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Item Description
Letter, Hugh S. Walsh to Lewis Cass, Secretary of State
Author: Walsh, Hugh Sleight
Date: November 19, 1858
Acting Governor Hugh S. Walsh wrote from Lecompton, Kansas Territory to Secretary of State Lewis Cass. Walsh requested permission to use $3000 remaining from funds appropriated for the August 1858 election as a means to offer rewards for the capture of James Montgomery, John Brown, and other Free State supporters allegedly engaged in violence in southeastern Kansas Territory.
Location of Original: KSHS Call Number: James W. Denver Collection, #328, Box 1, Folder 13
Item Number: 101292 Number of images: 3
Keywords: Brown, John, 1800-1859; Cass, Lewis, 1782-1866; Jayhawkers; Montgomery, James, 1814-1871; Proslavery perspective; Violence; Walsh, Hugh Sleight
pg. 1
pg. 2
pg. 3


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ALL Republican Delegates Can Vote Their Conscience
We noted last week that it's still possible for Ron Paul to score an upset win over Mitt Romney.
Indeed, the nonpartisan Center for Voting and Democracy (CVAD) reported last December that the the legal counsel for the Republican National Convention said delegates can vote for whoever they want at the National Convention:
As set out in the Rules of the Republican Party, delegates have the ability to vote according to the delegates' preference, even if that is contrary to the outcome of each state's primary. According to one source, the legal counsel for the Republican National Convention in 2008 stated: "[The] RNC does not recognize a state's binding of national delegates, but considers each delegate a free agent who can vote for whoever they choose." Thus, if a delegate were to challenge his or her ability to vote as a free agent, he or she would have grounds under Rule 38.
Ironically, the legal counsel rendered her opinion when a Utah delegate wanted to vote for Mitt Romney in the face of the Utah delegation as a whole going for John McCain.
CVAD continues:
For further clarification on the meaning of Rule 38, it is instructive to look to the debate in 1964 when the RNC debated whether to strike the Rule 38 language from a proposed amendment that was adopted that year. The debate begins on page 64 of this source. The RNC voted 59 to 41 to keep the rule in the amendment, noting that it helped to clarify a longstanding practice that a delegate was free to take exception to the roll call, and was free to vote his or her preference. Those who sought to strike the rule feared that its inclusion in the rules would give delegates freedom from both a non-existent legal obligation and a moral obligation to vote according to instructions from their state. However, even these opponents of the rule admitted that there never has been any legal obligation for a delegate to do so.
In other words, all Republican delegates – no matter what state they are in – can vote their conscience … even if someone tells them they have to vote for a particular candidate.

subset: commoncrawl


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credit Ana Feleo
A beautiful tribute to David from us, his fans, this video truly speaks for itself. If he has any doubt that we'll be here when he returns from his mission, he can watch this video and those doubts will quell away. Fans are represented from all over the world. I watched it through tears of happiness.
A special thank you to @starrynites01, @pastelpastel and @zerogravity1 for putting this together and to all the fans who participated.


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Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Thank you for visiting GoPicnic. Your privacy is very important to us. This statement applies solely to information collected at the GoPicnic websitewww.gopicnic.com. This privacy policy was last revised on February 1, 2011.
The Information We Collect
GoPicnic may collect information through our Web site from registration and order forms. In order to carry out an online purchase, we will need to collect certain information such as your name, billing address, and credit card data. We may also collect names and addresses you may divulge about other people for gift purchases. GoPicnic will also collect your e-mail information when you voluntarily sign up for our free e-mail newsletter and other marketing opportunities. To receive our products and services, some information is mandatory. Other information we request is optional. If you choose not to provide the information we request, you may be unable to purchase products, or access certain services, offers and content on our website.
How We Use the Information
The information collected by GoPicnic will be used internally to execute and track your purchase orders. Users who have signed up for e-mail from GoPicnic will occasionally receive product updates, special events and offers and newsletters from GoPicnic only. We may share data with companies or persons to provide certain services including credit card processing, shipping, and fulfillment. These service providers will be provided only with the information needed for them to perform these contract services. We will not sell, rent, or distribute any of your personally identifiable information to any company not directly related to the buying, shipping, and servicing of our products. We may offer links to other Web sites. Please note: When you click on links to other Web sites, we encourage you to read their privacy policies. Their standards may differ from ours.
Privacy Options
If you prefer not to receive traditional mail or other offline promotions from us, please let us know by contacting us at [email protected].
Our Commitment to Security
We have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and help prevent unauthorized access, maintain data security, and correctly use the information we collect.
How to Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about our Privacy Policy or its implementation please contact us at [email protected].


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To search for an item, enter a keyword, name or any other search criterion in the box below. Then click on the Search button.
Try the Advanced search if your search returns too many items.
From any point in eMuseum, you can initiate a simple search by entering a word or phrase in the box at the bottom of the main navigation bar (at left), and then by clicking on the "go" button. For example, you can enter a person's name, a title of a work of art, a date, or any other search term, and eMuseum will find all instances of it and return the results to you.


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| SCLS Home
These online information resources can help you find the reliable answers you need. All you need is a library card to access most of them from home because they're made available by your public library, the South Central Library System, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) through the BadgerLink project, and LSTA funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. As an added bonus you also can turn to a librarian for additional help at your public library. (marketing materials)
|Information for Business -- Maintaining your competitive business edge is a never-ending challenge, and you need reliable answers to your every-day questions. Whether you have questions about starting a new business, establishing an employee compensation program, or expanding your business through an online store, you've come to the right place!
|Information about Genealogy -- Do you have specific questions about your family's history, or do you just need more general information about how to conduct genealogical research? Either way, you've come to the right place!
|Information for Consumers -- You work hard for your money, so if you have to make a major purchase and want to ensure that you get the most value possible, you've come to the right place!
|Information for Readers -- Reading tastes are very personal, influenced by factors too numerous to mention. How you find what you read is also often haphazard, but it needn't be. There are many online resources that can guide you, so you've come to the right place!
|Information for Students and Teachers -- The Internet is a valuable tool for teachers and students, and finding reliable and current information can be a challenge. But you've come to the right place!
|Information for Wellness -- Managing your medical, health, fitness, nutrition and recreation information needs can be a daunting challenge, but you've come to the right place!
SCLS Home
Page created 02/06.
South Central Library System
4610 South Biltmore Lane
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 246-7970
Toll-free: (855) 516-7257


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There are two weeks until the end of the non-waiver trade deadline, and if you are a Phillies fan then you should be crossing fingers and praying the team gets scorching hot through the end of July.
This is not some hallucination by someone who believes there is still hope for October baseball. There are straightjackets available for those deluded souls.
No, the reason the Phillies need to make a phantom rally coming out of the All-Star break is solely a value play – as in trade value.
Unless this happens, July 31 probably won't carry with it as much desperation and activity as on the trade market as many of you hope it will.
As general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. stated last week, it is tough to trade players who are under-performing, and even tougher to trade players who are spending at least some of July on the disabled list.
'If you have guys who are hurt, they don't move anywhere,' Amaro said. 'If guys aren't performing, they don't move.
'We have some guys who are performing, so we'll see how much interest there is in those guys.'
The Phillies do have players who are performing. Marlon Byrd has a .795 OPS, which ranks 19th out of 57 outfielders with at least 298 plate appearances this season, just a shade behind the OPS of Melky Cabrera (.801), Jayson Werth (.807), Adam Jones (.810) and Hunter Pence (.819). He also comes at value, even if reports out of Seattle are true that Byrd wants his 2016 vesting option guaranteed in a trade to the Mariners. That would mean Byrd costs $20 million to an interested team for 2½ seasons, which is far less money than any of the above three will make in the same timeframe. Also, the Phillies are open to throwing a reasonable amount of money into a deal to make it work.
While the Phillies might want to deal Byrd in order to get younger, they do not have a need to trade the 36-year-old. If they don't get the deal they want, they can repeat the process next summer if necessary. Considering they don't have any young outfielders banging down the door to take Byrd's place in right field, this represents the most control they have of a trade situation.
Another player with solid trade value is left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo, who is making a humble $2 million this year and has another year of arbitration remaining before becoming a free agent. Over the last four seasons, only five relievers in the majors – Aroldis Chapman, Koji Uehara, Craig Kimbrel, Tyler Clippard and Kenley Jansen – have a better hits-per-nine-innings ratio than Bastardo's 5.74.
The rest of the landscape is far less friendly.
Closer Jonathan Papelbon desperately wants to go to a contender, but his $13 million vesting option in 2016 is a big worry to interested teams, who don't really want to pay much of his $13 million in 2015, either.
Kyle Kendrick might have been of sneaky value to a team needing a solid inning-eater in their rotation, but an ERA in the mid-4s and an annoying habit of putting his team in a first-inning hole makes the right-hander far less desirable.
Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins have full no-trade rights that constrain the market for them, and neither staple in the middle infield has expressed a wild desire to make that change of heart.
Cliff Lee and Carlos Ruiz could have been intriguing trade chips, but both have been spending quality time in Clearwater on the mend. Lee's contract remains far too massive to gamble on his tender elbow, unless he can make his three July starts with the Phillies sing a dominating tune. Considering he just allowed eight runs in his last rehab start, this doesn't seem a reasonable expectation. The good news is he might make it through waivers this August.
Ruiz, meanwhile, is dealing with his latest concussion and has been slow to come around from it. The Cardinals are desperate to find a replacement following the devastating loss of Yadier Molina to a sprained thumb that required surgery, but a replacement has to be durable first and foremost. That does not fit Ruiz's history at all.
The most disappointing thing about the first half of the season wasn't the fact that we have clear and undeniable proof that advancing age and a catastrophic Achilles' tendon injury have rendered Ryan Howard a 260-pound albatross. It isn't Domonic Brown going from an All-Star to a ditch in the side of the road. It isn't even Lee feeling a twinge in his elbow that has all but nuked his chances of being traded in the next six weeks.
The most disappointing thing has been the utter lack of progress in figuring out what the few position players within the organization either expected to be big-league ready now or by season's end.
The plan was for Freddy Galvis and Darin Ruf to be at the ready in case any of the veterans needed their playing time pared, or if their performances warranted increased opportunities. Jokes about Galvis' woeful performance at the plate in the few weeks he was in the majors, the biggest problem with the star-crossed infielder has been his inability to stay off the disabled list, from broken bones to, of all things, a MRSA infection. Ruf has had similar issues, although his latest injury arose when the Phillies somehow decided they couldn't find him enough playing time on this offensive juggernaut and sent him back to Triple-A, where he fractured his wrist crashing into a wall.
Then there is Maikel Franco. After tearing it up in Clearwater and Reading last season, then impressing the coaching staff with his tools in spring training, there were many in the organization who were prepared to give the young corner infielder a chance to be the Manny Machado or Yasiel Puig for the Phillies. Instead, Franco struggled badly in the opening three months, so much so that the organization had to pass on the moment even when an obvious opportunity to have him push into the big-league lineup – a disabled-list stint for Cody Asche – arose.
Those delays only further muddy the vision Amaro and Co. can have when figuring out their organizational needs. The Phillies need outfielders for certain, but not every contender has much quality in their system in the outfield. Pitching depth never goes out of vogue, but as the Phils are learning the hard way this year, even the best pitchers can't keep an offensively inept squad in games.
In truth, the fixes required go well beyond July 31, or August. The winter will be busy, and it remains to be seen if Amaro will be the one to handle moves that a hot two weeks in July won't fluff.


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$65 PayPal CASH - GET LUCKY GIVEAWAY
12-Hour FLASH Giveaway!!!
Is Today YOUR Lucky Day???
A few AWESOME Bloggers have teamed up to give you this wonderful St. Patrick's Day $65 PayPal CASH! We believe in quick, small, and easy giveaways! WHAT FUN! Good luck on today's giveaway!
Here are our WONDERFUL participating sites for this evening's 12-Hour FLASH Giveaway!! Check out these awesome sites when you have time!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Modified Power Wheels.com
:: Power Wheels & Peg Perego upgrades, Modifications, how to fix (powerwheels modifications)
24 Volts!
KidsWheels Specializes in Peg Perego and Power Wheels Parts and Machines
Authorized PowerWheels Service Center & Full-Line Hobby Store
Modified PW Apparel!
Welcome to the Internet's only dedicated site to Power Wheels Mods (Peg Perego and others are also VERY welcome!)
What can we help you with?
Power Wheels Forums!
- We have forums where you can get all of your questions answered! There are new posts everyday with many people just as excited about power wheels modifications as you are! Everything from adding a replacement battery, power wheels reviews, upgrading to more speed or a complete new suspension!
Power Wheels Videos!
- Videos that help you make some of the modifications we have made to our power wheels. We have videos with Dumar, peg perego and Powerwheels mods as well as all different types of vehicles. It is almost like having one of us there with you making the upgrade!
Be Careful!
- You make these changes at your own risk and more importantly the safety of your child is #1. Consider if your child is ready for a faster vehicle or one that can jump curbs before you put them in it!
Support and Parts!
- We have taken the time to test out replacement parts manufacturers, battery makers and even suppliers to make recommendations to you! Some are posted as links on the site or in narrative within the
For some interesting and fun Learning Toys for your little one check out:
Learning Toys
Just for girls!
We have started a section of the forums just for girls (the little girls, not moms, sorry dads are welcome to post). I started this site with my daughter and want to make sure there is a place for us to review powerwheels for girls, power wheels modifications for girls, and anything else related to girls and peg perego etc! Check out the power wheels for girls review area of the forum:
power wheels for girls
Need an addiction? Really? Well take a look at a top contributor to
the forums!
Top Recommended Vehicles
So we asked the experts what vehicles they recommended and here is the list in a somewhat top to bottom order:
The "grey" F150 seemed to be a popular PowerWheels in the forums. Comments included:
" I think the Grey F150 is a decent buy at $127. It's Super 6 so it has upgrade potential." from
"Ford F-150 wins my pic for most durable. Cause I rarely see one for repair. It's only weak point is the shifter design breaks. I sell very few tires so they must be holding out better then the others. And it has the best all terrain tire tread." from
The red mustang was popular for its realistic looks and large interior size. Comments included:
"1. Mustang (both my kids love Mustangs and it 'looks' like a real car." from
"I would definitely have to say the Mustang, it is by far my sons favorite, fast, roomy, and one of the most realistic looking Power Wheels." from
The Escalade. Some wanted pink and others black, but everyone liked the real opening doors and radio! Comments included:
"Easy to mod for lights and sound system as well as gear upgrades. Parts are also readily available. " from
"4. Escalade (cause it's huge and has opening doors, radio etc)" from
Frequently Asked Questions in the
. Be sure to check here first to get your question answered!
Battery Mods - Must Do's
What you should DO before changing or adding to your powerwheels battery!
If you are new to modding, you should read this!
Some basic tips for those new to mossing powerwheels or modifying peg perego or any other brand!
Battery Mods-DONT'S
What NOT to do when changing or adding to your Powerwheels Battery
FAQ - How do I install a new battery?
So you have the new battery for your powerwheels but how do you put it in?
FAQ - Traction Bands /Increased Traction
Everyone wants more traction. Becareful! Traction bands are bad (and a waste of money)
FAQ - Where can I buy batteries?
OK so we have a theme here. More about Powerwheels or Peg perego batteries.
FAQ - Connecting batteries to get 18 volts
Again with the batteries! Thats right it is the most common and easiest upgrade for your peg perego or powerwheels ride on.
FAQ - Battery connectors
OK enough with the batteries, but if you are going to add batteries to make your powerwheels faster, you better do it right!
FAQ - What paint to use on plastic & Painting tips
Now that you have more batteries you want your powerwheels or Peg perego to look good right?
FAQ - Unibody front end sag/alignment fix
Powerwheels Jeeps tend to sag a bit. Not just because mom decided to take one for a spin either! Here is how to fix your powerwheels sag.
FAQ - Which charger should I use?
Well you have new batteries and no good way to charge them except the old power wheels charge? Get rid of that powerwheels charger and step up to a much better option.
FAQ - Push Nuts (Things that hold the wheels on)
These things can be annoying, but the are alternatives and methods to keep them from breaking.
FAQ - how to post a picture
At some point you are going to want to show us what you are doing to modify your power wheels or peg perego ride on. You do this by posting pictures.


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Big Brother is Now.
collection of fools geniuses in congress just passed (and the President signed — WTF?), a bill which, among other things, will outlaw 100-watt incandescent light bulbs by the year 2012. By 2014, you won't be able to buy an incandescent bulb brighter than 40 watts.
I can see myself in a hardware store in 2012:
Jimbo: I would like a 100-watt light bulb to replace the one in my reading light that burned out.
Clerk: Sorry, pal. No can do. I could go to the slammer for selling them.
Jimbo: Damn, I forgot. How about two 50's?
Clerk: No problem. Maybe you should stock up, because in two years I won't be allowed to sell those either.
Jimbo: I don't think I will, because I suspect that, by then, possession of a 50-watt bulb will be an indictable offense.
We're told that we'll be better off and the planet will be better off if we use billions of light bulbs that contain mercury, a highly toxic substance. Oy!
I believe that some day (maybe even in my lifetime) historians will look back on the havoc that will have been wrought by the detestable Al Gore and his high school science project caliber movie and wonder, "What the hell were they thinking?"
Via C&S


text: Will Parnell, Early Childhood Education faculty in the Graduate School of Education, received the 2012 National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators' Award for Technology Leadership in Early Childhood Education at the association's annual conference in Atlanta, Nov. 7. Parnell's 2012 paper, "iDocument: How Smartphones and Tablets are Changing Documentation in Preschool and Primary Classrooms," published in the National Association for the Education of Young Children's journal Young Children, served as the impetus for the award. The president of NAECTE had this to say: "Will's ability to help students construct a bridge between technology and documenting to make learning visible is amazing. Adults are not always comfortable with technology, but Will's expertise makes them realize that technology is their friend and not an obstacle to overcome. The work Will has done with teachers, children and technology has not gone unrecognized."


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Octopus Canvas Wristlet Bag
Keep your coins, cards and makeup handy while you're on the go with this Octopus zip purse.Made from certified organic natural cotton canvas, with an elegant curved metal zip and attached wristlet strap, it is the perfect accessory bag for holding loose change, stashing away make up and carrying around your everyday essentials on its own or inside a larger bag! This natural canvas zipper pouch features a colourful orange octopus print on the front and makes a wonderful gift for a sea lover. A great small gift, or fun stocking filler!
Like this design but looking for something else? This octopus print is also available on other products too!
Key Features:
- 100% natural 12oz brushed canvas
- Ethically Produced and printed in the UK
- Vibrant and durable heat applied image
- Vintage style metal zip
- Flat bottom for extra storage space
- Cute illustration by Ceridwen Hazelchild Design
The illustration was inspired by country walks and local wildlife. Woodland animals and fairy tales are a main source of inspiration for my artwork, and this lampshade illustrates the magic of storytelling and the natural world.
Size:33 cm x 23 cm x 11cm (13 inches x 9 inches x 4 ¼ inches)
Please note that these zipper pouches are made from natural fabric and some slight differences in colour, weave and size may occur. The transfers are applied individually and are stitched in my studio and, as with all handmade items, please allow for some minor variation in each finished product..
Delivery InformationUK: 3-5 working days - Free UK Shipping!
Worldwide: 8-30 working days - Cost Calculated at Checkout
Please ensure you have read our delivery information before purchasing, as any holiday last postage dates or changes to expected delivery times will be posted in the Delivery Page. The "Tracked Delivery" option available at the checkout is recommended, particularly if ordering from outside the UK.
About Ceridwen Hazelchild DesignAt Ceridwen Hazelchild Design, I believe in the importance of caring for our planet, which is why I offer a range of delightfully designed reusable totes to help you live an eco-friendly lifestyle. My prints draw inspiration from nature, tradition and everyday objects, and use a mixture of natural hues and bright colour to create a unique and quirky style.
All text, designs and images © Ceridwen Hazelchild.


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svizzerams wrote:
She's right on target FF.
Ok, to you now, I've already asked pre-menstrualskies for evidence of this assertion - that I, flipflop, have ruined the BFC by driving away a lot of posters.
You're not going to make that accusation so breezily without it being examined. So, again, I want names of the posters, the times they 'left' (how do you 'leave' a virtual space anyway?), and I want evidence that they say it was me, flipflop, and my behaviour, that drove them away. Sworn testaments, affidavits, confessions to priests, anything that gives a fucking SHRED of evidence that I'm responsible for them leaving. And there better be fucking reams of it, not just a biodegradable postcard from old Bronco up on his mountain.
Until you provide me with that, you're not even on the same fucking firing range, never mind being 'right on target'.


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Buying Stories - 11 Article(s)
Showing 1 - 11 of 11
Once upon a sunny February afternoon, four members of the LUSH team went to visit our free range egg supplier, Rabbit River Farms. Read more
We source our rose oil from Kazanluk, Bulgaria. The rose oil is so valuable here that each day's production is stored in bank vaults. Read more
Highly valued in perfumery for its deep, woody aroma and antibacterial properties, we use sandalwood in our Luxury Bath Melts and skincare to tone and soothe the skin. Read more
"I always find Mo, my wife, difficult to understand, but that can then be expressed through music. I don't really get her - she always leaves a little bit to be revealed..." -Mark Constantine, LUSH founder and product inventor Read more
Joining a Buying trip is much sought after privilege at LUSH. Our Buyers visited orange, lemon and bergamot groves, witnessed trees heaving with fresh fruits, and the extraction process. Read more
We've got a lovely bunch of coconut oil, and it comes from Indonesia. Read more
The quality of our ingredients is integral to the quality of our products. That's why we personally visit our suppliers. Read more
LUSH Buyers Jo and Gabbi visit our Extra Virgin Olive Oil supplier in Sindyanna. This peaceful cooperative explains the process behind taking the juiciest little olives and turning them into olive oil. We're proud to use and support Sindyanna olive oil. Read more
We lovingly make our products and gifts by hand. Find out where our paper is loveingly made by hand. Read more
We travel the world to find the best, most ethically sourced ingredients, even all the way to Australia. Read more
One of our favourite ingredients, Shea butter comes from a women's cooperative in Ghana. Read more
Showing 1 - 11 of 11


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Stanczyk, frequently has written about the online inventories where the Kielce Gubernia/Wojewodztwo parish records, scanned images or indexes exist. I have written about Geneteka, GenBaza, etc. But did you know that Family Search also has some?
Buried within:
You can find the list of parishes at: Family Search (Kielce)
At present we find parishes have some online scans:


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OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN), a leading provider of irrigation systems and infrastructure products, announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.115 per share, payable November 30, 2012, to shareholders of record on November 16, 2012.
About the Company
Lindsay manufactures and markets irrigation equipment primarily used in agricultural markets which increase or stabilize crop production while conserving water, energy, and labor. The Company also manufactures and markets infrastructure and road safety products through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Barrier Systems Inc. and Snoline S.P.A. At June 25, 2012, Lindsay had approximately 12.7 million shares outstanding, which are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNN.
For more information regarding Lindsay Corporation, see Lindsay's Web site at www.lindsay.com. For more information on the Company's infrastructure products, visit www.barriersystemsinc.com and www.snoline.com.
Concerning Forward-looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties and which reflect management's current beliefs and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. You can find a discussion of many of these risks and uncertainties in the annual, quarterly and current reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the company and those statements preceded by, followed by or including the words "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," "expectation," "outlook," "could," "may," "should," "will" or similar expressions. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release.
Lindsay Corporation:
Jim Raabe, 402-827-6579
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Halliburton Investor Relations:
Hala Elsherbini or Geralyn DeBusk, 972-458-8000
Source: Lindsay Corporation


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NeoPixels are incredibly smart LEDs that can be programmed and serially chained. In this how-to article, we will learn how to connect multiple NeoPixel modules together and control all of them using the micro:bit.
The Magic Of Pixels
NeoPixels are multicolor LEDs that have a special chip integrated into them that allows them to be chained together, and each LED can be addressed individually. Unlike most other devices, NeoPixels only use a single wire for communication, and none of the LEDs need address pin settings. NeoPixels can be individually addressed when the first LED in the sequence looks at the streamed data from the microcontroller and only responds to the first data packet. All data packets after that packet are for LEDs down the chain, so the first LED repeats all the data coming to it to the next LED, save for the first packet.
Connecting multiple NeoPixels is very easy and only requires three wires. The first wire, the power wire, is needed to power the NeoPixel module (in our example, we connect this to the MicroBit's 3V pad). The second wire is the ground wire that connects to 0V, and the third wire connects the second NeoPixel's in pad to the first NeoPixel's out pad. The out pad on the NeoPixel Spark ring can be found on the top left (it's a small via labeled on the top side of the PCB).
Coding Multiple NeoPixels
NeoPixel addresses are incremental, so if the first NeoPixel module has 10 LEDs (addresses 0 to 9), the first LED in the next NeoPixel module will have the address 10 (counting from 0). This makes addressing them easy, so long as you know how many LEDs are on each module and which order that module is in. This how-to uses a micro:bit, so you first need to go use MakeCode.
The first block that we will be using is the "on start" block, which will execute code when the micro:bit starts. The code inside this block creates a NeoPixel object called "neo", and it is configured to use pin 1, use 48 LEDs, and use the GRB Format. We also set the brightness of the NeoPixels to 15 for two reasons. The first reason is that NeoPixels are incredibly bright, and a brightness level of 15 is comfortable for viewing when coding. The second reason is that the micro:bits cannot source a lot of current. Keeping the brightness low reduces the strain on the micro:bit's voltage regulator.
The second main block is the forever loop, which runs continuously. Since there are 48 LEDs in total, we start by executing a for loop 48 times (0 to 47). Then, on each loop, the NeoPixel LEDs are all cleared and then turn on one LED. The specific LED that gets switched on in each for loop is the one whose address is equal to n. For example, the first iteration of the for loop would see LED 0 turn on, and the second iteration would see LED 1 turn on. The result of this for loop is a red chasing LED that goes around each NeoPixel display in the chain.


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Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to get a little cheesy. So here I go:
I am thankful for you. And by "you" I mean any and everyone who has taken or is taking the time to read my website.
When I began CakeSpy in 2007, I thought it would be a way of combining my three greatest loves (writing, illustration, baked goods) in one place. As a hobby.
But it has become so much more--it has become not only my livelihood, but a big part of my identity and life.
So I guess I'm saying...thanks for supporting my life and livelihood by reading this sweet site. It makes my day that you might leave this site a little happier than when you came.
But you know what? I'm not just going to get cheesy in this post. I'm also going to give away a copy of MY BOOK, CakeSpy Presents Sweet Treats for a Sugar-Filled Life. It's not only a great read, it's full of sweet recipes!It's perfect to keep, or to give to a friend for the holidays (don't worry, I won't tell them you won it rather than buying). Oh, and I'll sign it for you too, and draw a unicorn in it. YES!
How to enter to win? It's so, so easy. All you have to do is a leave a comment on this post (don't panic if it doesn't show up RIGHT away--comment moderation is enabled) saying something you're thankful for. It can be sweet or savory or not even food at all--what is making you feel thankful this Thanksgiving?
This giveaway is open to everyone (US, abroad, whatevs), but it will close one week from today, November 29 at 5pm EST. Can't stand the idea of not winning? You can always shop online here, and use code AWESOME12 through next Monday for free shipping on all orders over $25.00.
Update: The winner! Mary from Winter Park, FL was chosen at random as the winner of this giveaway! Congratulations - and til next time, stay sweet!


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Raj Nandini Restaurant & Banquet offer Malai Kofta at Rs.210/- in Gorakhpur.
Rajnandini restaurant and banquet started in 30th of March, 2017. Experience the best Indian, Chinese, Tandoori cuisines with the warm ambiance. Entice your taste buds at Rajnandini with our range of exotic cuisine, With Our best Dining Services, With Healthier thalies (Veg & Non-Veg). Foodies paradise with Banquet Hall for all types of Parties, Bday Parties & For Meetings.
Copyright © 2017 - Rajnandini Restaurant & Banquet (Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh)
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Reign's "Haunted" Season 2: An "Awkward" Marriage and Killer Plague
Jul 24, 2014 6:33 PM EDT
Get ready for a lot of pretty people with bloody open sores on Reign. The CW series returns this fall after the death of the Darkness, who was keeping the Black Plague at bay through his sacrifices. "The plague is coming and lands at the castle… Read more


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Twelve Aprils Dairying
Instead of whispering to horses, Tom Trantham listens to cows. He's been listening and watching them ever since the day they broke out of their pasture and changed his life. It was April, 1989, and the Trantham dairy was going broke fast. Milk prices were stuck on a 1972 tune while feed costs were rocketing off the charts. Even though his Holsteins were winning South Carolina production awards, they couldn't produce enough milk to pay for their feed bill which gobbled up to 65% of the gross income. The newest weapon in a producer's arsenal back then was BST. Even though it was being touted as safe and the only way to pull ahead in the financial race, Tom feared for the long-term health of his cows. He wouldn't go for it.
"Financial advisors told me to get out of the business," recalls Tom. "They said there was no way for me to make it. Those were dark days; I'd wake up and think maybe the place had burned down or all the cows had died in the night and I'd be free."
Then one day the milkers pushed through the confinement feeding area into a seven-acre field full of natural lush April growth--lamb's quarters, rye grass, a little clover and fescue. At the next milk pickup there was a two-pound average increase per cow. At 92 cows, that was 184 extra pounds from grazing a field that had been scheduled for chemical burndown and planting in sorghum for silage.
Thinking maybe the cows were trying to tell him something, Tom opened all the gates on his farm and began experimenting with grazing. On the free-range April pastures, the cows produced about five pounds more each day and began leaving some of the total mixed ration (TMR). In the heat of May, production slowed and by June 1 had fallen to the pre-grazing level, while TMR costs were back up. But Tom had glimpsed the dairy farmer's dream of more milk on less money and was determined not to lose it.
With the encouragement of Mike Sligh of the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI), Tom took his idea to Clemson University professors Jean Bertrand and Fred Pardue who obtained a Southern Region SARE Research and Education grant to determine the feasibility of a minimum-input, financially sound grazing dairy. From 1994 through 1997, the SARE researchers monitored what Tom was doing and recommended changes based on their findings. At the end of the project they had a body of scientific knowledge to help other farmers, and Tom had a grazing dairy system.
"When I first started experimenting with grazing, production dropped to 15,000 pound average but I still paid my bills because of the decreased feed costs, " he says. "Profits continued to improve as I moved further away from conventional dairying."
Today Trantham's milkers consistently top an 18,000-pound average, and he thinks they can do even better as he tweaks the system with irrigation, smaller paddocks and other improvements. As a cooperator on a Southern SARE Professional Development project headed by Steve Washburn of NCSU Tom even toured grazing dairies in Ireland, seeking more ways to improve his system.
"That's where I learned I needed to reduce my paddock sizes," he recalls. "I saw first-hand how moving them every day or even every milking can minimize paddock damage and allow faster regrowth. I learned a lot about irrigation options and came home to install more than $10,000 worth of irrigation on my farm, a risk I would have considered reckless in the days when I would have invested that much and more in feed supplements. But unlike feed supplements, the irrigation will pay off for the rest of my life, not just for this season."
Tom is also experimenting with some lane materials as part of a SARE producer grant project, making him the only person to date who has participated in three types of Southern SARE grants. He continues to try new ideas and evaluate every part of the system for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
"My goal is to eventually net $60,000 per year with 60 milkers," he says. "When the new reservoir, roads and fencing are all finished, I can do that. The reservoir will hold 4.2 million gallons including every drop from the paddock run-off, roof drippings and driveways. My NRCS consultant says I will be the first person to ever wear out a drop of water. The system will irrigate 41 acres of summer and winter grazing crops, of which 18 acres are permanent grazing alfalfa."
A popular speaker at conferences, appointed to the USDA Small Farms Commission, past chair of the Southern Region SARE program and active in SSAWG, Tom is often asked how he finds time to manage his dairy. He readily admits to being away from home much more than he was in the old days, a plus that makes him feel guilty.
"What scares me is that I feel like I am goofing off," he says. "The Twelve Aprils system is what makes that possible."
Even though Tom relies on grazing for every month of the year, he does not consider himself a grazier.
"I am a dairy farmer, with the accent on farmer," he explains. "Every season I plant some sort of crop for the next season. This method would not work for someone who just wants to move cattle from one paddock to another between milkings and get maybe 6000-10,000 pound averages. But for someone who enjoys the farmer's life of planting and nurturing crops, this is a satisfying way to boost those averages up to what conventional milkers produce."


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Welcome to SLSJ
Welcome to the Students for Law and Social Justice Website.
Students for Law and Social Justice (SLSJ) is a South African students organization dedicated to protecting human rights, preventing discrimination and promoting social justice and the rule of law. The Society has been formed in partnership between students of the various universities of South Africa, with the aim to transform legal education and access to justice.


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Mother's Day Giveaway: Durex Remind Me I'm a Momshell Giveaway (5 winners)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Welcome to the Durex Remind Me I'm a Momshell Giveaway!
Please note: This giveaway is for an adult product. Wording here may not be appropriate for work or for small children.
Today's Giveaway is brought to you by Durex.
Utopia - a new female orgasm enhancement gel. Utopia has been created and tested by women for women using a unique combination of ingredients designed to stimulate, increase desire and bring you intense sensation. It is packaged like a high-end cosmetic in a small, glass vial (not a cheesy bright purple XXX-looking tube) and more than 80% of users have shown to achieve positive results. (Retail price between $16.99 and $21.99)
Quiver - Think "9 1/2 Weeks" and the refrigerator scene. Quiver is a unique, freezable cube lube. Quiver is pure skin-quivering silky smooth pleasure, packed in a cube. Use them over every inch of the body for icy, tingling massage or lubrication. Simply freeze, apply and wait for meltdown... Durex Utopia and Quiver are widely available at drugstores, including Target and Wal-Mart. (Retail price $6.99)
Author and sexologist, Dr. Sari Locker, shares some ways we busy moms (and our inner Momshells) can enhance our relationships on Mother's Day:
"Top 5 Ways My Husband Can Adore & Appreciate Me on Mother's Day"
1. Remind me of the woman I was before I was a mother....the woman you lusted after.
2. Create a sexy, spicy evening with the Durex Utopia gel - the latest and greatest "female arousal gel" which has been created and tested by women for women using a unique combination of ingredients designed to stimulate, increase desire and bring me intense sensation.
3. "2 Minutes in Heaven" - Kiss me for two minutes without stopping. My lips, my neck, the base of my throat -- don't stop kissing me until the two minute egg timer buzzes. Two minutes will never have tasted so good.
4. Re-create a sexy movie scene with you and me as the leads. Think "9 1/2 Weeks" and the refrigerator scene. Gather some grapes and berries and feed me one by one. Add in some Quiver from Durex -- freezable lubricant cubes that melt into massage oil. The product is skin-tingling silky smooth pleasure packed in a cube. Use them over every inch of my body for icy cool massage or lubrication. Simply, freeze, apply and wait for meltdown...I might not remember that I'm a mom after this evening.
5. Write me a love note -- just a few thoughts will go a long way. Begin each sentence with "what I love about you most is..." Include three to five things you love about me as a woman. Forget flowers and candy -- your words will fill my heart.
Results from the Durex Global Sexual Wellbeing Survey of 26,000 participants worldwide show that a happy sex life directly translates to a happier overall well being. And being happy -- well that makes for a fabulous Mother's Day.
You can also sign up for $25 in coupons for Durex products here.
My review:
These products are UNIQUE, and without getting into too much of the gory details, really enhanced the experience!
Durex sent me one of each of the products above to try, and they'd like to send them to 5 of my readers too!
Would you like to try these products?
Leave a comment here.
*Please remember to leave your email address if it not visible in your profile.
For extra entries, do any (or all!) of the following:
*Subscribe to my blog feed (Look for the orange Feedblitz icon) 1 entry
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*If you are not a blogger, email 3 friends and cc me 3 entries
*Grab my button (located on left sidebar) 2 entries
This giveaway is open to all US residents and will end at midnight EST on 5/14/09.
*Please note this product will not arrive in time for Mother's Day. It will be mailed to the winners by the sponsor.


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8-Channel Picture-In-Picture Video Processor With Audio Support
This advanced picture-in-picture processor provides users with a cost-effective solution of combining all or selected video
inputs together into different style of split-screen views for one screen display.
This PIP unit supports total of 8 standard video/audio
inputs with 2 composite video outputs and 1 audio output. All video and audio inputs will be synchronized
accurately so all camera feeds or other composite video feeds can be output simultaneously for smooth and sharp pictures without any glitch
This screen video processor provides user with various screen mode options such as the common quad screen mode and various
PIP screen modes for viewing additional video feeds on the main screen. It has more features and options than all other models on the market.
End users can control the screen formation and monitor multiple video input channels on single LCD monitor or projector from devices such as such as CCTV
surveillance camera, DVR, DVD players, camcorders, satellite receiver or other video systems.
Simple tasks such as watching DVD movie or satellite video on the main screen while keeping an eye on your nanny cam or
surveillance camera video from the smaller video window screen. Never miss a move on the front yard or miss start your favorite program.
2 composite RCA/BNC video outputs are available for displaying on two video monitors, or one for a monitor with the other for a surveillance VCR or DVR. There is also a VCR input port for connection with a surveillance VCR recorder to playback recorded video. Users can easily switch between live viewing and playback of the recording from VCR/DVR connection.
This video screen processor also supports video motion detection for all or selected video channels. Users can manually set up
motion detection area for each input channel with various sensitivity levels.
Great video screen processor for many visual applications such as live monitoring, video recording, multimedia entertainment
or any other visual application requiring presentation of multiple video windows on single TV monitor for screen display.
Easy Setup
This split-screen processor itself is a stand alone unit and fully plug and play. No complicated configuration and very easy to be set up by users of all
The major setup will be hooking up video cables between the video sources and the display or video recorder. Once done, the
operation will be controlled through the supplied IR remote or push buttons on the front panel.
Real-Time 18 Split Screen Modes
Each split screen mode is easily activated through using the push buttons on the front panel or the supplied IR remote controller. All the multi-channel screen matrix modes will be displayed on the monitor in cycle until the desired matrix selected for multi-channel split screen, 3-channel PIP, 2-channel PIP, single channel full screen display at any time with ease.
All video channels can be presented in the
following 16 different modes:
Automatic Sequence Switching Support
Sequence switching to cycle through all video inputs from various cameras or video devices can be done manually or by programming sequential dwell times of 1
to 99 seconds for each camera.
Auto channel sequence switching will display quad screen first and followed by each single channel full screen.
Audio Support
This 8-channel quad PIP video processor supports audio inputs and output. There are total of 4 audio inputs in 3.5mm headphone style so each video input has its
audio input channel to be associated with.
User can press the "VCR/ENTER" button on the front panel to toggle through all the audio input channels connected and
select the desired audio input for output to TV or video monitor, external
speakers or DVR for audio monitoring or recording purpose.
Easy On-Screen Configuration
This unit can be controlled through the push buttons on the front panel or the supplied remote controller. With user-friendly OSD setup menu provided for
settings related with the following fields as the actual screenshots below illustrates:
Time/Date Stamp Support
This device has a date and time stamp generator built in. The date/time stamp on the screen can be used for display and video recording. Users can
choose to show information of date, current time, channel description/title on video channels for display purpose and recording/capturing sessions.
date/time stamp can also be turned off manually too from the OSD system menu.
Advanced Motion Detection
This 8-channel quad video mixer system adopts the advanced motion detection on all channels. Great feature for all video monitoring and security
surveillance applications.
Motion detection function is available for all 4 channels simultaneously with adjustable 7-level sensitivity setup and can be set up easily from the on-screen system menu.
Each camera video input channel has a programmable 16 x 12 detection grid on the screen to customize motion detect
parameters such as target placement, object size and shape, time of day, trigger sensitivity and alarm buzzer delay.
Other motion detection functions and features including:
Alarm Support
This unit supports two type of audible alarm events for video loss and motion alert. And the alarm buzzer can be manually turned on or off upon discretion.
Universal Video System Support
This video converter switch supports worldwide TV video systems. It will automatic detect the input video system for NTSC, PAL or SECAM with selectable
NTSC or PAL output for display or recording by DVR or VCR.
If BNC input connectors are
needed, please refer to our PIPV4


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Toshiba 15 inch XGA 1024x768 TruBrite Clear SuperView LCD screen For Toshiba Satellite A40 a45 a45-s150 notebook pcs. Compatible p/n: P000367840 G33C0000L110 P000367850 G33C0000G110 P000367860 G33C0000M110 P000367870 G33C0000Q110 P000379090 G33C0000Q21, Toshiba SATELLITE-A40-A45-15-M.
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text: Ralph Lauren named his brand Polo because the sport represents a lifestyle of tradition and athletic elegance. Featuring timeless styling with a fresh design, all Polo sunglasses, including the Polo PH4061 Sunglasses, are designed to fit anyone by enhancing all aspects of your face. The Polo PH4061 Sunglasses come with the following features:


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Amid the destruction and nuclear crisis caused by the March 11 tsunami, there is a joke making the rounds in Japan: President Obama telephones Naoto Kan, Japan's prime minister… and asks to speak to his spokesman, Yukio Edano.
The joke reflects a widespread feeling that Prime Minister Kan has slipped into the background – he has made just three public addresses since the disaster – while Chief Cabinet Secretary Edano has become the government's public face in the midst of Japan's worst crisis since World War II.
Two weeks after an earthquake and tsunami laid waste to large parts of Japan's northeastern coastline, opinion is divided over Mr. Kan's handling of the relief effort and the nuclear emergency at Fukushima Daiichi power plant. According to a survey by Kyodo news agency this weekend, 58 percent of respondents said they did not approve of the government's handling of the nuclear plant crisis. Still, 58 percent said they did approve of the government's overall disaster-victim support in northeastern Japan.
But Koichi Nakano, a political science professor at Sophia University in Tokyo, says few people are looking to Kan for inspiration, preferring him to address myriad problems facing the country away from the media glare.
"The Japanese people aren't really looking to him for inspiration or to make rousing speeches, but to get on with relief and reconstruction and resolve the nuclear crisis," Mr. Nakano says.
Nakano shares a widely held view that no political leader could have prepared for the magnitude of the disaster. "These are not ordinary times. People aren't interested in politics right now, only in rebuilding their lives and securing food and water. Kan's not doing a perfect job, but I can't think of a single person who would have done better. This is a terribly difficult and messy situation."
Newspapers refrain from criticism
Newspaper editorials have called for a coordinated political response to the crisis but have so far refrained from criticizing Kan, who issued a plea for national unity at a rare press conference on March 25.
The opposition's promise to put aside partisan politics only stretches so far, however, as Kan discovered. The Liberal Democratic party leader, Sadakazu Tanigaki, turned down an invitation to become part of a grand coalition.
Kan had hoped to bring opposition politicians into an expanded cabinet and secure smooth passage for additional spending on relief and reconstruction.
But a senior Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) official told the Yomiuri Shimbun news outlet that Mr. Tanigaki feared guilt by association should the situation at the Fukushima plant deteriorate. "The prime minister may pass the buck to us," the unnamed official said.
Instead, Kan has appointed Sumio Mabuchi, a former transport minister, as a special adviser on the nuclear crisis, as well as bringing Yoshito Sengoku, a former chief cabinet secretary, as Edano's deputy.
Juggling disasters
While Kan focuses on attempts to avert a major nuclear accident, the death toll from the tsunami rose to over 10,000 over the weekend, adding to frustration that the relief effort is not being given enough attention by Kan's government.
"The government has to tackle these problems concurrently," the Yomiuri editorial said. "[Kan and Edano] are taking all the work upon themselves, but they are too busy dealing with the nuclear accident to handle other issues and have become trapped in a vicious cycle."
As government officials fend off accusations that information about radiation levels in the area is taking too long to reach residents, the news that Japan reportedly turned down a US offer, made within hours of the tsunami, to help cool down the reactors, probably won't help boost public perception.
Compared with predecessors
Still, Kan compares favorably with Tomiichi Murayama, who was prime minister when an earthquake killed 6,400 people in the western port city of Kobe in January 1995. While Kan quickly mobilized tens of thousands of self-defense force personnel, Prime Minister Murayama was widely perceived as having dithered as people lay dying beneath the rubble.
By the standards of his predecessors – perhaps with the exception of Junichiro Koizumi in his prime – Kan has used the kind of emotive language more often associated with US presidents on his few public appearances since the tsunami.
"We do not have time for pessimism," he said recently. "We will rebuild Japan from scratch.
"We are in a situation that is testing us as a nation," he added, and called on people to show the same unity and determination that had helped them "miraculously" recover after defeat in the war. "With the power of the people, we will rebuild this country."
It is easy to forget that just more than two weeks ago, Kan was fighting for his political life after admitting he had received donations from a foreign source in breach of Japanese funding laws.
The parlous state of the economy and the inability of the country's divided parliament to agree on how to tackle its huge public debt saw Kan's popularity ratings sink to about 20 percent, the lowest since he became leader last summer.
Nakano believes Kan would be foolish to ignore urgent policy issues – the budget, tax, and social security reform among them – that have been overshadowed by the tsunami and Fukushima.
For the moment, though, the scale of the challenges facing Japan has put a halt to the desire for political bloodletting that has seen four prime ministers resign since 2006.
"Whether or not Kan has succeeded in all of this will be determined by the outcome at the power plant," says Nakano. "The doomsday scenario that some predicted has yet to materialize, so we just don't know. It's too premature to make a judgment."


text:
U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
PDF of: Guidelines for Evaluating and Registering Archeological Properties bulletin (45MB)
Barbara Little
Erika Martin Seibert
Jan Townsend
John H. Sprinkle, Jr.
John Knoerl
Photo Credit: Adolph Bandelier at Pecos National Historical Park, New Mexico, in 1880. Photo taken by George C. Bennett, Museum of New Mexico.
Table of Contents
II. Historic Contexts for Archeological Evaluation
III. How are Archeological Properties Identified?
IV. Evaluating the Signficance of Archeological Properties
V. Preparing Documentation for National Register Eligibility and Listing
VII. Establishing Boundaries and Geographic Information
Appendix 1 - Multiple Property Submission Cover Documents Under Which Archeological Properties Have Been Nominated
|National Register Home | Publications Home | | Next Page


text:
54° f
Top Story: An openness to border fence
Originally published November 29, 2009 at 12:04 a.m., updated November 30, 2009 at 7:20 a.m.
Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is the best-known of the compounds that warms the earth's atmosphere, but some scientists want more attention paid to minimizing other greenhouse gases.
— Black carbon, or soot, may be the second leading cause of global warming. Unlike CO2, it remains in the atmosphere for only a few days or weeks.
— Hydrofluorocarbons have replaced ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons as common refrigerants but some are potent climate-warming compounds.
— Methane is more than 20 times as effective in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Man-made sources include landfills, farming and coal mining.
— Low-level ozone is formed by the interaction of sunlight with hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, which are emitted by automobiles, gasoline vapors, fossil fuel power plants and other sources.
Source: Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.
When it comes to climate change, carbon dioxide is seen by many as the biggest villain and the main target of a much-anticipated meeting next month in Copenhagen to fashion an international strategy on global warming.
But two high-powered scientists at the University of California San Diego and their colleagues are trying to focus attention on a handful of other climate enemies that lurk in the shadows. By quickly arresting soot, methane, low-level ozone and hydrofluorocarbons, the researchers said the world can delay climate change by roughly 40 years — enough time to significantly trim emissions of carbon dioxide.
So-called fast-action strategies generally rely on available technologies so that they can be launched in two or three years with relatively little cost, according to advocates for that approach.
They said trimming potent lesser-known pollutants will produce results in a matter of decades while carbon-dioxide remain in the atmosphere for centuries even after emissions stop. Many scientists say it's important to avoid raising the world temperature by 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above preindustrial levels, a "tipping point" at which they predict major irreversible problems such as disappearing ice sheets.
"As important as the CO2 side is, it's not enough to save us from irreversible and catastrophic changes," said Durwood Zaelke, a sustainable development expert at UC Santa Barbara. "We need these fast-action strategies to put the brakes on."
Such thinking is starting to spread and it may gain more traction because of a report issued last week by an international group of climate scientists. It said carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels have skyrocketed since 1990 and the effects of global warming appear to be worse than predicted just a few years ago.
"There remains some scientific uncertainty about some of these (non-CO2) pollutants' precise contribution to global warming. But a growing body of science points to a potentially significant role," Achim Steiner, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, said recently.
He called for urgent efforts to determine their impacts and options for reducing them.
Regardless, non-CO2 compounds aren't likely to be a major agenda item in Copenhagen, said Stephen Seidel, vice president for policy analysis at the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, a nonpartisan analysis group in Arlington, Va.
"In part, it's because the science has just been developing," he said. "Without that, it's hard to build up a scientific consensus."
Seidel said the fast-action strategy is potentially attractive but may get complicated by efforts to address several elements at once.
The Copenhagen meeting is expected to generate lots of talk about climate change — including a recent controversy over the accuracy of climate models — though a legally binding treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol is likely at least a year away. That's partly because carbon dioxide emissions are tightly linked to economic growth."After (Copenhagen), when people start churning out the numbers, they will realize it's not enough" to address carbon dioxide, said Veerabhadran Ramanathan, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, part of UCSD.
Ramanathan, Zaelke and others published an article last month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that called for a new emphasis on non-CO2 climate pollutants.
Zaelke called the paper "an effort to bring a little hope to the world that there are things we can do now."
Non-CO2 pollutants individually are less significant than carbon dioxide and they come from multiple sources. That makes attacking them less straightforward than reducing emissions from power plants and autos, the main sources of carbon dioxide.
"It's complex in terms of the science but it is incredibly simple in terms of mitigation because the technology is there," Ramanathan said.
Besides, Zaelke said, cutting lesser-known climate compounds means not having to fight big oil and car companies that have resisted slashing carbon dioxide.
Ramanathan's focus is black carbon soot, an aerosol produced by the incomplete combustion of diesel fuels and biofuels such as wood. It is now considered to be the second or third largest contributor to climate change and linked to melting of Himalayan-Tibetan glaciers that provide fresh water to billions of people in Asia and India.
Researchers consider black carbon an ideal target for achieving quick mitigation because it remains in the atmosphere just a few weeks. It can be reduced by expanding the use of diesel particulate filters on vehicles and clean-burning cookstoves to replace those burning dung and wood.
The U.S. Senate recently directed the Environmental Protection Agency to study the most cost-effective ways to cut black carbon emissions.
"We can lessen the threat of global warming and improve global public health," said Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., who pushed for the assessment.
Like black carbon, low-level ozone doubles as a major climate change agent and health hazard. It is formed by "ozone precursor" gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, methane and other hydrocarbons, many of which can be reduced by improving the efficiency of industrial combustion processes.
Ramanathan and others are optimistic about the world's ability to focus on non-CO2 compounds because they have a precedent. The Montreal Protocol, considered one of the most successful international environmental treaties, has led to the near elimination of dozens of ozone-depleting chemicals, some of which double as greenhouse gases.
"The Montreal Protocol has already delayed climate change by seven to 12 years and put the ozone layer on the path to recovery later this century," said Nobel laureate Mario Molina, a co-author of the paper and a chemistry professor at UCSD. "We have to take advantage of the proven ability of this legally binding treaty to quickly phase down hydrofluorocarbons."


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Virginia church group experiences tender mercy after rare Hill Cumorah Pageant cancellation
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On the evening of July 19, young men and women from the Winchester Virginia Stake (similar to a diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wandered the grounds of the Hill Cumorah Pageant awaiting the start of the nightly performance. Approximately 140 youth and leaders from 9 congregations had traveled nearly 400 miles by bus and car to visit the Palmyra New York Temple, see nearby LDS Church history sites and to enjoy the annual summertime pageant.
The outdoor spectacle, with its special effects and cast of hundreds, would be the pinnacle of a youth conference that was 11 months in the making and the sweet result of significant sweat equity by many leaders and families. But for many youngsters, and even some adults, the sacrifice would pay off with an uplifting, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As the 9:15 p.m. performance time approached, so, too, did ominous clouds. With the pageant set to begin, a storm lit up the sky like a tardy July Fourth fireworks display.
The crowd of nearly 9,000 listened quietly as a voice announced a 15-minute delay in hopes the electrical storm would pass and the show could safely begin. But 15 minutes later, the voice returned and made the announcement that broke hearts.
The show could not go on.
According to pageant president Dwight Schwendiman, for just the second time in 15 years and fifth time in 37 years, a performance of the Hill Cumorah Pageant was cancelled.
Eleven months of careful planning, penny pinching and prayer had led to this: a mad scramble back to a soggy parking lot. The young men and women were devastated. A tender, confused 14-year-old girl stopped me in the dash to the two charter buses. "So, we don't get to see the pageant?"
My heart ached. If I could have found a costume and climbed to the stage, I would have.
The next morning, our two buses and a caravan of chaperones made the short drive from our lodging at Hobart and William Smith College in Geneva, N.Y., to the Peter Whitmer farm in Waterloo for a final stop and a testimony meeting. From there we would make the eight-hour drive home. The sting from the night before had eased, but all were still disappointed to have missed something some had waited years to see.
Then, just as quickly as the show had been cancelled, a tender mercy arrived from heaven in a most unusual way.
At one point during our tour of the grounds, I noticed both drivers huddled around the back of one of our buses with parts strewn across the ground. We learned that one of the buses had experienced a major computer malfunction and wouldn't start. It didn't take long for them to determine the bus would not be going anywhere but on the back of tow truck.
The drivers called their main office in Virginia, half-jokingly ruled out sabotage, and began hunting for a plan B, C and D to get us home. However, there were few options and no replacement buses to be found nearby. The best solution was for our charter company to send a new bus all the way from home. It could arrive no sooner than 8 p.m.
After counseling with conference leaders and chaperones and with unanimous support of the youth, inspired stake President Randall Bartlett announced we would remain in the area all day, attend the pageant that evening at 9:15 p.m. and return home immediately after.
We needed to call every single parent or guardian to let them know the change in plans and seek permission to adjust the schedule. But they couldn't have been surprised — they must have heard the cheers and tears all the way from Virginia.
Creative leaders sprung into action to arrange additional meals, activities and new transportation plans to get our youth back to the pageant grounds with half as many seats. Every time a new wrinkle rose to the surface, prayer and faith ironed out an answer.
At 9:15, under gorgeous skies that looked like the set designers painted them, the pageant began and our church family settled into the massive crowd to watch the story of the Book of Mormon unfold.
As expected, the pageant was magnificent!
After 11 p.m., we boarded the buses and began the long drive home. The buses arrived at 7 a.m. and parents quickly hugged their children before racing off in all directions to attend their respective congregations in places like Luray, Virginia and all the way to Petersburg, West Virginia. Even the weary leaders who'd driven all night went straight to church.
Since our return, I've had the opportunity to chat with many of the youth. They learned in a most mature manner that even if they hadn't seen the pageant, life would have rolled on. The gospel would still be true, God would still love them and the trip would have been valuable and memorable in other ways.
They also learned that tender mercies take the form of many things. Sometimes they look like patient parents, careful and alert drivers, strangers willing to lend a hand and leaders willing to go the extra mile — even in the middle of the night.
Of course, they also learned that sometimes heaven doles out tender mercies that look a lot like broken buses.


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MACON, Ga. (AP) Travis Smith scored 18 points, Daniel Coursey added 17 and Langston Hall had a double-double as Mercer pulled away from East Tennessee State for a 78-59 win Thursday night in Atlantic Sun Conference action.
Smith had 13 points in the second half and Coursey 15 for the Bears (11-8, 4-2), who are off to their best home start (7-0) since 1973-74.
Hall finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Bud Thomas added 11 points for Mercer.
The Buccaneers, who defeated Florida Gulf Coast 85-75 Saturday after overcoming a 19-point second-half deficit, trailed the Bears by 11 with 4 seconds to go until intermission and could get no closer after the break.
Mercer was 19 of 23 from the free-throw line, compared to 5 of 17 for East Tennessee State.
Jarvis Jones, who scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half, led the Buccaneers (4-14, 2-3).


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Continuing with his Build a Better Threat week, Veneretio has posted on TankingTips.com about a proposed Threat Forumla evaluation based on Equivalent Threat Points (ETP). Basically this is a method of normalizing everything based on stats that increase the items value as a threat producing item.
It is loosely based on Gingamok's Rule of Thumb:
0.6-0.7% hit = 1% crit = 29 block value = 49 AP
Which Veneretio derives the following values:
- 1 Hit Rating = 10 ETP
- 1 Crit Rating = 4.76 ETP
- 1 Agility = 3.45 ETP
- 1 Block Value = 3.57 ETP
- 1 Strength = 4.17 ETP
- 1 Attack Power = 2.08 ETP
I think this is an interesting concept so I took these values and hopped over to one of my favorite loot evaluation sites, Lootzor.com.
It is interesting to see the results filtered for Low Raid zones and below. Remember, that this does not value any defensive stats other than agility. Armor, doge, nor stamina get any rating here.
Of these drops, I'd pay good money to see the MT battling it out with the melee DPS'ers over most of these items.
I'm sure the melee DPSers in your guild will gladly pass the [item]Drape of the Dark Reavers[/item] to you!<


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JDT UI/Java8
This page tracks the work in progress to add Java™ 8 support (mainly jsr308 "Type Annotations" and jsr335 "Lambda Expressions") into Eclipse JDT UI. See JDT Core/Java8 for the work in the JDT Core plug-ins.
Test matrix
|Lambda Expressions
|Method references
|Default Methods
|Type Annotations / Receiver parameter
|Typing, reconciler
|Syntax coloring
|Semantic highlighting
|Mark occurrences
|Content assist
|Type hierarchy
|Quick assists
|Quick fixes
|Clean ups
|Refactoring operations (core)
|Refactoring UIs
|Javadoc (hover, view)
|Source actions
|Call hierarchy
|Tested and works, but can be improved (e.g. by adding Quick Assists or Quick Fixes)
|Not done yet
(1) more work needed if spec changes
Work areas
- set ASTProvider.SHARED_AST_LEVEL to JLS8 (bug 403927)
- fix problems that need immediate handling
- fix other references to JLS4
- Annotations on types
- Annotations that moved to another node in the AST (under discussion in bug 403834)
- MethodDeclaration#thrownExceptions() -> thrownExceptionsTypes() (bug 403924)
- Annotations on Extra Dimensions (bug 403923)
- Receiver parameter on instance methods and inner class constructors (bug 404147)
- Refactoring dialogs that allow to modify types
- deferred: Render annotations in Javadoc hover/view. Do not render in Outline, etc. for now. (bug 403917)
- Default Methods
- Lambda Expressions (bug 405305)
- check code that walks the parent chain to find the enclosing Block or BodyDeclaration
- Method References
- The following lines must be added in all headers of modified files for Java™ 8 implementation:
* This is an implementation of an early-draft specification developed under the Java * Community Process (JCP) and is made available for testing and evaluation purposes * only. The code is not compatible with any specification of the JCP. *
- Use the following @since tag on all newly added members: "3.9 BETA_JAVA8"
How to set up the IDE
See JDT Core/Java8#What_to_do_to_set_up_the_IDE.
UI decisions
TYPE_USE annotations
TYPE_USE annotations are in a limbo state:
- For the JLS8 and the JVM type system, they don't exist at all (they are just written to the class file, but they are never processed).
- For tools like annotation processors or other compiler extensions that deal with TYPE_USE annotations, they are an important part of the type system. But since the JLS8 doesn't define the propagation of TYPE_USE annotations, there's no prescribed way to represent them e.g. in ITypeBindings for arbitrary expressions.
=> Conclusion: ITypeBindings don't carry TYPE_USE annotations.
Should TYPE_USE annotations show up in the Java model (IJavaElements)? The intention of the Java model is to provide a high-level structure for rendering elements in an outline and to serve as enclosing elements in search results. TYPE_USE annotations don't show up in type signatures and the compiler doesn't consult them. They are second-class citizens. The Java model cannot contain every detail of an element (e.g. it also doesn't contain comments). Furthermore, it's not clear how TYPE_USE annotations should be represented. They can't be part of a signature.
=> Conclusion: IJavaElements don't carry TYPE_USE annotations.
Lambda expressions in the Java model
Currently, anonymous classes are represented in the Java model. Should lambda expressions and method references also be part of the model? The problem with that is that lambda expressions are perceived more lightweight than anonymous classes, so lambda expressions will be used much more frequently. Method references are another form of implicit class declarations, since some forms already bind a receiver object.
Anonymous classes must be part of the Java model, because they can define multiple members (fields/methods) that should be visible in an Outline and that should support operations like "Open Super Implementation". OTOH, lambda expressions and method references don't have sub-members. However, a lambda expression can contain anonymous and local classes, and the lambda expression itself would be interesting as the enclosing element in a search result.
=> Conclusion: Lambda expressions are currently not represented in the Java model but might be added later.
Things to remember/caveats
- Goal of the first pass is to make Eclipse work with the new language features. For more advanced support (new quick fixes / refactorings / templates / ...), please file an enhancement request with the [1.8] tag.
- Bugs that went into the BETA_JAVA8 branch should be RESOLVED/FIXED with Target Milestone "BETA_JAVA8" and the [1.8] tag in front of the summary.
- For ASTNode changes:
- Search for references to a changed AST Node and update code that relies on the concrete structure
- Remember there are multiple ways to access AST node properties:
- via getter/setter or List-valued accessor
- via the StructuralPropertyDescriptor constant
- for properties declared in an abstract class: via get*Property() instance method
- Check references to superclasses of the changed/added node type. E.g. for IntersectionType, code that thinks it handles all known subtypes of Type needs to be adjusted.
- Add new node types to switch or if-else-if statements
- Think about cases where code could use StructuralPropertyDescriptors
- Think about cases where new bindings can show up.
DOM AST changes in JLS8
If everything is correct, then you should find the ASTNode changes as references to ASTNode#unsupportedIn2_3_4() and #supportedOnlyIn2_3_4().
~AST ~newArrayType(Type): used to take a component type; now only accepts an element type that is not an array type ~newArrayType(Type, int): (same as above) +AnnotatableType (abstract superclass): +annotations: List<Annotation> (also in subtypes PrimitiveType, SimpleType, QualifiedType, PackageQualifiedType, WildcardType) ~ArrayType -componentType: Type +setElementType(Type) +dimensions: Dimension +PackageQualifiedType extends AnnotatableType +qualifier: Name +annotations: List<Annotation> +name: SimpleName +IntersectionType extends Type +types: List<Type> +Dimension extends ASTNode +annotations: List<Annotation> +LambdaExpression extends Expression +parentheses: boolean +parameters: List<SingleVariableDeclaration> or List<VariableDeclarationFragment> +body: Block or Expression +resolveMethodBinding(): IMethodBinding ~MethodDeclaration: -setExtraDimensions(int) +extraDimensions: List<Dimension> (incl. annotations on extra dimensions) +receiverType: AnnotatableType +receiverQualifier: SimpleName -thrownExceptions: List<Name> +thrownExceptionTypes: List<Type> +MethodReference extends Expression (abstract class) +typeArguments: List<Type> +resolveMethodBinding(): IMethodBinding (+Subypes:) +CreationReference +expression: Expression +ExpressionMethodReference +expression: Expression +name: SimpleName +SuperMethodReference +qualifier: Name +name: SimpleName +TypeMethodReference +type: Type +name: SimpleName ~SingleVariableDeclaration: +varargsAnnotations: List<Annotation> ~TypeParameter: +annotations: List<Annotation> ~VariableDeclaration: +extraDimensions List<ExtraDimension> (also in subtypes SingleVariableDeclaration, VariableDeclarationFragment) ~ITypeBinding: +getTypeAnnotations(): IAnnotationBinding[] +isFunctionalInterface(): boolean
For JLS4, the changes were:
~TryStatement: +resources: List<VariableDeclarationExpression> +UnionType +types: List<Type>
- 'default' flag:
- show in the UI?
- update JdtFlags?
- The ITypeBinding of a TYPE_USE-annotated expression (e.g. ClassInstanceCreation or reference to a variable) doesn't contain the TYPE_USE annotations. References to "String s" and "@NonEmpty String ns" have identical type bindings. Should TYPE_USE annotations show up in reference bindings? Note that for some expressions, the annotated type is not defined by jsr 308, e.g. for the conditional expression here:
@Deprecated @NonEmpty String s = new Random().nextBoolean() ? new @NonEmpty String("hi") : new String();
- A VariableDeclarationFragment can now also show up in a LambdaExpression
- check usages of VariableDeclarationFragment.getParent()
- check usages of VariableDeclarationFragment that assume there's an associated type (e.g. ASTNodes.getType(VariableDeclaration))
- Check helper methods in ASTNodes
- e.g. getTopMostName(Name) is not correct any more to find an exception type
- Check all ASTVisitors that override one of the visit/endVisit methods for one of the changed AST node types
TYPE_USE annotations
- Code affected by lack of TYPE_USE annotations in ITypeBindings: The code in UI that currently loses TYPE_USE annotations will need to be adjusted once (bug 409586) is fixed.
- Introduce Indirection refactoring: IntroduceIndirectionRefactoring#createIntermediaryMethod()
- Move Method refactoring: MoveInstanceMethodProcessor#createMethodArguments(...)#getArgumentNode(...)
- Code affected by lack of TYPE_USE annotations in IJavaElements: (bug 405843)
- Javadoc hover and view cannot display TYPE_USE annotations.
- Method signature previews in refactoring wizards cannot display TYPE_USE annotations - Change Method Signature, Introduce Parameter Object, Introduce Parameter, Extract Method.


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Queensland Regional Database
The Queensland Regional Database (formerly known as QRSIS) has been developed by Queensland Government Statistician's Office to provide access to a wide range of time–series regional data.
What's in the Queensland Regional Database
For the latest list of collections available in the Queensland Regional Database, sorted by subject, please see the files linked below.
|PDF Size
|XLS Size
|Statistics available in Queensland Regional Database
|(300 kB)
|(1,500 kB)
If you need help with any of the file types above, please see our help page.
Access the Queensland Regional Database
Disclaimer: The Queensland Regional Database is intended only to provide a summary of the subject matter covered and without assuming a duty of care. Although the information herein has been derived from sources believed to be reliable, Queensland Government Statistician's Office does not guarantee or make any representations as to its accuracy, or completeness, or accept responsibility for any loss or damage occurring as a result of its use.
More Information
For further information about this page please use the Request a Statistic form or phone (07) 3035 6418.
Last reviewed 29 November 2017


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Did you ever get the feeling you'd forgotten something? It's been a bit more insane (insanier? insaniest?) than usual here, hence this delayed October update. I am contrite (actually I'm an Independent).
In part this was engendered by the need to completely rewrite TERMINATOR:SALVATION. Actually, a complete rewrite was not requested by the publisher. As is common with films, especially large and complex productions, many things changed between the version of the screenplay I was given to novelize and the final shooting script. The publisher requested four specific changes to bring the novel more closely in line with the final version of the film. This was thoughtful of the editor, since as I read through the final shooting script I encountered numerous other instances where the screenplay had been altered from the version I adapted. Being either a) a glutton for punishment or b) a trufan, instead of simply rewriting the four specified scenes, I rewrote the entire book. I simply cannot do a half-assed job because I am proud of my work, because I need to feel comfortable with the finished manuscript, but most of all because all of you miscellany-pickin' happy readers are always looking over my shoulder. So now the book conforms (hopefully) far more closely to the film that would otherwise have been the case.
Such intense work depends on whether my brain, my fingers, or my eyes will give out first. Fortunately, in this instance all three (just barely) held up until the end. I'm sure the sight of me (literally) staggering around my study as I struggled to keep my balance due to failing eyesight and having sat for so long in front of the computer would have made for an amusing photo-op.
COLD FIRE is now out in the November Analog. FREE ELECTIONS, the first new Mad Amos Malone story in a while, went off to my agents. This week I hope to finish TRANSFORMERS:Infiltration, the original novel that will provide a bridge between the first and second films. After that, I will cool my hands in a bowl of ice preparatory to embarking for three weeks in Malta, Tunisia, and Morocco in the company of James Gurney. I need the break and the sounds of the souk and the empty desert should provide one. Despite unpredictable visa policies that change from moment to moment, we're going to try and get into Libya for at least a day or two. Perhaps the Libyan ambassador to Tunisia is an SF fan. I've encountered readers in stranger places.


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First everyone got all giddy about the news that Christopher Nolan was working as "godfather" to the "Superman" relaunch. Then a DC Comics exec shot down that notion, deflating the general sense of glee about the project. Now Nolan's admitting that he is actually lending a hand to the Man of Steel.
Nolan's involvement was the result of a brainstorming with "Dark Knight" co-writer David S. Goyer, who pitched a new angle on Superman. No director has been named for the project.
"He basically told me, 'I have this thought about how you would approach Superman,'" Nolan told the Los Angeles Times. "I immediately got it, loved it and thought, 'That is a way of approaching the story I've never seen before that makes it incredibly exciting.' I wanted to get Emma [Thomas, Nolan's wife and fellow producer] and I involved in shepherding the project right away and getting it to the studio and getting it going in an exciting way."
Naturally, Nolan refused to divulge any details about the story, but who cares? If Nolan was able to save Batman from Joel Schumacher, imagine what he can do with the scraps left on the table by "Superman Returns" director Byran Singer.
Nolan's next film, "Inception," which he promises will be bigger than Batman, is due in theaters July 16.


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Vladimir Putin, who will be the first Russian president to set foot at a NATO summit, arrives Friday at a meeting where basic differences among Americans and Europeans emerged more openly and sharply – partly over how to deal with Russia's rise under Mr. Putin.
The White House scored success in two crucial areas – troops for Afghanistan and an agreement to move forward on a missile-shield defense. French President Nicolas Sarkozy agreed to send a battalion – 700 soldiers – to eastern Afghanistan; the Americans promised to rotate some of their troops from the east into the south, where the heaviest fighting is, satisfying the Canadians, who had promised to pull out their troops if not given greater backup. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the meeting expressed "real confidence" that the issue has been solved.
NATO members all supported the US position on missile-shield defense, which is to be deployed in the Czech Republic and Poland. "There is a threat … and allied security must be indivisible in the face of it," read the statement on missile defense.
Yet the alliance firmly rejected a very late US push to bring Ukraine and Georgia into the NATO fold. And basic disagreements deepened. How to engage with a more openly belligerent Moscow, conceptual differences over the "war on terror" as Americans describe it, and longer-term combat participation in Afghanistan were dissonant undercurrents in an organization examining its basic meaning and mission. During the cold war, NATO never fought; today, it is deployed in two theaters, Afghanistan and Kosovo.
"There were no real winners at this summit," says Ronald Asmus, director of the German Marshall Fund in Brussels. "Pandora's box was opened, and a lot of problems were put out on the table. Maybe that's good in a way because the issues are real. Now they will have to be addressed."
For the Bush team, a last-minute, pull-out-the-stops effort to invite strategically important Ukraine and Georgia into NATO was met with resolute opposition by many of the oldest NATO allies, including France and Germany.
One German diplomat said the White House had not decided even in January its position on Ukraine, and that the alliance had not done its "homework" on the thorny problem of inviting a sensitive new member so close to Russia's heartland.
"The Americans suddenly crashed the gears on Ukraine and NATO," says François Heisbourg, head of the Paris-based Foundation for Strategic Research. "They went from neutral to fourth gear in one shot, and the noise was pretty awful. Why Bush and his advisers thought they could pull this off is a mystery to me."
But the summit final press statement, given by NATO chief Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, states that the allies "agree today that these countries [Ukraine and Georgia] will become members of NATO," and that their cases will be reviewed at a 2008 meeting of foreign ministers.
Such final language keeps the door open to NATO enlargement and will probably be discussed between President Bush and Putin when they meet this weekend in Sochi.
Thursday, Mr. de Hoop Scheffer announced that Croatia and Albania were accepted as new NATO members and that Bosnia and Montenegro would be invited to join. NATO acceptance of the two Balkan states is part of an effort to bring shared values and Western rule of law to an area that has succumbed to what de Hoop Scheffer called "sullen nationalism."
The decisions are "far reaching," said de Hoop Scheffer in announcing them from an ornate theater in the cavernous palace built by Nicolae Ceausescu, Romania's last dictator. "They will substantially change the alliance and its Euro-Atlantic relations."
Macedonia, which has worked for 15 years to join NATO, was not accepted – a result of its dispute with Greece involving the name "Republic of Macedonia," which Greece claims represents a territorial threat.
Macedonia will be able to join as soon as the name issue is resolved at the United Nations, NATO officials stated. The question is a volatile one and could destabilize the small state, experts say.
A stress by European states to rebalance military and political aid to Afghanistan and to shift toward further training Afghan forces is considered by some analysts to be a major innovation in the 2008 summit.
President Sarkozy said Thursday that France would fully rejoin NATO's military command by the end of this year. France left NATO in 1966, but in the late 1990s, under former President Jacques Chirac, it began a path of reintegration. Sarkozy set a deadline for France – by the end of its six-month rotating presidency of the European Union, set to begin in July.
After the cold war and under the rule of President Boris Yeltsin, the expansion of NATO eastward into Russian spheres of influence took place with scant thought for Moscow's opinion. Yet Putin has so changed this position that East European members of NATO, who feel they understand the Russian bear better, are critical of what they often term NATO's "appeasement" of Moscow by older NATO states who are wary of allowing Ukraine and Georgia to join.
"We seem to want a strategic partnership with a country that targets us every time we say we disagree with it," said Estonian President Toomas Ilves, whose country recently endured a cyberattack from Russia that shut down the Internet for a week. "I think we should take Russia more seriously."
NATO officials agreed to set up a cyberattacks defense group, along with an energy-security team, a result of concern over Russia.
Strains continued over what Defense Secretary Robert Gates criticized as a "two-tiered" alliance system, in which some nations can pick and choose when and how to defend each other. Germany has been singled out for refusing to deploy troops in combat areas in Afghanistan and the French and Canadians have also been critical. Yet Berlin has countered that the Afghan mission it originally undertook was a rebuilding and civil-society mission that did not involve combat.
Mr. Heisbourg argues the alliance was always multitiered, but the fact that NATO was never deployed hid this fact.
Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski responding to the question of such hard fighting in the summit hallways, said that vigorous debate and disagreements were perfectly acceptable if not desirable inside NATO. "It is an alliance of free nations….In the Warsaw Pact we had no disagreement."
Macedonia's lack of an invitation is expected to play badly in Skopje. "I have a bad feeling in my gut," said a senior political figure contacted by phone from Bucharest. Greece did change its position to allow the name Macedonia along with another adjective, like New Macedonia – but Skopje insists on the Republic of Macedonia, "because no one can tell you what you should be called," the political leader said. Heisbourg blames Athens, saying that "Macedonia is an incredible success story ... how the Greeks could further instability on their own northern border, in the Balkans, is incredible. They are acting as if this is 1912."