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Ryu, Baek, and Kim: Association of biofilm production with colonization among clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii
Published online: September 22, 2016
Association of biofilm production with colonization among clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii
Seong Yeol Ryu1, Won-Ki Baek2, Hyun Ah Kim1
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
2Department of Microbiology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
Correspondence to Hyun Ah Kim, M.D. Department of Infectious Disease, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, 56 Dalseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41931, Korea Tel: +82-53-250-7892 Fax: +82-53-250-7434 E-mail: Hyunah1118@hanmail.net
Received August 20, 2015 Revised November 3, 2015 Accepted April 5, 2016
The pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is increasingly causing healthcare-associated infections worldwide, particularly in intensive care units. Biofilm formation, a factor contributing to the virulence of A. baumannii, is associated with long-term persistence in hospital environments. The present study investigates the clinical impact of biofilm production on colonization and acquisition after patient admission.
Forty-nine A. baumannii isolates were obtained between August and November 2013 from Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea. All isolates were obtained from sputum samples of new patients infected or colonized by A. baumannii. The microtiter plate assay was used to determine biofilm formation.
Twenty-four A. baumannii isolates (48%) demonstrated enhanced biofilm formation capacity than that of the standard A. baumannii strain (ATCC 19606). All isolates were resistant to carbapenem, 38 isolates (77%) were collected from patients in an intensive care unit, and 47 isolates (95%) were from patients who had been exposed to antibiotics in the previous month. The median duration of colonization was longer for biofilm-producing isolates than that of the biofilm non-biofilm producing isolates (18 days vs. 12 days, p < 0.05). Simultaneous colonization with other bacteria was more common for biofilm-producing isolates than that for the non-biofilm producing isolates. The most prevalent co-colonizing bacteria was Staphylococcus aureus.
Biofilm-producing isolates seem to colonize the respiratory tract for longer durations than the non-biofilm producing isolates. During colonization, biofilm producers promote co-colonization by other bacteria, particularly S. aureus. Additional research is required to determine possible links between biofilm formation and nosocomial infection.
Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii; Biofilms; Cross infection
An important risk factor for nosocomial infection is prior colonization by multidrug resistant organisms. Acinetobacter baumannii have emerged as a major cause of hospital-acquired infections, especially for ventilator-associated pneumonia in Asia and Europe [1]. High prevalence of A. baumannii in ventilator-associated pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia in Asian countries is a well-known problem [2]. From an epidemiological point of view, the most remarkable features of A. baumannii are its long-term survival in the environment and development of resistance to most antimicrobial agents [3].
Biofilm formation is one of the virulence factors of A. baumannii associated with long-term survival in a hospital environment [4]. A. baumannii can survive on fingertips, plastics, other environmental surfaces, and even dry surfaces. Biofilm formation contributes to this taxon's high level of resistance to desiccation and disinfection, facilitating the survival of bacteria in a hospital setting [5]. Moreover, the ability to form biofilm facilitates contact with susceptible patients, leading to outbreaks of medical device-related infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia [6,7].
Previous studies report several risk factors for acquiring A. baumannii after admission. These risk factors are prolonged hospitalization; prior antibiotic usage; residence in an intensive care unit (ICU); presence of foreign devices; high colonization pressure; and prolonged mechanical ventilation [8,9]. However, relatively few studies address the biofilm effect on colonization and acquisition of A. baumannii after admission. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of biofilm production on colonization and acquisition of A. baumannii.
Bacterial strains
A total of 49 A. baumannii isolates from sputum were obtained between August and November of 2013 at Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea. All isolates were collected from patients newly infected or colonized by A. baumannii. The isolates were identified using conventional biochemical methods and 16S rRNA sequencing. A. baumannii ATCC 19606 (ATCC, Manassas, VA, USA) was used as a positive control in the biofilm formation assay, and Escherichia coli DH-5α (ATCC) was used as a negative control. A. baumannii ATCC 19606, E. coli DH-5α, and the 49 clinical isolates of A. baumannii were maintained on Muller-Hinton agar at 35°C.
Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using a VITEK II system with NH cards (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France), following the methodology and breakpoints defined by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.
Variables and definitions
The following patient data were collected: age, sex, date of admission, date of discharge, underlying conditions, invasive procedures, antibiotic usage in the previous 1 month, infection or colonization, hospital stay before and after isolation, therapy, and 30-day mortality. Pneumonia was diagnosed according to criteria developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (United States) [10].
We defined colonization duration as the time from the day of the first A. baumannii-positive culture to the first day when A. baumannii was not detected in culture. Persistent colonization was the sustained detection of A. baumannii until the final culture report. In addition, we required the final culture study to have been conducted within 1 week of the day of discharge or death. Clear-up meant that A. baumannii was no longer reported by any subsequent culture tests. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center (IRB 2013-11-040-004).
Biofilm formation assay
Biofilm formation was assayed by crystal violet staining, as described previously [11]. Fresh bacterial suspensions were prepared from overnight cultures, and each were adjusted to an optical density (OD600) of 0.1. The bacterial suspensions (100 μL) were inoculated in individual wells of a 96-well plate and incubated at 35°C for 24 hours. After an overnight incubation, the plates were gently washed twice with 200 μL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), air-dried, and stained with 0.1% crystal violet (100 μL) for 15 minutes at room temperature. Plates were gently washed twice with PBS, the stains were solubilized with 99% ethanol, and the OD570 of the supernatant in each well was measured using a Victor 3 microplate reader (PerkinElmer, Waltham, MA, USA). Biofilm-producing isolates were defined as those for which the optical density of solubilized crystal violet in 99% ethanol was higher than the average optical density of solubilized crystal violet for A. baumannii ATCC 19606. Average optical density of solubilized crystal violet for A. baumannii ATCC 19606 was calculated using measurements of the positive control well on each plate. All experiments were performed in triplicate. Each plate included the following controls: media alone, A. baumannii ATCC 19606 (positive control), and E. coli DH-5α (negative control).
Data management and statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software version 21.0 (IBM Co., Armonk, NY, USA). All data were first subjected to bivariate analysis. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher exact test, and continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Conditions contributing to colonization duration were analyzed using chi-square univariate analysis; those conditions that were significant were included in a subsequent multiple logistic regression analysis to calculate confidence intervals. All tests of significance were two-tailed. We considered tests significant when they had p values of 0.05 or below.
Biofilm mass of A. baumannii
The ability of A. baumannii ATCC 19606 to form a biofilm is established [12]. Of the 49 isolates examined, 24 (48%) exhibited enhanced biofilm formation capacity relative to a standard A. baumannii strain (Fig. 1).
Antibiotic resistance of A. baumannii
Antibiotic resistances were similar between the biofilm-producer group and the non-producer group. All isolates were carbapenem resistant A. baumannii. Thirty-eight isolates (77%) were collected from patients in the ICU and a total of 47 patients (95%) were exposed to antibiotics within the previous month. Resistance to aminoglycosides and tigecycline seemed to be higher in the biofilm non-producer group than in the biofilm producer group, with no statistical significance (Table 1).
Clinical characteristics of biofilm producer hosts and biofilm non-producer hosts
The average patient age was lower for the biofilm producer group (66.5 vs. 75, p = 0.017). There was no statistical difference in the underlying diseases of patients harboring biofilm producers versus those harboring biofilm non-producers. Twenty-seven patients (55%) had an endotracheal tube and 17 (34%) were on mechanical ventilation. No underlying patient disease was more common to the biofilm producer group (Table 2).
Impact of biofilm on colonization of A. baumannii
Thirty-seven isolates (75%) had persistently colonized their host patient's respiratory tract. The median duration of colonization was longer for biofilm-producing isolates than it was for biofilm non-producing isolates. Simultaneous colonization with other bacteria was more common for biofilm-producing isolates. The most prevalent co-colonizing bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus. The median timespan from admission to acquisition seemed to be shorter for the biofilm-producing group; however, this difference was not statistically significant (Table 3).
Conditions associated with colonization duration
We conducted a multivariate analysis to confirm the relationship of biofilm formation and colonization duration. In the multivariate analysis, isolates with colonization durations of more than 2 weeks are significantly associated with biofilm and ICU stays of more than 2 weeks (Table 4).
In the present study, we evaluated the impact of biofilm on host acquisition and colonization for A. baumannii. The biofilm-producing isolates seem to colonize the respiratory tract for longer durations than isolates not producing biofilm. During the colonization, biofilm producers also facilitate co-colonization by other bacteria, particularly S. aureus.
Previously, we reported higher rates of biofilm production by Korean A. baumannii nosocomial samples [13]. Similarly, biofilm production in the present study varies extensively among strains, and 48% of the A. baumannii clinical isolates exhibit a greater capacity for biofilm formation than A. baumannii ATCC 19606 exhibits. There are well known contributors to A. baumannii acquisition, such as colonization pressure, ICU admission, duration of hospitalization, and prior antibiotic use. Previous studies confirm that acquisition of multidrug resistant A. baumannii positively correlates with colonization pressure [8]. In addition, duration of hospitalization before admission is an important risk factor for infection by multidrug resistant A. baumannii [9]. Longterm care facilities are major reservoirs of multidrug resistant bacteria. Current wound management, in situ medical devices, and pressure ulcers are risk factors for multidrug resistant bacteria colonization in long-term care facilities [14].
In this study, biofilm-producing strains colonize the patient's respiratory tract for longer durations than biofilm non-producing strains. The longer colonization lasts, the higher the colonization pressure climbs. Heightened colonization pressure means that larger numbers of naive patients acquire multidrug resistant A. baumannii. Previous studies on ventilator-associated pneumonia report that airway colonization, biofilm formation, and pneumonia development have a microbial link [15,16]. Biofilm-producing strains colonize the patient's respiratory tract for longer and put the patient at high risk of developing pneumonia.
There are many reports of A. baumannii interacting with abiotic surfaces. However, few studies address the interaction of biotic surfaces with other bacteria, or fungi. Previous studies report that S. aureus and Candida albicans can co-exist in biofilm with synergistic effects. The biofilm mass of S. aureus and C. albicans is much higher when they grow together. Scanning electron microscope images reveal extensive adherence of S. aureus to hyphae of C. albicans [17]. In a related study, A. baumannii was co-cultured with C. albicans. This study reveals that A. baumannii 19606 attaches to C. albicans filaments, forming aggregates on the surfaces of the fungal filaments. Deletion of the OmpA gene results in a defect in the interaction of C. albicans and A. baumannii.
Also, A. baumannii interacts with the human alveolar epithelial cell. Attachment of A. baumannii causes human alveolar epithelial cell rounding, loss of cell projections, and their detachment from the plates [18]. The effect of biofilm on interaction with human bronchial epithelial cells is also reported. A. baumannii isolates carrying blaPER-1 show a heightened capacity for epithelial cell adherence and biofilm formation. The results show that biofilm formation correlates with epithelial cell adherence [4]. This is a possible explanation for biofilm forming multidrug resistant A. baumannii correlating with poor outcomes in hospital-acquired pneumonia. In addition, biofilm associated infections are more resistant to antimicrobial agents. Because of such circumstances, we use interventions such as contact precautions, environmental cleaning, active surveillance, and restrictions on administering broad-spectrum antibiotics for controlling A. baumannii.
This study has several limitations. We do not investigate the actual connection to infection from the colonization. Also, most of the isolates were colonization and multidrug resistant organism. We cannot evaluate the effect of biofilm on infection, clinical outcome, or antibiotic resistance. This study is retrospective, and the isolates were collected at a single center over a short duration. Further prospective studies conducted in larger patient populations involving multiple centers are needed. Biofilm-forming strains co-colonize with S. aureus. However, little is known about the interactions between A. baumannii and S. aureus.
These results suggest the need for further investigation of interactions between A. baumannii and other bacteria. Additional research is needed on possible links between colonization of biofilm-producing strains and nosocomial infections.
1. Biofilm production can vary extensively among the strains. Forty-eight percent of the Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates exhibited a greater capacity for biofilm formation than exhibited by A. baumannii ATCC 19606.
2. The median duration of colonization was longer for biofilm-producing isolates than for biofilm non-producing isolates.
3. Simultaneous colonization with other bacteria was more common in biofilm-producing isolates. The most prevalent co-colonizing bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus.
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
The authors thank Hui-Jung Jung, Hyejin Park, and Yun yi Yang for support and technical assistance in experiments. This study was made possible by the 2013 Samsung Eye Hospital grant.
The biofilm mass of Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates. To measure the relative amount of the biofilm, the crystal violet stained biofilm was solubilized with ethanol for 5 minutes. Solubilized crystal violet was measured at optical density (OD570nm) using a Victor 3 microplate reader (PerkinElmer). Biofilm-producing isolates were defined as those wells for which the optical density was higher than the average well optical density for A. baumannii ATCC 19606. The average well optical density for the standard strain of A. baumannii ATCC 19606 was 0.513.
Antimicrobial resistance rates of biofilm-producing and non-producing Acinetobacter baumannii
Biofilm producer (n = 24)
Biofilm non-producer (n = 25)
Amikacin 1 (4.2) 5 (20) 0.189
Ampicillin/Sulbactam 24 (100) 23 (92) 0.490
Aztreonam 24 (100) 25 (100)
Cefepime 24 (100) 23 (92) 0.490
Cefotaxime 24 (100) 24 (96) 1.000
Ceftazidime 24 (100) 24 (96) 1.000
Ciprofloxacin 24 (100) 24 (96) 1.000
Colistin 0 0
Gentamicin 24 (100) 24 (96) 1.000
Imipenem 24 (100) 24 (96) 1.000
Meropenem 24 (100) 24 (96) 1.000
Minocycline 4 (16.7) 6 (24) 0.725
Piperacillin 24 (100) 24 (96) 1.000
Piperacillin/Tazobactam 24 (100) 24 (96) 1.000
Ticarcillin/Clavulanic 24 (100) 24 (96) 1.000
Tigecycline 2 (8.3) 6 (24) 0.247
TMP/SMX 24 (100) 23 (92) 0.490
TMP/SMX, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
Epidemiologic and predisposing factors for colonization with biofilm-producing or non-producing Acinetobacter baumannii
Age, yr 66.5 (55.5–74.75) 75 (68.5–79) 0.017
Male sex 19 (79.2) 16 (64) 0.345
No underlying disease 14 (58.3) 4 (16) 0.003
Malignancy 5 (20.8) 4 (16) 0.725
Liver cirrhosis 1 (4.2) 4 (16) 0.349
Cardiovascular disease 9 (37.5) 14 (56) 0.256
Neurologic disease 9 (37.5) 7 (28) 0.551
Diabetes mellitus 5 (20.8) 5 (20) 1.000
Chronic lung disease 3 (12.5) 5 (20) 0.702
Urinary catheter 18 (75) 20 (80) 0.742
Central venous catheter 9 (37.5) 16 (64) 0.089
Parenteral nutrition 12 (50) 14 (56) 0.778
Endotracheal tube 13 (54.2) 14 (56) 1.000
Mechanical ventilator 7 (29.2) 10 (40) 0.551
Values are presented as median (interquartile range) or number (%).
The impact of biofilm on colonization by Acinetobacter baumannii
Persistence 18 (75) 19 (76) 1.000
Clear-up 1 (4.2) 1 (4.0) 1.000
Duration, day 18 (8–47.75) 12 (2.5–23) 0.044
Admission to colonization, day 9 (4–22.5) 12 (7.5–15.75) 0.299
Pathogen 2 (8.3) 5 (20) 0.417
Colonization 22 (91.7) 20 (80)
Concomitant bacteria 18 (75) 11 (44) 0.042
Staphylococcus aureus 12 (66.7) 5 (45.5) 0.438
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 5 (27.8) 2 (18.32) 0.677
Klebsiella pneumoniae 5 (27.8) 3 (27.3) 1.000
Values are presented as number (%) or median (interquartile range).
Multivariate analysis for conditions contributing to colonization duration
Colonization duration > 2 wk (n = 22)
Colonization duration < 2 wk (n = 27)
Univariate analysis
Multivariate analysis
Unadjusted OR (95% CI)
Adjusted OR (95% CI)
Biofilm 16 (72.7) 8 (29.6) 6.333 (1.814–22.107) 0.004 7.809 (1.305–46.736) 0.024
ICU stay > 2 wk 15 (83.3) 6 (30) 11.667 (2.438–55.833) 0.001 12.363 (1.927–79.310) 0.008
Endotracheal tube 15 (68.2) 12 (44.4) 2.679 (0.827–8.675) 0.149 2.080 (0.355–12.202) 0.417
OR, odds ratio; CI, confidence interval; ICU, intensive care unit.
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The resistance mechanisms of b-lactam antimicrobials in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii 2002 June;17(2)


Now that Romney has doubled down on his endorsement of The Ryan Budget Plan by choosing Ryan as his VP candidate, it's time to see what the Ryan plan does to YOU, compared to the OBAMA plan. EVERY analysis agrees on the following. If you make between $26,063 and $33,171, YOUR taxes will increase by $2,032. If you make between $33, 171 and $53,175, YOUR taxes will increase by $1,804. If you make between $53,175 and $88,558, YOUR taxes will increase between $1,387. However it's not all bad news. If you make over $480,700, your taxes will decrease by $211,314. And yet some people claim that the GOP doesn't care about most people??
Speaking of OBAMA, I think that OBAMACARE should be renamed OBAMNEYCARE. After all it was his plan that OBAMACARE was modeled on, and he's responsible for the popularization of the name, OBAMACARE. It would probably infuriate the far right to give him the credit he's due, but right is right, right?


Most verbs describe actions, so they are called action verbs. Action verbs tell what people or things are doing. Here are some common action verbs.
» drink, look, jump, swim, fall etc.
When you use a verb, you have to say who or what is doing the action. This 'who or what' is the subject of the verb. The subject and the verb match each other. You say that the subject and the verb agree when they match each other.
Use a singular verb if the subject is a singular noun. For example, the subjects 'my dad' or 'our school', or any of the pronouns he, she or it, require a singular verb. Most singular verbs end in s. Look at the subjects and their verbs in these examples. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are in color.
" He always drinks milk when he's hot."
" She eats bananas for breakfast."
" Mom walks to work every day."
" My sister dances like a professional dancer."
" The baby falls when she tries to walk."
" Our cat climbs the trees in our garden."
other person—a third person—or a thing.
Here are some more third person singular verbs that end in s.
» plays, sings, shines, rides, smiles, draws, paints, blows, thinks, stops etc.
The third person singular form of some verbs is made by adding es at the end. Some examples are verbs that end in sh, ch, ss, x, zz and o.
» brushes, watches, kisses, fixes, rushes, reaches, misses, mixes etc.
Here are some sentences with verbs in their third person singular form.
" She always brushes her teeth at bedtime."
" Dad polishes his shoes until they shine. "
Suppose the subject of a noun refers to a group of people. Depending on the meaning of the sentence, you may use either a singular or a plural verb.
" The audience was enjoying the play."
" The audience have all gone home."
" The class has thirty students."
" The class are handing in their papers. "
Some verbs have an object. The object of a verb is the person or thing that is affected by the action of the verb.
"Alice eats a banana for breakfast. "
The subject of the verb is Alice. She is the person who does the action: she eats. The object of the verb is a banana. A banana is affected by the action of the verb. So in this sentence, the object of the verb 'eat ' is 'a banana'. Verbs that have objects are called transitive verbs.
" In China, lots of people walk to work."
" The boys play in the yard after school. "
Some verbs can be either transitive or intransitive. Notice that the transitive meaning and the intransitive meaning are sometimes different.
Verbs have forms called tenses that tell you when the action happens. If the action happens regularly, sometimes or never, use the simple present tense.
" We always wash our hands before meals."
" Joe sometimes lends me his bike."
" Dad jogs in the park every day."
The simple present tense is also used to state facts.
" The sun rises every morning."
" Penguins live in the Antarctica. "
Use the simple present tense to tell the events of a story that is happening now.
" I arrive at school."
" I see another girl crying. "
Use the simple present tense to talk about things that will happen in the future.
" My little sister starts school tomorrow."
" The new supermarket opens this Friday."
" Next week I go on holiday to Japan. "
The words am, is and are are the simple present forms of the verb be.
• Use am with the pronoun I.
• Use is with singular nouns like 'my dad' and 'the teacher', and with the pronouns he, she and it.
• Use are with plural nouns like 'my parents' and 'Jenny and Mary', and with the pronouns we, you and they.
Use there with is and are to say what exists or what you can have. Use there is with singular nouns, and there are with plural nouns.
" There is a tree in our garden."
" There is a girl called Farah in my class."
" There is fish for dinner. "
The present progressive tense is used to talk about things that are continuing to happen.
Make the present progressive tense by using am, is or are with a verb that ends in ing.
" I am learning how to swim. "
" My sister is listening to music."
" My brother and I are playing a computer game."
The present progressive tense is also used to talk about things that are planned for the future.
" I am going to the library tomorrow."
" My sister is giving me her bike when she gets her new one. "
Use the simple past tense to talk about things that happened in the past. The simple past tense is usually made by adding ed to the verb.
" I opened the door and looked inside."
" The plane landed ten minutes ago."
" My cousin visited us last summer. "
The words was and were are the simple past forms of the verb be.
• Was is the simple past form of am and is. Use was with singular nouns like 'my dad' and 'the teacher', and with the pronouns he, she and it.
• Were is the simple past form of are. Use were with plural nouns like 'my parents' and 'Jenny and Mary', and with the pronouns we, you and they.
" Ten years ago, I was only a baby."
" When I was younger, I played with teddy bears. "
" John and I were in the garden."
" You were nasty to me!"
" You and Sally were not at school yesterday."
Many common verbs have unusual present and past tense forms. These are called irregular verbs.
Example : break -- broke, keep -- kept, bring -- brought, kneel -- knelt etc.
• cost -- cost, cut -- cut, hit -- hit, hurt -- hurt etc.
the past and had not stopped happening. They were continuing.
To make the past progressive tense, use was or were and a verb that ends in ing.
" I was watching television."
" Ben was finishing his homework."
You can also use the past progressive tense to say what was happening when something else happened.
" Sam was doing his math homework when the phone rang."
" Dad was cooking our dinner when I got home. "
The verb have is used to say what people own or possess.
•• Use have with the pronouns I, we, you and they, and with plural nouns such as 'my parents' and 'Tom and Susan'.
•• Use has with the pronouns he, she and it, and with singular nouns such as 'my dad' and 'the teacher'.
" I have two brothers and one sister."
" Monkeys have long tails."
" My sister and I have a swing in our garden."
" John has a big brother."
" Sally has a pretty face."
" An elephant has a long trunk. It also has big ears."
" His brother has dark hair."
" Our apartment has big windows."
Use have to talk about things that people do or get.
" I can't play football because I have a broken leg."
" We have art lessons on Mondays."
" You have a stain on your shirt."
You also use have to talk about things that people eat.
" We usually have lunch at school."
" Mom and Dad sometimes have their breakfast in bed."
" Jenny often has sandwiches for lunch."
The simple past tense form of have and has is had.
" I had a big toy car when I was small."
" It was sunny so we had lunch in the garden."
" They had a wonderful holiday in Europe."
Use had when you're talking about wishes.
" I wish I had a new bike."
" Kathleen wishes she had a big sister."
" Dad wishes he had a bigger garage. "
You can make the negative with didn't have.
" I wish I didn't have so much homework."
" Jimmy wishes he didn't have a broken leg."
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I'm on the hunt for easy tops that pair well with shorts and jeans. As mentioned, I'm sewing my bohemian oats this summer but I still need lots of polish and a little bit of edge. I bumped into this top online and am definitely making it mine!


A foldable flagpole consists of one or more cylindrical aluminium profiles of the same diameter connected with push-in method. It means that lower part of flagpole narrows in its upper end to fit in lower end of upper segment. It allows expanding a flagpole with another segments reaching height up to 6m – the flagpole has a diameter of 50 mm.
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A portable aluminium flagpole destind for exposition both out and indoors. It comes equiped with base fit to drive in ground or base fit to stand on a floor. It's perfect form of advertisment for open air events, various expos or other events. Upper arm allows for flag exposition even if there is no wind blowing or indoors. Setting the flagpole is easy and quick, also its transportation is very cheap and convinient.


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The California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) is a vulnerable amphibian native to California. It is a mole salamander. Previously considered to be a subspecies of the tiger salamander (A. tigrinum), the California tiger salamander was recently designated a separate species again.  The California tiger salamander distinct population segment (DPS) in Sonoma County and the Santa Barbara County DPS are listed as federally endangered, while the  Central California DPS is listed as federally threatened. The Sonoma County, south San Joaquin, and the Santa Barbara County DPS have diverged from the rest of the California tiger salamander populations for over one million years, since the Pleistocene and they may warrant status as separate species.

Description

The California tiger salamander is a relatively large, secretive amphibian endemic to California. Adults can grow to a total length of about 7–8 inches. It has a stocky body and a broad, rounded snout. Adults are black with yellow or cream spots; larvae are greenish-grey in color. The California tiger salamander has brown protruding eyes with black irises.

Habitat and range

The California tiger salamander depends on vernal pools and other seasonal ponds and stock ponds for reproduction; its habitat is limited to the vicinity of large, fishless vernal pools or similar water bodies. It occurs at elevations up to 1000 m (3200 ft). Adults migrate at night from upland habitats to aquatic breeding sites beginning with the first major rainfall of fall and winter, and return to upland habitats after breeding.

Historically, the California tiger salamander probably occurred in grassland habitats throughout much of the state. It occurs from Sonoma County, especially in the Laguna de Santa Rosa (outside the floodplain), south to Santa Barbara County, in vernal pool complexes and isolated ponds along the Central Valley from Colusa County to Kern County, and in the coastal range. Both the Sonoma and Santa Barbara populations are listed as endangered since 2000 and 2003, respectively. On August 4, 2004, the US Fish and Wildlife Service listed the California tiger salamander as threatened within the Central DPS.

The six populations are found in Sonoma County, the Bay Area (Stanislaus County, western Merced County, and most of San Benito County), the Central Valley, the southern San Joaquin Valley, the Central Coast Range, and Santa Barbara County.

The loss of California tiger salamander populations has been due primarily to the loss of habitat and predators, such as American bullfrogs and access to breeding habitats. There is also a viable hybrid between the California tiger salamander and the introduced barred tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium), which genetic evidence suggests have been hybridizing for 50–60 years.

Life cycle

Adults spend the majority of their lives underground, in burrows created by other animals, such as ground squirrels and  gophers; these salamanders are poorly equipped for burrowing. Little is known about their underground life.  This underground phase has often been referred to as estivation (the summertime equivalent of hibernation), but true estivation has never been observed, and fiber optic cameras in burrows have allowed researchers to witness salamanders actively foraging. Adults are known to eat earthworms, snails, insects, fish, and even small mammals but adult California tiger salamanders eat very little.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place after the first rains in late fall and early winter, when the wet season allows the salamanders to migrate to the nearest pond, a journey that may be as far as a 1.3 miles and take several days. The eggs, which the female lays in small clusters or singly, hatch after 10 to 14 days. The larval period lasts for three to six months.  However, California tiger salamander larvae may also "overwinter". Transformation for overwintering larvae may take 13 months or more. Recent discoveries, such as overwintering, have management implications for this threatened species, particularly when aquatic habitats undergo modification.  The larvae feed on other small invertebrates, including tadpoles. When their pond dries, they resorb their gills, develop lungs, and then the metamorphs leave the pond in search of a burrow.

"... the average female bred 1.4 times and produced 8.5 young that survived to metamorphosis per reproductive event, resulting in roughly 12 lifetime metamorphic offspring per female."

California tiger salamanders can live up to 15 years.

See also
Vernal pools or ponds

References
 California Natural Diversity Database California Natural Diversity Database

External links

Santa Rosa Plain Conservation Strategy  Santa Rosa Plain Conservation Strategy
Description from the California Department of Fish and Game.
USGS Field Guide

Mole salamanders
Salamanders
Amphibians of the United States
Fauna of the California chaparral and woodlands
Natural history of the California Coast Ranges
Natural history of the Central Valley (California)
Taxa named by John Edward Gray
Endangered fauna of California
Amphibians described in 1853

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The horse was tested at a veterinary clinic in Weld County as part of a pre-purchase examination under the buyer's name. This horse allegedly participated in unsanctioned horse races. The investigation into the current location of the horse is ongoing.
A negative EIA test (Coggins) is required to cross state lines in the United States. It also is recommended that all equestrian shows, rodeos, fairs, and other equine events consider requiring a negative Coggins for entry, even if the horses haven't crossed state lines. Coggins tests are also recommended as an important component of a pre-purchase exam.
September 2018 EIA Investigation: The index premises remains under quarantine with the 60-day retest in late November. Sixteen exposed horses on the index location tested negative.


The cheapest time of year to fly to Toronto from Ahmedabad is October. The most expensive is August.
The fastest flight from Ahmedabad to Toronto takes 20h 20m.
There are no direct flights from Ahmedabad to Toronto. Popular non-direct routes for this connection are Ahmedabad - Toronto Pearson Intl and Ahmedabad - Toronto Island.


Have you noticed the increasing use of hashtags (words or phrases preceded by a #) on just about every social channel? They are a great way to group messages on the same topics. Finding tags already in use can be a challenge but here's a tool that can help: Hashtagr.
Hashtagr is a hashtag search engine. The technology aggregates hashtags from Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Google+, with more channels being added. It offers an overview of what people are saying across social media. Understanding these conversations is important for anyone trying to gain a greater understanding of their key constituencies.


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A Galaxy far far way brings us the greatest Star Wars Coupons and deals on the greatest Star Wars Products on this side of the Universe, find the best discounts on Star Wars Toys, Gifts and much more. The force is with you on the latest deals and promo codes for Star Wars products across the internet. Coupons for Star Wars Toys, Games, Apparel , Movies and much much more.
In 1971, George Lucas entered into a two picture deal with Universal Studios to direct and write American Graffiti and Star Wars. The studio rejected Lucas' science fiction conceptual draft. This event highlights the half of decade of development hell that is little known among casual fans of the series. The film was original conceived around a short story titled "The Journal of the Whills." It followed the tale of a space commando trained by Mace Windu. In 1973, the movie finally took shape when Lucas adopted a structure similar to Akira Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress in his latest treatment. Every subsequent draft saw a simplification of the story and addition of several elements such as the Annikin Starkiller, the Force, Sith, and Death Star. the second draft introduced Luke Starkiller as the main protagonist. The stories evolution continued during the photography for the film as Lucas slowly realized the expansiveness of the universe even though the first instalment is a self contained movie. Star Wars' success allowed Lucas to move on his dream of creating an independent filmmaking center (Skywalker Ranch). Unlike the first instalment, Lucas enjoyed writing Empire Strikes Back and implemented the plot twist of Vader being Luke's father that differed from earlier drafts he wrote with author Leigh Brackett. The film's production was still stressful and costly financially and personally for Lucas. The last instalment saw the redemption of Darth Vader, turning Anakin Skywalker into a sympathetic character and providing a launching pad for the "Tragedy of Darth Vader" storyline that is shown in the prequels.
Today, Star Wars brand includes the most popular LEGOs, video games, tees, figurines, decals, novels, comics, television and blu-rays.
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Star Wars apparel is frequently discounted by coupons. Uniqlo includes their Star Wars clothing line in their monthly coupon. The frequent 20% off Kohl's coupon include several Star Wars branded kids clothing, adult apparel, and toys.
Amazon and Walmart remains your best bet for Star Wars LEGOs sets, toys, and blu-rays. The toys frequently get discounted 20% off and the best prices are always available during the holiday season. The blu-rays are generally discounted the most during May 1st Star Wars day celebrations. Fans should also checkout Netflix because of their deal to stream Star Wars movies and tv shows.
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Justia Dockets & Filings Ninth Circuit California Eastern District Shepard v. Clark et al Filing 16
Shepard v. Clark et al
ORDER DISMISSING ACTION for Failure to State a Claim signed by Magistrate Judge Barbara A. McAuliffe on 1/5/2015. CASE CLOSED. (Jessen, A)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 9 EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 11 DEANDRE SHEPARD, 12 13 Plaintiff, v. 14 NATALIE CLARK, et al., 15 Defendants. 16 ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Case No.: 1:13-cv-00462-BAM (PC) ORDER DISMISSING ACTION FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM (ECF No. 15) 17 I. 18 Plaintiff Deandre Shepard ("Plaintiff") is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma 19 pauperis in this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. On August 11, 2014, the Court 20 dismissed Plaintiff's complaint with leave to amend within thirty days. (ECF No. 12.) Following 21 extensions of time, Plaintiff's first amended complaint, filed on December 24, 2014, is currently 22 before the Court for screening. 23 Screening Requirement and Standard The Court is required to screen complaints brought by prisoners seeking relief against a 24 governmental entity and/or against an officer or employee of a governmental entity. 28 U.S.C. § 25 1915A(a). Plaintiff's complaint, or any portion thereof, is subject to dismissal if it is frivolous or 26 malicious, if it fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, or if it seeks monetary relief 27 from a defendant who is immune from such relief. 28 U.S.C. § 1915A(b)(1), (2); 28 U.S.C. § 28 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii). 1 1 A complaint must contain "a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is 2 entitled to relief. . . ." Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a)(2). Detailed factual allegations are not required, but 3 "[t]hreadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory statements, 4 do not suffice." Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937, 1949 (2009) (citing Bell 5 Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 555, 127 S.Ct. 1955, 1964-65 (2007)). While a plaintiff's 6 allegations are taken as true, courts "are not required to indulge unwarranted inferences." Doe I v. 7 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 572 F.3d 677, 681 (9th Cir. 2009) (internal quotation marks and citation 8 omitted). 9 To survive screening, Plaintiff's claims must be facially plausible, which requires sufficient 10 factual detail to allow the Court to reasonably infer that each named defendant is liable for the 11 misconduct alleged. Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. at 1949 (quotation marks omitted); Moss v. 12 United States Secret Service, 572 F.3d 962, 969 (9th Cir. 2009). The sheer possibility that a defendant 13 acted unlawfully is not sufficient, and mere consistency with liability falls short of satisfying the 14 plausibility standard. Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. at 1949 (quotation marks omitted); Moss, 572 15 F.3d at 969. Plaintiff's Allegations 16 II. 17 Plaintiff is currently housed at Kern Valley State Prison. The events alleged in the complaint 18 occurred while Plaintiff was housed at California State Prison-Corcoran ("CSP-Cor"). Plaintiff names 19 the following defendants: (1) K. Alexander, Jobsite Supervisor; (2) Natalie Clark, Correctional Food 20 Manager II; (3) Scott Folks, Supervising Correctional Cook;(4) John Doe, Correctional Jobsite 21 Supervisor; and (5) Connie Gibson, Warden. Plaintiff sues Defendants in their individual and official 22 capacities. 23 Plaintiff alleges: On June 10, 2012, Plaintiff was assigned to CSP-Cor's Security Housing 24 Unit main kitchen. Defendant John Doe was Plaintiff's supervisor and was aware of his duty to 25 instruct and train Plaintiff on how to use and operate equipment in the prison's scullery in a safe 26 manner. 27 28 On June 20, 2012, Defendant John Doe gave Plaintiff old/used rubber boots lacking in traction. In July 2012, Plaintiff told Defendant John Doe that the boots lacked traction and caused Plaintiff to 2 1 constantly lose his footing. Defendant John Doe told Plaintiff that he was going to place an order for 2 new boots. 3 In July 2012, Plaintiff informed Defendants John Doe, Alexander, Scott and Folks of the 4 constant flooding of water on the floors due to blockage in the drainage located throughout the main 5 kitchen. Each of the defendants claimed to have submitted a work order, but failed or refused to do so. 6 Plaintiff believes that several kitchen workers complained about the unsafe conditions from the 7 slippery floors. Plaintiff also alleges that Defendant Gibson was put on notice of the unsafe 8 conditions, but refused to correct them. Plaintiff believes that Defendant Gibson shut down the 9 kitchen months after Plaintiff's injury due to unsafe conditions in March 2013. 10 On July 30, 2012, while working, Plaintiff slipped on the wet floor and landed on the right side 11 of his back. The fall caused immediate pain that traveled from the point of impact through his neck, 12 back of his head and spread to his right leg. After the fall, Plaintiff could not move. He was taken by 13 ambulance to the prison infirmary. He was provided medication for pain, which did not help. 14 Approximately one week after falling, Plaintiff was taken to Mercy Hospital and evaluated. Upon 15 examination, it was discovered that Plaintiff suffered from a non-displaced fracture of the L-1 region 16 of his spine. Plaintiff had to use a wheelchair and walker. Plaintiff continues to suffer pain, which has 17 altered his lifestyle and resulted in increased depression medication. 18 Plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages, along with declaratory relief. 19 III. 20 A. Eleventh Amendment and Official Capacity 21 To the extent Plaintiff seeks to bring a damages claim against defendants in their official Discussion 22 capacities, he may not do so. The Eleventh Amendment prohibits suits for monetary damages against 23 a State, its agencies, and state officials acting in their official capacities. Aholelei v. Dep't of Public 24 Safety, 488 F.3d 1144, 1147 (9th Cir.2007). As such, the Eleventh Amendment bars any claim for 25 monetary damages against defendants in their official capacities. 26 B. Supervisory Liability 27 To the extent Plaintiff seeks to bring suit against Warden Gibson based on the role of 28 supervisor, he may not do so. Supervisory personnel may not be held liable under section 1983 for the 3 1 actions of subordinate employees based on respondeat superior or vicarious liability. Crowley v. 2 Bannister, 734 F.3d 967, 977 (9th Cir. 2013); accord Lemire v. California Dep't of Corr. and Rehab., 3 726 F.3d 1062, 1074-75 (9th Cir. 2013); Lacey v. Maricopa County, 693 F.3d 896, 915-16 (9th Cir. 4 2012) (en banc). "A supervisor may be liable only if (1) he or she is personally involved in the 5 constitutional deprivation, or (2) there is a sufficient causal connection between the supervisor's 6 wrongful conduct and the constitutional violation." Crowley, 734 F.3d at 977 (citing Snow v. 7 McDaniel, 681 F.3d 978, 989) (9th Cir. 2012) (internal quotation marks omitted); accord Lemire, 726 8 F.3d at 1074-75; Lacey, 693 F.3d at 915-16. "Under the latter theory, supervisory liability exists even 9 without overt personal participation in the offensive act if supervisory officials implement a policy so 10 deficient that the policy itself is a repudiation of constitutional rights and is the moving force of a 11 constitutional violation." Crowley, 734 F.3d at 977 (citing Hansen v. Black, 885 F.2d 642, 646 (9th 12 Cir. 1989)) (internal quotation marks omitted). 13 14 Plaintiff has not alleged that Warden Gibson was personally involved the constitutional deprivation or instituted a deficient policy. 15 C. Eighth Amendment 16 The Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment protects prisoners 17 not only from inhumane methods of punishment but also from inhumane conditions of confinement. 18 Morgan v. Morgensen, 465 F.3d 1041, 1045 (9th Cir. 2006) (citing Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 19 847, 114 S.Ct. 1970 (1994) and Rhodes v. Chapman, 452 U.S. 337, 347, 101 S.Ct. 2392 (1981)) 20 (quotation marks omitted). While conditions of confinement may be, and often are, restrictive and 21 harsh, they must not involve the wanton and unnecessary infliction of pain. Morgan, 465 F.3d at 1045 22 (citing Rhodes, 452 U.S. at 347) (quotation marks omitted). Thus, conditions which are devoid of 23 legitimate penological purpose or contrary to evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of 24 a maturing society violate the Eighth Amendment. Morgan, 465 F.3d at 1045 (quotation marks and 25 citations omitted); Hope v. Pelzer, 536 U.S. 730, 737, 122 S.Ct. 2508 (2002); Rhodes, 452 U.S. at 346. 26 Prison officials have a duty to ensure that prisoners are provided adequate shelter, food, 27 clothing, sanitation, medical care, and personal safety, Johnson v. Lewis, 217 F.3d 726, 731 (9th Cir. 28 2000) (quotation marks and citations omitted), but not every injury that a prisoner sustains while in 4 1 prison represents a constitutional violation, Morgan, 465 F.3d at 1045 (quotation marks omitted). To 2 maintain an Eighth Amendment claim, a prisoner must show that prison officials were deliberately 3 indifferent to a substantial risk of harm to his health or safety. E.g., Farmer, 511 U.S. at 847; Thomas 4 v. Ponder, 611 F.3d 1144, 1150-51 (9th Cir. 2010); Foster v. Runnels, 554 F.3d 807, 812-14 (9th Cir. 5 2009); Morgan, 465 F.3d at 1045; Johnson, 217 F.3d at 731; Frost v. Agnos, 152 F.3d 1124, 1128 (9th 6 Cir. 1998). Generally, claims regarding slippery floors, without more, do not state a claim for cruel and 7 8 unusual punishment. See Thompson v. McMahon, 2013 WL 5220748, *3 (C.D. Cal. Sept. 16, 2013) 9 (negligence claim arising from prisoner's fall at work not elevated into a federal cause of action). The 10 Ninth Circuit has declared that "slippery prison floors . . . do not state even an arguable claim for cruel 11 and unusual punishment." LeMaire v. Maass, 12 F.3d 1444, 1457 (9th Cir.1993) (internal quotation 12 marks and citation omitted). Rather, there must be exacerbating conditions such that the water posed a 13 serious, unavoidable threat to the safety of Plaintiff and other inmates. See Osolinski v. Kane, 92 F.3d 14 934, 938 (9th Cir. 1996) (prisoner must plead exacerbating conditions which render him unable to 15 provide for his own safety such that he could not avoid the faulty condition or was unable to perceive 16 it). 17 Plaintiff alleges he slipped in water and fell while working in the SHU kitchen and Defendants 18 failed to provide him adequate training and boots. However, Plaintiff fails to allege any facts or 19 exacerbating circumstances to state a constitutional violation. See, e.g., Thompson, 2013 WL 20 5220748 at *3 (allegations that prisoner fell while working in the dining room and that defendants 21 failed to provide him with skid safe shoes did not state a claim for deliberate indifference); Andrillion 22 v. Stoic, 2011 WL 2493655, *2-4 (D. Ariz. Jun. 23, 2011) (failure to provide prisoner with work boots 23 when assigning him to work in wet and slippery conditions in the kitchen and who was injured failed 24 to state a constitutional violation); Aronian v. Fresno County Jail, 2010 WL 5232969, *3 (E.D. Cal. 25 Dec. 16, 2010) (jail inmate who complained of water leak and later slipped and fell failed to state a 26 cognizable constitutional claim). Although Plaintiff alleges a safety issue, he has not alleged any facts 27 or circumstances to suggest that he was unaware of the slippery conditions or that he could not take 28 5 1 care to avoid them. Further, the failure to provide better work boots does not rise to the level of a 2 constitutional violation. 3 IV. Conclusion and Order 4 Plaintiff's complaint fails to state a cognizable section 1983 claim. Despite being provided 5 with the relevant pleading and legal standards, Plaintiff has been unable to cure the deficiencies in his 6 complaint. Therefore, further leave to amend is not warranted. Lopez v. Smith, 203 F.3d 1122, 1130 7 (9th Cir. 2000). Accordingly, Plaintiff's complaint is HEREBY DISMISSED for failure to state a 8 cognizable claim. All pending motions, if any, are terminated. 9 IT IS SO ORDERED. 10 11 Dated: /s/ Barbara January 5, 2015 A. McAuliffe _ UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 6

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


At Sunrise Medical Group, we pride ourselves on providing patients with the highest quality procedures in a warm and caring atmosphere, while educating patients and their families about their neurological condition. Neurological conditions can affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves, which can impair function and cause pain, numbness, or tingling sensations. Because these conditions may impact a patient's quality of life and even his or her ability to function independently, SMG employs a multidisciplinary approach. Our teams of caring professionals will address all aspects of your diagnosis and strive to reduce its effect on your daily life. We are available to provide continued neurological care or provide a second opinion for patients or physicians, including other neurologists.
To schedule an appointment with one of our neurologists, click here If you have questions regarding neurology, visit our FAQ section.


I believe that providing young people opportunities to engage in learning that is relevant to living in the 21st century is an essential component of what is needed to meet the environmental and energy challenges we face today. It is equally important for land owners and farmers, consumers, government, and business leaders to pursue and support economic development that advances social and environmental values.
At Shelburne Farms, our work revolves around educating for a sustainable future and practicing community-minded stewardship of natural, agricultural, and cultural resources. By supporting educators we extend our impact throughout Vermont, nationally, and internationally as well.
Beginning at an early age, we encourage lifelong learning and offer personal experiences with nature and agriculture. We build connections to place and community and give young people the sense they can make a difference in the world. And beyond our home working landscape and campus, our vision is that every young person, wherever they live, will have access to education for sustainability opportunities in their own schools and communities.
What we are cultivating is a conservation ethic and culture of sustainability. At the heart of that is the intention to become more aware about and responsible for the impact of the choices we make on our own health, the health of our communities, and the health of the natural world.
Alec Webb at the Farm Barn on Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, VT. Photo by Dorothy Weicker.


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We love Grenache and all its personalities! This Grenache comes from the Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo, about 30 miles south of Paso Robles. Driven by its terroir, the cooler climate gives us darker fruit notes of black cherries, raspberries and currants. Flint, graphite and pepper lend structure and balance with a touch of floral notes of violets and cedar. Our Mr. Jones is a rock star Grenache that you will fall in love just like we have! Drink now or over the next 6-10 years.


text:
"Drivin' Me Wild" is the third single from Common's 2007 album Finding Forever. The song was produced by Kanye West and features British singer Lily Allen. It contains samples of "Love Has Fallen on Me" by Rotary Connection. It released as first single taken from the album in the United Kingdom.

Background
The conceptual, piano-driven track discusses obsession and the strive to be "in," referencing several pop culture fads. The chorus is delivered by Lily Allen. The collaboration came about when Kanye West introduced Common to Allen's work thru Dj Saint (aka Rick DiPaanfilo) an electronic genre Dj & producer with London's exclusive Moonshine & Thrive Records. DJ Saint spent this time during his hiatus from DJing with his fellow Wax Audio & Sound Huas artists that included, DJ Donald Glaude, Sandra Collins & Bad Boy Bill. The "NYNEX" European summer DJ tour introduced this electronic artist to both Common and Allen who shared a recording studio in Camden, London. Dj Saint then started collaborating with Allen & Whinehouse in the same Camden London underground studio, that they both recorded at as well. Whinehouse & Allen suggested that DJ Saint should also be included on the track, and  the club remix, of "Driving Me Wild". After listening to some of Dj Saints rhythmically based beat making style both Common and West began collaboration between the artists..Common then quoted.."I dug into her music for a while and was like, 'Man, she's perfect for this song.' It's something about her spunk that I dug. I like artists who don't care and can be themselves. It was a real good combination for all involved, and it fit just right."

Music video

The music video for "Drivin' Me Wild" was directed by Chris Robinson and filmed in Los Angeles, California. The narrative video contain scenes which illustrate lyrics of the song that Allen insisted be involved. This included a pair of combat boots, a gas mask and an exploding vehicle in the background (done via green screen)in respect to her warrior hero's and inspirations. It features Jeremy Piven and then Golden State Warriors forward Corey Maggette as the "family guy" in Common's first verse in the video. Lauren London is also featured as the glamour obsessed female in the first verse. In the "underground hang-out scenes" Former Golden State Warriors guard Baron Davis  is seen. On December 31, 2007, the video appeared at number 99 on BET's Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2007.

Track listing
 UK CD Single
 "Drivin' Me Wild" (Radio Edit) - 3:08
 "Testify" - 2:37

 European CD Single
 "Drivin' Me Wild" (Radio Edit) – 3:08
 "Drivin' Me Wild" (Album Version) – 3:43
 "Drivin' Me Wild" (Instrumental) – 3:42

 12" Vinyl Single
 "Drivin' Me Wild" (Album Version) – 3:43
 "Drivin' Me Wild" (Instrumental) – 3:42
 "The Game" (Album Version) – 3:35
 "The Game" (Instrumental) – 3:35

 Digital Download
 "Drivin' Me Wild" (Radio Edit) - 3:08
 "Drivin' Me Wild" (Instrumental) – 3:42
 "The Game" (Album Version) – 3:35
 "The Game" (Instrumental) – 3:35
 "Testify" - 2:37

Personnel
Information taken from Finding Forever liner notes.
Songwriters: Lonnie Lynn, Kanye West, Charles Stepney, Lloyd Webber, Richard Dipaanfilo
Producer: Kanye West
Recorder: Anthony Kilhoffer, Neil Baldock
Mix engineer: Jimmy Douglas
Keyboards: Richard Dipaanfilo / Moonshine Records (DJ - Producer) & Wax Audio / Sound Haus Group

Charts

External links

References

2007 singles
Common (rapper) songs
Lily Allen songs
Music videos directed by Chris Robinson (director)
Song recordings produced by Kanye West
Songs written by Kanye West
GOOD Music singles
Songs written by Common (rapper)
2007 songs


Peter Paul Rubens was one of the greatest artists of the 17th century. His canvases were said to define the scope and style of high baroque painting through their energy, earthy humanity, and inventiveness He was also a man of the world who succeeded not only as an artist, but as a respected diplomat in the service of Isabella and Albrecht of the Spanish Netherlands. While Rubens did incorporate copies of classical statues in his paintings, he always avoided the appearance and coldness of stone. His mastery of color along with his knowledge of antiquity is seen particularly in his mythologic paintings.
As court painter and confidant to the Archduchess Isabella Clara Eugenia, Rubens recognized the role art was to play in the Counter Reformation. His genius found expression in his designs for the Triumph of the Eucharist tapestries which he and his assistants completed between 1625 and 1628. Knighted by two monarchs and master of a successful workshop, Rubens became rich and famous in his own time. Having executed over 3,000 paintings, woodcuts and engravings of all types, he died the most respected artist of his time in 1640.
This painting, the largest and most dynamic of the cartoons, is a prefiguration of the Catholic Mass. We see the central figures of Abraham and Melchizedek balanced by Abraham's soldiers on the left, and the servants of Melchizedek on the right. The whole painting is framed between columns and appears to be on a tapestry held aloft by three putti or cherubs.
A garland of fruit decorates the top of the scene; the grapes are a reference to the wine/blood of Christ in the New Testament Eucharist. Large golden vases of wine are being brought in (below right), and one muscular bearer glares out at us; this eye-to-eye engagement is a common Baroque device to involve the viewer.
The priest, Melchizedek, stands a bit above Abraham, much as a Christian priest might do when serving Mass. Abraham reaches for the bread as would a member of a Christian congregation receiving the bread of the Eucharist. Young boys pass out bread to the soldiers, suggesting the function of acolytes distributing the wafer during the Mass. The surging figures approach each other at the center of the composition, dramatically symbolizing a mystical unity between the Old and New Testaments.
The cycle of eleven paintings of The Triumph of the Eucharist was commissioned by the Archduchess Isabella, daughter of Philip II of Spain and Governor of the Spanish Netherlands. The tapestries were planned in 1625 as a gift for the convent of the Descalzas Reales in Madrid; they still hang there today.
The series is a mixture of allegory and religious propaganda intended to promote the worship of the Eucharist (i.e., the bread and wine consecrated as the body and blood of Christ and distributed at communion), which had been recently strengthened by the Council of Trent and which constituted an important element in Counter Reformation Catholicism.
This was a time of great concern on the part of the Catholic church as it attempted to correct not only the abuses of the clergy, but also to reaffirm its tenets/dogma in the face of attacks by the Protestant Reformation.


For a first-time film-scorer, Radiohead's Thom Yorke has done a fantastic job reworking and reimagining the hyper-iconic musical ephemera that is Italian prog-rock group Goblin's work on Dario Argenta's 1977 masterpiece Suspiria.
Popular musicians and film scores just seem to go together and Suspiria (Music for the Luca Guadagnino Film) is no different.
Two-sided and 25 tracks, this thoughtful and eerie reworking of the original is (gleefully) Yorke at his most comfortable; a culmination of the electronic blips and atmospheric bloops of his previous two solo albums, mixed with that of the misunderstood Atoms for Peace.
Stand-outs include "Volk," "Unmade" and "Suspirium Finale," and for those three alone, Goblin should be proud.


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Able to accredit all your sites: The accreditation program is flexible enough to accredit single site or multi-site organizations. It's designed to give you overall rating as well as location-specific ratings that allow you to pinpoint areas of strength and opportunities for improvement at the location level regardless of the number of sites you have.
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Q: How To Associate Different Oauth2 Logins? I have a webapp with 2 login options: using your Github account or your GitLab account.
At the moment, these 2 logins are treated as different accounts: login with Github, see only your Github repos; login with GitLab, see only your GitLab stuff.
However, I notice apps such as Coveralls.io managed to link the logins: if you login with Github and GitLab, then you will see all your repos (Github and GitLab repos, no matter what future login options you choose).
So, how does Coveralls know that it's the same user?
Same in StackOverflow: if I originally authenticate with Github, I get an account and if later I authenticate with GMail, it's the same account. How is this achieved?
The only option I can think of is the e-mail address registered with the different Oauth providers: if it's the same, then wire different logins to the same account.

A: This is doable because the app in question links a generic user account with identities related to each OAuth provider.
You can see an example of this in https://jumpstartrails.com/, the SaaS application created by Chris Oliver, creator of https://gorails.com/. That app implements this very pattern.
Also, this GoRails video by Chris may explain the approach:
Login with Multiple OAuth Providers using Omniauth:
https://gorails.com/episodes/login-with-multiple-oauth-providers?autoplay=1

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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What Is Foie Gras?
Foie Gras is French for "fatty liver," and is the fattened liver of a duck or goose. It is fattened by force feeding the bird, which causes suffering for the animal as well as complicated breathing and walking. It is considered to be a delicacy in many countries.
Foie Gras dates back to ancient Egyptians, who would take it with them on their trips down the Nile River. Ancient drawings have depicted farmers force feeding their geese. It became a delicacy, eaten by mostly emperors and noble men. During the middle Ages, it disappeared, but made a comeback in the 19th century. It was predominantly made in France, but became unavailable during the 1980s when the Americans banned the import of raw poultry. Because of this, American farmers began making their own Foie Gras. It was even served as the last dinner on the Titanic.
Several times a day, the birds are force-fed corn mash through a metal tube so that they gain weight to make their liver ten times its natural size. This would be the same as a 150 pound human being force fed 30 one pound boxes of pasta. The force-feeding starts at the age of 12 weeks and lasts until two to three weeks until the animal is slaughtered. The tube causes injuries to the esophagus of the bird, and causes vomiting and extreme discomfort. In extreme cases it leads to a rupture of the esophagus and leads to the bird's death from choking on the blood that fills their lungs. Some birds end up literally bursting from the pressure inside of them.
Aside from force-feedings, the birds are often neglected and abused with overcrowding, mutilations, and eventually slaughter. They have no access to swimming water which is essential to these birds to remain healthy. Studies show that France produces and consumes around 75% of the world's foie gras. About 24 million ducks and half a million geese are killed every year for this appetizer. The European Union's Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare have said, "Force feeding, as currently practiced, is detrimental to the welfare of the birds." More than a dozen countries have prohibited foie gras production.
https://www.gourmetfoodstore.com/history-foie-gras-15165
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121207726422829649
http://animalrights.about.com/od/FactoryFarming/a/Foie-Gras.htm
http://www.stopforcefeeding.com/content/what-foie-gras
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/force_fed_animals/
http://gourmetcruelty.com/about.php
http://www.spca.bc.ca/welfare/campaign-issues/the-truth-about-foie-gras.html
COUNTER POINT
Herman Lee, owner of La Belle Farms, one of the most well-respected chicken operations in the Northeast, began raising Moulard ducks for foie gras in 2000, after spending several years studying the industry both at home and abroad.
La Belle Farms has a red-coated USDA inspector watching their every move every day as the crew gets to work. They are able to process around 500 ducks a day, stunning them in electrified water so they're unconscious when they're killed and air-chilled to dry. The air-chilling and drying prevents them from gaining any water weight.
Weighing in at around a pound, each liver is roughly the size of a small football. That's close to 10% of the duck's total body weight, and it takes up the vast majority of the lower half of its body. The livers are sorted into two different grades, depending on the amount of bruises and blemishes they have. Any mishandling of the ducks—rough treatment will cause bruising, reducing its price. This gives a strong incentive to be gentle with the birds. Far from the cramped, cruel conditions shown in the videos and photographs, here is an enormous shed, full of birds free to roam as they pleased. La Belle uses and sells every part of the duck except the heads and feet.
The birds seemed to show a mild aversion to us, flocking together and giving us a wide berth as we walked through the shed. La Belle shows a mortality rate of around 1% in their ducks, which may seem large, but it's less than 1/5th the mortality of regular chicken or duck farms, and about 10 times lower than the mortality and injury rate of backyard chickens.
In another long shed, where the gavage takes place, filled from end to end with 5-foot by 7-foot pens, each one holding about 10 healthy ducks. At La Belle, the ducks are fed three times a day for a total of up to 240 grams of their custom-designed feed. One at a time, a duck is held between a worker's legs with its neck arched upwards. The worker gently squeezes the base of the duck's neck, then eases a flexible plastic tube down the duck's throat. A machine whirls, a small bulge forms where the food is deposited, and the duck walks off, giving its head one shake, but otherwise seemingly unaffected. Also worth noting, these ducks do not have a gag reflex. They also breathe through their tongues, so when the tube is down their esophagus they are not being suffocated. When the feeder feels the duck's esophagus, if there's any food remaining, she'll skip that feeding. So while the ducks are technically force-fed, there is a level of built-in anatomical control so that the ducks can't take in any more food than they can physically handle.
http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/12/the-physiology-of-foie-why-foie-gras-is-not-u.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc73t0_0E_w
RHINOS ARE RACING AGAINST EXTINCTION
A Discussion About Dehorning
Black Rhinos - Stromayer, Karl 2003 of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
All five rhino species are threatened with extinction: Africa's black rhinos are critically endangered, with a population under 5,000. The 3,000 one-horned rhinos of India and Nepal are endangered, while Southeast Asia's Sumatran and Javan rhinos number only in the hundreds and tens, respectively and are also critically endangered. At around 20,000, the southern white rhino is most numerous, with the vast majority living in South Africa. They are considerably easy to hunt because of their very poor eyesight and cannot see stationery objects even just a few meters away from them. Their hearing, however, is very acute and they also rely mainly on their well-developed senses of smell to warn them of approaching danger.
Over the past few years there has been a shocking increase in rhino poaching. In 2011, in South Africa alone, 448 rhino were poached for their horns and as of mid-2012 over 300 have been poached. At a first glance, it would appear that by simply removing the horn the problem is solved; rhinos should be worthless to poachers. However, the issue is a lot more complicated than it first appears.
Namibia was the first country to use dehorning to protect rhinos from poaching. Between 1989 and the early 1990s, dehorning coupled with rapid improvements in security and funding for anti-poaching was perceived by stakeholders to have contributed significantly to reducing poaching losses. In Namibia, not a single dehorned rhino was poached.
However, there are numerous cases where dehorning has proved insufficient to prevent rhinos from falling victim to poachers. For example, in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe during the early 1990s, the majority of dehorned rhinos were killed just 12-18 months after being dehorned. In Zimbabwe's Save Valley Conservancy, six newly dehorned rhinos were poached during January-August. For dehorning to be effective, it must be coupled with extensive anti-poaching security and monitoring efforts. With an absence of security, rhinos may continue to be poached regardless of whether they have been dehorned.
So why do poachers continue to target hornless rhinos? This is often attributed to the stub of horn that is left after removal. If the horn is cut too close to the germinal layer, this could damage the horn base and lead to deformed horn re-growth. Current dehorning is estimated to remove 90% and 93% of horn mass in male and female white rhinos respectively. So during any dehorning exercise a stub of horn will remain: although poaching is made less profitable, the sad reality is that poachers will still kill for a horn stub due to its high value. There have been reports that rhino horn has been fetching prices as high as $50,000 per kg.
Poachers may also kill dehorned rhinos out of vengeance. In Hwange NP, it was thought that poachers killed dehorned rhinos to avoid tracking them again. Furthermore, if there is thick bush or hilly terrain poachers may not see if the rhino has an intact horn prior to shooting.
Horns grow back over time, with recent studies claiming that the re-growth of dehorned rhino horn appears faster than growth in non-dehorned rhinos. With the current severe poaching threat, experts recommend that rhinos should ideally be dehorned every 12-24 months in order to be an effective deterrent.
Dehorning is an intrusive procedure and, like any immobilization, there is a risk to the rhino during the operation. While all efforts are taken to reduce the risk, there are sometimes veterinary complications while the animal is under anesthetic that may result in death. The more frequently the rhinos are immobilized, the greater the risk.
In addition, dehorning is incredibly costly, due the effort of finding the animals and the costs associated with the immobilization process, especially if needed on a recurrent basis. The actual cost depends on several factors, but current published estimates for dehorning range from $620 per animal to $1,000. It is estimated that it would cost around US$5.8-8.8 million for a one-off dehorning of all the rhinos in Kruger National Park.
Indian rhino image courtesy of Wikipedia user Krish Dulal
An important consideration in the dehorning debate is whether rhinos actually need their horns. The evolutionary significance of horns in rhinos is not entirely clear, and may include mate choice or anti-predator defense. It is known that rhinos use their horns for several behavioral functions, including defending territories, defending calves from other rhinos and predators, maternal care, and foraging behavior, such as digging for water and breaking branches. Male rhinos use their horns during disputes over territory or dominance, so removal of the horn may undermine the ability of a particular bull to retain territory or status. On a positive note, dehorning has shown to reduce fighting-related mortalities among black rhinos in Zimbabwe.
Dehorning has its place in rhino conservation and, although not a stand-alone solution, recent successes demonstrate that, used alongside other methods, dehorning can be used to protect rhinos. Due to the invasive nature of dehorning, it should only be considered as a last resort under conditions of severe poaching threat. For example, although dehorning is not routinely practiced in Kenya, its small population of Northern White Rhino is routinely dehorned due to the exceptional conservation value of being the last remaining individuals of the subspecies.
If the poaching continues as it does now, these African animals will be poached into extinction as soon as the year 2025.
http://www.africa-wildlife-detective.com/rhino-poaching.html
http://www.savetherhino.org/rhino_info/issues_for_debate/de-horning
http://www.hsi.org/issues/rhinoceros_poaching/
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/rhinoceros/african_rhinos/white_rhinoceros/
Watch Video – Thandi's Calf: Story of The Rhino that should never have been Born -
The birth of Thandi's , baby provides this glimmer of hope amidst the exponential growth in rhino killings. Close to 1200 rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa in 2014 – the highest yearly total to date. (The name Thandi means 'courage or one who is to be loved' in the isiXhosi language.) - See more
What Kind of Human Kills Man's Best Friend Like This?
Galgos (greyhounds) were brought to Spain by nobleman, so they were held in very high regard. Only the people of high rank could obtain one. After a few decades, they lost their prestigious position and became known as "trash dogs".
David Rosenberg is the editor of Slate's Behold blog. He wrote an article on Mathias de Lattre, a photographer who did portraits of abused greyhounds in their happy, new homes.
Roughly 10,000 greyhounds every year in Spain are hanged from trees after hunting season. Another 50,000 are abandoned or living in deplorable situations. Farmers and hunters in the Spanish countryside, where roughly 30 million people live, own these greyhounds and use them for hunting hares and sporting. These poor animals live in deplorable, crude and cruel conditions. Many are crammed in sheds without daylight for days- even up to a week- with very little food and water. Some are kept in the back of vans and have died from heat exhaustion. After a day of hunting, dogs that hunted well might be "rewarded" with stale bread and fresh water. Poor-performing dogs are often left behind in the woods to die or are hung from a tree by its owner.
Stemming from a decades-long tradition, hunters hang their hounds from trees. Dogs who hunted well get the 'privilege' of being hung from a high branch. Those who hunted poorly are 'hung low' so their feet touch the ground, ensuring a slow, tortuous death. They have a name for this form: the "PIANO PLAYER" because the dogs frantically scrabble their legs in a vain attempt to live.
David Rosenberg is the editor of Slate's Behold blog. He wrote an article on Mathias de Lattre, a photographer who did portraits of abused greyhounds in their happy, new homes. We could show you the abused dogs. Or the dead dogs hung from trees. Instead, see what a dog rescued looks like. Please do your part. Speak for these dogs.
Ex-hunting dogs are often thrown down wells or abandoned in the woods or streets to die. Some are even burned alive. The methods Spaniards use to kill their dogs are rarely humane. Spain's national animal protection laws apply to dogs that are pets. But hunting and sporting dogs are NOT considered pets! People are trying to reach out to Spain's Environmental Minister, Rosa Aguilar Rivero, and asking her to establish hunting dogs as pets as well as banning the inhumane treatment of these animals.
Please share this article and tweet and talk about this. Education is key to making changes. Sign petitions. Raise your voice. Do something. Be part of the solution and help end the deplorable treatment of greyhounds in Spain.
click on image to go to petition
Video about Greyhound abuse in Spain with Spanish subtitles to be shown at the Spanish Congress of Deputies on March 12th, 2014.
http://www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk/natureofproblem/natureofproblemFrame.htm?http&&&www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk/natureofproblem/AmigosdelosGalgos.htm
http://www.euroresidentes.com/Blogs/2004/11/torturous-lives-for-greyhounds-in.htm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2290221/The-heartbreaking-plight-Prince-greyhound-left-tortured-starving-owner-decided-longer-hunt.html
http://forcechange.com/24603/ban-torturous-hanging-of-greyhounds-in-spain/
THE AMAZING AYE-AYE
Aye-ayes can be found only on the island of Madagascar. These rare animals are related to chimpanzees, apes, and humans. It is the largest species of nocturnal primates. They are dark brown or black and are distinguished by a bushy tail that is larger than their body, only weighing between five and six pounds. They also feature big eyes, slender fingers, and large, sensitive ears. Aye-ayes have pointed claws on all their fingers and toes except for their opposable big toes, which enable them to dangle from branches.
Aye-ayes spend their lives in rain forest trees and avoid coming down to the ground. They are nocturnal, and spend the day curled up in a ball-like nest of leaves and branches. The nests appear as closed spheres with single entry holes, situated in the forks of large trees. When moving, Aye-ayes either build new nests or take over old ones. While perched aloft, the aye-aye taps on trees with its long middle finger and listens for wood-boring insect larvae moving under the bark. It employs the same middle finger to fish them out. The digit is also useful for scooping the flesh out of coconuts and other fruits that supplement the animal's insect diet. Their eating habits tend to change with the season to accommodate what kind of food is available. These adaptations to make their feeding habits easier are what makes them very unusual looking.
Aye-ayes have no fixed breeding season. The females have distinct mating calls that they show off when they're ready to mate, which leads many males to surround her and fight for their right to mate. A single offspring is born after a gestation period of only six months. After a female has her offspring, she will wait around three years to mate again.
Duke Lemur Center/David Haring
Many people native to Madagascar consider the aye-aye an omen of bad luck. They believe that if their long, skeletal middle finger is pointed at you, you are cursed to death unless you kill the aye-aye as quickly as possible. Another myth is that these creatures sneak into villages at night and use their middle finger to stab locals in the aorta. For this reason they often have been killed on sight. Such hunting, coupled with habitat destruction, has made the aye-aye critically endangered. Today they are protected by law, but their numbers are still decreasing. The total population of the aye-aye is currently unknown, but is estimated to be between 1,000 and 10,000 individuals.
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/aye-aye/
http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/aye-aye
http://www.arkive.org/aye-aye/daubentonia-madagascariensis/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Aye-aye
http://a-z-animals.com/animals/aye-aye-/
http://biochemicalsoul.com/2009/02/adaptation-of-the-week-the-aye-ayes-freaky-finger-ive-been-cursed-by-an-aye-aye/
http://ayeayesproject.weebly.com/legends.html
http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/teacher_resources/best_place_species/harry_potter_top_10/aye_aye.cfm
Special thanks to photographer, David Haring, for his wonderful photos of these amazing creatures! http://lemur.duke.edu/
DEATH BY SUPERSTITION : HOW WOLVES ALMOST WENT EXTINCT
"If you talk to the animals, they will talk with you and you will
know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them,
and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys."
~ Chief Dan George
By Sara Chamberlin
In the years 1850-1900, more than one million wolves were killed because of superstitious beliefs in Europe and surrounding countries. That's equivalent to almost 550 wolves killed daily. These superstitions included the devil, healing powers, good fortune, and good luck.
One of the most famous superstitions about wolves is the idea of a werewolf. A werewolf can be described as a human being who has changed into a wolf, or is capable of assuming the form of a wolf, while retaining human intelligence. They are imagined to have incredible strength, as well as nocturnal vision and an increased sense of smell. They are immortal and can regenerate flesh. This may be where the superstition of wrapping yourself in wolf hide will stop you from having seizures came from, as well as rubbing a wolf's tooth on a baby's gum to alleviate tooth pain.
Wolf Puppy
"The gray wolf was the first animal to be domesticated out of the wild, long before the cow, horse, or goat. Its direct descendant is classified as Canis lupus familiaris, better known as the common dog, which, despite its wide subset of breeds, is almost genetically identical to the wolf." ~ by Christopher Ketcham
Another common superstition about wolves is that they were either created by the devil or they're the devil in disguise, yet ironically people used almost any part of a wolf to ward off bad spirits. It is said that having a wolf head under your pillow will keep bad dreams away and eating wolf's meat would ward off seeing ghosts. Norse mythology also claims that the sight of a wolf and raven together foreshadows good fortune in battle.
Wolves were also used as healing medicines. In Europe during the Middle Ages, wolf liver was used to reduce the pain of childbirth and a wolf's right paw would be tied around a sore throat to stop the swelling. Another common remedy was the meat of the wolf to cure sore shins.
These superstitions may seem silly to our generation, but it was so commonly believed that almost all of the entire wolf population was wiped out because of these beliefs. Gray wolves are still endangered to this day, and a large percentage of that killing had to do with people's superstitious beliefs.
Luckily, some people revered wolves, which may have contributed to saving them from extinction. These life saving beliefs viewed wolves as wise and powerful, and worth protecting. People saw them as an instinctive hunter, and a teacher.
"The wolf is neither man's competitor nor his enemy.
He is a fellow creature with whom the earth must be shared."
~ L. David Mech
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/werewolf
http://www.werewolves.com/superstitions-of-the-wolf/
http://www.wolfcountry.net/information/WolfEndangered.html
http://www.arizonadailyindependent.com/2013/11/29/wolf-attacks-on-humans-in-north-america/
http://petsweekly.com/en/on-the-wild-side/80-wild-stories/882-wolf-superstitions
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1286904-Wolf-Superstitions-and-Legends
Sara Chamberlin 18 and in her first year of college. Her dream is to become a psychologist or a writer. She enjoys reading and being with her pets at home, which includes two dogs, two rats, and a beta fish. Sara is very passionate about animal rights and humane treatment towards every animal species. Her hobbies include visiting her local horse stable, volunteering for an animal rescue center, as well as American Cancer Society, and spending time with her family.
Subscribe to SARA'S BLOG by Email
Dehorning Rhinos
Greyhounds Killed After Hunting Season
MADAGASCAR'S NOCTURNAL PRIMATE
Spain's Cruel Treatment Of Greyhounds
Thandi Video - The Rhino That Should Never Have Been Born
Wolf Superstitions


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Lollipop is positioned as the most widely used version of Android
Hexamob | Alberto Mulas 09/14/2016
Google has released statistics on the distribution of its Android platform updated to the month of September 2016 (September 5); eleventh month in which it appears the 6.x Marshmallow version, and the first month in which is available the most latest version of Android, 7.0 Nougat, although not as part of the charts because it has a share of less than 0.1 percent. The report keeps us updated on the progress of the new versions of the operating system (and setbacks of the old iterations) in terms of market share.
Let's start with Marshmallow: there is a growth, progressive but still too slow to be able to think about the problem is solved. The 6.0 release reaches 18.7% of the overall share, an increase of 3.5% compared to the figure recorded at the beginning of August. Working backward, Lollipop stands at 35% (divided between the 13.1% of the 5.0 release of 5.1 and 21.9%), losing 0.5% compared to a few weeks ago. Behind is KitKat, which continues its descent until arriving at 27.7% (-1.5%), while Jelly Bean falls to 15.6% (-1.1%) dividing its share of the cake between the 4.1.x editions (5.6%), 4.2.x (7.7%) and 4.3 (2.3%).
This report finishes with Android Ice Cream Sandwich at 1.4% (-0.2%), Gingerbread 1.5% (-0.2%) and Froyo which nevertheless remains stoically and firmly anchored to its 0.1% (unchanged). Please remember that the statistics were obtained by analyzing the totality of the devices that have access to the Play Store platform, through the official application of Google, downloading games, applications and multimedia content, for a period of seven days ended Monday, September 5.
Android Nougat should increase further over the next few months, as they are expected on the market new smartphones and tablets powered by Android 7.0 out-of-the-box and also releases from the manufacturers of the first updates planned for their phones already sold. Continue, then, the growth of Marshmallow as new devices and updates are provided for those already existing on the market, while inevitably Android Lollipop will fall.
To find an effective solution to the problem of fragmentation, the initiatives so far fielded by Google have proved to be insufficient. It serves primarily for greater collaboration with OEM partners, aimed at making available official updates to new versions of the platform more quickly than is the case seen today.


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To learn more about Chris from information at Arlington Cemetery.
War veterans of the FDNY have started a VFW Post with SSG Chris Engeldrum as our memorial namesake. Below is the story of his life of heroism...
Christian Philip Engeldrum, 39, a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard and a New York City Firefighter who rescued survivors from the rubble of the World Trade Center after the September 11 terrorist attacks made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq on November 29, 2004. Engledrum was assigned to the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the forty fourth member in the history of the FDNY to be killed while on active military duty in service of his country. Chris was laid to rest with full military honors on December 10, 2004 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Virginia. Engeldrum, married father of three, died when his Humvee came under attack and was struck by an improvised explosive device outside Baghdad Iraq, Engeldrum's National Guard convoy was protecting a bridge from insurgents believed to have fled from the US offensive in Fallujah. Engeldrum served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1986-1991. He was deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1990 as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division in the first Gulf War. He began his career with the City of New York as a New York City Police Officer (NYPD) assigned to the 47th Precinct. He became a member of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) in 1999, and was assigned to Ladder Company 61 in the Bronx. Calling Engeldrum a "New York hero," Michael Bloomberg, the city's mayor, said: "There is nothing you can say, other than here is somebody who risked his life every day to protect us on the streets of New York, and felt he had an obligation to go overseas and to fight to protect the rest of us. All of us have lost something."
FDNY VFW Post 12033
Veteran Support Information
Why We Stand
ANTI VETERAN DISCRIMINATION
Copyright @ FDNY VFW Post 12033. All rights reserved.


Arlin Venturina, M.D. is board certified in Family Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Dr. Venturina has been appointed Program Director of the UCSF Fresno Family & Community Medicine Residency Program.
She is a UC San Diego graduate where she received a BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Her Doctor of Medicine degree is from Ross University School of Medicine. She is a graduate of UCSF Fresno Family Medicine Residency (CMC pathway).
Dr. Venturina is Board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She is very involved in the outpatient Palliative Care Clinic at CRMC.