Studies conducted within an ecological framework often involve broad-scale research questions whose answers depend less on obtaining a complete census of microbial populations than on the ability to sample a system of interest with high spatial or temporal resolution. Current molecular microbial ecology methods have allowed environmental microbiologists to ask important ecological questions that previously could not be addressed through culture-based approaches. Culture-independent methods also suffer from well-established limitations (7), however, and as such are useful but always imperfect. This is particularly true for PCR-based methods, since PCR amplification of microbial DNA can be subject to bias for a variety of reasons (10). In spite of these limitations, great advances in the study of microbial ecology have been made through the use of molecular methods.
A key component of any PCR-based method is the PCR primer set. Ideally, a universal primer set would amplify the target DNA from all taxonomic groups with equal efficiencies. No known primer sets meet this criterion. As a result, inconsistencies in DNA amplification are likely to be observed between particular primer sets.
The purpose of this study was to compare two recently evaluated automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) primer sets (3) for use in aquatic microbial ecology. ARISA distinguishes microbial populations based on the length heterogeneity in the ribosomal intergenic spacer region and provides a sensitive analysis of microbial communities at a relatively high level of taxonomic resolution with significant reproducibility (3, 6). In addition, the automated nature of the method enables rapid analysis of a large number of samples collected over space or time. The efficacy of this method for ecological research has been demonstrated by our research group and others (8, 9, 11). Here we sought to answer two important questions: (i) do different ARISA primer sets provide dissimilar snapshots of bacterial community composition (BCC), and (ii) do these primer sets result in different conclusions about the ecology of an aquatic system?
Integrated water samples were taken from Lake Mendota (Dane County, WI) to a depth of 12 m approximately every 2 weeks during the ice-off season from April 2002 to October 2004. Microbial communities from 250 to 500 ml of lake water were captured on 0.2-μm filters (Pall Life Sciences; catalog no. 63025). Filters were stored at −80°C until DNA was extracted using a FastPrep DNA purification kit (Bio 101). Environmental data were collected by the North Temperate Lakes Long Term Ecological Research program (http://lter.limnology.wisc.edu). Complete methodology and data are available at http://lterquery.limnology.wisc.edu.
ARISA was conducted on all samples using two primer sets. Primer set 1406f/23Sr consisted of 5′-TGYACACACCGCCCGT-3′ (forward primer sequence) and 5′-GGGTTBCCCCATTCRG-3′ (reverse primer sequence). Primer set ITSF/ITSFReub consisted of 5′-GTCGTAACAAGGTAGCCGTA-3′ (forward primer sequence) and 5′-GCCAAGGCATCCACC-3′ (reverse primer sequence). The conditions for ARISA PCR using the 1406f/23Sr primer set were described previously (9). ARISA PCR conditions for the ITSF/ITSReub primer set were previously described by Cardinale et al. (3). Denaturing capillary electrophoresis was carried out for each PCR using an ABI 3730 genetic analyzer (PE Biosystems) as described previously (9).
ARISA profiles were analyzed using a 100- to 2,000-bp custom internal size standard (Bioventures), Genescan 3.1.2 (Applied Biosystems), and Genotyper 2.5 (Applied Biosystems), as described by Kent et al. (9). To include the maximum number of peaks while excluding background fluorescence, a threshold of 50 fluorescence units greater than the baseline was used. Profiles obtained with each primer set were independently analyzed and compared for each sample. In addition, profiles generated using ITSF/ITSReub were converted to the fragment length that would theoretically be detected using 1406f/23Sr by adding 197 base pairs and aligned using Matlab 5.0 (The Mathworks). The 197-bp addition corresponds to the difference in length obtained by amplifying the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region using primer set ITSF/ITSReub versus that obtained with primer set 1406f/23Sr, based on Escherichia coli numbering (1) (Fig. 1). This "converted" data set will be referred to as cITSF/ITSReub.
The positions of the primers used in this study are shown on the prokaryotic rRNA operon. Bold lines indicate primer annealing sites using E. coli numbering. T, 1406f/23Sr primers utilized by Fisher and Triplett (6); C, ITSF/ITSReub primers introduced by Cardinale et al. (3); ITS, 16S-23S rRNA operon internal transcribed spacer. Length heterogeneity in the ITS sequence is used to distinguish microbial populations in ARISA. The 1406f/23Sr primer set amplifies an additional 197 bases compared to that amplified by the ITS/ITSReub primer set (based upon standard E. coli numbering). This value was added to ITSF/ITSReub data to generate the cITSF/ITSReub data set and allowed direct comparison of data produced from the two primer sets.
Correspondence analysis (CA) was carried out on the 1406f/23Sr, ITSF/ITSReub, and cITSF/ITSReub data sets. This approach is useful for summarizing and graphically representing the multivariate data collected over time and enables comparisons of ecological patterns apparent in the data generated by each primer set. Samples with similar community structures plot close together in a CA ordination, and axes represent theoretical environmental gradients, which can be compared to measured environmental variables. Axes were selected to explain the greatest variability in the community data. CA biplots and correlation coefficients were generated using Canoco for Windows, version 4.51 (Biometris-Plant Research International; 1997 to 2003).
Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) is a method to test for differences among defined groups in multivariate data sets that is analogous to analysis of variance in univariate statistics (4). ANOSIM was used to directly compare Lake Mendota BCC data produced by the 1406f/23Sr primer set with the cITSF/ITSReub profiles, testing the hypothesis that community profiles produced by the same primer set are more similar to each other than to profiles produced by different primer sets. Successive ANOSIM analyses were conducted with the data set after peaks falling below a threshold of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5% of total fluorescence were removed. ANOSIM produces a statistic, R, which indicates the magnitude of difference among groups of samples. An R of 1 indicates that the communities completely differ among defined groups, and an R of 0 indicates no difference among groups (4, 5). The statistical significance of R was tested by Monte Carlo randomization.
BCC data generated by the two primer sets (1406f/23Sr and cITSF/ITSReub) were combined in a single correspondence analysis (Fig. 2). Samples amplified by the two primer sets strongly separate along axis 1 (Fig. 2A). The "primer" vector nearly parallel to axis 1 illustrates the strong correlation between axis 1 and the primer set used for ARISA (correlation coefficient, 0.975), indicating that the primer set best describes the difference observed among the samples despite correcting for the difference in amplicon length. These differences could be important at the molecular and the methodological level and may significantly influence conclusions about the presence of taxa or their relative abundances.
Correspondence analyses biplots directly comparing ARISA data sets generated by using two different primer sets. Axes 1 and 2 (A) and axes 2 and 3 (B) of the ordination comparing 1406f/23Sr and converted ITSF/ITSReub ARISA data sets. Because of the length differences in the amplicons generated by the two primer sets, 197 bp was added to each fragment generated by ITSF/ITSReub PCR to allow direct comparison of community compositions by correspondence analysis. Filled symbols represent bacterial community data generated from ITSF/ITSReub ARISA, and open symbols represent community data generated using 1406f/23Sr. Squares, samples collected in spring and fall; circles, samples collected in summer. Vectors represent environmental variables and the dummy variable "PRIMER" (1, 1406f/23Sr; 0, ITSF/ITSReub). TP, total phosphorus; TEMP, water temperature; DRP, dissolved reactive phosphorus; NO2NO3, nitrite and nitrate.
To determine if the strong differences in BCC patterns due to the primer set were driven by dominant or less-abundant populations (based upon relative areas of ARISA peaks), we gradually increased the minimum relative fluorescence threshold for inclusion in the analysis. ANOSIM R values consistently decreased as the threshold was increased from 0% (all peaks included) to 5% (only dominant peaks included), indicating that when minor community members are excluded the primer effect is reduced (Table 1) .
The observed differences between BCC determined using 1406f/23Sr and ITSF/ITSReub appear to be driven largely by amplicons that do not contribute significantly to overall ARISA profile fluorescence. If we assume that relative fluorescence is proportional to relative abundance (supported by (2), this observation could be the result of differential amplification of rare taxa. If each primer set preferentially amplifies different groups of rare taxa, the simple conversion of the ITSF/ITSReub profiles to 1406f/23Sr bins by adding 197 bp would generate dissimilar fingerprints, as we observe in Fig. 2A. Even if relative fluorescence is not correlated with relative abundance, the same subset of strongly amplified taxa is represented in profiles generated by both primer sets. The ANOSIM sensitivity analysis (Table 1) demonstrates that this subset of taxa dictates our interpretation of the Lake Mendota bacterial community dynamics with either primer set.
Ecological conclusions and seasonal patterns.
Within the combined analysis, axes 2 and 3 of the CA ordination combine to best explain the variance in BCC driven by environmental parameters and reveal substantial overlap between the two data sets (Fig. 2B). In addition, sample ordination along axes 2 and 3 demonstrates good agreement between the 1406f/23Sr and cITSF/ITSReub data in seasonal separation and correlation with environmental variables. Individual CA ordinations of ARISA profiles generated by each primer set show similar seasonal patterns and relationships to chemical and physical variables (Fig. 3). The visual patterns in the ordinations are supported by correlation coefficients between the axis 1 sample scores from the independent correspondence analyses and environmental drivers that are shared among these data sets (Table 2). The signs and strengths of correlation were similar for bacterial community data generated by each primer set.
Correspondence analysis biplots of bacterial community compositions in Lake Mendota. Seasonal dynamics of bacterioplankton communities were assessed from April 2002 to October 2004 using ARISA relative fluorescence values. ARISA data were generated with two different primer sets: (A) 1406f/23Sr (6) and (B) ITSF/ITSReub (3). Squares, samples collected in spring and fall; circles, samples collected in summer. Vectors represent environmental variables; the direction of increase for each variable and the length of each arrow indicate the degree of correlation with the ordination axes. TP, total phosphorus; TEMP, water temperature; DRP, dissolved reactive phosphorus; NH4, ammonium; NO2NO3, nitrite and nitrate.
The predominant ecological patterns in BCC were evident regardless of the choice of primer set used for ARISA. Our two primer sets lead to similar conclusions about seasonal patterns in BCC dynamics in Lake Mendota over 3 years and the environmental factors that drive these patterns (Fig. 3).
A recent study evaluated three primer sets for use with ARISA, comparing the richnesses of ARISA profiles generated by each primer set from six environments (3). The results of this study indicated dramatic differences in measured bacterial richness among the three primer sets, but we suggest that this method of evaluation has limited ecological relevance, given the well-known limitations of molecular microbial ecology methods (7). The purpose of ARISA is not to evaluate richness and composition of single samples. ARISA provides rapid, reproducible community fingerprints that alone contain little information but, when applied in the context of an ecological question and compared to other fingerprints through time or across space (9, 11), offer insight about drivers of community composition change. Our study suggests that different primer sets provide dissimilar fingerprints from a given environmental sample, likely due to differential amplification of taxa with a small contribution to ARISA total fluorescence. However, when fingerprints from different primer sets are compared along some ecological gradient (time, space, etc.) the pattern of change inferred by ARISA is remarkably robust with respect to primer set.
We thank Jed Fuhrman, Eric Triplett, and Ian Hewson for helpful discussions and comments on the manuscript. We are also grateful to the University of Wisconsin Center for Limnology and the North Temperate Lakes Long Term Ecological Research program for environmental data and logistical support.
This research was supported in part by National Science Foundation Microbial Observatories grant MCB-9977903 and by funding supplied by the University of Wisconsin—Madison Graduate School to K.D.M.
↵▿ Published ahead of print on 22 November 2006.
Brown, M. V., M. S. Schwalbach, I. Hewson, and J. A. Fuhrman. 2005. Coupling 16S-ITS rDNA clone libraries and automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis to show marine microbial diversity: development and application to a time series. Environ. Microbiol. 7:1466-1479.
Cardinale, M., L. Brusetti, P. Quatrini, S. Borin, A. M. Puglia, A. Rizzi, E. Zanardini, C. Sorlini, C. Corselli, and D. Daffonchio. 2004. Comparison of different primer sets for use in automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis of complex bacterial communities. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70:6147-6156.
Clarke, K. R. 1993. Nonparametric multivariate analyses of changes in community structure. Aust. J. Ecol. 18:117-143.
Clarke, K. R., and R. H. Green. 1988. Statistical design and analysis for a biological effects study. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 46:213-226.
Fisher, M. M., and E. W. Triplett. 1999. Automated approach for ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis of microbial diversity and its application to freshwater bacterial communities. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65:4630-4636.
Forney, L. J., X. Zhou, and C. J. Brown. 2004. Molecular microbial ecology: land of the one-eyed king. Curr. Opin. Microbiol. 7:210-220.
Hewson, I., and J. A. Fuhrman. 2004. Richness and diversity of bacterioplankton species along an estuarine gradient in Moreton Bay, Australia. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70:3425-3433.
Kent, A. D., S. E. Jones, A. C. Yannarell, J. M. Graham, G. H. Lauster, T. K. Kratz, and E. W. Triplett. 2004. Annual patterns in bacterioplankton community variability in a humic lake. Microb. Ecol. 48:550-560.
von Wintzingerode, F. V., U. B. Goebel, and E. Stackebrandt. 1997. Determinations of microbial diversity in environmental samples: pitfalls of PCR-based rRNA analysis. FEMS Microbiol. Rev. 21:213-229.
Yannarell, A. C., and E. W. Triplett. 2005. Geographic and environmental sources of variation in lake bacterial community composition. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 71:227-239.


Our 1,100+ school partners have instant access to candidates carefully curated for immediate hire.
Every candidate is screened for quality. You only see active job searchers that meet your criteria.
Get results. Only pay a small, fixed fee if you hire. 90-day satisfaction guarantee. 90% of Selected hires stayed for at least a 2nd year.
Tell us about your hiring needs and we'll match you only with candidates that meet your criteria.
See available candidates and invite any to connect.
If a candidate accepts your invitation to connect, message them directly and proceed with your regular interview process.
Speak with several candidates. Extend offers to the best teachers for your school.
Join our mailing list to hear about new developments, free Selected events, resources for your teachers, and much more.


text:
Q: Learning Git Best Practices I like to practice Git in my local computer, what's the best way to do so.
I thought of creating two windows user accounts, two repositories(one for each user),
and mimic remote repository - all in my local computer.
I don't have a local network, but I do have access to internet.
I am particularly interested in resolving pull conflicts, working in
multiple branches, etc.
Please share your thoughts and experiences on the best way to learn Git.

A: You can create a first repository on you filesystem (let's say you call it origin) and run inside :
git init --bare

Then you can do a first clone with :
git clone origin clone1

And a second :
git clone origin clone2

You can then commit, push and pull in each clones to train.

A: I have this in my .bash_aliases file:
alias gitlearn='cd; rm -rf gitlearn; mkdir gitlearn; cd gitlearn; git init; git commit --allow-empty -m"Add empty, initial commit"'

Any time I want to explore or practice with git, I just type gitlearn, and I'm in ~/gitlearn/ with a fresh repo, and a first empty commit, which makes it possible to rebase your first actual commit, as you need to specify the commit before the first commit you want to move when rebasing.
Then I just use a bunch linux commands to quickly make whatever setup I need. I've tested branching and merging strategies, interleaving the commits (respecting dates) of wholly-separate, unrelated repos in a new, common 3rd repo, test branch concepts, explored what happens with git log --graph output with really crazy merges, let myself get familiar with commands (like the dreaded filter-branch) on temporary clones, and even figured out what is actually required (which you can hand create yourself) to have a valid git repo.
Starting out in an empty directory:
~/gitlearn$ ls .git
ls: cannot access .git: No such file or directory
~/gitlearn$ git st
fatal: Not a git repository (or any parent up to mount point /home/gfixler)
Stopping at filesystem boundary (GIT_DISCOVERY_ACROSS_FILESYSTEM not set).

This is all you need to make a git repo:
~/gitlearn$ mkdir -p .git/objects .git/refs
~/gitlearn$ echo 'ref: refs/heads/master' >.git/HEAD
~/gitlearn$ git st
# On branch master
#
# Initial commit
#
~/gitlearn$ tree .git
.git
|-- HEAD
|-- objects
`-- refs

2 directories, 1 file

I'll do things like this:
~/gitlearn$ echo something >afile
~/gitlearn$ git add afile
~/gitlearn$ git st
# On branch master
# Changes to be committed:
#   (use "git reset HEAD <file>..." to unstage)
#
#   new file:   afile
#
~/gitlearn$ git commit -m'Add something to afile'
[master 3f78112] Add something to afile
1 file changed, 1 insertion(+)
create mode 100644 afile
~/gitlearn$ echo another thing >>afile
~/gitlearn$ git diff
diff --git a/afile b/afile
index deba01f..fa8eba8 100644
--- a/afile
+++ b/afile
@@ -1 +1,2 @@
something
+another thing
~/gitlearn$ git add --update .
~/gitlearn$ git commit -m'Add another thing to afile'
[master 5c639d9] Add another thing to afile
1 file changed, 1 insertion(+)
~/gitlearn$ git checkout -b feature
Switched to a new branch 'feature'
~/gitlearn$ echo >>afile
~/gitlearn$ echo feature 1 >>afile
~/gitlearn$ git diff
diff --git a/afile b/afile
index fa8eba8..be87597 100644
--- a/afile
+++ b/afile
@@ -1,2 +1,4 @@
something
another thing
+
+feature 1
~/gitlearn$ git add --update .
~/gitlearn$ git ci -m'Add feature 1 to afile'
[feature 25b20ab] Add feature 1 to afile
1 file changed, 2 insertions(+)
~/gitlearn$ git log --all --graph --decorate --oneline
* 25b20ab (HEAD, feature) Add feature 1 to afile
* 5c639d9 (master) Add another thing to afile
* 3f78112 Add something to afile
* 70e28a0 Add empty, initial commit
~/gitlearn$

etc... until I understand a concept. It's such a fast way to experiment. I use many aliases, too, which speeds it up even more, and, for example, with git add --update . I'll just type git add --u<TAB> ., so most commands tend to be fewer than 15 key presses.
I've recommended this to several people now. It's been a really great way to rapidly get myself acclimated to first the basics, and more recently the deeper internals of git.
As for remotes, I mimic those all the time locally. mkdir remote.git; cd remote.git; git init --bare; cd ..; git clone remote.git local; cd local and now you're in a 'local' repo that thinks of the one in 'remote.git' as its origin. There's no difference here from typical setups, save that the bare, 'remote.git' is actually on your local disc. From within 'local' you can push, fetch, and pull to and from 'remote.git', and it'll be functionally the same as what you'd do between a local and an physically remote repo.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Living a Fit and Full Life: Sparkling Ice Essence Water is Incredibly Refreshing!
Sparkling Ice Essence Water is Incredibly Refreshing!
First created in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1990's, Sparkling ICE® beverages make a great tasting, refreshing, zero-calorie beverage Perfectly Possible. Sparkling ICE flavored sparkling waters combine naturally flavored sparkling water, vitamins, antioxidants and natural fruit juices to offer a bold, lightly carbonated beverage.
Currently recognized as the fastest-growing non-alcoholic beverage brand in the country, Sparkling ICE beverages are available in 11 refreshing flavors: Black Raspberry, Orange Mango, Pink Grapefruit, Kiwi Strawberry, Coconut Pineapple, Pomegranate Blueberry, Peach Nectarine, Lemon Lime, Crisp Apple, Cherry Limeade and Strawberry Watermelon. SPARKLING ICE Lemonades®, launched in 2013, are available in six refreshing flavors: Classic Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade, Lemonade with Tea, Peach Lemonade, and Mango Lemonade. SPARKLING ICE Teas will be available nationwide in 2015, and include Raspberry Tea, Lemon Tea, and Peach Tea flavors.
Having dedicated extensive time and resources to consumer research as well as product and flavor development, we are honored that Sparkling ICE products are recognized as an industry leader by trusted consumer publications and beverage trades alike.
Sparkling Ice Essence of Water is true to its uncompromisingly great taste, it owns that signature sparkle in all its fizzy glory.
Sparkling Ice Essence of Lemon Lime exists in its own blissful bubble, enjoying the perfect harmony of distinctive citrus and pure, refreshing goodness.
Sparkling Ice Essence of Peach is refreshingly lighthearted, this flavor will charm your taste buds.
Sparkling Ice Essence of Tangerine delivers a delicious tartness that will leave you feeling fizzy, a thirst-quenching delight right to the taste buds.
Sparkling Ice Essence Water is Incredibly Refreshing! I love water but it can get so boring which is why I love these Essence Water's by Sparkling Ice. They're lightly flavored and give my that fizz I crave oh so often. Sparkling Ice Essence Water excites my taste buds and keeps my naughty soda cravings at bay. I highly recommend Sparkling Ice Essence Water!
Click HERE to locate a store near you that sells SPARKLING ICE!
To learn more about SPARKLING ICE click HERE!
Follow SPARKLING ICE on social media!


text:
Weird NJ: Does murdered student haunt TCNJ?
Perhaps setting a name-change record, The College of New Jersey began as the New Jersey State Normal School in 1855 and has had five subsequent names, including a long tenure as Trenton State College from 1958 to 1996, when the name changed to The Co
Weird NJ: Does murdered student haunt TCNJ? Perhaps setting a name-change record, The College of New Jersey began as the New Jersey State Normal School in 1855 and has had five subsequent names, including a long tenure as Trenton State College from 1958 to 1996, when the name changed to The Co Check out this story on app.com: http://on.app.com/2f11uaX
Published 10:09 a.m. ET Oct. 30, 2016 | Updated 10:58 a.m. ET Nov. 2, 2016
Some say Kendall Hall is haunted by a murder victim.(Photo: Illustration by Ryan Doan/www.RyanDoan.com)
Perhaps setting a name-change record, The College of New Jersey began as the New Jersey State Normal School in 1855 and has had five subsequent names, including a long tenure as Trenton State College from 1958 to 1996, when the name changed to The College of New Jersey. The college originally was located on Clinton Street in Trenton, but moved to a large campus in Ewing in 1928.
Weird NJ: Meet Emily, the Flanders Hotel ghost
Those who came of age in the "Trenton State" era are loathe to let go of that moniker, which explains why all around New Jersey and even on campus you'll still hear the college referred to as such. So, despite its multi-name history and the administration's effort to get everyone behind the name "The College of New Jersey," nowadays this New Jersey institution essentially has two names — and at least as many ghosts.
The Kendall Hall Murder Mystery at Trenton State
Her name was Sigrid Stevenson, and she had one passion — playing the piano. One late night, like any other, she snuck into a college building to practice. She sat on the stage, in front of an auditorium with hundreds of empty seats, and played. Sigrid was a bit of a free spirit; she had hitchhiked across the United States and Canada and now she was studying at Trenton State College, attempting to get a master's degree in music and becoming a teacher. She planned to live by the piano. But as she practiced that night, September 4, 1977, she died by the piano.
Weird NJ: Oakhurst tower's mystery looms large
She was not raped or robbed — simply murdered. She was beaten to death in a shockingly gruesome manner; blood was spattered over her sheet music and pooled on the stage. She was found nude, face down, wrapped in the piano cover (she may have been practicing nude; her jeans were found nearby). Her friends could not recognize her face, only her hair. She was 25 years old.
Kendall Hall at TCNJ. (Photo: Tcnjlion)
To this day, the murder is unsolved. Sigrid's killer walked from the stage, a free being. Sigrid's promised future wilted, and in its place, a mystery case arose. The case would involve psychics, ex-roommates, and professors.
READ MORE:Spy House: The story behind the ghost stories
What is known about Sigrid's life before her murder was that she was always on the move. Over the summer, she rented a room from Trenton Stage professor Dr. Alan Lutz. However, that August, she moved out to live with a volunteer fireman who served for Ewing Township. Still, during interviews at the time, friends of Sigrid's said they thought she did not have a boyfriend. Aside from brief mentions in asides of early articles, little is publicly known of this fireman.
Throughout the investigation, hundreds were interviewed, several twice. But there were no arrests made, and to this day, the case remains unsolved. For 30 years, Sigrid Stevenson's case went cold, her name forgotten by a campus that changed drastically with the times. There are no plaques in remembrance, no scholarships in her name. Faculty who had known her slowly retired or moved on to other positions. The campus changed its name and its landscape.
Ever since that time strange occurrences have been reported surrounding Kendall Hall. One former student worker reported having seen a paper towel float from one side of a bathroom into a garbage can on the other side of the room. No windows were open and no air vents were in the vicinity. Other students have reported occasionally having felt someone behind them. Footsteps and doors closing for no reason have also been fodder for the paranormal experience.
A local psychic, who preferred to remain unnamed, visited Sigrid's former stomping grounds recently and came up with interesting results.
"When she was on stage, this guy was watching her for a little while. Either her back was turned while she was on the piano, or she was too involved with her music to notice," the psychic said. "I think he was in uniform and had curly hair. He had something on his pants, something like keys. She knew him, but not well. He made an advance, but she fought back. He got angry and when he got tough, she scratched and did something near his eye. That's when he got violent."
"He knew she was there that night," the psychic continued, "and this guy was sick. Borderline stalker. There was a place on stage where he could hide and watch her. He had made advances at her before, but she had ignored him, made small talk. But that night was different. After he killed her, he discarded his clothes in a dumpster behind a store nearby."
The psychic also claims Sigrid is still hanging around because she has yet to forgive her killer, who may still be alive. "He didn't appear to be old. Probably his late 20s or 30s. So he'd be in his 50s or 60s today. I think he has health problems and may have moved far away. She has not forgiven this person; she isn't happy about how this case has gone at all. This man is not remorseful and thinks she got what she deserved."
So where does the case of Sigrid Stevenson go from here? –Bart Brooks and Connor Buck
Murdered Music Major Haunts Trenton State College
This is a bit of a ghost story that my grandmother and uncle have both told me on different occasions. They are both graduates of Trenton State College (I am the first to get kicked out, but that's another story).
During my year there I witnessed some strange stuff. The story of the haunted music building lived on in the dorm, and if you wanted a coed in your arms late at night you would go for a nice romantic moonlight stroll and just happen to remember the story as you neared the building. As I write this I do remember the faint sound of music in the air (scared the bejeezus out of me and my date) late one night! –Michael J. Chaplin
Trenton State Students Still Freaking Out About Sigrid
In the summer of 1999, I attended the NJ Governor's School of the Arts, held at The College of NJ, formerly Trenton State College, in Ewing Twp. The theatre scholars apparently tried to hold a seance to resurrect the spirit of the murdered girl. Now, not having actually been with them, I don't know if the following is true, but supposedly, when they turned on a radio they brought with them, they couldn't get any reception and someone whispered over the static: "Get out!" Like I said, I wasn't there, so I don't know. I was told about it later that night.
So, determined to learn the truth, I headed up to TCNJ's library. I encountered a lot of nervous grins and reluctant frowns trying to find any information at all. I found microfiche of old issues of the Trenton Times, where I learned that the murder occurred over Labor Day weekend in 1977. The victim was 21-year old Sigrid Stevenson, a music performance major from California. Police questioned her boyfriend, but his alibi of being out of town that night was true.
She was indeed found naked and strangled to death, wrapped in a piano cover. Although a psychic was brought in and determined that Sigrid was stalked long before she was killed, and that she was murdered by a man in uniform, her killer was never found.
To this day, some students are a little freaked out by the creepy history. I've heard some stories from students of strange things happening; heavy doors slamming shut when no one is near them, feelings of being followed, strange shadows and silhouettes, and feelings of cold spots and "pressured" air in parts of the building and on the stage. I personally was freaked out by the spiral staircase on the back of the stage, and the women's room in the newer part of the building on the first floor. The only strange thing I ever witnessed was a wadded up paper towel shooting out a full foot from the top of the trash can and then dropping to the floor after I had explained the story to a friend ..., while I waited for her. It flew off just as I had said, "Her killer was never found."
The perfect end: I'll be a freshman music education major at The College of NJ this fall! –C. Keiko Suwa
The preceding article is an excerpt from the new special issue of Weird NJ magazine, "Home State Haunting: True Stories of Ghostly Places in New Jersey," which is available now on newsstands throughout the state and on the web at www.WeirdNJ.com.
Photos by Tcnjlion
Illustration by Ryan Doan (www.RyanDoan.com)
Read or Share this story: http://on.app.com/2f11uaX

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Many states in the U.S. struggle to provide the required constitutional level of healthcare to their growing population of inmates. While numerous care models have been created using both in-house and community based facilities, HDR's Health Planning Principal Dave Redemske recognized the need for a comprehensive study on the topic.
As the recipient of an HDR Fellowship, Redemske dedicated a year to researching and analyzing the optimal location to provide prison healthcare services. His research efforts culminated with his publication, Providing Healthcare in the Prison Environment: What Services Belong Behind Bars and What Services Belong in the Community Setting?
Over the course of his fellowship, Redemske immersed himself in a systematic review of literature, analyzing 165 pertinent sources. Narrowing his focus to the U.S. prison system, Redemske broke down the subject into several types of care: ambulatory and general, elder, women's, emergency/trauma, mental health, dental and palliative (including hospice).


Air Pollution In Stone Crushers Ppt - .
air pollution by stone crusher - Grinding Mill .
air pollution in stone crushers ppt Hey very nice and very well made ppt pls send it to . 2003.
pollution from rock crusher for lime - .
Stone Crusher Pollution Control Photo - .
guidelines for abatement of pollution in stone .
Guidelines for Abatement of Pollution In Stone Crusher Industry . ... Air pollution and Air pollution in stone crushing industry and . ... Solutions List.
about stone crusher machine pollution lesson - .
pollution due to stone crushers and hot mix .
pollution due to stone crushers and hot mix plants. heavy industry is specialized in the design, manufacture and supply of .
Dust Pollution from Stone Crushers Becomes .
It's urgent to concern about the dust prevention measures of stone crushers. home; ... Dust Pollution from Stone Crushers Becomes ... catcher to clean the air.
control of air pollution in stone crusher - .
Newitem 148 Stone Crusher Report | Dust | Air .
pollution control equipment for stone crusher - .
how stone quarry causes air pollution - .
Stone Crusher Pollution Norms In Dubai - .
Pollution By Stone Crusher In Europe - .


Joom Theme is a fully responsive, modern, clean and multi-purpose template for Joomla with loads of great features. Joom is based on Warp Framework and featured with Widgetkit Lite, K2, RokSprocket, and Kunena Forum.
template changes size in chrome when you scroll down.
NO GUARDA CAMBIOS EN LA PLANTILLA JOOM!


text:
Off-Panel
Mutants and Masterminds 3rd Edition Announced
By Dr Archeville, May 12, 2010 in Off-Panel
Dr Archeville
LocationRoxboro, NC, USA
GREEN RONIN TO RELEASE MUTANTS & MASTERMINDS THIRD EDITION
Classic Superhero RPG Gets New Edition This Fall
May 12, 2010--SEATTLE, WA: Green Ronin Publishing announced today that it is releasing a new edition of its critically acclaimed Mutants & Masterminds roleplaying game in the fall.
"We've had five years of feedback from one of the most active fanbases in roleplaying gaming," said Green Ronin President Chris Pramas. "Once we knew we'd be doing the DC ADVENTURES game, it just made sense to take that feedback and use it create the next iteration of the game."
Mutants & Masterminds debuted in 2002 and was an instant hit. A second edition followed in 2005 and in the ensuing years Green Ronin has released over 25 support books for the game. The third edition builds on these releases and evolves the rules.
"Our goal has been to make Mutants & Masterminds an even better game," said lead designer Steve Kenson. "We worked to simplify some elements of the system and fix known issues, while retaining the flexibility and fast-paced play fans have enjoyed."
"Mutants & Masterminds third edition and DC ADVENTURES share a common rule set," added Pramas, "and books from one line are compatible with the other."
The action begins this fall with the release of the Mutants & Masterminds Hero's Handbook. This full color core rulebook contains all the rules needed to play the game. More information and previews about Mutants & Masterminds third edition will appear on http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com in the coming months.
And here is what the posters at the ATT have to say.
Geez3r
Unless it turns out to be good.
In which case: YAY
Ecalsneerg
That Scottish Guy
This could prove interesting.
Hopefully, Kenson gets a more "crunchy" thinker to help him out with this edition, so it'll be more internally consistent on the details. He has to stop assuming that every campaign is just going to handwave things as much as he does.
I can't wait to see what solutions they come up with for M&M's "problem children."
Dariusprime
I've been wondering about 3rd edition for a couple of years now. I have to agree with you, Shaen. Let us hope they hire from the fan base. ;)
Is anyone other than Geez3r or myself actually excited about this instead of just worried or depressed? It seems like everyone else has forgotten just how much better 2E was than 1E.
Starsign
I'm not all familiar with the differences between 1e and 2e, could someone enlighten me please?. Regardless, I'll watch the info on 3e with great interest.
Dude, I had the Vader "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" and everything. But if nothing else, I will geek out entirely and remake every character with the 3e rules. Like you don't understand, figuring out new RPG systems is my crack.
My wish list of crap that needs fixing/ should be in 3e:
Skills in general
Construct rules that work
A more intuitive Knockback and grapple system (I understand the current ones, but there's room for improvement)
A way to make characters with DC and Toughness Tradeoffs more comparable to those with Attack and Defense Tradeoffs
Pre-built NPC's that don't suck
They need to do a drag and drop of UP for the powers section
I know full well how much an improvement 2E was over 1E, but I'm remaining cautiously optimistic until I actually see more on the new system.
I'd predict that, if they did follow one of the two D&D paths, they'd hew closer to the changes Pathfinder did than the ones seen in D&D 4E. I'd also expect to see some cribbing from the latest edition of Champions/the HERO System.
Raveled
The Calm Before the Storm
LocationDetroit, or close enough
Not entirely sure how I feel about this. My only real experience in migrating across game systems was going from D&D 3E to 4E. Which, to be fair, I think is a fair system, but that's neither here nor there.
Ah, well. More stuff to buy, I suppose.
I'd predict that, if they did follow one of the two D&D paths, they'd hew closer to the changes Pathfinder did than the ones seen in D&D 4E.
In that they didn't actually know what was wrong with the system? :P
I'm actually kind of pumped, and hoping for awesomeness! I also think Geez3r's wish list is spot-on.
From the discussion thread at the ATT:
The freelancers for DCA, of which I've just become a member, have seen some of these changes, and I just got the okay to give my opinion about the new material without giving away what the material is. For whatever my opinion is worth based on what you know of me from my posts on these forums.
The changes are all for the better, IMO. I really like this new edition, and you can take the comments from Kenson and Pramas in the press release at face value (e.g., they listened to the feedback from the fanbases, some elements of the system were simplified and known issues were fixed). I will likely buy all the releases for this new edition as I have most of the books from 2E.
I just want to reassure people who love the game as much as I do.
(Yes, that Taliesin.)
Okay, my Cautious Optimism just ratcheted up to "Why isn't this in my grubby paws now?!"
In the end I'll just giggle and say I'm really stoked. :Harley:
I'll have to make a note to set some money aside so I can actually get the books when they come out. Alright, besides my list of things they need to fix, what else are they going to change?
If they go the UP route, which they should, what I hope they do is give a description of the Effects like they did in UP, and instead of a seperate powers section they have a bunch of preconstructed effects with like a 1 line decriptor. Example:
Damage Active, Standard, 1pp/rank
[insert copy, paste of UP section]
Prebuilt settings:
Damage Extras: Ranged [2pp/rank] - A damaging effect at range; ie: bullet, laser, lightning, etc.
Damage Extras: Penetrating [2pp/rank] - A melee attack that can damage sturdier targets; ie: a very sharp blade, weapons made of a special material, supernatural claws, etc.
Shaen brought it up in chat the other day, but there's a chance they might do away with Ability Scores in general and sever more ties with traditional D&D. Replace anything that ability scores would do with skills, feats and powers. Also, sorry if I'm butchering your idea Shaen, I heard this second hand.
Also, I'm unsure if collapsing a ton of skills down into Science! would be a good thing or a bad thing, but the skills list IMO needs a bit of pruning.
I'd like a GURPS-esque thing, where the default is individual skills, and there's a sidebar option for Skills!
Rhyvurg
What does this mean for the site? Will we be changing over to 3e as soon as it comes out? Will the IC threads be put on hold while we make the transition? Do we handwave the sudden differences in our characters, or will there be some kind of massive world-changing event like the Spellplauge WotC used for 4e?
We can't answer these kinds of questions right now. Until we actually see 3E, we have no idea whether or not we'll use it, or any part of it, and we can't make any such commitments.
The anticipation is killing me. Killing me I say!
It is a good question, not just for this site, but for all GMs. I run two PbP M&M campaigns (without 16 total players and one co-GM) and one semi-regular (two sessions a month-ish) webcam game, and I also am adopting a "wait and see" mentality.
Some considerations on deciding when/if to convert to 3e:
-Do I, as the GM, like the new system, and do I think it will work well for the stories I want to tell?
-Do my players like the new system enough to go to the trouble to "buy and convert" . . . especially when their old books still work perfectly well.
-How long will it take for my (or any) potential player-base to purchase the new edition? With online games this is an especially valid concern since you can't just pass the book around the table.
-How long will it take before I am proficient enough to run a game with the new rules? No doubt any experienced GM will get the basics in a read through, but I wouldn't consider myself ready to run a game with a system until I can do so with the rule book (mostly) closed. In PbP games, there is a lot more time to look things up, but constantly consulting the rule book around a table (or webcam) is a drag on the fun.
-How long will it take before the players are proficient enough to "self run" and build characters they like? In an environment like this (and one of my PbP games), where players frequently run stories for themselves, you/I will want to give the players enough time to get "up to speed" on the new system to cut down on a lot of rules questions and bickering. Also, people love their M&M crunch! (Sounds like a breakfast cereal.) And it will take players some time to be familiar enough with the "economy" of the new point-buy system, assuming it has changed significantly, before they are ready to re-crunch their beloved heroes to 3e. Though, again, PbP grants copious amounts of extra time to look things up on-the-fly without significantly slowing the game down, which will be a plus for a system changeover.
So . . . we wait and see. :)
Well said, Barnum
From the ATT:
Hey - I just published a podcast where I interview Steve Kenson about Third Edition, DC Adventures and ICONS as well
You can find it here
ICONS is Kenson's new superhero RPG.
DC Adventures is out in August.
M&M 3E out "in Fall, probably October."
Kenson says a lot of the work on 3E is to clear away the legacy stuff from D&D.
Has a high degree of backwards compatibility with 2E.
Preview: Got rid of ability scores, just use the ability rank (2E ability bonus/modifier). Abilities go from -5 to +20 (not "3 to 18").
Still have feat: "Yes and no."
Grappling: "Yes, we still have it; yes, it is considerably different."
Superlink license will change to the Super-Powered license.
Okay, my Cautious Optimism just ratcheted up to "Why isn't this in my grubby paws now?!
No new FC book (or other setting book) until 2011.
EDIT: Also, I hope they tweak Growth, Density and Shrinking.
*reads ICONS*
Wow. Kenson is so bad at character generation, even in a system that he created, that he finally threw in the towel altogether and just made it random.
Over in the Hero Lab thread, Colen (one of the programmers/supports of Hero Lab) has posted this:
http://www.atomicthinktank.com/viewtopi ... 51#p676939
...which clearly states their intentions to support M&M 3E. They just didn't have the software ready for use when the authors were writing the books.
From MutantsandMasterminds.com
Steve Kenson Talks DC Adventures and M&M 3E With Comic Hero News
Aaron Einhorn over at Comic Hero News sits down with designer Steve Kenson to talk about the upcoming DC Adventures and Mutants & Masterminds, Third Edition, games. Check out Steve's interview and the latest news!
Posted by Kenson at 10:21 AM


text:
Go-California
Palm Springs Links
Palm Springs Introduction
A summary of what Palm Springs has to offer.
Detailed overview for Palm Springs, with custom maps, points of interest, and helpful things to know before you go.
Hollywood A-Listers, surfers, skateboarders, tourists and locals alike will find something to suit their needs here. Santa Monica is as diverse, beautiful, and fun as any community in So Cal.
Scuba - Snorkel
Searchable list of Palm Springs tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more.
Full information on Palm Springs Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities…
Searchable listings of Palm Springs hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more.
Searchable listings of Palm Springs RV parks and campgrounds.
Travel articles related to Palm Springs…
Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Palm Springs.
Palm Springs weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,…
Searchable lists of Palm Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies.
Explore destinations near Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Photo Gallery
Palm Springs Video Gallery
California Photo Gallery California Video Gallery
Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall
Below are the Free Visitor Guides for California Area.
Click here to view all the guides avialable for California.
Carlsbad Southern California
Southern CaliforniaCarlsbad is known as "The Village by the Sea," due to its proximity to the glistening Pacific Ocean. There is a European feel to the town where visitors can enjoy a variety of unique events and activities. Yes, I'd like to receive regular email updates on activities, events, deals and more from Visit Carlsbad!
Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country
Southern California Wine CountryThe vineyards of California have produced some of the best wines the world over. A sampling at a local winery in Stockton is a great way to experience what is special about this beautiful part of California.
Lake Havasu City Western Arizona
Western ArizonaWelcome to Lake Havasu City…where you can Play Like You Mean It®! Located on the Arizona shoreline of Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City is a destination for boaters, water sport enthusiasts, hikers, nature lovers, car enthusiasts and history buffs. It attracts 775,000 visitors a year with its calm waters, beautiful beaches and desert weather with more than 300 sunny days a year.
Visalia Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks
Sequoia and King's Canyon National ParksSometimes referred to as the "Gateway to the Sequoias," our city lies within miles of the Sierra Nevadas, the tallest mountain range in the contiguous United States. Visalia is the closest major city to Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks, home to the some of the largest vegetation on Earth: the Giant Sequoia trees.
Costa Mesa Southern California
Southern CaliforniaKnown as the "City of the Arts", this area of Southern California is home to the famed Orange County Performing Artscenter as well as the South Coast Repertory. Art, theater, fine dining and the shimmering sea provide visitors with a memorable and delightful experience.
Carmel-By-The-Sea Monterey Peninsula
Monterey PeninsulaIn Carmel-by-the-Sea you can dine at a number of four-star restaurants or eat al fresco at the beach. You can collect art or just covet art at almost 100 galleries and antique shops and you can buy anything from trinkets to Tiffanys. Even those who travel the world are unlikely to encounter another place that has so much to offer in one location.
Oceanside Southern California
Southern CaliforniaOceanside is a classic California beach community with its warm sandy beaches, historic wooden pier and Cape Cod-style harbor village complete with unlimited water sports and recreation. Offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle, visitors still experience the casual spirit that made Southern California's beach culture legendary.
Visit Buena Park Southern California
Visit Buena Park
Southern CaliforniaWith thrilling attractions, interactive dining experiences, and plenty of shopping options, Buena Park offers fun on just about every corner. A vacation hot spot, the lively city of Buena Park is not only known for it's premier location in Orange County but for its world famous entertainment - including Knott's Berry Farm®, Soak City USA Water Park, Knott's Independence Hall, Medieval Times, and Pirate's Dinner Adventure.
Santa Rosa Sonoma County
Sonoma CountyWelcome to Santa Rosa, where everything comes together. Wine country and farm country, redwood forests and rivers, lakes and ocean. And in the center, our charming downtown lined with intriguing shops and restaurants that delight casual diners and epicureans alike. So come, dip into California's Cornucopia, and fill up on our place of plenty.
Catalina Island Southern California
Southern CaliforniaDiscover the magical island of Catalina, just off the coast of Southern California. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a place to bring the entire family, or just need a few days to unwind, Catalina Island is the perfect destination.
Vallejo Bay Area
Bay AreaYour Bay Area Fun Starts Here. Explore San Francisco and the Napa/Sonoma wine country and stay in our affordable hotels. Attractions include Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Mare Island Historic Park, Jelly Belly factory, Sonoma Raceway, world-class golf, unique shopping, a thriving downtown arts & entertainment district, and direct ferry service to and from San Francisco!
To request a free visitor guide from Palm Springs, California Tourist Attractions, please fill out the form below and click "Submit".
We also have the following visitor guides in California. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
• California • Palm Springs • Attractions
Palm Springs, California Tourist Attractions
Parks, Museums, Sightseeing, ...
Attractions>
Palm Springs might be more subdued than its neighbor, Los Angeles, but in part because of this it has its own devoted following that includes celebrities and sight-seeing visitors. Home to a "Walk of Stars," a shopping district that rivals Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, El Paseo, as well as lush golf greens, museums and cultivated gardens it's not hard to see why.
Palm Springs is, however, not all glitter. It has a very strong natural side. The famous Palm Springs Tramway may be extravagant in its heights, but allows lovers of the outdoors access to some of the most spectacularly alpine trails in Southern California. The four sacred Indian Canyons are filled with rock art and rock formations, as well as waterfalls and rich varieties of fauna and flora.
Palm Springs Attractions
Search Palm Springs Attractions
Specific Area
Attraction Type Amusement Park Art Gallery-Museum Beaches Casinos City Park-Neighborhood Historical Site Markets-Festivals Monument-Building Museum National Park Park-Overlook Performing Arts Sports & Recreation State Parks University Campus Waterfalls Winery - Vineyard Zoos - Wildlife Sanctuaries Other
attraction Results
80 attraction Results
More Info Official Website A Gallery Fine Art
73-956 El Paseo, Palm Desert
Art Gallery-Museum
More Info Official Website A Roadside Attraction
69197 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Twentynine Palms
More Info Official Website Adagio Galleries
More Info Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
219 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
More Info Official Website Annenberg Theater
101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
More Info Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert.The park featu...
More Info Big League Dreams Sports Park - Palm Springs
33700 Date Palm Drive , Cathedral City
Big League Dreams - building and operating world-class family recreational facilities through public-private partnerships. Big League Dreams is the premier developer and operator of amateur recreational sports facilities in the country. Our parks have been recognized as the "Best Sports Complex i...
More Info Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
63-500 Garnet Avenue, North Palm Springs
The preserve is an oasis and transition zone between the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. For centuries it was used by nomadic Indians, who found water and game plentiful here. More than 235 bird species have been observed in the preserve, including several rare species. Many additional transient species...
More Info Black Rock Nature Center
9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd, Yucca Valley
More Info Official Website Boomers Fun Park - Cathedral City
67-700 E Palm Canyon Dr, Cathedral City
Add Your Listing! Click here to add your listing to Go-California.com
Go-California.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in California. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit."
We offer a compact version of Go-California for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-California on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.


text:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2019/upgrading-aoteagreat-barrier-tracks-to-prevent-kauri-dieback-spread/
Upgrading Aotea/Great Barrier tracks to prevent kauri dieback spread
Ten tracks on Aotea / Great Barrier Island are being upgraded to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.
The tracks will be closed at times to protect the public and contractors while the upgrade is done.
Aotea's most popular tracks – Palmers Track to the Hirakimata Summit, the Windy Canyon walk and the Kaitoke Hot Springs tracks – will remain open at all times as these tracks have already been upgraded.
The following tracks will be closed while they're upgraded. The aim is to complete the work and reopen these tracks by the start of summer:
Line W Track
Maungapiko Lookout Track
Old Lady Walk
Mill Track
Tramline Track, Whangaparapara
Warrens Track/Bridle Tracks
Whangaraparapa Campsite Track, and
Withey's Track.
Upgrading the South Fork and Kiwiriki tracks will take longer. The aim is to complete this work and re-open the tracks by mid-summer.
DOC's Acting Aotea Great Barrier Islands Operations Manager Dave Smith says upgrading these tracks is essential to prevent kauri dieback spreading.
"Kauri dieback is caused by microscopic spores that thrive in wet and muddy conditions and can be spread on footwear by people walking on tracks in kauri forest.
"The upgrade will remove wet and muddy parts of these tracks by installing sections of boardwalk and spreading a bark-gravel mix to provide a walking surface that will stay mud-free.
"Box step stairways will be installed on steep sections of tracks and barriers will be installed to protect kauri in forest bordering the tracks.
"As well as protecting kauri, the upgrades will make walking these tracks easier and more enjoyable for people of all ages."
The public has a vital role to play in protecting kauri from kauri dieback.
"When the tracks are reopened, people need to stay on the tracks. We also need them to use hygiene stations, at track entrances, to clean their footwear when they enter and leave the tracks," says Dave Smith.
Closure and opening dates, for the 10 tracks, will be posted on the DOC website during the upgrade period.
The tracks are in the Aotea Conservation Park, which covers more than 12,000 hectares, 43%, of Aotea / Great Barrier Island.
The park is run by DOC, assisted by the Aotea Conservation Park Advisory Committee, which has 10 representatives from iwi and the community on Aotea.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Kauri dieback disease can kill kauri of all ages.


Thanks for explaining more about the sleeveless top. I have that pattern but still didn't try. Is there a cutting line on the pattern to make it a top? or did you just cut where you like it best? it turned out really nice!
Thank you, sleeveless version is a bit tricky I have to say. I'm not in a rush to make another! I traced the pattern on paper and made a top pattern at a length that suited me.
Thank you. I made a toile last night and thought I was going bonkers. As you so perfectly put it wtf! At least reading your brilliant blog assures me I'm not going mad… will attempt the dress today. BTW it looks great, your arms are fine! I might also try it as a top having seen yours.
Aargh. I'm just trying the armhole facing now and I want to cry. I can't see how it all untwists at the end. Have just unpicked the half I managed to sew but will try again after reading your advice.
I feel for you I really do! It is a nightmare to do and I've not done another one! Good luck and I hope my advice helps.
I SO feel your pain on this one. It nearly broke me, and as I live on the other side of the world, a shop visit was out of the question. I still cant actually explain how I figured it out in the end…?!
Yep I know what you mean, nearly broke me too! If I didn't live so close to the shop I probably would have given up sewing altogether. I seriously thought I was going mad! That is the only flaw of the Merchant & Mills patterns, lack of detailed instruction where needed most. Still it was good learning curve, I think!
Oh Mother of Pearl THE ARMHOLES! I was quite enjoying this project up till the armholes. All of the twisting and stretching! The fabric is as frayed as my nerves. I did a google search and found your page. I feel better just knowing that we all suffered through this together.
The good news it your top looks super cute.
I feel your pain! It is quite horrendous isn't it? How did yours turn out in the end?


This week on Musical Geek Friday - The Free Software Song!
The song is written and performed by the founder of Free Software Foundation and the most active free software advocate Richard Stallman (scroll down for a video of Mr. Stallman performing it himself).
Richard wrote this song at a filksinging session at a science fiction convention. He realized he had never written a filksong relating to free software, so he figured it was time he did. He remembered that he had never written a filksong using Bulgarian dance music, so he figured that would be a good thing to do for once. He chose Sadi Moma because it is not too fast or complicated, and is easy to sing.
Here it is - The Free Software Song!
Join us now and share the software; You'll be free, hackers, you'll be free. Join us now and share the software; You'll be free, hackers, you'll be free. Hoarders may get piles of money, That is true, hackers, that is true. But they cannot help their neighbors; That's not good, hackers, that's not good. When we have enough free software At our call, hackers, at our call, We'll throw out those dirty licenses Ever more, hackers, ever more. Join us now and share the software; You'll be free, hackers, you'll be free. Join us now and share the software; You'll be free, hackers, you'll be free.
Here is Richard Stallman himself performing The Free Software Song.
The audio quality of this video is poor. Here is a much better version by a band with a hilarious title The GNU/Stallmans.
Download "The Free Software Song"


text:
Nine PFI activists held in Assam as nationwide raids continue, more arrests likely
At least nine activists of the Popular Front of India (PFI) have been arrested from Assam following the nationwide raids launched by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) amid terror-funding accusations against the organization.
While two persons have been arrested after raids were carried out in Hatigaon and Dispur localities of Guwahati, four PFI activists have been arrested from Nagarbera while one each have been held at Karimganj, Barpeta and Baksa districts respectively.
PFI leader and North East regional secretary of the outfit Aminul Haque was arrested from House number 26 at Friends Path in Hatigaon area of Guwahati, another PFI leader identified as Farhad Ali was arrested from Dispur.
Haque, who had reportedly been detained several times in the past, was residing with his wife and two children for the past five years as a tenant.
Sources said the number of arrested activists of the outfit could rise further as raids have been said to continue in several places.
NIA has taken the PFI leaders into custody in connection with terror funding, organizing training camps, and radicalizing people join proscribed organizations.