Matt is a performance nutrition specialist and co-owner of Buff Box.
His goal was to revolutionise athletes' nutrition in strength and conditioning when he created the company back in 2013.
Now he works with some of the world's top performance athletes like Sam Briggs, Jaimie Greene, Elliot Simmons, Khan Porter, Steven Fawcett, Phil Heskeith and Rasmus Anderson with his unique Buff Box model.
He works collaboratively with individual athletes and their coaching teams to develop tailor-made nutrition plans that deliver peak performance results.
The Reebok CrossFit Games 2015 saw him create nutrition strategies for preparation, competition and recovery for the likes of 2013 Games winner Briggs and also 21-year-old prodigy Sara Sigmundsdottir and Björgvin Karl Guðmundsson who both finished third overall.
He uses this same scientific and evidence-based approach to delivering optimum results for his worldwide client base who are looking to transform their wellbeing, health and fitness.
His equation is simple: theory + practical case study = results. The work he does creates a solid nutritional foundation for people to build on and really excel.
Matt is based in Taunton, Somerset, but he is constantly travelling the world working with clients and athletes and giving seminars to CrossFit box owners on effective nutritional planning.
He believes that the key to great performance nutrition is caring about what people eat and helping build their own knowledge on the health and strength and conditioning aspects of their diet.


I have always had a passion for art and design; be it drawing, painting, interior design, graphic + website design, sewing or craft; I have always been creating something!! I gained my initial training in Fine Art and Interior Design in my teens and began creating beautiful homes and show homes around the UK.
Seeking the warmer weather and a new challenge I moved to Australia. Here I decided I needed to expand my creative knowledge, so I went back to school to study the wonders of Graphic and Website Design and in 2006 Puro Design was born!! I now have successful graphic and web design business in both Australia and the UK (where I am currently based).
Out of more than 5,000 submissions from 24 countries Puro Design was named a Bronze winner in the 2014 Summit Creative Award® competition for my creative work on the Resource Innovations Project. This has to be the highlight of my design career so far!!
Jessica | Website, App + Program Developer / Cool Nerd!
I graduated from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2005 with a bachelors degree in Information Technology. Up until 2011 I was employed by QUT during this employment I worked on numerous large scale projects such as the Workflow Patterns (animator and web designer), Genie Workbench (software developer and project lead of Genie Schedule) and YAWL: Yet Another Workflow Language (web developer).
If you want your website to reach No:1 in Google, then I am your man!! I live and breathe Search Engine Optimisation…keywords, link building, metadata…I specialise in the lot!


If you were to show me the chart below without the team name on top I bet I could have guessed it was Tech. They were average in the ground game, didn't get a ton of explosive plays, especially considering they threw the ball 60% of the time. But they had an efficient passing attack, rarely gave up sacks, were good on third downs and in the red zones, and were among the top 20 nationally in points per possession.
Seth Doege was fantastic at quarterback. He was more efficient per pass than Johnny Manziel, Geno Smith, Teddy Bridgewater, Tyler Bray, Matt Barkley and Colby Cameron. He completed more than 70% of his passes, but was less effective when going further down field. He completed 60% on 3rd and long and averaged just 11 yards per completion. He had six games in the top 32 best passing performances nationally in 2012, and his 25.1 passing EPA+ against TCU was one of the ten best passing performances of the season. But he did not finish the season on a high note after throwing seven interceptions in his final three games.
The defense was average except in one particular area: they generated only 27.5 points from turnovers. The FBS average is around 63; Tech was 36 points, just under 3 per game, below that mark. Add in that the offense was not as careful as one would hope with the football, and Texas Tech had a -60 EPA turnover margin in 2012, which gets us close to 5 points per game. This could have mattered more if Tech had lost more close games. Instead, they lost five games and three of those by three touchdowns or more.
I'm not sure I want to suggest that Kliff Kingsbury might be overrated, but he made a name for himself with Case Keenum and Johnny Manziel behind center. How much was Kingsbury and how much was Keenum/Manziel is yet to be determined, but Kingsbury can quickly earn his stripes in 2013. Texas Tech has options at quarterback, but with Doege out, they lack experience. He won't be making a Manziel out of Michael Brewer, but we'll know he, and Tech, are destined for great things if he can get close to a Nick Florence. Doing it without Darrin Moore would also be notable.
After quarterback, the two biggest questions are consistency and turnovers. Few players in college football are 60 points better than the next best alternative on campus, but that's what turnovers cost the Red Raiders. If they can pull an average turnover margin in 2013 it would be personnel equivalent of bringing in Eddy Lacy and TJ Yeldon to play running back or EJ Manuel to play quarterback or returning Darrin Moore, and four Darrin Moore clones, at wide receiver. As for consistency, inconsistency has been a Tech hallmark for a decade. I'm not sure anyone can change that.
Tech started 2012 as one of the nation's best according to the per play and per possession stats. They slipped as the season progressed, but they could have been better than 8-5. While they have suffered some major personnel losses after 2012 so has most of the Big 12. Kingsbury should have Tech competitive but well short of conference championship caliber.


The Solaris Residences in Vail, Colorado provide high-end, top of the line lodging and home suites. Solaris Residences has utilized Colorado's natural beauty by constructing a cozy lodging experience for all who wish to experience the luxuries of both the indoor and outdoor world.
At Solaris Residences in Vail, Colorado, guests have the option of staying in one of the limited, private home suits. Suits are available with 1-4 bedrooms, and include state of the art, modern amenities. They are also spacious with bedrooms and separate living and dining areas. The home suites availability is limited. Home suits are available with either a valley view or mountain view.
The one bedroom + den home suite accommodates up to four people. The first bedroom has a king-size bed. A den holds two twin-size beds. The master suites include a soaking, jet sub and a shower. Both bedrooms have their own bathrooms and flat screen televisions. This home suite is 1,400sf.
The two bedrooms home suite accommodates up to four people. The first bedroom has a king-size bed and the second bedroom has two twin-size beds. This suite has a total of 2.5 baths and the dining area seats six. There are also extra barstools available for seating in the dining area. The master bedroom has a soaking, jet, and shower. There is a separate living space for guests to relax in and a powder room. This home suite is 1,180sf.
The two bedrooms + den home suite accommodates up to six people. The first bedroom has a king-size bed and the second bedroom has two queen-size beds. Bed size in the den can vary. The master bedroom also has a soaking, jet, and shower. The second bedroom has its own bathroom. This type of home suite is 1,700sf and includes a spacious kitchen.
The three bedrooms home suite accommodates up to eight people. The first bedroom has a king-size bed. The second bedroom has a king-size or queen-size bed. The third bedroom has two twin-size beds or two full-size beds. All bedrooms have their own private bathrooms. The master suite includes a soaking, jet tub and separate shower. There are many windows throughout the suite that let in lots of natural light and mountain air. This home suite is approximately 2,300sf - 2,600sf.
The three bedrooms + den home suite accommodates up to eight people. The first bedroom has a king-size bed. The second bedroom also has a king-size bed. The third bedroom has one queen-size bed or two twin-size beds. Additionally, the den has a large queen-size sofa sleeper. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom. There is ample seating available in the kitchen. There is also a separate powder room. This home suite is approximately 2,270sf.
The four bedrooms suite accommodates up to eight people. The first, second and third bedrooms all have a king-size bed. In the fourth bedroom there are two queen-size beds. All bedrooms have their own private bathroom. This suite includes a cozy stone fireplace. This home suite is 2,880sf.
The four bedrooms + den home suite accommodates up to ten people. The first and second bedrooms have a king-size bed. The third bedroom has two twin-size beds and the fourth bedroom has two full-size bed. Additionally, the den has a queen-size sofa sleeper. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom. There is ample seating available in the kitchen. This home suite is approximately 2,880sf.
-personal assistants available 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
At the Solaris Plaza, there are many dining options available to guests. For an entertaining dining experience, patrons can visit bol. Bol a contemporary bowling venue that offers fun for families of all sizes and ages. The ten lanes of bowling are open to locals and guests alike, and is the only bowling venue in Vail, Colorado. Bol also offers a sixty-foot bar, a wide variety of menu items, an assortment of wine options and a chill, stress-free environment.
Another dining option located at the Solaris Plaza is home to world-class and world renown celebrity Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's. His delectable sushi items arrive to the Solaris Plaza inspired by his chef training in Tokyo, Japan, as well as his culinary experiences in Peru and Argentina. The design of the Solaris Plaza includes modern, sleek architecture, stone fireplace, outdoor fire pits, and large windows that let the guests marvel at the mountainous region all around them. Guests can also choose to order sushi to be delivered to their rooms.
Solaris Residences offer spa services as well as an on-site 24-hour fitness center available to all guests. The Fitness Center includes a variety of cardio machines and free weights.
Guests looking to continue their day of relaxation and recuperation can take a dip in the indoor, heated pool and hot tub.


text:
Home > Research-Econ-Development > EAM Publications > 65
Ethel Austin Martin Program Publications
2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza Immunization Among Pregnant Women: a Comparison of Different Sources of Immunization Information
Bonny Specker, South Dakota State UniversityFollow
Betty Wey, South Dakota State University
Jill Fuller, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Marie-Noel Sandoval, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Maureen Durkin, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Nancy Dole, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Emmanuel B. Walter, Duke University
Validity of prenatal immunization data from different sources has not been assessed. We evaluated prenatal 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza (FLU) data obtained from state immunization information systems (IIS), medical record abstraction (MRA), and participant recall using medical care logs (NCS-MCL). 2009 H1N1 and FLU data were obtained from IIS and MRA for 325 pregnant women participating in the National Children's Study at three locations (SD/MN, NC, WI). Women recalled immunizations at first pregnancy visit and at 16-17 and 36 weeks' gestation (NCS-MCL). The proportion of women with vaccine information obtainable from each data source was determined, and proportions immunized as determined using different data sources were compared. IIS data were available for 82%, MRA for 97%, and NCS-MCL for 93% of women. No mention of either vaccine occurred in 29% (range 4-48%) of IIS, 40% of MRA (25-59%), and 59% (43-82%) in NCS-MCL. Best agreement between sources was 2009 H1N1 vaccine in MRA versus IIS [kappa (95% CI) of 0.44 (0.32-0.55)], with poorest agreement for FLU in IIS versus NCS-MCL [0.11 (-0.03 to 0.25)]. IIS was the most sensitive method for identifying women receiving 2009 H1N1 vaccine (92%); MRA was most sensitive for FLU vaccine (81%). IIS provided the most complete and sensitive data for 2009 H1N1 immunizations and MRA the most complete and sensitive data for FLU; IIS data were available for a smaller percent of population than MRA. NCS-MCL was the least sensitive method for identifying vaccinated women.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers
Copyright © 2014 Springer US
Specker, Bonny; Wey, Betty; Fuller, Jill; Sandoval, Marie-Noel; Durkin, Maureen; Dole, Nancy; and Walter, Emmanuel B., "2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza Immunization Among Pregnant Women: a Comparison of Different Sources of Immunization Information" (2014). Ethel Austin Martin Program Publications. 65.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/eam_pubs/65
This is the NIH Public Access peer-reviewed, post-print manuscript. The version of record is published in (2014) Maternal and Child Health Journal, 18(3), 681-687. doi:10.1007/s10995-013-1293-y.
Maternal and Child Health Commons
E.A. Martin Program in Nutrition

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Bryan Singer Still Considering a Return to the X-Men Franchise
This isn't the first time we've heard this, but the Hollywood Reporter finally talked with director Bryan Singer in person and got him to open up about a return to the big screen X-Men franchise that he created. As we all know, Fox is trying to develop quite a few X-Men spin-offs, prequels, and sequels, including X-Men: First Class, X-Men Origins: Magneto, the Wolverine sequel, and Deadpool. Back in June, Singer was quoted as saying he'd "love to return to that universe," meaning the comic book universe. In August, hidden in a Variety story, they hinted that Singer "has been flirting with directing X-Men: First Class."
Now Singer admits that he's "still looking to possibly [return] to the X-Men franchise." "I've been talking to Fox about it," Singer said at South Korea's Pusan International Film Festival. "I love Hugh Jackman. I love the cast." He didn't say much else, but did add that he enjoyed making those earlier X-Men movies because "they allowed him to discuss serious issues through entertainment," such as tolerance and social structures, as explored in those two. "The excitement about working in science fiction and fantasy is — the stories, if they are good, are about the human condition," he said. "[I like to] trick audiences into thinking they're seeing fireworks, but they're learning about themselves and listening to what I have to say." Interesting take.
I think bringing back Singer would be one of the smartest decisions Fox could make in years. I have never been let down by Bryan Singer (I even loved Valkyrie) and think he could really bring some life back to the X-Men franchise, especially since X-Men 3 and Wolverine have done nothing but hurt its big screen reputation. Although I'm not fond of the screenwriter (Josh Schwartz of "The O.C." and "Gossip Girl") who is writing X-Men: First Class, if they got Singer to direct, I would feel a lot more confident. That goes for any of the X-Men spin-offs in the works either, or something new. Either way, I'm all for it. Bring Bryan back!
Find more posts: Hype, Movie News, Opinions
I wouldn't mind... but in my opinion the X-men movies need a serious reboot.
teyhtr on Oct 11, 2009
Singer is terrible...he killed the X-men movies and the superman movie was garbage too....keep him away!
ray on Oct 11, 2009
keep him away from the X-men. Hell, find away to take away Fox's right to use the X-men franchise. Not one good movie out of the bunch.
dude on Oct 11, 2009
Singer apparently forgot that the X-Men are a GROUP. Because right now, Wolverine's got 4 movies all to himself. Besides, this guy's really fizzled after the X-Men movies and shown that he's nothing more than a middle of the road talent.
SlashBeast on Oct 11, 2009
ya give him x-men back because superman returns was so great, the only decent x-men was the last stand , the one he didn't direct.
subcelsious5g on Oct 11, 2009
every one of the posts here are laughable singer is one of the most underrated film makers this generation x2 is easily a top3 best superhero movie if you dont like x2 you must hate movies #6 x3 was the worst you must like transformers
nelson on Oct 11, 2009
Bryan Singer set the standard for superhero-team-up flicks with X-Men 1 and 2. Then Ratner killed it because the Phoenix saga was too much to fit in one film and have it come across with the emotion it did in the comics. Singer taking over First Class is the best case scenario for FOX cause he can develop the chemistry between the team and let the audience understand the characters with his style better than Ratner did in X3. This is the first introductions of the characters and I thought Singer did a good job in the first X Men of doing that so people who weren't as familiar with X-Men not named Wolverine. I think the key to First Class will be developing Cyclops. I happen to think Cyclops is the most well rounded characters in all of comics. His character can take the audience on a emotional roller coaster unlike any other X-Men, even Wolverine.
klaus_komix on Oct 11, 2009
I didn't so much mind the X-men movies. I just didn't like how they seemed more like they were about Wolverine than anyone else. They had some awesome parts in it though. I'm not really sure about Singer. :
Singer didn't direct X-3 Bret Ratner did, so giving Singer another chance could do it justice.
He said 'I love Hugh Jackman' which means that he wants to do a movie with Wolverine taking the center stage again (maybe Wolverine 2 or X-Men 4). And that is how it should be. I understand that people who are not fans of the character would love a movie without him being the leading hero but let's face it: Wolverine IS the heart of the franchise and the only reason they keep making these films. And that's because Hugh Jackman did such a great and committed job to all four movies whether they were good or bad on their own. An X-Men movie without Jackman's Wolverine is simply not an X-Men movie is the heads of the majority of cinema goers and comic-book movie lovers.
:P on Oct 11, 2009
I meant 'in the heads'
If Singer would direct "Wolverine 2", then that would be awesome! Inspired directing....that's for damn sure! I think he's due to reinvigorate the franchise! I say go for it Bryan! 🙂
Spider on Oct 11, 2009
The Xmen movies arent between my favorites, but I did like the third one the best. If anyone is going to make an Xmen movie it should be in the form of a complete reboot. And... Superman Returns was a great movie... If someone didnt liked it, then it means he didnt "got" it.
Dreckent on Oct 11, 2009
1st off Valkarie was awsome, sure Superman was boring as fuck but X-men 1 and 2 was solid movies, I think Singer did a great job with those move especially X2 wher he upped the anti hopfully he will listern to the critics and give the fans what they want
Sach-Man on Oct 11, 2009
I'd love to see a grittier and raw approach to the x-men movies...so whom ever can supply that would be pretty awesome. In my opinion he had his chance???
Marqwest on Oct 11, 2009
singer is better than that idiot who did the third movie.
As an long John Powell makes the score instead of Ottman and Gregson-Williams I would be happy. Powell's score for The Last Stand is amazing and his music, and his theme represents very well to the X Men much more better than Ottman and Kamen (Pheonix's theme is one of the best overrated themes I ever heard).
x2 was is the second best comic book film, dark knight is no. 1
Darrin on Oct 11, 2009
#18 i agree also they need to get Michael Dougherty back as well
HELL NO! just because X1 & X2 are better than X3, doesn't necessitate Singer coming back...all three x-men movies were underwhelming. WHY? Because Singer doesn't know how to film a TEAM movie! he likes to separate each character and make them fight one-on-one battles. Singer has proven over and over with X-Men and Superman that he's a terrible action director. He's excellent at character development, but his fight scenes are uncreative and not over the top at all. he's been blessed with director incredible characters with a set of unique and powerful skill sets, but he doesn't have the brain as to how to push them over the limit. @#18...Dark Knight is #1, and Batman Begins is #2.
Batman on Oct 11, 2009
Singer is completely hit or miss but when he hits its amazing.
CLAW on Oct 11, 2009
wasn't the biggest fan of X1 but X2 was flawless. I fully agree with #18 on it being the second best comic movie yet. fallowed by Spiderman 1 and Ironman which in my opinion are tied for third. I'm fine with him coming back, but i think they need to drop the whole First Class idea and just make X4. Unfortunately with out Cyclopes it would be pretty hard to do. seriously who's idea was it to kill off the team leader of the X-Men? that man should be fucking shot
DoomCanoe on Oct 11, 2009
i thought the director of X3 decided to kill him. what's his name? lame i can't even remember. DoomCanoe what's #1?
do you have to compare every fucking movie with BATMAN!!! yes its great and my favorite movie too, but get over !!!!
drunkimus on Oct 11, 2009
LET. IT. GO.
sean on Oct 11, 2009
That dickhead lost his chance when he decided to abandon the franchise that made him loads of money and criticle acclaim when he went to direct Superman Returns which was one of the most boring movies i have ever seen.
Chris on Oct 11, 2009
you guys ruined X-Men for ever from the 1st to the most recent, not even close to the comics, all fox has created is some other bs universe ..l.. ^ _ ^ ..l..
Madnezz344 on Oct 11, 2009
I've never been too big on the X-Men movies, for a few simple reasons. they have too many interesting characters that get too little screen/story time for me to care much about them, the other is the obsession with Wolverine. Granted he is cool. Way badass. But he will never live up to being the vicious hero that the story plays him out to be. Hollywood will demand that he's toned down so they can make some bucks with the kids 13 and below. Singer's X-Mens were way better than The Last Stand and Wolverine. I think the new story should remove the fact that we know about The X-Men from comics and just give us a fitting story. Singer does sound like he does know the X-Men characters well but he'd rather keep that knowledge to himself and not share it. I'm rooting for X-Men Origins: Magneto by Singer or someone who can get me to care about Magneto. I find him more interesting than Wolverine or Xavier. He is way beyond his mutant power.
Ostilad on Oct 12, 2009
Singer should parp out a Supes sequel and a Wolverine sequel and an X Men fourquel. But only after The Usual Suspects 2: 2 Usual 2 Suspect.
The Incredible Suit on Oct 12, 2009
I'm just not interested in seeing the x-men at school
napoleonblownapart on Oct 12, 2009
I agree with #2
Tim on Oct 12, 2009
#20 - Batman You said it perfectly. #24 - drunkimus Shut up. Singer's X-Men movies were never any good. They were Wolverine movies. The X-Men are a TEAM! Wolverine's gotten like 4 movies all to himself! I want to se the X-Men! Not Wolverine featuring the X-Men! Singer will just end up shortchanging the characters so see can see Wolverine take his shirt off again.
Governor on Oct 12, 2009
#6 Tell me you're joking. I mean, you must absolutely hate movies if you honestly believe X3 was the only xmen movie that was decent.
SkaOreo on Oct 12, 2009
#7 What have you been smoking? Or at least tell me where i can get some of that shit. Singer is terrible, look at Superman Returns, no further explaination required. I think all 3 X-Men movies could have been much better. cmon, we need hundreds of mutants fighting sentinels, Cable and bishop and.... Apocalypse! No more bland, stupid stories about magneto developing a machine to change humans into mutants like X1, or the half arsed attempt at integrating phoenix into the trillogy, epic fail! there are so many stories to draw from the comics that are more interesting than that. This franchise needs rebooting now, with a decent director, no Ratner, Singer or Bay. And better casting too, Jackman was good as wolverine but too much of a pretty boy, logan needs to be raw and uncompromising, same with magneto, Ian Mckelin is a great actor but too old for that role If they can reboot Ghost Rider already (which was shit) then they can reboot X-men too!!!!!
Metatasian on Oct 12, 2009
I think in the Xmen franchise, the best movies are X2 and wolverine. The first Xmen movie wasn't good enough and X3 was a big disappointment. So it doesn't matter who will direct this next Xmen movie all that matters is to make it good and entertaining
mk on Oct 12, 2009
keep him out, I'm tired of all these people pussifying bad ass concepts. Look at Hugh Jackman, he had to run off and make a wolverine movie seperately so he could create the perfect character. that movie rocked.
jagermeister on Oct 12, 2009
#36 "he had to run off and make a wolverine movie seperately so he could create the perfect character. that movie rocked." So far, this is the only comment on this site that has made me laugh out loud? Seriously you thought Wolverines Origins was not only good, but better than the first two Xmen movies? That's just sad.
i don't blame Singer for leaving the X-men series. He had just finished two epic films that were quite groundbreaking, and i would say the best executed superhero films to date. I mean X-men is a great series with a lot of potential, complete with a large cast and strong character types. Singer left WITH PLANS TO RETURN, if he wants to take a break and tackle his superhero icon, big whoop. I say it is the faults of the producers and studio that felt it necessary to RUSH into X-Men 3, thinking that the superhero fad would die down (boy were they wrong). Instead they completely RUINED any chance of continuing the X-men world with any sense of connection to the first two. The first two we're not just two superhero movies, they we're like volumes 1 and 2 of this beginning to the X-men world. Singer WANTED to come back, he was planning to make around 6 X MEN FILMS!!, he had ideas for an overall arch, gradually adding in characters and holding of on the phoenix plot line, and at least not even start that process until the 4th or 5th. It had the potential to be the most successful flippin comic book movie series of all time. but no, they we're too impatient and couldn't wait for him to make 1 movie on the side. stupid stupid profit obsessed bastards taking away our movie magic, they can all go to hell. X-Men on the big screen is dead, it died with the third one, which was a complete and utter JOKE.
Marsius on Oct 13, 2009
#38 - Marsius Please don't make the X-Men films out to be anything more than comic book films, or even good ones for that matter.
get singer back x-men 3 was a dissapointment would hve been alot better if singer stuck around
max s. on Oct 24, 2009
Keep Singer's faggotry away from the X-Men franchise.
SlashBeast on Jul 2, 2011


Summary This study explores the association between financial stress, personal stress, social support and violence against women. The study used data from the General Social Survey, a representative sample survey of the Australian population. In this survey respondents are asked if they have been the victim of actual or threatened violence in the past 12 months. The results of the study indicate that higher levels of financial and personal stress are strongly associated with an increased risk of violence against women. The author proposes that there are two ways of interpreting these results, with different service delivery implications. It could be that financial and personal stress increases the risk of violence against women, while social support buffers that risk. On the other hand, the results could be interpreted to show that women who experience violence are more likely to experience financial and personal stress and/or more likely to lack social support. It is recommended that longitudinal studies be designed specifically to test the hypotheses about the causes and effects of violence against women. article discusses the use of compensation programs by victims of domestic violence.


text:
TODAY.AZ / Society
FIG: Baku gymnastics arena can host competitions of any level
19 February 2017 [18:00] - TODAY.AZ
Competitions of any level can be held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Stoyan Stoyanov, representative of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), told Trend.
"I think these are very interesting competitions. Fans support not only their athletes, but also foreign ones. In my opinion, everything is organized very well. I am sure that Baku will perfectly cope with holding the European Championship next year," Stoyanov said.
There is an excellent gymnastics arena in Baku where competitions of any level can be held, according to him.
"Your hall is one of the best in the world. It is the first time that the World Cup is being held in such an interesting format," Stoyanov noted.
It is very good for attracting spectators, who will also have an opportunity to see the best athletes in Baku, he added.
He noted that trampoline gymnastics develops rapidly in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan's successes in trampoline gymnastics will become regular in several years, Stoyanov said, adding that the Azerbaijani government considerably helps to develop sports in the country.
The FIG World Cup in Trampoline Gymnastics and Tumbling is being held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku on Feb. 18-19. Eighty-five gymnasts representing 15 countries are taking part in the World Cup.
URL: http://www.today.az/news/society/158756.html
Rainless weather to stay in capital
World Islamic Culinary Congress kicks off in Baku
Changeable cloudy weather expected in Baku
Azerbaijani Ministry of Ecology, UN mull problem of desertification
Rainless weather expected in capital
Scientists expect mud volcano eruptions
Schoolchildren learn about bisons reintroduction
International Symposium on Islamic Civilization in Caucasus starts in Baku
Minister: 29 nominations entered UNESCO World Heritage List at Baku session
Cool down this summer with Azerbaijani sherbet


Infographics tend to be extremely viral content that spread rapidly throughout various social networks and the blogosphere. Some recent examples of viral Infographics are By the Numbers: Facebook vs The United States, The Current State of Twitter, and Google Facts and Figures. All intended to be informational, engaging, and most importantly are great link bait.
One of the great things about infographics is the ability to use graphics to tell a story. There are no limits to the type of information you can pack into a well designed infographic. Perfect for displaying figures, showing timelines, showing event details, showing screenshots, or place emphasis on certain aspects of the infographic.
Unlike plain ole text, Infographics are appealing to the eye and attracts the user. Naturally your eyes gravitate towards images and graphics, so it is just instinct to want to look at the infographic before any of the text that may surround it. With infographics you can illustrate things like emotion, depth, importance, complexities, concepts, processes and more.
A web user has the attention span of a hyperactive child chugging redbull. By using Infographics to get your story across, it means less time the user has to spend to understand what you are saying. Pictures and images have been a universal language for as long as time, that everyone can understand and relate to.
Graphical representation renders itself far more accessible and understandable by people; whether they understand the language of the designer or not. The reason why people accept so much information via infographics compared to text is explained by how our brains have formed over time.
The foundation for a infographic is to visually explain a topic, theme, company or figures/data threw the use of graphics. What is so appealing to the user is that they can learn something in a fun and engaging way. Of course you could use an excel sheet or powerpoint, however these communication tools have been overused and have the stereotype of being boring.
As you can see from data provided by Google Insights, the number of people searching for Infographics has been on the steady increase over the last 12 months. I would assume that the search volume will stay on the rise.


text:
using Abp.FluentMigrator.Extensions;
using FluentMigrator;

namespace Abp.Zero.FluentMigrator.Migrations
{
    [Migration(2015122102)]
    public class _20151221_02_Create_AbpUserOrganizationUnits_Table : AutoReversingMigration
    {
        public override void Up()
        {
            Create.Table("AbpUserOrganizationUnits")
                .WithIdAsInt64()
                .WithTenantIdAsNullable()
                .WithUserId()
                .WithColumn("OrganizationUnitId").AsInt64().NotNullable().ForeignKey("AbpOrganizationUnits", "Id")
                .WithCreationAuditColumns();

            Create.Index("IX_TenantId_UserId")
                .OnTable("AbpUserOrganizationUnits")
                .OnColumn("TenantId").Ascending()
                .OnColumn("UserId").Ascending()
                .WithOptions().NonClustered();

            Create.Index("IX_TenantId_OrganizationUnitId")
                .OnTable("AbpUserOrganizationUnits")
                .OnColumn("TenantId").Ascending()
                .OnColumn("OrganizationUnitId").Ascending()
                .WithOptions().NonClustered();
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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Old WebsiteSELFSIEDSAMPADA
Watershed Organisation Trust
water gives life
Vision, Mission and Strategic Approach
WOTRian of the month
Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Implementation & Support
Applied Research & Policy Engagements
Training and Capacity Building
IT & GIS Services
W-CReS
Watershed Development
Health, Nutrition
& Sanitation
Focus on managing water demand
Pune-based Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) was awarded the prestigious United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Land for Life Award on July 30 for its work in combating land degradation. The award is given every year on a global level to organisations who help communities suffering from the effects of land degradation, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Managing trustee of WOTR, Crispino Lobo, who received the award in Ordos, China, says that organisations cannot apply for the award themselves. "They have to be nominated independently. WOTR was nominated by the German government. The organisation grew out of the Indo-German Watershed Development Project (IGWDP) started in 1989, by Father Hermann Bacher, considered the father of the watershed movement in India," he explains.
Speaking about the prize-winning initiative, Lobo, says, "The Union government has set an ambitious target of doubling farm income by 2022 but this will be impossible to achieve without combating land degradation. Around 57 per cent of land in India suffers from desertification. Hence, we need to teach farmers how to catch rainwater across landscapes, recharge groundwater aquifers and improve soil health." In India, 60 per cent of the population depends on land and forests. Water is essential to their livelihoods, not just agriculture.
RESTORING 8,913 SQ KM OF DEGRADED LAND
WOTR was awarded for its work across seven states in India, restoring 8,913 sq km of degraded land and directly and indirectly benefitting 1.38 million people. Besides their sustainable land management approach, water budgeting and micro-irrigation have made communities in drought prone areas more resilient and benefited at least 3,55,832 people. This has also reduced the rural to urban migration by creating substantial local employment opportunities in rural areas.
"WOTR has trained over 3,80,000 people from India and various countries across the world in natural resources management and watershed development (WSD). We have adopted a holistic, scientific and participatory approach to address rural poverty and water scarcity. Our focus has been on managing water demand, not just increasing water supply. We believe in creating practices that are sustainable and replicable on a large scale and that our work has global relevance, particularly in Africa and parts of Asia. The idea is to slow rushing water and help soil conservation," says Lobo who has worked in this sector for over two decades.
WOTR, established in 1993, currently works in land restoration, poverty reduction and climate change adaptation as well as leads in capacity building, empowering vulnerable communities and women, and advocating its WSD approach at the state and national levels.
"We have been working in WSD for the last 25 years now, with most of our work being done in Maharashtra," says Lobo, adding, "although it was setup by me, Fr Hermann and others, it is where it is today because of the 300 people working around India through the four organisations operating under the parent WOTR."
The organisation was initially founded in Ahmednagar and the corporate office was later shifted to Pune.
"Combating land degradation is the only way, along with WSD, to tackle the problems thrown up by climate change in agriculture. This award reflects years of hard work by WOTR team," says the organisation's executive director Marcelle D'Souza.
KEEPING UP THE GOOD WORK
The organisation was also praised by UNCCD. "The winners show that restoration of degraded land can halt distress migration that is driven by unproductive land resources. Families and communities are transformed and become more resilient towards climate change when job opportunities are created. When practices like these are amplified globally, sustainability, stability and security of all is possible. It only requires political will and decisive action against losing more productive land to desertification," read the message sent by Monique Barbut, executive secretary of the UNCCD, to WOTR.
And what does it mean to the 180 odd people working towards the cause in India? "Recognition and acknowledgment always makes you feel better. We feel encouraged to keep doing good work," concludes Lobo.
http://www.sakaltimes.com/art-culture/%E2%80%98focus-managing-water-demand%E2%80%99-3558
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Pamela Jo Dodd, 68, of Decatur, passed away Monday, April 15, 2019 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Pamela was born August 12, 1950 in Monticello, the daughter of Owen and Mary (Cheisher) Dodd.
Surviving are her sister, Phyllis Lynch of Mississippi; her nieces and nephews, Rebecca (Todd) Williams of Wisconsin; Scott (Jody) Wilkins of Decatur; James (Becky) Wilkins of Minnesota; Crystal (Mark) Lourash of Mt. Zion; Sarah Helm, Tony Dodd, Raymond Dodd, and Kelly Hodges, all of Kentucky; and Brenda (Ron) Traxer of Mississippi. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Jackie Lynn Dodd; a sister, Marcella Lourash-Schuman; and a nephew, Stephen Hayes.
Pamela worked at A Step Forward for many years. She loved playing cards. She also loved to collect sunglasses and watches. She enjoyed watching the Special Olympics.
A visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. A graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Croninger Cemetery in Cisco.
Pamela Jo, you were loved and will be missed by all of us you leave behind! You were always the most gentle, loving girl, and a tribute to your mom, dad, and family! I hope to see you again, one of these days! Until then, give your mom, dad, brother, sister, and Grandma and Grandpa Dodd a big hug for me!


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35 and couldn't swim: Anna Light's story
"If you're thinking of adult swim classes, jump in feet first and you won't regret it."
Anna Light was 35 when she learned to swim for the first time, and here she speaks first-hand about how she overcame her worries and learned to love swimming.
"The older I got, the harder it seemed to achieve and further from the list of things I really wanted to put myself through. I'd been at the pool and seen toddlers with arm floats having swimming lessons, and really couldn't see my "35-year-old self" joining them on the side of the pool.
"After a lot of googling swimming lessons to see what was involved, I decided to email one of the swimming coaches that advertised on the community notice board at the gym. I explained my nervousness and how I wanted to be more comfortable in the water and to learn to swim freestyle.
"At the first lesson I was very nervous, self-conscious and out of my comfort zone but my teacher was patient and very good at making me feel at ease. Each lesson, it felt more comfortable being at the pool and learning to swim.
"I had four lessons which included several techniques to help me feel comfortable – including using the kickboards and the side of the pool. I started to enjoy it, and the feeling of accomplishment and pride after I swam my first lap was amazing.
"Five years since these lessons, I've branched out to try breaststroke and backstroke. I find breaststroke the easiest and I'm still a little uncoordinated with freestyle, but I'm now a regular at the pool and feel great for it.
If you're thinking of adult swim classes, jump in feet first and you won't regret it."
It's never too late to learn to swim, if Anna's story has inspired you, visit our website for information on how to find Adult Learn to Swim classes near you: /learn-to-swim/learn-to-swim/adult-learn-to-swim.aspx


Blankets for Nepal – Delivered!
Our outreach project for this year's VBS was providing Lutheran World Relief with fleece tied blankets for the victims of Nepal's recent natural disasters. We'd like to thank all of the people who either donated fleece, cut blankets, tied blankets, etc. We are happy to report we reached our goal by completing 106 blankets!!
We'd also like to send a special thanks out to Debbie Rang, and Cheri Lytikainen who packed up their car last week and drove to Lutheran World Relief's Midwest warehouse in Minnesota to deliver the blankets so they can be sent to Nepal. Many hands and loving hearts helped make this project a success!!


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Bulletin The Fed and the stock market are set for a showdown this week. What's at stake. »
April 16, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EDT
13D Filings
Herbalife Nutrition Ltd. (HLF)
13Ds are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 10 days of an entity's attaining a 5% or more position in any class of a company's securities. Any subsequent change in holdings or intentions must be reported on an amended filing. This material has been extracted from filings released by the SEC from April 5 through April 11.
Source: Corporate Filings Alert, Washington
AVP (AVPI)
Diker Management wants AVP to reconsider its proposed $1.23-a-share merger transaction with Shamrock Holdings . Diker has "significant reservations" about the deal by certain affiliates of Shamrock, and if the terms aren't amended to better reflect AVP's true value, Diker would "not support the transaction." Diker holds 18.02% of the total shares outstanding.
Gold Reserve (GRZ)
A shareholder group led by Strongbow Capital is concerned about GRZ's planned gold operation in Venezuela. Strongbow believes that, to finance the project, GRZ should explore methods other than a potentially dilutive share issue. Among the alternatives: forward sales of gold and copper, a joint venture with a third party, a strategic investment in GRZ by a major mining company or a sale of GRZ. The Strongbow group holds about 2.15 million shares (5.3%).
Pier 1 Imports (PIR)
A group including Elliott Associates wants Pier 1 to close numerous stores. The investment group said that it's "puzzled" by the pace of PIR's cost-cutting and restructuring, which it considers too slow. Elliott suggested that more savings would bring "immense value" to shareholders through creation of a "leaner, profitable company," fit to weather competition. Elliott also wants new members added to the board. The group holds about 4.84 million shares (5.5%).
Herbalife /zigman2/quotes/201199224/composite HLF +1.65% (HLF)
Whitney V has ended discussions about a proposal to acquire all outstanding HLF shares at 38 each, but will keep reviewing developments at HLF. Whitney held 19,048,279 shares (26.7%) as of Jan. 31.
Erie Indemnity /zigman2/quotes/205739073/composite ERIE -3.08% (ERIE)
Sentinel Trust intends to nominate Thomas B. Hagen as a director to Erie Indemnity's board at the annual meeting, scheduled for April 17. Sentinel Trust would also like the company to consider increasing the size of the board to 15 members from its current 14. Sentinel Trust reported holding 2,340 Class B common shares (82.3%).
Original Filings
Alpha Natural Resources (ANR)
Sun Capital Securities owns 3,281,500 shares (5%), bought from March 5 to 27 at $13.59 to $15.67 each.
Increases in Holdings
National R.V. Holdings (NVH)
Yorktown Avenue Capital reported ownership of 635,108 shares (6.1%) after buying them from Feb. 6 to March 23 at $1.98 to $3.74 a share.
Decreases in Holdings
51job (JOBS)
51job President and CEO Rick Yan cut his stake to about 16.2 million shares (30.1%) after selling one million shares on April 10 to Recruit Co. for $13 a share.
Add to watchlist HLF
Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.
US : U.S.: NYSE
Volume: 1.02M
Jan. 27, 2023 4:00p
Add to watchlist ERIE
Erie Indemnity Co. Cl A
US : U.S.: Nasdaq
Volume: 69,333
Breaking Insight
Chuck Jaffe
Jonathan Burton's Life Savings
I now definitely won't go near crypto, but not because of the alleged FTX fraud
This is the only stock market prediction for 2023 that you need to know


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Mario Chalmers
Charlotte Bobcats @ Heat 2/8/09
1. The Bobcats lose a close one on the road to the Miami Heat, 96-92. AP story here, box score here. The Cats have now lost five straight since losing Gerald Wallace in the dramatic win against the Lakers, and fall to 19-31.
2. With Raja Bell out with a groin strain, and Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown traded away, the Bobcats come out with a makeshift starting lineup of Augustin, Felton, Diaw, Howard and Okafor — which matches up pretty well with Miami's first five: Chalmers/Wade/Marion/Haslem/Magloire.
Total snoozer of a first half, punctuated by a Heat mini-run that propelled them to a 43-39 halftime advantage. Wade (duh) led the way for Miami, while DJ and Juwan Howard paced the Bobcats.
3. The Heat pulled away a bit more in the third quarter, so the Bobcats enter the final period down 69-61. The Cats fought hard in the fourth, twice cutting the deficit down to just two points, but could never get any closer — both times Daequan Cook hit big three-pointers to hold the Cats at bay.
Felton hit a three with 43 seconds left to cut the lead to four and give the Bobcats one last chance. They actually forced a Dwyane Wade miss on the other end, but any hopes of a thrilling comeback were dashed when Wade grabbed the rebound.
4. Wade was supposedly playing with a touch of the flu, and did only play 31 minutes; despite that, he led the way for the Heat, netting 22 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. The Heat also got great contributions from their two young guards: 16 points (4-7 3PT) from Daequan Cook and 16 points/13 assists from Mario Chalmers. Wade, Cook and Chalmers shot a combined 22-39 (56%) from the field, which shouldn't be unexpected with Raja Bell out. DJ and Raymond are undersized when they have to play together, which allows opposing guards lots of good looks at the basket.
5. DJ led the Cats in scoring with 27 on 10-19 FG and 6-11 3PT, but only had 6 assists and a rough -12 +/-. Felton, on the other hand, had a miserable shooting night (4-17 FG 1-6 3PT) but did contribute 11 assists. Howard played well enough in a spot start, getting 14 points on 6-11 FG in 30 minutes; problem is, he only managed 3 rebounds and ended with a -10 +/-.
With the Cats so shorthanded, Alexis Ajinca got a little five minute run spanning the end of the third and beginning of the fourth. He nailed a 20 footer, then got fouled taking another and hit both free throws for a personal 4-0 run. He also grabbed 3 rebounds in those limited minutes — nice that he ventured into the paint, being 7'1″ and all.
6. Apparently, Vladimir Radmanovich was in Miami with the team and going through his physical in the hours before the game. The team had hoped to be able to activate him for the game (pretty desperate, huh?) but was stopped by the league because L.A.'s early Sunday gametime had prevented them from getting physicals done for Morrison and Brown.
7. In the big picture, I'm perfectly OK with taking this loss. Though we're still just a few games out of the 8th playoff spot, what exactly would getting to the playoffs do for us? We'd get a couple of home playoff games in which we'd get absolutely obliterated by Lebron and the Cavs, and worst of all, we'd lose our draft pick (it would go to the Nuggets to finish the deal for the pick we used on Ajinca).
8. And looking ahead to the trade deadline, I'm still expecting Raymond Felton to be dealt. Rick Bonnell has recently floated the idea that the Bobcats might actually be willing to to trade DJ Augustin, thinking that the bad economy will keep the market for Raymond Felton low enough for the Cats to keep him this offseason. That would be foolish, though. Augustin is already a better shooter than Felton, will be just as good of a point guard once given the opportunity to singularly run the team, and is on his rookie contract for a few more years.
I'm wondering if the Bobcats had Bonnell float that idea in order to drive up the market for Felton a bit. We know that Dallas and Portland may be interested, but if Jameer Nelson is going to have surgery on his shoulder (that decision will be made soon) then Orlando would seem to be the perfect destination for Felton. It would be great for them — they'd get Felton for their playoff run. If they liked what they saw, maybe they'd consider resigning him as Nelson's backup; if not, they could let him go.
But do the Magic have anything the Bobcats would want in a deal? If the Magic were desperate enough, I'd ask for Courtney Lee (with Brian Cook thrown in to make the salaries match). I'm sure the Magic have no intentions of giving Lee up; but if Nelson chooses to have surgery, they couldn't go into the playoffs with Tyronn Lue and Anthony Johnson running point and would thus have to consider it.
9. Next game is Monday night, back at the Cable Box hosting the LA Clippers at 7 PM ET. We'll get our first look at the Rad Man in a Bobcats uni and a good chance at a win.
Tags Daequan Cook, DJ Augustin, Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat, raymond felton, Vladimir Radmanovich


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Briefs, Sept. 10
Pedestrian killed by train in Florida
LONGWOOD, Fla. (AP) — A Florida man walking his bicycle in between train tracks was struck and killed by an Amtrak train.
Authorities said that 53-year-old Mane Yee was killed Sunday morning in Seminole County. Seminole County is located in central Florida.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the train operator used his horn to warn Yee, but that he failed to get out of the way.
Authorities issued a statement saying none of the approximately 100 passengers on the train were hurt.
The Highway Patrol says that the crash remains under investigation.
Young men shot at White Castle in Detroit
DETROIT (AP) — Authorities say three young men were shot to death in a White Castle on Detroit's west side.
Police say the three men believed to have been in their late teens or early 20s were found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds at around 12:25 a.m. Sunday in the restaurant's lobby. The restaurant's windows had bullet holes and handguns were recovered at the scene.
Police say they have no immediate suspects.
It wasn't immediately known if the three men were customers or workers at the restaurant, if they might have shot one another or if anyone might have witnessed the shootings.
Officers fatally shoot man who was firing
GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Police in Greenville say officers fatally shot a man who was firing a gun into a crowd of people.
The Greenville Police Department said in a news release that officers responded to an alleyway around 1:30 a.m. Sunday for a report of a fight in progress involving shots fired.
The news release says the Greenville officers and officers from East Carolina University who were already in the area saw a man actively shooting into a crowd.
Summer camp is newest front in battle with measles
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The battle to contain the worst U.S. measles outbreak in 27 years has a new front: summer ...
Briefly, June 17
Driver fatally shot while delivering pizza CLEVELAND (AP) — Police in Ohio say a pizza delivery driver has been ...
Record number of African migrants coming to US-Mexican border
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Undaunted by a dangerous journey over thousands of miles, people fleeing economic hardship ...
Father dies saving his toddler in lake DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say a father died while trying to ...
Rain leaves veggie farmers struggling with no aid in sight
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Like farmers throughout the Midwest, this spring's torrential rains turned Andrew ...
Pompeo tries rallying foreign leaders in Middle East oil attacks
WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is reaching out to wary foreign leaders to frame alleged Iranian ...


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Africa's Elephants: On the Firing Line
by Susan Hack and Nick Brandt
After two decades of relative stability, Africa's elephants are once again in the crosshairs of poachers eager to feed the growing international demand for ivory. Susan Hack reports on what's behind the resurgence in killings and the global efforts to stem the carnage before it's too late.
Poachers now kill as many as 33,000 African elephants a year. At that rate, the entire population could be wiped out in 15 years.
The bull elephant lies dead under a salt-bush acacia, his tusks hacked out of his face with a machete. Flies and the stink of decay fill the air. The trunk—which the elephant used to breathe, feed, fight, and caress—lies severed in the sun. The poachers were brazen, shooting their victim in broad daylight just outside the Samburu National Reserve, one of Kenya's wildlife jewels, and within earshot of the dirt airstrip where guests staying at Samburu's famous safari lodges land. "We had a 20-year holiday from poaching, but now our worst fears are being realized," biologist Iain Douglas-Hamilton, director of the Save the Elephants (STE) foundation, tells me as he examines the body. His research camp is located a few miles away, inside the reserve.
Since 2002, Douglas-Hamilton and his team have investigated the illegal killing of elephants for the secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Although Kenya devotes millions of dollars to anti-poaching efforts, Douglas-Hamilton is seeing gruesome scenes like this with alarming frequency. As I look on, he counts bullet holes in the carcass and follows a trail of elephant footprints and trampled earth marking where the wounded bull dropped headfirst, staggered to face its killers, then turned, ran, and fell again.
A British citizen who has studied African elephants for more than four decades, the 67-year-old biologist spent much of the 1970s and '80s piloting small aircraft over the continent to carry out the first modern elephant censuses. His data and eyewitness reports revealed that poaching had caused Africa's elephant population to crash, from an estimated 1.3 million in 1979 to less than 600,000 a decade later. His campaign to publicize the devastation and carnage caused by the ivory trade helped lead Kenya to burn more than 13 tons of government-stockpiled ivory to demonstrate its commitment to a global ivory ban. This multimillion-dollar sacrifice galvanized the 37 African elephant range states and led CITES to agree to a worldwide ivory ban that took effect in 1990. Initially, demand for ivory dropped, ivory prices plummeted, and vigorous anti-poaching policies in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe helped bring illegal hunting under control.
But today, a confluence of forces is causing a sudden spike in ivory poaching across Africa, threatening to wipe out elephants and, in turn, destroy tourism-dependent economies. Unlike the last poaching surge, the current one is being aided by cell phone networks and criminal syndicates that are providing some poachers with sophisticated equipment such as night-vision goggles, GPS locators, and satellite phones. The biggest new factor of all is China, one of the world's top ivory markets, which is investing heavily in African projects, including roads and other infrastructure that are facilitating the transport of ivory off the continent. More than 100,000 Chinese laborers in Africa are also fueling demand right at the source.
The rise in elephant poaching is caused by a confluence of factors, including weather, technology, and globalization. Here, a look at the interplay of these influences:
The volume of illegal ivory being uncovered by customs authorities suggests that the rate of elephant killing is reaching a crisis. Across Africa and Asia, seizures of illegal African ivory shipments are multiplying. Assuming, as with drugs and other illegal contraband, that confiscated ivory represents just 10 percent of the real total, as much as 260 tons of ivory may have been poached in 2009. Using CITES' estimate of an average tusk weight of 8.11 pounds, this implies that as many as 33,000 elephants are being killed annually—a rate which, if sustained, would lead to extinction in 15 years.
Some countries' elephant populations are already close to disappearing. In Chad's Zakouma National Park, where armed militias from Sudan's Darfur conflict are slaughtering elephants to trade ivory for cash, an aerial census counted 3,885 animals in 2006 but fewer than 600 last year. Six elephants killed for ivory in a Sierra Leone national park last November were the last definitively sighted elephants in the entire country. Senegal and Liberia also may have no elephants left.
The carnage has spread to some of Africa's top tourist destinations, too. Over the past three years, as many as 30,000 elephants may have been poached from Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve, a World Heritage Site larger than the Netherlands and a prime photo safari and legal trophy hunting destination. "The Selous is being ravaged," charges Samuel Wasser, director of the University of Washington's Center for Conservation Biology, which has used DNA analysis to trace ivory seized in Asia to the Selous ecosystem. "Compounding the travesty," he says, "is that tourism is Tanzania's single most important source of foreign currency, $1.5 billion annually, and poaching jeopardizes that." Even during the tourist season, guests at safari lodges in the Selous have heard gunshots and seen mutilated elephant carcasses; operators have warned the country's tourism authorities that elephants have become skittish and difficult to observe. "Tourists can deter poachers by their mere presence," says Pat Awori, director of the Pan African Wildlife Conservation Network. "But if they hear that they may have the unpleasant experience of seeing dead animals or feel threatened, they won't want to go."
Worried that more of Kenya's 35,000 elephants will become targets as other nations' populations decline, the country's Wildlife Service has assigned half of its 2,800 rangers to anti-poaching units and has deployed 13 fixed-wing aircraft, a helicopter, and airport dogs trained to detect ivory in luggage. But even this approach is not sufficient to combat the cartels that have gotten into the ivory trade, cutting a wide swath across the continent."The big problem is not poachers, who are often poor people just trying to feed themselves and their families. It's the failure to stop specialized criminal cartels that stretch across countries from central to southern Africa," says Ofir Drori, an Israeli wildlife consultant who has worked with the Cameroon government to capture and prosecute wildlife traffickers.
Elephants are killed across Africa to meet ivory demand overseas. Here, a look at some of the largest seizures and trade routes:
A chief cause of the spike in poaching, many experts say, is the 2008 CITES-sanctioned auction of government ivory stockpiles, which followed a decade-long softening of restrictions on trade in ivory for a handful of countries that still have large elephant populations. In 1997, CITES allowed Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe to change the classification of their elephants from CITES Appendix I, which prohibits most international trade, to Appendix II, which permits regulated trade, and to hold an auction of their government ivory stocks harvested from elephants that died naturally in game parks. Proceeds were to fund conservation and education. South Africa successfully appealed to loosen protection of its population in 2000, and joined the collective auction in 2008 in which it, along with Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, sold a total of 119 tons of ivory to Japan and China for approximately $17 million.
Many scientists and wildlife law enforcement officials say that the CITES decision to reopen limited trade in ivory has confused the public about the legality of purchasing ivory, and breathed life back into the black market fed by international poaching syndicates. In the wake of the 2008 auction, for example, huge shipments of poached African ivory were uncovered in Vietnam (9.8 tons) and the Philippines (5.3 tons). The southern African allies counter that a total ivory ban is outdated and that ivory is a sustainable resource which can be traded responsibly. "Ivory from natural mortality is like gold, a resource that we want to reinvest," says Onkokame Kitso Mokaila, Botswana's head of the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife, and Tourism, who has suggested that African countries pool a portion of their stockpiles to create an "ivory fund" for the continent. "Elephants give us revenue that enables us to support ourselves and not have to beg from more developed countries."
This past March, Kenya and 22 other elephant-range states successfully lobbied the 177 CITES signatories to block proposals from Tanzania and Zambia to reclassify their elephants to Appendix II and to sell a combined 122 tons of stockpiled ivory, but they failed to strike a deal for another 20-year global trade moratorium. "The sale of our [99 tons] of ivory would have generated $17 to $20 million, or five years of our total conservation budget," says Ladislaus Komba, permanent secretary of Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. Tanzania has hired 150 new game rangers since 2008, increasing the distribution of rangers from one per 135 square kilometers to one per 50 square kilometers, and has spent $4.8 million on four-wheel-drive vehicles and two Cessna aircraft."Our people need schools, which the controlled sale of elephant ivory and skins could be paying for," says Komba. "That would also give a strong signal why people should protect them."
Carcasses and the sound of gunfire are growing more common in game reserves and national parks in Kenya and Tanzania as poachers slaughter elephants by the thousands to feed Asia's surging demand for ivory.
I've come to northern Kenya because it encapsulates the perfect storm threatening African elephants. The 7,500 that range across the 9,700-square-mile Laikipea-Samburu district have become an alluring target for poaching syndicates. In the wake of Kenya's 2009 drought, which killed 90 percent of the area's livestock, a subsistence farmer or semi-nomadic herder can view selling an elephant tusk to a middleman for $15 per pound as a tempting option.
I'm staying at Elephant Watch Camp, a unique photo safari camp run by Douglas-Hamilton's Kenyan-born wife, Oria, combining her warmth and bohemian style with her husband's scientific expertise. One morning, 25-year-old head guide Bernard Lesirin, an ethnic Samburu from a community living just outside the reserve, takes me on a tour of outlying Samburu tribal villages and manyattas, seasonal settlements of wattle, mud, and cow dung houses. We drive through the park, lush after the December rains and full of rabbit-sized dik-dik antelope, browsing giraffes, and elephant families returning to the river. A small trading post is growing just outside the reserve's west gate, but the manyattas lack electricity, schools, and even transistor radios. We cross the highway that Chinese crews are building to link the Kenyan trading town of Isiolo, where many Somali war refugees have settled, to the Ethiopian border and, eventually, Addis Ababa, that country's capital. For years, guns have poured into the north from neighboring, lawless Somalia.
A communications revolution is impacting elephants as cell phone networks spread into once-isolated rural communities, giving people a way to "wire" money to one another through cell phone service centers. "What worries me is not guns but cell phones," says Daniel Letoiye, project manager of a local community conservancy. "A gun will put an elephant down, but a cell phone will connect the buyer to the middleman to the local person who shoots the animal," Letoiye says. "Now Chinese road crews are building the tarmac. It's the perfect scenario for a poacher: connectivity and ease of transportation."
It's mid-January, and the elephants are returning to their haven in the Samburu National Reserve. Babies who have survived the drought practice using their trunks to slurp up river water, while males eager to breed sniff the air, searching for females in estrus. Sitting in his Land Rover, Iain Douglas-Hamilton points out old friends like Martha, matriarch of a family nicknamed the First Ladies. Because of the complex social structures of elephant herds and their reliance on the matriarch to lead them to food and water and away from danger, even the death of a single elephant can affect the whole herd. When a matriarch is killed, the youngest babies may starve, unmoored adults may wander, and traumatized youngsters may be unable to breed later in life. Counting the group, Douglas-Hamilton realizes that two members of Martha's family are missing.
"Sheer numbers themselves are never enough protection," Douglas-Hamilton muses, reflecting not just on the size of individual elephant herds but the censuses countries use to justify their management strategies, including the decision to sell ivory stockpiles. "Everything depends on political stability, the strength of institutions such as national parks, and the containment of corruption. In the 1960s, I never imagined anyone would start shooting elephants with automatic weapons. The generation today always fails to anticipate the problems of tomorrow."
Just four weeks after my visit, a flash flood devastates both the STE camp and Elephant Watch Camp, along with seven Samburu safari lodges. Oria Douglas-Hamilton spends the next two weeks cleaning out the wells, digging through the mud, and salvaging textiles, cooking utensils, and even bits of jewelry belonging to her Samburu guides. The river has brought in piles of twisted driftwood, which her crew collect to craft the furniture they will use to reopen Elephant Watch Camp to guests this month. "We will have a beautiful camp once more," Oria e-mails me, exhausted but unbowed. "And if the river takes us out again, we will rebuild and never be defeated!"
Iain Douglas-Hamilton, undaunted, continues his work uncovering the secrets of elephant life and death while battling for the survival of one of the planet's most intelligent and crucial species. "We can hardly blame nature for showing us her claws," he says of the flood setback. Alas, it's human destruction that is ceaseless.


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AP National News
Famously soggy Seattle sees its wettest fall on record
KTVZ
By MANUEL VALDES
SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle, a city known for soggy weather, has seen its wettest fall on record. The National Weather Service says 19.04 inches of rain fell between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, breaking a record set in 2006. A series of wet storms caused by so-called "atmospheric rivers" pounded the Pacific Northwest, causing widespread flooding and damage. Areas north of Seattle were hit especially hard. Bellingham recorded 23.55 inches (59.8 centimeters) of rain from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters) more than the previous high. The record rain comes after the region saw record breaking heat earlier this year.
Major storm dumps snow, closes mountain routes in California


During this textual content, John Willinsky makes use of glossy social concerns and ancient precedents to illustrate that the social sciences can and may give a contribution way more to public wisdom than they've got long ago. we've got the applied sciences, Willinksy demonstrates, and want merely the choice to create a public source out of social learn which can expand democratic participation and self-determination, in addition to enhance research's concentration and public aid. The ebook bargains examples of why and the way this isn't merely attainable yet useful, within the face of knowledge-based economies and a withering public region.
Crew houses are the dominant type of residential lodging for individuals with critical studying or highbrow disabilities, and but there are major difficulties inside those dwelling environments. This booklet seeks to focus on the foremost concerns for either citizens and employees, and provides functional feedback for making improvements to group dwelling.
The second one variation of this article makes a speciality of tips on how to plan, perform, study, and evaluation interventions on the micro, meso, and macro degrees. A sociological practitioner enters right into a operating dating with consumers to handle social difficulties. The practitioner works with individuals of a consumer approach to outline the explicit alterations precious and jointly they paintings to build new social preparations that would resolve or decrease the influence of the matter.
During the last 40 years, the sector of incapacity experiences has emerged from the political activism of disabled humans. during this tough overview of the sphere, major incapacity educational and activist Tom Shakespeare argues that incapacity learn wishes a less attackable conceptual and empirical footing.
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If this provides some sense of what is "public" about the public knowledge of concern to the social sciences, the reader may still ask, What then makes it "knowledge"? To say that something is "public knowledge" is to point to its widespread acceptance as fact. Public knowledge, in this sense, is wrapped up in traditional notions of the true and the real. What makes it knowledge, rather than information, is a judgment call that has to do with, perhaps, how well what is known fits within a greater understanding of some phenomenon.
The "knowledge management services" industry is growing into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. The SAS Institute of Cary, North Carolina ("Turning Data into Pay Dirt"), invests $200 million annually in research and development on decision-support software. Financial analysts who conduct research on companies' stock prospects earn salaries of $350,000 to $10 million, and a know-corp like Hoover's, which serves up mostly free information on 14,000 companies to some 2 2. 3. Fritz Machlup, Production and Distribution of Knowledge in the United States (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1962); Drucker's statistic is based on census figures for "professional, managerial, and technical people": Peter Drucker, The Age of Discontinuity: Guidelines to Our Changing Society (New York: Harper & Row, 1968), 264; Daniel Bell, The Post-industrial Society: A Venture in Social Forecasting (New York: Basic Books, 1973), 44; Thomas Sowell, Knowledge and Decisions (New York: Basic Books, 1980), 48.
Researchers may imagine themselves to be working on permanent, lasting contributions to knowledge, and a few may well be doing so, but such aspirations need to be integrated with current responsibilities to advancing public knowledge, where their work is most likely to do some lasting good. The knowledge lives not as it accumulates, in some sort of continuous streaming forward, but only as it is reworked, rethought, and reinterpreted. Malinowski took what now seems to be a very small step on the question of race, but such points of analysis are part of how progress in public and academic knowledge is measured.


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Etlingera megalocheilos is a monocotyledonous plant species that was first described by William Griffith, and got its current name from Axel Dalberg Poulsen. Etlingera megalocheilos is part of the genus Etlingera and the family Zingiberaceae. No subspecies are listed in the Catalog of Life.

References

megalocheilos

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia