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis, however, NRCS establishes application "cut-off" or submission deadline dates for evaluation, ranking and approval of eligible applications. EQIP is open to all eligible agricultural producers and submitted applications may be considered or evaluated in multiple funding pool opportunities.
Each district conservationist working with a local work group has established local resource concerns, practices, and an application ranking process to prioritize applications for funding. Applications for EQIP are accepted on a continuous basis. However, each locality has a cutoff date for ranking applications, the first of which is Oct. 20, 2017 for fiscal year 2018 applications. A second statewide cutoff date to rank additional new 2018 applications has been established for March 16, 2018. NRCS may establish local, minimum ranking cutoff levels for funding selection. Use the "Link to County EQIP Information" for details on the county EQIP information.
Contact your local NRCS Field Office for additional information.
To learn how to get started with NRCS, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/getstarted
To apply for EQIP, contact your local service center.
Agricultural producers and owners of non-industrial private forestland and Tribes are eligible to apply for EQIP. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, non-industrial private forestland and other farm or ranch lands.
Applicants must:
Additional restrictions and program requirements may apply.
Applicants are responsible for completing and filing all application and eligibility paperwork as required. If funded, participants are required to sign a contract and agree to implement the planned conservation practices to NRCS standards and specifications as scheduled.
Note: Starting a practice prior to written contract approval will result in the ineligibility of that practice for EQIP assistance, unless a waiver has been approved.
The 2014 Farm Bill continues to address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, as well as beginning and limited resource farmers and ranchers and Veteran Farmers. It provides for voluntary participation, offers incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services. Enhancements include increased payment rates and advance payments of up to 50 percent to purchase materials and services needed to implement conservation practices included in their EQIP contract.
Iowa is committed to reaching out to Historically Underserved individuals and groups. Historically Underserved participants may also receive higher payment rates in addition to being considered in high priority funding pools. See the Small & Limited and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers page for the NRCS definition of the Historically Underserved.
The following national priorities, consistent with statutory resources concerns that include soil, water, wildlife, air quality, and related natural resource concerns, may be used in EQIP implementation:
In addition, Iowa has identified the following priorities:
Iowa NRCS, through the state technical committee, requested and received input on resource concerns, practices needed to treat the resource concerns, financial incentives and EQIP implementation. The State Technical Committee is a broad-based group of public and private agencies interested in natural resources protection, including agricultural commodity and agribusiness interests, federal, state and local agencies and environmental groups. The committee meets periodically to advise USDA-NRCS on the implementation of conservation programs in Iowa. Local work groups function similarly in each level of the Soil and Water Conservation District.
The majority of EQIP funds will be distributed through Iowa's 100 NRCS field offices. These funds are distributed based on the:
Statewide guidance to local work groups includes:
Visit your local USDA Service Center to apply, or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/getstarted.
NRCS will help eligible producers develop an EQIP plan of operations, which will become the basis of the EQIP contract.
EQIP applications will be ranked based on a number of factors, including the environmental benefits and cost effectiveness of the proposal.
The EQIP application is based on assistance and decisions reached with producers during the conservation planning process. EQIP applications are prioritized for funding using state, national and locally developed ranking criteria that consider cost-effectiveness, resources to be treated, meeting national EQIP priorities, compliance with federal, state or tribal environmental regulations or reducing the need for future regulations and, to a degree, the location of the contract. Funded EQIP applications result in a contract which lists the practices to be applied along with an application schedule and federal funds committed. Payment rate caps will be used to insure that contract payments are not higher than program rules allow. Conservation practices applied with EQIP funds are to be maintained for the service life of the practice, which may be longer than the term of the EQIP contract. The minimum contract length is one year after the implementation of the last scheduled practice. All contracts have a maximum contract length of ten years. Implemented practices are subject to NRCS technical standards. Farmers may elect to use NRCS or a Technical Service Provider for EQIP technical assistance.
For more information, visit your local USDA Service Center
or www.nrcs.usda.gov/getstarted.
Sign up for Farm Bill email updates
Iowa NRCS EQIP Contact:
Paul Goldsmith, 515-284-4262
NRCS Home | USDA.gov | Site Map | Civil Rights | FOIA | Plain Writing | Accessibility Statement
Policy and Links| Non-Discrimination Statement | Information Quality | USA.gov | WhiteHouse.gov


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Category : Dissertation.
Topic : Thesis proposal abstract example. Author : Anice.
Posted : Sun, Jan 05th 2020 04:27 AM.
Format : jpg/jpeg.
It is true that tension, depression and lack of concentration are some of the most common problems that are faced by majority of students, when they are selecting topics to write on dissertation. Similarly, students are more confused, when they are choosing topics about business management dissertation. It is a known fact that choosing a management dissertation topic and writing on it is one of the most difficult tasks. However, students with proper guidance and accurate plans will not have problems.


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The man who sells taho in my neighborhood to my daughter is the son of the man who used to sell taho to me growing up. I never knew what his dad's name was, but Manong Fernando is known to everyone in the neighborhood as Manong Taho.
Every afternoon from 3-5pm except on Sundays and rainy days, Manong Taho plies his trade through our streets echoing the familiar call which starts on a high note and ends low: "Tahoooooohhhhh! Tahoooooohhhhh!" His two aluminum containers – one, long and narrow – the other, short and squat, each carry components of a traditional and treasured Filipino snack.
The long and narrow container that Manong holds is for the taho, unpressed soybean curd mixed with a coagulant. The resulting texture is like that of quivery crème brulee. The short and squat container on the other hand, holds two compartments; one for the sago or tapioca balls; the other for the brown syrup called arnibal. Viscous and shiny, it's similar to molasses and has a deep almost burnt taste.
I've always been fascinated by how supple and soft the texture of taho is, quivering slightly with every stroke of the metal scooper, like ripples being carved out of a wave, if you can imagine that. Once the taho has almost filled the cup, Manong lifts the lid of the other container. Using a narrow aluminum spoon which looks like a long, slim ladle, he carefully spoons out some syrup and drizzles it on top of the taho. He always gives in to our cries of "More syrup pa po, Manong!" But when the cries start up again for "more sago, pa po!" Manong gently tells us in Tagalog that there might not be enough for the others. For most people, it's either the sago or the syrup that makes a taho.
Manong Taho makes the best taho I've ever had, supple and soft like the softest custard, its surface stained by syrup and sago. A motley of white and brown gleaming with the translucence of pearls. Every spoonful is hot and sweet, syrup and heat, the comfort and taste of a thousand happy memories.
Now your turn to tell me: What is your favorite street food?
Note: M.I.Y.O. Monday stands for Make It Your Own Monday, a question thrown out to DCF readers every Monday to jumpstart the week with lively interaction. I also welcome questions and suggestions for future MIYO Mondays. Email me.


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Yesterday, the swirling melodrama around Vince Young's crazy head reached another level when transcripts of Merril Hoge's interview with a Pittsburgh radio station circulated. Even though Hoge's Young-bashing has been evident since the quarterback entered the league, he went a little overboard this time around. His quote: "He's a baby. He's a soft baby. He's been a baby since they .... I stumbled across people who recruited him in college. They really tried to get him to go to Oklahoma. One of reasons they stopped their recruiting process was because he was such a baby . . . He was the most immature crybaby they ever met. He was soft; he wasn't tough." In that interview, Hoge also disclosed that Jeff Fisher didn't want to draft Vince Young, Young drove to the practice facility in a limo and adamantly stated that Titans' players are thrilled that Young's injured because they're "better without him." Fisher defended his quarterback and told the Tennessean that all of Hoge's reports were "incorrect." Hoge told the paper that he wasn't surprised Fisher defended his player but added that he will never utter another word about Vince Young's horribleness:
"One thing I would like to never talk about again though is VinceYoung. I am so done with his stuff and how it has turned out. I feel bad for him as a person, and it bothers me it has gotten so deep because I have nothing against him as a person ''.
When Merill Hoge observes a "No Vince Young Bashing" policy, you know the concerns about the butterfly quarterback's fragile mental state must be serious. Fisher, ESPN's Hoge Try to Clear Up Young Comments [Tennessean]


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NarCranor wrote:Good advice. I am currently working with four separate artists on various Star Wars related web comic projects. I find that getting an artist to collaborate with is really about having a geniune infectious excitement for the project you are creating. If you aren't excited about it, you artist isn't going to get excited about it, and that is the key. The second you get that artist excited about your story idea, that's when you have them. This is really important since a writer's workload on a webcomic is so much less than the artist's.
NarCranor wrote:Another thing that I find breeds success in an artist hunt is to be personal. A random post asking for ANY artist will get you NO artists. Go to deviant art, or look at portfolio pages. Email artists specifically commenting on what you like about their work specifically, and why you think THEY would be the perfect artist to collaborate with. If your artist feels like they just got picked out of thousands of other artists, its gonna make them a lot more interested in what you have to say. It is kind of like going to a club and trying to pick up a girl. If you walk in and just scream hey, will any girl dance with me, you aren't going to get any ladies. You have to go up to each one personally and ask them specifically. Then it becomes a numbers game.
NarCranor wrote:Another side of things is how to keep your artist happy once you get one. I usually talk to my guys (and girl) 4-5 times a week online, sometimes not about the comic at all. By creating that mutual friendship, and not just having a strictly business relationship, your artist might be more into the comic. Also, if all you talk about is the comic, your artist can begin to feel like you are hounding him for pages. A little small talk goes a long way.
NarCranor wrote:The quickest way to lose an artist is to stifle their creative freedom. You can't be a nazi dictator of the story. You have to be open to changes in the script and page layouts. If the artist wants to do something differently, and you strongly disagree, don't just lay the hammer down. Explain why you need it the way it is. A good artist should be focused on serving the story anyway, so if there is a plot reason, they ought to agree. Otherwise, I would suggest trying to rearrange some things. It is just very important to stay flexible.
NarCranor wrote:Talk with your artist before you get too far into writing. One of the first things I like to do when starting a new project is to ask my artist if there is anything specific they want to draw. Even on projects that are already written but trying to find an artist for, when I do find an artist, I still have that conversation, and see if there are places to fit things in for them. A certain character, environment, creature, etc. Find out what they want to be drawing. Then keep that in your head when you are developing your plot and script, and see if you can't work at least a few of those things in. This not only gives your artist something to look forward to when drawing, but it makes them really feel like they are a part of the development process.
NarCranor wrote:Finally, and this might seem contradictory, but push your artist. Try and get them in the mindset of taking their work to a higher level. Let them know you are interested in helping them hone their craft, and that when the project ends, they will be a better artist for it. Write scenes that are going to push them. If their experience tends to be a lot of pin ups or action splash pages, challenge them with a few emotional scenes that require a mastery of expressions. Don't overdo it, or you will push the artist away by overwhelming them. But you have to challenge them enough to keep them interested. If they are a traditional comic artist, try having them paint a cover for the book. Giving an artist new challenges is really important to their satisfaction.
NarCranor wrote:Anyway, just a few more tips for you fellow writers out there. Artists, would be curious to see your responses to these tips. Anyway, happy webcomicing!
- This is probably the only part of the entire post that I don't agree with 100%. Yes, it's very important to be excited about the project, but my personal experience has been that the more excited a writer is - the less prepared they actually are. It's like they get this idea in their head and just start looking for an illustrator before they are actually ready to do so and have the proper material put together.
McDuffies wrote:Say, what kind of work do you usually get engagement for?
Yeah... every aspiring writer will be mad as hell if you suggest to them that writing is easy, but secretly most of them think so too. There's a lot of sense of entitlement in idea that having several high concept ideas equals being a competent writer. Of course actually finishing the script, which includes being reliable in coming up with ways to tie those ideas together is a lot more difficult, let alone going through any kind of editorial evaluation and revision and whatnot... Finishing even a bad script is miles away from starting one.
That said, writing is still generally less time-consuming than drawing. I'd argue that people put less into their drawing than writing, that, say, in mainstream comics, one out of three well-drawn comics is actually well-written, so that writers should perhaps try to match artists in effort and time - but writers would still be less paid and more replaceable so noone would bother.
But anyways, it's easy to be excited about a project when you're secretly expecting that it'll be a lot of reward and minimum of commitment.
Looking back at my post, I hope I didn't make it sound like writing is easy or that all writers are over-excited. I write comics as well (I mostly illustrate, but I do in fact write some of my own stuff which I will be launching very soon), and writing comics can be a HUGE pain. But a lot of fun. The problem I often face with writers (not all) is that they don't know how to write a proper comic script, OR they write it as if they are writing a film (which is a very different type of script even if it is formatted as a proper comic script). Writing does in fact take a lot of time to do and you have to be really good at it to do it right. However, 95% of the time, the illustrator(s) is spending a lot more time drawing the page than the writer took to write it. Especially if the work needs to be in color.
I feel that writing a truly good comic can, in many ways, be more difficult than illustrating it. Illustrations will only go so far if the writing sucks, but a captivating, well written story will bring people back again and again regardless of the artwork.
McDuffies wrote:One thing I learned early on from some cartooning book was, you shouldn't be worried about someone stealing your idea because theoretically you should have many more ideas on the side. IF you don't, plagiarists are the least of your problems.
MichaelYakutis wrote:Great. Now I feel like a chump for having my newest collaborator sign an NDA before going over the details lol.
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MAG Beta
Sony to fix MAG Beta connection issues
SCEE's Elliott Martin has stated on the EU PS Blog that connection issues with MAG's open beta are to be sorted before the game launches.
MAG Beta headlines
MAG Beta ends tomorrow with Zipper Challenge
The MAG Beta ends tomorrow night, and Zipper Interactive plans to enter into the fray with you to give it a proper send off. Multiple "Zipper" squads will be "waiting for you on the MAG servers" and represent factions Raven, S.V.E.R., and Valor). Just log in, get in the queue, look for Zipper folks, and […]
Sony opens up MAG Beta to public, only 16K spots available
SCEE has sent word that sign ups for the MAG beta are open, but there are only 16,000 spots available. Once the 16,000 SCEE consumer vouchers have been given away, the beta will be open for six hours a day, Monday to Friday from 5pm to 8pm and midnight to 3am, GMT. It officially starts […]
Public Beta enrollment begins for MAG
Lucky folks who open their emails today may see a MAG Beta invite crammed in with all the jokes, spam, and Russian mail-order bride requests. The e-mail contains a code used to access a closed application form and Sony "will be adding people in waves." Don't worry if you don't have one, you may get […]


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Precious time is often lost through the handling of Point Of Sale Software For Small Retail Business . Similarly, the more cash is handled the greater the security risk in stores. Fortunately, Point of Sale (POS) technology is making better control of cash in retail stores possible, resulting in benefit for both staff and customers.
One German furniture company has estimated that the payment process and handling of cash at the checkout takes between 15 to 25 seconds. As this is only one part of processing pos system, 15 to 25 seconds is quite substantial time and, when the seconds are calculated for the cash handling from every sale throughout the day…till operators are spending more time on this process than most business owners would like.
Then, there is also the concern of cash robbery and theft. On any given day in a retail business, one, a few or many more employees will handle cash. Think how many different times and how many different people will handle cash in a supermarket on any one day. It is also probable that many managers are reconciling cash and making deposits, which is why they use point of sale systems.
How Do You Select the Best Point Of Sale Systems in Point Of Sale Software For Small Retail Business ?
A point of sale system is an important tool in any business, whether it is large or small, that engages in any type of sales. These systems use the amazing power of computing to perform a number of tasks that can simplify every aspect of a businesses, including but not limited to; sales, inventory and ordering.
From simple functions, like scanning barcodes and calculating correct change, to more complex functions like inventory control, a point of sale system can help make any business run more efficiently. Even basic systems can represent a huge time savings. These systems eliminate paper work by simplifying every aspect of a business's operation. Not only that, because many systems offer back-ups and on-line information storage a business can access information even from remote locations. So, whether it is at a traditional cash register or with a sales associate that is working in the field, these systems are powerful tools.
Early in the life of a company perhaps a fairly simple POS system will be adequate, but it should be capable of taking on more complex tasks as your business grows. Not all systems, just like not all businesses, are the same. So it is important to consider, how you will use it, and how adaptable to your future needs a point of sales system will be for your business.
Point of Sale - Are these Five Steps Increase Product Sales Through Your POS Display?
Point of sale (POS) systems are used by hundreds of businesses in order to streamline the purchasing process as well as track the various financial and inventory data that relates to the sales made. Although the general concept behind each system is virtually the same, different industries can purchase POS systems that are tailor made for their needs. Think of it is a delivery service: A bike delivery would work fine for a local newspaper, but UPS would have to shut down if it didn't have delivery trucks. The same concept applies to POS sale systems used in retail stores, restaurants, and hotels. Each specific industry can benefit from a system that is designed for their specific needs.
Retail POS systems are specialized at quick and easy one time sales. The items stored in their database are well defined, and although there can be many colors or sizes offered for one item, there isn't very much variation in the product. If one person buys a black jacket, although the jacket comes in blue, all the people who buy the black on are still getting the same item. This is why retail POS systems are the simplest in nature. In regards to the sale process, all they need is to pull up an item's information from inventory and remove it upon purchase. Of course, this is just in reference the the sales aspect of the system; there are still complex inventory control settings and sales efficiency metrics that that can be used, but in terms of making a sale, the retail system is the most simplistic.
Clearly, when starting a business it important to take the industry specific POS into account. Don't just try and find the best deal, but rather what will work best to make your company run efficiently. Understanding why each system is unique will help when trying to make the decision for what POS system to purchase. Although the examples given were for specific industries, the systems can be applied to different industries that have similar purchasing processes: The retail POS can be used in stores ranging from clothing to electronics and the restaurant system can be used in various hospitality related industries.
Why Point Of Sale Displays?
In a competitive market, point of sale displays help solve several of a marketer's short-term hurdles. The impact of sales promotion measures is not durable like the results obtained through advertising and personal selling. Sale displays by and large are understood and practiced as a catalyst and as a supporting facility to advertising and personal selling.
Point of sale displays differs from advertising in many ways. Whereas advertising is mostly an indirect and subtle approach towards persuading consumers to buy a product, sale displays is a direct and almost open inducement to consumers to immediately try the product. Secondly, advertising normally has long-term objectives like building brand awareness or building consumer loyalty or repositioning a brand, sale displays performs an immediate task of increasing current sales. Finally, advertising helps sales by adding some durable and long-term value to the product, while point of sale displays aid selling by temporarily changing the existing price-value relationship of the product.
The above categorization is based on the marketing problem to be tackled. If we look at the target group to whom sale displays measures are normally aimed at, we find four broad target groups, viz. the consumer, the trade or channel and influential groups. Bulk of the sale displays effort is aimed at the consumer and the trade.


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Water Heaters
Showing HomeoPet items. Remove Filter
Goat & Sheep
- Castration & Dehorning
- Equipment
- Fencing
- Fly & Lice
- Health Care
- Hoof Care
- Needles & Syringes
- Nutrition
- Show & Grooming
- Vaccines
- Wormers
- Shop All Goat & Sheep Categories
- Castration & Dehorning
- Equipment
- Fencing
- Fly & Lice
- Health Care
- Hoof Care
- Needles & Syringes
- Nutrition
- Show & Grooming
- Vaccines
- Wormers
- Castration & Dehorning
Heated 5 Gallon Flat-Back Bucket is perfect for large dogs or horses, or where a large tank cannot be used. 115 watts, 120 volt. Thermostatically controlled. Sturdy bail allows bucket to be hung in stall. Cord exits from back or bottom of pail and is covered with an anti-chew coil. Lockndry compatible. Model 20FB.
Heated 5 Gallon Flat-Back Bucketby Allied PrecisionPrice:$46.95
Ultimate Floating or Submersible Stock Tank De-Icer is safe in all stock tanks! Can be used as a floating de-icer with built in cage guard or in seconds converts to a submersible de-icer. Cord safety clip included which secures the de-icer to the edge of the stock tank, bucket or container to help prevent chewing, cribbing or removal of the de-icer. Convenient zone chart easily helps you choose the correct de-icer for your needs. Two year limited warranty. Automatically turns on at 43 degrees.
Ultimate Floating or Submersible Stock Tank De-Icerby K&H PetAs low as:$34.95
16 Gallon Heated Bucket is thermostatically controlled with auto shut-off. Built-in handles. Cord exits from back or bottom of pail to prevent chewing. Tested to withstand temperatures to 20 below zero. Blue only. 16" high, 23.5" wide. 260 watts, 120 volts. Model 16HB.
Heated 16 Gallon Bucketby Allied PrecisionPrice:$89.95
Constructed of patented cast aluminum for efficiency and safety. Safe in all tanks, plastic or steel, no guards necessary. Thermostatically controlled to operate only when necessary. 1500 watt, UL approved. 3-year warranty.
Submergible Tank De-Icerby Farm InnovatorsPrice:$54.95
Thermostatically controlled - switches on at 40F and off at 50F. Automatic shut off if water becomes too low. Just remove drain plug and install in drain hole and secure with attached bolts and washers that came with the tank (no hardware is included with de-icer.) Tested to withstand temperatures to 20 below zero. Over 38" of exposed heating element. Fits Rubbermaid tanks. 1500 Watts, 120 volts.
Drain Plug De-Icer--Rubbermaidby Allied PrecisionPrice:$49.95
For High Country, Freeland, or Rubbermaid tanks. Automatic shut-off if water becomes too low. 1500 watt, 120 volt. Heater works on tanks up to 300 gallons.
Universal Tank Heaterby Allied PrecisionPrice:$45.95
De-icer is designed to float in the water tank and is thermostatically controlled with an automatic shut-off. The Styrofoam float is completely enclosed within a rugged plastic housing. The cord exits from the top of the unit. This gives the heater added stability and it is less likely to tip the tank. Use in a non-metallic tank requires the Snap-On Guard to prevent the heater from touching the sides of the tank.
Floating De-Icerby Allied PrecisionPrice:$34.95
Designed for use in all buckets, hog waterers, birdbaths, patio ponds or tanks up to 50 gallons (plastic or steel). Indestructible, patented, cast-aluminum design operates automatically in freezing temperatures. 500 watt, 120 volt. 1-year warranty. UL approved.
Aluminum Utility De-Icerby Farm InnovatorsPrice:$39.95
Instant hot water bucket heater - will heat a gallon of water from 60 degrees to 130 degrees in 10 minutes. Shockproof and portable; simply immerse directly in bucket or tank. Built for years of service; will not burn out even if operated dry. Stainless steel guard protects hot element from contacting surfaces after removal from water. Unit has an automatic shut-off. 1000 watts, 120 volt. UL approved.
Bucket Heaterby Allied PrecisionPrice:$45.95
Strong, flexible, and durable. Heated rubber bucket has heavier insulation, allowing operation at a lower wattage (90 watts). Resists cracking down to -35 degree F. Has a concealed heating element and an anti-chew cord protector. One-year warranty.
18 Quart Heated Rubber Flat Back Bucketby Farm InnovatorsPrice:$44.24
100% poly construction. Molded with ultraviolet inhibitor. Drinking height is 18", width is 13 13/16". Comes complete with a 250 watt heater, making heating cost $10.00 or less for a winter season. Will handle 25 horses, 40 ponies, 100 calves or 40 cattle. 18 month warrany on valve and heater, 5 year unconditional warranty on the other components.
Brower 6 Gallon Heated Livestock Watererby Brower ManufacturingPrice:$317.95
Heated 9 Quart Bucket has a built-in thermostat and will keep water ice-free during below zero conditions. Heater is completely hidden within the walls of the plastic bucket. Built-in steel handle and chew protector over cord. Great for medium to large dogs. 50 watts, 120 volts. Lockndry compatible. Model 9HB.
Heated 9 Quart Bucketby Allied PrecisionPrice:$35.95
Unique temperature controlled electrical device. Operates with any 15 amp 120 volt electric heater or fan and plugs directly into a standard outlet. Thermostatically controlled and turns the power on and off automatically, according to outside ambient air temperature. Turns on at 35 degrees F and turns off at 45 degrees F.
Thermo Cube Thermostatically Controlled Outletby Farm InnovatorsPrice:$14.95
Submersible de-icer, perfect for five-gallon buckets, as well as small pails, pans, or bird baths. Built-in thermostat keeps water temperature within the optimal drinking range. Has stainless steel guard to protect pets from the danger of burns. Clamp holds the unit secure. Safe for all non-metallic or metallic containers, and has a safety shut-off system. 200 watts, 120 volts.
Pail De-Icerby Allied PrecisionPrice:$44.95
Snap on guard for tank heater.
Floating De-Icer - Snap-On Guardby Allied PrecisionPrice:$14.95
This drinker has 17 gallons of capacity. Incoming water carries heat energy. The more water, the more heat. R-valve of 7.5 per inch holds the heat provided by incoming water. The supply line is in the water. You don't need extra heat to keep the line above the ground open. You do need proper installation to prevent supply line underneath the drinker from freezing. 2 large drink openings 8" x 14" each. Drinker wells are 14" deep allowing most any animal to drink naturally.
17 Gallon Waterer with Heaterby Brower ManufacturingPrice:$339.39


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The world wide web went live, on my physical desktop in Geneva, Switzerland, in December 1990. It consisted of one Web site and one browser, which happened to be on the same computer. The simple setup demonstrated a profound concept: that any person could share information with anyone else, anywhere. In this spirit, the Web spread quickly from the grassroots up. Today, at its 20th anniversary, the Web is thoroughly integrated into our daily lives. We take it for granted, expecting it to "be there" at any instant, like electricity.
The Web evolved into a powerful, ubiquitous tool because it was built on egalitarian principles and because thousands of individuals, universities and companies have worked, both independently and together as part of the World Wide Web Consortium, to expand its capabilities based on those principles.


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Burka not Welcome
At the end of October last year, Eric Besson, France's Minister for Immigration, Integration, and National Identity, announced that the Sarkozy government would be leading the "debate on national identity." It was to continue through the following weeks and months, culminating in suggestions by the president himself on the matter, anticipated in a statement to be issued on 4 February.
Critics have characterized the debate as an "ideological campaign." From the very start, the debate has focused to a considerable extent on the question of separation from "the others." Islam often finds itself at the heart of the debate and, in the fantasies of some, poses a "threat to the nation and republic."
The burka as a "red flag"
While Besson has remained extremely vague concerning the definition of what constitutes "national identity," he has been able to state with certainty what, as far as he is concerned, is not a part French culture, namely, the burka. He regards the burka as something irreconcilable with "French national identity."
However, the burka, a garment predominantly found in Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a hardly ever worn in France and is in no way typical for immigrants from the Magreb.
Nevertheless, after the debate among French politicians on cases of individuals wearing a full body veil broke out in early summer 2009, the French Interior Ministry conducted a survey and identified a total of 367 women in France who wear a burka. Most of them, it seems, are French converts to Islam.
The behaviour of these converts is similar to sect members who desire to publically display their newly acquired religious affiliation in a particularly visible manner. This makes one thing clear – the burka cannot help in deciding who belongs to the nation and who does not.
In recent months, the debate on the burka has been going on simultaneously with the debate on the concept of "national identity," which has been pursued by a special parliamentary commission set up to invite numerous politicians and public personalities to share their views on the issue.
A law banning the burka?
The result is that some members of the governing conservative UMP party have since called out for a law banning the burka in France. Jean-François Copé, the chairman of the UMP faction in the National Assembly, would already like to present such a bill to parliament in the coming weeks.
The law would make it an offence to wear the burka, subject to a fine of 759 euros. Critics have spoken of a "special law," which can hardly be justified considering how few women wear the burka in this country.
After a great deal of political flip-flopping, a majority of the UMP decided early this year against such a law. The legal risk that it would be overturned by the constitutional court is just too great. Instead, the majority of the governing party is calling for a "solemn resolution" by parliament condemning total head and body covering.
A number of controversial statements have been made by some of the protagonists on the government side in the burka debate. For instance, Nadine Morano, State Secretary for Family Policy at the Ministry of Social Affairs. On 14 December, she took part in a discussion on national identity before an audience of 300 people in Charmes, a small city in the Vosges.
In the course of the debate, Morano said, among other things, that she didn't have anything against foreigners in principle, but she called upon "young Muslims" in France – who she of course respects – to please "not wear their caps on backwards, not speak in ghetto youth slang, and to look for a job".
With her choice of words, Morano succeeded in linking the phenomena of youth culture among the socially underprivileged, which has long applied to all segments of the population, with a single ethnic-religious group. In addition, her statements can also be understood as accusing socially underprivileged youth for being themselves responsible for their lack of employment. These outbursts, brimming with prejudice, resulted in a fierce public controversy in France.
Sarkozy's answer to the Swiss vote on minarets
On 9 December, the liberal Paris evening paper Le Monde published a guest article by Sarkozy in which the president approved of the results of the Swiss referendum and refused to criticise Swiss voters, even though he admitted that issues such as the exercise of religion are too complicated to be decided via referendum. He also expressed his understanding for those who "did not want the image of their country to be disfigured" and thereby lose their identity.
In the same article, Nicolas Sarkozy demanded "respect for those who have been taken in, but also for those who have accepted others into their country". His choice of words make clear that those doing the accepting enjoy historical rights in their own country and should therefore remain the "masters in their own house." As such, recent immigrants, Muslims in particular, "should practice some discretion" with respect to their faith.
Just previous to this, Dominique Paillé, spokesman for the UMP, summed up the matter simply. Although there is not state religion in secular France, "some religions were already here before the republic was founded" and they are part of the historical heritage of the republic. "Those that only came later" have therefore to respect the existing rules of the game.
A charged atmosphere of anxiety
At the end of last December, the Member of Parliament and former Justice Minister Dominique Perben expressed his concern that "soon there will be just as many mosques as cathedrals" and that "France will no longer be France."
Apparently, a part of the government has been tempted to latch on to the success of the Swiss referendum in an attempt to permanently attract a segment of voters on the extreme right to the conservative block.
Nicolas Sarkozy has recognized the risk of letting the debate drift too far to the right. Yet, his announcements of new "surprises" have sparked more public debate.
In late January or early February, he plans to visit a cemetery in Notre-Dame-de-Lorette near Arras, in which Muslim soldiers who fought under the French flag in the First World War are buried. In 2007 und 2008, the cemetery monument was frequently damaged and defaced with racist slogans. Critics of the government are nonetheless convinced that the current debate on national identity will only further motivate such racist acts.
Bernhard Schmid
© Qantara.de 2010
Translated from the German by John Bergeron
The Burka Battle in France
Losing Sovereignty of Interpretation
The strict rejection of the burka by French president Nicolas Sarkozy has set off a political debate across the country that strongly recalls the 2004 controversy on the presence of religious symbols in public schools. Kersten Knipp reports
Interview with Heiner Bielefeldt
"The Hard Core of Islamophobia Is Racist"
A ban on the burqa is possible, but a ban on the construction of minarets is unlawful, says the former director of the German Institute for Human Rights, Heiner Bielefeldt. He also considers the "hard core of Islamophobia" to be racist. Christian Rath sends us this interview
Tariq Ramadan on the Swiss 'Minaret Ban'
"Islam Is a European Religion"
Populists in Switzerland fail to realize that Islam is by now a European religion and that Muslim citizens are largely integrated, says Tariq Ramadan in his commentary. However, part of the blame lies with Muslims, too, claims the Swiss Muslim scholar


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Ha! Can't tell if you're being quite rightly sarcastic or just humble! :DJack Ruston wrote:blinddrew wrote:Yep, know what you mean. Jack's obviously a fan but 1) he's doing this full time so payback is more significant and 2) he's much better at this!
To be a bit more specific about what I meant in this context...
You're a professional, recording in professional environments, using professional kit. If you're aiming for a pristinely clean mix / sound, you can achieve it from source. If you then choose to fatten/warm it up using a bit of tape saturation, that's an artistic decision made from a controlled starting point, with the capacity to genuinely add something musical to the mix.
People at my end of the food chain, lacking both good environments and experience, are much more likely to be starting with a compromised recording, a less than stellar mix, and are in danger of using tools like this to basically just throw a bucket of mud at a mix in the search for that magical something that will make it sound 'pro'.
Hopefully that makes sense out of my head as well as in it, and hopefully I've not caused offence by using you as an example. :)


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Effects of Anorexia Nervosa on Peak Bone Mass
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01301183
Recruitment Status : Active, not recruiting
First Posted : February 23, 2011
Last Update Posted : February 18, 2020
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Teenage girls with anorexia nervosa (AN) are at risk for low bone density and low rates of bone accrual, raising concerns regarding acquisition of peak bone mass, an important determinant of future bone health and fracture risk. Important factors contributing to low bone density in AN include low levels of estrogen and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). While estrogen is important for preventing bone loss, IGF-1 is important for optimizing bone formation. We have shown in a previous study that replacement of estrogen is effective in increasing bone density in teenage girls with AN; however, this increase in bone density remains lower than that seen in normal-weight controls over the same duration, and residual deficits persist. Importantly, the impact of administering replacement doses of IGF-1 with estrogen replacement has not been studied in teenagers with AN.
This study will examine the impact of administering recombinant human (rh) insulin like growth factor-1 (rhIGF-1) with estrogen (to mimic pubertal levels of these hormones) versus administration of estrogen alone on bone metabolism in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa (AN).
One aim of this proposal is to investigate whether co-administration of insulin like growth factor-1 (rhIGF-1) with physiologic estradiol replacement to adolescent girls with AN will increase BMD (bone mineral density) more than estrogen monotherapy, and whether bone mass will approach that seen in healthy adolescent girls. An additional aim is to determine whether co-administration of rhIGF-1 with estradiol to mimic the normal pubertal milieu stimulates bone formation through an IGF-1 mediated anabolic effect, increases bone density to a greater extent than estrogen monotherapy, and improves bone mass accrual to approach that in healthy controls. The impact of rhIGF-1 +estradiol versus estradiol alone on bone microarchitecture will also be assessed.
|Condition or disease
|Anorexia Nervosa
|Drug: RhIGF-1 with transdermal 17-beta estradiol Drug: Placebo and transdermal 17-beta estradiol
|Phase 3
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Estimated Enrollment :
|136 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|Double (Participant, Investigator)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|Effects of Anorexia Nervosa on Peak Bone Mass
|Actual Study Start Date :
|February 2011
|Estimated Primary Completion Date :
|March 2020
|Estimated Study Completion Date :
|December 2020
Experimental: Rh IGF-1 + Transdermal estradiol
RhIGF-1 with transdermal 17-beta estradiol
Drug: RhIGF-1 with transdermal 17-beta estradiol
RhIGF-1 will be started at a dose of 30mcg/k/dose twice daily, and will be titrated up or down in 25% dose increments to maintain IGF-1 levels in the upper half of the normal range.
Estradiol will be delivered transdermally using a 100 mcg patch (Vivelle Dot) changed twice weekly. Subjects will receive cyclic micronized progesterone (Prometrium) 100 mg daily for the first 10 days of each month. All subjects will receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D.
Other Name: Mecasermin and Vivelle Dot patch
Placebo Comparator: Placebo + Transdermal estradiol
Placebo and transdermal 17-beta estradiol
Drug: Placebo and transdermal 17-beta estradiol
Placebo injections will be administered twice daily. Estradiol will be delivered transdermally using a patch (100 mcg) changed twice weekly. Subjects will receive cyclic micronized progesterone (Prometrium) 100 mg daily for the first 10 days of each month. All subjects will receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D.
Other Name: Vivelle Dot patch
- A significant increase in bone density over a 12-month period [ Time Frame: 12 months ]
- A significant improvement in bone microarchitecture parameters at the ultradistal radius and tibia over a 12-month period [ Time Frame: 12 months ]
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|14 Years to 22 Years (Child, Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria: AN:
- Age: 14-22 years old
- Bone age (BA): ≥14 years
- Should meet DSM IV criteria for AN
- Subjects at MGH will be evaluated by co-investigator Dr. David Herzog, Director of the Harris Center for Eating Disorders, at MGH, and by Dr. Debra Katzman, co-investigator, and the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto who directs their Eating Disorders Program, respectively, before enrollment.
Inclusion Criteria: Controls:
- Healthy adolescent girls 14-22 years
- BA of ≥14 years
- BMI between the 10th-90th percentiles for age
- Regular menstrual periods every 28-35 days for subjects ≥ 2 years post-menarche.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Diseases known to affect bone metabolism including untreated thyroid disease, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes, pituitary disease, renal failure and prior bone fracture within six months of the study.
- Medications known to affect bone metabolism, including gonadal steroids, within three months.
- Evidence of suicidality, psychosis, or substance abuse.
- Premature ovarian failure, as demonstrated by an elevated FSH.
- Abnormal TSH.
- Hematocrit <30%, Potassium <3.0 mmol/L, Glucose <50 mg/dl
- Pregnancy
- History of malignancy
- Contraindications to estrogen therapy (for girls with AN)
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01301183
|United States, Massachusetts
|Massachusetts General Hospital
|Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114
|Principal Investigator:
|Anne Klibanski, MD
|Massachusetts General Hospital
Additional Information:
|Responsible Party:
|Anne Klibanski, MD, Laurie Carrol Guthart Professor of Medicine Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research, Massachusetts General Hospital
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|First Posted:
|February 23, 2011 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|February 18, 2020
|Last Verified:
|February 2020
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa
Signs and Symptoms, Digestive
Signs and Symptoms
Feeding and Eating Disorders
Mental Disorders
Estradiol 3-benzoate
Estradiol 17 beta-cypionate
Polyestradiol phosphate
Hormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone Antagonists
Physiological Effects of Drugs
Contraceptive Agents
Reproductive Control Agents
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Growth Substances


text: Gjertsen over feeling jilted - The Province October 2, 200812:00AM PDT Previous Next Montreal star mellows toward 'Caps Marc Weber Joey Gjertsen is beyond feeling jilted. The former Vancouver Whitecaps forward, who was jettisoned to Montreal along with David Testo during a 2007 midseason slump, is loving life with the Impact. This weekend's two-leg semifinal between these two familiar clubs, he said, is more meaningful only because of its magnitude. "I'm over the trade and the transition to this team," Gjertsen said Wednesday before the Impact tackled Honduran side Olimpia in CONCACAF Champions League action. "We've already seen Vancouver five times this year, and now these next two are more important than the last five combined." It took time for Gjertsen to mellow toward his first professional side. It was former Whitecaps coach Bob Lilley who gave the Tacoma, Wash., native his first professional shot when he wasn't wanted in his own backyard. And it was in Vancouver that Gjertsen thrived, going from rookie of the year in 2005 to league MVP in 2006 when the Whitecaps won the championship. The 2007 trade was gut-wrenching for him. "It was very tough at the time," he said. "It was hard leaving the West Coast for sure, and I know I'm still pulling for the Whitecaps every week of the season, except [when we play them]." The Whitecaps tried to resign Gjertsen in the off-season, but couldn't come to terms. "I was a free agent, I was open to the idea of Vancouver because I never wanted to leave in the first place," he said. "We were in talks with them, but Montreal in the end was up front with me the whole time, and obviously they showed how much they wanted me. "I just felt it was right at that point. They showed good faith in treating me well." It's difficult for Whitecaps fans to forget the deal, as much for who came the other way as for who departed. Alen Marcina and Ze Roberto failed to make a difference and neither re-signed in Vancouver. And like Impact-turned-Whitecaps strikers Eddie Sebrango and Charles Gbeke, both Gjertsen and midfielder Testo have played decisive roles in head-to-head meetings this season. Each scored in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, two games that knocked Vancouver out of the running for a Champions League spot and opened the door for Montreal's stirring success in that competition. There's also Tony Donatelli, the midfielder whom the Caps flipped for Gbeke in late June. It's a good bet that one of those five players will play the role of match-winner this weekend. As a sign of how much things have changed, it was Testo and Gjertsen who set up Donatelli for a crucial 2-0 goal in that 2006 title game. "Once Tony got here, Dave and I both talked about that -- how much similarity there was between the Impact this year and the Whitecaps two years ago," said Gjertsen, who had one goal and five assists in league play this season. "From our side, Tony has the strongest feelings [toward Vancouver]. But for me, these games are so big, and this stuff just adds to it." email@example.com © The Vancouver Province 2008 Previous Next


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Blacks Beach is located just 15 minutes' drive from the centre of Mackay. It's the longest of Mackay's northern beaches, and a great place to base yourself as you explore what this balmy North Queensland destination has to offer.
Boasting six kilometres of sparkling sand and gentle waters, this palm-lined beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing with a good book.
The beach fishing here is fantastic with bream and whiting on the menu.
Accommodation at Blacks Beach ranges from camping and caravan parks to self-contained, resort and motel style apartments. Plenty of accommodation is within easy walking distance to the beach.
Popular with walkers, Blacks Beach is a pet-friendly beach, however it is not an off-leash area and therefore all pets must be kept on their lead and under control.
Nearby amenities include a friendly tavern as well as a shopping centre which provides a number of dining options. A larger shopping centre is a five minute drive from Blacks Beach.
Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator's website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).


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Scholars Don't Care About Maps?
I told you yesterday about a meeting way back in 1995 that helped get us thinking about developing a Bible Atlas that would prove to be years ahead of its time. Two years later, we had developed a limited prototype covering little more than the region of Galilee, and we were about to focus all of our attention on completing development of the Atlas. Having just released Accordance 3.0, with ground-breaking features such as Greek and Hebrew text-to-speech and diagramming, we had plenty to show at that year's Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature, but we were so excited about the Atlas prototype we couldn't resist showing it off as well.
By 1997, the success of Windows 95 and Apple's own missteps had sent it into something of a death spiral. At the same time, the power and ease-of-use Accordance offered had earned it a reputation as the software to have for serious study, and many Bible scholars were buying Macs just to be able to use Accordance. This meant that we had a lot of people coming by the booth wanting to see what Accordance could do, yet with serious misgivings about the future of the Mac platform. The Atlas was a great way to show that there were still some really cool things you could only do on a Mac.
At that year's SBL, we were using a projector to show Accordance on a big screen. We naturally showed Accordance with Greek and Hebrew text in parallel, the new Diagram window, and other features of Accordance 3.0. We also showed some of the map images from the new Atlas prototype. Our hope was that these would grab the attention of conference attendees and draw them into the booth to learn more about Accordance. I saw this as a no-brainer, but someone from outside our company questioned the wisdom of using maps to attract attention. Apparently believing that serious scholars would regard such flash as fluff, he told us, "Scholars don't care about maps."
Now, as a very part-time seminary student at the time, I was admittedly no Bible scholar, but I found myself completely dumbfounded by this assertion that scholars don't care about maps. Even those engaged in high-level linguistic study presumably had to teach the occasional introductory survey course, and surely maps would come in handy then, right? I therefore ignored the unsolicited advice not to show the Atlas and kept the maps on the screen.
Sure enough, the Atlas prototype drew a lot of people in, and when we demonstrated what you could already do with the prototype people were absolutely blown away. We released the Atlas in July of 1998, right about the time Steve Jobs was back at Apple unveiling a colorful new all-in-one desktop computer called the iMac. That year's annual meeting of SBL was fun. We had people coming into the booth just to see our new iMac, and when we showed them the new Bible Atlas they seemed to forget any questions they might have had about the Mac's long-term viability.
Since that time, our interactive Bible Atlas has been one of our best-selling products and among our users' favorite features. If you've been missing out on all the fun, be sure to take advantage of our current Graphics sale to pick the Atlas up at a deep discount. That is, of course, unless you're one of those scholars who just doesn't care about maps! ;-)
P.S.: While we're reminiscing, were any readers of this blog around back then? What were your reactions to seeing the Atlas for the first time?
Archived Comments
Love the Atlas. How difficult would it be to add North arrows and scales into an Atlas update? I find that I'm always going to another graphics program to add these elements before I can use the maps in research papers, conference presentations, and articles.
David, thanks for sharing these historical notes about Accordance! I'd love to see more posts like this one. I can't remember the first year I purchased Accordance, but it was by this time, and the Atlas was a simply amazing feature. It was not just for show - where else could you get a user-friendly, customizable 3D view of the land? Accordance is still awesome, but these memories are worth recording. Many thanks,


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Human Trafficking
Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Every year, thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers, in their own countries and abroad. Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. UNODC, as guardian of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the Protocols thereto, assists States in their efforts to implement the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (Trafficking in Persons Protocol).
UNODC's Response to Human Trafficking
UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking
What is Human Trafficking?
Article 3, paragraph (a) of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons defines Trafficking in Persons as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs
Elements of human trafficking
On the basis of the definition given in the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, it is evident that trafficking in persons has three constituent elements;
The Act (What is done)
Recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons
The Means (How it is done)
Threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control of the victim
The Purpose (Why it is done)
For the purpose of exploitation, which includes exploiting the prostitution of others, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or similar practices and the removal of organs.
To ascertain whether a particular circumstance constitutes trafficking in persons, consider the definition of trafficking in the Trafficking in Persons Protocol and the constituent elements of the offense, as defined by relevant domestic legislation.
Criminalization of human trafficking
The definition contained in article 3 of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol is meant to provide consistency and consensus around the world on the phenomenon of trafficking in persons. Article 5 therefore requires that the conduct set out in article 3 be criminalized in domestic legislation. Domestic legislation does not need to follow the language of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol precisely, but should be adapted in accordance with domestic legal systems to give effect to the concepts contained in the Protocol.
In addition to the criminalization of trafficking, the Trafficking in Persons Protocol requires criminalization also of:
· Attempts to commit a trafficking offence
· Participation as an accomplice in such an offence
· Organizing or directing others to commit trafficking.
National legislation should adopt the broad definition of trafficking prescribed in the Protocol. The legislative definition should be dynamic and flexible so as to empower the legislative framework to respond effectively to trafficking which:
· Occurs both across borders and within a country (not just cross-border)
· Is for a range of exploitative purposes (not just sexual exploitation)
· Victimizes children, women and men (Not just women, or adults, but also men and children)
· Takes place with or without the involvement of organized crime groups.
For a checklist of Criminalization under the Protocol, click here.
For more resources, visit our Publications page.
To see how human trafficking is different to migrant smuggling, click here.
Human Trafficking FAQs
See all FAQs on Trafficking in persons compiled here: Human Trafficking FAQs.
UNODC's Response to Human Trafficking
UNODC offers practical help to States, not only helping to draft laws and create comprehensive national anti-trafficking strategies but also assisting with resources to implement them. States receive specialized assistance including the development of local capacity and expertise, as well as practical tools to encourage cross-border cooperation in investigations and prosecutions.
The adoption in 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking In Persons, Especially Women and Children marked a significant milestone in international efforts to stop the trade in people. As the guardian of the Protocol, UNODC addresses human trafficking issues through its Global Programme against Trafficking in Persons. A vast majority of States have now signed and ratified the Protocol. But translating it into reality remains problematic. Very few criminals are convicted and most victims are probably never identified or assisted.
For an overview of UNODC's work in the human trafficking field and the real-life complexities faced by people globally every day, please click on the following links:
Prevention of trafficking in persons
Protection of victims of human trafficking
Prosecution of trafficking offenders
Having worked on these issues since the late 1990s, UNODC has issued a comprehensive strategy setting out the complementary nature of UNODC's work in preventing and combating both human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and defining the immediate priorities for UNODC's future action and engagement on these crimes. The new strategy complements UNODC's Thematic Programme Against Transnational Organized Crime And Illicit Trafficking (2011-2013).
As the guardian of the Organized Crime Convention and its Protocols on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, UNODC plays a leading role in strengthening and coordinating the criminal justice response to both human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.
UNODC's strategic approach to combating trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants is founded in the full and effective implementation of the Protocols, and can be best understood as having three interdependent and complementary components:
(1) research and awareness raising;
(2) promotion of the Protocols and capacity-building; and,
(3) the strengthening of partnerships and coordination.
With regards to research and awareness-raising, UNODC will publish the next Global Report on Trafficking in Persons in December 2012, and biennially thereafter. UNODC also produces research and issue papers on trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling and engages in both broad and targeted awareness-raising on these issues, notably through the Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking. UNODC's normative work on promoting the Protocols and capacity-building engages with Member States and working-level practitioners in providing legislative assistance, strategic planning and policy development, technical assistance for strengthened criminal justice responses, and protection and support to victims of trafficking in persons and smuggled migrants. Finally, UNODC initiatives on strengthening partnerships and coordination occur through its participation in inter-agency groups such as ICAT, UN.GIFT and GMG and its management of the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking.
UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking
Further Information
For more visit Human Trafficking FAQs
For a full listing of latest tools and publications, visit our Publications page
To learn about Migrant Smuggling, click here
To access UNODC video and audio public service announcements about human trafficking, visit our human trafficking public service announcement page.
Subscribe to UNODC Human Trafficking (RSS Feed)
For further information please contact the UNODC Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section .
To join the Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking, visit the Blue Heart website
To learn about the Global Initiative to fight Human Trafficking ( UN.GIFT) visit the UN.GIFT website
Learn more about UNODC Partnership Opportunities
For more information about the Global Programme against Trafficking in Persons and the Global Programme against Smuggling of Migrants, contact us.


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Warmer Waters Make Weaker Mussels
When it comes to mussels, bigger isn't necessarily better. Tiny fibers called byssals enable mussels—the shellfish kind—to anchor themselves to coastlines despite crashing ocean waves.
But new research shows that the attachment fibers weaken in warm water. A temperature rise of 15 degrees Fahrenheit lessens fiber strength by 60 percent, possibly causing them to fail completely. As climate change raises ocean temperatures, mussels may be forced to cooler waters.
Emily Carrington of the University of Washington presented the research at the meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston:
"Researchers have dissected mussel beds and found, I think, upwards of 100 different species. So if the mussels go it really changes that community.
"We also eat mussels and so there's applications in aquaculture. The way they grow mussels, is the mussels have to remain attached to the ropes on their long lines. So if the mussels fall off before the farmers return to reap their harvest, then they've lost a lot of money."
—Calla Cofield
[The above text is a transcript of this podcast.]


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Hi all,
I am looking to buy concert tickets to see Super Show 4 at the Tokyo Dome in May. I've done a lot of research on this, and it seems as if overseas fans cannot buy concert tickets held in Japan online. We're stuck with 'middlemen' websites. The websites basically buy the the ticket, charge a commission (and a premium for the ticket itself), then ship it to the individual overseas.
For those living in Japan, is this a normal practice and are these websites legit? I don't mind paying good $ to watch my favourite band, but I am weary of these websites as none of them look remotely professional and speak half-decent English in their communications.
For reference, I am now in correspondence with the website
http://personalshopperj.com/. So far they have been upfront about answering my questions and quote (and they just got 2 tickets this morning to fulfill my request) but I am still not 100% on saying 'yes'.
Thanks in advance for any advice!


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Ericsson enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. The company's portfolio spans Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services, and Emerging Business and is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency, find new revenue streams, and create new user experiences. Ericsson's investments in innovation have delivered the benefits of telephony and mobile broadband to billions of people around the world ensuring our solutions – and our customers – are at the forefront of innovation. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. With over 90,000 employees and customers in 180 countries, we combine global scale with technology and service leadership. 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic is carried over an Ericsson network. And, our Technology for Good and Connect to Learn programs include creating technology that makes it easier to save lives, feed societies, bring technology to emerging markets and connectivity to remote areas, and grow businesses and prosperity.
At Ericsson, we give our employees the freedom to think big and navigate their career, on a global scale. We create technology that helps others, from helping people enjoy their favourite content to helping people recover from natural disasters by enabling better communications between rescue workers. Your ideas and innovations can turn into achievements that impact society and change the world, creating new connections, new possibilities, and new capabilities. We find that Ericsson is at its best when we bring together the diverse skills of our people. Working across business areas, across cultures, across geographical borders, across technical disciplines. More often than not, across ground-breaking solutions. Next generation technology can be staggeringly complex. But the simpler it is to use; the more people benefit from it. Join us and help build technology that makes it simple to connect with information, business, societies, and each
Job Summary:
We are now looking for a 1st Level Operations professional. This job role is responsible for the coordination, support, management and execution of reactive maintenance activities to ensure that services provided to customers are continuously available and performing to Service Level Agreement (SLA) performance levels.
You will support the following systems and functions:
- Event management
- Incident management
- Remote site access control
- Legal request execution
- Billing operations
- Assurance support activities
Key Qualifications:
- Education: Academic degree, minimum on bachelor level, in engineering (IT, Telecom)
- Minimum years of experience: 3-5 years' experience of deploy system test and lead testing team.
- Domain experience: area of expertise – (Recruiter to supply) e.g. Cloud, BSS, OSS etc.
- ISEB/ISTQB software testing qualifications would be an advantage
Additional Requirements:
- Knowledge sharing & collaboration skills
- Problem solving & creative thinking
- Ericsson knowledge
- English skills
- Delivering results & meeting customer expectations
- Analyzing
- Working with people
- Manage instructions & procedures
- Applying expertise & technology
Ericsson provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, national origin, ethnic background, age, disability, political opinion, social status, veteran status, union membership or genetics. Ericsson complies with applicable country, state and all local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location across the world in which the company has facilities. In addition, Ericsson supports the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and the United Nations Global Compact. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training and development. Ericsson expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, national origin, ethnic background, age, disability, political opinion, social status, veteran status, union membership or genetic information.


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What does "student voice" mean to you?
"Student voice" is talked about a lot in education, but what does it actually mean? Does it mean listening to students' opinions? Does it mean involving students in decisions about their learning? Does it mean students should have an equal say in decisions made about their entire educational experience, including decisions made at the level of school management and governance? Does it mean ALL of these things?
Recently my colleague Rose Hipkins and I have been unpacking some of the different ideas that tend to get lumped together under the rubric of "student voice". We were both very interested in this finding from NZCER's last National Survey of secondary teachers: When presented with the statement "there is too much emphasis on 'student voice' and similar ideas nowadays", teachers were almost divided in thirds: 26 percent agreed or strongly agreed, 34 percent were unsure, and 39 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed (See p. 89 of this report).
Why did these teachers have such divergent opinions?
More importantly, how exactly did each teacher interpret the term "student voice"?
What did they imagine "too much emphasis" on student voice might comprise?
For me, answers to these questions would be a lot more illuminating than the raw statistical responses to the original question. Rose has described it student voice as "a catch-all phrase that appears to be underpinned by at least five different types of pedagogical application, each of them linked to a different body of theory…". If that's the case, no wonder there was such a range of opinion!
You can read her full analysis and commentary about this data in Chapter 10 of this report (see pp. 85-94). Her key message is that teachers (and the rest of us) probably need to think a lot more about the different sets of ideas that are contained within different interpretations of "student voice".
I think she's right, and I also wonder if we need to find a better way to think and talk about how to involve and collaborate with young people in education. For me, the most problematic issue is that some interpretations of "student voice" don't actively acknowledge or address underlying power differences between young people and adults—particularly in schools, where adult and youth roles are already tightly framed and the power differentials between adults and young people are deeply embedded.
Lately I've become interested in the term "youth–adult partnerships" as an alternative to "student voice". Youth – adult partnerships are described by authors such as Mitra (2009) "as relationships in which both youth and adults have the potential to contribute to decision-making processes, to learn from one another, and to promote change (Jones & Perkins, 2004, cited in Mitra, 2009). The idea of youth–adult partnership has a more overtly transformative intention than some interpretations of student voice. What I like about this concept is that it requires us to reconsider the roles and responsibilities of both young people and adults when thinking about how to engage young peoples' perspectives – including how to address the existing power differentials between the partners.
You can read more in a working paper I have posted on the NZCER website.
I am interested in how a shift away from the discourse of "student voice" in favour of the discourse of "youth-adult partnership" might help all of us with an interested in education to have richer and more provocative discussions about young peoples' rights, responsibilities, and roles in co-constructing their educational experiences. I am sure that there are already good examples of youth-adult partnerships occurring in some schools (for example, restorative justice approaches). What conditions might allow youth–adult partnership ways of thinking to play out further in schools? What can these partnerships might look like, (including for students at different year levels?). I'm interested to know what other people think about "student voice", and whether (and how) we might need to shift our thinking about this concept if we are to really change the way we think about teaching and learning in the 21st century.
Bolstad, R. (2011). From 'student voice' to 'youth – adult partnerships': Lessons from working with young people as partners for educational change. Working paper from the Families and Communities Engagement in Education (FACE) project. Wellington: New Zealand Council for Educational Research.
Hipkins, R. (2010). Reshaping the secondary school curriculum: Building the plane while flying it? Findings from NZCER National Survey of Secondary Schools 2009. Wellington: New Zealand Council for Educational Research.
Mitra, D. (2009). Collaborating with students: Building youth–adult partnerships in schools. American Journal of Education, 115 (3), 407–436.