text:
Stepping Up initiative reaches key milestone
By The Hon. Bryan Desloge Oct. 31, 2016
Tags: Justice & Public Safety
More than 300 counties have passed resolutions to support NACo's Stepping Up initiative
My Fellow Elected County Officials,
More than 300 counties — 10 percent of the nation's counties — have passed resolutions to join Stepping Up, a national initiative to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails. Counties are at the forefront of this issue: We run 91 percent of local jails and invest $176 billion in justice, health and human services every year.
NACo, the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation started the initiative to elevate this issue to the national level and help counties change the way we treat people with mental illnesses who come into contact with the justice system.
My home of Leon County, Fla., passed a Stepping Up resolution committing to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in our jail and to share lessons learned with other counties within our state and nationwide. I encourage your county to do the same.
You can find a template resolution and more resources at www.StepUpTogether.org. Once you pass a resolution, please submit it to nwalsh@naco.org to be included in the initiative.
More than 2 million people with serious mental illnesses are booked into county jails each year, and most also have substance use disorders. The unnecessary incarceration of people with mental illnesses impacts jail populations, county budgets and public safety.
Most importantly, it impacts our families, friends, neighbors and constituents. The time to act is now.
Join me in passing a resolution to be part of the Stepping Up initiative today. Find out more at: www.StepUpTogether.org.
Bryan Desloge,
NACo President
Commissioner, Leon County, Fla.
About The Hon. Bryan Desloge (Full Bio)
In addition to being a NACo officer, Desloge holds several positions within the organization including his membership on the Health Steering Committee, Financial Services Corporation Board of Directors and the Next Generation NACo Network.
More from The Hon. Bryan Desloge
Stepping Up joins 100 Brilliant Ideas
NACo launches Counties Futures Lab
Dead, burned trees remain a threat to falling in public roadways in Butte County, Calif., following the 2018 Camp Fire. Photo by Doug Teeter
A year after the Camp Fire, rebuilding remains a challenge
More than a year after the Camp Fire, Butte County is seeing complications in rebuilding, housing costs, traffic and more.
Santa Claus and Smokey the Bear lead the parade in front of the 2019 Capitol Christmas Tree as it leaves the Carson National Forest in Taos County, N.M. Photo courtesy Taos County Sheriff's Office
New Mexico county delivers Capitol Christmas tree to D.C.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree came to Washington, D.C. from Taos County, N.M.
Franklin County Director of Jobs and Family Services Joy Bivens presents the Rise Together Blueprint for Reducing Poverty to the Columbus Urban League. Photo courtesy of Columbus CEO Magazine
Blueprint aims to reduce poverty
Franklin County, Ohio is addressing the causes of poverty identified by a diverse group of stakeholders.
Sacramento County Executive Nav Gill signs roughly 250 birthday cards early on Friday mornings.
County executive's birthday cards reach 12,500 employees
Every year, each of the 12,500 Sacramento County employees will get a birthday card signed by County Executive Nav Gill - something he swore early in his career that he'd do if he got to a leadership position.
Shared costs make broadband happen
'Fiberhoods' are helping San Juan County, Wash. residents defray the costs of broadband expansion on the islands that make up their county.
Former Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Fla. Alex Penelas speaks to Large Urban County Caucus Symposium attendees on Nov. 7. 2019. Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, looks on. Photo by Hugh Clarke
Miami-Dade County uses Homeless Trust to combat homelessness
Local governments need a plan, leadership, money and a public-private partnership when it comes to addressing homelessness.
Large Urban County Caucus attendees tour the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery. Photo by Rachel Looker
Miami-Dade County builds center for mental health and recovery
The Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery will provide resources to the most difficult and underserved populations in Miami-Dade County, Fla.
Harris County, Texas Judge Lina Hidalgo speaks to Large Urban County Caucus Symposium attendees Nov. 8 in Miami-Dade County, Fla. Photo by Hugh Clarke
Preventing your county government from 'operating in a bubble'
Harris County, Texas surveyed residents online & had canvassers visit neighborhoods to represent voices that weren't always heard at public meetings or for individuals who may not have internet access.
NACo Launches New County Justice Peer Learning Network With 13 Counties
NACo will support 13 counties from across the country with creating strategies to address justice-involved individuals with mental illness while examining racial and ethnic disparities in their justice systems
Counties assist the elderly in disasters
The elderly are particularly vulnerable to disasters given the increased likelihood of having physical or mental health conditions or being socially isolated due to a lack of a support network.
Your Voice in Washington: 2019 Year in Review
America's 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs unite through NACo, seeking solutions that help make our communities healthy, vibrant and safe. And this year, our collective voice has never been stronger in Washington, D.C.
More News on this Topic
NACo-NSA Joint Task Force: Pre-trial Detainee Health Care and Recidivism
Convened in March 2019, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) joint task force is exploring and raising awareness about the impacts of the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP)


1.1.1. 'Culture'' refers to the behaviors, beliefs, values, traditions, institutions, and ways of living together of a group of people.
1.1.2. Concepts such as: similarities, differences, beliefs, values, cohesion, and diversity.
1.1.3. How cultural beliefs, behaviors, and values allow human groups to solve the problems of daily living.
1.1.4. How culture may change in response to changing needs and concerns.
1.1.6. How peoples from different cultures develop different values and ways of interpreting experience.
1.2.1. Ask and find answers to questions related to culture in the contexts of school, community, state, and region.
1.2.2. Explore and describe similarities and differences in the ways various cultural groups meet similar needs and concerns.
1.2.5. Demonstrate how holding different values and beliefs can contribute or pose obstacles to understanding between people and groups.
3.1.5. Physical changes in community, state, and region, such as seasons, climate, and weather, and their effects on plants and animals.
3.1.8. Factors that contribute to similarities and differences among peoples locally and in places across the world, including ethnicity, language, and religious beliefs.
5.1.2. Concepts such as: community, culture, role, competition, cooperation, rules, and norms.
9.1.1. Global connections may be of various types (e.g., cultural exchange, trade, political, economic, or travel).
9.1.2. Global connections affect daily life for individuals and those around them.
9.1.5. The pace of global change has quickened in recent times.
9.2.1. Ask and find answers to questions about the connections we have to other people and places around the globe.
9.2.2. Identify examples of global connections in their community, state, or region.
9.2.4. Describe examples in which language, art, music, belief systems, and other cultural elements can facilitate global understanding or cause misunderstanding.
I.G. What is Government and What Should It Do? What are the differences between limited and unlimited governments?


text:
Madridge
We publish journals with a view to serve various purposes which include but not limited to just peer review, broad distribution, branding and authority, portability and creation of the archive of a body of literature....
Ved Kumar Mishra - Editor
Journal of Molecular Biology
Editor Name: Ved Kumar Mishra
Designation: Professor
University: SRM Institute of Biomedical Sciences
Biography: Mr Ved Kumar Mishra is currently being working as a Principal In-Charge, SRM Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Engineering, Soranv, Allahabad. He has also been shouldering the responsibility of being Scientist C and Head of Phage-X Technology Pvt Ltd., Allahpur, Allahabad. Born on 14th Feb, 1986, Mr. V.K. Mishra has been rendering his teaching services for more than 5 years now. He has been a member of editorial board of 6 esteemed international journals with more than 40 national / international publications. He has attended more than 12 national / international conferences Mr Mishra have proven his scholastic competency time and again. He also has one book "Agrotechnology from health to wealth and future challenges" and also more than 8 book chapters published on various issues pertaining to bioinformatics & biotechnology. Highly qualified, Ph.D. Bionformatics post the successful accomplishment of M.Tech Bioinformatics & acquired B.Tech degree in Biotechnology. The credentials of Mr. Mishra speak volumes of his zeal to learn.
Publication Cycle →
Editor's Decision
Contact us for any additional information - contact@madridge.org
Madridge Publishers is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
© Madridge Publishers, All rights reserved 2018

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: wireless connection issues as a server I have a Belkin F9K1002 N300 Wireless N Router IEEE 802.11b/g/n router
I can connect via WiFi and Ethernet.
I have a few devices connected to it (cellphones, Raspberry Pi, computers, printer).
My problem is that when a local (LAN) server (ftp, http, ssh) is on WiFi, connection is spotty (more off than on). If the (LAN) server is on Ethernet, I have no problem.
I don't have any issues for the client on the WiFi (I can browse the Internet, download large multi-gig files, etc. fine)
Is there any way to fix this problem?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: Is sun.misc.Unsafe thread safe? Is sun.misc.Unsafe or the theUnsafe instance thread safe?

A: The methods of Unsafe are not thread safe. You need to synchronize access to data you want to manipulate yourself - as usual. Accessing the instance theUnsafe however is, because the field gets initialized when the class is being loaded (it's static).

A: The accepted answer is at least misleading if not wrong.
On the Java level, Unsafe does not hold any instance state. Most of its methods call native code, which either does not work with any shared mutable state or it calls to the native allocator to allocate/free memory and those operations are thread safe (usually you don't synchronize calls to new C++, for example). OTOH, sun.misc.Unsafe is internal API and its contract is not documented and may change.
Do you need to synchronize calls to methods on the Unsafe instance? That depends on whether you may be passing in the same addresses as the arguments to those methods. In the same way as calls to the addItem method of the following Java class need to be synchronized if you are passing to it the same list from different threads.
class ListUtils {
  public static void addItem(List<Object> list, Object obj) { list.add(obj); }
}

// Good:
// thread1:
List<Object> l1 = new List<>();
ListUtils.addItem(l1, 1);
// thread2:
List<Object> l2 = new List<>();
ListUtils.addItem(l2, 2);

// Needs synchronization:
class SharedState {
   public static List<Object> sharedList = new List<>();
}
// thread1:
ListUtils.addItem(SharedState.sharedList, 1);
// thread2:
ListUtils.addItem(SharedState.sharedList, 2);

I would not say that ListUtils is not thread-safe. It does not carry any mutable and potentially shared state. Yes, synchronizing the addItem method would remove the need for synchronization in the second example, but that would unnecessarily synchronize operations that are working with completely different data.


2) input your racers in a sheet as shown and label the sheet with your team name.
3) please don't mess with other team's sheets!
email me at kh7hx@virginia.edu if you have any questions!!
Cost: $20 per runner or $300 per team.


Equilibrium are innovative sports flooring resulting from the union of technology and research, creating perfect harmony between sportspeople and their training surfaces. Mats and multi-purpose flooring, for indoor and outdoor use, individually adapted to provide the durability, density and resistance necessary for each activity, from relaxing yoga to explosive CrossFit. Personalized products entirely manufactured & designed in Spain.


text:
Florida travel calendar for September
By Compiled by Amy Aumick and Special to the Orlando Sentinel
Check out festivals and events in September across the state.
This list is organized by region.
Including Orlando, Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, Sanford, the Space Coast, Lakeland/Polk and Lake County
Through Sept. 1: SeaWorld's Electric Ocean, Orlando. As the sun goes down, the park comes alive with the glow of Electric Ocean at SeaWorld, returning next year for another summer of fun. With exciting nighttime shows and electrifying music, guests are immersed in a sea of wonder that ends in "Ignite," a spectacular finale with fireworks, lasers and fountains. Select nights with the price of admission. seaworld.com/orlando/events/electric-ocean/
Postponed to Oct. 11-14 (from Aug. 30-Sept. 1): NKF Surf Festival, Cocoa Beach. The 34th annual NKF Surf Festival features surfing, food, music and silent auction at the Radisson Resort to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Florida. 321-784-5661. nkfsurf.com
Through Sept. 27: Bandshell concert series, Daytona Beach. The iconic Bandshell on Daytona Beach's Boardwalk hosts two separate concert series through summer. Friday night concerts are put on by the city of Daytona Beach and are called the Bandshell Summer Entertainment Series with events Fridays through Sept. 27 in addition to Sunday, Sept. 1 and Monday Sept. 2 during Labor Day weekend with performances from 7:15-9:30 p.m. On Saturdays, Friends of the Bandshell put on events called Star Spangled Summer from May 25-Aug. 3. with performances from 7:15-9:45 p.m. Free ($10 VIP). At the Oceanfront Park Amphitheatre: 70 Boardwalk. 386-255-0415. daytonabandshell.com, friendsofthebandshell.org
Through Oct. 7: Magical Dining Month, Orlando. The promotion is offered at more than 100 area restaurants with $35 prixe-fixe three-course meals. One dollar from each meal served during Magical Dining is being donated to this year's charities, Freedom Ride and BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation. OrlandoMagicalDining.com
Through Nov. 1 (select dates): Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Walt Disney World. The special event at Magic Kingdom will be held on select dates on 36 nights. The event again will include the "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks display, Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and Halloween-themed stage show in front of Cinderella Castle. 7 p.m.-midnight; 1180 Seven Seas Drive in Lake Buena Vista; $79-$135 ($74-$130 for ages 3-9); 407-824-4321; disneyworld.com/halloween
Through Nov. 23: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Walt Disney World. The annual food and wine lover's paradise offers beverages from close to 30 global marketplaces. Also on tap are celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances during the Eat to the Beat concert series. 200 Epcot Center Drive; 407-939-5277; free with park admission, but food costs extra; disneyworld.com/foodandwine
Sept. 6-Nov. 2 (select nights): Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, Orlando. This event, now in its 28th year, is a 10-time winner of Amusement Today's "Best Halloween Event" Golden Ticket award. Guests will experience live mega-horror movies with this year's haunted houses, scare zones and roaming hordes. 6:30 p.m. to 1 or 2 a.m.; tickets start at $81.99; 407-363-8000; halloweenhorrornights.com
Sept. 7: First Saturday Jam, Barberville. On the first Saturday of each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for one-hour lessons beginning at 10 a.m. The Jam session starts after 1:30 p.m. in the auditorium. 1776 Lightfoot Lane; membership or admission fee to the Pioneer Settlement required; 386-749-2959; pioneersettlement.org
Sept. 7: Art Stroll and Gallery Walk, New Smyrna Beach. Held on the first Saturday each month, historic Canal Street livens up with art vendors, musicians and exhibitions. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; 386-428-1600; nsbfla.com
Sept. 7-Oct. 27: SeaWorld's Craft Beer Festival. Orlando. Featuring more than 100 crafts brews, guests can sample a mix of domestic, international and local Florida favorites alongside more than 20 food items. Entry to the fest is included in regular park admission. Beer and food are extra, but prepaid sampling lanyards are on sale, 12-sample version for $54; one that gets you eight items is $40.
seaworld.com/orlando/events/craft-beer-festival/
Sept. 12: Alive After 5, Sanford. Themed street party with vendors and entertainment held on the second Thursday of each month. 5-8 p.m; downtown Sanford, 230 E. First St. Free; 407-302-2586; sanfordwelcomecenter.com
Sept. 14: Turtle Krawl 5K Run/Walk, Indialantic. Test your endurance and help marine life during the 5K Run/Walk at 7:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. 7:30 a.m.; Nance Park, corner of A1A and Fifth Avenue (U.S. 192); $35 (online registration discount available); turtlekrawl.com
Sept. 14: Monthly Fly-In Breakfast, Titusville. On the second Saturday of each month, the Warbird Air Museum hosts a breakfast where you can drive or fly in. Enjoy breakfast prepared by a local chef and free admission to the museum. 8-10 a.m.; 6600 Tico Road; tickets are $12; 321-268-1941; valiantaircommand.com
Sept. 14: Climb to the Moon, Ponce Inlet. At the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, offering views of the sunset and moonrise from atop Florida's tallest lighthouse on a select day each month. The lighthouse keeper relates the story of this National Historic Landmark, and visitors can enjoy beverages and hors d'oeuvres. Participation is limited to 25 people and tickets sell out fast. 7:45-9:15 p.m.; 4931 S. Peninsula Drive; tickets are $35 for non-members and $30 for Preservation Association Members; 386-761-1821 ext. 10; ponceinlet.org
Sept. 16-22: Global Peace Film Festival, Orlando. Guests can celebrate the art of film and its power to promote understanding. Held in conjunction with the U.N.'s International Day of Peace, the festival promotes the art of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth. Events will take place at various locales across Orlando and will include film programs, panels, parties and a special concert. peacefilmfest.org
Sept. 19: Sunset at the Zoo, Sanford. Take happy hour outside at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. On the third Thursday of each month, adults over the age of 21 can stroll through the zoo enjoying live music, purchase beer and wine, and meet animals up-close. 5:30 p.m.; 3755 W. Seminole Blvd.; $5; 407-323-4450; centralfloridazoo.org/events
Sept. 20: Cocoa Beach Friday Fest. Cocoa Beach. Held the third Friday of each month, this family-oriented event has live music, food and a kids' zone. 6-10 p.m. Downtown Cocoa Beach, A1A. Free. facebook.com/cocoabeachfridayfest
Sept. 21: Cruisin' Downtown DeLand Classic Car Show, DeLand. Every third Saturday of the month. Classic cars & rods line East Indiana Avenue downtown. Live DJ, giveaways, shopping & dining. 4-7 p.m.; free; 386-738-0649; MainStreetDeLand.org
Sept. 21: Art Walk, Sanford. Central Florida's only monthly juried art show, held the third Saturday of each month. With exhibits and music at participating venues. 6-9 p.m.; 230 E. First St.; free; 407-302-2586; facebook.com/Sanford-Art-Walk
Sept. 27-29: Central Florida Film Festival, Mount Dora. The 14th annual Central Florida Film Festival has been rescheduled because of Hurricane Dorian, but will features a full roundup, from locally-created student shorts to international documentaries. Screenings daily at Epic Theaters in Mount Dora. $10 per movie, $35 daily pass, $85 VIP pass. 407-370-3703. centralfloridafilmfestival.com
Sept. 27-29: Klingon Feast, Daytona Beach. No vendors or celebrity guests will be at this event, now in its 21st year, just fans celebrating "Star Trek" with a feast, games and more. At Best Western Aku Tiki Inn, 2225 S Atlantic Ave.; $50 for pre-registered guests and $60 at the door; klingonfeast.com
Sept. 28: Sip & Stroll, Cocoa. Under the Harvest Moon Sip & Stroll from in Historic Cocoa Village with wine or beer samplings, snacks and shopping deals to welcome fall and celebrate the Oktoberfest season. 5-9 p.m.; $25 or $20 in advance (includes Sip & Stroll commemorative wine or beer glass, shopping bag and a map of the participating merchants); 321-749-3407; visitcocoavillage.com/sip-stroll
Sept. 28: Wine Walk & Art Walk, New Smyrna Beach. Stroll Flagler Avenue and explore over 100 interesting wines inside local pubs, galleries and restaurants during this monthly progressive wine tasting event. In conjunction with ArtWalk with displays of artworks by resident and visiting artists, along with entertainment and demonstrations. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Flagler Avenue; $25 for Tasting Passports (discount available with official glass from a previous Wine Walk); nsbfla.com
Sept. 28-29: Mount Dora Seafood Festival, Mount Dora. This 5th annual festival features seafood, music, kids' activities and pirates. Begins at 11 a.m. both days. Free. Elizabeth Evans Park, 100 N. Donnelly St. 352-217-8390. mountdoraseafoodfestival.com
Sept. 28-29: DeLand Craft Show, DeLand. Artists and Crafters from all over the state will display and sell their handmade items along Woodland Boulevard in downtown. Entertainment, demonstrations by crafters, children's activities and more. Free admission and parking; 386-738-0649; delandcraftshow.com
Sept. 28-29: The Pinellas Plaza Craft Festival, The Villages. Third annual festival featuring arts and crafts all created in the U.S. Handmade jewelry, personalized wall hangings, art for your pets, ceramics and more. An expansive Green Market lends plants, exotic flora and homemade soaps. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; e. Pinellas Plaza, 2500 Burnsed Blvd.; free; artfestival.com
Tampa Bay-Sarasota
Including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Tarpon Springs and Homosassa
Through Sept. 2: Sponge Docks Art and Craft Festival, Tarpon Springs. The nation's top artists and crafters showing off U.S.-made creations, including jewelry, ceramics, plants, photography, paintings and homemade soap. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday; The Sponge Docks, 15 Dodecanese Blvd. spongedocks.net
Through Sept. 8: Bier Fest, Tampa. Explore beers from around the world at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's new beer festival that features Tampa Bay craft brews and food alongside live entertainment to celebrate Oktoberfest. On Saturdays, Sunday and Labor Day; buschgardens.com
Sept. 14: Second Saturday St. Petersburg ArtWalk, St. Petersburg. Meet artists and gallery owners every second Saturday of the month as more than 40 studios and galleries from all five arts districts come together as one arts destination. Get around on free ArtWalk trolleys that encompass all of the districts. 5-9 p.m.; Free; 727-518-5142; stpeteartsalliance.org
Sept. 14-15: I Like It Hot Festival, Largo. It's all about spicy food during the 19th annual I Like It Hot Festival. Among the highlights are spicy foods for sale, competitions and jalapeno pepper eating contest. Minnreg Hall, 6340 N. 126th Ave.; admission is $5 or free for children under 12; ilikeithotfestival.com
Sept. 15: Tampa Bay Margarita Festival, Tampa. Back to a one-day event, sip on a variety of margarita drinks available for purchase. Last year's live entertainment included Everclear, The Wallflowers, Fastball and Plain White T's. 21+ 12-11 p.m.; Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N. Blvd.; admission starts at $30 ($17 presale); tampamargaritafest.com
Sept. 20-Nov. 2: Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens, Tampa. The annual Halloween event transforms Busch Gardens into a nightmarish array of haunted houses, wandering creatures mixed with the thrills of the park's roller coasters and other rides. Entry begins at 5 p.m. and scares at 7:30 p.m.; 10165 N. McKinley Drive; buschgardens.com
Sept. 27-29: Super Boat International, Clearwater Beach. This is the 11th annual weekend featuring the races, as well as parties, fireworks, concerts, a beauty pageant and the chance to see the boats and drivers up close. 727-593-5536; superboat.com
Including Naples, Fort Myers, Venice, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda
Sept. 1: Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival, Venice. The 11th annual festival takes place on Miami Avenue in downtown Venice. This community craft festival features ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, metal works and much more. The Green Market offers live flora, freshly popped kettle corn, gourmet spices, and sauces. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 220 Miami Ave. W.; free; artfestival.com
Sept. 5-8: Galloway Captiva Triathlon, Captiva Island. This triathlon offers adult and children's events at the South Seas Island Resort. 5400 Plantation Road; adult entry is $95 and kid entry is $30; captivatri.com
Sept. 13: Yappy Hour, Fort Myers. Grab your pup and head to Bell Tower Shops for Yappy Hour, held on the second Friday of each month. You can meet adoptable dogs, enjoy an outdoor bar and listen to live music. Finish the night at one of the eight pet-friendly restaurants in the center. Proceeds benefit the Gulf Coast Humane Society. 6-8 p.m.; free; The Bell Tower Shops, 13499 U.S. 41 S.E.; free; gulfcoasthumanesociety.org/yappy-hours.html
Sept. 14-15: Sullivan Street Craft Festival, Punta Gorda. This 22nd annual festival hosts dozens of artisan crafters along the shopping district near the Peace River. 10 a.m-5 p.m.; 331 Sullivan St.; artfestival.com
Sept. 14.: SummerJazz on the Gulf, Naples. The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club hosts the 34th annual concert series with an array of jazz entertainment each month. Bands include Alter Eagles, Late Night Brass, Pocket Change, and Ari & The Alibis. 6:30-9:30 p.m.; 851 Gulf Shore Boulevard N.; free; 239-261-2222; naplesbeachhotel.com
Sept. 19: Alive After Five, Punta Gorda. Held on the third Thursday of each month, Alive After Five is an evening of fine art and craft, wine tastings, art receptions and more. 5-8 p.m.; Ddowntown Punta Gorda; free; 941-505-0130; charlotteharbortravel.com
Sept. 20-29: Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Fort Myers area. Musicians will perform at a variety of venues during the free 10-day festival now in its sixth year. Various locations around Fort Myers; fortmyers-sanibel.com/island-hopper
South Florida and the Keys
Including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Key Largo, Key West and the Treasure Coast.
Through Sept. 2: Key West Brewfest, Key West. More than 150 beers and microbrews are on tap at this 10th annual event that benefits the charitable efforts of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic. Events from beer dinners, beer brunches, happy hour parties, pool parties, late-night parties, seminars and the Signature Tasting Festival Event are some of the offered activities. Various establishments throughout Key West; $50 ($40 in advance); 800-354-4455; fla-keys.com
Sept. 1: Sunday Jazz Brunch, Fort Lauderdale. Live outdoor concert series bring the area's best local jazz artists to the city's scenic Riverwalk the first Sunday of each month. Listen to the soulful sounds on four different stages. Everyone is welcome to attend, including well-behaved, leashed pets, and there is ample room to set up chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; free; 954-828-5363; fortlauderdale.gov
Sept. 7: MiMo on the Beach Walking Tours, Miami. Every first Saturday, this walking tour introduces you to the distinctive MiMo (Miami Modern) architecture that makes the area unique. 9:30-11 a.m.; tickets are $20-$25; tours depart from the southeast corner of 73rd Street and Collins Avenue; 305-763-8026; miamibeachvca.com
Sept 13-14: Jupiter Lighthouse Moonrise Tour, Jupiter. Climb the lighthouse for the full moon for this 75-minute tour. RSVP required. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, 500 Captain Armour's Way; $25; jupiterlighthouse.org
Sept. 14: Supercar Saturdays Florida, Fort Lauderdale. Held on the second Saturday of each month, this is a gathering of car enthusiasts. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Lamborghini Broward, 4645 Volunteer Road; free; 305-761-2929; sunny.org
Sept. 14: Wynwood Artwalk, Miami. Held every second Saturday, this event features openings at art galleries, institutions and businesses. Art enthusiasts from all overcrowd the streets to have a great night out and enjoy the Miami art scene. 6-10 p.m.; N.W. 2nd Ave. and N.W. 23rd St.; free; 305-814-9290; wynwoodartwalk.com
Sept. 14: Full Moon Kayak Tour, North Miami. Come paddle under the full moon with the BG Oleta River Outdoor Center. Offered monthly, your tour guide will supply you with all the equipment and instruction needed prior to launching into a beautiful mangrove cove. The group will paddle under the full moon for 2½ hours, followed by a Bonfire Beach Party. Roast s'mores, go for a swim and enjoy nature. 7:30 p.m. check-in; 3400 N.E. 163rd St.; $50 for adults and $25 for kids 12 and under; bgoletariveroutdoor.com
Sept. 14: Swim for Alligator Lighthouse, Islamorada. Swimmers participate in an eight-mile race from Islamorada to the Alligator Lighthouse and back. Proceeds benefit the "Friends of the Pool" in Islamorada to help provide scholarship opportunities to those in need and preserve treasured historic lighthouses on Florida's coastal waterways. Registration is $150. swimalligatorlight.com
Sept. 18: Jupiter Lighthouse Sunset Tour, Jupiter: Take in the spectacular sunset views and witness the Jupiter Light turning on to illuminate the night sky. Visitors get an inside look at the nuts and bolts of a working lighthouse watch-room. $20. jupiterlighthouse.org
Sept. 19: Third Thursday Art Walk, Islamorada. Local fine arts, music and culinary specialties. 6-9 p.m.; galleries of Morada Way, between Mile Markers 81 and 82; free; moradaway.org
Sept. 21: Downtown Hollywood Artwalk, Hollywood. Recurring every third Saturday, this event features pop-up shops, artist showcases, vintage shopping, boutique goods, live music and more. Stroll through downtown Hollywood on a guided tour to learn about Hollywood and the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. 5-10 p.m.; 1945 Hollywood Blvd.; free; 954-924-2980; floridashollywood.org
Sept. 28: Conch Life Scramble, Islamorada. A wacky on-the-water charity golf tournament that brings together four-person teams to enjoy a game of nine holes by boat. Proceeds benefit Keys charities. conchscramble.com
Sept. 28: FATVillage Artwalk, Fort Lauderdale. FATVillage, a community home to local artists and creative businesses, presents a night of great art, food and music every last Saturday of the month. 6-11 p.m.; 523 NW 1st. Ave.; free; 954-540-9897; fatvillage.com/artwalk
Including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Flagler County, Amelia Island.
Sept. 6: First Friday Art Walk, St. Augustine. Held the first Friday of each month, enjoy new exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at participating galleries, plus great food. Tours begin at Rembrandtz American Craft Gallery. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer complimentary shuttle service to most galleries. 5-9 p.m.; free; 832-779-2781; visitstaugustine.com
Sept. 6: First Friday Garden Walk, Palm Coast. Visit Washington Oaks Gardens State Park on the first Friday of every month for a guided tour of the beautiful gardens. Meet in the garden parking lot at 10 a.m. and wear comfortable shoes. The tour will last approximately one hour. 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd.; $5 per vehicle (up to eight people), $4 per single occupant or $2 per bicyclist; 386-446-6783; visitstaugustine.com
Sept. 7: First Weekend Union Garrison, Amelia Island. Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park features history interpreters recreating life at the fort as it was in 1864. Activities may include powder artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills. Additionally, soldiers and civilians offer a glimpse into garrison life by taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary, barracks and kitchen. Admission is $2.50; floridastateparks.org
Sept. 7: First Saturday Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose, St. Augustine. Visit Fort Mose on the first Saturday each month from 9-11:30 a.m. to be transported back to the 18th century. Learn from the members of the Fort Mose Militia as they practice firing drills and demonstrate how to use historic weapons and show musket firing drills. There is also a children's militia training that uses wooden toy muskets. Park is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; 15 Fort Mose Trail; park admission is free, but visitor center admission is $2; 904-823-2232; floridastateparks.org
Sept. 13: Sunset Moonrise Tour, St. Augustine. Once a month, the St. Augustine Lighthouse offers moonrise tours, where visitors can enjoy a view of the nation's oldest city, enhanced by the sight of the sun setting behind the city and the moon rising over the Atlantic. 7:30 p.m.; 81 Lighthouse Ave.; $30 (includes champagne and hors d'oeuvres); 904-829-0745; staugustinelighthouse.org
Sept. 14: Artrageous Artwalk, Fernandina Beach. Held on second Saturday each month, the Artrageous Artwalk opens the doors of some of Amelia Island's galleries, featuring photography, pottery, copper, stained glass, watercolor, acrylics and more. Participants can peruse more than a dozen galleries in downtown Fernandina Beach and at the Plantation Artists' Guild and Gallery located at Amelia Island Plantation. 5-8 p.m.; 18 N. 2nd St.; free; 904-261-7020; islandart.org
Sept. 14: Schooner Freedom Full Moon Sail, St. Augustine. Glide along the beautiful moonlit waters of Matanzas Bay aboard a 19th-century replica tall ship enjoying complimentary soda, beer and wine as well as live music. Departs 9:15 p.m.; St. Augustine City Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez; $45 per person (reservations required); 904-810-1010; schoonerfreedom.com/full-moon-sail-2
North-Central Florida
Including Ocala, Gainesville, and Tallahassee
Sept. 1: Florida Safari, Ocala. On the first Sunday of each month take a tram tour of the longleaf pine forest. Learn about the park's land management practices and see Florida wildlife. Limit of 15 spaces. Begins at 10 a.m.; 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.; 352-236-7148 ext. 4; floridastateparks.org
Sept. 6: First Friday Sip and Stroll, Thomasville. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and spend a fun evening in Downtown Thomasville. First Friday concerts are free. Participating shops and restaurants in Downtown Thomasville will stay open late, many with special pricing for the evening. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free admission. 131 S. Stevens St. 229-228-7977. visittallahassee.com
Sept. 7: Guided Tour at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Gainesville. Offered the first Saturday of every month, a guided tour takes you through some of the 62 acres of gardens. 10 a.m.-noon.; 4700 S.W. 58th Drive; free with admission; 352-372-4981; kanapaha.org
Sept. 14: St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer, Tallahassee. The event features a scenic 5K, family-friendly activities and live entertainment. Participants are encouraged to form teams and raise funds to help support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude 8:30 a.m.; SouthWood Town Center, 3196 Merchants Row Blvd.; registration is $10 for walkers, $20 for 5K and free for ages 5 and under; 850-907-1901. fundraising.stjude.org
Sept. 27: River Rhythms, Ocala. On the fourth Friday of each month, Silver Springs hosts an evening of live music featuring a drum circle. To participate in the drum circle, make sure to bring your own drum or percussion instrument. 4 p.m.-sundown; Silver Springs State Park, 1425 N.E. 58th Ave.; free with park admission; 352-236-7148. floridastateparks.org
Including Pensacola, Panama City Beach, Apalachicola and Destin
Through Sept. 7: Rock the Docks Live Concert Series, Destin. Every Saturday throughout the summer, enjoy a free concert at the Destin Harbor. Past guests have included the Jacob Mohr Band, Lagoons, and Heritage Band. 7-9 p.m.; 850-424-0600; emeraldcoasthub.com
Through Sept. 24: Bands on the Beach, Pensacola. This summer concert series runs every Tuesday night. Sit on the beach and enjoy local classic rock artists. 7-9 p.m.; 850-932-2257; visitpensacolabeach.com
Through Sept. 1: Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Country Music Festival, Panama City Beach. This year's talent includes Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean and Kid Rock. Tickets available for all three days only.Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway; gulfcoastjam.com
Through Sept. 1: Gulf Coast Summer Fest, Pensacola. This fourth annual all-day music festival at the Pensacola Community Maritime Park celebrates R&B, jazz, and Southern soul-blues with a variety of artists from all over the country. 3:30 p.m.; Festival Grounds at Pensacola Maritime Park; admission starts at $75; gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com
Through Sept. 1: Greek Festival, Fort Walton Beach. Visitors can "travel" to Greece without leaving Florida during Ft. Walton Beach's Greek Festival at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. Greek foods, dances, and music are on the agenda as well as a variety of vendors. The Emerald Coast Convention Center is at 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy S.E. For details, visit greekfestivalfwb.com
Sept. 5-6: Emerald Coast Beer Festival, Pensacola. The Rosie O'Grady Good Time Emporium entertainment complex in Pensacola's Seville Square sets the scene for the Emerald Coast Beer Festival. On the agenda are a beer-pairing dinner and a beer tasting. Must be 21 or older. General admission advance tickets start at $25; on day of the event, tickets are $30. 130 E Government St. For information, visit emeraldcoastbeerfest.com
Sept. 6-8: Juana's Good Time Regatta, Navarre Beach. Multi-hulls race and competition for prizes during this 28th annual event. You must be an experienced sailor to register for racing. Pre-sailing parties and complimentary continental breakfast are featured. Juana's Pagodas/Sailors Grill, 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway; juanaspagodas.com
Sept. 27-28: Oktoberfest, Niceville. German traditions stay alive during Oktoberfest in Bluewater Bay. A family-friendly event, it features German food, music, dancing, beer, wine and children's rides. Free; midbayrotaryclub.org/Events.html
Sept. 27-29: Pensacola Seafood Festival, Pensacola. Treat your taste buds to a variety of dishes from carefully selected food vendors bordering the park. Enjoy foods such as grilled conch, seafood gumbo, oyster croquettes, soft shell crab, coconut shrimp, Caribbean crab cakes and more. 850-433-6512; pensacolaseafoodfestival.com


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26 To team up with student illustrators
By System Administrator November 23, 2006 12:00 am January 29, 2015 10:20 pm
Forty members of writers collective 26 are to team up with student illustrators from the London College of Communication in a project that hopes to see a series of children's books come to publication.
The writers and illustrators will work in pairs, producing concepts for a children's book. Publisher Faber & Faber is providing editorial, design and marketing support in X-Factor style mentoring, according to 26 founder John Simmons.
'Contributors will be able to present their progress to a panel that includes editorial, art direction and marketing specialists from Faber & Faber, who will provide a reality check, with guidance and advice over a number of weeks,' says Simmons.
A publishing deal is not part of the arrangement, but Simmons says, 'It would be nice to get a book out of this.'
Concepts can encompass fiction, non-fiction or reference books and target any age group from pre-school to teenagers, says Simmons. The project launches on 6 December and final presentations are expected by March 2007.
An exhibition of the work from the project will take place in the spring and Simmons hopes other publishers will attend and take an interest in the concepts. The project will count towards student degrees.
26 was launched in September 2003 and has more than 300 members. It focuses on the written word, covering everything from business writing to poetry, and forges creative alliances with other like-minded organisations.
23 November 2006 Projects Editorial Print
Take heed of Stern and help to save the planet
20/20 Applies animal magic to Pets At Home store design
David Adjaye unveils line of limited edition furniture
New roles for Curran and Patel at Williams Murray Hamm
Ethical, natural and Green are the buzz words for 2007


I want to go to a convenience store.
I'm going to the office to make a presentation.
This afternoon, I'm going to the office to make a presentation.
The presentation will be held in one of the rooms on the 5th floor.
This afternoon, I'm going to the office to make a presentation using slides I prepared last week.
I will use some slides.


Rumble / Stunts & Daredevils - Christopher Joyce is an incredible athlete from New York who mastered incredible acrobatics with dumbbells. His crazy stunts impressed the entire gym and the internet!
Performing Stunts or Dusting Crops?


A recent BBC Radio interview considered the importance of viewing paintings in the flesh, so to speak. Of engaging with art as physically close to the real thing as manners and gallery by-laws might allow. It was discussed that one should spend 'time' observing the art and, importantly, be 'present' with it.
My recent visit to The Alte Pinakothek in Munich, the renowned art gallery and home of paintings by Rubens, Dürer and van Dyke, provided me with some of both. I had an hour or so to visit between hopping off an Italy to Germany train, dashing through the Munich Christmas Market, and hopping back on. There was some time, but admittedly much less than a place like this deserved. I was nevertheless able to meet up close and be present with Flemish or Italian art.
But the painting that struck me even more, from within the gallery's Dutch collection, was one I had neither the time nor permission to see. It would have gone completely unseen had it not been for a postcard in the gallery shop and a reference in the gallery catalogue, that indicated it was somewhere in the building. You see, while some collections were open for view, the gallery renovations – which started in 2014 and are on-going to 2017, had for now closed off the Dutch collection.
Within the 'Old' Pinakothek's collection of Dutch art, Reading Woman (or Woman Reading) by Pieter Janssens Elinga in around 1660, shows a solitary female – seated in a room, relaxed and reading.
Pieter Janssens Elinga (1623-1682) was born in Bruges in Belgium, and later moved to Rotterdam, then Amsterdam.
What is at first noticeable for me from Reading Woman is how marginal the room's furnishings and accoutrements are made, in favour of reading a book. Physical stuff is side-lined for the cerebral or imaginative. Then, the light – maybe a lazing afternoon sun – illuminates the room and the reading. The spotlight effect presents the reading activity as central. Even more so, perhaps the light becomes something of a motif for enlightenment in the room, the text and the 17th century woman pictured. Next are the strewn shoes in the foreground. They are seemingly cast off in a way that might seem palpably modern and free spirited. Yet maybe, the woman is actually from the servant class – suggested by the 'Dutch cap' she is wearing.
The painting, for me, evokes a calm, contemplative and peaceful atmosphere. Daily strictures removed and imagination expanded. It is also perfect to prompt aspirations for a more reading-filled year ahead. In fact, although I haven't read it, this painting has apparently also inspired fiction, in the form of Katie Ward's debut novel 'Girl Reading'.
So, I have found this work of art and I've looked at it, but have I really seen it? Am I compelled to return to the gallery one day to see the painting in its original physical form? It might be that a postcard and glossy brochure alone are unsatisfying proxies for truly being present with a work of art. But what I have seen is the capacity for a reproduced painting, in book or postcard form, to create a layering of art encounter by which one might eventually, layer by layer, become truly present with a painting in all its dimensions.
This time last year I had no plans to start a blog. Joining Twitter and Pinterest was not on my New Year's resolutions list.
What I did know was that I enjoyed the arts and wanted to see as many exhibitions and hear as many concerts as practicalities would allow – in addition to my already spare time volunteering at some local theatres and a museum.
As a volunteer in the local cultural sector I am privileged to see the effort and commitment that goes into 'putting on a show' of one kind or another. As well as the audience or visitors' various reactions. As an enthusiastic visitor to galleries, museums and concerts myself I also know how, when I want to savour the memory of something that has positively captured my imagination – a colour, painting, musical phrase, scene, atmosphere, a few days later I might struggle to remember it quite as vividly but wish the same feeling could be conjured up again – right now.
This time last year I also knew that if I got the opportunity to start something creative – I didn't particularly know what – I would call it Galleria Laura.
Of course, Galleria is Italian for gallery and Laura is my first name. Galleria Laura would be an ode to Italy where some recent holidays have been filled with beautiful gardens, architecture and a vibrant atmosphere fuelled by exquisite cultural sights. It would also be a nod to my years spent travelling to other parts of Europe (for a day job) where my first name would often be said with a strictly continental pronunciation.
A spark of a dream was struck in me for a gallery of the arts – a place where I could self-curate a collection of places, sounds, pictures and artefacts. In that dreamy moment, it would be a real building with rooms – perhaps a book shop and bustling café too – and surrounded by landscaped gardens like the most beautiful I'd seen in Italy.
A short introductory course at Oxford University, during a weekend earlier this year, threw me in to what momentarily felt like the blogging deep end. The purpose of going along to the course was simply to find out more about what blogging is – I arrived there unarmed in terms of ideas and plans.
Not long after getting to the class there was a brief and basic introduction to blogging. It involved listening and taking a few notes. Good, that's what I expected. Then everyone in the class, of around 35 people, was asked to move to a nearby computer and get ready to set up a site. There and then.
Can't you show us first?
Err, I haven't decided I want one yet.
I'm sure many of us there felt as if we'd barely had time to sit down comfortably. Murmurs around me were of 'What? A real one?' 'Now?' 'Will it be live?'.
In the available seconds before being led at a pace to the next steps – my response to the request of 'just think of a name for your site' was of course Galleria Laura.
Thank you to everyone who has visited Galleria Laura in 2014, a virtual self-curated gallery of the arts, and to all those places and people who have found themselves blogged about!


I am always so excited when I have the opportunity to document important milestones!
I always love when my past wedding clients get back in-front of my camera for a photo session! Matt & Lauren had a fun couple's session in Downtown Jackson that involved cupcakes, confetti, & champagne.
What a way to welcome in the month of March! I had the honor of photographing a fabulous garden inspired bridal shower at Fairview Inn for a future bride-to-be.


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"The Arms Control Association's work is an important resource to legislators and policymakers when contemplating a new policy direction or decision."
– General John Shalikashvili
former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Bare-Bones Multilateralism at the BWC
BWC Meeting Stumbles Over Money, Politics
Biological Weapons Convention Signatories and States-Parties
Oliver Meier
In July 2001 the Bush administration rejected years of work to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), withdrawing from negotiations that had produced a draft of a legally binding protocol intended to help enforce the treaty. A few months later, on the last day of the BWC's fifth review conference, at which nations had hoped to adopt the protocol formally, Undersecretary of State John Bolton demanded that the protocol negotiations be terminated. Most other BWC parties, including many close allies, however, felt it was crucial to continue those talks; and the review conference had to be adjourned for 11 months to prevent a breakdown.
As November 2002 and the resumption of the conference approached, Washington's opposition hardened even further. In September, Bolton informed allies that Washington not only opposed a continuation of the protocol negotiations but also did not want any multilateral meetings of BWC states-parties whatsoever between 2002 and 2006. According to Bolton's speaking points, the United States wanted a very short second half to the fifth review conference, "if any." Ominously, Bolton directly threatened to "name names"—i.e., accuse states of violating the BWC, as he had done in 2001, and thereby throw the conference into chaos—if the meeting was not "very short."
The result was what might be called a new form of multilateral diplomacy. The second part of the fifth review conference, scheduled to last two weeks, ended November 15, after four short days during which less than two hours were spent in plenary session. States-parties did agree to meet three times before the next review conference, but the agenda for those meetings excludes the most urgent issues, such as noncompliance, transparency, the development of so-called nonlethal biological agents, and scientific developments that can lead to qualitatively new biological weapons. States-parties will also not talk about new international instruments to strengthen the treaty. Instead, annual meetings will only discuss ways to improve national measures and existing international mechanisms to combat biological weapons.
Most BWC parties believe that the bioweapons ban needs to be strengthened multilaterally. The review conferences operate by consensus, however, and the United States opposes any multilateral talks on topics such as transparency, verification, or compliance. Under these circumstances, the Geneva compromise may have been the best deal achievable, but further action is needed.
Appeasing the Bush Administration
Because of the Bush administration's hostility to the conference, the meeting's principal purpose from the beginning was avoiding spectacular failure. It was mainly up to U.S. allies in the Western Group and the president of the review conference, Tibor Tóth, to convince the Bush administration of the value of not letting the conference collapse. In Tóth's final analysis, avoiding contentious issues was the only way to reach a compromise and meet that goal.
The price to be paid for U.S. tolerance was high. For the first time ever, a BWC review conference did not agree on a final declaration. The future of talks on a verification protocol was left open and the mandate remained untouched, but compliance with the convention was not addressed. Instead, the conference's only substantive achievement was the adoption of a one-page decision that was presented by Tóth.
Even that accomplishment was dubious. Although states agreed to meet in each of the next three years before the 2006 review conference—equipping the BWC with an intersessional mechanism similar to that of most other multilateral arms control regimes—the agenda for annual meetings was clearly and narrowly defined. The draft decision listed the specific topics for discussion at meetings of states-parties:
Improved national legislation and better national oversight over dangerous pathogens will be discussed in 2003;
Enhancing international capabilities to deal with alleged cases of biological weapons use and strengthening and broadening national and international efforts for disease surveillance will be on the agenda in 2004;
Codes of conduct for scientists will be discussed in 2005.
This list of topics drew heavily on proposals that the United States had tabled at the opening of the review conference in November 2001. Consistent with Washington's position, discussion (let alone formal negotiation) of new multilateral instruments to strengthen the convention was not mentioned. Tóth's proposal specified that all meetings would reach any conclusions or results only by consensus, giving the United States (and every other state- party) a de facto veto over any possible outcome.
Faced with the threat of the Bush administration again sabotaging a BWC review conference, U.S. allies decided to ignore their own misgivings about the narrowness of the proposal. Tóth's paper effectively prevented any discussions on the one issue which Europeans had consistently listed as their number one priority: the negotiation of a legally binding and universal verification mechanism. Western Group allies, however, concluded that nothing more than Tóth's modest proposal could be achieved at the review conference.
The Bush administration, which was alone in its refusal to enter substantive discussions, was thus conveniently shielded by its allies. They defended Tóth's paper as the best deal possible under the circumstances while Washington's role was reduced to threatening to let the conference fail should it last too long.
Since the Eastern Group states, including Russia, signaled acceptance of the proposal early on, all attention shifted to the nonaligned movement (NAM) as the only possible source of opposition. Many nonaligned states drew the conclusion that Tóth's proposal was better than nothing, but a few refused to agree. India, Iran, Pakistan, Mexico, and Cuba were among those that voiced concerns about the substance of the deal and the way it was presented. (Notably absent from this group was China which had already signaled its willingness to agree to the proposal.)
One NAM diplomat criticized the proposal as "not flexible enough" because of the rigid agenda for intersessional meetings. Others pointed out that the agenda for annual meetings provided almost no opportunity to discuss measures to improve scientific and technical cooperation among states-parties—a main interest of developing countries. There were also questions about the status of negotiations on a legally binding verification instrument and requests for clarification of several parts of the paper. In addition, some NAM states had misgivings about procedure and felt they had not been properly consulted before or during the meeting.
All requests for discussion and clarification, however, were rebuffed by the Western Group. Western states consistently presented Tóth's paper in Geneva as a "take it or leave it" proposal. So great was the fear of a possible deal falling apart that the proposal was never openly discussed in plenary session. Discussions thus took place exclusively in closed regional group meetings, bilateral consultations, and other informal gatherings. The president's role was reduced to shuttling among different meetings, informing the groups of each other's positions and preferences.
Faced with a unified front—South Africa as the NAM chair also lobbied for Tóth's proposal—critics were able to hold out for only four days. On November 14, the conference agreed to support the president's original proposal. After the decision, South Africa spoke on behalf of the NAM of the deep disappointment at the inability of states-parties "to successfully undertake initiatives to strengthen the convention." The NAM put on a brave face and celebrated the agreement as a success because it preserved multilateralism. At the same time, NAM states emphasized that they had gone along with the decision on the understanding that it has many ambiguities. They also pointed out that states-parties are free at any time to work on matters beyond the agreed agenda.
Australia, on behalf of the Western Group, emphasized that the final product of the fifth review conference is "qualitatively different" from previous agreements and that it "will enable state parties to work together to enhance and strengthen effective implementation of the BWC." In contrast to the NAM, Western states argued that the agreement is "clear and self-explanatory." The head of the U.S. delegation, Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control Stephen Rademaker, meanwhile, proclaimed the conference a success. Speaking to the press, he praised the agreement as "nothing if not multilateral."
The Way Ahead
One challenge for the future will be to build on the limited agreement reached at the review conference. Tibor Tóth, in his closing remarks after the final session on November 15, called on states-parties to look ahead and leave differences and disappointments behind. He urged governments not to set their sights too low and to seize the opportunities offered by the new mechanism.
In the future, strengthening the norm against biological weapons embodied in the BWC will require progress on several tracks. It will be essential to make best use of the opportunities offered by the annual meetings before the next review conference. The agenda of these meetings needs to be expanded, and some creative thinking about ways to tackle some of the important issues currently not listed is required.
Where it is not possible to deal with new challenges within the BWC context, action needs to be taken elsewhere. A number of new multilateral measures have been proposed recently, such as a new convention to criminalize the use of biological weapons or the improvement of United Nations mechanisms to investigate cases of biological weapons use. Governments also need to improve national and regional policies to prevent the misuse of biological agents. More openness and better controls over biological agents does not always depend on multilateral agreements. Australia's decision to make public the information it submitted in its confidence-building measures under the BWC and the European Union's plan to make such information more widely available are two steps in this direction. Other transparency and control measures contained in the failed verification protocol could also be applied on a national or regional basis.
It is encouraging that other international organizations are increasing their efforts to tackle the threat of biological weapons. For example, during the review conference, the International Committee of the Red Cross issued an appeal on "Biotechnology, Weapons and Humanity," urging governments, the private sector, and the public to strengthen their commitment to the norm against the hostile use of biological agents.
Nongovernmental organizations will also need to reconsider their role. It will fall on them to create attention for and pressure on meetings of states-parties. In addition, independent experts will need to develop specific proposals on measures to make the bioweapons ban more effective. In the future, these organizations and individuals will play a bigger role in monitoring the compliance of governments and others with the norm against biological weapons through a new, joint effort. On November 11, a group of eight nongovernmental organizations launched the BioWeapons Prevention Project. The initiative aims to create a global civil society network to monitor the bioweapons ban and regularly report on relevant developments.
These different tracks—international, regional, national, nongovernmental—will have to be pursued in parallel. Annual meetings of states-parties should encourage, discuss, and take decisions on issues that require political action. The vision guiding such efforts needs to remain a universal and binding verification mechanism. Should states-parties stick to the current, narrow agenda of annual meetings, there is real danger such meetings—and potentially the BWC itself—will appear less and less relevant. Then, the Bush administration's argument that multilateral approaches are ineffective will have become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Bolton's Attempt to Sabotage New START
Seeing Red in Trump's Iran Strategy
No Rush to Enrich: Alternatives for Providing Uranium for U.S. National Security Needs
Translating Goals Into Agreements: An Interview with Pavel Palazhchenko
Regime Protection Fuels Nuclear Proliferation
The Wohlstetter-Warnke Debate in Foreign Policy


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Q: On what things can two observers agree or disagree? This question was inspired from the fact whether a moving body can become a blackhole in a frame of reference. On looking it up here, I found the answer was that its not possible since it violates priciple of relativity as you can be in a frame where the black hole was never formed and was ordinary matter.
So, I concluded that since it cannot be a blackhole in one frame and a normal mass in another then its not possible. What I don't understand is this?
(i)Why does that violate the principle of relativity? Which law is violated?
(2) On what can observers actually agree and what decides that (i.e
what quantities are invariant and what decides that)?
For instance observers can disagree on the mass they measure (but when signaling each other they orobably agree cause I guess thats the whole point of lorentz transformtion)
Also value KE can be disagreed upon as the energy conservation is still conserved in each individual frames so signals can disagree on KE.

A: This is not uncommon idea from beginners: if relativistic mass increases without bound, then at some speed, a blackhole should be formed.
Let's say we're talking about a uniform density prolate spheroid with major axis $a$ and minor axis $b$. Also, specify that:
$$ a = b^2 \times \frac{c^2}{2Gm} $$
If you boost that along its major axis with Lorentz factor:
$$ \gamma = \frac{c^2b}{2Gm} $$
the object is now a sphere of radius $b$ and "relativistic" mass:
$$ M = \gamma m = \frac{c^2b}{2G} $$
The Schwarzschild radius for that is:
$$ r_s = \frac{2GM}{c^2} = \frac{2Gc^2b}{2Gc^2}=b$$
et voilá, it's a blackhole.
Does that violate special relativity? Well, if the spacetime as defined by $g_{\mu\nu}$ around this moving blackhole transforms, under a boost into the mass's rest frame, back into a nominal non-blackhole spacetime, then the answer is probably: NO.
I will state, without proof, that this is not the case.
If it were the case, it would pose problems for special relativity.
It would mean that you and I, all of us, are blackholes in valid inertial frames, right now. Also: in much slower frames, we would not be blackholes, but the Earth (with its great mass) would be a blackhole. It's just a mess that contradicts not only observation, but also reason.
If it is not that case (that blackholes can be boosted away), but it remains true the relativistic mass causes blackhole formation, then: there is an absolute rest frame in special relativity.
All you need is a bunch of identical masses. You boost them into all directions and measure the velocity at which they become blackholes, as a function of direction:
$$ v(\theta, \phi) $$
If space (and I mean absolute space) makes any sense, then there is some boost $\vec u$ such that:
$$ v'(\theta, \phi) = {\rm constant}$$
and that is the absolute rest frame of space.
An important idea of special relativity is that motion is relative (we've all heard that many times). What it means is that you can't move relative to space. No matter how fast you go, your (empty) space slice of spacetime looks the same, and your time ticks the same. It is only when you have other objects and various events and different frames that observers disagree on what constitutes "space" and "time".

A: The things that relativistic observers agree on is much like classical physics. You agree on what is real. Things that are real are events that happened. How many objects there are. The order of causes and effects. Perhaps it can be summarized as "You don't change an object by running past it."
As in classical physics, there are many things you do not agree on. Whether one object is to the left or right of another. How fast a given object is moving and how much kinetic energy it has. How long the X component of an object's length is. These are things that depend on frame of reference. Different inertial frames of reference may move with respect to each other at constant velocity and have different orientations. You can also choose different length and time units, but we will gloss over that.
Different frames of reference sometimes make it hard to see the things that are real, such as conservation of energy. Different observers see two objects with different energies. They bounce off each other. Both observers measure the same amount of energy after the collision as before. Frames of reference may disguise something as simple as how big an object is.
In special relativity, one major difference is that time works differently than your classical intuition leads you to expect. This is causes confusing ladder paradoxes, twin paradoxes, and so on. Most of the time, people start with the fact that the speed of light is constant and arrive at all of these. This is because you only need one postulate, and it quickly leads to the correct math. If you have gone though that, it may help to look at how time is different.
In classical physics, time is absolute. The history of the universe can be divided up into a series of moments. All observers see the same moment as happening now. They can identify any slice of history by its time coordinate. Time is an intrinsic property of that slice.
By contrast, space is not like this. In my coordinate system, I can divide space up into planes that all have the same $x$ coordinate. I am sitting at the origin, where $x = 0$ at time $t = t_0$. A while later at $t_1$, I am sitting in the same place. However. Another observer who is moving with respect to me disagrees. He says that I am at $x = x_0$ at time $t_0$, but at $t_1$, I am somewhere different where $x = x_1$.
We are used to this. It causes no confusion that what I consider to be one place, he considers to be two places
The most counter-intuitive concept of special relativity is that time is really like space in this regard. We just move too slowly to see it. This violates our notions of what time is.
To get another point of view on this, consider that light moves at $3 \times 10^8$ m/s. I am comfortable at $3$ m/s. Imagine a world where the fastest motion is $3 \times 10^{-8}$ m/s. This is about a meter/year, the speed of a glacier. A glacier world physicist would have the same problems understanding our everyday classical physics, that I have understanding relativity.
A glacier world physicist thinks that an object's spatial coordinates never change. If all observers choose the same origin and orientation, all will agree on the coordinates of the object. Spatial coordinates are an intrinsic property of the of the object. Space is absolute.
Suppose Bob and Alice are moving at an everyday velocity with respect to each other. At $t = t_0$, they agree that they are both at the origin. $t_1$ Bob says he is at the origin, but Alice is at $x = x_1$. Alice says she is at the origin, but Bob is at $x = -x_1$. Neither has changed their unchangeable position, but now they are at different places. And both of those different places are the same place as the origin. They call this highly counter-intuitive result the failure of sameplacity.

If you have started from the constant speed of light and arrived at space time diagrams, you can see our confusion about measuring the length of a relativistic ladder.

All observers agree on the proper length of the ladder. That is the length in a frame where the ladder is at rest. To get the length, you measure the $x$ coordinates of the ends and subtract.
In a moving frame, an observer measures a contracted length. He can then do a calculation to figure out the proper length. Why does he need to? The ends have to be measured at the same time, this is where it gets tricky.
In a spacetime diagram, the $x$ axis is the line where $t = 0$. In a classical spacetime diagram, all observers use the black $x$ axis. There is no problem measuring the ends at the same time. But at relativistic speeds, the line where $t = 0$ is just as motion dependent as the line where $x = 0$. We have a glacier world like confusion.  In the garage, you measure the position of the head and the foot of the ladder at the same time on the black $x$ axis. In the ladder's rest frame, you measure them at the same time on the blue $x$ axis. We have two different events where the head of the ladder is at the same time as the foot.
The head and foot of the ladder follow world lines. Time flows in each world line. But there is no universal way of matching up times in different world lines. It is motion dependent, just like matching up same places is motion dependent. Time is very different than we think.
To calculate the proper length, you need to figure out the blue $x$ coordinate when the head's world line crosses the blue $x$ axis. Part of the calculation is to figure out the black $x$ and $t$ coordinates. And part is to understand that if you drew the $1$ meter point on the blue $x$ axis, it would not be where you would expect from looking at the black $1$ meter point.
The point is that the garage frame does not measure the proper length because the head position is measured earlier that the blue frame foot. The head hasn't traveled far enough yet. This makes the length shorter.
So why does it matter? Isn't the black frame idea of same time just as good as the blue frame? Yes, the events where the head and foot really are simultaneous in the black frame. And the ladder really is shorter in the black frame.
This is why it is useful to make a 4D spacetime and create a metric for it. The metric calculates the universal proper length of the ladder. The calculation takes both $x$ and $t$.
It is a little like measuring the length of the ladder from $x$ coordinates while it is laying on the ground vs leaning on a wall. The shorter $x$ coordinate separation is correct, but it doesn't represent the length of the ladder.

Getting back to black holes, you can see that length contraction does not change the ladder. It does not become more dense, and more prone to forming a black hole.

A: (i)Why does that violate the principle of relativity? Which law is violated?
(2) On what can observers actually agree and what decides that (i.e what quantities are invariant and what decides that)?
I try to answer both of the questions at once. The observers will always agree on $ds^2$ both in special and general relativity.
They both agree that the speed of the light is locally c in vacuum.
They also agree on number of the particles.
Notice that not every reference frame is allowed and meaningful in relativity. For example, you can never go to a reference frame in which the speed of the light is zero. Going to a reference frame in which black holes disappear (or appear) is meaningless similarly to a reference frame in which the speed of the light is zero.
So the observers have to agree on number of the black holes.

A:
since it cannot be a blackhole in one frame and a normal mass in another then its not possible. [...] Why does that violate the principle of relativity?

The principle of relativity says broadly that all speeds are equivalent. In Galileo's ship, you can't do any experiment that will tell you the ship's speed. If assembling a known quantity of matter (like a known number of 1kg weights) into a planet, and observing whether it collapses into a black hole, could tell you the speed of the boat, that would violate the principle of relativity.

On what can observers actually agree and what decides that (i.e what quantities are invariant and what decides that)?

Observers don't really disagree about anything – at least not in any sense that deserves the word "disagree".
If a vehicle with a siren rushes past you, you'll hear a pitch that's first higher, then lower than the pitch heard by someone riding on the vehicle. Would you say that the two listeners disagree about the pitch? I wouldn't. They just had different experiences, as different people are wont to do. Both listeners agree that the listener on the vehicle heard an intermediate pitch, and the listener on the ground heard a higher-then-lower pitch. They agree that the latter is a Doppler effect. They agree about everything that happened. Only if you use a word to mean two different things in the same sentence, like using "pitch" to mean both "pitch heard by this listener" and "pitch heard by that other listener", can you manufacture a disagreement.
In Newtonian physics, if you use "egocentric Cartesian coordinates" with yourself at the origin, and you label the coordinates in the same way as someone else who is also using egocentric coordinates, you could claim to "disagree" with them about the coordinates of things, but it's equally silly.
In special relativity, egocentric coordinates include a time coordinate too, but it's the same story. You only "disagree" with someone in relative motion if you're both using egocentric coordinates with the same labels, and no one ever does that. You will always agree with everyone else about the UTC time of an event, and its latitude and longitude and altitude above sea level. That's a well defined system of coordinates that people actually use in real life.


Public Transportation software helps fixed route and paratransit providers manage their operations. Features of these applications include scheduling, mapping, billing, provider management and reporting. Public Transportation software is related to Fleet Management software, Scheduling software and Transportation Dispatch software.
Helping cities regain control of urban mobility by providing a sustainable and integrated mobility platform that empowers smart cities. Helping cities regain control of urban mobility by providing a sustainable and integrated mobility platform that empowers smart cities.


Thoughts on technology, mobile learning and cool things from Africa!
I just got back from speaking at two conferences – one was a university faculty conference and the other a library conference from the library I used to work at.
I like presenting not just because I like to talk so much 🙂 but because of the incredible feedback and vibes you get when presenting. It's a chance to tell people "here's what I did/think – what do you think about it" and that leads to some really interesting meetings and people!
Over at the Speak Quietly blogs there is a really useful post called Online Tools Your Library Needs Now & Why.
It talks about different technologies that libraries can use to connect better to their users and gives helpful stats and implementation examples. Some of the technologies may be "old" but they can still be useful and fun to try!
It's a really useful and practical post.
Need to know more about Mobile IT? Then read this EduCause report on the 7 Things You Should Know About Mobile IT.
Mobile IT both reflects and drives the convergence of applications and functionality on smaller and smaller devices. The notion of mobile IT is also tied to issues such as cloud computing and federated identity, which help enable secure access to IT tools and resources from remote locations and multiple devices.
Mobile devices use cellular networks, Wi-Fi, or both, and many have touch-screen interfaces. Operating systems vary, and support for software such as Java and Flash is mixed. Just as there isn't a one-size-fits-all device, so too do current and emerging examples of mobile applications span a wide range.
Mobile applications can be built using device-specific toolkits, often resulting in more functionality, but applications that use browser software work on a wider range of mobile devices.
3. Who is doing it?
College and universities offer many types of information and services online, and many are good candidates for mobile IT. Aside from numerous academic uses, institutions have undertaken initiatives in areas of administration, library services, and campus life. Having a single point of convergence for these several channels of communication presents an opportunity for institutions to integrate messaging services, including emergency notifications.
Ownership of cell phones is approaching ubiquity, with growing numbers of smartphones and sophisticated mobile devices. Because mobile IT is fast becoming a part of some professional practices, an institutional choice not to pursue mobility is increasingly untenable. Student expectations for mobility are rising, and mobile IT efforts are an important part of keeping an institution's online services competitive.
not simply a process of miniaturization, and many institutional IT staffs lack expertise in redesigning websites or applications for a mobile context. As a result, although many institutions are dipping their toes into the waters of mobile IT, best practices don't exist to serve as a guide.
Colleges and universities will continue to convert applications and services to mobile formats, generally at a cautious pace. Vendors will increasingly offer their products and services in mobile formats. Institutions will seek to understand how to integrate mobile IT effectively into campus culture, and development is likely to accelerate around location-based mobile IT services and the capabilities of touch interfaces.
Given that mobile IT is working its way into many professional activities, colleges and universities have a responsibility to develop learning environments that model those kinds of practices. Mobile IT can develop into a specialized field of study, and some institutions already offer courses on development of mobile applications.
The Paley Center Seminars is an online video archive of the acclaimed seminar series held by The Paley Center for Media (formerly The Museum of Television & Radio) in New York and Los Angeles. Topics covered range from presidential advertising campaigns to reality shows, from writing sitcoms to the role of the media in the Middle East. The archive will include more than 300 hours of video, with new content added each year in regular updates.
Although television and journalism are the main focus of the collection, many of the seminars were based around documentaries, and so include extensive discussion of the topics covered by those documentaries, be that literature, cinema, music, opera, radio, politics, history or current events.
High-profile participants include J.J. Abrams, Madeleine Albright, Alan Alda, Robert Altman, Judd Apatow, Steven Bochco, Chris Carter, Glenn Close, Stephen Colbert, Larry David, Tina Fey, Sally Field, Larry Flynt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matt Groening, Holly Hunter, Garrison Keillor, Henry Kissinger, Michael Moore, Michael Palin, Frank Rich, Thelma Schoonmaker, David Simon, Aaron Sorkin, Jon Stewart, Joel Surnow, Kiefer Sutherland, Gore Vidal and Joss Whedon.
Thanks to Cheryl LaGuardia who posted about this.
The Harvard College Library has digitized thousands of historical photographs, pamphlets, manuscripts, books, music scores, rare maps and other rare and unique materials. The vast majority of these images are freely available online for public access.
Of course my eye was caught by the Images of Colonialism – Africa and Asia and there are some great images from newspapers etc.
Thanks to Cheryl LaGuardia for alerting me on this.
The InfoGraphics posters contain 13 posters covering: global environmental indicators; recycling rates of OECD countries; global CO2 emissions and wealth; total CO2 emissions; total final energy consumption; marine fish catch; global total and capita CO2 emissions; energy supplies and FCS forests.
StatPlanet is a browser-based interactive data visualization and mapping tool. You use it to create interactive thematic maps, interactive graphs, and feature-rich interactive infographics – it's super easy to use!
It is used by UNESCO and SACMEQ, NGOs, Fortune 500 companies and government departments.
It comes with up-to-date statistics on demography, economy, education, environment & energy, gender and health, for most countries in the world. You can use it online or download it.


I've had some questions about the dress I was wearing to The Ritz Prime Seafood, and then when I saw that it's 20% off today I figured I'd throw up a post about it! Guys, I love it! It's so flattering and comfy, and perfect for fall. Below I paired it with a suede fringe vest and some black suede booties from Matisse.
It's the Sao Paulo Tunic Dress from Anthropologie, and today you can get 20% off, just use code DRESSCODE at checkout.
Anthro has SO many good dress right now – see below for a few more of my favorites, all for 20% off!


text:
Q: Use of del in Python I wrote the following code in python. I was not able to understand the logic behind the output. Can you help me out?
a= [1,2,3]
print(a)
del a[1]
print(a)

The result came out to be
[1, 2, 3]
[1, 3]

A: Okay, Ill try to be as comprehensive as I can
a= [1,2,3] is a list of integers

so print(a) will output the entire list [1,2,3]
now python has a way it counts items in a list with '0' denoting the first item.'1' the second item and so on. In you're case:
item 0 = 1
item 1 = 2
item 2 = 3
del a(1) = del '2'

the new list is:
print (a) = [1,3]


Belinda Cuevas was secretly hoping for a boy.
When the ultrasound technician announced she would get her wish, the mother-to-be was thrilled: her baby's heart was beating, his body was moving and, according to doctors, everything looked normal.
She and her husband Joe left the doctor's office excited, with plans to decorate the nursery blue.
Not long after, at an August baby shower, the Goldendale resident's contractions began and, five hours later, a tiny baby boy lay on her chest.
But Belinda says she noticed from the beginning something different from her other pregnancies: her newborn didn't cry.
"I didn't think anything of it yet," she recalls.
Seconds later, the infant was taken from her and out of the room in a shuffle of footsteps and voices. She doesn't remember much from the minutes that followed, she says, only that it "felt like hours" before anybody returned.
"My husband came back up and said to me: 'There's something wrong with our baby,'" the mother remembers.
The couple would later find out Jayson had a rare condition known as 6q deletion syndrome, shared only by 21 recorded cases at the time. They were told he would likely never open his eyes, see clearly, sit up, stand, talk, or walk.
Doctors insisted she and Joe learn infant CPR before leaving the hospital because her baby, they said, could stop breathing at any moment. The weight of this responsibility terrified her.
Three days later, the Cuevas returned home uncertain what the future held. For two months, she says, Jayson's eyes were closed almost completely.
The 22-month-old, who will be the guest of honor Friday at a local fundraiser, now has a small cache of words including dada, mama, and "nana," for his big sister, Briana.
Belinda says raising Jayson has taught her lessons she might not have learned otherwise.
Moreover, she says, there are all the regular joys that come with motherhood.
As she watches Jayson make his way around the living room in his walker, smiling beneath a head of wispy "hippy" hair, he bats his eyes back at her with a smirk.
However, Jayson is still significantly behind other kids his age, developmentally. Although nearly two, Belinda says he looks and behaves like a 6-month-old.
The developmental delay is thought to be caused by a genetic deletion or mutation, which occurs when chromosomes pair up to swap DNA. Essentially, Jayson is missing part of a chromosome, or sequence of DNA, that should have been exchanged in the swap.
The missing DNA contains genetic material crucial to early development.
At present, about 50 cases of 6q deletion syndrome are known of worldwide. While there are likely many more unreported, it remains extremely rare.
The few references that exist are found mostly in medical journals and genetics magazines. Within the disease, there is a wide variety of symptoms.
For Belinda and Joe, that means they have little in the way of a roadmap. Doctors have told them, in fact, they are studying Jayson as they go.
Belinda says she often wonders what goes on inside his head. Her mother, she says, believes he is more lucid than he seems.
She worries about how life will be when he gets to be school-aged, noting that "kids can be mean.
Her other two children—eight-year-old Briana and three-year-old Joey—are already protective of him. Briana, she says, bounds out of her bedroom every morning to check on him.
Watching the eight-year-old bounce her brother on her lap, singing: "I'm a perfect baby, I'm a perfect baby," one can see the mutual adoration between the two.
Belinda says it is support from her family and community that keeps her and Joe grounded.
Her work, she says, is incredibly supportive and her friends are amazing. One friend in particular, who is also a mother, seems to understand. She adds that her parents "think for them" when she and Joe are too overwhelmed.
"The community has supported us so much," she says. "It's not just one person…the whole community has helped out.
Her Catholic faith has also provided help and she believes God watches out for her son.
Moreover, Jayson himself has a will of steel.
An example of this will was in March when he came down with pneumonia and two lung infections.
Jayson was taken by Life Flight helicopters to Seattle where he spent three weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). While there, Belinda says other babies died in nearby rooms and the medics questioned whether he would make it.
"The doctor said, 'He's giving up,'" Belinda says.
A spaghetti fundraiser will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 9 in the Goldendale Middle School Cafeteria to help pay Jayson's medical bills.


Aly Dosdall: looking to get published?
1. Educate yourself. Read and learn all you can about good design principles. Study the pages in the magazines you are targeting and ask yourself what catches your eye, and if there is a particular common thread. That may give you a clue as to what the editors are looking for. Browse the galleries of the scrappers you like who have been published and see what you can pick up from their work. Ask scrappers you admire for some feedback on your work. Above all, make sure everything you submit is you very best work.
2. Read the calls carefully. It helps to understand exactly what they are looking for. For example, there was a call recently for travel pages with cool ways to include memorabilia. "Travel page" is obviously important in that sentence, but the "cool ways to include memorabilia" should really be the focus.
4. Incorporate a cool technique or tip on your page. This is really not as hard as it sounds. Take a product or tool and brain storm on how you can use it in a non-conventional way. You may think you don't have anything "new" to share, but just because you know how to do something, doesn't mean everyone else does too. Make sure to include a brief sentence about that in your email when you submit your page.
5. Use products that are new or currently available. Now this one is a bit controversial because magazines have a 4-6 month lag time between accepting pages and actually getting the print into readers' hands. Plus, although some magazines specifically request current product, others aren't so concerned with what product is being used as much as how it is used. Each magazine and each call are different, so again, make sure to read the calls carefully. But my rule of thumb in general (not always) is to use newer stuff.
6. If at first (second, third, fourth, or fifth) you don't succeed, try try again!! It took me about 5 or 6 months of regularly submitting before I had a page picked up for the first time. I've heard of scrappers submitting on and off for a couple of years before they get anything picked up. Don't give up--the editors will notice you at some point. Remember, there are SO many factors that go into the pages they do select for any given feature so don't take rejection personally. Your page may be totally publication worthy, but there are already enough 12x12 single pages in the feature, and they need a 2 pager. Or they've already got a clean and simple page, and would like a shabby chic one to appeal to a broad readership. Or the colors just don't go with the other pages in the feature. See what I mean? KEEP AT IT!!
Hope that helps somebody. Do what you love, and love what you do. Peace out!
Great advice, though I am so conventional, I'm not sure it's as easy for me to think unconventional as you think! LOL.


During the tour you will meet our passionate and knowledgeable staff for a koala presentation where you will get to learn quirky facts about these amazing animals!
Continue on to see our kangaroos and emus, you'll even have the opportunity to give the kangaroos some breakfast!
Head underground to the wombat's burrow where you can discover the habitat of this incredible creature which can weigh over 30kgs!
Finish the tour by taking a walk through the captivating Great Flight Aviary and be amazed by the colours and sounds our native birdlife including red-tailed black cockatoos, wonga pigeons, apostle birds and jabiru just to name a few. Or try your luck spotting parrots, honeyeaters, pigeons, ducks and waders!
You will then be walked to the Zoo exit with the choice to re-enter with general admission or continue on to explore Melbourne city.
Keeper Talks Each day, we offer opportunities to hear our expert keepers talk about the animals in their care and the conservation work being done for various species. Close-up Encounters These encounters will bring you face-to-face with some of our zoo's most popular personalities. Tiger Behind the Scenes Meet one of Melbourne Zoo's three critically endangered Sumatran Tigers and the passionate keeper who cares for them. Find out about the threats facing these animals and the things that you can do to help save them. Australian Wildlife Tour Come with us on a journey through the Australian bush! In this exclusive experience you will have morning access to Melbourne Zoo before it opens to the public and have the opportunity to learn about our iconic Australian wildlife. Gorilla Behind the Scenes Go behind-the-scenes with our keepers to meet the largest of all the primates and learn what it means to be part of the troop!