SEATTLE - While restaurants in some parts of the nation are just starting to add meatless meals to their menus one day a week for a "Meatless Monday" promotion, Washington has become home to one of the U.S.' largest percentages of vegetarians and vegans.
The state's food preferences are creating new opportunities for restaurants and retailers. Anthony Anton, president of the Washington Restaurant Association, believes it's closely tied to an even hotter new trend: the growing demand for fresh, locally produced foods.
"You're hearing this trend - on local, on great produce - and it's going to drive menu items that we haven't heard of today, that I think for both the vegetarian and the vegan user, they're going to find appealing. And even just people who love great food. It's going to be a fun trend to watch over the next two, three years."
Another factor in the Northwest, Anton says, is the popularity of Asian cuisine, which relies heavily on fresh vegetables. Fifteen percent of Washington restaurants are Asian-themed.
Seattle is ranked as the nation's second-most vegetarian-friendly city, topped only by Portland, Ore.
Stewart Rose, meatless cookbook author and vice president of Vegetarians of Washington, says some people choose a vegetarian diet for religious reasons while others object to the ways food animals are raised.
"Many people feel, since livestock production has become increasingly harsh on the animals and it's not particularly healthy for us, that a vegetarian way to go is a more compassionate lifestyle, maybe a more ethical lifestyle."
More than half the people in a Vegetarian Times survey said they don't eat meat for health reasons. Even those who can't give up a juicy burger or steak now and then, Rose says, could commit to a couple of meat-free days a week.
Statistics from the Vegetarian Resource Group are online at vrg.org. More information on the group Vegetarians of Washington is at vegofwa.org.


text:
Tag: sabrina chap
So I Want to Kill This [Spritzhead]: Paranoia in Tori Amos, Hothead Paisan, and reading/writing generally
In "Paranoid Reading and Reparative Reading, or, You're So Paranoid, You Probably Think This Essay Is About You," a chapter in Touching Feeling, Sedgwick addresses the paranoid reading practices that she argues have come to monopolize critical theory, including New Historicist, deconstructive, feminist, and psychoanalytic studies, and especially queer studies: in these fields, she claims, "to apply a hermeneutics of suspicion is widely understood as a mandatory injunction rather than a possibility among other possibilities" (125).
To explain what she means by paranoid reading, and to contrast it to the reparative reading mode towards which she desires queer studies to turn, Sedgwick adopts Melanie Klein's formulation of two affective positions, the schizoid/paranoid and the depressive/reparative. These are positions, importantly, not developmental stages, and so they are temporary, changing, and relational, each subject to oscillation into the other. Klein sees the depressive position as a reprieve from the schizoid/paranoid position: its "terrible alertness," its government by "hatred, envy, and anxiety." From the depressive position, it is possible, Sedgwick explains:
to use one's own resources to assemble or 'repair' the murderous part-objects into something like a whole — though, I would emphasize, not necessarily like any preexisting whole…a more satisfying object [that] is available both to be identified with and to offer one nourishment and comfort in turn. Among Klein's names for the reparative process is love. (128)
I want to look at two performances of the oscillation between Klein's paranoid and depressive positions within art — then return to Sedgwick and think about paranoid writing. I don't understand why my writing here is so forced and I can't break out. You're going to point out every interpretive error, aren't you, sneer that it's obvious I've never read Klein. Stop it I hate you. Fuck you all.
Tori Amos's "The Waitress" has radically evolved since its original 1994 recording on Under the Pink. The original version is pure murderlust, its speaker, a waitress, announcing her desire to kill a fellow waitress, a desire suppressed only by the speaker's belief "in peace, bitch." In this version the speaker is ruled by the "hatred, envy, and anxiety" that characterize Klein's paranoid/schizoid position. The speaker is stuck, paralyzed by her "terrible alertness" to the threat posed by the presumably more-powerful waitress.
The version that Tori played on her 1998 Plugged tour is vastly transformed from the original and is improvised slightly differently in each performance. This clip is pretty characteristic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rolRKCIAi0
3 Comments :anxiety, diane dimassa, hothead paisan, klein, paranoia, paranoid reading, queer theory, reparative reading, sabrina chap, sedgwick, tori amos more...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: ng-class not updating after the value change in ng-repeat angularjs I am trying to set an active class based on the value in ng-repeat. I am able to achieve it on the first-page load based on the default but whenever the value is changed the class is not changed. I am using angularjs and here is my code
HTML

                    {{sizes.SizeName}}

JS
    $scope.showdetailsbyid = function (size) {

        $scope.selectedsize = size;

    }

A: You need not to add angular expression {{}} in ng-class again. Try following code snippet.

     {{sizes.SizeName}}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
OXiGENE Announces OXi4503 Granted Orphan Designation for Treatment of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 21, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OXiGENE, Inc. (Nasdaq:OXGN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics to treat cancer, announced that its product candidate OXi4503 has been granted orphan designation by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Orphan drug designation qualifies a company for several benefits, including the potential for market exclusivity, development grants, and for certain tax credits.
OXi4503 is a novel, second-generation anticancer agent that combines vascular disrupting activity with direct cytotoxicity. A Phase 1 study of OXi4503 for the treatment of patients with AML or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is currently under way, with support from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Therapy Acceleration Program.
Commented Peter J. Langecker, M.D., Ph.D., OXiGENE Chief Executive Officer: "OXi4503 is a valuable asset in our company's product portfolio of vascular disrupting agents, and has shown highly potent antitumor activity in preclinical and clinical studies. We believe that orphan designation in the US may increase the attractiveness of OXi4503 as a partnering asset, and we plan to seek orphan designation in the European Union as well. We look forward to having initial results from the ongoing Phase 1 trial in AML before the end of 2012. AML is a highly lethal disease, and there is an urgent need for therapeutic approaches based on new mechanisms of action that can be used as monotherapy or in combination with current treatment regimens. We are optimistic that OXi4503 has the potential to represent a promising and novel way to treat AML, especially in resistant populations."
The US Orphan Drugs Act aims to encourage the development of drugs involved in the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a medical condition affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Orphan drug designation grants US market exclusivity to a drug for a particular indication for a seven-year period if the sponsor complies with certain FDA specifications. Additional incentives for the sponsor include tax credits related to clinical trial expenses and a possible exemption from the FDA user fee, and the orphan status also allows the sponsor to apply for grants to support clinical trials.
About OXi4503 and the Phase 1 AML Trial
OXi4503 (combretastatin A1 diphosphate /CA1P) is a dual-mechanism vascular disrupting agent that is being developed in clinical trials for the treatment of leukemias and solid tumors. Like its structural analog, ZYBRESTAT® (fosbretabulin/CA4P), OXi4503 has been observed to block and destroy tumor vasculature, resulting in extensive tumor cell death and necrosis. In addition, preclinical data indicate that OXi4503 is metabolized by oxidative enzymes (e.g., tyrosinase and peroxidases), which are elevated in many solid tumors and tumor white blood cell infiltrates, to an orthoquinone chemical species that has direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells. Preclinical studies have shown that OXi4503 has single-agent activity against a range of xenograft tumor models, and synergistic or additive effects when incorporated in various combination regimens with chemotherapy, molecularly-targeted therapies (including tumor-angiogenesis inhibitors), and radiation therapy. OXi4503 has been evaluated as a monotherapy in a Phase 1 dose-escalation trial in patients with advanced solid tumors and in patients with cancers involving the liver.
Patients in the ongoing Phase 1 study with relapsed and refractory AML and MDS are receiving OXi4503 administered weekly for four weeks. Patients are being individually assessed for safety and dose limiting toxicity for the purpose of determining the maximum tolerated dose during the first cycle of OXi4503. Additional information about the trial can be found by searching for trial number NCT01085656 at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
About OXiGENE
OXiGENE is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics to treat cancer. The Company's major focus is developing vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) that selectively disrupt abnormal blood vessels associated with solid tumor progression. OXiGENE is dedicated to leveraging its intellectual property and therapeutic development expertise to bring life-extending and life-enhancing medicines to patients.
The OXiGENE, Inc. logo is available athttp://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4969
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this press release, which include the timing of advancement, outcomes, and regulatory guidance relative to our clinical programs, achievement of our business and financing objectives may turn out to be wrong. Forward-looking statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions OXiGENE might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the inherent risks of drug development and regulatory review, and the availability of additional financing to continue development of our programs.
Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those in the forward-looking statements is contained in OXiGENE's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, including OXiGENE's reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. However, OXiGENE undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
CONTACT: Investor and Media Contact:
Source: OXiGENE, Inc.


text:
by Bob Braun - Education, Law and Justice, Politics - February 3, 2014 February 3, 2014
Cami Anderson must resign!
Reckless incompetence. The NPS notice about schools today.
Cami Anderson, appointed by Gov. Chris Christie three years ago to run the Newark schools, should resign immediately because she represents a danger to the children and employees of New Jersey's largest city. More than a week ago, she kept the schools open in Newark when all the schools in Essex and neighboring counties were closed–including Newark charter schools. Today, she did not order the schools closed until many children and employees were on their way or already in school. Most charter schools were closed by 7 a.m.
I can't read her mind or her heart. I can't know what her motivation is. But mounting external evidence points to this: She is trying to destroy confidence in Newark's public school system in favor of creating support for a free-trade zone for charter schools.
In response to Anderson's actions, the president of the Newark school board said she was "appalled and angered" by the failure to provide timely notice of the system's closing. Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson apologized for what happened. The Newark school board, while elected, has been reduced to an advisory capacity by the state takeover law–it has no say in the school closing decision.
Mayoral candidate Ras Baraka called Anderson's actions "yet another example of how Chris Christie's superintendent is running our schools with reckless disregard for the well being of Newark's parents and children." Baraka is on leave as principal of Newark's Central High School.
Matthew Frankel, the spokesman for Anderson, did not respond to a request for comment sent some seven hours ago.
There can be debate about how best to operate a public school system. There can be debate about how good charter schools are compared to conventional public schools. There can be a debate about bringing in administrators from New York and New Orleans to replace veteran local educators. There can be a debate about the value of Teach for America dilettantes versus well-trained teachers.
There can even be a debate about closing, selling off, or otherwise repurposing a third to a half of all Newark public schools. Or about whether the exercise of free speech represents insubordination.
Struggling to get to school at Hawthorne Avenue today–only to find school was closed.
And maybe, just maybe, there even be a debate about whether a school superintendent can hate school employees and their unions so much she can treat them like 12th Century serfs. But….
But there can be no debate about the safety of Newark's children.
I have asked employees and parents to send me notes about their experiences today. I will not use their names because Anderson takes revenge against critics, suspending principals and banning parent leaders from the schools their children attend (another reason she should resign). Here's an interesting fact sent in by many teachers–the call-in system that would allow teachers to call in as absent did not work this morning and that drove many teachers to come to school rather than face disciplinary action for being AWOL. Coincidence?
From a parent: "I wanted to tell you what my morning consisted of as a parent of children in Newark schools. I have two children–one attends public school and the other attends a charter. I received a call at 6am from the charter school informing me that classes were
canceled today. I proceeded to check NPS website expecting a cancellation
notice and nothing was posted. I got my child who attends public
school out the door by 7:00am, as her classes begin at 8:05am. I
received a call from NPS at 7:54 am about cancellations. To top it
off, the voice recording was in a foreign language that I could not
understand. I decided to check the website again to find out classes were
canceled. My child was already in school when the vice principal sent all the
students home. I was lucky enough that my child's classmate gave her a ride
home. It was very irresponsible to make not only the children but also the
school staff come out in this weather. The last storm we had my child was
stuck on a NJ transit bus for 2 hours on a trip which would normally last
5 minutes from school. All this because someone is thinking about herself instead
of our children safety.
Here is the account of a parents who also is a teacher:
"I am a parent of students in NPS, but am also a teacher in NPS. I woke
up my three sons to get ready to go to school. Two of them attend school and
one is left home with a baby sitter. My middle child noticed that it was
snowing and asked if we had school. I contacted both their schools and they
said they were open. All three of my children are asthmatic and cold weather
triggers their asthma. Currently one child is receiving treatment every four
hours to control his asthma. Even with all this in mind, I prepared them for
school, as I know that attendance is important. Driving to my middle child's
school, the roads were very slippery and the ABS in my car was not working
properly and I began questioning why schools were open. When I arrived to my
middle son's school, I was alerted that school was closed by a teacher. I
turned the car around and went home. As I was going home, I almost got into a
car accident, because my brakes did not work. My car was literally inches from
being struck by oncoming traffic. As I was getting home, at 7:54 I was finally
contacted that school was closed. At 8:02 I finally received a call from
my son's school that schools were closed. It was really inconvenient and
dangerous. What was Cami thinking? Guess this is payback for the meeting
last Tuesday." (At that meeting, Anderson stormed out when a parent referred to her "brown baby.")
When this teacher got the call.
Here's the account of one teacher:
"I got up and checked NPS website, the news and my voicemail to see if there was a delayed opening or cancellation of school. No message. I left my house at 7:15 am and arrived at school by 7:45. I don't live very far, but there were white out conditions and very slippery roads. When I got to work I was met by my vice principal who informed me that school had just been called closed. She was texting as many people as she had numbers for. There were several teachers already there, one who had left her house at 5:30 and driven up the Turnpike. The climate of fear at NPS keeps people from calling out, even on dangerous snowy days. Students were sitting outside in the snow and parents were calling the office frantically trying to figure out where their kids were. My vice principal stayed and manned the phones as there was no one else in the office. I left with four other teachers at about 8:30. When I got home, I saw there was a voice mail on my land line that there was no school. That voice mail came at 7:55. Many of the teachers who were already en route got the text message from my vp to turn around and go home. Teachers had already been in their cars for over an hour braving the terrible conditions. Other teacher friends of mine from different NPS schools reported the same conditions. Teacher and students who were already in the building told to turn around and go home. Disgraceful."
From a vice principal:
"My husband, a VP at —– and I cleaned off our cars and left with enough time for a longer commute. As our house is on a high elevation, about 45 minutes from my school, my car became stuck on the road near our house. My husband managed to back it down the hill and safely into our driveway. I called the school, and one of our secretaries was already there. She said that quite a few staff members had already called out. I was worried that children would be in the school without supervision and begged my husband, owner of a lightweight Honda Civic, to drive me to my school. I was determined to keep my babies safe. Though the wheels were spinning and the car was emitting gas fumes, we finally made it up the hill. We navigated 202 to 287 to 80 and were finally on 280, headed into Newark, when the phone rang at 7:45 with the snow day announcement. I called the school. The secretary told me that at least 20 staff members had already made it into the building as well as quite a few children. Our parents view our school as a safe haven, and we often have children dropped off early. Our parents are mostly hourly workers and don't get paid when they don't show up. As it was too late to arrange for childcare, many were quite upset that they had to return to school to pick up their children. What's more, the special ed buses were already on the roads picking up our disabled children. The late announcement of a snow closure put our children and staff at risk. "
From a school employee who also is a charter school parent:
"I work at a charter school and I got the call at 630. My daughter attends Newark public schools and the call came in at 755!!!! Outrageous !!!"
From a preschool teacher:
"What about the collaborative teachers and students in the Newark preschool system? We are not part of the union and no one seems to remember us, even though we are 80% of the population of pre-k kids in Newark. We have wrap around through DHS and open at 7:30am. We had school open and had to frantically call parents who were already at work. My friend got into a car accident coming to work. We are dedicated teachers and we are (literally) putting our lives in jeopardy now."
Here is one that's so interesting because of what you will read at the end:
"I was in the building last time they failed to close and I had 2 out of my 11 students. Other classrooms had close to the same number. We have a building of about 500 students and we probably didn't have more than 20-30 students in the building. Today, I was fed up and was going to call out sick. We are told that if we use over 5 sick days our evaluation gets dropped in rank – so effective teachers are listed as partially effective and then no pay increase. But I didn't care anymore, it's my first year teaching and I've been getting sick every month since September. We get penalized even though we have 15 sick days in our contract.
" Either way I was done being terrorized and I chose to stay home. I have a sinus infection and didn't want to force myself in such horrible conditions. Like last time, the substitute teacher system was backed up with calls. So many of us couldn't get through and had to go to work because we couldn't get substitutes. Today was the same thing, same problem. The system was backed up and many of us couldn't get through again."
"Those teachers who were able to get into the building were told to stay until all the children who showed up went home. It's absolutely insane that we are put through these conditions. That our students have to be forced to walk in those conditions.
"Lastly, I wanted to let you know that I'm a Teach for America corp member. And I'm appalled by what's happening in Newark. There are many of us who feel this way, who are teaching in public schools and feel that what Cami is doing is wrong. When we signed up we didn't do it to hurt veteran teachers. We signed up to make a difference. To teach students in communities in need, low income communities where some of us came from. To serve students who share our same background. I hope you realize that many of us are supporting NPS and wish we weren't part of this mess."
Can't think of a better way to end this tale of stupidity, incompetence, and mean-spiritedness.
Bob Jones February 3, 2014
same story as many other nps employees. when I awoke this morning I had every intention of taking off. I drive my babies to day care enough route to school each day. no reason to risk it because Cami is upset with herself and her job. needless to say, my wife was able to stay home from work today and I figured I would go in because I wanted to show my toughness or perhaps I am just stupid. I arrive at my school at 7:55 am just in time for the robo call to tell me school is closed!!!!! a student of mine was waiting outside the school and asked me why school was closed with such little warning??? that is my question, why??? Cami must answer this question. for all those parents who sent their "babies" out in the cold and snow. I wonder if she made this decision while she was in bed or playing with her baby????
J. Kennedy February 25, 2014
All workers better wake the frig up before it's too late. The corporate elite is trying its hardest to rob workers of salary, benefits and all things fair and balanced, including human respect and work rules. We'll turn into Nazi Germany if WE allow this dictatorial format to continue and Obama has been complicit in all of it.
LA February 3, 2014
I just wanted to thank you for highlighting this blatant attempt at retaliation for the board meeting. I also wanted to voice my outrage for how the district disregarded staff and students by canceling so late. We as staff are required to call out by 7 AM however the district did not use the same protocol. The drive was very dangerous and I was highly concerned for teachers who lived hours away and were stuck on highways. Not to quibble over dollars and cents but to have us drive in waste gas, tolls and risk our lives is uncalled for. However we are held hostage when it comes to pay.
Continue the good work that you are doing. These injustices must be exposed right along with her buddy Christie.
collaborativepreschoolteacher February 3, 2014
Bob..What about the collaborative teachers and students in the Newark preschool system? We are not part of the union and no one seems to remember us, even though we are 80% of the population of pre-k kids in Newark..we have wrap around through DHS and open at 7:30am. We had school open and had to frantically call parents who were already at work. My friend got into a car accident coming to work..We are dedicated teachers and we are (literally) putting our lives in jeopardy now.
Linda February 3, 2014
This morning I awoke at 5:30 am and checked the district web-site and my cell phone for school closing information. None. I did not turn on the tv purposely because I did not need to be angry while I was driving into Newark from North Plainfield because all the districts around me would once again are probably closed as I was required to brave the storm. As I travelled the road conditions were worsening but manageable if you traveled slowly. I prayed as I often do, to The Lord for traveling mercy for myself and others. (I do not want to die in that car of mine. )
On my way back home angered and outraged I asked God if he had planned these storms to bring to light and cast out those devils that are trying to destroy NPS and Public education?
So I prayed again for a leader that lead by example, one that was fair, looked like me, came up through the ranks of the district, respects and cares about the teachers, staff and most importantly about the children of Newark.
Ms. Anderson you are "OUT of ORDER" !!!!!!!!!!!
but, I believe that my God who is the head of my life and believes in decency and order has got your number. I believe he will fix the problems in NPS so that we may once again concentrate on educating our students.
Kelly February 3, 2014
I am a teacher at NPS. I debated going in this morning and text one of our clerks. She was already at school. I told her I didn't think I would make it in today. But I tried anyway.
I live pretty close to the school I work at. The commute usually takes about 6-7 minutes. I didn't make it out of my complex which wasn't plowed yet. My car slid sideways into a pole. Back bumper damage. As I turned around to go right back home I got a text saying schools were closed. That was at 7:53 am! Blackboard Connect had called my house at 7:52. Now I've got to worry about paying my insurance deductible. Thanks to NPS! This was really not called for.
SRK February 3, 2014
Left to work at 7 and find out school was closed. Got home after two full hours of traffic at ten
Three hours of my day to just find out school is closed Extremely Outrageous. Must Stop Cami's behavior. I bet she decide to closed the school of brown students after she did out her own brown child school is closed.
Three hours of my day to just find out school is closed Extremely Outrageous. Must Stop Cami's behavior.
Nisee February 3, 2014
If you are outraged about how this school closing was handled, Senator Ronald Rice asks that we contact him:
His number! Sen Ron Rice 973 371 5665
EMAIL. SENRICE@NJLEG.ORG
Source1 February 3, 2014
This is no longer a debate about educational philosophy, public vs. charter, teacher evaluations, One Newark, merit pay, state takeover, or other schemes. The issue now is whether Anderson has the mental stability to make sound judgements affecting children and families. I think not.
When the driver of the car is proven to be incompetent, it is folly to discuss the best route to get from point A to point B. The driver must be removed from the driver's seat before someone is killed….
Resign? Cami Anderson Should Be Fired | Blind Noise February 3, 2014
[…] https://bobbraunsledger.com/cami-anderson-must-resign/ […]
Jeff Ballin February 3, 2014
It should also be noted that the central call in system utilized by most employees to call in for sick or personal days was inoperative all morning.
Barry Susman February 3, 2014
From losing federal education funding to cancelling the ARC tunnel, to the Newark schools, to stopping prosecutions of friends, to taking money from public schools and sending it to charters, to machinations with Boss Norcross at the Delaware River Authority (something about bridge crossings), to appointing unqualified people to Superior Court, to politicizing the Supreme Court………………
NJ MOM February 3, 2014
Time for a class action lawsuit by the parents. She is putting many lives in danger.
While callous and disrespectful, what Cami did today only really screwed school employees that had to commute through hazardous conditions to make it to work since SubFinder was conveniently "unavailable". Gratefully, most students live close to their respective schools. But what about next year? When, thanks to One Newark, most of are students will be forced to trek under these conditions across NJ's largest city in order to make it to their "Cami-designated" schools (choice? yeah right!) What then? Her spitefulness could really risk the students' lives in that situation. Will she be reimbursing them for wasted transportation costs? What if a car skids off the road and hits a child due to weather conditions? Why can't DYFS (or it's current acronym) be involved against her? If that's not endangering the lives of minors, I don't know what is!!!
Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson February 3, 2014
As President of the Newark Board of Education, I am angered and appalled at what occurred this morning – the lack and late notification to parents and school staff about today's school closing. I speak now as a former student, parent, and teacher in the Newark Public Schools, and I NEVER, in any of those capacities, even once, experienced what happened this morning, which is either utter indecisiveness (incompetence) or, as Bob Braun put it, "…mounting external evidence points to this: She (State Disctrict Superintendent Cami Anderson) is trying to destroy confidence in Newark's public school system…" I wasn't notified until 7:43 am, and even though the Board had no say so in this decision, I apologize on behalf of the 9 Board of Education members, as we are united in our respect for the community and concernforthe safety of children.
Joseph Del Grosso February 3, 2014
The members of the board do not need to apologize,the wrong was done twice by Ms.Anderson.First, this snow day should not need to be a make up day.We are over the 180 day requirement. Second, when a member calls in that late,they are deducted one days pay. Ms. Anderson should forfeit one days pay immediately. Together we stand by our children and teachers and the great people of Newark.
Elena February 3, 2014
Tired of spending my time and money. This is the second time that I had to risk my life to make it into a school which is basically empty. Last time we were the only school in Essex County (and pretty much the whole state) that was open, I saw classes with one and two students in them. My husband had to drive me into work because of the deplorable parking conditions, where on a regular day you may not be able to find a legal spot….Today, I spent my time and money again to come to a building to be told half an hour later that "we're closed". I'm lucky to live fairly close. Some teachers drove over an hour and a half. One took six hours to get home the last time we didn't close. And now they're going to take another day from us. When we braved the snow to get to school. I was planning to stay a bit and get some work done- figured there was no point in joining the mass exodus out of NPS. But, none of the data systems I use, including the internet, was working. Hmmmm…wonder if that was on purpose so no one could claim to have worked (and wanted to get paid and not lose another day which will be added onto the school year). What did I do all day? The work I bought home. Believe it or not, most of us do work hard for our pay. Many hours beyond what we are contracted to do.
Sista February 3, 2014
As I was reading the article, tears came to my eyes. Despite how they attempt to demonize the community of Newark and NPS, most of us are a community of dedicated individuals. I have a student in both charter and NPS. I received the call around 6:35 am although my child leaves at 6:30. I'm glad he missed the bus because he was able to walk back home. I called my friend who is a NPS teacher who stated she didn't receive a call and was getting ready for work. At 7:53 am, I received a call the schools were closed. I work at a college and was notified by their system prior to NPS. This is a shame and disgrace how she treats the overall community of Newark. It's time for her to be removed from the office of Supt since she has demonstrated the blatant disregard for the safety of our children, the employees, and people in general.
I received the call from the charter school
Newarkbluesman February 3, 2014
You don't have Cami yet but we are working on it.Sista
Carlos Gafanha February 3, 2014
I would first like to thank you for taking an interest and genuine concern for the teachers, parents and especially the children of Newark. I was born, raised and educated in Newark (East Side '87) and I too, am worried about the safety of everyone's "babies" attending Newark Schools and my baby happens to be my wife, who is a NPS school teacher. She left home a little before 6 AM and I knew it wasn't going to be a good day. She's already has an hour commute on a perfect day, today was anything but that. She called me on the drive back home, after being at school for nearly an hour, almost in tears and extreme anxiety about driving in treacherous conditions. Hey Cami, where were you at 8 AM? Probably in your nice cozy bed, in your nice cozy house (paid for by the tax payers of NJ) playing with your baby. It's a real shame and travesty that tens of thousands of people are being basically bullied and endangered by a State appointed puppet and is now taking out her shortcomings on the parents, students and employees of the NPS. How awful of a human is she really capable of? Is she not aware that we are a democracy? This isn't the Taliban Cami Anderson. She is a scourge and pariah and should be brought up on charges of child endangerment and neglect. She is a liability to the citizens of Newark and the State of NJ. I'm sure there will be dozens of lawsuits in the making if anyone's babies were hurt or injured on the way to school. Not her baby, of course, not her baby.
Tamob February 3, 2014
Assemblywoman Mila Jasey is holding hearings next week in Newark about the One Newark program. Attend the hearings and have your voice heard. Contact Senator Rice's office to find out the dates, times, and location. When I get the specifics I will share in this blog. Cami doesn't care about the Newark community, which includes the NPS employees. Come out and share your experiences so we can force her out.
Bill Hoogterp February 3, 2014
I just have a different read. I know many teachers and administrators in Newark who really care about the kids and do a good, very good or great job. Still others who are nice people but really are not qualified and not sure how they got (or keep) their jobs. They are the most defensive it seems. It seems no matter who the Superintendent is, what color or where they are from, if they keep things the way they are, they can survive. If they try to make the system better for the kids and change things, they are attacked, often horribly. So a wish of good hope to all people in the system who put the kids, their families and the schools first, in often tough conditions, and pay the price for that. The greatest leaders in history paid a price so you are in good company. Justice Brandeis famous quote is "90% of all conflict is based on misunderstanding. It starts with legitimate difference but spirals." Anyone who seriously thinks others don't care about kids, that just means our emotion is not balanced at that moment.
jalisa February 3, 2014
Its amazing how u defend her actions its nothing wrong with wanting to better the schools and getting rid of teachers who are ineffective anymore…however it is something really wrong with closing almost every school and sending the kids to other schools that already have overcrowded classes..how can the kids be productive in an environment like that
Tony February 3, 2014
You are right there are two sides to very story and I invite you to respond back.
People are angry on this occasion because for a second time management failed to meet a basic tenet of leadership: student and staff safety!
However there is more brewing here. The superintendent is not a visionary and has no answers for improving a district with a track record of poor performance.
I know you may believe she is seen as the enemy because she brings change. But I ask what is her platform of change? Closing schools?
If this is it, then I have to respond by saying that empirically this public policy approach has been proven to be a complete failure. Just ask Chicago and NYC for anecdotal examples.
But I'm sure I have not convinced you yet so I must point out that the verdict on charters are out too. Just like teachers there are good ones and bad ones. Ironically society emphasizes the poor teachers and the best charter schools and in doing so learning nothing about educational policy.
The fact is that poor teachers often leave within three years and are not given tenure. On the other hand Charters that are poor performing are not so easily shut down and often require litigation.
Additionally the real lessons from high performing charters are not examined. On average the high performing charters spend more on students debunking the argument that we spend too much on public education. The funny thing is that they don't report their true levels of spending. Harlems children zone is the best example. They invest in the child from the moment the child is conceived. There is baby college, parent classess, access to social workers all before even going to school. Then the students go to school but are not cut off from all the programs offered. If anything the charters indicated that there is a roadmap to success and spending less money on children at risk is not one of the solutions.
The community is angry and justifiably so. Anderson's plan will not only weaken the public schools by shuffling money to charters and by slowly removing the better students but will create diminished opportunity for those students that are identified as poor performing students. Lets imagine that your kid is attending a newark school that is underfunded. With choice you may or may not be accepted to a great charter school. You have a great chance of being expelled from your charter if you are a poor test taker or a behavior problem. You will probably have no access to bilingual, esl, or special Ed in a charter school that is if you get accepted.
The fact is that by handing over schools to charters NPS will have to pay for heat, electrical, and security as charters will come in and pay no rent. They will pay for a new level of management that is needed to run the charter schools. This scenario equates to diminished funding at the class level. Wait there is more. Charters will not hire the teachers given pink slips. They will hire inexperienced teachers at reduced pay. Is this good policy? Crippling a middle class and exposing high needs students to new teachers who don't have the experience or the credentials to teach and will likely have to work another job just to make ends meet.
Well choice does not look so good! And Anderson's plan is not as visionary as you may think.
Finally, there are legal aspects that must be considered. Students have been able to access educational services through the courts. by going to charters their choice diminishes their ability to fight in courts.
Seems to me that this is not just a misunderstanding. It is the fight between an informed community of color being subjugated by a state who wants to break a union and an educational system that it has deemed too expensive.
Furthermore I must point out that if these students were rich they would have smaller classroom sizes and the money would reach the students that were in need. Moreover if the students were rich and their superintendent made two consecutive errors on snow days while trying to close schools down even when they have demonstrated measurable gains, Anderson would be gone. Don't believe me! Well a current superintendent was hired in New Jersey after being fired from another district making a similar mistake during a snowstorm and not having answers.
The fact is that Anderson is not a visionary! Her management style is questionable and her plan is simply empirically flawed!
Our government teaches the whole people by its example,if the government becomes the law breakers it breeds contempt for law,it invites every man to become a law until himself ,it invites anarchy. Cami Anderson is that person.The quote.well let's see if you figure it out.
Jacqueleen Bido February 3, 2014
I received a phone call from TEAM CHARTER SCHOOLS AT 6:02 a.m.!! Unacceptable that the children and parents of NEWARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS were subjected to this intentional attack. Since this is a united front she is only adding fuel to the fire. WE WILL PROTECT …Our Children .. Our Community… Our Rights … BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!!
EM February 3, 2014
Actually was 5 minutes out the door just to come to my senses to know, damn, we'll still end up with a 1:00 pm closing! Nope, stayed home but was playing phone text with my VP and asked"if I report to you my sick day and the school ends up closing,will you adjust my time"/ Without any thought, she said "no problem". I live in driving, about 7 minutes away which last week took me about 45 minutes! it's exhausting, Cami knows it, God sees fit to put in place, whose right and whose wrong. He only looks out for those that look out for others.
K February 3, 2014
I wanted to inform you that I was on my way to my school this morning after having spent 45 minutes shoveling my driveway and cleaning my truck. Only to get a call from my husband, NOT THE DISTRICT that school's were closed. I think it is a travesty the way that Cami Anderson treats the children and staff in this district. She has no regard for us at all. I stood in my car this morning on my way to school behind a city bus that was rendered immobile because of this harsh weather. This is unacceptable!
I am a 17 year, PROUD veteran teacher/administrator for NewarkS Public School System. In my 17 years in Newark I have NEVER received (nor have I deserved) an adverse rating on any of my Evaluations, so why is it that our superintendent try to make me and so many others feel like we are not worthy Educators. Something MUST be done to STOP THIS TYRANNICAL BEHAVIOR!!!
Toni February 3, 2014
As a clerk in NPS I can tell you that myself and my co-worker know that on days like this, the parents start calling early, the teachers who live far ususlly can't get through to the system in place to call for a sub so we try to get in the building as early as possible to get things in place. I still have young children whereas my co-worker does not so after communicating with her at 5:30 a.m, i knew she would make it in first. Knowing well how a morning like this can be with everyone upset we're the only ones open, in addition to all the "Cami pressure" we are under, my stomach was in knots because those of our staff who made the call to stay home, couldn't get through the system, were texting me to ensure coverage for their students and we would be short subs. Also worrying about kids who walk to school early to assist with the breakfast program, might be out in this horrible weather made me so filled with anxiety that I slid down my hill and into the car in front of me. Leaving a nice big dent in my hood!
I don't have a driver like Ms. Cami does. I am sure in her eyes I am just a lowly Clerk; however, we Clerks are the backbones of these schools that she is destroying! We are the ones who get the texts and calls from our staff and teachers when they can't get through the system for a sub because they know WE have their backs. We are the ones at the front counters, on the front line who are the target of every angry parent over lack of notice or concern from Cami on a snowy day or the confusion over registration for the Newark One plan. We are just as over worked, under paid and disrespected as any other NPS employee in this nightmare and we need to support eachother because after today, its very clear that Cami is not concerned about any of us….teachers, students, aides and especially CLERKS.
newarkblueman February 3, 2014
No one knows better than I do about the importance of school clerks,you are teachers just like us,we are clerks just like you,and we all aid each other.Support the union and the community. we need each other to drive out the demon.
Clerk February 3, 2014
I was already at work when I received the call at 7:52 the schools were closed. I work in central office where we all know we are the last people thay think about. We are human to. The kicker was most of the executive staff was home making decisions since they all live in NY or south jersey I am sure it was WARM. Since the New administration don't punch in or out its hard to tell who came to work today. I think an investigation should be done. Stilling board time ? I did see Ms Wilson , SBA which she is being treated so wrong making her clean up the superintendent mess.
hadenough? February 4, 2014
You're right an investigation should be done. How dare the powers that be stay home while they send thousands of people out. Cami is a narcissist bordering on sociopathic. Since she knows many students and staff will be absent It appears her motivation might have been to decrease the overall pupil attendance percentage for the year. She uses these stats for her own advantage. To attempt to prove how inefficient Newark schools are ? It is obvious she did not want to close schools. The big cheese must have made her esp. since he's drowning in his
Own heap of deception. Cami has to go!!!!
Tom February 3, 2014
I decided to call out sick since all the schools in my neighborhood had cancelled school as early as 9pm the night before. When I got the voicemail call at 7:51am I thought it was a joke. I then received calls from colleagues saying they were already at school and we're being asked to leave. How insane and inconsiderate can NPS get? Isn't there anyone who works with Cami that has the gumption to stand up for what's right? That is what our city needs not some mindless thugs nodding there heads up and down all day!
Maryam Bey February 3, 2014
Thank you again Mr. Braun for highlighting this issue. It is clear, Cami Anderson has no intentions of doing the right thing by our children. Her actions this morning demonstrated the disdain she has for our children. This is a window of opportunity that we should take advantage of. Gov. Christie has his own problems, he cannot protect her now, this is the perfect time to get her to resign. Thanks again. Maryam Bey
My mom has been a proud employee of nps for nearly 30 years..every morning shes up and out the door no matter if she's sick in pain car trouble..she has no excuses…this morning my mother called me at 6 asking me to check the news for closings..she was already at work..when I told her nps was not listed my mom kinda broke down explaining that she was scared on the roads and her defroster was acting up..on her way home after she got the news of closings my mother got stuck almost in the middle of the street and almost was hit by 3 cars. I was outraged you only get one mom and if something would have happened t o her a lawsuit was coming cami andersons way…and I personally saw school buses with kids in them sliding all over the place..this is disgusting and she needs to be removed immediately and if christie can't see that maybe he needs to be removed since he appointed her to that position
P. Grunther February 3, 2014
Mr. Hoogterp, sorry but it seems like you've been drinking the Kool-aid. Since when is there a profession where every employee is doing a great job? There are great teachers, good teachers and yes, even bad teachers out there – just as in any profession. But from there to saying that these "bad" teachers (bad in your estimation that is) are the ones most active in protesting Cami Anderson and Christie's plans and actions, sorry but I don't follow you. You say the "bad" teachers are the most defensive ones – what exactly are you basing this statement on??!! It has become the new normal to hold teachers accountable for low student achievement and yet what serious peer-reviewed research shows is that most often poverty is the common denominator in low student achievement and not teachers. This has not stopped Christie from capitalizing on people's ignorance as well as their desire to find convenient scapegoats. Sorry, but in my opinion, your comments add nothing helpful to the discussion. And it may well be that people are exasperated and emotionally distressed by Anderson's campaign of terror but that doesn't change the facts: this morning Cami Anderson endangered the safety and well-being of Newark's public school children and public employees – it's not a question of whether she actually "cares about children" – it's a question of the harm her actions are doing to children.
Newark Teacher February 4, 2014
I really hope our union fights for us not to have to make up any snow days. Newark already has an extend school year, which if I remember correctly was only suppose to be a 1 year contract deal anyway but, some how like usual it stuck w/out anyone saying anything for the last few years.
Joshi93 February 4, 2014
I am an employee of the Newark Public Schools; but more importantly, I am a father who has a child that attends one of our "failing" schools. Actually, my child attends a very good school, and I am very proud with her progress and the fine work her teachers are doing. However, yesterday was a complete debacle. I decided that I would leave the house a little earlier knowing that the roads would be extremely hazardous. My wife and I prepared my daughter for school because we did not want her to miss another day. As, my daughter and I left our home, a colleague called me and told me that NPS had cancelled school. I never received any notification from a robo-call or from an administrator about the cancellation.
As the day went on, the angrier I got at Ms. Anderson. I often thought we (the Newark residents, NPS teachers/staff, and parents) were too hard on Ms. Anderson and her mission to "reform" NPS. But things are becoming apparently clear that the discontent for Anderson is not about reform at all. It is about a blatant disrespect for Newark and anyone associated with the Newark Public Schools…..including our brown babies. Ms. Anderson, I have a question for you. Why was it ok for me to possibly place my brown daughter at risk yesterday while your brown baby was as safe as can be? And, if it is true that you, Ms. Anderson, never reported yourself…you should be ashamed by your hypocrisy.
I am a parent and an employee who is in favor of school reform. However, Ms. Anderson you are not the right leader for the reform we need. I think it is time to right-size your position. It is time to give local control back to the residents of Newark because what happened yesterday would not be tolerated in any other community. As a parent, I plead with you to have some decency and resign immediately! You have become a hazard to all our children.
The contract is a three year contract,one year expired,ever district makes up snow days,yesterday should not be made up because many came or were on their way to work.You are the union,get involved,Participate In all the events.we need to get Cami out.That takes work from all of us.
WL February 4, 2014
There was absolutely no consistency at Central Office on who had to come in and who could stay home. It was left to the discretion of the individual supervisors, so some folks were able to stay safe at home and others had to brave the storm, some were allowed to go home early, while some had to stay all day, even after the Governor declared a state of emergency. All this adds to the state of fear and intimidation that prevails at NPS.
Nick Straus February 4, 2014
Thanks for the unique and powerful work you're doing.
At 7:52, as I arrived at school yesterday, I got the call from the NPS computer that school was cancelled. Since then I've received no explanation, (let alone an apology), for the ridiculous, dangerous, and UNPRECEDENTED act of stupidity. I repeat, "UNPRECEDENTED." Am I wrong? I've been teaching in Newark since 1988. I went to public school in Trenton from K-12. I've talked to a few people here and there. I've never heard of such nonsense. The question of how to react is not so easy when there is absolutely no precedent. Hmm… come to think of it, unilateral action without explanation has been the name of the game since long before Cami. But she's the WORST!!!
I apologize for any lack of clarity. I'm pissed.
jay s. February 4, 2014
Cami Anderson has no regard for our students and certainly no regard for the safety of NPS teachers. It doesn't matter that most teachers commute from all over the state. It doesn't matter what the driving conditions are. A state of emergency has already been called for tomorrow given the next storm is on the way. State agencies are closed, yet no word about Newark schools.
Bob, I agree that many of Cami's decisions can be debated. But the safety of students and staff of NPS is not debatable.
Twenty years of state control and the district is in worse shape than ever. Cami is destroying the district and it will take years to recover if she is not stopped soon.
Bob Braun: Cami Anderson Must Resign! | Diane Ravitch's blog February 6, 2014
[…] journalist says you can debate the wisdom of many of Cami Anderson's decisions. But her decision to keep Newark public schools open when all other nearby schools were closed due […]
Ed reform in New Jersey: like bad reality TV | teacherbiz February 15, 2014
[…] few days later, Anderson played another not-fun game of "I'll cancel school, but I won't do it until 7:35, when tons of people […]
It's time for "Match That Education Reformer to a Shakespearean Villain: Part 3!" Cami Anderson as King Lear's Goneril | teacherbiz February 23, 2014
[…] and in January and February, she left many of Newark's public school children and teachers stranded in snow storms while their charter counterparts had a snow day as part of her attack on public schools. Now, […]
Will chaos be good for the children of Newark? | EcoSchools February 23, 2014
[…] is what happens when people like the Walton family and the government of New Jersey declare war on schools, students, and cities. Teachers like me go crazy and begin comparing old […]
What is wrong with the Star-Ledger Editorial Board?!?!?! | teacherbiz July 5, 2014
[…] in a couple disastrous snow-emergency school-closing (or not) episodes and claims by the superintendent that Newark children engage in […]
Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA. 4 + = seven


text:
Tag: AMC
Zombies are the New Vampires
With the glut of vampire-centric entertainment found on television in the past decade, it's refreshing (pun intended) to see that the next big thing on the horizon is a tale of zombies – The Walking Dead. The six-part first season of the series based on the graphic novel of the same name will fittingly premiere on Halloween, and its pedigree impresses before seeing one frame – coming from the award-winning powerhouses of AMC and acclaimed producer-director Frank Darabont.
While zombies have had their day in cinema, this TV addict can't recollect a time that they have been the subject of serialized storytelling and it's long overdue as there is a wealth of metaphor in what they can represent and address – class, addiction, apathy, disease, consumption – but usually the base of all zombie stories is the human struggle to survive. AMC's The Walking Dead tells the story of the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse and follows a small group of survivors traveling across the United States in search of a new home away from the hordes of zombies. As their situation grows more and more grim, the group's desperation to survive pushes them to do almost anything to stay alive.
In anticipation of the premiere a recent fan-made video was released depicting his personal vision of the show's opening credits. Truly a staggering and impressive creation it has caught the eye of several industry notables working in the sci-fi/fantasy genre including Lost honcho Damon Lindelof.
Breaking Bad – Getting Away With it Since 2008
Today I would like to celebrate the programming prowess of AMC – it's so much more than a channel showing classic american movies.
If you've got your finger on the pulse of entertainment buzz you should already know of, and be avidly watching, AMC's first breakout original progam Mad Men. I would like to now boldly declare that cool cat Don Draper isn't the only compelling character ruling the airwaves – he's got stiff competition in the form of an Albuquerque high school chemistry teacher. "Wha, wha, what?" you may be asking yourself. Stay with me, there's more to the story. This particular teacher shaping young minds by day has a moonlighting gig: cooking and dealing crystal meth. Meet the shades-of-grey "hero" of Breaking Bad, Walter White.
Bryan Cranston imbues Walter with the same kind of intense, nuanced bad guy gravitas that James Gandolfini brought to Tony Soprano which has netted him two well-deserved Emmys in the process and deftly made Breaking Bad a show worthy of taking up The Sopranos mantle. The crux of the series is not only following but ultimately feeling for someone introduced as an innocent everyman who chooses to navigate down a conscience-corrosive road of crime all the while maintaining a deluded end-justifies-the-means attitude.
Amazing character development plus the high stakes inherant in dealing with the dangerous underbelly of drug trafficking makes for a series that cannot be missed. Take six minutes to watch a recap of the last two years bringing the uninitiated viewer up-to-speed for tonight's explosive season three premiere.
2009 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Winners
Oh, awards shows. You and I need to have a serious discussion because I can't stand being the submissive in this kinky little relationship of ours anymore. Finding myself continually coming back to you each time with a deluded excitement that maybe this will be the year you surprise and thrill me, and after half an hour I cannot stay glued to my seat. Yet I stick with you to the bitter end, bad taste in my mouth with a sense of "meh" and "well, I could've just checked the IMDb live winner update feed."
While this seems a backlash of a post, please read as a request for awards telecasts to step up the entertainment and for the various academies to change up the voting habits – not that I don't love my 30 Rock or Mad Men (congrats to wins not only for best show in their respective categories, but writing too!) – because sitting through 3 hours of "announce list of nominees, open envelope, read winner, not-amusing-nor-poignant acceptance speech, rinse, repeat" gets a little taxing and I think more of us would welcome some upsets, blunders and outbursts once in awhile.
Tonight's major category winners:
Drama Series: "Mad Men," AMC
Comedy Series: "30 Rock," NBC
Actor, Drama Series: Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad," AMC
Actress, Drama Series: Glenn Close, "Damages," FX Networks
Actor, Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock," NBC
Actress, Comedy Series: Toni Collette, "United States of Tara," Showtime
Supporting Actor, Drama Series: Michael Emerson, "Lost," ABC.
Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Cherry Jones, "24," Fox.
Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Jon Cryer, "Two and a Half Men," CBS.
Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Kristin Chenoweth, "Pushing Daisies," ABC.
Miniseries: "Little Dorrit" PBS.
Made-for-TV Movie: "Grey Gardens," HBO.
Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Brendan Gleeson, "Into the Storm," HBO.
Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Jessica Lange, "Grey Gardens," HBO.
Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Ken Howard, "Grey Gardens," HBO.
Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Shohreh Aghdashloo, "House of Saddam," HBO.
Directing for a Comedy Series: "The Office: Stress Relief," Jeff Blitz, NBC.
Directing for a Drama Series: "ER: And in the End," Rod Holcomb, NBC.
Directing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Series: "American Idol: Show 833 (The Final Three)," Bruce Gowers, Fox.
Directing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special: "Little Dorrit: Part 1," Dearbhla Walsh, PBS.
Variety, Music, or Comedy Series: "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," Comedy Central.
Reality-Competition Program: "The Amazing Race," CBS.
Writing for a Comedy Series: "30 Rock: Reunion," Matt Hubbard, NBC.
Writing for a Drama Series: "Mad Men: Meditations in an Emergency," Kater Gordon and Matthew Weiner, AMC.
Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Series: "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," Comedy Central.
Writing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special: "Little Dorrit," Andrew Davies, PBS.
Host, Reality or Reality-Competition Program: Jeff Probst, "Survivor," CBS.
Original Music and Lyrics: "81st Annual Academy Awards: Song Title: Hugh Jackman Opening Number," ABC.
Michael Emerson
The 'Mad'ness Continues
Don Draper is pouring a celebratory mid-day drink and lighting up a Lucky Strike after the news earlier today that AMC has renewed Mad Men for a fourth year after only three episodes into its third season. Showing ratings increase from its second season, healthy media exposure, continued critical acclaim and a slew of Emmy awards (its freshman year took home Best Drama, and is a front-runner to repeat this year) it was a no-brainer that the cabler would extend our time in the world of Sterling Cooper.
Last season, over 30 million viewers watched Mad Men on-air, on video-on-demand as well as on iTunes. The series continues to deliver the strongest concentration of upscale adults 25-54, more than any other original drama series on basic cable, and consistently ranks at the top of the iTunes TV charts.


text:
Browsing: One Man two guvnors
Get slangy, win One Man, Two Guvnors tickets
By StopPress Team March 18, 2013
One Man, Two Guvnors, which is currently playing at The Civic Theatre as part of the Auckland Arts Festival, has received a host of five star reviews around the world, with The Guardian saying that it was "a triumph of visual and verbal comedy,", Everything Theatre describing it as "one of the most side-splittingly hilarious productions ever to be staged in London" and StopPress saying "it's definitely a stage production". Benevolent taxi media company Taxi Impact has offered up a couple of tickets to the show and even though it's set in Brighton, the East End is close enough, so give us your best bit of Cockney rhyming slang and you could be the lucky recipient of a couple of $118 Lemony Snickets.


Whilst we all love to see lion, cheetah and leopard, the big cats of the Serengeti, their smaller cousins are fairly elusive. I am referring to caracal, serval and wildcat. These three small cats manage to slink around between the large carnivore guild keeping themselves to themselves. Lion cheetah and leopard not to mention hyena will all kill small cats. Despite their diminutive size their larger cousins still see them as competition and threat. All three are solitary cats and to survive in this very competitive world they each have their own niche.
The largest of the small cats, females weigh in at around 10kg and males up to 19kg. They are found across Africa, Arabia and parts of India preferring drier habitats such as savannahs, steppes and dry woodland. The caracal is a magnificent hunter. It is extremely powerful for its size and is able to take down prey as large as small antelope like duiker and bushbuck. The bulk of their diet is made up of hares, rodents, hyraxes and antelope but they are renowned for their ability to leap into the air to catch flushed birds. Their back legs are longer than their front legs and are endowed with powerful muscles that enable them to burst upwards and snag flying birds.
This cat is uniformly coloured the bulk of its body ranging from a tawny grey to a brick red with some spotting restricted to its pale cream underbelly and chin. Its most distinguishing feature is its black tufted ears and black facial markings as well as a short stubby tail that put one in mind of a lynx. It is in fact not related to the lynx family at all.
Probably the most easily recognised of the three and the most commonly encountered of the cats on Snapshot Serengeti. These exquisite little animals are restricted to the African continent south of the Sahara across savannahs, marshes and forest edges particularly near water courses where tall grassy plants grow.
The serval weighs between 6 and 13 kg with males being larger than females. Proportionate to its size it has the longest legs of any cat species and along with its elongated neck and large pointy ears makes this cat unmistakeable. Its tawny coat is spotted black; these spots may run into bars on its neck, shoulders or legs. Melanistic (all black) morphs are known and we have been lucky enough to capture this rarer variation on Snapshot camera-traps.
Food wise these cats are small mammal specialists stalking prey through long grass locating their prey by sound and then using their long legs to leap into the air and strike prey in a fox like manner. They have very flexible toes and will hook fish and amphibians out of water as well as mammals from burrows. The bulk of their diet consists of small rodents under 200g but they will take reptiles, amphibians, birds and small antelope.
These cats are smaller than the other two, heavily resembling a domestic cat it is found throughout Africa, Asia and Europe. They weigh between 2 and 6kg and like the caracal and serval males are heavier than females. Apart from size the appearance of the sexes in all three cats is very similar and show little dimorphism.
Its coat is highly variable in colour and pattern ranging from grey brown to red. Dark spotting tends to appear towards the rump, down the tail and on the legs which often bleed into each other appearing more like dark stripes.
It is perhaps more of a generalist than the other two small cats and takes a wide variety of small prey with rodents making up the bulk of its diet. Birds are less frequently taken but insects have been identified as an important part of the diet. Its method for hunting is more familiar to us than the stalk and pounce of the caracal and serval. It will locate prey by sight or sound and then silently creep towards it by slinking belly to the ground before pouncing at the last minute. We have probably all witnessed a domestic cat stalking like this.
Of course once you are familiar with these three cats it is easy to tell them apart, that is if you are lucky enough to get a good daytime or colour image. Although serval are seen out in the day caracal and wildcat are less frequently active during daylight and all three mostly hunt at night. It can be harder to tell one from the other in a black and white night image but the trick is to concentrate on the shape. Does it have outsized ears, long legs and obvious spots (serval) or a rounded head on powerful shoulders and ears with tufts (caracal) or does it really remind you of the proportions of a domestic cat (wildcat). Like always make your best guess and perhaps post on the descussions page for more help.
Some of you will have noticed that our progress bar on season 10 has not been showing any progress. Well it turns out that we have made loads of progress, it's just the bar that was not getting anywhere.
The good folks at Zooniverse have fixed it for us and you will now see we are about half way through season 10 which is fantastic. There are just under 700 000 images to classify this season so thanks to you, are dedicated team of citizen scientists we have around 350 000 left to go. That's 350 000 chances of finding that one image you have been waiting for. I have noticed recently lots of you posting on talk that you have classified your first 'waterbuck' or 'serval'. If you haven't discovered your dream find yet there is still time and yes there is a season 11 in the wings.
Whilst on the subject of talk I wanted to gently remind everyone of a few etiquette points.
#Hashtags, love 'em or hate 'em they are part of social media and they are not going away. On Snapshot Serengeti we use them for a specific reason and that is to help others to search for and find certain images.
If you have found a great image that you think others will want to see and you are certain of the species then go ahead and hashtag it, but, if you find an image that you are not sure of then please don't hashtag it with your guess. You can still put the pictures up in talk for discussion and perhaps someone else will be along who is positive about the id and can then hashtag it. Basically, please use hashtags thoughtfully.
Which brings me to another point; if you can't identify an image and you post it up for discussion always give us your best guess. No one will laugh; it's what makes it fun seeing what other people make of the images when you are really stumped. Many a time I have confidently shared a tricky image almost certain for instance it's a long sort after rhino only to have someone else's eyes point out that if I look a bit closer that actually it is a rock! Even our expert modifiers get things wrong occasionally and are reluctant to confidently make a call on certain images. Some of them are just so darn impossible to id. So just give it your best shot, it's what everyone else does.
The main aim is to enjoy yourself, challenge yourself and use other peoples experience when yours fails you. The Snapshot family of classifiers and moderators is a dedicated and knowledgeable bunch and as I have said before, this project would not exist without you all. Keep up the great work one and all.
World lion day was set up to raise awareness of the conservation issues facing lions today. The African lion, listed by the IUCN as vulnerable, and the Asiatic lion listed as endangered are facing the triumvirate threats of habitat loss, human conflict and poaching.
Most of you who read my blogs will probably be aware of the threats and today there will be some really informative media pieces out there on the web if you are not penned by the world's leading lion conservation organisations.
I thought instead that I would concentrate on the other side of World Lion Day, which is the celebration of the animal itself.
The first time I saw lion in the flesh was in South Africa's, Kruger National Park. A car was stopped seemingly watching two tawny eagles perched in a tree. Now being a bird lover I couldn't pass up this opportunity to get a good close look at these birds so I stopped too. Gazing up admiring the birds I became aware of the occupants of the other car waving at me, trying to get my attention. They were frantically pointing down under the bushes, following their jabbing fingers I found what they wanted me to see, four tawny legs poking out from under the bush, as if she heard me, up came a head, gave my presence a fleeting thought then slumped back down to sleep. My heart ready to burst with joy I grinned back at the car opposite then as I turned my glance back to the sleeping lion I caught a glimpse in my wing mirror that sent my heart racing. Two huge lions filled the mirror walking down the side of the car towards me. For an instant I forgot I was inside and a bolt of primal fear shot through me. But the lion were not interested in me, just the shade of the nice bush.
Lion have long been revered by man. The Eurasian cave lion has been immortalised by Palaeolithic man in cave art such as that found in Frances Lascaux and Chauvet caves. The Chauvet caves are thought to be the oldest rock art in the world dated at over 30 000 years old. Our very own Dr Craig Packer had the privilege to go into the caves to analyse these lion images. Only a handful of people have ever been inside the caves in an effort to preserve them.
Modern lions probably originated in eastern and southern Africa around 120 000 years ago where they then spread across Africa, south -eastern Europe, the Middle East, South Caucasus and into India. Ancient Greek writers suggest they were still present as recently as 100 BC in Greece and the Balkans. Lions survived in parts of Mesopotamia and Syria into the 19th century when the proliferation of guns saw their demise.
Their image, even today, is commonly used in heraldry as a symbol of strength, nobility, bravery or royalty. The ancient Greeks had many myths and stories of lion and their buildings and statues are resplendent with lions. It is easy to see why they are the most commonly used animal in heraldry. Even today in our jaded world lion are loved by many and as the example of Cecil the lion shows can elicit a huge emotional response from people the world over.
Let's hope that on this World Lion Day that the tide can start to turn on the conservation fight for these glorious animals and we don't lose that long history we have with the King of Beasts.
The Aardvark and the Termite.
This summer in South West France has not been its usual hot balmy self. In fact as I look out the window now the overriding colour is a deep lush green. Normally by July it is turning a straw yellow colour but this year we have had plenty of rain. In contrast, to the south of us, fires have been raging through Portugal, Spain and South Eastern France. Who knows if this is a taste of what's to come or a one year glitch in the system but one thing is for sure climate change is going to affect life on this planet in both subtle and not so subtle ways.
I wrote about termites last week and their importance in the ecosystem. This week I read a disturbing news article about aardvark, who of course survives on eating termites and ants.
A group of scientists in South Africa were studying aardvarks in the Kalahari. They had inserted biologgers into several aardvarks in order to follow their activity and body temperature. It turned out that the year of their study was an exceptional year of draught and all but one of the study animals along with others in the area died. They unexpectedly recorded a phenomenon not seen before that should be an eye opener to the ways in which future climate could affect not only individual species but whole ecosystems.
The aardvark themselves can withstand high temperatures but the termites on which they rely for food and water cannot. With the information provided by the biologgers the scientific team where able to see that the aardvark were not finding enough termites or ants to keep their energy levels up. Night times can be pretty cold in the Kalahari and the team found that the starving aardvark even swapped their usual night time foraging behaviour to day time in order to conserve body energy. They were even seen sunbathing in a bid to save energy. It seems that none of this adaptive behaviour was enough. There simply was not enough food for their needs and they slowly starved to death. At an average weight of 60 to 80 kg an aardvark is a large animal and needs to eat around 50 000 termites or ants a night.
One or two bad years will always happen but if climate change shifts as it is predicted many areas of Africa will become drier and hotter creating an aridity that most of the native termites and ants cannot tolerate. True, given time, more tolerant species may take over but in the meantime the much loved aardvark may become a creature of the past. But that is not the end of the story. The aardvark is more than just a curiously put together animal, it is the architect of large burrow systems that many other mammals, birds and reptiles are reliant on to escape extremes of hot and cold weather, to bring up their young and escape from predators. Most cannot excavate the hard earth themselves so with the possible demise of aardvark life would get a whole lot tougher for many many more animals.


The Ubuntu open source operating system is the most popular Linux distribution on personal desktop and laptop computers. Just like other operating systems, Ubuntu allows operators of wireless-enabled computers to connect to the internet wirelessly.
Open the System Menu on the right side of the top bar.
Click on Wi-Fi Not Connected to expand the menu.
Look through the names of the nearby networks. Select the one you want. If you don't see the name of the network you want, click More to see additional networks. If you still don't see the network you want, it may be hidden or you may be out of range.
Enter the password for the network and click Connect.
Click the Connect to Hidden Network button.
Select the hidden network from the entries in the window using the Connection drop-down list, or click New to enter a new hidden network.
For a new connection, enter the network name (the SSID) and select the wireless security from the options in the drop-down list.
Click Connect to go online.
Although a hidden network is slightly harder to find, it doesn't improve security significantly.


Facing Constipation problem… Here is Ayurveda to the Rescue Ayurveda focuses proper movement and flow throughout all channels of the body. For keeping digestive system healthy regular movement of bowel is essential. Healthy elimination involves absorbing water and glucose, stool formation, elimination of solid waste and clearance of heavy metals & toxins from body.


text:
The British Are Coming... For Ron Artest
By DexterFishmore Jul 13, 2011, 6:31am PDT
Share All sharing options for: The British Are Coming... For Ron Artest
via www.merseytigers.com
There are three reasons I'm posting this story, all extremely compelling. First, it involves Ron Artest possibly ending up in England, and I can honestly say that very little would make me happier than the spectacle of Ron unleashing his crazy amongst the Brits. It would be delightful, fully justified retaliation for Russell Brand.
Second, I don't get nearly enough opportunities to cut and paste from the Ellesmere Port Pioneer, which I will do forthwith. Fancy a block quote, guv'na?
Basketball: Cheshire Jets eye swoop for LA Lakers star Ron Artest
CHESHIRE Jets [Ed. note: the dudes in the yellow jerseys above] are lining up an opportunistic swoop for LA Lakers star Ron Artest - and it seems he may be willing to move across the Atlantic.
The Jets contacted Artest to enquire about his availability after he revealed via the social networking website Twitter that he would consider a move to the UK.
New Yorker Artest, 31, says he is happy to play in the UK because the NBA is currently involved in a pay dispute with the NBA Players Association, which could see the start of the American season delayed by months.
Third, and by far the most important, a Google image search on "Cheshire Jets" turned up THIS....
(*leans back in chair, cracks knuckles*) My work here is done.


The Round One as Wegner referred to it with his usual rustic modesty, is one of the most famous Danish pieces of furniture which looks amazingly beautiful and comfortable– certainly the most distinctly Danish. In its own self deprecating and simple way, it sums up the very essence of traditional Danish woodworking and design philosophy. And it is perfectly the most important work of Hans J. Wegner.
With the chair Wegner came into his own right, no longer needing the inspiration from other cultures and designers that had to affect his earlier works. This chair was created in a language of shape and construction that only Wegner spoke and it activates the first ever, foreign report on Danish design in the American Interiors Magazine.
in their aspiration for the highest office. Eventually, the Americans came up with a brand new name and more telling name for this chair by which it is famous nowadays. They called it The Chair.
products in the range" below at very pocket-friendly prices. Once your order and you don't like the product you can return it as well with the money back guarantee.


text:
Elizabeth Meyers
hamilton-slash-robbinsville
Flemington/Raritan
Milltown/Spotswood
RWJUH-Hamilton Presented with Health Care Heroes Original Painting from Local Artist Joe Lamattina
By ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HAMILTON
Richard Freeman, President/CEO and other RWJUH-Hamilton executives display the donated multimedia artwork, "Healthcare Angels," by New Jersey-based artist Joe LaMattina. Richard Freeman, President/CEO and other RWJUH-Hamilton executives display the donated multimedia ... Credits: RWJUH-Hamilton
HAMILTON, NJ — Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton, New Jersey, was presented with the donation of a piece of multimedia artwork, "Healthcare Angels," by its creator, New Jersey-based artist Joe LaMattina. This original piece, an homage to front line healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be placed on display throughout the hospital units for all staff and patients to enjoy before it finds its permanent home in a place of honor in the hospital's main building.
During the COVID-19 quarantine in early 2020, LaMattina felt compelled to create something to thank healthcare workers. He says, "I, like most people, found the commitment, dedication to service, and bravery of our first responders and all healthcare workers to be extraordinary. While some people clapped every night in their honor, and some people put up signs and lights, I decided that the very least I could do was to create a piece of art in their honor."
"Healthcare Angels" was the artwork that came from this desire to recognize those bravely caring for COVID-19 patients. Richard Freeman, Chief Executive Officer and President of RWJUH Hamilton stated, "This artwork is more than paint and materials. It is a reflection of the dedication and hard work put forth by our employees during this pandemic. It will inspire our staff for years to come."
Sign Up for Hamilton/Robbinsville Newsletter
You have successfully signed up for the TAPinto Hamilton/Robbinsville Newsletter.
Joe LaMattina is a prize-winning American painter who has exhibited his work internationally. For 36 years, he was employed as an art educator with the Hackensack Public School System and P.I. Art Center in New Jersey. Upon retirement, Joe decided to continue his journey through art. Numerous pieces of his have been exhibited at venues around the world, one being represented by Agora Gallery in New York City.
Learn more about Joe LaMattina at www.JoeLaMattina.com
Located in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, serves communities within a five-county area and includes an acute care hospital, cancer center, affiliated medical group, Lakeview Child Centers and the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center. RWJBarnabas Health and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center - brings a world class team of researchers and specialists to fight alongside you, providing close-to-home access to the latest treatment and clinical trials.
For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org/Hamilton.
Follow us on Facebook and sign up for TAPinto Hamilton E-News alerts to be the first to read about all things local!
Download the FREE TAPinto App! Click here for Android - Click here for iOS for breaking news, traffic/weather alerts and special offers.
Know a story we should share with readers? Email Editors Elizabeth Meyers and tell her about it.
Hamiltonian John Cimino Appointed to T & M Associates Board of ...
By THE MWW GROUP
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – T&M Associates, a leading national engineering and ...
RWJUH-Hamilton Works to Joint Commission Certification
HAMILTON, NJ -- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, 1 ...
Hamilton Accident Victim Receives $800K Settlement
TAPinto.net Readership Jumps More Than 70%, Advertising Revenue Increased Nearly 17% in 2020
By TAPINTO.NET
TAPinto.net, a network of more than 85 franchised hyperlocal online news sites, today announced spectacular growth in readership, up by more than 70% in 2020 over the previous year, and an advertising revenue increase of nearly 17% at a time when other media struggled. TAPinto.net added a dozen online news sites during the year and is on target to reach its 100th franchise in 2021.
TAPinto.net, a network of more than 85 franchised hyperlocal online news sites, today announced ...
RWJUH-Hamilton, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group Welcome Pulmonologist Kevin Law, MD
HAMILTON, NJ -- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton, NJ, and the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group welcome Hamilton Pulmonology, the practice of pulmonologist Kevin Law, MD.
"Dr. Law's expertise in pulmonary medicine further strengthens the capabilities of RWJUH Hamilton's outstanding pulmonary and critical care program, providing easily ...
HAMILTON, NJ -- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, 1 Hamilton Health Place, ...
One Day Remains to Receive Nearly 70 Percent Discounts on PPE Purchases through NJEDA PPE Access Program
By NJEDA
TRENTON, NJ – Only one day remains for New Jersey small businesses to receive discounts of nearly 70 percent on purchases of personal protective equipment (PPE) through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program. The deadline to receive discounts is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, December 17th. Businesses will still be able to purchase PPE at 10 ...
TRENTON, NJ – Only one day remains for New Jersey small businesses to receive discounts of nearly ...
NJEDA Extends PPE Access Program Deadline to December 17, 2020
TRENTON, NJ– In response to significant demand for support through the program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that the deadline for companies to receive nearly 70 percent discounts on purchases of personal protective equipment (PPE) through the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program has been extended one week to Thursday, December 17th, 2020. To ...
TRENTON, NJ– In response to significant demand for support through the program, the New Jersey ...
NJEDA Expands Discounts for Access to PPE Program to Support Small Businesses
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) launched Phase 2 of the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program on Tuesday, Nov. 10. It provides the state's small businesses and nonprofits with additional discounts on personal protective equipment (PPE) purchases made through approved online retailers.
The core program offers a minimum 10% discount for all NJ-based businesses and ...
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) launched Phase 2 of the NJ Small and Micro ...
TAPinto 2021 Primary Election Policies
TAPinto is a network of more than 85 award-winning objective online local news sites. While we accept Letters to the Editor, we do not have an Editorial Page and do not provide our opinion on any elections or issues. We do not endorse candidates.
Like hardcopy newspaper, television, radio and other media, TAPinto provides opportunities for candidates to advertise. Such advertising does not ...
TAPinto is a network of more than 85 award-winning objective online local news sites. While we ...
Local Experts for Every Season highlighted in the Buy LBI Region Year Round Campaign
By LORI A. PEPENELLA
LBI REGION, NJ - The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce continues to put an emphasis on supporting small businesses as valued resources from locally sourced products, professional services, contractors, restaurants, retailers, wellness, tech, and design services.
Long Beach Island Region is filled with more than memorable moments, the local professionals, small and micro-businesses ...
LBI REGION, NJ - The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce continues to put an emphasis on ...
NJEDA Launches Phase 2 of PPE Access Program
TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced the launch of Phase 2 of the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program. All New Jersey business can get 10 percent off these products and those small businesses and nonprofit organizations with 100 or fewer employees are now able to apply to receive 25 percent discounts on purchases of personal protective ...
TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced the launch ...
COVID-19 puts more children at risk of exploitation Smith's historic anti-trafficking victims law marks 20th year
By JEFF SAGNIP
NEW JERSEY: October 28th marks 20th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000—the comprehensive, historic law authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) to aggressively combat sex and labor trafficking both within the United States and around the world.
The TVPA created a new, well-funded whole-of-government domestic and international strategy and established numerous new ...
NEW JERSEY: October 28th marks 20th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of ...
Chris Smith Crushes Scripted Opponent at Debate
By MICHAEL FINAN
Schmid stands by smears in her mailers, as Dems forewarned
On multiple issues covered in an hour-long forum hosted by the Asbury Park Press, Rep. Chris Smith, the 20-term incumbent in New Jersey's Fourth District, crushed his challenger highlighting his record of legislative accomplishment and his bipartisanship as a problem solver.
Early in the debate, Smith called on the challenger, ...
On multiple issues covered in an ...


text:
<!-- [[TOC]] -->

## Accessor

 - Internal: `app.Anchor`
 - External: `window.MagTool.Anchor`

## Available Methods

#### `applyDraggable()`

#### `applyEditable()`

#### `applyInteractions()`

#### `applyResizable()`

#### `applySelectable()`

#### `changeHorizontalPos()`

#### `changeVerticalPos()`

#### `deselect()`

#### `deselectAll()`

#### `disableDraggable()`

#### `disableEditable()`

#### `disableResizable()`

#### `disableSelectable()`

#### `enableDraggable()`

#### `enableEditable()`

#### `enableResizable()`

#### `enableSelectable()`

#### `getSelection()`

#### `getSelectionType()`

#### `makeDraggable()`

#### `makeEditable()`

#### `makeResizable()`

#### `makeSelectable()`

#### `move()`

#### `remove()`

#### `removeDraggable()`

#### `removeEditable()`

#### `removeResizable()`

#### `removeSelectable()`

#### `select()`

#### `selectNext()`

#### `selectOnly()`

#### `selectPrev()`

#### `sort()`

#### `startEdit()`

#### `startEditing()`

#### `stopEdit()`

#### `stopEditing()`

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Home Underwater Imaging GoPro HERO4 Q&A With Sport Chalet Expert Trainer Donn Silvis
GoPro HERO4 Q&A With Sport Chalet Expert Trainer Donn Silvis
John Liang
GoPro's HERO4 extreme sports video camera line was recently announced with a plethora of new features. But what do these developments really mean for divers?
Donn Silvis, a GoPro-certified Expert Trainer at Sport Chalet, the largest scuba retailer in North America, breaks things down for DeeperBlue.com:
DB: On the HERO4 Black, what does "2x the performance" really mean for underwater videographers?
DS: It means that on the HERO4 Black, because of the faster processor, the frame per second rate is twice as fast as on previous versions. That means that divers can slow down images so they will look smoother and less jerky, even when watching on Ultra HD televisions and screens. The optics are improved as well with the addition of "auto-low light processing" to both the Black and Silver version, which automatically reduces the frames per second when there is less light available. This keeps the image quality consistent as you move from brighter, shallower waters to darker depths.
DB: What's the difference between the new entry-level HERO camera and the older HERO3 White, the HERO2, etc?
DS: The new HERO has greatly improved battery life when compared to the HERO3 White and HERO2. However, I would not recommend the entry-level HERO to a diver in the market for a new camera.
On the entry-level HERO if your battery dies while you are on a boat, you are out of luck for the rest of the day unless you have a way to charge it. The HERO4 has a removable battery, allowing you to switch it out between dives. It also has a new feature called HiLight tagging which allows you to mark specific moments as you film, preventing you from having to sort through hours of video to find the great shots. With the cost of most dives, spending the extra money to upgrade to the HERO4 makes sense and will give you the best return on your investment.
DB: If a potential buyer is NOT a professional underwater videographer but still an avid amateur where the entry-level HERO is probably too basic for him/her, aside from price what kinds of divers are the HERO4 Black and Silver best suited for?
DS: I would recommend the HERO4 Silver for all divers because of the LCD screen, which helps frame the shot. Without the screen, you really are filming blind; I've had videos where my kids and turtles alternate above and below the frame since I didn't realize my settings were too close to capture them both. With the LCD screen, you are able to adapt and even check the playback to confirm you captured the shot you want before surfacing.
The HERO4 Black does offer 4k recording (highest resolution possible for video cameras on the market today) at 30 frames per second, which is a great feature if you are diving in a great spot and really want to feel immersed in the environment when you watch the video later. However, in my opinion, that feature doesn't outweigh the lack of LCD screen for most divers.
DB: What accessories are most likely to be of interest to divers?
DS: Anti-fog inserts are a must to prevent fogging inside the lens. Depending on where you are mounting the camera, a floaty backdoor is also a possibility.
For those who prefer an all-in-one solution, Octomask offers a dive mask with a built-in camera mount that does a great job of capturing things form the diver's perspective.
Many divers like to use magenta or red filters. These work well when you are staying at a consistent depth but may overcorrect as you change depths. However, I have found that GoPro's Studio software does a great job on its own of processing video and turning "green" water back to blue.
Many thanks to Donn Silvis for answering our questions. Have one of your own? Submit them in the comments section below and we'll compile them and do this again soon.
underwater videography
https://www.deeperblue.com/
John Liang is the News Editor at DeeperBlue.com. He first got the diving bug while in High School in Cairo, Egypt, where he earned his PADI Open Water Diver certification in the Red Sea off the Sinai Peninsula. Since then, John has dived in a volcanic lake in Guatemala, among white-tipped sharks off the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, and other places including a pool in Las Vegas helping to break the world record for the largest underwater press conference.
Why We Should Love Sharks
The Ultimate Shark Destination – Darwin and Wolf Islands
Video: The POD – Diving With Orcas In Norway


Born and raised in Nebraska's rural farming area, Donna Binfield draws and paints the world around her. A lifetime outdoors has kept her in close contact with nature, and part of her passion for painting has been inspired by her desire to share a piece of nature with the viewer. She began her career in early grade school where her life-like drawings of horses were in demand among her classmates.
A rural studio near Hastings, Nebraska is a comfortable setting for the artist, where she lives with her husband, various dogs, cats, and horses near where she grew up. Studying with many nationally-known artists, her primary media is pastel, although she also works in oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Many years of drawing with pencil has led to keen visual perception. She has received recognition and many awards for her work, and has shown in regional and national juried competitions. She also teaches classes and workshops throughout Nebraska and Kansas. Binfield is a past president of the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs and a Signature Member of the Chicago Pastel Painters.
Donna Binfield has one work in MONA's collection.


Tellima is a herbaceous perennial which forms in clumps as with Heuchera, Tiarella, and Heucherella. It is also known as fringe cup. Of the other three listed, Tellima is not as commonly found in garden centres.
Plants can be positioned in full sun, part shade, or even deeper shade. They are also happy in any soil except clay as lost of the soil remains damp but well-drained.
The plants propagate readily by seed with overwintering in a cold frame. Mature plants can also be divided in Spring.
Slugs can be problematic for Tellima as the leaves are often attacked.


CSR Key For SSL Creation Problems & Advice Please..
I'm looking for some advice please.
I'm trying to create a csr key for namecheap as I have purchased a domain ssl. I have my server set up with server pilot.
My site is a wordpress installed blog.
I can't for the life of me locate the key that I need to provide to namecheap.
I'm I doing something wrong here?
This never helped me as I still can't find the code I need.
Any advice would be really appreciated as this is starting to drive me insane!
You need to send the contents of ssk.csr (it should be ssl.csr but that's fine) to Namecheap. Then you'll get a signed certificate from Comodo or whatever CA you bought the certificate from which you can use for your website.