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Nature Notes: Holy Crow!
Scientists have told us that crows are the birds most susceptible to catching and dying from the West Nile virus. Humans get immunized against most diseases. Most farm animals, including poultry, are vaccinated against this and that disease, but not wild animals. They get it or they don't. In the wild there are no doctors or nurses. If an animals comes down with something, say rabies, distemper, wasting disease, or heartworm, there is a very good chance that it will be fatal.
Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been biting American crows for more than 10 years, but judging by the size and vigor of the local crow population, you would never know it. Natural selection has obviously been at work. Today's crows look to be more vigorous, noisier, and more aggressive than the ones around before the virus got loose in America, supposedly at the Bronx Zoo. It's called survival of the fittest and it's always at work in nature.
Every morning throughout the year, as soon as dawn breaks, the crows start calling around my house. After a few minutes the calls become a racket. The racket persists for an hour or more before things start quieting down. And it's not just "caw, caw, caw" as in the old days. It's a collage of caws, cackles, guttural staccatos, and doublet ack-acks in a chain that seemingly goes on nonstop forever. These crow choruses can be quite annoying, and it's hard to figure out just why they make so much noise for so long.
Jays are in the same family as crows, and they too make a lot of different sounds, the prettiest of which is a singsong two-note whistle. They also imitate the calls of red-tailed hawks and other birds. We know when they are scolding and when they are merely announcing their presence. Crows, however, are much more complicated.
Crows can actually be taught to talk in the way parrots can talk, that is, to mimic the human voice. They're not nearly as good at it as parrots, but one can make out the very few words they're capable of learning and repeating. And you don't have to slit their tongues as has been done in the past to make them parrot-like.
They are very clever, among the smartest of birds.
For a long time we have known that crows are capable of counting. For example, if five men go into a crow blind, the crows remain wary until the five men walk out and go away. Lately, it has been shown that in addition to counting, they are capable of identifying individual humans by their faces. Can you identify individual crows by their faces? I doubt it. When someone they are leery of comes into sight they sound a warning call. A boyhood friend, Noel Albrecht, had a crow for a couple of years that would come to him when he called and land on his wrist. When he was with a bunch of other kids, the crow would pick him out from the others and fly directly to him, maybe land on his shoulder.
Crows are like sentries; they are ever vigilant. When I walk out my door and get in my pickup to drive to work, a crow observes me from one of the trees in my neighborhood. If they call when I appear, I call back. As a boy I practiced my crow call by bouncing it off a barn a couple hundred yards across the field from my house in Mattituck. The call would come back as an echo and I would work at it until the echo sounded exactly like a crow.
I was a hunter and would go out with a friend on Sundays when there was no season on crows. I would call and call, a long dragged-out descending call, the call of a crow in trouble, and soon there would be a passel of them circling and diving overhead. My friend was a good shot. I would call. He would shoot. Soon there would be a dead crow or two at our feet.
This morning when thinking about crows while still in bed, I thought of one of the greatest authorities on crows I've ever known. He's had a few as pets over the years and knows their language and their ways. One has to be a very good observer to know the behavior of crows. It wasn't more than 20 minutes or so of crow thought, when I got a phone call. It was the crow guru. He'd been out scouting for crow nests. He found a couple of active red-tailed hawk nests but none of crows. To borrow a phrase from the 1960s, we were apparently on the same wavelength.
Who is this crow guru who picked up my very thoughts (or I his) 15 miles away? I won't tell you his name, but he's one of the smartest and most fascinating individuals I have ever met, and I've been to a lot of places in my 75 years. I will tell you that he's the official East Hampton Town Historian. You figure it out. Caw, caw, caw.
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Hey diddle diddle / The cat and the fiddle / The cow jumped over the moon… It might seem like a simple nursery rhyme, but to an extent, it rings true: Animals have long blazed trails for human space explorers.
Now comes word that a feline from Iran will be the latest to join this storied group of travelers.
Mohammad Ebrahimi, a senior space program official for the Iranian government, announced Monday that the country plans to send a cat—Persian, of course—to space. This comes on the heels of Iran's unconfirmed attempt to send a monkey earlier this year.
That news made us wonder: What other types of animals have been sent into space?
(Related: "The Unsung Heroes of the Space Program.")
Here are some common—and odd—animals who have reached for the stars.
Fruit flies: In 1947, fruit flies made history as the first beings to go beyond Earth's atmosphere. Good news for all the rotting fruit back home: They made it home alive.
Monkeys: Monkeys are particularly popular space tourists. The first was a rhesus named Albert I, who was launched on a secret mission to measure radiation exposure on June 11, 1948; NASA called him "an unsung hero of animal astronauts." Albert I set the stage for a series of test flights with rhesus monkeys, all called Albert. Yorick became the first monkey to survive a flight in 1959. Argentinian cai monkeys came soon after, and squirrel monkeys were a popular option for short trips.
Rodents: A frequent contributor to scientific understanding, mice began accompanying monkeys on flights beginning with Yorick. France's Hector the rat was launched in the 1960s. Albino rats were a popular choice in the 1980s.
Dogs: Laika captured the world's imagination when she was launched into orbit by the USSR on November 3, 1957. Laika was the trailblazer for many more pups in space.
Rabbits: What's up, doc? Marfusa was the first rabbit in space, launched from the USSR in 1959.
Frogs: The USSR sent a couple of frogs in 1959. Bullfrogs were a popular emissary.
Guinea pigs: The popular pet has been hurtled into space since the 1960s.
Cats: Felix the astronaut cat was set to be the first kitty in the cosmos, but Felix (wisely?) ran away. Felicette was chosen as a replacement in 1963, becoming the first feline to leave Earth.
Tortoise: As part of its random animal space program, the USSR sent one on a voyage around the moon in 1968.
Fish: A mummichog, a type of minnow, paradoxically swam in space in the 1970s.
Spiders: Arabella and Anita didn't quite enter the Andromeda Galaxy, but they did make it farther than their Earth-bound brethren.
Newts: Ten newts with amputated limbs were sent into space for scientists to study regeneration. Research from that flight was used to better understand human injuries.
Others: Parasitic wasps, flour beetles, water bears, amoebas, plants, fungi, chicken embryos, silkworms, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, Mexican jumping beans, butterflies, brine shrimp, sand desert beetles, crickets, snails, carp, Japanese rice fish, sea urchins, jellyfish … The sky's the limit regarding the types of animals in space.
And let's not forget chimps, the animals whom humans genetically resemble most.
Chimps joined the high-flying club in the 1960s. Perhaps the most famous animal astronaut was Ham, the first space chimp, whose 115-mile-high (185-kilometer-high) trip in 1961 preceded Alan Shepard's first U.S. manned flight later that year.
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text: Here are a few images from a 2009 fashion shoot by Eric Nehr modeled directly after the works of Egon Schiele. For some reason, these snaps expose Schiele's notorious vanity even further. But of course no one does self portraits like he did, with his writhing, angular paintings full of turn-of-the-century angst. A nice tribute. (via)


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Oh the drama that was the Summer of 2013.
We said our goodbyes to Ryan Miller on the final game of last season (and Thomas Vanek), and continued to say goodbye to him (and Thomas Vanek) when he sold his townhouse, before the draft, after the draft, and are now preparing ourselves to say goodbye to him again (and Thomas Vanek) when this now incredibly young Sabres team is failing to find ground in the playoff race come the trade deadline.
And hey, we even tried to trade Drew Stafford, but that fell through, so… here we go again with another potential 30 goal season from that on again off mostly sniper. So our drama with him continues. Should be awesome. PROTIP: Go to the net, Drew.
Also, I was lucky enough to get the invite and find the time in my recent busy busy schedule to head down to the FNC to meet up with Craig Kanalley and a host of other fine Sabres bloggers for this year's summit. A little more on that later. First, let's talk expectations for 2013.
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Tagged: Hisanori Takahashi
Position Recap: Relief Pitcher
Jared Hughes: Hughes had the most innings pitched out of the Pirates bullpen this season and overall had a pretty good season. His numbers weren't dominant as he posted fewer than 6 K/9 but as the Pirates ground ball specialist that appears to be fairly acceptable. Hughes was used in multiple roles this season pitching some long relief at times and even getting a chance to close out a couple of games near the end of the season. There were some knocks against him near the end of the season for allowing a large amount of inherited runners to score but overall he only allowed 10 of 38 for a 26.3% rate. Which is perfectly reasonable. Looking at more traditional numbers like ERA and WHIP Hughes had a great season but he didn't pitch quite as well as those numbers say even though he was good. The bottom line is Hughes put up a nice 60% ground ball rate and had good numbers supporting that, at a minimum that performance should earn him a middle relief job next season and possibly even give him a chance to win a set up role. Overall Grade: B
Chris Resop: Resop with 73.2 inning pitched had the second most innings out of the Pirates bullpen and did fair in his role. The one discouraging sign is that Resop has always been a strike out pitcher and this season his K/9 rate was down to 5.62 which diminishes his value and overall effectiveness. Usually ERA is not a great indicator of how a relief pitcher did during the course of a season but I think Resop's 3.91 ERA fits him fairly nicely. He was an average middle reliever this season, the type you should be able to easily find. His WHIP was 1.43 and he allowed 10 of 27 inherited runners to score for a 37.0% rate. Basically Resop is what he is a fungible reliever who is capable of holding down the 6th or 7th spot in a bullpen but a reliever who can be easily upgraded upon. I'm not sure if the Pirates will bring Resop back next season or not but considering he should be relatively easy to replace I expect they will at least consider non tendering him. Overall Grade: C
Joel Hanrahan: Hanrahan threw 14 less innings than Resop and 16 less than Hughes but still received the 3rd most innings of any Pirates reliever. He was used almost exclusively in the 9th inning closer role this season which despite being largely debated by most bloggers is a practice I am relatively ok with. I would like to see some more creativity used but I pretty much accept it for what it is. Hanrahan posted a very strong, 10.11 K/9 but had some massive control problem posting a 5.43 BB/9. There were times this season when Hanrahan looked like his dominating self but there were also long stretches where he looked erratic and largely ineffective. Still more often than not Hanrahan got the job done even if it was not in impressive fashion. Hanrahan inherited only 7 runners this past season and left all of them stranded on the base paths. It was an up and down season for Hanrahan in which his numbers seem to suggest he pitched a whole lot better than he actually did. The Pirates will be able to bring him back next season for probably somewhere in between 7-7.5 million but I expect they will look to deal him. As for this past season I give Hanrahan an Overall Grade: C+
Jason Grilli: Grilli had a strong season posting an unbelievable 13.81 K/9 while posting a slightly high but still reasonable 3.38 BB/9. I think it is pretty clear he had the best season of any Pirates relief pitcher. Grilli pitched the 4th most relief innings for the Pirates this season but only inherited 6 runners which seems preposterous to me considering just how good he was but on the plus side none of the six scored. Grilli did start to get a little shaky near the end of the season but you really couldn't have asked for much more from him this past season. Quite simply it was a stellar season. Grilli heads into free agency this offseason probably looking at a 2 year contract worth in the neighborhood of 8-10 million dollars. I'm not exactly sure if the Pirates will (or should) give him that kind of money and it will be one of the more interesting stories this offseason. Really not much more than excellent can be said when describing Grilli's year. Overall Grade: A
Tony Watson: Watson for long stretches of time was the Pirates only lefty in the bullpen which was a large reason why he led the Pirates in relief pitch appearances despite finishing 5th in inning pitched. In addition to some other roles Watson filled this season the Pirates tried Watson as a lefty matchup specialist, it was a role he did ok in but he pitched essentially as well against lefties as he did righties which probably means he is better suited for a more traditional relief role and as a second lefty in the pen. The Pirates will hopefully look for a true lefty specialist this offseason so Watson can be freed up for other duties. Watson's overall stat line doesn't really jump off the page at you. I mean 8.94 K/9 is good but not dominating, a 3.38 ERA is good but again not great, and a 1.13 WHIP while very good is not eye-popping. However there was one thing Watson did extremely well this season and that was strand inherited runners. For the season Watson inherited a whopping 61 runners and only allowed 11 to score for a rate of 18.0%. Watson should be back next season as either the primary lefty in the bullpen or maybe as the fireman who comes in to try and put out the fires that the other pitchers started. Overall Grade: B
Brad Lincoln: Earlier I recapped Lincoln as a starting pitcher and he was awful but out of the bullpen he appeared to be an entirely different pitcher. He was as good as if not better than Grilli this season and was really settling into that role and looking good. Lincoln inherited 11 runners while with the Pirates and allowed none of them to score, plus he had an out of this world 99.3% strand rate. Quite simply Brad Lincoln in the bullpen was an awesome weapon Clint Hurdle had at his disposal when he was with the Pirates. We all know the rest though, come the trade deadline he was traded to Toronto for Travis Snider in a move that was praised and criticized by large chunks of the Pirates fan base. His removal from the bullpen no doubt hurt it but how much an impact it had can not really be said. For the record while with Toronto Lincoln was actually quite bad but since I'm judging him just on his performance out of the Pirates bullpen that is neither here nor there. It was a brief 35.2 innings but during that time in the bullpen we got to see the stuff and the talent which made Brad Lincoln a #4 overall pick. Overall Grade: A
Juan Cruz: Cruz pitched exactly the same number of innings as Lincoln did and had a fairly decent season. The overall stat line 8.33 K/9 and 2.78 ERA look pretty good but Cruz was getting very lucky and allowing a lot of base runners posting a 1.63 WHIP. When the Pirates released Cruz it surprised some people but in all reality he wasn't pitching all that good. Still Cruz had a certain magic to him that allowed him to tip toe out a few tight spots and was certainly worth picking up off the scrap heap this past offseason as an NRI. Essentially Cruz like Resop was an average middle relief pitcher and really there is nothing wrong with that. The Pirates will likely look top pick up another pitcher like Cruz on the scrap heap again this offseason and if they pitch like Cruz did this season it should be considered a success. For the record he inherited 7 runners and allowed only 1 to score for a 14.3% rate. Cruz wasn't really good but he wasn't bad either Overall Grade: C
The Rest: The Pirates had another 106.1 innings pitched out of the pen that was picked up by 15 different pitchers. None of them pitched more than 13.2 innings (Qualls) and two of them (McCutchen and McDonald) didn't even manage to record an out. Rather than go over each one individually I figured I'd lump them all together here. Qualls (13.2 IP) was pretty bad out of the pen but advanced numbers suggest he was unlucky (6.59 ERA, 3.94 xFIP), still his tiny 3.95 K/9 is a red flag. Doug Slaten (13.0 IP) was decent out of the pen but was a little lucky and overall looked like a pretty fungible average lefty relief pitcher. Evan Meek (12.0 IP) was down right awful out of the pen in his limited chances but did pitch rather well in AAA, regardless he is now a free agent and the Pirates have no reason to look at bringing him back. Kyle McPherson (11.2 IP) showed some good things in his limited time in the bullpen which led to him getting a few starts near the end of the season. Chris Leroux (11.1 IP) put up some bad numbers in limited action from the bullpen but pitched far better than those numbers would indicate and appears to be in line for the long relief job in next year's bullpen. Kevin Correia's (10.1 IP) time in the bullpen was pretty much like his time in the rotation, mediocre, he wasn't bad but not good either just decent. Hisanori Takahashi (8.1 IP) posted a good strike out rate (11.88 K/9) but was overall rather bad in his limited action; he is a free agent and probably won't be brought back. Jeff Karstens (7.1 IP) didn't get a lot of time in the bullpen but did pitch some average innings out of it late in the season. Bryan Morris (5.0 IP) amazingly pitched very sparingly out of the bullpen this season. Morris is out of options so the Pirates will either need to wave him in 2013 or put him on the roster but yet they really choose not to take much of a look at him. For the record he was fairly good in his 5 innings of work and had a good season in AAA; he should be in the opening day bullpen next season. Justin Wilson (4.2 IP) was a starter in AAA this season but pitched only relief with the Pirates and he did fairly well in his limited opportunities. The Pirates seem to want to keep him starting so he'll probably return to AAA next season but does have a chance of winning a bullpen job out fo spring training. Jeff Locke (4.1 IP) came up for a fairly odd stint with the Pirates bullpen in which they only intended to use him for long relief so as to not mess up his pitching schedule I guess. Regardless he didn' allow a run in his brief time and held runners to an absurd .077 BABIP of course nothing can be drawn from that and Locke will of course return to starting next season whether it be in the majors or at AAA. Rick VandenHurk (2.2 IP) got called up to the majors in September on the strength of a good showing in AAA but really didn't get to show much while with the team. His 2.2 innings weren't great though he did show he could miss some bats but VandenHurk looks like a possible cut to free up space on the 40 man roster. Wandy Rodriguez (2.0 IP) threw only 2 innings of relief this season and I bet most of you remember those two innings, Rodriguez came in to pitch the 18th and 19th innings of the Pirates 19 inning marathon win over the St Louis Cardinals. For what it is worth he pitched well in those 2 innings and as a starter seemed to settle in nicely with the Pirates rotation after this appearance. Daniel McCutchen (0.0 IP) failed to record an out this season in his only appearance but faced only 2 batters. Considering he wasn't even called up in September McCutchen is a candidate to be cut this offseason. Finally we have James McDonald (0.0 IP) who liked McCutchen didn't record a single out but faced 4 batters in the process. At the time he was pitching in relief McDonald had pretty much lost it so there is little surprise he failed to record an out. Hopefully his demotion to the bullpen is just a blip on the radar as McDonald should return to the rotation next season.
Roster Decisions
In addition to trying to figure out the best way to supplement their roster externally the Pirates will have some internal decisions to make about their roster coming up. Basically the status of every internal player who may be on the 40 man roster can be broken down into 5 categories: 1) Rule V draft eligible 2) 0-3 Years Experience 3) Arbitration Eligible 4) Under Contract 5) Free Agents
Rule V Draft Eligible
As always there are a lot of players eligible for the Rule V draft but in reality I think only 5 have a chance at being added to the 40 man roster and of the rest few have any chance of being selected. The five players in this group are:
Tony Sanchez, C
Ramon Cabrera, C
Gift Ngoepe, SS
Phillip Irwin, SP
Victor Black, RP
Analysis: It is essentially a guarantee that both Sanchez and Black will be added to the roster and I feel almost as confident in saying that Phillip Irwin will be added as well. Cabrera and Ngoepe are the two interesting ones for me. Normally teams do not select a catcher in the Rule V draft and if they do I would think most would look for a strong defensive one so that he could at least provide that value as a backup, Cabrera is shaky defensively making it seem unlikely to me that he would be selected. Due to this I think the Pirates leave him off the roster. Ngoepe is very raw and may not be ready for a spot in AA let alone the majors but good fielding, light hitting middle infielders are fairly common selections in the Rule V draft meaning there is at least some chance Ngoepe would be selected. Due to this and the fact the Pirates seem to view Ngoepe as a legit prospect I wouldn't be surprised to see him added, however since he is so raw right now I'm going to lean towards the side that the Pirates will not add him to the 40 man roster, though this one is a tough call.
0-3 Years Experience
This is the group that the Pirates can elect to retain for any salary that wish above the league minimum. Typically first year players earn the league minimum and players who have been on the roster a little longer earn a touch more. These players have no salary concern so the only real question is are they good enough to stay on the roster. The Pirates of course have a lot of players in this category:
Chris Leroux, Michael McKenry, Tony Watson, Josh Harrison, Alex Presley, Jared Hughes, Rick VandenHurk, Gustavo Nunez, Travis Snider, Jordy Mercer, Starling Marte, Kyle McPherson, Brock Holt, Eric Fryer, Jeff Clement, Jeff Locke, Justin Wilson, Bryan Morris, Chase d'Arnaud, Yamaico Navarro, Daniel McCutchen, Matt Hague, Duke Welker
Some of the above will obviously be retained while others their future with the club is murky at best.
Will Be Retained: Michael McKenry, Tony Watson, Josh Harrison, Alex Presley, Jared Hughes, Travis Snider, Jordy Mercer, Starling Marte, Kyle McPherson, Brock Holt, Jeff Locke, Justin Wilson, Bryan Morris, Duke Welker
Uncertain Future: Chris Leroux, Rick VandenHurk, Gustavo Nunez, Eric Fryer, Jeff Clement, Chase d'Arnaud, Yamaico Navarro, Daniel McCutchen, Matt Hague
Analysis: The first group that is consists of players I believe will definitely be retained is pretty self-explanatory. Some of the players are going to be expected to be key contributors (McKenry, Watson, Hughes, Snider, Marte, McPherson, Locke, Morris) while others will be brought back as depth (Harrison, Presley, Mercer, Holt, Wilson, Welker). The second group is the more interesting one when it comes to roster decisions. Not all of them will be let go but I believe a large number of them will be. Of the second group I believe Chris Leroux's spot is the most secure as I seem him being in line to be the long relief man out of the bullpen next season. The removal of anyone else would not come as a surprise to me but I'm leaning toward d'Arnaud and McCutchen being retained and the rest being left go. Navarro and Hague were not brought up in September which says the Pirates aren't too high on them. VandenHurk and Clement looked pretty bad during their short stints in September. I think it is nearly certain Clement will be gone but VandenHurk has a chance at staying. I can't imagine the Pirates attempting to carry Nunez next year under his Rule V restrictions so I expect him to be gone. Finally Fryer seems rather exppendable with Sanchez and possibly Cabrera being added to the roster. As for McCutchen I think he stays since he has another option left and can be a fungible 9th or 10th bullpen option who can be stashed in AAA and d'Arnaud stays because he started to show some signs of getting back on track near the end of the season.
Arbitration Eligible
These are the players who go into next year not under contract but still under Pirates control but they can not just be assigned a salary. Typically this group makes up a rather large chunk of the Pirates payroll for a season and this season will be the same thing. This year's arbitration class is:
Joel Hanrahan
Jeff Karstens
Charlie Morton
Garrett Jones
Chris Resop
James McDonald
Neil Walker
Gaby Sanchez
The Pirates will have to decide who of the above will be worth the salary they are likely to command through the arbitration process. I believe 5 of the above 8 players will definitely be tendered while the other 3 all have at least a chance to be. For the first time in a while I see no blatantly obvious non-tenders.
Will Be Tendered: Joel Hanrahan, Garrett Jones, James McDonald, Neil Walker, Gaby Sanchez
Might Not Be Tendered: Jeff Karstens, Charlie Morton, Chris Resop
Analysis: Each player in the first group will be tendered a contract by the Pirates that is all but guaranteed but there are questions about all of them such as will they play with the Pirates in 2013 and if so what will their role be? Walker seems to be the most stable but his back issues throw even his status into question. Of the other I can't see the Pirates not tendering Karstens but there has been a lot of talk that suggests that such a thing is possible. I could see them tendering and then trading him or trading him before he needs to be tendered (ala Jose Veras) but not just non-tendering him. Morton is the one who I believe has the strongest chance of being non-tendered. His injury is going to keep him out until at least the middle of the year and paying a pitcher of Morton's quality probably just a little under 3 million for a few months of work is something the Pirates shouldn't do. I suspect that the Pirates and Morton will try to work out a minor league contract though so he remains in the organization. Resop is the ultimate 50/50 propositions. He is likely going to cost somewhere between 1-1.5 million this season which isn't bad but he is a middle reliever who struggled to miss bats this season so the Pirates could choose to move on and go with a younger/cheaper option. Of this group I expect Hanrahan and Karstens to be traded, Morton to be non-tendered but signed back on a minor league deal, Resop to be non-tendered and probably sign elsewhere and the other 4 to return and play a significant role with the 2013 Pirates.
Under Contract
The Pirates have what I believe is for them an abnormally high number of players under contract for next season. Granted that is only 5 players plus 2 options but still that seems a touch higher than past year's but then again I could be wrong on that front. Anyway those players are:
Under Contract: AJ Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez, Andrew McCutchen, Jose Tabata, Clint Barmes
Has An Option: Pedro Alvarez, Rod Barajas
Analysis: First lets deal with the option year players because they are rather simple to evaluate. Alvarez's option will of course be picked up and Barajas's will of course be declined. Unfortunately I am not ready to rule out the possibility of the Pirates resigning Barajas at a lower rate. As for the players under contract Burnett and Rodriguez will be back and headlining the front of the rotation and McCutchen will continue to be the face of the franchise and the key player in the lineup. Tabata and Barmes are two players the Pirates may look to move but I'll expect both will be back Barmes as the starting shortstop (hopefully sharing playing time with someone else) and Tabata as the 4th outfielder possibly splitting time in right field with Travis Snider.
Free Agents
The Pirates have 4 players on their roster who are going to be free agents and while it is not the Pirates way to resign players they deserve mention here as well. The 4 players are:
Free Agents: Kevin Correia, Jason Grilli, Hisanori Takahashi, Chad Qualls
Analysis: I don't see any way Correia will return; I can see the Pirates possibly wanting him back but I don't think that feeling will be mutual. Takahashi and Qualls are two fungible relievers whom the Pirates could possibly consider resigning when it comes time to cobble a bullpen together but I expect that they will go another direction. The last player, Jason Grilli, is one I expect the Pirates to make a serious effort to try and resign. It would not be wise for the Pirates to sign Grilli to a big contract but something in the neighborhood of 2 years and 8 million dollars could make a whole lot of sense. However I believe we have seen our last of Grill and that the back of the bullpen will have a very different look next season.
So there you have it. Below I'm going to post a summary of whom I predict will be affected by these internal roster decisions.
Rule V Players Added: Tony Sanchez, Phillip Irwin, Victor Black
League Min Players Let Go: Rick VandenHurk, Gustavo Nunez, Eric Fryer, Jeff Clement, Yamaico Navarro, Matt Hague
Arbitration Eligible Players Not Tendered: Charlie Morton, Chris Resop
Options Not Picked Up: Rod Barajas
Players Traded: Joel Hanrahan, Jeff Karstens
Players Leaving Via Free Agency: Jason Grilli, Kevin Correia, Chad Qualls, Hisanori Takahashi


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The Easy-To-Use, Mount-Anywhere Technology, Rugged Alloy Construction, And Crystal Clear Picture Quality Make The Tiny Replay XD Perfect For Saturday Night
In the Nov. '11 issue of Circle Track we ran a story about using video cameras to record your on-track exploits. Well, we found what has to be the smallest camera available. The brand-new RePlay XD makes it easy to shoot, share, and review your action with a few pushes of a button-all wrapped up in a tiny, yet incredibly rugged package the size of your index finger that's easy for anyone to use.
Weighing in at only 30 grams, the RePlay XD combines cutting-edge electronics in an aluminum housing with simple On and Off buttons, built-in LED, and vibration feedback making the camera perfect for the noisy or low-light situations found at America's short tracks.
The RePlay is a tiny 21.4mm wide x 69mm long with a cylindrical shape, enabling it to be mounted virtually anywhere. Thanks to its round, machined aluminum housing, you've got 720 degrees of mounting versatility. The camera includes two mounting options to get you started: the Clip Tilt Mount, and Flat Swivel Mount. Since the company is targeting motorsports as well as a wide range of other action sports it has developed an optional heavy-duty billet aluminum mount specifically for racing applications. These available mounts allow you to get the shot even if your ideal mounting location is upside down or sideways.
"We wanted to design a camera that can go places other cameras can't," says RePlay XD President, John Spar. "Whether you're bombing down the mountain on a snowboard, or setting a fast lap at Knoxville, your RePlay XD will always get the shot."
The RePlay XD features a high clarity CMOS sensor for capturing crisp, color-rich DVD-quality video at 30 frames per second, as well as an internal omni-directional mic to combat wind noise and distortion. It's weather resistant and was designed to be used in a variety of harsh environments. An internal Polymer Li-Ion battery gives you up to 120 minutes of battery life on a single charge. The kit includes a 4GB micro SDHC card that can hold up to 2 hours of video, but the camera can accommodate up to 32GB cards. When combined with the optional hardwire power kit, the RePlay has logged up to 15 hours on a single 32GB card. However, the company says that an optional Mini Power Pack will also be available soon. A micro USB connector makes transferring files so easy that clips can be viewed and uploaded from any computer system, even an iPad! There's no need for expensive editing equipment.
The RePlay XD kit (pictured) includes the camera, silk soft bag, 4GB micro SDHC card, two mounts, USB cable, power AC adapter, power car adapter, and a carrying case. The billet chassis mounts, Hardwire Power Adaptor, and the soon-to-be-introduced Mini Power Pack are all optional.
The RePlay XD was designed by a group of racing professionals with more than 50 years of experience in the high-performance racing industry. The development team saw the need for ultra-lightweight cameras that could capture never-before-seen video footage from the most extreme racing and action environments on earth. The RePlay XD has been put through the most grueling conditions possible and has come out unscathed with crystal clear footage. And at an MSRP of $189.99, it's a can't miss tool to have in your arsenal. Look for a real world test of the camera in an upcoming issue of Circle Track.


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It sounds so simple. I've been practicing law for 14 years; I studied constitutional law and I'm not nearly as convinced as many of my non-lawyer friends that using the 14th amendment is possible. Frankly, it drives me nuts when people chime in about the application of constitutional provisions with little or no understanding of the background or context. It's about as valid as my coaching a major league baseball team; I like baseball but I don't know enough about the game to coach anyone. Yeah, I know, some of you feel insulted; however, that's not my primary intent. Just be happy that I'm not sharing my disgust with Nancy Grace and the public outcry following the Casey Anthony verdict. Instead, I'm providing a brief primer on this whole 14th amendment business.
The 14th amendment has never been applied in this context by any president so there is no precedent and no jurisprudence analyzing what specific authority Section 4 of the XIV amendment confers on the president with regards to the public debt.
Construction, i.e. the interpretation of constitutional provisions can be somewhat difficult when the language of the provision is ambiguous or unclear. Ambiguity opens the door for interpretation by the court and raises the issue of strict construction versus broad construction. Strict construction means interpreting the Constitution based on a literal and narrow definition of the language without reference to the differences in conditions when the Constitution was written and modern conditions, inventions, and societal changes. In contrast "broad construction" looks to what someone thinks was the "intent" of the framers' language and expands and interprets the language extensively to meet current standards of human conduct and complexity of society. Justices Scalia and Thomas are known as being strict constructionist, insisting on interpreting the Constitution in terms of how the provision was applied at its inception and in is historical context.
In this instance, it is significant that the 14th is one of the Reconstruction amendments (the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, enacted between 1865 and 1870). The totality of Section 4, the section in which Clinton and others find authority for the President to raise the debt limit without congressional approval reads:
The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.
Unfortunately, most people and the media quote only the first sentence. A big boo-boo in interpreting any law, including the Constitution, is divesting a provision from its surrounding language instead of analyzing the provision in its totality.
The 14th amendment was added post Civil War or as some southerners prefer, the War of Northern Aggression. The intent at the time was to declare that the US was not going to pay any debts incurred by the Confederacy, which had borrowed money from England and France to help in its secession efforts. So Section 4 confirmed that all U.S. public debt authorized by Congress was legitimate and declared that neither the U.S. nor any state would be responsible for paying any debts incurred by the Confederacy for the war or the loss of slaves. The Confederacy considered slaves to be property and made some noises about reimbursement for the loss of their property.
The 14th amendment is also the source of the Citizenship Clause, the Equal Protection Clause, and the Due Process Clause. Arguably, those clauses were intended to be substantively more important than the Public Debt Clause. Narrowly construed, it may be argued that the Public Debt provisions were only to clarify that the United States was not going to be financially responsible for the debts incurred by the Confederacy and was not intended to confer power on the President to determine the amount of the public debt for which the federal government would be held responsible. A broader construction could certainly find that the language confers authorization on the President to increase the debt limit without congress' approval. However, given the conservative nature of the current court and the number of 5 to 4 decisions that have been issued by the court, decisions that reflect strict construction and narrow interpretations of the law, it certainly is not a given that the President could simply invoke the alleged authority of the 14th amendment and increase the debt limit.
Bill Clinton is a lot more certain than some other constitutional scholars in his belief that the 14th amendment allows Obama to raise the debt ceiling without congressional approval. It may be possible but there is certainly the risk that doing so will provide the Republcans with the excuse to begin impeachment proceedings. Clinton managed to survive his impeachment relatively unscathed but I don't know if Obama has as much teflon coating as Bill Clinton and the charges may stick. Even if there is no impeachment effort, there will likely be a challenge in the courts as to the president's authority to act under the 14th amendment. Given the current conservatives on the court, it would likely be an uphill battle for the President and he could fare like Sisyphus and find himself unable to push his rock all the way uphill.
I'm not saying that president Obama shouldn't or that he should use the possible authority of the 14th amendment, just laying out the issues. The media headlines oversimplify the issues as they generally do when it comes to the law, particularly the Constitution. In law there really is no such thing as a simple "yes" or "no" when the question is, can I legally do that? It depends...
What I am challenging are those who shout for the President to just use the 14th amendment as if it is a given that such an action is prudent and will be successful. Our government has always been about compromise. When this country could not find a point of compromise on the issue of the expansion of slavery in a growing country, we engaged in a civil war that devasted the entire country and resulted in a major lose of life on both sides. Compromise is not a four-letter word and I shudder to think of the possible alternative.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. --The Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln, 1863


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Foamiran-flower making foam can be cut in to flower shapes with scissors or with metal cutting dies and then beautifully shaped in to a 3D flowers using different techniques. The flowers which are made with this foam can be used for scrapbooking, home decor , hair decor. They are perfect for card making and mixed media projects as well.
Size: 30x35 cm.


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SmackDown vs Raw 2009 for the Xbox 360 is, at its core, a more complete game
than last year's version; but if you were hoping this game would be your "forever"
game, the way No Mercy was for the N64 or Smackdown vs. Raw 2006
was for the PS2, well, you'll be disappointed.
Let's start off with the positives, though. There are several new features.
The Inferno match is the first of its kind in wrestling video games. It's put
together about as well as one could expect, and it's a fun extra option if you
get tired of cage matches and Hell in the Cells. There is also a new Road to
WrestleMania mode, where you can play as Triple H, The Undertaker, CM Punk,
John Cena, Chris Jericho and the team of Batista and Rey Mysterio, which allows
two people to play the mode cooperatively. It's certainly a step up from last
year's 24/7 mode. Each superstar has their own unique storyline, so you can
play the mode with each star and discover brand new content each time, and there
are alternate endings. There is a very authentic presentation in this mode as
well -- you even get the copyright notice at the end of each show.
Perhaps the best addition to this year's version of the game is the Create-a-Finisher
mode. You can link up to 10 animations to develop your own unique finisher.
It works brilliantly and is a very solid addition to the game. This alone makes
the Career mode feel a little bit more authentic, since you no longer have to
basically steal an existing wrestler's move.
Now, the negatives. As usual, the commentary flat out sucks. It's repetitive
and annoying. At this point, they would be better of to just remove the commentary
entirely. The entrance themes and sound effects and everything else are top
notch, but the commentary is a nightmare.
Overall, I'll give this game a 7/10. Visually, the game is stunning, but for all the hype it received, the gameplay leaves something to desire. There is a load of new content, but it truly would take under a week to get through it all. What you're left with long term is playing online, and it is on par with last year's version.
You may want to rent this first before you buy it.
Mark Xamin invites you to discuss this review at Mywrestlingforum.com with other wrestling fans. While you're there you can bet on matches, gamble in the casino, play the arcade, or simply discuss wrestling. Mark's Xbox 360 also got the red rings of death after writing this review, and now he's wondering if THQ has cursed him for the low rating. Woe is he.


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Products in 'Veg Meal Dish' category range from 0.5 - 1.5
Each serving of the product has at least 1 teaspoon (5g) of sugar in it which makes it a sugar rich product.
One of the immediate side effects of high sugar intake is increase in fat deposits in the body which may increase your risk for obesity,diabetes and a host of other conditions.
Also, some studies suggest that its not FAT but sugar that is the cause for excess weight gain. Hence, best to avoid.
Disclaimer:Product Analysis is based on general practices in the field of Nutrition. Please check with or consult a qualified and licensed medical professional for its suitability to you.


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Who is Credit Strategies
Credit Strategies is a national credit restoration company that works with clients and creditors to raise credit scores. Credit Strategies is Trained and Certified by CreditCRM as Credit Repair experts serving Los Angeles and the rest of the nation.
What We Do
At Credit Strategies, we understand the unforeseen can happen. We believe everyone deserves a second chance and our credit experts are here to help you. We can raise your credit score an average of 60 to 100 points.
Los Angeles Credit Repair is 100% Legal
Credit Repair in Los Angeles is 100% legal. For details on credit repair laws in Los Angeles click here.
Why You Need a Higher Credit Score
Your credit score is the most important three-digit number in your life. Raising your credit score can lead to savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage. In addition, a higher credit score can help you with credit card rates, auto loans, and help you get that job you wanted. With the current economic climate in Los Angeles, there has never been a more important time to repair your credit score.
How We Raise Credit Scores
At Credit Strategies, we attack your credit from multiple angles.
First, we work with you on devising an action plan for things you can do to improve your credit score. We educate you every step of the way so you know how you can continue to manage your credit long after your time with Credit Strategies.
Next, we raise your credit score by working with the major credit bureaus and your creditors to remove negative items from your credit report. On average, we are able to remove 70 percent of negative items from your credit report thereby increasing your score.


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"After hearing the appeal CONMEBOL decided to reduce the sanction … to two games," South America's football governing organisation explained in a statement in response to a Chile appeal.
Jara's ban sees him miss Monday's semi-final against Peru and the final or third/fourth-place play-off.
The player's fine was also reduced from $7,500 to $5,000 (??3175).
Jara received his ban for "unsporting behaviour" after appearing to stick his finger up Cavani's bottom in the quarter-final win over Uruguay last week.
Cavani responded to the provocation with the slightest of touches and Jara fell to the ground theatrically, prompting the referee to send the Uruguayan off. Chile scored the only goal of the game soon after. ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??
Jara's gesture was the main talking point from the match and has been dubbed 'the finger of God' in Chile, an echo of Argentina captain Diego Maradona's infamous 'hand of God' goal from the 1986 World Cup.
Uruguay had a second player dismissed in the closing stages of the match, prompting a fracas involving most of the players on the pitch, the coaching staff, the match officials and even a touchline cameraman.
CONMEBOL said it would decide after the tournament whether to sanction the Uruguayan players for their part in the incidents.
Paraguay face Argentina in the second semi-final on Tuesday.??


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Event box
#findkwame Tidewater Reads Book Hunt
Starting March 12, copies of Kwame Alexander's novel, Solo, will be hidden throughout Suffolk in support of Tidewater Reads. Tidewater Reads is a regional celebration of reading and this April we are encouraging everyone to get familiar with poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author Kwame Alexander. Copies of Solo will be popping up in restaurants, stores, and other public places in Suffolk each week between March 12 and April 14.
If you find a copy, share a picture of the book on social media using #findkwame, read the book, and then either keep it or re-hide so someone else can enjoy it. Increase your odds of finding a book by checking out Suffolk Public Library's Facebook page each Monday during the Book Hunt to discover clues to the hiding places. One lucky reader will win a Suffolk prize pack for posting a picture of their copy of Solo on social media using #findkwame.
- Date:
- Tuesday, March 13, 2018
- Time:
- All Day Event
- Site:
- Offsite
- Categories:
- Family


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Welcome to the local site for W5 including Brentford, Ealing Broadway & Ealing Common
Welcome to your local website - this is run for the local community by local people just like you! Below is what is called an aggregator (the red box)which shows the latest articles posted to the site and 'hot topics' shows the most commented on. Please take a look around or get stuck in straight away posting your own articles!Register here...
- Worries About Children's Teeth Escalate Published: 16-04-2019 12:39
- Bentley, Mini and Capri Icons prepare for big birthdays at this Summer's Classic - the Glastonbury of Motorsport Published: 11-04-2019 09:01
- 6 Things Every Young Start-up Business Needs Published: 10-04-2019 16:07
- London's Finest Architecture: A Look At The Capital's Most Intriguing Buildings Published: 02-04-2019 13:21
- How The Internet Has Changed Our Homes Published: 02-04-2019 12:39
- Investing in Yourself Is Totally Worth the Cost When It Comes to These 7 Things... Published: 29-03-2019 21:03
- High Street Bookies Vs Online Betting Websites Published: 29-03-2019 11:25
- Star-studded World GP Bike Legends make welcome return to Silverstone Classic 2019 Published: 28-03-2019 08:40
- 4 Top Places to Get Debt Help Published: 24-03-2019 16:19
AMA (AboutMyArea) is a national network of postcode specific local news websites, featuring content and local stories and news uploaded by local people.
We aim to bring you up-to-date and accurate local news, and also offer a cost-effective marketing platform for local businesses.
Please use the grey menu on the top left of your screen to select the area of the website you wish to visit.
You are both the editor and the reader, and so are your neighbours ? so please tell your friends, colleagues, relatives and local business people.
?Where you see this logo you'll be able to go to your AMAZing place or register if it's your first time!
AMAZing is your personal area of AboutMyArea that any one who has registered on the siite cad log in and do the following
- create or organise articles, post stories, news, what's on, add pictures and comment on articles
- messages and notifications
create or edit business listings
What Next?
You can post as much content or stories as you wish, it should be local, of general interest, for example it might be your local sports report, you may have a village fete, a concert or any other news.


text: Sacai was established in 1999 by Chistose Abe as a small knitwear project and has since blossomed into a globally distributed luxury fashion company. While her collections may appear to be about femininity, Abe's interest is in creating clothes that are entirely unique and timeless, while also being innovative and experimental. Contrasted fabric textures such as knits, juxtaposed with super fine woven fabrics, using techniques based on reinterpretation of garment patterns. To Abe, who is influenced by observing her surroundings and functions of daily life, the Sacai collection has a distinctive elegance that is based on renderings and transformations of classical items. The result is a collection of items that can transition easily throughout a single day's activities, not to be reserved only for special occasions.


text: Film composer Goran Bregovic was born in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia on March 22, 1950, beginning his music career in 1966 as the bassist with the local rock band Bestije. After a three-year stint as a member of Kodeks, in 1971 he joined the underground trio Mica, Goran and Zoran; three years later Bregovic founded Bijelo Dugme, one of Yugoslavia's most successful and influential bands until their breakup in 1988. He first turned to film work in 1978, composing the score to Mica Milosevic's Nije Nego; Bregovic's most fruitful collaboration was with director Emir Kusturica, for whom he score 1989's Dom Za Vesanje, 1993's Arizona Dream, 1995's Cannes Film Festival winner Underground and 1998's Crna Macka, Beli Macor. Concurrent solo recordings include 1996's P.S. and 1999's Ederlezi. Songbook followed in 2000.


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Trial set to begin in Atlanta for man accused of slapping crying toddler on flight
ATLANTA – A man accused of slapping a crying toddler on a jet is set to go on trial this week.
Joe Rickey Hundley faces a misdemeanor simple assault charge in the February incident. His trial is scheduled to start Thursday in federal court in Atlanta.
Authorities say Hundley used a racial slur to refer to the 19-month-old boy and then hit him under the right eye as the flight from Minneapolis began its descent to the Atlanta airport.
Hundley, who has pleaded not guilty, faces up to a year in prison if convicted. His lawyers say Hundley's son was in a coma in Atlanta, and he was flying there to decide whether to take him off life support.
Hundley lived in Idaho at the time but has since moved to North Carolina.


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Vikings' Cassel on track to start as Ponder recovers from concussion
Matt Cassel is on track to start this week at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, with Christian Ponder recovering from a concussion.
Article continues below ...
Coach Leslie Frazier said Wednesday that Cassel "more than likely" will start instead of Ponder when the Vikings play at Baltimore on Sunday. Cassel took over late in the second quarter last week when Ponder was hit in the head and passed for 243 yards in half of a game to help the Vikings beat Chicago in overtime.
Frazier said Ponder had yet to pass all of the post-concussion tests. Even if he can practice Thursday, that's not much time for a quarterback to properly prepare. Frazier said Josh Freeman will be the backup to Cassel, who has started two games and relieved Ponder in three others.


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Join Wednesday morning Wisdom Teachings and Meditation Classes to train your mind to access greater Clarity, Joy and Peace in your life, and to connect with your True Purpose and your Soul.
The meditations are guided, and may include chanting, sounding, Pranayama and Crystal Bowl Sound Healing.
These classes are open to all, with or without prior meditation experience.
The SAMADHI Centre is a not-for-profit organisation.
Contribution: HKD220
PayPal Reference: WED plus date and your name


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Hope College swimmers over the years have excelled at venues throughout the United States. In the coming days members of the Flying Dutch and Flying Dutchmen teams will have an opportunity to test waters afar.
Coach John Patnott and 22 members of the teams will be travelling to Barcelona, Spain, site of the 1992 Summer Olympics, for a week of training, competition, community service and sightseeing.
The group leaves Friday, June 12 and returns Saturday, June 20.
Over the years the college has encouraged its Hope athletic teams to have an international experience. This will be a first for Hope's swimmers. Other teams that have traveled internationally include baseball, men's and women's basketball, football, men's golf, women's and men's soccer, softball and volleyball.
Hope's international roster will be comprised of swimmers from the 2008-09 program. By NCAA rule, swimmers new to the team in 2009-10 may not participate.
The service project will consist of cleaning a park in the community of Callela where the team will be headquartered. A friendly meet will be held with the club swimming team in Sant Adrià on Friday (June 19).
The student-athletes taking the trip will be Ann Frisella of Arlington Heights, Ill., Ariel Humphrey of Fremont, Aria Kieft of Spring Lake, Brandon King of Willowbrook, Ill., Thomas Knecht of Grand Rapids, Elizabeth Nelis and Ryan Nelis of Holland, Jessie Parsons of Anchorage, Alaska; Kelsey Pierson of Indianapolis, Ind., Claire Piester of Columbia, Mo., Matt Ray of Holland, James Richardson of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Mitch Ruch of Zeeland, Kathryn Schewe of Berkley, Jeff Shade of Davison, Matt Smith of Holland, Clayton Sommers of Holland, Tessa Talsma of Grandville, Alicia Tuuk of Lansing, Ill., Christina Vogelzang of Holland, Kate Williams of Wheaton, Ill., and Whitney Willson of Commerce Township.


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Eclipse DemoCamps November 2010/UCCCampus
< Eclipse DemoCamps November 2010
Revision as of 13:57, 29 October 2010 by Lynn.gayowski.eclipse.org (Talk | contribs) (→Who Is Attending)
What is an Eclipse Campus DemoCamp?
Cork University
Room details coming soon
Date and Time
Coming soon
James Sugrue
Pilz Ireland & Dzone
If you are a student or instructor and would like to present at the DemoCamp, please feel free to add your name and topic to the list.
- Your Name, Your Topic
Who Is Attending
If you plan on attending please add your name and company to the list below. If you have any trouble with the wiki, just send an email to james at dzone dot com
- James Sugrue, Pilz Ireland & Dzone
- Your Name


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Check out our San Diego Monthly Weather and Event planning tool
Anyone staying in a San Diego vacation rental may experience a dynamic mix of theme parks, waterfront, and cultural attractions. San Diego is a dream destination for guests of vacation rental homes. Every taste and every interest will find itself fully indulged in this matchless city. There are attractions ranging from marine and mammal life to seaside resorts, with stops at every point in between.
The region of La Jolla is filled with upscale attractions for guests of La Jolla vacation rentals, ranging from designer boutiques and world-class restaurants to art galleries and beaches galore. Del Mar racetrack is also close to San Diego, offering horse racing fans an unmatched opportunity to enjoy their favorite sport. Seaport Village is another unique part of San Diego, combining Mexican and local influence to create an idyllic, fun-filled destination perfect for anyone looking for hiking, shopping, or eating opportunities.
The nearby city of Coronado, linked to San Diego by bridge, is another great location for guests of San Diego vacation homes to visit. There are more than a dozen public parks, several golf courses, and of course white sandy beaches. Visitors have a chance to watch migrating whales, surf in crystal clear water, and explore the old lighthouse of Old Point Loma.
Fans of theme parks and zoos will not be disappointed by the San Diego area's offerings. Guests of San Diego vacation rentals can visit some of the region's popular theme parks as part of their agendas, all of which have their own unique allure. Families with small children should visit LegoLand, where Lego building blocks have been crafted by expert designers into replicas of some of the world's most recognizable landmarks. Fans of marine life and of Shamu the killer whale should be sure to visit SeaWorld, where animals from belugas to trained seals are on display. Check out our Secrets of Seaworld infographic The world famous San Diego Zoo is also in the area, as well as the Wild Animal Park, where strange and exotic creatures from around the world can be found in their natural habitats.
The Gaslamp Quarter is the urban shopping district of San Diego, offering the elite of society everything from fine cuisine to clubs and theaters. Old Town reminds guests about the heritage of early California, and Balboa Park is home to dozens of performing arts venues and many different museums. San Diego is an ideal place to rent a vacation rental no matter where your interests may lie.
San Diego area Vacation Rentals include homes, condos, cottages and luxury villas. To view more about a particular San Diego rental click on a location above. The San Diego real estate homes presented here are privately owned rentals that are rented out by owners or their agents. San Diego is famous for its wonderful weather, great beaches, shopping, and laid-back Southern Californian hospitality. Begin your vacation today by booking one of these wonderful beach vacation homes in San Diego county.
Check out these area resources:
San Diego Museum of Art , Ruben H. Fleet Science Center , Air and Space Musem , San Diego Art Institute , Museum of Photographic Art , San Diego History Center , San Diego Model Railroad Museum ,
San Diego Zoo , San Diego Wild Animal Park , Seaworld San Diego
San Diego Chargers Football , San Diego Padres Baseball , San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum


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Update to photo contest: The $500 photo of 2010 Census WASTE is here!Friday, October 8th, 2010
The following photo of 2010 Census waste comes from a local census office in a major city. To protect the employee involved, I will not say which region until that person grants me permission to do so. Feel free to write your captions for this photo in the comments section below. Be aware, there is no Title 13 or PII-protected information in this photo. We are also curiously wondering why some leftover items have been donated to schools while others headed straight to the dump, depending on which office was responsible. MyTwoCensus is awaiting the Census Bureau's response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request that was filed a couple of months back that further examines the 2010 Census waste disposal contracts. Remember, a picture's worth a thousand words:


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Art prints & frames, handmade in England since 1982
We collaborate with today's most vibrant and talented artists to bring you stylish, contemporary art for your home. Discover a collection of contemporary art prints by current painters, graphic designers and illustrators.
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All art prints and images on this website are copyright their respective owners. All rights reserved. Website © 1999–2019 King & McGaw.
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WASHINGTON (AP) — A series of Food and Drug Administration inspections at the nation's largest egg farms has found at least one operation contaminated with salmonella.
The FDA is inspecting the country's 600 largest egg farms in the wake of a salmonella outbreak in eggs last summer that sickened at least 1,900 people. The agency said Tuesday it has completed 35 inspections and found 76 positive swabs of salmonella in facilities owned by one producer.
The agency declined to name the farm and a spokeswoman said the FDA doesn't yet know if any illnesses were connected to the contamination. The agency said the farm has taken corrective action.
The FDA says it will be done inspecting the farms early next year. The 600 farms represent about 80 percent of the nation's egg supply.


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Fairway Ranked #1 For USDA Purchase Units and VolumeMarch 20, 2019 12:19 pm
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has been ranked #1 in USDA purchase units and volume for 2018! If you or anyone... View Article
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has been ranked #1 in USDA purchase units and volume for 2018! If you or anyone... View Article
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The spring market is here, making now the perfect time to ramp up marketing techniques and drive traffic to your... View Article
Inside Mortgage Finance has reported that Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is ranked #5 in retail purchase, making Fairway #1 in... View Article
As you spring clean your home, make sure your dishwasher is getting some love! For an appliance that's job is... View Article
In today's competitive homebuying market, around 80 percent of homebuyers go online to begin their home search, with many buyers... View Article
I am proud to announce that Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation ranked #1 in FHA purchase volume for 2018! If you... View Article
Your refrigerator is your kitchen workhorse. It is one of the hardest working appliances in your home and the one... View Article
Seventy-seven percent of buyers' agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a property as their future home.... View Article
As of March 20, spring is officially here, and there is no better time to break out those cleaning supplies... View Article


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Jeffrey gives a sneak peek at one of his recent rooftop garden projects in midtown Manhattan. With sweeping views from the Hudson River to the Empire State Building, Jeffrey gives insight into the important design features he considers when designing shared gardens for condo and coop buildings. From creating intimate spaces to recycled seating solutions and a community herb garden, this roof has it all!
Posts Tagged 'recycled seating solutions'
Designing Shared Roof Gardens
Posted in Erb Garden Videos, tagged community garden nyc, community herb garden, coop roof garden, empire state building view, hudson river view, jeffrey erb garden design, midtown manhattan, midtown manhattan roof garden, nyc roof garden, outdoor recycled seating, recycled seating solutions, shared roof garden design on October 7, 2011| 1 Comment »


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Wisin & Yandel are a Puerto Rican reggaeton duo, consisting of Llandel Veguilla Malavé Salazar (Yandel) and Juan Luis Morera Luna (Wisin). They started their career in 2000 and have been together since, winning several awards during that time.
Their biggest hits are "Rakata", "Llamé Pa' Verte (Bailando Sexy)", "Pam Pam", "Sexy Movimiento", "Pegao", "Síguelo", "Abusadora", and "Gracias a Tí". Wisin & Yandel have collaborated with internationally known artists such as R. Kelly on "Burn It Up", Paris Hilton on the reggaeton remix to her debut single "Stars Are Blind", Ja Rule on "Rakata (Remix)", Lenny Kravitz on "Breathe" (a promotional song for Absolut Vodka), Mexican Pop group RBD on "Lento (Remix)", compatriots La Secta AllStar on "Llora Mi Corazón", Fat Joe on "Jangueo", Nelly Furtado on "Sexy Movimiento (Remix)", 50 Cent on "Mujeres In The Club" and "Así Soy" along with G-Unit, Akon on "All Up 2 You" along with Aventura and "Ella Me Llama (Remix)", Enrique Iglésias on "Lloro Por Ti (Remix)" and "Gracias a Tí (Remix)", Gloria Estefan on "No Llores (Remix)", T-Pain on "Imagínate", "Te Siento" and in a remix for Reverse Cowgirl.


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Human resources and compensation strategies focused on meaningful business outcomes
High turnover, low employee engagement, executive compensation compliance issues, and recruiting challenges aren't just "HR problems." They are business challenges that won't be solved by superficial one-off fixes. When you work with the Human Resources & Compensation team of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., you have a partner who understands the important, strategic role of human resources and compensation, and can customize a solution that will help your organization achieve its business goals and objectives.
Data-driven solutions, relationship-driven culture.
With Gallagher, you have a practice dedicated to Human Resources & Compensation consulting, offering flexible, customized solutions that are informed by our expert data analysis and competitive benchmarking. The end result is a deeper level of engagement that generates insights and informed recommendations to help you thrive.
Your Gallagher consultant will help you see problems — and opportunities — from all sides, guiding you through our consultative process with transparent, open dialogue and deep expertise. Your success matters to us, so we'll partner with you to create a solution that makes sense for your organization, your timetable and your budget. Nurturing long-standing business relationships is a Gallagher hallmark — and the reason our clients refer us and stay with us, year after year.
Industry experts. Thought leaders. Experienced consultants bring you customized solutions.
Well-designed Human Resources & Compensation programs add bottom line value to a business. Our team can provide a complete range of human resources and compensation programs to help your organization achieve strategic objectives, including:
Our compensation consultants provide compensation program analysis and design to help:
- Create or refine your organization's compensation philosophy and strategy to support overall organizational objectives, while also emphasizing the sustainability of your compensation programs.
- Develop or improve your compensation plans to be more competitive and equitable while fitting your organization's strategy, budget and culture.
- Conduct job evaluation analyses with the Decision Band Method to help determine the relative value of jobs within your organization, including pay equity, salary grades and salary ranges.
- Link pay to performance by creating short-term and long-term employee incentive plans, sales incentive plans and employee motivation plans that drive desired employee behaviors, leading to successful business outcomes.
- Clearly communicate your organization's compensation plans and employee value proposition.
- Review and compare compensation market intelligence relevant to your labor market (for example, the Greater San Francisco Bay Area Cash Compensation Survey) from our extensive survey library.
- Deploy custom market data solutions through our on-line Gallagher Survey process.
- Ensure your compensation policies and practices comply with applicable federal and state regulations, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
- Apply decades of specialized industry experience in assessing, developing and managing employee base compensation programs in Healthcare, Public Sector and Higher Education.
- Support your human resources team to maintain the optimal compensation program for your organization.
Our executive compensation consultants, in the context of SEC or IRS regulations, can help:
- Create or refine your organization's executive compensation philosophy and strategy to align with organizational objectives.
- Benchmark base salary, short-term, and long-term incentives against peer organizations through executive compensation surveys.
- Design short- and long-term incentive plans that link executive pay to organizational performance.
- Analyze change-in-control and severance agreements.
- Benchmark executive benefits and perks.
- Review employment contracts.
- Examine your performance appraisal measurement and goal-setting processes to ensure objective and effective programs.
- Analyze pay issues related to IPOs, mergers, spin-offs, and asset sales.
- Provide Compensation Committee advisory services.
- Evaluate Board of Director Compensation (competitive benchmarking and design).
- Optimize your Board and CEO Performance Evaluation process.
- Build or enhance Committee Charters.
- Specific to taxable entities:
- Develop equity pay strategies that reward executives for desired organizational performance.
- Generate Proxy Disclosures (CD&A drafting, review, and rule interpretation).
- Determine tax, accounting and disclosure implications (162(m), 409A, 280G, FAS 123R, SEC).
- Calculate valuations of equity, retirement, and non-compete arrangements.
- Specific to tax-exempt entities:
- Assistance with IRS Rebuttable Presumption safe harbor guidelines related to the intermediate sanction rule.
- Peer analysis using competitor Form 990 filings.
Compensation and Benefit Survey Consulting to help your organization gain valuable knowledge with:
- Custom compensation and benefit surveys that span local, regional, and national markets — as well as key vertical industries, such as healthcare, public sector, higher education, professional services, and manufacturing.
- Ad-hoc surveys conducted for selected role(s) and targeting specific competitors.
- Annual surveys for trade and professional associations, by industry and/or geographic area.
- Annual Gallagher Benefit Strategy & Benchmarking Survey available here.
- Annual Greater San Francisco Bay Area Cash Compensation Survey available here.
- A flexible and secure internet survey portal and thorough data verification to give you data that is timely and reliable.
- Expertise to ensure that all compensation and benefit reports are accurate, reliable, and presented in a straight-forward, practical way.
- Compensation and benefit reports that meet all U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Guidelines for salary surveys.
Human Resource consulting that provides:
- HR Assessments of your HR function's effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment with your organization's strategy, plus practical recommendations to help improve the performance of your department, including wage and salary surveys, salary comparisons and salary guides.
- Total Compensation Statements communicating the individualized salary and benefit value that your organization provides to each employee.
- Extensive coaching, training and development programs designed by our experts for all levels of employees including human resources performance appraisals and job performance appraisals.
- Recruitment solutions for the entire recruiting process, hiring and onboarding to ensure new employees quickly contribute to your organization.
- An interactive process to develop policies, practices and procedures that fit your organization, with customized employee handbooks to communicate them.
- Efficiency reviews for your HR function including affirmative action, absence management, FMLA compliance and performance management.
- Employee surveys to diagnose your organization's opportunities for improvement and benchmark your employees' preferences and opinions.
- Ongoing HR management tailored to meet your needs and provide assistance for your HR function.
- Human resources outsourcing of HR professionals, deployed to your locations to help manage your current HR function, plus design and implement any HR programs you might need.
HR Audits & Effectiveness Studies
We will:
- Review all critical areas of your HR function to assess efficiency, effectiveness and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Deliver competitive benchmarks and best practices data, and provide recommendations for a more effective structure.
- Offer a roadmap to improve the value that human resources brings to your organization.
On-Site HR Management
We know it is increasingly difficult in today's competitive environment to remain entirely self-sufficient in every area of human resources. As a result of this environment, many organizations are outsourcing all or part of their HR responsibilities as a cost-effective alternative to adding headcount. With our on-site HR Management your organization will have:
- Certified HR professionals in your business environment, with the necessary tools to manage your organization's needs and those of your employees.
- Support on Demand service provides you with an HR expert who can respond to manager's needs, resolve employee concerns, and ensure legal compliance.
Our On-Site Management encompasses all typical HR functions including:
- Payroll Processing
- Employee Relations
- Benefits Administration
- Unemployment Management
- Policy and Procedures
- Legal Compliance with federal and state regulations, including the Wages and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- All administrative functions of Human Resources
Performance Management
Our team can assist you with:
- Developing an effective performance evaluation management program that rewards the achievement of stretch performance by individuals, teams, and the organization.
- Implementing a comprehensive system that includes training, guidance and tools that make performance management a collaborative experience between employees and managers.
- Our design offerings include three areas:
- Performance Management System
- Incentive-Based Pay for Performance
- Integrated Budget/Reward System
Manager & Employee Training & Development
Our team will provide:
- Practical programs to help you build organizational learning, improve management skills, and enhance employee awareness.
- Curriculum, materials and tools that can be custom-tailored to the needs of your organization, ranging from managing performance evaluations to anti-harassment training.
Employee Engagement & Communications
We will provide:
- Employee engagement surveys that give a clear picture of what is working and what needs improvement.
- Recognition programs that acknowledge and reward staff for important contributions to the organization.
- Total compensation statements that provide employees with individualized information about the value of their benefits and important balances.
- Employee handbooks and managers' administrative manuals that explain responsibilities clearly.
Recruitment Solutions: Search, Selection, and On-Boarding
Our team can assist you with:
- Recruiting and hiring top-performing employees, so you can turn your organization into a true destination workplace.
- Managing the entire recruiting process, including creating job descriptions, scheduling interviews, conducting background checks, and screening and making selection recommendations.
- Creating hire offer worksheets, which help recruiters provide candidates with a complete overview of the value of their employment opportunity, including salary as well as the full spectrum of cash and non-cash benefits.
Meaningful change, sustainable solutions
Talk with a Gallagher Human Resources & Compensation consultant today. Learn how a strategic, big-picture approach to human resources and compensation can bring meaningful change, sustainable growth and a competitive edge to your organization.
Meaningful change, sustainable solutions.
Talk with a Gallagher Human Resources & Compensation consultant today. Learn how a strategic, big-picture approach to human resources and compensation can bring meaningful change, sustainable growth and a competitive edge to your organization.


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Community Boards
Board of Visitors
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Board of Visitors (BOV) was established in 1992, by the efforts of six very important people to the University: the third Dean of the School, Rachel Z. Booth; previous UAB Presidents, Dr. Charles A. McCallum and S. Richardson Hill, Jr.; former SON faculty members Glenda McGaha and Juanzetta Flowers; and community leader Robert E. Luckie, Jr. The original Board consisted of 14 founding members, and was led by founding Chair Lella Bromberg and founding Co-Chair LaVona Rushton. During that inaugural year, the founding Board grew to 19 members. The Board gathered for its inaugural meeting on January 27, 1992.
The BOV is comprised of a diverse group of leaders who participate in, support and promote the School of Nursing's programs in public relations, development and fundraising. The Board provides support and advocacy for activities and programs to enhance the School's visibility, reputation and financial success. Today, eight of the original 19 founding members, are still active on the Board.
Junior Board of Visitors
Established in 2006, the Junior Board of Visitors (JBOV) was created as a vehicle for a young generation of community leaders to make a contribution to nursing and nursing education through support of UAB's School of Nursing. The vision was that the JBOV would create a further extension of the Board of Visitors' endeavors to support initiatives of the UAB School of Nursing. Two members of the senior Board of Visitors work closely as liaisons with the JBOV.
Under the leadership of its founding Chair, Mary Katherine Cabaniss, the Junior Board held its inaugural fundraising event September 30, 2007, known as No-Show Ball. This unique event has enjoyed great success over the years, including a monumental year in 2012, raising over $100,000 in memory of Houston and Morgan McCoin, precious babies of JBOV member Elizabeth McCoin and husband Seth McCoin, and in honor of the nurses who cared for them. The Seth Houston McCoin, Jr. and Elizabeth Morgan McCoin Endowed Scholarship in Pediatric Nursing will financially assist graduate-level students in pursuing their dreams of taking care of other babies.


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Price (US$):
$217 - $218 / night
Location. Sandy Beach Resort is a beachfront resort located in Faleloa's Foa neighborhood. Resort Features. Sandy Beach Resort features a… more »
Price (US$):
$166 - $323 / night
Location. The Black Pearl Suites is located on the beach in Nuku Alofa, close to Royal Tombs and Flea Market. Regional points of interest also… more »
Price (US$):
$187 - $555 / night
Location. Loumaile Lodge is located in central Nuku Alofa, close to Royal Tombs and Flea Market. Regional points of interest also include Mapu'a… more »
Price (US$):
$132 - $145 / night
Location. Likualofa Beach Resort is located on the beach in Kanokupolu and attractions in the region include Mapu'a 'a Vaca Blowholes, Flea Market… more »
Price (US$):
$240 - $356 / night
Location. Fafa Island Resort is located on the beach in Fafa Island and local attractions include Royal Tombs. Regional points of interest also… more »
Tonga, the "Friendly Islands", is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is divided into four island groups, or regions. The Tonga Visitors Bureau has a very informative web site at .
There were pro-democracy riots in Nuku'alofa in November 2006 which left 8 people dead and large portions of the town centre flattened (by fire). Tonga is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world and is based upon an essentially feudal system where the king disburses land and positions without recourse to any elected body. Although Tongan royalty is largely loved and revered by Tongans, younger people have an appetite for stronger accountability and a more modern constitution. An election was held in November 2010. This was planned to lead to a major reduction in the powers of the King and the land-owning nobility in favour of a more democratic form of governance. However, of the 26 seats in Parliament only 17 are elected, with the rest being allocated to the nobles. After some horse trading, it was a noble who emerged as the Prime Minister.
Tonga has an economy with none of the corporate chain stores and with local small businesses providing all necessary goods and services. Tourists were not a target during the riots and you will find Tonga a friendly and appealing place to visit although don't expect the same level of infrastructure as in more developed countries. Rebuilding after the riots in Nuku'alofa has been more or less completed and there are abundant tourism facilities.
The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is one of the few indigenous monarchies in the Pacific.
Citizens of the following countries can get a free, one-month visitor's visa on arrival if they can prove they have a return ticket to leave Tonga at the end of their stay and sufficient funds to cover their stay: Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna.
Visitor's visas can be extended at the immigration department in the capital.
Fua'amotu Airport (TBU) is on Tongatapu around half an hour from Nuku'alofa.
A crowd of local taxi drivers meets each incoming flight at the airport and they usually charge 25-30 Pa'anga for a lift into Nuku'alofa. The Teta Tours mini-bus also meets flights and will deliver you to your hotel or guest house for 10 Pa'anga. .
Lots of people arrive by private yacht since Tonga, particularly Vava'u, is a common stop on the around-the-world circuit.
To get between island groups, you basically have to fly (or sail). Chathams Pacific Airline operates between the major islands, with flights from Tongatapu to 'Eua, Ha'apai, and Vava'u and from Vava'u to Niuafo'ou and Niuatoputapu. The flight from Tongatapu to 'Eua is, at eight minutes, said to be the world's shortest scheduled flight.
Motorbikes, scooters and cycles can be rented on Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai. On Tongatapu you can hire a car. There are also taxis. To get around the main island, Tongatapu, Teta Tours and Toni's guest house offer day tours of all the main tourist sights. The speed limit is usually 40kph and this is stuck to by the local drivers. You're meant to also buy a local Tongan driving licence on top of your existing licence before you drive (25 Pa'anga). The roads are good in and around Nuku'alofa but deteriorate the further from the town and the further south you travel.Most cars in Tonga are in a terrible state, maintained on a budget and held together by a combination of 'Western Union' stickers and prayer. The low speed limit helps to keep accidents down. There are buses to various points on Tongatapu from Nuku'alofa although there are no timetables.
Tongan is the most widely spoken language in Tonga. English is also widely understood because many of the high schools teach exclusively in English. Many Tongans when asked a question they are unsure of or don`t understand will reply with a "Yes". In this case, ask a follow up question and if the reply is still "Yes", ask someone else.
Apart from a few historical sites on Tongatapu most things to do in Tonga reflect its island nature. Diving, snorkelling, fishing, boat trips, kayaking and kite surfing are all possible. There are some lovely beaches if you just want to laze around. Tonga has some good restaurants and this is the place to come if you like lobster.
Take time to learn a little about Tonga's fairly feudal culture and its many traditions. Go to church. Even if you are not religious the singing can be very moving. Watch tapa cloth being made from mulberry bark and try a drink of kava, the traditional drink, which is a mild narcotic.
The national currency is the Pa'anga, or Tongan dollar. Denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 seniti coins and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Pa'anga banknotes. Although Tonga is a developing country, prices for many things are comparable to or slightly greater than New Zealand or Australia. Most of what you eat, apart from fish, lobsters, roots and tubers, fruits and vegetables will have been imported. A good meal out will cost 30-50 Pa'anga, a beer in a restaurant or bar costs about 5-6 Pa'anga, hiring a car is about 50-60 Pa'anga a day and cigarettes are 7-8 Pa'anga for a pack of 25.
Tongan feasts are a must-do. Tour companies and hotels organize feasts, together with traditional dancing, on several nights of the week on Tongatapu and in Vava'u.
Tonga is lively well into the evening, generally becoming suddenly very quiet at around 11PM. Expect to see people walking around until late. Beer and liquor are available from many outlets, including Fijian, Australian and New Zealand imports to complement the local brews. If you are keen to check out native drink, try Kava (something like liquid novacaine) at least once.
The local beer is called Ikale and is sold in 330 ml bottles in most restaurants and bars (4.50-5 Pa'anga). Or you can buy the same bottles from one of the many 'Chinese' roadside shops or a supermarket for 2 Pa'anga or less. Imported beers are mainly from Australia although there are also some from Europe. Most are sold in 330 ml cans or bottles.
There is a wide range of accommodation in Tonga, ranging from luxurious to budget. Most have relatively few rooms, though. The Tonga Visitors Bureau has a full listing. See detailed listings on the pages for Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai.
If you don't work you don't eat. Tongans don't want to hear that its hard on the coral beaches lined with palm trees and emerald lagoons. There are many opportunities for skilled trades from the streets to the shops, in the schools to the churches and yes from the markets to the office. This is a hot spot for skilled navigators spanning throughout 169 villages and 150 islands. Some major exports include Vanilla, handcrafts and specialty pumpkins grown for export to Japan. Other agriculture sectors include root crops like taro, tapioca, sweet potatoes, yams, coconuts, bananas, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, watermelons and even peanuts.
If you are on a visitor's visa, you cannot be involved with business or take up employment while in Tonga. You also cannot take courses from an educational institution. It is mostly illegal to try to change a visitor's visa into a visa that allows for employment, so if you intend to have a job while in Tonga, make sure you have an employment visa in advance. Apply for your visa at least one month in advance. If you are already in Tonga and would like to extend it, contact the immigration department one month in advance about the extension.
While employment visas are technically available, the immigration department will probably be reluctant to granted you one as Tonga has a high unemployment rate, and would prefer that jobs be taken up by Tongan citizens as opposed to outsiders. If you're coming to Tonga for humanitarian or volunteer work, you need an employment visa for that.
One thing to remember when going for a swim is that there are many sharp corals near the beach, especially near Tongatapu and PangaiMotu. It is a good idea to wear a cheap pair of sandals while in the water. There are jelly fish and they do sting! They are also hard to see. It is a good idea to have a bottle of vinegar handy in your bag to help treat any stings.
There is no malaria in Tonga.
Exercise the usual caution when snorkelling as the coral can be dangerous.
For maximum respect, keep your knees covered (both men and women). Men, keep your shirt on everywhere except at the beach. Topless men off cruise liners have been arrested and held until after the ship has left! This is a very conservative Christian country. Keep in mind that Sunday is strongly revered, the vast majority of the population will attend religious services, very few shops will be open and there is very little to do. Hotels will be open, as will some restaurant and beach resorts, although mainly to serve expats and tourists. Small shops, including, in Nuku'alofa, a popular bakery, may open later on Sunday afternoon.
TV stations close or play Christian shows on Sundays. Radio stations will also play religious on Sundays. To compensate, the cinema in Nuku'alofa usually has a screening just after midnight on Monday morning.
Tonga features many major Christian denominations; the Mormon church especially has a widespread presence. Many of the services are very enjoyable. Strike up a friendship with some locals and you will have no problems finding an enjoyable Sunday experience despite the lack of commercial activity.


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OTTAWA — A controversial proposal from a Conservative backbencher to legally define fetuses as human beings — and reopen the abortion debate — will have its day in the House of Commons.
Tory MP Stephen Woodworth wants Parliament to create a committee of politicians whose task it will be to review a law that stops short of defining unborn children as "human beings."
A committee of MPs has agreed to give Woodworth at least one hour of debate sometime in April. He will receive a second hour of debate sometime either in late spring or early fall.
If parliamentarians agree to Woodworth's request, a special committee would review Section 223 of the Criminal Code, which says a child becomes "a human being . . . when it has completely proceeded, in a living state, from the body of its mother."
That section of the Criminal Code says a homicide on a child happens when someone "causes injury to a child before or during its birth as a result of which the child dies after becoming a human being."
The review, he argues, is needed because the law is based on a 400-year-old definition of human being.
"If a child five minutes before birth can be defined as not a human being, then the question is who's next?" he argued.
Woodworth said his proposal will be wrapped up in the emotions that surround the abortion debate, but he doesn't intend to back down even though his own party has said the government has no interest in reopening the abortion debate.
"The prime minister and justice minister have to speak for themselves. I don't take any issue with any statement that the government won't reopen this debate," he said.
"I'm acting as a private member."
Since 1988, Canada has had no legal restrictions on abortion.


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All of last week 16 teams got together to participate in the Nike+ Basketball Berlin 5 on 5 tournament. A perfect way to introduce the new Nike+ Basketball shoes and technology, the teams gave everything on court and were able to track their performance via the technology embedded into their shoes.
The highlight of the tournament was of course the visit by NBA player Dirk Nowitzki last weekend who even participated in the 'Bump Out' game towards the end of the tournament.
We visited the action packed tournament and can show you today a nice photo and video recap of the games, the action and of course also of Dirk Nowitzki.
Photography: Robert Wunsch, Laura Palm / Highsnobiety.com


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'Riverdale' Post-Show Analysis, Season 1 Episode 8: 'The Outsiders'
This week, Veronica throws a party, Alice Cooper throws a righteous fit, and a couple of guys throw punches at Moose. Poor Moose. Guy just wanted to lift some rocks. "The Outsiders" was written by Julia Cohen and directed by David Katzenberg.