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Wojna hybrydowa – strategia wojenna łącząca działania konwencjonalne, nieregularne, cybernetyczne, terroryzm i przestępczość, w tym samym czasie i na tym samym polu bitwy, celem osiągnięcia celów politycznych. Wojna taka często jest prowadzona bez oficjalnego wypowiedzenia. Jej charakter ma pozwolić agresorowi na całkowite lub częściowe uniknięcie za nią odpowiedzialności. Zagrożenie hybrydowe jest definiowane jako działanie jakiegokolwiek adwersarza używającego wyżej wymienionych kombinacji działań.

Działania w ramach wojny hybrydowej są prowadzone na różnorodnych płaszczyznach: militarnej, politycznej, gospodarczej, społeczno-kulturowej, historycznej, psychologicznej oraz informacyjnej (dezinformacja i propaganda).

Definicje
Według różnych definicji wojna hybrydowa to:
 współczesna odmiana wojny partyzanckiej, prowadzonej za pomocą współczesnych technik wojskowych i metod mobilizacyjnych,
 połączenie czterech odmian agresji: tradycyjnej, nieregularnej, terrorystycznej i cybernetycznej,
 odmiana konfliktu asymetrycznego, toczonego na trzech arenach: działań wojskowych, propagandy we własnym państwie oraz propagandy międzynarodowej,
 kombinacja elementów wojny nieregularnej, domowej, sztucznie wywołanego powstania i terroryzmu,
 użycie tradycyjnych metod wojennych, działań nieregularnych, terroryzmu i zachowań kryminalnych na polu walki w celu osiągnięcia korzyści politycznych.

Historia
Pierwsze przykłady wojny hybrydowej pochodzą z lat 20. XX wieku. Ówczesny Związek Radziecki prowadził takie działania przeciwko Polsce, Korei, a także Kolei Wschodniochińskiej. Współczesnym przykładem jest konflikt na wschodniej Ukrainie.

Jednym z prekursorów teorii wojen hybrydowych był rosyjski wojskowy, płk Jewgienij Messner, który nazywał je mianem wojen buntowniczych

Działania Rosji jako wojna hybrydowa
Zdaniem Agencji Bezpieczeństwa Wewnętrznego (ABW) powołującej się na opinię prezentowaną przez większość ośrodków analitycznych państw członkowskich NATO agresja Federacji Rosyjskiej na Ukrainę od 2014 (aneksja Krymu przez Rosję i wojna w Donbasie) jest nową formą zagrożenia bezpieczeństwa, określanego jako wojna hybrydowa. Po raz pierwszy rosyjski sposób prowadzenia działań na Ukrainie nazwał tak holenderski generał Frank van Kappen – 26 kwietnia 2014 nieoficjalnie określił rosyjskie operacje "hybrydowymi". 3 lipca 2014 Pakt Północnoatlantycki oficjalnie ogłosił, że wojna na południowym wschodzie Ukrainy to wojna hybrydowa.

Za element wojny hybrydowej ABW uważa działania przebywającej w Polsce od 2013 roku rosyjskiej obywatelki Jekateriny C., która 17 maja 2018 roku została zatrzymana przez ABW celem wydalenia jej z kraju. Zdaniem Rzecznika Ministra Koordynatora Służb, akcja polskich służb była elementem szerszej operacji mającej na celu neutralizację dwóch struktur sieciowych biorących udział w rosyjskiej wojnie hybrydowej i informacyjnej prowadzonej przeciwko Polsce. Ich elementem miało być kwestionowanie i podważanie polskiej polityki historycznej i zastępowanie jej narracją rosyjską.

Według informacji podanych przez media w listopadzie 2019, w wyniku działań kontrwywiadu ABW w marcu 2019 wydalono z Polski wicekonsula Konsulatu Generalnego Rosji – otrzymał on zakaz wjazdu do Polski i na teren strefy Schengen. Rosjanin miał prowadzić działania niezgodne ze statusem dyplomatycznym, które mogły szkodzić relacjom polsko-rosyjskim. Pod koniec 2017 ABW objęła zakazem wjazdu do Polski i strefy Schengen trzech "ekspertów" kierujących rosyjskimi działaniami hybrydowymi w Europie: Olega B., Dmitryja K. i Aleksieja M. B. to zastępca dyrektora moskiewskiego think tanku i dyrektor Rosyjsko-Ukraińskiego Centrum Informacyjnego, który przedstawia się jako "międzynarodowy doradca liderki francuskiego Frontu Narodowego Marine Le Pen". K. to rosyjski politolog i publicysta związany z agencją informacyjną "Regnum", stanowiącą według ABW przykrycie dla rosyjskich służb specjalnych w aspekcie prowadzenia wojny informacyjnej w Europie Środkowo-Wschodniej. M. to oficer rosyjskiego wywiadu, działający jako "ekspert do spraw międzynarodowych", jeden z głównych zleceniodawców prorosyjskich projektów realizowanych w Polsce przez środowisko jednej z partii politycznych. Według ABW wszyscy trzej mężczyźni pełnili rolę wiodących moderatorów rosyjskich działań hybrydowych w Europie i również zostali objęci zakazem wjazdu do Polski i na teren strefy Schengen.

Zobacz też
 prorosyjski separatyzm na Ukrainie
 aneksja Krymu przez Rosję
 wojna w Donbasie
 wojna rosyjsko-ukraińska

Przypisy

Linki zewnętrzne

hybrydowa


In a large skillet cook garlic and red pepper flakes in oil over moderate heat, stirring, 1 minute. Add broccoflower and sauté over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Add water and cook, covered, 5 minutes, or until broccoflower is just tender. Add vinegar, butter, and salt and pepper to taste and gently toss until butter is melted. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl and sprinkle with basil and Parmesan.
What a disappointment. I'm embarassed that I couldn't have figured out ahead of time that there were way too many conflicting flavors going on here. Garlic, red pepper, balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese and basic. Forget the basil, way too subtle for the other ingredients. We love zip, but red peppers overpowered and bottom line is there is nothing memorable about this recipe.
What a nice change from the usual veggie sides. Hot pepper flakes, garlic and cauliflower (ok, BROCCOflower) are so good together! The beautiful orange and purple broccoflower varieties are particularly winning here. I put in chicken stock instead of water. And brown-butter sage is also amazing in lieu of basil. Can't go wrong.
works great with plain old broccoli, too!
So good! We loved this. My only change was to use a cup of veg stock in place of the water and a 1/2 tsp of sriracha (garlic chili sauce) in place of the chili flakes. The sauce was delicious and the broccoflower consistency is perfect. Next time I make this (and there will be a next time) I will add a bit more garlic. By the way, most might know this, but just in case (for those who don't): Broccoflower is the same thing as green cauliflower. It just depends on what brand your grocer carries. Try this, you'll love it.
Wow! This was delicious. I gave the recipe to my friend with a 2 yr old that hates veggies and loves this dish. Now that is something. Easy to make and tasty. Trader Joe's sells Broccoflower for $1.99, what a bargain!
I crossed this recipe with Broccoflower with Anchovies and garlic: I cooked the broccoflower in florets for about 10-15 minutes, drained it, then stir-fried it in olive oil with pine nuts and garlic, and balsamic vinegar. I then topped it with parmesan cheese (I forgot the basil). It was good.
i used cauliflower instead of broccoflower and it was delicious. i didn't find it that spicy and next i will up the chili flakes. It is a nice change to plain ol' steamed veggies.
What a great way to spice up broccoli! I used broccoli instead of broccoflower, and it was great! We love broccoli, but it tends to be a bit boring, but not anymore! Be sure to be careful with the peppers - I used a pich more than recommended and it was HOT! Yum! Yum!


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Q: Showing an entire line of data from a factor within a column I have data in the following format:
ID  Species Sex
1   spA     M
2   spB     F
3   spA     Sex Required

I would like to write a line of code that gives me the whole line of all rows that contain "Sex Required" in the Sex column
I have tried:
df[df$Sex == "Sex Required",]

But it is not working correctly. I know this is probably simple but I am new to R.

A: Try:
 df<- structure(list(ID = 1:3, Species = structure(c(1L, 2L, 1L), .Label = c("spA",
 "spB"), class = "factor"), Sex = structure(c(2L, 1L, 3L), .Label = c("F",
 "M", " Sex Required"), class = "factor")), .Names = c("ID", "Species",
 "Sex"), class = "data.frame", row.names = c(NA, -3L))

I assume that there are some spaces i.e. "Sex Required ", or " Sex Required"
df[df$Sex == "Sex Required",]
#[1] ID      Species Sex
#<0 rows> (or 0-length row.names)

df[grep("Sex Required", df$Sex),]
#       ID Species           Sex
# 3  3     spA  Sex Required

Or
library(stringr)
df$Sex <- str_trim(df$Sex)
df[df$Sex == "Sex Required",]
#  ID Species          Sex
#3  3     spA Sex Required

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Ally Davis, LCSWA, is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate. Ally is a Virginia native and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. She completed her Masters of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At the University of Georgia, she earned her bachelor's degree in social work, with a minor in Human Development. While earning her BSW, Ally interned as a school social worker for the local school district's elementary schools. In this role, she supported children and families of children with behavior and mood disorders.
As a master's student at UNC-CH, Ally worked at a large non-profit in Raleigh, providing child psychosocial assessments and developmental screenings. In her role, Ally educated families on the impact of trauma on early childhood development and social emotional functioning, and helped facilitate parenting workshops in shelters and treatment facilities.
Ally has special interests in a variety of behavioral compliance issues, anxiety, depression, adjustment concerns and families impacted and shaped by adoption. Ally strongly believes in the importance of forming warm, supportive therapeutic relationships with children, adolescents, and parents. She is passionate about working collaboratively with families, providing evidence-based treatment, and emphasizing individual and family strengths.
Ally is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I have never been at such a low.
Being a decent human being? Over my dead body.
And it's all because of him.
Nate was supposed to be the reason I wake up in the morning, until he took that reason away. Now, I'm left feeling like an empty shell of the girl I used to be.
He's the love of my life. Always has been and always will be. I don't doubt it, he's going to come running back, and when he does, you better believe it, I'm going to make him work for it. Right down to the bone.
Thank God I have my girls and Jesse. Without them, I'd be lost.
Oh, and not to mention, I have Ashley Samuels and Phoenix Reilly keeping my mind more than busy. They better watch out because I've already lost the one thing that's important to me. I've got nothing else to lose and revenge will be sweet.
Don't miss this nail-biting fourth instalment of The Broken Hill High Series. You won't be sorry!
WARNING: The Broken Hill High Series is a Young Adult / New Adult Romance filled with LOL moments, teenage angst, and of course, all the swoon-worthy moments I know you're all dying for. This series is recommended for mature readers due to cursing and sexual content. If this offends you, then steer clear of this bad boy romance!
For everyone else, dive in and have fun!
I have loved every book in this series.
Nate and Jessie love love love them.
These books have had me smiling all the way through them.
Its a damn shame i have to wait till next month for the fifth book! Im addicted to these books! I live this so much. I live the character progression, i love the plot, i love the chemistry between all of them and their relationships. I just love it all. I swear im in love with nate too!
Still enjoy the characters, but the story seems to just be drawn out. The relationship between Nate and Tora seems to have finally stopped going back and forth. Jesse never fails to entertain.
This series I am in love with Jesse he's so funny that's the brother this is book 4! But Nate & our girl they are broken up for dumb reason but are they really... can't wait to read more!
5.0 out of 5 starsI love this series!!


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Category Archives: Music
Lutes & Lily Ponds ~ Classical Music Inspired by Wetlands
On my way to work this morning, I listened to a piece on National Public Radio (NPR) from the "Wuthering Heights" opera composed by Bernard Herrmann. Today is Anne Brontë's birthday, so it is fitting for Strange Wetlands to have a post on classical music inspired by wetlands. I am the grand-daughter of a composer of classical music—mainly for orchestra, jazz and big band swing in the 1940s: my grandfather led the "Bob Chaplin Orchestra" on lead clarinet, and years later, composed chamber music. He advocated strongly for wetlands protection, serving on his town's planning board from the 1960s-1990s. Incidentally, my grandfather's family farmland is now, much transformed, the same location as the ASWM headquarters—where I write this blog and advocate for wetlands protection.
One piece of classical music I heard recently on NPR &Maine Public Radio with Suzanne Nance was "The Fairy Queen," a Baroque semi-opera composed by Henry Purcell, known for his nature-inspired music. I've noticed a number of classical pieces have titles that take inspiration from nature, and in particular, wetlands, rivers, lakes and forests. Even those who aren't fans of classical music may be familiar with the Grand Canyon Suite, composed by Ferde Grofe, with songs that sound like they were composed for a great western, such as "Sunset," and "On the Trail"—a humorous melody about a ride on mules along the waters of the Colorado River. Other famous works composed for film scores and orchestras were inspired by life on the Mississippi River, such as the contemporary film score composed by William Perry in 1980 and Ferde Grofe's Mississippi: A Journey in Tones (Mississippi Suite), with dark flowing chords that suggested a scene along the Mississippi River, with a nod to Mark Twain. American composers were drawn to large natural landscapes in the 1920s and '30s, when national parks were newly established. This music echoed into the subconscious minds of listeners for generations.
In other pieces, such as My Native Heath, suite for orchestra, composed by Arthur Wood (1875-1953) in 1924/25, the work was inspired by the composer's childhood spent on the heath and moors of Yorkshire. This music depicts the moors and heaths—something out of a Brontë novel. His other works were inspired by life on the moors, such as Yorkshire Moors Suite but his most famous piece, "Barwick Green," came from My Native Heath. "Barkwick Green" was chosen for a long-running BBC soap opera, "The Archers."
Below is a list of classical pieces available online. If you search for these wetland-themed classical pieces on this website (here), you'll notice that some of the longer works, such as symphonies, ballets and chamber music, list individual songs. Many of the songs sound as though they were inspired by wetlands, waters and natural places. For example, in River of Ponds, composed by Larry Bell, you can listen to songs called "Black Creek" and "Silver Lake." A word of caution: "bog" is also Russian for "god," so at first glance, it seems there are a lot of classical pieces inspired by bogs, but in fact, I only found a few pieces relevant for this list, such as The Peat-Bog Soldiers, composed anonymously (post-WWII), arranged by Hans Eisler and performed by Paul Robeson in 1997.
For those of you interested in making wetland videos, some of this music might be available or appropriate for use in video. Recordings can be found at the links below (titles are linked).
"Amidst the shades
and cool refreshing streams,
where lovers ease their panting hearts in dreams…"
-Henry Purcell, Z355, c.1680
In the Fen Country, a symphonic impression composed by Ralph V. Williams, 1935. This music has a dark romanticism flavor to it.
Marsh Lute Book, chamber music with the song, Chi passa per 'sta strada, composed anonymously, performed by Paul O'Dette on lute (2003). Sounds like flower fairy music.
Langenhoe Marshes, contemporary classical music composed by Peter Pope for voice & piano, performed by Susan Legg (2011). Songs inspired by the marshes of England in lose connection with a project about England's marshes.
Swan Fen, a Heathland Symphony, composed by Arthur Meulemans (1844-1966), later performed by Belgian orchestras (an album released in 1999).
"The Peat-Bog Soldiers" (Moorsoldaten – Song from a German concentration camp) composed anonymously (post WWII), later arranged by Hans Eisler and performed by Paul Robeson on his album Songs of Free Men, 1997.
"En lille fro i mosen sad" (A Little Frog Sat in the Bog), a Danish traditional children's song
Dismal Swamp, a poem for orchestra with piano composed by William Grant Still in 1935, performed by the Cincinnati Philharmonic Orchestra.
On the Heath (for Two Lutes), a piece for chamber music, composed by Ronn McFarlane (b. 1953- ) with individual songs called, "Thistle," "Honeysuckle," and "Haeddre," a Scottish word for heather, the plant. McFarlane is a renaissance lute player from West Virginia. He played in pop bands for a while but was more known for making the lute more popular. His many works for the lute were inspired by nature and wetlands. See (and listen) to some here.
Beneath the Linden on the Heath, an early German love song composed by Walther von der Vogelweide in 1170. This song was written for a married lady (unavailable to the admirer, who sings for her). Interestingly enough, unrequited love in songs and poetry was considered noble, whereas requited love was regarded as "lowly love." The music is a mix of flute, harp, lute and shawm, a type of woodwind instrument from the 12th century and Renaissance period. This particular song depicts a scene on the heath, where the two lovers meet in secret for a kiss under a linden tree.
Amidst the Shades & Cool Refreshing Streams, a Baroque semi-opera with vocals and music that mimics bird song, composed by Henry Purcell around 1680. He autographed a copy of this piece in 1683 and it's held in the British Museum. The piece was much admired in its day.
Walden Pond, a song for cellos and harp composed by Dominick Argento (b.1927- ) in 1996, while he was a professor of theory and composition (for several decades) at the University of Minnesota. Walden Pond, featuring the vocals of Minnesota's Dale Warland Singers, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2003.
The Pond (Remembrance), a brief (2 minute) symphony composed by Charles E. Ives in 1906, was inspired by his father's tune coming over the mists of a Connecticut pond. Ives studied music at Yale. He and a friend co-founded the first Mutual Life Insurance Company in Manhattan. Ives won the Pulitzer Prize for music in 1947, though many of his songs were written in the 1880s.
River of Ponds, for cello and piano, composed by award-winning Larry Bell (b.1952- ) in 1986 included pieces called "Black Creek," "Wyatt Earp's Pond" and "Silver Lake." Bell's music has been performed all over the world. Visit www.LarryBellmusic.com. "Wyatt Earp's Pond" may refer to Earp's association with Amy Pond, a Scottish woman, rather than a water body. Wyatt Earp's wife, Urilla, died a year after they married, and the famous Tombstone gunman went off the deep end, devastated by that loss. Later he reinvented himself as a law man and became a U.S. Marshal. Dr. Who fans would know more about the association between Wyatt Earp and Amy Pond, recurring characters in the TV series. By contrast, the reference to Wyatt Earp's Pond might be associated with the water fights in Tombstone over use and management of aquaducts in the 1880s, when Earp was a city marshal. If you know the significance of "Wyatt Earp's Pond" referenced here, please leave a comment.
Pond Life, composed by Ann Southam (b.1927-2010) with this album posthumously released in 2012. She also composed a piece called Rivers. Most of her early works were composed in a lyrical Romantic 19th century style. Since she was one of Canada's first women composers, there's evidence to suggest feminist elements in her music. In the 1960s, she was recognized for composing electronic music. For a long list of her works, see this page. Pond Life, which she composed in 2008, was written for a solo piano piece to be accompanied by a ballet dancer. To see a Youtube video of a performance from Pond Life, click here.
A Lily Pond, composed by Billy Mayerl, who composed largely between the 1920s-1950s, wrote poem-like suites. It was considered British, but he was drawn to American music. His Aquarium Suite, which included the songs, "Willow Moss," "Moorish Idol," "Fantail," et.al. in 1937, was very much admired.
Forest of the Amazon, by Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959), a prolific Brazilian composer, wrote this in 1958. In his later years, he was composing music in Paris and New York.
"Strange Meadowlark," a song by Dave Brubeck (b.1920- ), one of America's most prolific jazz composers, has been associated with the West Coast Jazz revival of post-WWII. His 1960s jazz ballet, Points on Jazz, premiered with Louis Armstrong at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Listen to Strange Meadowlark on Youtube. This song is from Brubeck's Time Out record (1959), one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time.
See related blog posts on Wuthering Heights, Swan Lake & Tchaikovsky and Swamp Music Revisited: A New Take on William Blake.
Posted in Art & Lit, Music, Wetlands
Tagged classical music, fairy music, Leah Stetson, Maine Public Radio, Marsh Lute book, Strange Wetlands, Suzanne Nance, wetlands
Swamp Music Revisited: A New Take on William Blake
From the first chord, I knew I was going to enjoy Martha Redbone'sGarden of Love. Her vocal and musical interpretation of William Blake's poetry is hauntingly beautiful. It's swampy. It's spiritual. It's romantic ecology set to music.
My favorite aunt introduced me to Alexander Pope, William Wordsworth and William Blake when I was fifteen. I read and analyzed their poetry; I tapped my fingers to iambic pentameter. I wrote essays and sonnets. Reading their poetry probably influenced my passion for environmental science. I was born a poet but I grew to love ecology–partly born out of my love for William Blake and the Romantics.
The poetry of Blake is rich with nature imagery. Some of his poems deal with man's relationship with nature, and specifically swamps and wetlands in a literal sense, but perhaps as metaphors for the human spirit. Like others of his time, Blake's poetry called for action—to protect natural places, including wetlands, which he believed were vital to the human experience. Blake and his colleagues were the "eco-poetics" and they promoted the ideas of deep ecology, an interconnectivity among living things and the intrinsic value of nature. Nowadays analysts of this stage in the environmental movement refer to it as a genre of ecological criticism, or "eco-criticism," in which the writers and thinkers of that time were motivated by environmentally-driven ethics and activism. For example, Blake's line, "everything that lives, / Lives not alone, nor for itself " and other verses pointed readers to the idea of economic values of nature (Hutchings, 2007). Today we call this eco-economics and talk about the functions, ecological services and value of wetlands. In Blake's poetry, he used a very similar terminology in poems set in wetlands.
For Strange Wetlands, I surveyed a few examples of swamp rock in a previous post. But there is more to swamp music than rock and blues. Swamp-inspired music can be folksy, indie pop, gospel and acoustic. Martha Redbone, a southern songwriter, recently released a new album, Garden of Love: Songs of William Blake. She sings the poems as Blake wrote them—but set to original music. The singer explains that she "wanted people to be reminded of the beauty of [Blake's] messages and the relevance that rings so true today — his sentiments of 'Mercy, Pity and Peace / Is the world's release.'" I would add that Blake's eco-poetics are also a relevant call to action for the nation's wetlands. Given the timing of Redbone's album release during the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, this swamp music may be part of a soundtrack to herald in a new dawning of clean water protections for streams, rivers and wetlands. Listen to Martha Redbone's Garden of Love: Songs of William Blake. Find her on Youtube.
I laid me down upon a bank
Where love lay sleeping
I heard among the rushes dank
Weeping Weeping
Then I went to the heath & the wild,
To the thistles & thorns of the waste
And they told me how they were beguiled
Driven out & compelled to be chaste
I went to the Garden of Love,
And saw what I never had seen:
A Chapel was built in the midst,
Where I used to play on the green.
-Garden of Love
Posted in Art & Lit, Music
Tagged folk music, Martha Redbone, poetry, swamp music, wetlands, William Blake
Pearl Jam – 20 Years of Environmental Activism (and my Soul Band)
Climbing on a mountain
Floating out on the sea
Far from lights of a city
The elements they speak to me…
Whispering that life
Existed long before greed…
Balancing the world
On its knee…
-1/2 Full, Pearl Jam (Eddie Vedder, lyrics)
The 20th anniversary Pearl Jam album comes out this month. I've been listening to Pearl Jam since 1992. In the band's early days, it premiered at the New York City club, Wetlands Preserved, a music venue that featured performances by activist bands, many with an environmental agenda. Wetlands Preserved served as an environmental activism center from 1989 to 2001. It raised money for local wetland restoration and protection projects in New York. The club was known as a home to activist rock bands, including Pearl Jam, Ani DiFranco, Dave Matthews Band, Blues Traveler and Phish. http://www.wetlandspreserved.com/ Prior to that, so-called "eco-saloons" were unusual. Wetlands Preserved gave many activist bands their start and simultaneously raised awareness about environmental issues. A documentary about the club was released in 2007, directed by Dean Budnick: http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2008/03/wetlands_preser_1.html
Pearl Jam continued to stand up for environmental issues over the last 20 years, most recently, wetland restoration in the Gulf and the B.P. oil spill. They performed in a concert to raise money and awareness about the B.P. oil spill and wetlands restoration in the Gulf, along with about a hundred other activist bands. http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/130137-ozzy-pearl-jam-to-obama-stay-focused-on-gulf-restorationThey launched their Oceans campaign, and partnered with the Gulf Restoration Network, with the music video for their song, "Amongst the Waves"http://www.ascap.com/playback/2010/08/Green_Room/PearlJam.aspx The video can be seen here: http://pearljam.com/oceans/ Their campaign calls for fans to clean up beaches, eat fish that has been caught sustainably, to support the Gulf Restoration Network's work in wetlands, and to rethink dependence on oil by using renewable sources.
Like many activist bands, Pearl Jam's lyrics speak to social and environmental issues, politics and the human experience. For example their song, "Oceans," on their album Ten, is a love song with the lyrics: "The sea will rise / please stand by the shore." The five members of the band are each devoted to environmental causes, especially climate change, deforestation and renewable energy, but other issues, including wetlands. Their Carbon Strategy portfolio lists 9 organizations the band identified as doing innovative work in these areas and the band donated $100,000 to environmental groups in recent years.http://www.suite101.com/content/pearl-jam-environmental-issues-a76811 Pearl Jam's environmental philanthropy is known internationally and they work closely with EarthCorps and Conservation International, two groups active in over 40 countries.http://www.suite101.com/
content/rock-stars-committed-to-environmentalist-cause-a185721 The band also promotes "green touring," which means they off-set their carbon footprint while on tour. They have been a role model to other bands on how to be a "carbon neutral" rock band. Here one of the band members, Stone Gossard, discusses this role:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2W_G07Jv-w Gossard is on the board at the Wild Salmon Center in Portland, OR. http://www.wildsalmoncenter.org/index.php In 2003, the band worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society to protect rainforests in Madagascar.http://www.conservation.org/discover/partnership/corporate/Pages/pearl_jam.aspxThe band also got the Environmentalist of the Year Award in 2007http://www.surfexpo.com/
Their most recent album, "Backspacer," was named after the turtle they sponsored in the Great Turtle Race of 2009. The female leatherback won the race (she was called "Backspacer"). I had been waiting nearly 20 years for Pearl Jam to perform a mermaid song and I got my wish on this album with the song, "Force of Nature." The lead singer, Eddie Vedder, is a soul surfer, and he often sings songs about the nature of the sea and our connection to it. For more information about Pearl Jam, visit the band's website:http://pearljam.com/
There are many other activist bands that carry an environmental message in their music. For a blog on environmental songs, go to:
http://songs-for-ee.blogspot.com/2009/08/environmental-songsa-newscollection.html. A high school student from southern Maine started the Emission Commission and launched a blog and top-ten list of environmental songs in 2009, including the bands Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and R.E.M.http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tech-transport/emission-commission-environmental-songs.html
A documentary about Pearl Jam will be featured on PBS's program, American Masters, debuting on October 21, 2011. For the story behind this documentary, go to:http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/16/flannel-surfing-pearl-jam-documentary-by-cameron-crowe-gets-pbs-debut/?src=tptw
For the eco-rock video for Pearl Jam's "Amongst the Waves," go to:http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pearl-jam-amongst-the-waves
I waited almost 20 years for PJ to come out with a mermaid song… and they came through with "Force of Nature."
Hurricane has the trade winds blowin'
A gale force shakin' the windows in the storm
Shipwreck on the rock that he calls home
With one light on…
Somewhere there's a siren singin'
A song only he hears
All the strength that you might think
Would disappear, resolving
One man stands alone, awaitin'
For her to come home
Eyes upon the horizon
In dark before the darkness meets the dawn
-Force of Nature, Pearl Jam
Posted in Environmental Issues, Music, Wetlands
Tagged activist bands, alternative music, environmental activism, Gulf oil spill, Pearl Jam, wetlands
Swan Lake, a Nutcracker and Sleeping Wetlands Poem
With the holidays upon us, I think back to childhood experiences of visiting the theater to see ballets. I played the part of "floating garbage" in an environmental ballet called "A Blue Whale." Three of my favorites are among the most popular of classic ballets, all orchestrated by Peter Tchaikovsky —the Nutcracker (1892),Sleeping Beauty (1889) and Swan Lake (1876).
Tchaikovsky lived in Russia and died of cholera, most likely from drinking contaminated water. Several of his most cherished operas and ballets interpreted stories that took place in wetlands or around water, like the story of the riverine/lake-dwelling mermaidsUndine. In Swan Lake, the dancers crawl through a small river. The Sleeping Beauty has a love scene that takes place beside a stream in a forest. Many of his ballets premiered in St. Petersburg (Russia), a nature-lover's paradise known for its forested shores; often new productions echo those origins.
The musical group, Voice of the Wetlands Allstars, have performed in concert with ballet productions of "The Nutcracker" throughout the U.S. in recent years. In the original story of the Nutcracker and the King of Mice by E.T.A. Hoffman, Clara dreams that her toy Nutcracker turns into a prince, who takes her into an enchanted pine forest wonderland, the "Land of Snow."
But there is another type of nutcracker: the Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) a jay-sized corvid that lives in alpine wet meadows, rocky mountain fens and shrublands, rocky mountain forests and savannas. The little bird likes ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and white-bark pine. It's found year-round in Montana and throughout the west. It, too, retreats to a dreamy pine forest.
Sleeping Beauty is the longest of the ballets. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan stretches along 35 miles of shoreline (Lake Michigan) and covering 3000 acres of park rich with bogs, marshes and swamps.http://www.nps.gov/slbe/naturescience/wetlands.htm I have visited "the Dunes" and explored the trails running through this national park. It is a beautiful, peaceful area. Visitors may agree it's a true "sleeping beauty." For those traveling to British Columbia, the Sleeping Beauty Mountain Provincial Park provides day hiking trails and opportunities to see wildlife, such as grizzly and black bears, moose, mountain goats and blue grouse. One major trail takes hikers 6 kilometers (about 3.75 miles) through hemlock/fir forest and sub-alpine meadow. The Sleeping Beauty Valley boasts the "quintessential Terrace experience" with overnight camping allowed and views of the alpine lakes and meadows. http://www.vancouverisland.com/regions/towns/?townID=3677 (This is not to be confused with Sleeping Beauty Valley in the Mojave Desert. Broadwell Lake is a dry playa at the center of this desert valley, home to 350 rare plants, including the crucifixion thorn.)http://theguzzler.blogspot.com/2009/09/sleeping-beauty-valley-heart-of-mojave.html
Swan Lake has been so popular for 200 years that women have had their wedding dresses made to resemble the costume of Odette, the enchanted swan princess, who turns into a swan by day and into her human form only at night. Throughout the ballet, Odette flees to the lake, where she is under influence of the "bad swan." If the eternal vow of faithful love is broken, Odette will remain a swan forever. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_Lake (This has become a trendy theme for weddings now thanks in part by a recent film production called "The Black Swan.")
The "good swan" / "bad swan" dynamic also plays out in wetlands. In some states, the dredging of wetland habitat has stressed the population of the native North American trumpeter swan. Iowa DNR developed a plan to restore its population of trumpeter swans in 1993, successfully reintroducing 50 pairs of swans to wetland sites.http://www.iowadnr.gov/wildlife/files/swanrestor.html A collaborative group between the Blackfoot Challenge, Wyoming Wetlands Society, FWS, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks have worked to restore the trumpeter swan from 2005-2010. http://www.wetlandslegacy.org/swan.html By contrast, a number of states have been regulating the invasive species, mute swans, which were introduced to states like Minnesota in the mid-1800s and early 1900s from Eurasia. Mute swans are aggressive, known to chase people or other waterfowl out of wetland habitat. Their wingspan rivals that of the majestic trumpeter swan.http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/
terrestrialanimals/muteswan/index.html
While there have been many reinterpretations of the ballet and new references to Swan Lake, so have many places shared the same name. For instance, the Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri contains over 7,000 acres of wetlands.http://www.fws.gov/Midwest/planning/swanlake/ Swan Lake Nature Study Area in Lemmon Valley, Nevada has mudflats, marshes and high desert.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_Lake_Nature_Study_Area As snow falls and winter creeps over fens and marshes, freezes creek beds and streams to skate upon, the wetlands become sleeping beauties waiting for spring's kiss.
For a poem by the same name that I wrote for my grandmother, see: http://aswm.org/wordpress/110-2/swan_lake_leah_stetson/
Posted in Art & Lit, Birds and Wildlife, Conservation & Restoration, Dreams, Music, Nature, Poetry
Tagged Leah Stetson, Strange Wetlands, swan lake poem, wildlife refuge
Swamp Rock
And I can remember the fourth of July,
Runnin' through the backwood, bare.
And I can still hear my old hound dog barkin',
Chasin' down a hoodoo there.
–Creedence Clearwater Revival,
"Born on the Bayou"
Several years ago my father and I went to a CCR concert in Maine. When they sang, "Born on the Bayou," I asked my dad about the "hoodoo man." He told me it was slang for "Swampthing," or the southern equivalent of Big Foot. I pictured a gentle, moss-covered giant, misunderstood, just like Harry from "Harry and the Hendersons." Since that stormy night listening to CCR with my dad, I've been a little fond of Swampthing, and enamored of all things swampy. Right after Katrina hit, a lot of extra people showed up in Bar Harbor, where I was living at the time, and a friend of mine dated the lead musician in the group called the Frozen Swamp Choppers, who moved up from New Orleans. Eric Green and the Frozen Swamp Choppers have a distinct sound—swamp rock. Check it out: http://www.swampsound.com/ Green has been making swamp rock albums since the mid-'80s. Here's a video of one of his performances with the Eric Green Party. Some other classic swamp rock artists include Tony Joe White, Claw Boys Claw, The Almighty Defenders, John Fogerty, Beasts of Bourbon, Screamin' Witch Doctors, Muddy Feet, the Cramps, Trailer Bride, Deja Voodoo. Swamp rock is a combo of Zydeco (Louisiana folk music—usually involving washboards or tubs as percussion), Cajun music, swamp blues and swamp pop. It showed up in American rock and became popular in the 1960s. The music is funky, soulful and reverberates with a twangy guitar. Song lyrics tell stories from southern folklore with a "southern gothic" feel. Songs often describe life along the Mississippi River, in the bayou and in New Orleans. For me, it makes me think of easy summer days spinnin' around in a hot black inner tube in the river and ridin' in the back of my dad's jeep.
Swamp rock is not unique to the south, however, as there are swamp rock festivals in the Midwesthttp://www.swamprockbash.net/ and British swamp rock bands like Hipbone Slim and the Knee Tremblershttp://www.myspace.com/hipboneslim
Listen to CCR's "Born on the Bayou" and watch the videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJphgxTMkQc&feature=fvw
Swamp rock blues guitar http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIpAN-cCoFE
Black swamp blues http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVTAwYQGQt8&feature=related
Swampy ooze http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUCQ3K7S4Lk&feature=related
Aussie swamp rock band (blog) http://elblogdearchi.com/2009/08/beasts-of-bourbon-2/
Louisiana swamp rock band (blog) http://pixiepages.blogspot.com/2009/07/little-swamp-rock-dirty-water-dogs.html
Posted in Fun & Humor, Music, Pop Culture
Tagged blues, Cajun music, Eric Green Party, swamp rock, wetlands music


As you know, at present, video cards from Radeon RX 560 and older are offered in a special set of Quake Champions Pack, implying a coupon for downloading the game of the same name. AMD company with its page on Twitter tried to stimulate the public, pointing to the possibility of purchasing Radeon RX 570 for $ 279 .
The phrase "for only $ 279" caused a storm of emotions among the participants in the discussion on Twitter, and many immediately stated that earlier the video card was worth almost $ 100 less.
Panasonic has launched a new entry-level smartphone called P9. It is already available in India at a price of 6290 rupees , as reported by the online edition of GSMArena .
Since Panasonic P9 belongs to budget smartphones, it can not boast of interesting features. It is equipped with a modest 5-inch IPS-display with a resolution of 854x480 pixels, which is protected by Asahi Dragonglass glass, built-in 16GB storage, 8-megapixel main camera with autofocus and LED flash and 5-megapixel frontal. At the heart of the smartphone was a quad-core processor MediaTek MT6737M with a clock speed of 1.1 GHz, which was supplemented with 1 GB of RAM. The Panasonic P9 is powered by a 2210 mAh battery. It will be delivered with the preinstalled operating system Android 7.0 Nougat.
Buyers can choose one of two colors Panasonic P9: black or gold.
The European Commission in 2006 decided that Intel abused its position in the market and used financial incentives to work with partners to prevent competitors from entering the market. In particular, in Europe, the Media-Saturn trading network, as well as the four largest manufacturers of ready-made PCs: Dell, HP, Lenovo and NEC were involved in similar frauds. Decision of Intel Commission was ordered to pay a fine of 1.06 billion euros, and at the same time stop using such incentive measures, working against the main competitor in the face of AMD.
In 2014, Intel's appeal against this EC decision was rejected by the European Tribunal of General Jurisdiction, and the company appealed to the European Court of Higher Jurisdiction, trying to challenge the claims of the European Commission, demanding a more detailed examination of all the circumstances of the case and a proportional reduction in the amount of the fine. Now on the website of the profile judicial body of the EU there was a press release with information about the extension of the time for considering the case of Intel abuse by its position on the European market. The case will be returned to the European Tribunal of General Jurisdiction for a second consideration, since the highest authority requires a more thorough examination of all the circumstances. It is necessary to establish a more obvious link between Intel's financial incentives and the company's ability to restrict competition through these measures. A court of higher jurisdiction requires the European Tribunal to pay more attention to Intel's arguments.
However, it can not be asserted that the European Court went against Intel. At the very least, the highest court in the EU rejected Intel's claims concerning territorial restriction of jurisdiction, and did not take into account the procedural violations that the representatives of the company's interests referred to. According to the plaintiff's version, these violations allegedly limited the rights of the corporation to defense in court.
Chinese company Huawei announced its plans to overtake Apple in the global smartphone market. And, it seems, it did it, as evidenced by the data of the research firm Counterpoint.
According to the report of Counterpoint, referenced by our colleagues from GizmoChina , in the period from June to July 2017, Huawei became the second largest smartphone manufacturer in the world, ahead of Apple, but inferior to Samsung. Sales of Huawei smartphones were high in August, and therefore we will not be surprised if the Chinese company takes the second place and last month. But the joy of Huawei, most likely, will be short-lived. This month, Apple will launch a new generation of iPhone, including the iPhone 8, which will allow it to win the second place in the market.
Also, Counterpoint analysts named the best-selling smartphone models in June-July. Leaders are the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, which account for 4 and 2.9% of sales. They are followed by Oppo R11, Oppo A57, Samsung Galaxy S8, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X, Samsung Galaxy S8 +, iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime and Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 model year.


The patent pending Vault Plate completely re-configures the stress points between the BK Hybrid Tip, R-Break Shield, R2 molecular multi-density foam, and carbon fiber composite tube to create a construction that is stronger from every axis with less mass and a higher level of kinetic energy transfer.
The R-Break Shield, developed from FR4 composite creates a stronger and more tactile bonding surface that not only protects the Vault Plate, but also provides the power of a phenolic break tip – with the control of the BK Hybrid Tip.
7The BK-Hybrid tip is comprised of seven layers of premium leather injected with our hybrid additive to create a tip that offers an exceptional hardness rating (transferring more energy) with increased control and improved chalk adhesion.
Woven fibers have long been the expected standard of carbon fiber construction, but they are not necessarily the best for every application. We have long recognized both the strength and the function of carbon fiber weave, however, recent advances in fiber technology and construction techniques have led Predator to take a different design approach. Previously, a woven fabric was the norm for the outermost covering of any carbon component. Now, new aerospace grade carbon fiber tow construction methods and new fiber placement theories allow us to tune the REVO BK-R shaft by orienting the carbon fiber tow in the directions most suitable for specific locations in the REVO BK-R shaft itself.
BK-Rush's four-piece fused construction eliminates the need for an A-joint while maintaining exceptional strength. This elongated reinforced construction transfers energy more seamlessly while providing a remarkably solid feel.
The result of extensive research and testing by top pros. By increasing strength and stiffness without additional weight, the balance point of the cue was recalibrated to more effortlessly harness player power.


text:
Theatre Review: Barber Shop Chronicles, National Theatre 'One of the Shows of the Year'
It is a rare occurrence indeed to see an audience as happy, as involved, and as diverse as the one that sat with me to watch Barber Shop Chronicles at the NT. What a glorious show. Such dynamism, energy, and an array of fantastic performances. But as much as the style is all there, this is a play of substance too. In fact, I don't think I've seen such an excellent examination of community and identity, of men and masculinity, as I have in this play centred around Black men and the networks and support structures they find in their local barber shops.
London, Lagos, Harare and South Africa… We follow a series of scenes in barber shops across Africa and in London. Vignettes, each comparing and contrasting with the others. The scenes are not necessarily linked by plot but by theme – the love of music and the legacy of centuries of exploitation, the failure of fathers and the hope for romance with women. Abuse at home, abuse in wider society. This is men talking about their experiences as men in the society they live in – all whilst going through the much-loved rituals of getting that mightily fine haircut.
There is humorous bravado here as well as worrying prejudice. There is heart-breaking pain and there are plenty of laughs, but this is a terrific depiction of how Black men find paternalistic support and guidance, even when their own fathers let them down.
A central plot quickly emerges. Samuel (Fisayo Akinade) works as an assistant barber in a place run by one of his father's best friends, Emmanuel (Cyril Nri), but there is an unspoken and unconfronted issue between the two. For it is the anniversary of the incarceration of Samuel's father, and the boy believes Emmanuel had a role to play in this – one that betrayed his father – and that grudge is reaching boiling point.
And around this plot, the scenes across the world spin – much like the Mona Hatoum-inspired wire globe that hangs over their heads – as the remaining cast portray the vast array of characters we meet if only for a few minutes.
Each performance is impressive, but it is Inua Ellams's superb writing that steals the show for he weaves critical dialogue on politics in amongst the laughs, the revelations and the traditions. There's the questionable legacy of Mandela, the challenges of being part of the African diaspora, even the importance of pidgin and its role in Black society and culture. (And special mention to the effort that was made to update the script mid-run to reflect Mugabe standing down in Zimbabwe.)
This is a play that hits the head as well as the heart. Yet we are left considering the future as much as reflecting on the past, for Inua challenges us – and his men – to consider, how do Black men move forward from all this pain? How can they find role models that meet the changing face of masculinity? How can they reconcile themselves to their ancestors' past – and their own – yet not let it hold them back? How can they move on from broken, unhelpful models of what it is to be a man?
These are the big questions left for us to ponder as the curtain falls on, unequivocally, one of the plays of the year. A gem of a show.
National Theatre, London, to January 9, 2018
All production images by Marc Brenner.


I consider my blog a place to work out not‐quite‐crystallized thoughts and start conversations. This post is an example of a topic that I need to wrestle with, and I'm looking for your help to do so.
I wrote the other day about how Educon challenged some of my assumptions, and is continuing to do so. I have also been thinking about where I personally land on the school reform movement. Much of what the "reformists" say grates on me and feels wrong for kids, but I believe part of that is because it feels like a personal attack on my calling, my chosen profession, and my passion for helping kids learn. I also realized that my understanding of the movement is based primarily on what other people tell me it is. I have not spent enough time with the primary source material.
So I decided to check it out for myself. I visited the Students First web site, and read through the policy agenda posted there. (A caveat: I have not read the entire document thoroughly—what follows is based on the summaries at the site.) I was a bit surprised to find that they endorse many things that I believe are critical to improving education: putting students first, elevating the profession of teaching, striving for excellence, using public resources wisely to support learning.
Hardly. Where we differ though is on the assumptions behind the words. Let's take the issue of student achievement. I absolutely want students to achieve. I also think that our students (speaking globally, not about my district in particular) probably aren't achieving at the level they are capable of. So how can I possibly disagree with Students First?
I don't. What I disagree with is their definition of achievement (which, by the way isn't explicitly stated at the site, unless I missed it). By inference, and through my experience with NCLB, achievement to this organization means performance on high‐stakes reading and math tests. If this inference is wrong, by the way, I welcome feedback from anyone familiar with the organization to point me to more thorough definitions of the term so I can better understand it.
Please don't misunderstand: I want my students to have excellent reading and math skills. I just don't believe that an annual, week‐long, multiple choice test is adequate to judge these skills.
But I also think achievement is a more complex, more subtle thing than this, and I'm not certain Students First understands or is interested in this. Again, if I've mischaracterized the organization, show me—help me understand where I have it wrong, but to me their goal doesn't really seem to be to help teachers get better, it seems to be to categorize all teachers as either "good" or "bad" and then to get rid of the bad ones.
The debate will never be resolved, and we will never be able to really communicate and work together to create the best possible education for our children, until we can agree on the definitions and assumptions that form the foundation of the goals. The conversation first needs to be about what achievement means, what excellence means, what quality means. Only then can we work on creating effective ways of evaluating it—and I'm certain those ways will involve multiple measures and multiple criteria.
We could, and should, examine much of the language on all sides of the debate about school reform to find the underlying assumptions. I know I am looking much more closely at my own, and I challenge you to do the same. What assumptions do you have that color your responses and drive your thinking? What am I not considering here that I need to be? Where are the points of agreement we can work from to build consensus?
Thanks for this post, Gerald. I think you hit the nail on the head‐ the problem with politicizing education reform is that it is so easy to make the platitudes a quick sell to the public. Things like "students first", "no child left behind", "all students will be proficient in reading and math by 2014", and "race to the top" are hard to argue with at their face value. And that's exactly where 95+% of the public will leave them‐ at face value. It's only by digging deeper that one can realize the shallowness of the words.
I think the difficult thing in any discussion about edreform is that we are all coming from the same place. We all want education to be better for students, we are all trying to improve the system. That is clear in the language of the site, that is what makes it hard to argue. Our goals are similar. The path we beileve needs to be taken to get there is where we differ. That is largely dependent on our beliefs about learning, about students, achievment, excellence, and success. It seems to me that the real problem is that "we" are constantly looking for the path of least resistance i.e. tests, regulations, rules, getting rid of bad teachers, etc. The answers aren't easy and that is okay, we need to come together and think outside of the box to find solutions that are really solutions.


text:
Great Cause, Great Fun - SDMBA ARCH Ride 2017
By Richard Duquette, Esq.
As many of you know, the San Diego Mountain Biking Association (SDMBA) "ARCH" ride was last Saturday, April 9th. It's their annual fundraiser and quite an exciting and eye opening experience.
What is it? Its best described as a mountain Bike adventure through the back country of North County. Permission to use a connection of trails is granted annually, and links a chain of "open space" islands, like the Archipelago chain of Islands. (SDMBA has the goal of developing safe connecting trails and preserving open space).
This event will challenge you in every way, mentally and physically and tests your nutrition management, equipment, and even your ability to navigate a variety of terrains, including tree covered tunnels.The ride is a bit over 41 miles in length and starts at La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad. From there you ride/hike up mountain switchbacks, and over single track. You then descend into Elfin forest through 6' tall brush, and through deep streams on single track. A rattlesnake was even spotted lying across the trail!
After that, its hike a bike time up the Elfin Forest
"Way Up" trail of switchbacks for about a mile. You then descend the fast trails to the metal bridge at the South end of Lake Hodges.
More switch backs challenge you as you crest the hill and drop into Lusardi Valley, i.e. the West side of Rancho Bernardo Valley. From there, it's a long ride, slow and steady in open country side up to Black Mountain Park.
You then, descend past Del Mar Highlands, through Penasquitos Canyon and the "Tree Tunnels" as depicted in the photos. Yes, there are dried up streambeds and "cobbles" for trails, but we did eventually end up in Penasquitos Canyon, and experienced a refreshing Ocean Breeze.
From there, it's a long and pretty climb up Lopez Canyon behind Qualcomm, then to the finish at "Green Flash" Brewery in Mira Mesa. It's there, I enjoyed a well-deserved pint of "Willy Vanilly" IPA, good food and stories of the day. (Robert Leon, from the San Diego County Bike Coalition kindly parked our bikes in the Valet.)
In summary, the people are friendly and the ride is Epic! So, Join the San Diego Mountain Biking Association and give it a try next year. It's for a good cause and it's a blast!


text:
The sanctuary was built for the Camaldolese monks by Kristupas Žygimantas Pacas (1621–1684), the chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The monks and their patron agreed to situate the monastery not far from Kaunas, on the small hill of Pažaislis, in the woods near a bend in the Nemunas River. The Latin name initially chosen for the monastery, Monte Pacis, can be translated to reflect both the tranquillity of life at the place ("Mountain of Peace") and the name of its patron ("Mountain of Pacas").
Construction of the stone monastery and church began in 1667. The Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin May took shape over several years and was blessed in 1674, although the towers on its façade were not completed until 1681. The monastery and other buildings in the complex took longer to complete and decorate. Several Italian architects were involved, among whom Pietro Puttini (1633–1699) stands out for having dedicated the longest period of time. At Pažaislis from 1673 to 1691, he oversaw construction and planned most of the interior decoration. Two other Italians involved in the construction of Pažaislis include the architect Isidoro Affaitatti (1622–c.1686) and the engineer Giovanni Batista Frediani († after 1693).
Decoration of the church's interior began in 1673 as construction work neared its end. The church building, parts of the monastery and the guest lodgings were embellished with stucco art and, a bit later, paintings. The marble work in the church took almost 20 years. The sanctuary's stucco sculptures were created between 1674 and 1676 by the Italian decorator Giovanni Batista Merli. Florentine artist Michelangelo Palloni (1637–1712) painted the frescos between 1678 and 1685.
The church of the Pažaislis monastery was given the title Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on October 15, 1712, even though construction work continued on the monastery itself. Cell-huts for the hermit monks were not completed until almost the middle of the 18th century, while the bell tower of the hermitage was not put in place until the second half of the 18th century. In 1791–1792, the eastern façade of the church was strengthened with an adjunct stone edifice designed in the classicist style by Pietro Rossi (1761–1831).
Napoleon's soldiers did damage to the monastery in 1812. They stole some of the liturgical vessels as well as 6 of 12 ivory statues that adorned the main altar. Tsarist authorities closed the monastery in 1831 after accusing the Camaldolese monks aiding insurgents. A year later both the church and the monastery were handed over to Orthodox believers. On that occasion, altars were removed, the white habits of the monks in the frescos of the dome were painted black and frescos between the arches in the central nave were altered or completely repainted. In 1877 most of the small hermit dwellings were demolished, leaving only the three that stand today.
German soldiers who lodged at the monastery in 1915 wreaked havoc on the complex. Among other things, they tore the copper roofing off the buildings and put it to military use.
In 1920, the monastery was entrusted to sisters from the Congregation of St Casimir who had come to Lithuania from Chicago. Finding the church and monastery badly damaged and looted, they initiated repairs that took many years.
The Soviet authorities evicted the Sisters of St Casimir from Pažaislis in 1948 and closed the monastery. After that, the complex changed hands several times, serving as a state archive, a tourist resort and a psycho-neurological hospital. From 1967 to 1992 it was a branch of the M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum, during which time renovation of the buildings' interiors and exteriors was undertaken. Construction of the Kaunas Hydroelectric Plant dramatically altered the landscape surrounding the monastery. When the Nemunas was dammed in 1959, what had been a bend in the river became the Kaunas Reservoir. Its waters now covered the old cemetery of the Camaldolese monks and the ruins of the little hillside Church of St Anne. Mount Pažaislis, once visible from a great distance, became a small hill on the shore of a lake.
The Pažaislis monastery was returned to the Sisters of the Congregation of St Casimir on June 15, 1992. Thanks to them, the complex has become not just a home for their congregation but a true spiritual hub. Retreats are now organized for diverse groups of people at Pažaislis, which also opens its doors to new social and cultural traditions. Visitors are acquainted with the monastery's artistic riches, and a variety of cultural encounters are held, including evenings of poetry. International music festivals have been held at Pažaislis each summer since 1996, with ever increasing popularity.


A car has flipped onto its roof on the A13 between Ferry Lane and Wennington.
The London Ambulance Service and police were called at around 11.15am to reports of a car crash on the A13 in Wennington today (Tuesday, April 2).
An LAS spokeswoman said: "We sent an incident response officer, two ambulance crews and a single responder in a car to the scene.
"We also dispatched our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).
The A13 has now fully re-opened and traffic is flowing well.


San Antonio Residence Skilled Nursing Tags : SA Residence by Shatotto Architects Eco-Sustainable House by Djuric Tardio Architectes. Saratoga Creek House by WA Design.
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These are the photos of the one day training of ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst, lectured by Mr.Thillai held at the Department of Zoology and Environment Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya. Most of our participants to the workshop are from the GIS industry and who had worked on the ArcGIS platform.
ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst provides a powerful suite of statistical models and tools for spatial data exploration and optimal surface generation. It allows you to create a statistically valid prediction surface, along with prediction uncertainties, from a limited number of data measurements. From determining whether an environmental safety threshold has been exceeded to locating mineral deposits, ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst lets you model spatial data in a reliable and intelligent way. ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst enables you to take advantage of these tools and techniques in an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) and as web services.
Explore data variability and spatial relationships, look for unusual data values, and examine global and local trends.
Utilize multivariate analysis to create optimal statistical models to produce reliable maps of predictions, prediction errors, quantiles, and probabilities for improved decision making.
Modify model parameters interactively or automatically optimize them using cross validation.
Determine optimal locations to create or update a monitoring network.


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/ Earth & Energy
Grow It, Don't Raise It
The World's First Lab Grown Meat Factory Just Opened Up
It can produce the equivalent of 5,000 burgers a day.
Future Meat Technologies
Growing Burgers
Israeli biotech company Future Meat has opened what it claims to be the "world's first industrial cultured meat facility," a watershed moment in the development of futuristic meat alternative products.
They say the facility is capable of producing 1,100 pounds of lab grown — rather than plant-based — meat products a day, or roughly the equivalent of 3,000 medium-sized hamburgers.
"This facility opening marks a huge step in Future Meat Technologies' path to market, serving as a critical enabler to bring our products to shelves by 2022," CEO Rom Kshuk said in a press blurb.
The facility could lay the groundwork for many others like it in the future, particularly in the US, where plant-based meat substitutes are already becoming increasingly popular.
"Having a running industrial line accelerates key processes such as regulation and product development," Kshuk said.
The company claims cultured meat generates 80 percent less greenhouse emissions, uses 99 percent less land, and consumes 96 percent less water than traditional meat production.
Slaughter-Free
The factory can produce cell-based chicken, pork, and lamb products, with the capability to produce beef products "coming soon," according to the statement.
The company also claims the process is about 20 times faster than raising animals and then slaughtering them, and that the process is becoming cheaper faster than expected.
"After demonstrating that cultured meat can reach cost parity faster than the market anticipated, this production facility is the real game-changer," Future Meat chief scientific officer Yaakov Nahmias said.
In February, Future Meat announced it had managed to bring the production cost of a cultured chicken breast product to under $10, a decrease in cost "by 1,000 times over the last three years," as Kshuk told The Spoon at the time.
It's an exciting new chapter in weaning modern society off of traditionally manufactured meat. Stateside, the demand for plant-based meat substitutes is on the rise — and lab-grown meat may just be the next step. Future Meat is hoping to expand into US markets as soon as next year.
READ MORE: 5,000 burgers a day: World's first cultured meat production plant opens in Israel [Israel Hayom]
More on cultured meat: This Classy Startup Is Working on Lab-Grown Elk, Wagyu Beef
Companies Are Betting on Lab-Grown Meat, but None Know How to Get You to Eat It
Researchers Unveiled The First Chicken Meat Grown Without Chickens
Lab-Grown Meat: Tyson is Making a Massive Investment in a Meatless Future


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Donovan Mitchell to Miss Final 3 Jazz Regular-Season Games Due to Ankle Injury
Jenna CiccotelliAnalyst IIIMay 11, 2021
Rick Bowmer/Associated Press
The Utah Jazz announced guard Donovan Mitchell will miss the team's final three regular-season games against the Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings because of the sprained right ankle he suffered April 16.
The plan is to reevaluate him prior to the start of the playoffs.
The 24-year-old was on course for a career year, but the sprain stalled him. He was averaging 26.4 points and 5.2 assists through 53 starts to help fire the Jazz to the top of the Western Conference.
Mitchell, who was the No. 13 overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in 2017 before being traded to Utah, averaged 24.0 points per game on 44.9 percent shooting last season.
The Louisville product is a crucial piece of the Jazz rotation, but the team will be able to continue filling the void with Jordan Clarkson (17.5 points per game) and Joe Ingles (12.3 PPG) until he returns.


What did you think of Ocean's Thirteen?
This is the first movie all year that I have been really excited for, that has actually delivered. I haven't been this happy when leaving the theater since…Lucky Number Slevin. It was funny. It had heart. Best of all, it was truly entertaining.
We find our cast of characters called back together because Reuben (Elliott Gould) has suffered a heart attack after being double-crossed. Loyalty and friendship prevail and the team launches an attack on Willy Bank, played by Al Pacino.
The best part about this movie is that all the characters are back. Every actor that was part of the original team is back. Without that, it wouldn't have been the same. Speaking of the actors, no one has better on-screen chemistry than George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Not a single one of their former co-stars (including Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez) has ever had the kind of easy, natural interaction on screen together.
The cast of side characters is back as well, with Andy Garcia's Terry Benedict and Eddie Izzard's Roman Nagel as part of the team. Together they pull off a heist not for the money, but for justice and vindication of the good guy.
The heist, and their methods, are just as unbelievable as the first two movies, yet you believe it all the way. The casino that Willy Bank built is incredible. It must be completely CGI on the outside, since that hotel obviously doesn't exist in Vegas. It's a beautiful helix design that would actually work very well in Vegas. The inside of the hotel/casino is beautiful too. That's another thing I loved about this movie, and the first one – you feel the Vegas excitement just from watching. That's how authentic the sets and background action are.
There's not much I can tell you about the plot since most plot points would give away surprises. I will say that a few other characters from previous movies will pop up. If you really must know, click the spoiler link below.
Toulour, the thief from Ocean's Twelve that the team outsmarted, as well as Linus' Dad.
Overall, absolutely worth the price of a movie ticket, plus the popcorn & soda, plus the Milk Duds I would have bought if I hadn't caught at 10am showing. Plus Milk Duds for the person behind me in line. Go see it now.


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The 10 best winter hikes in Hampton Roads, according to a longtime hiker
Census numbers won't be released before change in power
Missing Norfolk man suffering from existing traumatic brain injury traveled to New York City, sister said
By Amy Poulter
Albert Johnson, 34, is a described as light-skinned, African American man with dreadlocks. He's about 5'11" and weighs 165 pounds. He was last heard from on Thursday, August 16, 2018, when he called his sister from New York City. (Courtesy of Lessie Johnson)
A 34-year-old man with a traumatic brain injury boarded a bus to New York City last week and hasn't been heard from since.
Lessie Johnson, of Albany, N.Y., said her brother Albert Johnson suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car crash when he was 16. The condition causes him to become easily confused and disoriented, she said.
Nearly 20 years later, the man still believes he's a teenager chasing a career in music.
"Before the crash, he was pursuing music and reaching out to music producers," Lessie said. "So in his mind, he defaults to that."
Norfolk police spokesman Daniel Hudson confirmed Albert purchased a ticket and boarded the New York-bound bus. Hudson said Lessie filed a missing-person report on Thursday.
Lessie said Albert, who lives in Norfolk, purchased a bus ticket at the Greyhound bus station on Monticello Avenue. Albert's bus left Norfolk at 6 p.m. and arrived at Port Authority in New York City at 6 a.m. the following morning.
Albert called his sister from his cellphone half an hour later, she said, standing outside of a pharmacy store at the intersection of West 58th Street and Columbus Avenue. Lessie said Albert wasn't able to tell her where he was but passed the phone to a nearby woman, who confirmed his location.
"Before I could explain to her my brother's condition and my need for her assistance, she passed the phone back," Lessie said. "The only thing Albert could tell me before his phone died was that he was at a CVS [pharmacy]."
Herring authorizes probe of Richmond's statue contract with company tied to Newport News
Albert had called to ask his sister how to get to a popular local radio station in New York, Lessie said. When she couldn't tell him how to get there, Albert asked her to come pick him up.
Lessie made the two-hour trek to the city in search of her brother. She scoured parks, posted fliers in subways, visited police precincts and attempted to call the radio station her brother was searching for, she said.
"I have since tried reaching out to everyone I possibly can to get the attention of the larger public, simply because of the state of my brother's condition which places him at a large disadvantage being in a large city such as Manhattan alone," Lessie said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the New York Police Department at (518)438-4000.
Amy Poulter, 757-446-2705, amy.poulter@pilotonline.com
Albert Johnson
Lessie Johnson
Norfolk Police
Most Read • News


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High Shrink
Curiosities, arcane and pedestrian
Charles Deaton's "Ultra-Modern" Bank Design for Casper, Wyoming — 1964
by High Shrink
by Paula Bosse
I stumbled across the postcard below and was instantly fascinated by that crazy structure. What was it? The back of the card helped me out: "New home of the Wyoming National Bank of Casper." That super-modernistic building was in Wyoming?
Indeed it was. In fact it's still there (it's now a branch of Wells Fargo).
Denver architect Charles Deaton (1921-1996) was something of a visionary designer, with many of his projects imagined first in sculptural terms. His designs were odd and bold and often futuristic-looking. He was a self-taught architect and structural engineer and, in addition to his work as a designer of buildings, interior spaces, lighting, and furniture, he was also a prolific inventor who held several U.S. patents.
When the Casper bank opened in May, 1964, Wyoming became the 36th state which had within its borders a Deaton-designed bank.
Of the design for the newly completed Wyoming National Bank of Casper, Deaton said:
"It's got everything it needs, no more or no less. It's a complete composition. It has not been modified or changed in the construction or by the bank. It could not have been done if I did not have in the bank a client that wanted a creative effort. […] I have no apologies … no excuses. I like it." (Charles Deaton, quoted in the Casper Star-Tribune, May 3, 1964)
Below, the model of Deaton's "ultra-modern" design (all images are larger when clicked).
Casper Star-Tribune, Aug. 13, 1961
Five months later, an "invitation to bid" — which included details of the building — was extended to general contractors.
Casper Star-Tribune, March 22, 1962
A nifty drawing of the bank appeared in several ads printed in a special grand-opening section of the Casper Star-Tribune on May 3, 1964.
As did a photo of Deaton visiting the site (Deaton is seen in the center of the photo below).
Photo and article from the Casper Star-Tribune, May 3, 1964
And … wow. Mid-century modernism in Casper, Wyoming!
This interesting short film contains an overview of Deaton's work and is well worth a look:
Sources & Notes
Color postcard found on eBay.
The black-and-white photo at the bottom is one of several images of the bank (and the Wells Fargo tower) from the Casper Star-Tribune website, here.
More on this modernistic onion-shaped building can be found in this article from the Society of Architectural Historians.
More on Charles Deaton from Wikipedia, here.
All images are larger when clicked.
Copyright © 2019 Paula Bosse. All Rights Reserved.
This entry was posted in 1960s, Architecture, USA: Wyoming and tagged Charles Deaton, Modern architecture. Bookmark the permalink.
How a Telephone Switchboard Works — 1911
Happy Valentine's Day from Stan Lee — 1958
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Comfort Furniture Company: Vibrating, Artistic, and Indestructible — 1905
Route 66: Iceberg Cafe, Albuquerque
Chasing Pancho Villa on the Border in Tricked-Out Harley-Davidsons — ca. 1916
The Texas Fig Farmer
WWII Air Raid Shelters, Deluxe and Otherwise — 1939
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Copyright © 2017-2019 Paula Bosse. All Rights Reserved.


This week G-Shock and HUF launched their collaborative watch—a rough and ready, blacked out version of the GD400 style. Founded by legendary skater Keith Hufnagel, HUF has become a purveyor of low-key skate style, and the all-important statement-making pot-leaf sock. On the evening of the launch, Hufnagel told The FADER a few details from his young skater days and explained why watches are still a very necessary accessory for everyone.
KEITH HUFNAGEL: I think skaters should own about 31 pairs of socks—so you don't have to do laundry for a month—and two watches. In this age of smart phones and iPads, a watch is more of an accessory. Especially since the most important time of day for the average skater is waking up, probably around 1PM. We chose to collaborate with G-Shock because it's always been a part of street culture. I used to be a sponsored rider of their skate team in the late '90s. I've had so many crazy things happen during my wipeouts: I've broken bones, I've knocked myself out, I've dislocated toes sideways in my shoes. I knocked my two front teeth out four times. Lots of stitches and bruises and ego crushes in my time. Thankfully, this watch is a GD400 model, which is pretty durable and can withstand a crazy wipeout. Naturally, I've always loved and admired the work the brand does. It was an organic synergy to come together and create a product we both love and respect."


Sweet spice attack! Cinnamon may commonly be used in baked goods, but as an oil, it is hot and stimulating. Like a Fireball shooter, it's a serious wake-up call for the senses and can help fight off funk that leads to colds and 'flus. Our Cinnamon oil, extracted from the bark, is crazy distilled, so always use it diluted.
Common Uses: Cinnamon has been known to be hot and stimulating. Traditionally it has been used to generate warmth and relieve pain and alleviate sore muscles and joints. It is also a powerful anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral oil, and can be used to boost the immune system while keeping germs at bay. Blend a few drops along with other antibacterials like thyme, rosemary and clove and use in a diffuser. A few drops of Cinnamon oil added to a carrier oil and rubbed on the belly, can help soothe digestive issues, discomfort and cramps.


Here at The Animal Hospital of Onslow County in Jacksonville, we offer an array of veterinary services ranging from wellness exams and vaccinations to urgent care and surgical procedures. Our primary goals are to get your pet the help they need when they need it, and to help stave off illnesses through comprehensive veterinary medicine. Once you meet our experienced team of compassionate veterinarian team, you and your pet will never want to go anywhere else! Learn more about our extensive services below.
The cornerstone of optimal pet health is having at least one wellness examination annually. This gives you the opportunity to discuss with us any changes in lifestyle, diet and behavioral changes you've noticed. Our Jacksonville vet will thoroughly examine your pet's skin, coat, muscles, joints, eyes, ears, mouth and nasal cavities to look for any issues. We may also do tests for heartworms and other diseases not readily apparent.
We offer both core and non-core vaccinations as well as annual boosters for essential vaccines like rabies. If you board your pet or have regular grooming services, we'll recommend a few vaccinations to ensure they can avoid highly contagious illnesses such as kennel cough and distemper.
Our state-of-the-art facilities allow us to offer urgent care services for emergencies. We utilize Eco-friendly digital x-rays and an in-house laboratory, so we can quickly identify how to help your pet get through a crisis.
Here at The Animal Hospital of Onslow County in Jacksonville, we offer fully monitored anesthesia practices to ensure your pet's pain is under control during surgical procedures. We offer minor surgeries such as spaying and neutering as well as more intensive surgeries for pets. Our animal hospital takes great measures to ensure a safe and sterile environment in our operating rooms.
Pet oral health is vital to their overall wellness, and that's why we offer comprehensive dental x-rays and cleanings. We'll mildly sedate your pet and remove any tartar and plaque before polishing their teeth and administered a fluoride treatment. Your pet will come out smiling brightly!
If your furry friend needs a good bath, a nail trimming, and a fresh haircut, we're pleased to offer pet grooming services in Jacksonville. Our team can help you eradicate fleas and ticks with medicated baths, too.
If you are in need of veterinarian services in Jacksonville or Onslow County, you'll love our team here at the Animal Hospital of Onslow County. Our caring veterinary staff is compassionate and dedicated wholly to pet health. Call us at (910) 353-1722 or come by our office at 296 Doctors Drive in Jacksonville to schedule an appointment today.


Obscur is built on a self-evident principle regarding the design - a garment's true value can only be fully recognized when it is being worn. Designer Richard Soderberg creates the clothes after absorbing the spirit of the condition of his home country. His deep love of scandinavian music is also of great inspiration and has been translated into the garments.


TSS Youth Sailing is qualified under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) as a public charity and educational organization to which your contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes. Our Federal tax identification number is 59-3643423.
Your monetary support makes a big splash! TSS Youth Sailing, Inc., is managed by volunteers and our training fleet is maintained by volunteers. Our only employees are our instructors and sailing assistants. All of your donations go directly to the expenses of the program.
Please contact us at info@TSSYouthSailing.org for further details on how to donate a boat, nautical equipment, or other items. Gift cards are welcome, too!
Monetary Donations - Please make your check payable to: TSS Youth Sailing, Inc.


PHOENIX & BELGRADE, Serbia --Avnet (NYSE: AVT), a leading global technology distributor, today announced a distribution agreement in the Americas with MikroElektronika, a leading provider of hardware and software tools supporting rapid prototype and product development. Effective immediately, Avnet customers in the Americas will have access to MikroElektronika's full line of development boards, compilers, accessory boards and software, including the Hexiwear IoT development kit, which was voted the development platform "Best for Rapid Prototyping" in the Hackster.io 2016 Maker Madness competition.
MikroElektronika's flagship products, including click board™ add-on boards for interfacing microcontrollers with peripheral sensors or transceivers and Hexiwear development boards, support the mikroBUS™ open standard, which defines mainboard sockets and add-on boards used for interfacing microcontrollers or microprocessors with integrated circuits and modules. The standard has been endorsed by many major semiconductor manufacturers. Click here for details.


• A small drawing is typically more manageable than a large one. • Consider using a 2B for the outlines and an HB to draw the ruffled filaments. • As you outline the feather…... feather linework by Find this Pin and more on Stuff to Buy by Pattie Towner. This is an original tattoo design I drew up for one of my customers.
feather linework by Find this Pin and more on Stuff to Buy by Pattie Towner. This is an original tattoo design I drew up for one of my customers.


This chapter uses press accounts to reconstruct a spectacular case of necrophilia from the mid-nineteenth century. The subsequent trial emblematized the rivalries between medicine and the courts. There were two principal points of dispute: on the one hand doctors argued that the medical profession should be self-governing (and largely, therefore, beyond the purview of the jurists); and on the other they attempted to increase their influence on legal decisions, especially in their role as expert witnesses. At the same time, to secure a position of influence and credibility within society, the medical profession also had to establish its independence from the Catholic Church, and it was able to assume much of the authority that the clergy had previously enjoyed. The late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries thus saw the rise in France of a new language for making sense of social and asocial behaviors.


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Federal White Collar Charges
Texas Criminal Defense
Home » Family Law
Holding The Line In Family Law Disputes
Family law issues can start in a couple of ways. You may decide that a relationship no longer works, and you need to leave a spouse or significant other. When you didn't realize there were serious issues in your relationship and you are blindsided with the service of a summons or divorce petition, it can be even harder. Regardless, you'll probably feel a broad range of emotions — anger, sadness and sometimes simply relief. The transition to a new normal requires lots of decisions that will affect your future relationships and finances. During this difficult time, you need to speak with an established family law attorney who can provide accurate legal advice and counsel. Keith Gore is a lawyer with more than 20 years' experience who knows how to win at trial. Tough issues that arise in divorce or child custody battles can sometimes be resolved without going into a courtroom. If you, however, have reason to worry about the reasonableness of a former spouse or partner, find a lawyer who does not back down.
When Your Family Is Rocked By Conflict
Sleepless nights worrying about the future are common with family law issues. Enlisting the help of an experienced trial attorney is the start of the road to a solution. Keith Gore, Lawyer, is a Texas law firm that can help you solve the following divorce and family law issues:
Property division and spousal support issues that often become roadblocks in divorce
Contentious child custody and child support matters that can negatively impact your future relationship with a child or children
Domestic violence situations whether you are requesting protection or fighting false accusations
When confronted with the end of a relationship, seek out legal help as soon as possible. This can sometimes change the focus to solutions for moving forward rather than getting stuck fighting for the sake of fighting.
A Trusted Lawyer
Over his career, Keith has received numerous peer-reviewed awards and recognition. And as a true testament to his legal abilities, other attorneys refer some of the most complicated matters to him.
Find out how Keith Gore can help you by calling his McKinney office at 972-924-5665 or stay online and send a message.
Banking Securities Fraud
How Federal Charges Differ From State Charges
DWI Defense
Expunctions And Nondisclosure Of Records
Grand Jury Representation
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What You Need To Do When Under Investigation
Criminal Defense FAQ
Find Out How Keith Gore Can Help You
2301 Virginia Parkway
© 2019 Keith Gore, Lawyer. All Rights Reserved.


Veteran German goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand is in talks with Ligue 1 side SC Bastia over a possible transfer to the club this summer. There is believed to be a stumbling block over wages, so the deal is not yet complete, but there are talks between the parties.
Bastia have decided to open talks with Hildebrand after primary target Alphonse Areola rejected a loan offer from the club. Areola will rejoin RC Lens when the DNCG give the green light for it to take place.


I received some books in the mail today from Intel on IA-32 Assembly language development and the sheer weight of these books reminded me that I was likely to never actually read them, let alone leaf through them when I actually needed some reference. I tend to just go to Google and search for the topic before I ever pick up a book anymore. In spite of the ease of reading stuff on the web, it is still less satisfying and intuitive (and in many ways, less informative) than actually reading the book. I like Google Print, but that is a teaser without a carrot at the end of the stick.
I know that there are eBooks and there are a variety of other electronic publication services, but could one of the big poobahs (Amazon, Google, Microsoft etc.) come up with a searchable online library of books that could be "checked out" on a time sensitive basis. The service could be charged per book, per epoch or otherwise. I sure would get a subscription! In this age of the iTunes, RIAA and legal music downloads, I am surprised that there is such lack of interest in monetizing the online library.
The existing services are poor and fragmented at best and they leave a bitter taste with their high prices. Not only that, buying an eBook is a little like shopping for gifts on the 23rd of December; you have to visit twenty different stores, stand in line for hours and face the wrath of bad drivers (have you noticed that everyone but me is a bad driver?) in the parking lot. No one location/site has a good selection of stuff I want.
While they are at it, could they also come up with a better format for publishing books online?
There is Netlibrary.com, which is quite similar to what you describe. My public library is affiliated, so I have to pay nothing. It allows you to check out books for a time period online, although the selection isn't complete (it usually doesn't include books the library has in print, for example).
Safari Online is a great service. I have a 30 slot subscription. It's all searchable. Once you grab a book (most are one slot), you hang on to it for a minimum of 45 days until you can "remove" it. Check it out!
Netflix for books already exists, sort of – I've never used their service (though I should probably start), but I've heard good feedback about them and they have books, including audio and MP3 books, on a variety of subjects.
Wow, this is so weird. My mom and I were sitting at the dinner table discussing this very thing last night. Then i log onto the net, and here someone else is talking about it. Netbrary, its the next big thing i tell you.
You mean something like http://safari.oreilly.com/ only more so?
While we're on the subject, I wish it were much easier to store and read .txt books on an iPod.
Just to show you that a Netflix for books style business model exists with BookSwim – http://www.bookswim.com. They allow members to rent hardcover books and paperback books from a pretty big selection. Books are delivered free then when finished reading, you can send them back… again free.


Whether you have a small condominium or apartment or a mansion, the Lechuza Rondo Planter's sizeable proportions will give you the impact you're going after. This tall round planter, which is available in two sizes, features a sleek design that can be further customized to your decor in the following rich hues: Charcoal Metallic, Black High-Gloss, Espresso Metallic, Scarlet Red High-Gloss, Silver Metallic, Shiny Taupe and White High-Gloss.
The smaller Rondo planter is nearly 2 feet tall, while the larger version has a more commanding presence with 30 inches of height. The Rondo planter is striking as a stand-alone piece; it also integrates seamlessly with other planters because of its simple lines. With its sub-irrigation system, plant and flower maintenance is a breeze. Simply check the water level indicator to find out if your plant needs water. The included self-watering system offers proper moisture to your plants for up to 12 weeks. The drop in liner allows you to preplant outdoors and transport your greenery indoors to avoid a mess.


George Bass (1771-1802), English naval surgeon, naturalist and explorer, arrived in the newly established colony of Port Jackson (Sydney) in 1795. In the next three years he, with or without his friend Matthew Flinders whom he had met on the voyage out, were to explore and chart the N.S.W. coastline south of Sydney, (starting with the eight feet long "Tom Thumb" with Bass's servant boy as crew – a real "Boys' Own" adventure). In 1797 he commanded a whaleboat (6 oars), exploring down as far as Western Port near Melbourne. Eight months later, with Flinders commanding the sloop "Norfolk"' he circumnavigated Tasmania, confirming his belief since the voyage of the whaleboat that it was an island. The two waterways that were to nurture the two colonies on the island were discovered, and on Christmas Day 1798, Bass climbed Mt. Wellington that now glowers over the city of Hobart. Between these adventures he clambered around the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, looking for a way through; and used his anatomical knowledge on the native fauna. He is also recorded as having discovered useable coal.
I'll-health forced his return to England the next year, sailing privately, and profitably, and even managing some exploration and charting on the way, which he published in London. In 1800 he farewelled his new wife and arrived back in Port Jackson. He disappeared somewhere in the Pacific (possibly Peru) in 1802-3, whilst trying to make the fortune that would return him to his wife.
He is remembered in the name of the strait between Tasmania and the Australian mainland. Part of his legacy is the attention to detail he passed on to his friend, Flinders; (and it may be of interest that he was the first to publish a paper on the anatomy of the wombat).
Reference: "Australian Dictionary of Biography" – Melbourne University Press.
This page was last modified on 13 July 2016, at 08:24.


January - I had a wonderful time visiting Anita & Mr. Anita in Dubai. Spent a good long month with family. Attended weddings for the first time, after my own. And, finally made a trip down to Neemrana.
February - Brother got hitched. Had an amazing lunch with school friends. And went for the weekend away with family, for my birthday to Goa!
March - Attended my first Blogging conference - Texas Style Council in Austin and met so many fabulous bloggers!
April - Experienced the Spring in Washington D.C.
May - Enjoyed the English Summer in London.
June - Spent it in sweltering hot Delhi, planning brother's wedding. Amma passed away!
July - Completed 4 years of marital bliss!
August - Visited agonizingly humid National Harbor.
September - Attended IFB in NYC with Deepti. Met my childhood friend Khushbu after over 4.5 years.
November - Went to Bombay and met all the lovely bloggers there. Had another amazing lunch with school friends.
Seems like you had a good year! Have a happy 2012 too!
Looks like a great year!! Hope you and the hubs have an even better 2012!!
Love you beta!Got a gr8 support with your presence.It wudn't have been that smooth.Thanks Ashsish!
Bless you for having such an amazing year! I love that you're so optimitic about so many things doll.
Wonder if there'll be the pitter patter of feet soon for you both?
Have a terrificly blinding New Year Tanvi, may it be better than the last!
Sounds like you had a great year...except for October. Love your outfits for the month as well.
Love the knotted jumper in the first picture.
The first and the thirst ensemble are so my thing!
And you went off to Hawaii when?! Pics plz!
such an eventful year for you. happy new year!
I'd say you definitely made the most out of 2011! What a great year... looking forward to seeing what 2012 has in store for you.
Sounds like a lovely year Tanvi! Wishing you all the best in 2012!
if those were just the highlights, then it sounds like it was an amazing year!
sounds like a great year. would be nice if every month could be like december.
and thanks for telling me about H4 in the previous post. learned something new today.
That sounds like a fun 2011.
You really had a great year...hawaii...wow! Happy 2012! I'm looking forward to your future posts!
Wish you a Happy New Year and I hope 2012 treats you even better!!!
My dear Tanvi, u had great year and I wish u 10 times better 2012!:) Happy New Year!!
hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve, hon. Cheers to 2011 and lookin' forward to 2012!
What a year! I love looking back but I am certainly looking forward to 2012!
Wishing you and A, a fabulous and glamorous new year.
You made my new year, my ever first comment that too from some one who I admire...yippieee.
WONDERFUL!! Hope every year is as eventful!!


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Saiphos equalis, unique représentant du genre Saiphos, est une espèce de sauriens de la famille des Scincidae.

Répartition

Cette espèce est endémique d'Australie. Elle se rencontre dans le sud-est du Queensland et en Nouvelle-Galles du Sud.

Description
Les pattes de Saiphos equalis sont très réduites et, avec sa longueur de  en tout, il ressemble à un orvet brun au ventre jaune-orangé. Ses pattes ont trois doigts.

Mode de vie
Saiphos equalis est un insectivore nocturne.

Reproduction
Ce lézard a la particularité d'être ovipare dans les milieux chauds de la côte, et vivipare dans les milieux froids des montagnes. Cette adaptation à des conditions plus rudes laisse penser qu'une partie de l'espèce pourrait être en train d'évoluer vers ce dernier mode de reproduction. Une femelle ayant pondu des œufs et donné naissance à un petit déjà formé au cours de la même gestation a également été observée, ce qui constitue un cas unique (les autres femelles de l'espèce étant connues pour être soit vivipares, soit ovipares, mais pas les deux).

Publications originales
 Gray, 1825 : A synopsis of the genera of reptiles and Amphibia, with a description of some new species. Annals of Philosophy, London, , ,  (texte intégral).
 Gray, 1839 "1838" : Catalogue of the slender-tongued saurians, with descriptions of many new genera and species. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, , ,  (texte intégral).

Liens externes

 Genre Saiphos :

 Espèce Saiphos equalis :

Notes et références

Saurien (nom scientifique)
Sphenomorphinae
Faune endémique d'Australie

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Penton Corner is a hamlet in the civil parish of Penton Mewsey in the Test Valley district of Hampshire, England. Its nearest town is Andover, which lies approximately 2 miles (3 km) east from the hamlet.

Villages in Hampshire
Test Valley