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Microsoft's surprise offer last week to European Union (EU) antitrust regulators that it will give Windows users a chance to download rivals' browsers stunned some, who likened it to waving the white flag.
But it may be the company's best shot at getting the European Commission for Competition to back off.
Ever since EU officials slapped Microsoft with another list of antitrust charges in January 2009, forcing the company to provide a so-called "ballot screen" to users has been the commission's preferred strategy. Microsoft has regularly resisted, going so far as to dump Internet Explorer (IE) from its next operating system, Windows 7, in the hope that the sacrifice would appease regulators.
It didn't. So after what the commission called "extensive discussions," Microsoft caved yet again.
But what does it mean for you? That's what we're here to answer.
What's Microsoft proposing exactly? Microsoft has agreed to provide a "ballot screen" to EU customers that will offer links to downloads of rival browsers. EU antitrust regulators in the European Commission have been high on that idea for more than half a year now.
From the commission's point of view, Microsoft's bundling of Internet Explorer (IE) with Windows is an abuse of its dominant position in the operating system market. Earlier this year, the commission said Microsoft "shields" IE from true competition, and wanted the company to make it easier for users -- some of whom may not even realize that there are other browsers besides IE -- to download alternatives like Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera and others.
How will it work? If the commission accepts Microsoft's proposal (download Word document), users who have IE as their default browser -- that's the way virtually all new PCs are set -- will see the ballot screen the first time they log on after the screen is distributed (more on that in a moment).
As envisioned by Microsoft, the ballot screen will list two links for each browser -- one reading "Install," the other "Tell me more" -- under a logo for each. The install link will take the user to "a vendor-managed distribution server, which, upon the user's confirmation, can directly download the installation package of the selected web browser," according to Microsoft's proposal. The informational link will lead to the browser maker's site for more details about the application and other installation options.
How many browsers will be on the ballot? Microsoft's proposal was unclear on that. At one point, it said five; at another, it said 10. But yesterday a source close to Microsoft said that the ballot screen would likely offer five browser options initially, and later expand the list to as many as 10.
The ballot will actually be a Web page hosted by Microsoft, with the browsers in a horizontal line, with the placement left to right determined by usage share.
Who decides what browsers are on the ballot? If the commission buys into Microsoft's concept, the ballot will list the top five (or 10) browsers as determined by EU usage share. "The Ballot Screen will be populated with the most widely-used web browsers that run on Windows with a usage share of equal to or more than 0.5% in the EEA as measured semi-annually by a source commonly agreed between Microsoft and the European Commission," the proposal reads. The "source commonly agreed upon" hasn't been selected -- that's up for discussion between Microsoft and the commission -- but there are a limited number of firms that track browser metrics. Among them: U.S.-based Net Applications, which hasn't published its June data yet because of a glitch in the count, and Ireland's StatCounter.
Opera, for instance, has always leaned towards the latter, since the Irish company usually pegs that browser with a higher usage share than, say, Net Applications.
If the ballot screen showed up today, what browsers would be on it? Assuming StatCounter's numbers from the first half of 2009 are used, the ballot would show IE, Firefox, Opera, Safari and Chrome, and in that order from left to right.
Each browser maker would get just one spot on the ballot; in other words, Firefox 2.x, 3.x and 3.5 count as one browser for the purposes of the usage share tally and the ballot screen link listing.
So IE will be on the ballot? Most definitely, said Microsoft.
How many browsers can I download using the ballot screen? As many as you want.
Who will see the browser ballot screen? Only users running Windows in what Microsoft called the "European Economic Area" (EEA) will get the ballot.
Some, including Opera Software, the Norwegian browser developer that sparked the antitrust investigation with its December 2007 complaint, would like to see Microsoft unilaterally offer the screen worldwide. The chance of that are probably somewhere between "slim" and "none."
Is this only for Windows 7 No. Although the upcoming OS will be the first in line for the ballot under Microsoft's plan, EU users running XP or Vista will also get the screen.
When will Microsoft start offering the ballot screen? Microsoft's proposed schedule would put the ballot in front of Windows 7 users on Oct. 22, the official launch date, or two weeks after the commission accepts the company's deal, whichever comes later.
Windows XP and Vista users will be on a slower schedule: Microsoft said it would give them the ballot screen three to six months after EU regulators sign off on the plan, assuming they do.
How is Microsoft planning on getting the ballot screen to users? Microsoft will push the ballot screen to Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 machines via Windows Update.
As per the proposal, XP users will receive the screen as a "High Priority" non-security update, while Vista and Windows 7 users will see it pitched as an "Important" update. In all cases, the ballot screen will automatically be downloaded and installed on PCs that have opted for automatic updates through Windows Update. Presumably, that means anyone who has set Windows Update to notify before downloading, or notifying before downloading and installing, will have the option to decline the ballot.
I don't want my entire company getting this ballot; we're standardized on IE. What do I do? Microsoft said it may -- no promises -- "offer tools to volume license users that prevent the Ballot Screen update from being installed on all computers covered by the license."
Microsoft regularly offers specially-crafted toolkits to companies and end users to block the automatic download and installation of prominent updates, including IE and most service packs. There's a chance that Microsoft might do the same here, said sources, rather than limit the toolkit to organizations with volume license agreements.
What happens next? The commission is studying Microsoft's proposal, and according to a statement it issued last week, it "will now investigate its practical effectiveness in terms of ensuring genuine consumer choice."
What that means, and how long that takes is anyone's guess, but sources close to Microsoft said they expected a resolution before the end of October, both because of the launch of Windows 7 that month and because the current Commissioner for Competition, Neelie Kroes, steps down Oct. 31.


text:
Draft of a personal essay. 4 pages.
Digital files found in the UTSC Library's Digital Collections are meant for research and private study used in compliance with copyright legislation. Access to digital images and text found on this website and the technical capacity to download or copy it does not imply permission to re-use. Prior written permission to publish, or otherwise use images and text found on the website must be obtained from the copyright holder. Please contact UTSC Library, Archives & Special Collections for further information.
New Light / by Doris McCarthy
Doris McCarthy (creator)

subset: commoncrawl


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Installation of FUJIFILM Business Innovation Multifunction Device (MFD)/Plotter requires your company network point. Please make sure that the network point is ready and prepare a network cable upon the arrival of FUJIFILM Business Innovation Installation Engineer.
This guideline would guide you to prepare for the necessary information required based on the device settings you prefer. Please get ready this information before the installation date to facilitate the installation process.
If your IT representative can be present when our FUJIFILM Business Innovation Installation Engineer arrives, that would highly increase the efficiency of the installation process.
Installation of MFD/Plotter
Please prepare the following information of your company network for the installation of MFD/Plotter:
- IP address
- Subnet Mask
- Gateway
- DNS and WINS (if applicable)
Print function
Our engineer would assist to install print driver on 10 personal computers (PCs).
If the print drivers are being shared from the server, our engineer would assist your IT representative with the loading of these drivers.
For MFD, please decide on the desired print setting up front (e.g. default printing in colour, black and white, A4-sized, two-sided and etc) and communicate this to our Installation Engineer.
Scan function
FUJIFILM Business Innovation MFD can support the following scan settings:
- Scan to network
- Scan to shared folder
- Scan to email
FUJIFILM Business Innovation Plotter can support the following scan settings:
- Scan to network
- Scan to shared folder (supported by DW3035 and DW6055 only)
Please decide on the preferred setting and prepare the information required.
Scan to Network/Shared Folder
If you would like to set the scan setting as scan to network/shared folder, please prepare the following information:
- IP address/Hostname
- Name of server/PC
- Name of shared folder
- Username and password of user(s) to be granted access to the shared folder
Scan to Email
If you would like to set the scan setting as scan to email, please prepare the following information:
- Email address for the MFD
- SMTP IP address/Hostname
- SMTP authentication credential (if required)
If you would like to setup LDAP, please prepare the following information:
- LDAP IP Address/Hostname
- LDAP authentication credential (if required)
- Search string lookup information
FUJIFILM Business Innovation MFD and Plotter (models DW6055 and DW3035 only) support Auditron feature. Auditron is a built-in feature which provides the following capabilities:
- To manage users' access to the various functions of the device
- The Auditron can be configured so services such as copy and print; and features such as colour copy and print from mailbox can be restricted to only certain users.
- To restrict the usage of the various functions of the device
- For example, Auditron can be set up so that user "Alice" can have free access to colour copies, user "Bob" has an account limit of 100 colour copies and user "Carol" cannot make any colour copies.
- To monitor the usage of the various functions of the device
- User with Auditron Administration rights will be able to run reports that show the black and white and color copy/print of each user
If you would like to configure Auditron, please refer one of your staff as Auditron administrator. Before the arrival of our engineer, please prepare the following information:
- Username (i.e. Alice, Bob)
- User ID (i.e. 0001, 0088, 1234 and etc)
- Password (optional)
EP-BB Service
Electronic Partnership Broadband (EP-BB) Service
EP-BB provides managed services that monitor, maintain and replenish the supplies of any printing infrastructure. This will provide you with convenience and hassle free use of our machines. Here are the 4 key services provided through our EP-BB service:
- Automatic Meter Reading
- Proactive Consumable Monitoring
- Proactive Fault Monitoring
- Green Report Generating
Key Installation Requirements
EP-BB is currently supported by our multifunction device (MFD) only. To install EP-BB Service, please prepare the following information before the arrival of our engineer:
- Complete this EP-BB Activation form (refer to download link below).
- Ensure that there is an available fix line internet connection
- Ensure that your IT representative has enabled the following
- Port 443 for SOAP over HTTPS (SSL)
For more information of EP-BB, please contact our customer service.
For the following models, please enable an additional port SNMP Port 161
EPBB Activation Form
- File Size:
- Document Type:
- Portable Document Format
User Training
Every new MFD/Plotter installed is entitled to one free user training session. We would send a trainer to your company to conduct the training.
Maximum of 8 users are recommended for each training session so that users can have clear view of the demonstration.
Training duration for MFD would be around 1 - 1.5 hours whereas Plotter would take 4 hours approximately.
Please note that this free training session is only applicable for 3 months upon the installation of the MFD/Plotter. Charges will apply if training session is requested after the stated period.


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By Kerry Weber (Loyola, 2014)
Kerry Weber has set the bar for Lenten fasts extraordinarily high in Mercy in the City. In her concise, quick moving, and often funny book, Weber chronicles her experience of giving up sweets, alcohol, and—the real kicker—trying to complete all the corporal works of mercy in the 40(ish) days before Easter.
Weber, an editor at America magazine, was researching correctional facilities and Catholicism one day when she landed upon a list of the corporal works of mercy—a list she had known by heart back in grade school, but hadn't considered much of late. "I realized the path of mercy was one I needed to walk more deliberately," she writes, citing the difficulties that life in New York City often bestows, such as the incessant requests for money or food from people on the subway or the street. "I was afraid I'd stopped seeing Christ in people."
At the beginning of her Lenten journey, Weber worries that people might think her overly pious or insincere for attempting such a feat, but it quickly becomes clear that she is neither. Instead we get a portrait of a down-to-earth, funny, and tenacious young Catholic, a Mercy Volunteer Corps alumna and an RCIA sponsor, who's making the most of Lent.
Her efforts that seem the most fruitful (feeding the hungry on a breadline in Manhattan, clothing the naked by staffing the clothing room at a Catholic Worker house, visiting the imprisoned at San Quentin State Prison in California) contrast with some that seem a bit contrived (giving drink to the thirsty New York City half marathon runners). But Weber seizes each experience as an opportunity for deep reflection, and by Easter she has amassed many keen insights. The most fundamental one is that, "This experience has helped me to see how much my faith must be a choice, how easy it is to become complacent, the need to remind myself to respond to the call of my faith each day. There are so many ways to say yes."
This article appeared in the April 2014 issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. 79, No. 4, page 43).


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The 10 Best McDonald's Meals You Won't Find in the U.S.
From French breakfast sandwiches to Japanese shrimp burgers, the international creations that helped McDonald's win the Great Recession.
McDonald's has over 32,000 locations in 119 countries, and part of its international success is due to clever attempts to appeal to local customers by inventing food tailored to their tastes. From Paris to Delhi, here's a list of the top ten McDonald's meals Americans are missing out on.
McDonald's has over 32,000 locations in 119 countries, and part of its international success is due to clever attempts to appeal to local customers by inventing food tailored to their tastes. From Paris to Delhi, here's a list of the top ten McDonald's meals Americans are missing out on.
India: BigSpicy Paneer Wrap
This fast food take on a common Indian street food is both spicy and vegetarian, making it a hit at the 271 McDonald's locations in India. Made with breaded paneer, a type of South Asian cheese, the BigSpicy Paneer Wrap is one of many vegetarian McDonald's innovations, which have been so successful that the chain plans to open two all-vegetarian locations in India next year.
Japan: Ebi Filet-O
Part of McDonald's Japan President Eikoh Harada's push to tailor food to Japanese taste, the Ebi Filet-O generated sales of 10 million in the first three months after its launch in October 2005. Made with breaded shrimp, this Japanese version of the classic Filet-O-Fish is modeled after the traditional Japanese dish of shrimp tempura and costs around $5.70 in Tokyo.
Turkey: Kofteburger
The Kofteburger is the McDonaldization of kofte, a type of Turkish kebab made with mint and parsley. So authentic that even the bun is sprinkled with parsley, the Kofteburger has been a hit with Turkish customers, and as one American visitor put it, "it's good but it doesn't taste like a burger…it tastes very…Turkish."
Thailand: Samurai Pork Burger
The name says it all. Featuring a pork patty marinated in Teriyaki sauce and smothered in peppers, the Samurai Pork burger is McDonald's attempt to put a Thai twist on the classic Big Mac, although the fast food giant may be a little off the geographical mark on this one. As one customer asks, "Why does it have a Japanese name when I'm in Thailand?"
Morocco: The McArabia
Priced at about $6.50, variations on the McArabia are available in countries across the Middle East. But Moroccans, especially, seem to have taken to this cumin-spiced flatbread beef sandwich. As one customer told the Global Post, "Honestly, it tastes Moroccan."
China: Prosperity Burger
A seasonal item only available around the Chinese New Year, the Prosperity Burger is made with beef smothered in black pepper sauce and onions. Customers in China and other East Asian countries can also enjoy local delicacies like taro pie, a variation of the classic apple version, as well as red bean sundaes.
France: Croque McDo
The country that immortalized the "Royale with Cheese" in the classic film Pulp Fiction has another local McDonald's creation to boast about. This take on the croque-monsieur, the classic French open-faced ham and cheese sandwich, is popular with Parisians and tourists alike. As one American visitor to France exclaimed about the breakfast sandwich in her blog: "this was no American Happy Meal."
Poland: The WiesMac
This quarter-pound beef patty, translated into English as the "Country Mac," is served with mustard and horseradish sauce on a sesame bun. "Everytime I eat WiesMac…I want to die," says one Polish customer in an online discussion, "But it is very tasty." Apparently, McDonald's guilt transcends differences of language and culture.
Mexico: McMollete
The Mexican version of a McMuffin minus the egg, this international McDonald's breakfast creation consists of refried beans, cheese, and pico de gallo, or Mexican salsa, atop a muffin. The dish takes its inspiration from molletes, a classic Mexican comfort food.
The Netherlands: McKroket
When McDonald's first moved to the Netherlands in the seventies, they tried to tempt Dutch customers with erwtensoep, or pea soup. Although that venture was unsuccessful, the McKroket has proven a much more profitable local item. A deep-fried patty of beef ragout on a bun, the McKroket costs roughly $2.50 and is McDonald's take on the traditional Dutch croquet.
Sulome Anderson is a journalist based between Beirut and New York City. Follow her on Twitter: @SulomeAnderson.
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Ukrainians differ on what would keep their nation safe from Russia.
The Biden Administration Is Dangerously Downplaying the Global Terrorism Threat
Today, there are more terror groups in existence, in more countries around the world, and with more territory under their control than ever before.
Blue Hawk Down
Sen. Bob Menendez's indictment will shape the future of Congress's foreign policy.


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What Technology Wants in Battlestar Galactica
Warning: Battlestar Galactica spoilers abound in the following post! If you haven't watched the ENTIRE series from beginning to end, you should go watch it before reading this.
In an insightful essay at Overthinking It, Nathan Hanks explains What Technology Wants in Battlestar Galactica (the new series -- though some points are applicable to the original series). Drawing on ideas discussed in Kevin Kelley's What Technology Wants, Hanks lays out a detailed discussion of evolution, technology, and the advancement of both. Here's a snippet of Hanks's article (warning -- spoilers!!):
But, what does it really mean that both biology and technology evolve? Well, one thing true of evolution is that it brings more possibility, whether more complex forms or more possible knowledge and experience. DNA isn't possible without molecules, people aren't possible without DNA, and Cylons aren't possible without people. Evolution never brings us more of the same, but always more of the different in an extending realm of possibility. ... While Humanity creates Cylons time and time again, so too do they go to war: on Kobol, Caprica and the original Earth. Maybe the war is inevitable and Cylons are the technological-ceiling. The Series' Finale clearly puts the probleming question to us (the audience) as the Messengers walk about our New York City- Messenger 1: All of this has happened before.Messenger 2: But the question remains, 'does all of this have to happen again?' Maybe 'No'. Here are 3 'Non-War' scenarios: ...
Read the rest for a very smart look at BSG, technology, and evolution. You may want to watch this 20-minute TED Talk by Kevin Kelly first, though it's more or less summarized in the article.


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10 Main Street Suite L-1
Andover, MA 01810
Did you know that trusted Andover area TMJ/TMD dentist Charles McQuade, D.M.D. offers treatment for jaw pain relief? If you're experiencing discomfort when you move your jaw, or you hear clicking and popping when you chew, we want to help.
Our friendly team is happy to answer questions. There's no need to continue to live with pain. Relief is just a phone call away.
Would you like your smile to be a bit brighter than it is right now? We can make it happen at Andover Dental Care, with professional tooth whitening for brighter natural looking teeth. Dr. Charles McQuade's Andover, MA area office can effectively lighten your stained or discolored tooth enamel. Whiter teeth not only look great, they improve your self-confidence.
Charles McQuade, D.M.D. is an experienced Andover area gum disease dentist known for his gentle approach to periodontal surgery.
If you have abscessed teeth, swollen gums, or infections, our caring team will make you comfortable during your procedure.
Don't delay the gum treatment you need any longer. Let us relieve your pain and restore your gums to health.
At Andover Dental Care, serving the Andover, MA area, Dr. Charles McQuade offers Electronic Dental Anesthesia (EDA) to help greatly reduce the sensation of an injection. The EDA is a battery-operated device that sends mild electrical impulses through a finger pad that Dr. McQuade holds against the tissue surrounding your tooth. This produces a pulsating, tingling sensation which effectively masks the discomfort of an injection.
Andover Dental Care is a trusted Andover area NTI-tss plus provider. Our highly-trained team fit you with a custom bite guard designed to relieve headaches and migraines caused by jaw clenching during sleep.
Each person is unique. Our experienced team will provide you with the individualized care you deserve for your situation.
451 Andover Street Suite G6
North Andover, MA 01845
North Andover area restorative dentistry at Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of North Andover can produce natural-looking results. If you have a damaged or missing tooth, we can help.
Our highly skilled team will assess your need for a crown, bridge, implant or other procedure to restore or improve your smile. Our goal is to provide quality dental care for your life-long oral health.
North Andover area Invisalign® dentist Mandy Chan, D.M.D. is happy to provide your new clear braces. At Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of North Andover, we want you to have the straight teeth and beautiful smile you desire.
We're happy to assess your needs create your individual treatment plan for braces. You may be able to have your new Invisalign® aligners sooner than you think!
A beautiful smile can brighten your life! If you are continuously hiding your chipped, stained, or cracked teeth from others, it's time for a change! Mandy Chan, D.M.D., a trusted North Andover area dentist, can fix chips, cracks, and stains to reveal a great new smile - and a new you. You'll look so good you'll wonder why you waited so long!
North Andover area cosmetic dentist Mandy Chan, D.M.D. has extensive experience creating beautiful smiles. They're one of the first things people notice about you.
Our professional team will be happy to discuss your aesthetic dentistry options. The attractive results you'll get from Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of North Andover can change your life!
One of the first things people notice is your smile. All it takes is a single appointment or two with North Andover area dentist Mandy Chan, D.M.D., and you, too, can have the winning, healthy-looking smile you've always wanted. The beautiful cosmetic results you'll get from Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of North Andover can be immediate and dramatic!
Comprehensive Family Dental
920 Second St
Manchester, NH, 03102-5216
(603) 668-7494
J Michael Sparks & Assoc
2626 Brown Ave
Manchester, NH, 03103-6890
Durvasula, Ramesh D.D.S.
345 Cilley Rd
Manchester, NH, 03103-4500
The endosseous system of dental implants, currently the most popular system used in dentistry today, has been utilized to replace missing teeth for over thirty years. Dental implants are very successful. Dental implants are made of titanium, an inert metal that bonds with the bone and forms a very tight union. Dental implants have a 90% to 95% success rate and once placed and restored, can last for an indefinite amount of time.
Although rare, dental implant complications do occur. If the bond between the dental implant and the bone breaks, or the dental implant itself breaks, it may have to be removed. If so, it may be possible to replace the failed dental implant, either at the same time or after doing a bone grafting procedure.
There are two main reasons for dental implant complications are:
There are certain risk factors that may increase the risk of dental implant complications. Smoking, for example, halves the success rate of dental implants and is the number one risk factor for dental implant complications.
Also, persons that have a diminished healing ability such as people with uncontrolled diabetes may have an increased risk for dental implant complications. To reduce the risk of dental implant complications, and to prevent serious health complications from surgery, a thorough medical evaluation is required before dental implant treatment.
To reduce the risk of dental implant complications, make sure that the dentist that places the dental implants and the one that restores the dental crown on the dental implant have plenty of experience with dental implant procedures.
The success of dental implant treatment is dependent on the expertise of the dental team and the patient's ability to control plaque. With proper dental implant design and follow-up maintenance, you could enjoy the benefits of dental implant treatment for a lifetime.
By Laura Minsk, DMD
In spite of the tremendous reduction in dental cavities in the past 20 years, a missing tooth or teeth remain a problem in the adult population. The sheer numbers of tooth loss in people over 35 indicate many of us could benefit from dental implants.
Tooth implants have been part of many dentist practices for over 20 years. The success rate has been, and continues to be, over 95 percent.
Many people are now considering using implants to replace one tooth, or all their missing teeth. Many adults with missing teeth have partial or complete dentures and bridges, and they work fine.
However, conventional prostheses may not do for everyone - the patient may have trouble with a removable denture or is otherwise unable to chew. These are the very people who could stand to benefit most from as a few as two teeth implants.
A root-form tooth implant is inserted into the upper or lower jawbone. After a healing period of a few months, posts are attached to each implant. Then a fixed bridge or overdenture is placed - the business end of the implant. Only the tooth part is visible.
For certain people, a single tooth replacement to bridge a gap is called for. Another patient might want to stabilize a lower denture.
The procedure is no more uncomfortable to the patient than a simple tooth extraction.
The success of the new dental implants is due to osseointegration, the meshing of implant and bone. The properties of the implant are such that a chemical and mechanical bond is formed. The jawbone actually grows into the implant. This contributes to the stability and comfort of the implant - and a patient rediscovering the joys of steak and fresh apples.
Give your dental implant dentist a call. Or find one using our search form above. Tooth implants might work for you.


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Home Page Chess Life Online 2008 January Americans in Gibraltar
|Americans in Gibraltar
|February 2, 2009
Seven rounds into the Gibraltar Gibtelecom Masters (January 27-February 5), Vugar Gashimov of Azerbaijan leads with 6/7 and faces Peter Svidler in round 8. Defending champion GM Hikaru Nakamura and Varuzhan Akobian have 5/7. Here is Nakamura's seventh round win. Update: Nakamura draws on board one and finishes a half a point off of first. Peter Svidler and Vadim Milov tie for first on 8/10. Nana Dzagnidze wins the women prize.
Irina Krush, who contributed a photo gallery below, defeated GM Chanda Sandipan (2568) in round six, but lost to an even higher rated Indian GM, Surya Shekhar Ganguly (2614) on the White side of the Grunfeld. Now Krush has 4.5/7.
IM Anna Zatonskih, who recently confirmed an appearance at the 2009 SuperNationals (look for more details soon) stands on 4/7.
Check out round eight pairings here. Watch live games on the official site , Monroi or the Internet Chess Club. Look for more games, photos and news on Monroi.com.
Gibraltar Photo Gallery by Irina Krush


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VOTING: Eric Bowen (Chair), Eric Smith (Vice-Chair), Joe Burgard, Kevin Clark, Shannon Devine, and Benjamin Jordan; (1 Vacant). Advisory: David Augustine (Treasurer/Tax Collector), Vacant (Department of the Environment), Richard Berman (Port), Sarah Dennis (Planning Department), Mike Ferry (Fire Department), Laurence Kornfield (DBI), Vacant (MOCD), Marty Mellera (MTA), Virginia St. Jean (DPH), Karri Ving (PUC).
Public comment will be taken before the Task Force takes action on any item.
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of the October 5, 2010 Biodiesel Access Task Force Regular Meeting Draft Minutes. (Explanatory Document: October 5, 2010 Draft Minutes) (Discussion and Action)
3. Public Comments: Members of the public may address the Task Force on matters that are within the Task Force's jurisdiction and are not on today's agenda.
4. Sylvatex Biofuels LLC Presentation to the Task Force. Sponsor: Vice-Chair Smith (Informational Report and Discussion)
5. Approval of Request for Extension of Biodiesel Access Task Force Sunset Date and/or Change in Scope of Work. (Continued from the October 5, 2010 Meeting) (Explanatory Documents: Board of Supervisors Resolution Establishing Task Force and Resolution Extending Task Force) (Discussion and Action) Sponsor and Speaker: Chair Bowen
6. Biodiesel Access Task Force Report to the Board of Supervisors. The Task Force will review a draft report for transmittal to the Board of Supervisors. (Continued from the October 5, 2010 Meeting) (Explanatory Document: Draft Report Table of Contents) (Discussion and Action) Sponsors and Speakers: Chair Bowen and Member Jordan
7. Proposal to Create a B20 Mandate in San Francisco. (Discussion) Sponsors and Speakers: Chair Bowen and Member Jordan
8. City Biodiesel Pilot Program discussion on the acceptance of biodiesel and biodiesel blends across the city to ensure all fleets are capable to run the Mayor's minimum mandate and have sufficient support in determining higher blend pilot programs. (Continued Discussion from the October 5, 2010 Meeting) (Discussion) Sponsor/Speaker: Member Jordan
9. Update on the Greasecycle Program and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Pilot Plant. (Continued Discussion from the October 5, 2010 Meeting) (Informational Report and Discussion) Speakers: Members Jordan and Ving
10. Update on the Status of Darling's Proposed Biodiesel Manufacturing Plant in San Francisco. (Continued Discussion from the October 5, 2010 Meeting) (Informational Report and Discussion) Speaker: Vice-Chair Smith
11. Legislative update on the Biodiesel Fuel Tax Credit and discussion on Industry Impact. (Continued Discussion from the October 5, 2010 Meeting) (Informational Report and Discussion) Sponsor/Speakers: Chair Bowen and Member Jordan
12. Master Fuel Contract and City Biodiesel Program Update. (Continued Discussion from the October 5, 2010 Meeting) (Discussion) Speaker: Member Mellera
13. State Water Resources Control Board Underground Storage Tank (UST) Update. (Continued Discussion from the October 5, 2010 Meeting) (Informational Report and Discussion) Speaker: Chair Bowen
14. Update on the Local Biofuels Permit Work Group. (Continued Discussion from the October 5, 2010 Meeting) (Discussion) Speaker: Member Jordan
15. Green Depot Program Report. (Continued Discussion from the October 5, 2010 Meeting) (Informational Report and Discussion) Speaker: Vice-Chair Smith
16. Fat Free Biofuel LLC Refinery Update. (Continued Discussion from the October 5, 2010 Meeting) (Informational Report and Discussion) Speaker: Member Devine
17. New Business/Future Agenda Items. (Information and Discussion)
18. Public Comments: Members of the public may address the Task Force on matters that are within the Task Force's jurisdiction and are not on today's agenda.
19. Adjournment.
** Copies of explanatory documents are available at (1) the Task Force office, 11 Grove Street, San Francisco, California between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., (2) upon request to the Task Force Secretary, at telephone number 415-355-3709, (3) at the Biodiesel Access Task Force website as attachments included in the meeting agenda: https://sites.google.com/a/sfenvironment.org/commission/biodiesel-access-task-force, and (4) via e-mail at [email protected] within three business days of a meeting. Explanatory documents that are received after posting of this agenda are available on the website or upon request to the Task Force Secretary at the contact information listed above.
Public Comment
At this time, members of the public may address the Task Force on items of interest that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Task Force but are not on today's agenda. Public comment will be taken following each agendized item. Each member of the public may address the Task Force for up to three minutes, unless otherwise announced by the Chair. If it is demonstrated that the comments by the public will exceed 15 minutes, the Chair may continue Public Comment to another time during the meeting.
The Brown Act forbids the Task Force from taking action or discussing any item or issue not appearing on the posted agenda. This rule applies to issues raised in public comment as well. In response to public comment, not on an agendized item, the Task Force is limited to:
1. Briefly responding to statements made or questions posed by members of the public, or
2. Request staff to report back on a matter at a subsequent meeting, or
3. Directing staff to place the item or issue on a future agenda (Government Code Section 54954.2(a).)
Disability Access
The Task Force meetings will be held at City Hall, Room 278, One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, in the Civic Center area. The meeting room is wheelchair accessible. The closest accessible BART station is the Civic Center Station at United Nations Plaza and Market Street. Accessible MUNI lines serving this location are: #71 Haight/Noriega and the F Line to Market and Van Ness and the Metro Stations at Van Ness and Market and at Civic Center. For information about MUNI accessible services call (415) 923-6142. There is accessible curbside parking adjacent to City Hall on Grove Street and Van Ness Avenue and in the vicinity of the Veterans Building at 401 Van Ness Avenue adjacent to Davies Hall and the War Memorial Complex.
The following services are available on request 48 hours prior to the meeting; except for Monday meetings, for which the deadline shall be 4:00 p.m. of the last business day of the preceding week: For American sign language interpreters or the use of a reader during a meeting, a sound enhancement system, and/or alternative formats of the agenda and minutes, please contact Monica Fish at (415) 355-3709 to make arrangements for the accommodation. Late requests will be honored, if possible.
In order to assist the City's efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical based products. Please help the City accommodate these individuals. Individuals with chemical sensitivity or related disabilities should call the Mayor's Office on Disability at (415) 554-6789 or (415) 554-6799 (TTY) for additional information.
Know your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance
(Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code)
Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils, and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review. For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, Sunshine Task Force Administrator, City Hall, Room 409, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102-4683 at Phone No.: (415) 554-7724; Fax No.: (415) 554-7854; E-mail: [email protected]. Copies of the Sunshine Ordinance can be obtained from the Clerk of the Sunshine Task Force, the San Francisco Public Library and on the City's website at www.sfgov.org.
Lobbyist Registration and Reporting Requirements
Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [SF Campaign & Governmental Conduct Code §2.100, et. seq] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at: 25 Van Ness Avenue, Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone (415) 252-3100, fax (415) 252-3112; web site at www.sfgov.org/ethics.
Important Information
The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices. NOTE: Persons unable to attend the meeting may submit to the Task Force, by the time the proceedings begin, written comments regarding the agenda items above. These comments will be made a part of the official public record and shall be brought to the attention of the Task Force members. Any written comments should be sent to: Task Force Secretary, 11 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 or by email [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on the day prior to the hearing. Comments that cannot be delivered to the Task Force Secretary by that time may be taken directly to the hearing at the location above. When bringing handouts to meetings, please photocopy on both sides of the paper and try to use post-consumer recycled or tree-free paper. Also, please bring sufficient copies of handouts for the Task Force, the Task Force Secretary and the public.
Posted: November 29, 2010
Biodiesel Access Task Force > 2010 Meetings >


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Friday, December 19, 2008
Mexican Black Bean and Spinach Pizza...
I hope you've given the whole-wheat pizza dough we have been using a try - it is so simple and such a pleasant dough to work with. We buzzed it together again tonight - when it had rested and rose a bit, I easily stretched it out to a rough circle to start this pizza. Because we wanted the crust to be on the crisper side, we gave it a pre-bake before topping.
Rather than a tomato-y sauce, we spread our crust with a mixture of coarsely mashed black beans, onions, garlic, cumin and chili powder. I softened the onions first since Jeff isn't a fan of them crunchy, but you could skip that step if their texture doesn't matter to you. On top of that went spoonfuls of salsa (extra hot for us!), followed by spinach and chopped fresh cilantro. A drizzle of cayenne pepper sauce and a blend of cheeses were scattered on top before the crust was slid back onto the stone to finish cooking through.
This hefty pizza was decidedly filling, thanks to the beans and spinach - pre-baking the thin crust ensured the bottom would hold up against the toppings, but if you would like a bit more chew, up the dough recipe to the full pound version. I would definitely suggest using a very flavorful salsa that is at least around medium heat - due to the beans and spinach, anything less and I'm afraid the salsa layer would just fade away!
10 comments:
- Anonymous12/19/2008 10:36:00 PM
Hey Joe,ReplyDelete
Yes, we've been celebrating "Pizza Friday" for years. I have to say ours aren't as varied - we have just a couple of dough recipes we like, one from Todd English, one from Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day, and our current favorite, a recipe gleaned from the www.pizzamaking.com discussion boards.
We usually do a traditional tomato sauce and mozzarella pizza with toppings, but a couple other favorites involve pesto and a mixture of cheeses with roasted red peppers and black olives, and tapenade with feta and artichoke hearts. This summer we did smoked mozzarella from a dairy we toured and garlic scapes from the farmers' market.
Love the blog!
ooh, love this!!ReplyDelete
There is nothing like homemade pizza. We love to make our own dough too, and it's so economical. I love the idea of black beans mash for the "sauce." What a great way to get more fiber and protein into pizza. I'll have to try this!ReplyDelete
Joe I don't really make pizza but I am totally intrigued by this. Looks fantastic!ReplyDelete
- Anonymous12/21/2008 12:18:00 AM
This looks amazing!ReplyDelete
Michelle - I'll have to look into those other recipes and see how they compare!ReplyDelete
TTFN - Thanks!
Kristen - Yeah, the stats on this pizza are pretty good!
Laura - Great! That is what we try to do... get people interested in recipes they might not otherwise try!
Anna - Thank you!
- Anonymous12/22/2008 08:20:00 AM
Quinn - I hope that was a good OMG!ReplyDelete
It was a very good OMG......ReplyDelete
Quinn - Woo!ReplyDelete


text: China's Xiaomi has apologized for causing privacy concerns, after the fledgling smartphone maker faced scrutiny over whether it can be trusted with users' personal data.Last week, red flags were raised when security firm F-Secure tested a Xiaomi phone, only to find that it sent contact information and device data back to a company server, without the user's permission. This prompted local media in Taiwan to question Xiaomi's previous claim that the company was not secretly storing user's data.On Sunday, Xiaomi Vice President Hugo Barra responded, and said that the transmitted data was part of the phone's Cloud Messaging service, which can send messages via SMS and over the Internet. The service operates with the help of Xiaomi servers, and relies on both phone numbers and device information to rout the messages. But no user personal data is stored by the company, Barra said."We apologize for any concern caused to our users and Mi fans," he wrote. To address the problem, Xiaomi is making its Cloud Messaging an opt-in application, and introducing an over-the-air update to its phones that will let users disable the feature.Lately, Xiaomi has been gaining international attention over its low-cost handsets, which have started to enter select foreign markets. But like other Chinese tech firms, the company is being scrutinized over privacy and security around its products, including in neighboring Taiwan."Do Xiaomi phones steal data and transfer it to Beijing?" asked one headline from Taiwan's iThome, a tech publication that requested F-Secure investigate the company's devices.But on Monday, F-Secure security advisor Su Gim Goh said that most mobile phone vendors usually do end up tracking user information in one way or another, although they first ask for user's permission with a long privacy policy. However, in Xiaomi's case, the company had failed to take this step."Xiaomi previously said they were basically not collecting any data, but they actually were. That was the most shocking part," Goh said. "The information was also traveling in plain text. It was unencrypted. That was another point of concern."Goh, who is based in Malaysia, said Xiaomi phones are also taking the country's market by storm. But the company will need to be vigilant in protecting user's privacy, especially as concerns continue over electronic spying programs by the U.S. and China, he added."We did prove the stereotype true. That phone makers from China have the reputation to collect more personal data," he said.But even so, the privacy concerns probably aren't on the minds of most consumers, and won't stop sales of Xiaomi phones, said CK Lu, an analyst with research firm Gartner.[Privacy groups call for action to stop Facebook's off site user tracking plans]"There's always been talk of this fear of China. We have seen Huawei, and ZTE, been accused of spying in similar scenarios," he said. In 2012, for example, a U.S. congressional committee concluded that both companies were a national security threat for their alleged ties to the Chinese government.In Taiwan, Xiaomi phones have been selling well, and been directed to consumers, not government officials, Lu said. "Even though people may have some concern about using a Chinese service, for most users it's not a big deal," he added.


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Editor's note: This column was authored by Catherine Glenn Foster, Litigation Counsel for the Alliance Defending Freedom.
It seems that every day the effects of the culture of death on our society are more and more obvious, and more and more gruesome. Just take the continued funding of Planned Parenthood with taxpayer dollars.
This ongoing controversy was highlighted recently when President Barack Obama declared yet again that he wants to continue pumping our hard-earned money into Planned Parenthood. Why? So it will still be around to perform abortions for daughters if they want one.
He drew a contrast with his political opponent, Gov. Mitt Romney, saying, "Mr. Romney wants to get rid of funding for Planned Parenthood. I think that's a bad idea. I've got two daughters. I want them to control their own health care choices."
To that end, President Obama asserted, "We're not going backwards, we're going forwards."
But is it really going forward to prolong taxpayer funding of an organization that exists almost exclusively to kill innocent children, an organization where over 90% of the pregnant women who walk in, come back out without their baby? Is it really going forward to prop up "Big Abortion" so it will be there should one of your own daughters decide to have her preborn child killed?
Such thoughts should be chilling to the rational mind.
Remember that Planned Parenthood received nearly $400 million in taxpayer funds during the first year of the Obama administration, and nearly $500 million the following year. That's well over a million dollars a day. With that kind of funding, the abortion giant was able to perform almost 330,000 abortions in 2010 alone.
In other words, President Obama has already been hard at work to make sure Planned Parenthood is around if his daughters want it. But between now and the day they might call upon the abortion giant for services, hundreds of thousands of other daughters across the country are lying on a Planned Parenthood gurney "[controlling] their own healthcare choices" at the expense of their preborn child—a child they usually aren't even given full information about by the Planned Parenthood employee who is preying on them.
I don't know about President Obama, but I want better than that for my daughters. I wanted better than that for Tonya Reaves, the young mother who recently died on a Chicago Planned Parenthood gurney thanks to a botched abortion and clinic staff who tried to cover up their mistakes instead of helping her.
All women deserve better than that. No woman should be lying on that gurney in an essentially unregulated clinic, where Planned Parenthood lawsuits have scared the government into keeping their hands off even the most basic, common-sense sanitation and safety regulations.
The culture of death is taking a toll on all of us. From the preborn children Planned Parenthood kills and then pulverizes, or throws in the dumpster, to the women it maims in the process, and even to the leader of the free world who wants Planned Parenthood around so his daughters can avail themselves of its "services."
It's time to end funding for the abortion giant. That's what would truly be a step forward—for life.


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WINTON, HENRY, editor and publisher; b. 21 Feb. 1817 at Dartmouth, Devon, England, eldest son of publisher Henry David* and Elizabeth Winton, and brother of Robert and Francis, later publishers of the St John's Daily News and the St John's Day Book (later the Morning Chronicle) respectively; m. Elizabeth Brown; d. 30 March 1866 in St John's, Nfld, after a lengthy illness.
Nothing is known of Henry Winton's early life, though he probably learned the publishing trade in his father's shop. By the 1850s the family was in St John's where Henry was a member of the Sons of Temperance, and in 1851 founded the Banner of Temperance, a semi-monthly which apparently ceased publication the same year. He was also a member of the St George's Society and a Congregationalist.
In 1855, after his father's death, Winton became editor, printer, and publisher of the Public Ledger and Newfoundland General Advertiser, though his mother remained proprietor until 1860 when Winton himself took over ownership. Despite the paper's motto, "Open to all parties-Influenced by none," he showed consistent support for the Conservatives and vigorously attacked the Liberal administrations of Philip Francis Little* and John Kent* between 1855 and 1861. He particularly criticized the influence of the Roman Catholic clergy on the Liberal government, especially the role of Bishop John Thomas Mullock. He also charged the Liberals with squandering public funds through patronage and high government salaries, and thereby swelling the public debt. In 1861 Winton was sued for libel by Patrick Jordan, a St John's merchant and Liberal supporter, who objected to a letter in the Public Ledger signed by "Quiz" accusing Jordan of embezzling £2,000 in filling contracts with the Board of Works to supply food to the St John's Hospital and the Lunatic Asylum. The case, however, was settled out of court.
Early in 1861 Winton stepped up his attacks when he began to publish the Daily Sessional, which appeared regularly for some months before the May election of that year; frequently referred to in the Public Ledger, it was abandoned that spring, "its mission having been accomplished with the close of the Session." In the bitter political and religious controversies of 1860–61 Winton was a staunch supporter of Governor Sir Alexander Bannerman, particularly when a petition was circulated by George James Hogsett and others with Bishop Mullock's approval advocating the governor's removal after the 1861 elections. With a Conservative government under Hugh William Hoyles* in power, Winton's political journalism was more restrained. In 1865, however, he strongly opposed the coalition government which the Conservative leader, Frederic Bowker Terrington Carter*, formed with such Liberals as Ambrose Shea*, because of the record of past Liberal administrations. In the same year, after some initial hesitation, Winton's paper editorialized against entry by Newfoundland into the proposed confederation of the British North American colonies, which he feared would be a sacrifice of Newfoundland's interests.
Henry Winton was the author of a series of pamphlets on "The history of responsible government in Newfoundland . . . ," one of which has survived: A chapter in the history of Newfoundland for the year 1861 (St John's, 1861). Courier (St John's), 31 March 1866. Public Ledger, 16 Jan. 1855; 8, 26 March, 26 April, 7 May, 17 Sept., 25 Oct. 1861; 6 April 1866. Royal Gazette (St John's), 3 April 1866. Hutchinson's Newfoundland directory for 1864–65 . . . , comp. T. Hutchinson (St John's, 1864). Gunn, Political history of Nfld. E. C. Moulton, "The political history of Newfoundland, 1861–1869" (unpublished ma thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, 1960). A. B. Perlin, "Continuing stories of old newspapers," Daily News (St John's), 18 Feb. 1955.
© 1976–2023 University of Toronto/Université Laval
Cite This Article
Calvin D. Evans, "WINTON, HENRY," in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 9, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed September 21, 2023, http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/winton_henry_9E.html.
The citation above shows the format for footnotes and endnotes according to the Chicago manual of style (16th edition). Information to be used in other citation formats:
|Author of Article:
|Calvin D. Evans
|Title of Article:
|Publication Name:
|Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 9
|University of Toronto/Université Laval
|Year of publication:
|Year of revision:
|Access Date:
|September 21, 2023


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Decorate your walls with a unique view of San Francisco history. All prints ship directly to you from Bay Photo, one of the best photo labs on the planet through Smugmug. Fade to 1906 prints are available in glossy, lustre, or metallic finishes, or in mounted thinwrap or metal. Each Fade to 1906 print below is either 2x3, 4x5, or panoramic (1x2) ratio. Open a photo and click 'Buy' for prices and available sizes. You can read more about Smugmug's photo quality and guarantee here.
Note that some prints are not for sale because I have not secured the necessary rights to the historical portion of the photo. These photos do not have the 'BUY-this photo' button activated.


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Branson Neighborhood Organizations are voluntary groups of neighbors established to address a broad range of issues for the purpose of maintaining and improving quality of life within a neighborhood by encouraging neighborhood identity and facilitating communication with the City of Branson. Neighborhood Walks are conducted in each neighborhood with city staff and leaders in attendance to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement within the neighborhood. Follow-up meetings are conducted to discuss important topics and the creation of a future vision for the neighborhood is formed. Several neighborhoods have formed a neighborhood organization to host community events and complete a variety of projects.
The Neighborhood Grant Program provides a partnership between the City of Branson and its neighborhood organizations by supporting projects aimed at strengthening the community while benefiting residents.
Join us on Nextdoor, the free and private social network to expand upon citywide and neighbor-to-neighbor communications. With Nextdoor, Branson residents can share information, including neighborhood public safety issues, community events, local services, and even lost pets. The City will be able to post information such as important news, services, programs, public events, and emergency notifications to Nextdoor websites within the City.


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No country garden is complete without its cornflowers - loved by pollinators, brilliant as cut flowers, and they make superb buttonholes. You can dry them too, for natural confetti or pot pourri. Cornflowers can be perennial or annual and, when sown from seed, make a fabulous addition to the garden. They're a magnet for pollinators too, who will zoom in on the showy thistle-like flowers. Our range of cornflower seeds includes the classic bright blue, but we also have deep crimson and raspberry shades as well as more pastel varieties, all of which will fill a sunny corner for weeks.Read More


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The Brookfield PFT Powder Flow Tester can now be certified for IQ/OQ/PQ (Installation Qualification/Operation Qualification/Performance Qualification) through a choice of programs offered by Brookfield Engineering.
Customers can choose to self-certify their PFT with a Certification Kit available from Brookfield. The kit includes a customized IQ/OQ/PQ document and a calibrated reference powder called BCR-116 Limestone. The IQ/OQ/PQ document comes with clear instructions on each step required to accomplish the installation, operation and performance protocol for the instrument. BCR-116 Limestone is certified by the European Commission in Belgium and comes with a Certificate of Calibration. Brookfield provides additional documentation with the BCR-116 Limestone which explains the step-by-step methodology for testing the instrument with the powder and the expected range of values for "unconfined failure strength" at each "consolidating stress".
The second option is to arrange for a Brookfield representative or authorized dealer come to your facility with the PFT calibration kit to verify the performance of the Powder Flow Tester. Both methods confirm the performance of the PFT and enable the customer to complete the IQ/OQ/PQ. Calibration testing measures the output of the position, load force, and torque sensors in the instrument. These three measurements verify that the instrument is working properly. The values are recorded in the PQ section of the document. Once the calibration check procedures are completed, the instrument is ready for service.
Several pharmaceutical industry customers worldwide are currently using the Powder Flow Tester and have utilized these services for IQ/OQ/PQ.
For more information, visit www.brookfieldengineering.com.
For related equipment reviews, articles, and news, visit our Instrumentation & Control Equipment Zone
Click here for information about International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition


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Is Mitt Romney unstoppable? Will South Carolina risk its perfect primary record to back someone else? And will Ron Paul go all the way to the convention? Get our take — and answers to your Twitter questions — in our latest Crystal Ball video. Analysis of New Hampshire and a look ahead to South Carolina continues below:
Could Mitt Romney have scripted a better opening to campaign 2012?
First, he squeaked to victory by eight votes in Iowa — or so the preliminary tally would suggest. Then he managed to meet expectations in New Hampshire with 39.3% and secured his preferred second place finisher, Ron Paul (23%). His main challenger in Iowa, Rick Santorum, finished far back at 9.4%. Most pleasing to Romney was the relatively weak third place showing of Jon Huntsman (17%), whose relations with Romney have been increasingly frosty.
The Huntsman result was perhaps the most surprising, because the news media had covered him extensively and declared him to be the hot candidate with momentum. But in the end, it turned out that he mainly attracted independents and some Democrats. Remarkably, among actual Republicans voting in the Granite State, Huntsman finished in last place among the major candidates (minus Rick Perry, who was a rounding error in New Hampshire). Just 10% of GOP voters picked Huntsman, according to exit polls. Romney, on the other hand, won nearly half (49%) of the self-identified Republicans. Full-fledged Republicans made up only 49% of voters; 47% called themselves independents and 4% said they were Democrats. In 2008, New Hampshire was the site of a more Republican-heavy primary — 61% self-identified as Republicans, while only 37% called themselves independents. The more ideologically diverse electorate was helpful to Ron Paul and, to a lesser extent, Huntsman.
Rick Santorum in Iowa showed that a candidate can effectively run to be governor of an early state and get some traction; so, to a point, did Huntsman in New Hampshire. But you can't run for governor of 48 other states, so what do they do now? Santorum might have some appeal in South Carolina, but Huntsman most likely does not. (One pre-New Hampshire poll in the Palmetto State, by Public Policy Polling, showed Huntsman trailing joke-candidate Stephen Colbert, a South Carolina native.)
In Iowa, resistance to Mitt Romney was much greater because about three in five voters were evangelical Christians, and Romney lost badly among those voters four years ago. Ironically, Romney received almost precisely the same number of Iowa votes in 2012 as he received in 2008 but he had a different set of opponents, and conservatives were never able to coalesce around one of them. In New Hampshire, by contrast, Romney was much better known and liked, having been governor of neighboring Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007. More importantly, evangelical Christians only made up about one in five of the Granite State primary voters, so the electorate was more suitable for a candidate of Romney's profile. And not all evangelicals are created equal; Romney managed to win New Hampshire evangelicals with 31%. The next closest finisher for this segment of voters was, unsurprisingly, Rick Santorum, at 23%.
Also surprising was Ron Paul's larger-than-expected percentage. He drew a large group of young people, independents and even some Democrats to his banner, and proved once again that he's a force that cannot be ignored in the GOP. The Texas congressman has no intention of disappearing during the primary process. In the long run, he may get several hundred delegates to the Republican National Convention. One of the main challenges for Republicans will be to keep Paul supporters in the tent and motivate them to support the GOP ticket in November. Without that unity, it may be very difficult for the Republicans to prevail.
Paul also served notice that his support is not necessarily confined to the very young. According to exit polls, the percentage of voters in the GOP primary under age 40 actually declined from 2008, from 29% last time to 22% this time. Paul won the under-40 demographic on Tuesday, and even got 24% amongst 40-somethings, who also made up 22% of the voters. Meanwhile, Romney ran up the score among the high-turnout, over-40 crowd. That the New Hampshire electorate was older in 2012 than in 2008 this time is a tribute to Romney's sophisticated turnout machine, which identified Romney's older, affluent voters and got them to the polls. Overall turnout was approximately 248,000, higher than the 241,000 that voted in the Republican primary last time but a little below the prediction of Secretary of State Bill Gardner, who expected 250,000 to vote in the primary. (Turnout in both Iowa and New Hampshire was up slightly from 2008 levels, suggesting clear interest but not necessarily enthusiasm among GOP voters.)
As for Santorum, New Hampshire was never likely to be receptive to his socially conservative message. After all, this is a state whose slogan is "Live Free or Die." Whatever Santorum gained from his Iowa performance dissipated very quickly. He may have been better off going straight to South Carolina, though that strategy may have had its downsides, too. Santorum wanted to take a chance that his Hawkeye momentum would produce a surprise in New Hampshire, fueling his South Carolina chances. It just didn't happen.
Taking the last six weeks as a whole, no candidate has taken a bigger nosedive than Newt Gingrich. Both Romney and Paul targeted millions of dollars of negative TV and Internet ads at Gingrich, and he went from soaring frontrunner to also-ran. Never one to take slights lightly, the former speaker became increasingly angry at both Romney and Paul, lashed out at them in recent debates, and seems determined to make both, especially Romney, pay a price. Now that he has received $5 million from a Las Vegas financier for his Super PAC, Gingrich has the wherewithal to follow through on his intentions in South Carolina.
The campaign parade has already moved to the Palmetto State for the Saturday, Jan. 21 primary. Mitt Romney has been enormously fortunate that the only two candidates with substantial money and national backing — Gingrich and Perry — have faded to the point where his strongest remaining challengers may be Santorum and Paul, neither of whom is likely to expand much beyond a limited base. Moreover, all of the conservative candidates (save Michele Bachmann and Herman Cain) have survived to compete in South Carolina. This guarantees a continuing split of the anti-Romney vote, while only Huntsman might shave a few points off Romney's total. Unless conservative leaders can manage to rally the troops around one anti-Romney candidate in the 10 days before South Carolina, Romney could achieve the same feat as John McCain four years ago. McCain won a mere 33% in South Carolina, defeating Mike Huckabee by three points, because Fred Thompson remained in the race long enough to split conservatives. The gathering conventional wisdom that Romney is very likely going to be the nominee also helps the frontrunner. South Carolina is proud of having picked the eventual GOP nominee every year since 1980, and the more obvious it is that Romney will carry the party's standard, the more likely it may be that South Carolina voters will vote Romney to preserve their record.
Nonetheless, we acknowledge that South Carolina presents Romney with his most difficult environment of the first three states to vote. All of the candidates have enough money and troops to compete in South Carolina and there is no incentive for anyone to drop out. The fire will be trained mainly on Romney — and the heat isn't generated just by money. The Palmetto State has a well earned reputation for dirty campaigning going back generations. Almost no statewide or presidential campaign has been immune from the scurrilous rumors that are floated about candidates. One of the most famous scandals was the utterly fictitious rumors about John McCain's alleged black baby in 2000. News media organizations have mentioned South Carolina's sordid campaign history in almost every account, perhaps hopefully. It will be a surprise if the contest is clean.
Dirty campaigning in South Carolina may be the last stimulant in a surprisingly short campaign season. Should Romney win South Carolina, it will be extraordinarily difficult to beat him in Florida, where a decent campaign costs $7 million to $9 million at a minimum. Not many candidates can compete with Romney, and even Ron Paul is hinting that he may save his money for other states. Romney is also, apparently, the only contender to have banked thousands of absentee votes in the Sunshine State before South Carolina's contest. If all goes well for Romney and he wins all the January contests, his opponents will not be able to argue convincingly that they have a credible path to the nomination.
At the same time, it is extremely rare for a non-incumbent to skate through the early contests without at least one bump in the road. No Republican has done it since Richard Nixon. If there is such an event for Mitt Romney, the bump might come in South Carolina.
We've all discovered in this strange presidential cycle that 10 days — the time between New Hampshire and South Carolina — is more than enough time for a candidate to rise or crater. No one interested in politics should take his or her eyes off the prize for a moment. We doubt the super-organized Romney forces are making that mistake, which is why their candidate has a real chance to end the effective battle for the nomination quickly.


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Yellowstone's abundant and diverse wildlife are as famous as its geysers. Yellowstone Park is home to the largest concentration of large and small mammals in the lower 48 states. Most of the animals that live in Yellowstone Park also inhabit regions of Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding states of Wyoming.
Wild animals, especially females with young, are unpredictable. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Each year a number of park visitors are injured by wildlife when approaching too closely. Approaching on foot within 100 yards of bears or wolves or within 25 yards of other wildlife is prohibited. Please use roadside pullouts when viewing wildlife. Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for safe viewing and to avoid disturbing them. By being sensitive to their needs, you will see more of an animal's natural behavior and activity. If you cause an animal to move, you are too close! It is illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, including birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.
Habitat preferences and seasonal cycles of movement determine, in a general sense, where a particular animal may be at a particular time. Early morning and evening hours are when animals tend to be feeding and thus are more easily seen. But remember that the numbers and variety of animals you see are largely a matter of luck and coincidence. Check at visitor centers for detailed information.
A trophy buck ~ through the years.
A hunt is a hunt whether you will hunt an animal for harvest or photograph it, or to catch it only to release into the river. You seek it out, stalk it, and either shoot it, catch it, or click the shutter. Either way you hope to get either food for your freezer, the thrill of the catch, or a cover of a magazine................................all in Jackson Hole and Yellowstone is a goldmine for hunting no mater the apparatus of choice. The region is resplendent with many regal antlered creatures, elk are the obvious but Mule Deer are my favorite to photograph............................rest of the story
Elk Cervus elaphus
A bull Eld standing gradly in front of the Grand Teton.
Elk were named by the early settlers,
but some people prefer to call it by the Shawnee
name wapiti (WAA-pi-tea)
meaning "white rump." The name "elk" is a bit confusing
because in Europe, moose are called "elk." and the European "red
deer" is the same as the North American elk, which muddies
the water even further. Evidently the same naming scheme
that called for the American bison to be called a buffalo.
Elk were valued by the early settlers and Native Americans
as a valuable food source, hides and fur for clothing,
and antlers for utensils and trophies. Today elk are
economically valuable for hunting and tourism they bring
to the mountains of the west.
At the turn of the century, commercial game
hunters, hired riflemen and subsistence hunters had killed
most of the elk in the west. In 1910, the U.S. Forest
Service estimated that fewer than 1,000 elk remained
in Colorado. A 1918 survey of Forest Service lands in
Idaho showed only 610 elk remained. Places where elk
had been protected, these prolific animals rebounded
quickly. The winters of 1897, 1909, 1911 and 1917 all
coinciding with the loss of their traditional wintering
grounds to cattle ranching were also very tough on them.
About 10,000 elk starved in Jackson Hole during the
winter of 1897, a decade before Jackson Hole became
the home of the National Elk Refuge.------------------------> more about elk
Trophy Wyoming Non-typical buck mule deer
Mule deer can be found throughout the
entire western United States, including the deserts
of the American Southwest,
Mule deer have large ears that move constantly and independently,
as do mules, hence the name, "Mule Deer." This stocky
deer has sturdy legs and is 4 to 6-1/2 feet in length
and 3 to 3-1/2 feet high at the shoulder. Most Mule
deer are brown or gray in color with a small white rump
patch and a small, black-tipped tail. Mule deer their
fawns have white spots at birth. Buck deer have antlers
that start growth in spring and are shed around December,
these antlers are high and branch forward and reach
a spread up to 4 feet in width bucks are larger than
does. The life span of a mule deer in the wild is 10
years, but mule deer have lived for up to 25 years in
Mule deer can thrive nearly anyplace; their habitats include
woodland chaparral, Sonoran desert, semi-desert, shrub
woodland, Great Plains grasslands, shrub land forest,
sagebrush steppe, and boreal forest. Mule deer are remarkably
adaptable, of at least sixty types of habitat west of
the 100th meridian in the United States, all but two
or three are or once were home to mule Deer.
Mountain mule deer seasonally migrate from
the higher elevations of the sub-alpine forests they inhabit
summer to lower elevations of the mountain valleys and
desert lowlands. Deer prefer rocky windswept buttes
where it is easier for them to find food during the
winter and that provide escape from predators as needed...................................more about mule deer
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep make their homes in the highest
parts of the mountains, where people find it difficult
to go. The Grace and beauty of the Bighorn Sheep is
a treasure to see if you are lucky enough to come across
any. Their agility and grace in their steep and rocky
home is a marvel to watch. Bighorns are considered to
the most regal of all big game animals.
Native Americans and early settlers prized bighorn meat
as the most enjoyable of All-American big-game menu
choices. The Native Americans also used the horns to
fashion ceremonial spoons and handles for their utensils.
Horns have also been popular for many centuries as trophies
for proud hunters.
The natural range of The Rocky Mountain
Bighorn is from southern Canada to Colorado. During the
summer they
inhabit high elevation alpine meadows, grassy mountain
slopes and foothill country, all near rugged, rocky
cliffs and bluffs, allowing for quick escape from mountain
lion, wolves or bears. In winter, Bighorn prefer south
facing slopes from 3,000 to 6,000 foot elevation where
annual snowfall is less and the sun and wind help clear
off the slopes, because they cannot paw through deep
snow to feed.-----------------> more about bighorn sheep
Two bull moose fighting in Grand Teton National Park
The Shiras moose also
known as Wyoming moose, is the smallest of North
America's moose however it
is still quite large. The Shiras moose are found in
Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, British Columbia, and in isolated
areas of Utah, Colorado, and Washington.
The Shiras Bull Moose has smaller antlers
than the Canada moose. Its body color is a rusty-brown
to black with pale-brownish saddle and its legs are
gray to white. The Shiras cow moose are slightly smaller
than the male and does not have antlers. The bulls can
grow to seven feet tall at the shoulder and can reach10
feet in length. Mature Shira's moose weigh 600 to 1400
pounds. The cow moose weigh between 500 and 1200 pounds.
Bull Moose have antlers that can span five feet and
weigh up to 50 pounds. It has smaller antlers than the
Canada moose and the antlers are shed between November
and January.
Breeding occurs from mid-September through
mid-October. Cow moose attract males with both calls
and the scent of estrous. Bulls as do all ungulates
engage in fights with other bulls to win the right to
breed the cow moose. Bull moose behavior during mating
season includes scraping their antlers on trees, creating
wallows to roll in, not eating causing large weight
loss and they become more aggressive than usual and
may charge at people and cars.-------------------------------------------->more about moose
Grizzily #399 and he quadruplets 2020
The grizzly bear population within the Yellowstone
ecosystem is estimated to be approximately 280-610 (Eberhardt
and Knight 1996) bears. The park does not have a current
estimate of the black bear population; black bears are considered
to be common in the park.
During the last 23 years (1980-2002), bears have
injured 32 people within YNP. Grizzly bears and black bears
were involved in 25 (78%) and 4 (13%) of the injuries, respectively.
The species of bear could not be determined for 3 (9%) of
the injuries. Three injuries occurred within a developed
area, 2 occurred during a bear management handling accident,
and 27 occurred in backcountry areas. Of the people injured
while hiking, 57% were hiking off-trail. All (100%) backcountry
hiking injuries involved people hiking in groups of less
than 3 people. Bear Management Area restrictions reduce the
chance of bear/human encounters and the risk of bear-caused
human injury in areas with known seasonal concentrations
of grizzly bears.------------------------------->more about grizzly bears
Grey Wolf in the Grand Tetons
Perhaps more than any other member of the animal
kingdom, wolves have historically played the villain's role. Misperceptions
about wolves have abounded for centuries, historically, cultures
worldwide, believed that wolves were so aggressive that they posed
a risk to humans but, ironically, wolves are wary of humans because
man has been killing wolves for millennia. Folklore is littered
with proverbs and metaphors about this fearsome carnivore, from
Peter and the Wolf in Russia to the wolf's mysticism in Native American
culture; wolves have long been a powerful symbol. Even today, wolves
engender excitement merely at the possibility of an appearance on
the wilderness stage.
The wolves of the Greater Yellowstone
Region are members of the Canidae family, the Gray wolf (canis lupus),
can grow to 4.5 to 6.5 feet in length. Adult males average about
100 pounds, but can weigh as much as 130 pounds. Females weigh slightly
less. Gray wolves live up to 13 years old and can range in color
from black, gray, or nearly white. A wolf pack is an extended family
unit that includes a dominant male and female, called the alpha
pair. In each pack, the alphas are usually the only ones to breed.
Most packs produce only one litter of four to six pups per year.
Pack sizes vary considerably, depending on the size of the wolf
population in a particular area, whether they are feeding pups and
the quantity of prey available. In the northern Rocky Mountains,
packs average ten wolves, but the Druid pack in Yellowstone once
had 37 members. The Druid pack later split forming several
smaller packs. --------------------------> more
Black Bear, Grand Teton National Park
The black bear (Ursus Americanus)
ranges across forested Canada from Newfoundland to British
Columbia as well
as much of the United States.
A solitary animal most of the year, they pair up briefly during
the mating season. Cubs remain with their mother for about
a year, who protects which prevents them from being killed
by the adult males.
Black bears swim well and
often climb trees to feed on buds and fruit. They have
a keen sense of
smell, acute hearing,
but poor eyesight. They can be seen at any hour of the
day, but are most active at night. When very young, the
cubs cry
when afraid and hum when contented.
Black bears
are omnivorous; their diet consists of about 75 percent
vegetable matter,
15 percent carrion,
and 10 percent
insects and small mammals. Their love for honey
is well known, and sweet, ripe corn in autumn also attracts
They have few enemies,
but the one they fear the most is the Grizzly. Whenever
their territories overlap,
the latter is
given a wide berth.---------------------------> More
Greater Yellowstone ecosystem is the only place in the lower
48 states where an endemic population of wild bison has survived
since prehistoric times. Perhaps no other animal symbolizes the
American West like the American bison. In prehistoric times millions
of these quintessential creatures of the plains roamed the North
America from northern Canada, south into Mexico and from Atlantic
to the pacific. No one knows how many bison were in America before
Columbus arrived but the guesstimate is about sixty million.
They were the largest community of wild animals that the world
has ever known. For a good part of the 1800s bison were considered
to be in limitless supply.
After the Civil War the push to settle the west was on, new army posts were established, coinciding with the westward push of the railroads. The army and railroads contracted with local men to supply buffalo meat to feed the troops and construction laborers.
Bison were hunted nearly to extinction in the late 1800's-------------------------------------------->
When Yellowstone became a national park in 1872, the pronghorn population was reported to be in the thousands. However, the number of these animals declined as the Yellowstone area became settled. In addition, hunting continued in the park until 1883. By 1886, when the U.S. Cavalry arrived to administer the park, the pronghorn had been largely decimated. The Cavalry took measures to increase the number of these animals. Their tactics, controlling predators and providing supplemental feed, proved successful almost immediately.
The Pronghorn is a species of artiodactyl mammal native to interior western and central North America. Though not a true antelope, it is often known colloquially in North America as the Prong Buck, Pronghorn Antelope or simply Antelope, as it closely resembles the true antelopes of Africa and fills a similar ecological niche due to convergent evolution. The pronghorn is the 'real' Great Plains large mammal. Although we often associate bison with rolling prairies, they are more adapted for living in woodland habitats than the American pronghorn. In fact, the pronghorn has never found subsistence outside the High Plains and sagebrush flats of the American West.------------------> More about Pronghorn
The Mountain Goats of the Greater Yellowstone
eco-system make a home on the vertical planes of the Rocky Mountains
where they cling and move around on the impossibly steep slopes
of this unforgiving and barren terrain, Mountain Goats can survive
on scant food in incredibly hostile environs. Mountain goats fit
perfectly into the category of "charismatic mega-fauna." Their beauty,
grace, and athleticism, is a treat to watch and their cute faces
are always a thrill to see. The kids are precocious, able to move
on steep slopes within hours of birth, an awe-inspiring site in
Although the Yellowstone Ecosystem has an abundance
of Mountain Goat habitat, Goats are not endemic to the region. Between
the 1940s and the 1960s, there were several hundred of the shaggy
cliff dwelling creatures transplanted from western Montana to the
Beartooth, Absaroka, Madison, Bridger, and Crazy mountains and the
Snake River Range. Hundreds of them now inhabit the high country.
Some of those animals are willing to leave their preferred high-elevation
habitat to cross rivers, and valleys too colonize new places. There
haven't been any transplants in the Gallatin Range, for instance,
but goats thrive there today. -----------------------> more
The Mountain Lion cougar (Puma
concolor), also puma, cougar, or panther, is a member of the
Felidae family, native to the Americas. This large, solitary
cat has the greatest range of any wild land mammal in the Western
Hemisphere, extending from Yukon in Canada to the southern Andes
of South America. An adaptable species, the cougar is found in
every major North American habitat.
The Mountain lions of Yellowstone region were significantly
reduced by predator control measures during the early 1900s. It
is reported that 121 lions were removed from the park between the
years 1904 and 1925. Then, the remaining population was estimated
to be 12 individuals. Mountain lions apparently existed at very
low numbers between 1925 and 1940. They maintain a secretive profile
in the Yellowstone region. Although the cougar population numbered
in the hundreds during the early 1900s, controlled hunts between
1904 and 1925 decimated the population. Today, twenty to thirty-five
mountain lions reportedly inhabit Yellowstone Park, but sightings
are rare.
Shy and elusive, mountain lions live solitary lives
and practice mutual avoidance. Males and females interact for breeding
when females are about 2 1/2 years old. Giving birth throughout
the year, females can have litters of up to four kittens, but usually
only one or two survive. Born spotted, the kittens stay with their
mothers for about 18 months, after which time they will leave in
search of their own home range.--------------------------------------->
The North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semi-aquatic mammal native to the North American continent and is found in and along its waterways and coasts and are common in the Greater Yellowstone Eco-system.
When you get lucky it is surely a pleasure to watch them frolic and play, they are among the most playful of animals they provide the most entertainment value, whether it's sliding down snow banks on its belly or ice fishing. They like to wrestle, chase other otters, and play capture and release with live prey. Each of these "games" helps the otter become better coordinated and helps them fit into the social structure of the group.
Seeing them around Yellowstone requires a great deal of serendipitous luck but a place that is easiest to find the in Trout Lake in Northeast Yellowstone in July. The otters there are pretty habituated to humans and are less spooky than any others I have ever seen...................More
The yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris), also known as the rock chuck, is a ground squirrel in the marmot genus. They are heavy-set, brown grizzled animal with white areas on the chin and (as the name suggests) a yellowish belly. Marmots can be waddling fat in the fall, and their long fur makes them look even fatter. Adults are about 26 inches long and weigh up to about 11 pounds.
They live in the western United States and southwestern Canada, including the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada and are abundant here in the Greater Yellowstone Region. They inhabit steppes, meadows, talus fields and other open habitats, sometimes on the edge of deciduous or coniferous forests, and typically above 6,500 feet of elevation.............................More about Marmots
A common site in the Greater Yellowstone region is coyotes hunting in the meadows for mice. It is fun to watch them stalk then leap high in the air for the decisive pounce that of ten times produces an unfortunate rodent.
The Yellowstone coyotes were living large in Yellowstone National Park for nearly a century. But after wolf reintroduction it became a different reality for the coyote. The exponential growth of the wolf population has been a bane for the former big dog of Yellowstone. The previously abundant coyotes have dropped off fifty percent from pre-wolf years. For some animals, this can be good news. Pronghorn antelope fawns, for instance, are frequent prey of coyotes. Anecdotal evidence so far is showing that Yellowstone's pronghorn population is doing better, with better fawn survival where wolves are present to keep coyote populations down..............................More about Coyotes
You've probably read stories about the cunning fox trying to outwit his animal brothers and sisters. Foxes no doubt got their crafty reputation from the way they look, with their long thin faces and yellow eyes that have narrow slits for pupils. But in real life, foxes are more concerned with finding food than with playing tricks on anyone.
The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the largest of the true foxes, as well as being the most geographically diverse member of the Carnivora, being distributed across the entire northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to North Africa, Central America, and the Asian steppes. Its range has increased alongside human expansion, having been introduced to Australasia, where it is considered harmful to native mammal and bird populations, as is the case with many non-endemic species. Because of these factors, it is listed as 'Least Concern' for extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. .......................more about Red Fox
The beaver is utterly familiar, forty inches long, and over a foot upright, a beaver seems like a little person with a fondness for engineering. Beavers live throughout North America. They have brown fur and large, flat tails. They are among the most skilled builders in the animal kingdom. American beavers build structures called dams that stop flowing water. These dams help create wetlands. This provides habitat for mammals, fish, frogs, turtles, birds, and ducks. Their handiwork can be seen throughout the Greater Yellowstone System.
Native American legend across the country holds that the Great Spirit build the land, make the seas, and fill both well with animals and people: Long, long ago when the Great Waters surged in a blind and shoreless world, the gigantic beaver swam and dove and spoke with the Great Spirit. The two of them brought up all the mud they could carry, digging out the caves and canyons and shaping the mud into hills and dales, making mountains where cataracts plunged and sang. Some tribes believe that thunder was caused by the great beaver slapping his tail........................more about beavers
Life is full of surprises; you will rarely find a grizzly bear photographer as thrilled as when they get the opportunity to photograph a Pine Marten or long tail weasel during the course of their pursuit of photographing grizzlies. Grizzlies are easy for them to find, to get the opportunity to photograph a Pine Marten or a weasel it is a rare event.
Greater Yellowstone's American Marten or Pine Marten as they are colloquially know around here is a North American member of the family Mustelidae (Martes americana). The name "Pine Marten" is derived from the common but distinct Eurasian species of Martes....................More about Pine Martens
Here in the Greater Yellowstone area we have a good population of a variety of owls. Owls being mostly nocturnal are seldom seen by Yellowstone visitors, but they surely are a treat for the photographers who succeed at seeking them out.
The most common is the Great Horned Owl which is one of the most widespread owls in North America. Great Horned Owls can vary in color from reddish brown to a grey or black and white. The underside is a light grey with dark bars and a white band of feathers on the upper breast. They have large, staring yellow-orange eyes, bordered in most races by an orange-buff facial disc. The name is derived from tufts of feathers that appear to be "horns" Great Horned Owls hunt by perching on snags and poles and watching for prey, or by gliding slowly above the ground. From high perches they dive down to the ground with wings folded, before snatching prey. Their prey is usually killed instantly when grasped by its large talons. .......................... more about Yellowstone owls
Rocky Mountain Rotors


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BREAKING NEWS: In a new study, scientists are researching the missing link between fish and land animals.
The New York Times has revealed the Tiktaalik, a fossil fish that lived over 375 million years ago. It's skeletal structure indicates it may have made brief trips onto land.
It is now believed that the half-human half-fish that washed ashore during Hurricane Ike was its successor the evolutionary chain! Dr. Carr is traveling with the mutant corpse to compare it against the Tiktaalik fossil.
Weekly World News will as always be following these groundbreaking updates.
09/16/2008 – A fish with human legs washed up on a Galveston, Texas beach late Sunday night and experts now say that hundreds or even thousands of similar creatures might be living in the depths of the sea!
That's the word from Dr. Richard Carr, a marine biologist who performed an autopsy on the fish and said that even though it appears to be a freak of nature, it had a "fully developed female reproductive tract—and almost certainly gave birth to other creatures just like it."
"When this thing washed up on the beach some people, including police, thought they were being made the victims of a sick practical joke," the expert said in his report to newsmen in Houston.
"But this fish isn't a joke," he continued. "This fish is real. And unless I miss my guess, it was mature enough to have laid thousands of eggs before it washed ashore.
"That means that entire schools and colonies of these things might be existing beneath the sea, totally unknown to all of us."
The mind-twisting drama reportedly unfolded on the morning of September 15, when a couple of emergency workers spotted the 5-foot 2-inch fish on an isolated beach.
"Somebody had the presence of mind to call the police," said Carr, who has written several books on marine life and is considered to have one of the finest minds in his field.
"The officers who went out to investigate clearly thought that somebody was playing a practical joke but they protected the carcass and alerted my office just in case. My assistants and I took the fish back to the laboratory and we were stunned by what we found.
"Flesh removed from the creature's legs proved to be almost identical to the flesh of humans, the exception being the presence of a waxy substance that protected the skin from contact with water.
"The body of the creature looks like a sea trout, and the internal organs were arranged in the fashion of an ordinary fish. The brain was slightly larger and more sophisticated than what you would expect to find in a fish, but we will have to take a much closer look at it before we'll be willing to say that the creature was smarter than any other fish.
"It was dead when it washed ashore, most likely pulled up from the depths by Hurricane Ike," he added.
Carr and his team have preserved the remains of the creature while they continue their analysis. They are also seeking grants to finance a search for other half-fish, half-humans, that may be in the area.
"We really don't know what kind of life-forms exist under the sea," said the expert. "And I think it's time we found out."


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A while back I wrote about just what a swagbuck is. At the time I hadn't earned enough bucks to get any Swag out of the deal and to be perfectly honest with you I wasn't entirely convinced of the usefulness of the site. It turns out you can really turn those bucks into cash. Figuratively anyway. I recently converted my earned bucks into $15 in Amazon gift cards which I used to by a car mount for my iPhone. It was something I wanted but wouldn't normally fork the cash over for. Here is how I earned the bucks:
1.) Straight Searching
Straight searching is the easiest way to earn SwagBucks. I have configured swagbucks.com as my default search engine in Chrome and installed the toolbar in FireFox. This way I am always using their engine to perform my searches.
2.) Referrals
Right now I have a total of 5 referrals but only one of them is really cranking out the bucks. Referrals have netted me a total of 627 swagbucks. That is five bucks for not even doing anything at all.
3.) Other Stuff
Every now and then I get a few SwagBucks for having the toolbar installed, or on a rare occasion I will pick up some using a SwagCode I found. Most of the "other" stuff takes a lot of effort that I just haven't found myself willing to exert. I am sure i could get SwagBucks quicker if I looked for the SwagCodes everyday but I prefer to just keep on keeping on.
The fact is you can easily earn enough of these SwagBucks to convert the pretend money into tangible objects you actually want. So what is stopping you? Get out there and start earning some swag today.