text:
We spent three weeks scouring theTasman Sea in search of pelagic drift-netting vessels.
Earthrust Anti driftnet campaign December 1989
Responding to requests from South Pacific islanders, the Earthtrust campaign vessel EVOHE departs Wellington, New Zealand to document fish and wildlife entrapment by Japanese and Taiwanese driftnets in the Tasman Sea. Japanese consulates inquire repeatedly as to the EVOHE's location, seeking to avoid a highly publicized encounter. For the first time, driftnetters delay their operations in the central waters of the Tasman Sea.
Earthtrust and Driftnets:
A Capsule History from 1976-1995
September 1988: Earthtrust diver Jim Logan pulls a baby dolphin
from a "squid" driftnet in the North Pacific
International awareness of the devastating nature of driftnet fishing has grown explosively since Earthtrust's expedition in 1988. This continues to the present, and will be an inportant issue through the first decades of this century. However, the victory to date is inspiring both for this issue, and for other issues which seem impossibly large. This chronology covers the important period from '76 to '95. (This is highly summarized; historians or the Nobel Prize Committee may email for more detailed information).
Japan develops nylon monofilament nets for deep-sea driftnetting, creating the most destructive fishery yet devised. In 1979, when squid driftnetting is banned within 1000 km of the Japanese coast, Japan develops a distant-water driftnet fishery.
Reports of very high dolphin and seabird kills associated with the Bering Sea driftnet fishery reach Don White, then directing the inter national dolphin campaigns of Greenpeace. He sends the Rainbow Warrior to the Bering Sea to document the fishery and the bycatch. The images obtained capture world attention and the world's first internationally televised documentary on driftnets, co-written by White, leading to the expulsion of Japan's fleets from the Bering Sea and Taiwan's fleet from the coastal waters of Australia.
Reports indicate that more than 500 driftnet boats are targeting squid in central Pacific waters. As these waters are beyond the jurisdiction of any nation, little can be done to prevent the fleet's growth, or monitor its activities.
The squid fleet expands to an estimated 1200 boats, each deploying some 30 miles of net nightly during a 7-month fishing season. Little is known about fishery and wildlife impacts. Primarily concerned with impacts to U.S. salmon, the U.S. Congress adopts the Driftnet Impact Monitoring, Assessment and Control Act of 1987, which calls for an observer program.
Despite the Act, negotiations for significant international observer programs aboard squid driftnet vessels are stalled. At the same time, indications are growing that Japanese and Taiwanese driftnet fisheries for albacore in the Southern hemisphere are rapidly depleting fish stocks, and are resulting in massive incidental wildlife kills. As more nations develop driftnet fleets, the issue becomes deadlocked ...
Earthtrust launches the 38-foot campaign boat SEA DRAGON to document the operations of a squid fleet. The six-member Earthtrust crew, braving North Pacific storms, locates the fleet and obtains the first-ever photographic documentation of a commercial driftnet vessel operating on the high seas, along with dramatic underwater footage of driftnet casualties. As these images appear throughout the world in print and on television, attention is galvanized. Suddenly, deep-sea driftnetting is being discussed at international levels as governments begin to ask what is happening to their marine resources.
At the South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency in Fiji, seven nations meet to discuss the emerging threat that driftnetting may pose to the albacore stocks, wildlife, and fishermen whose boats get entrapped by the nets.
The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service issues its first press release stating concerns about driftnetting.
Earthtrust creates a network of supporters within the United States and Canada, uniting fishing and conservation interests in an action coalition to press for a ban on driftnetting.
Earthtrust president Don White and Earthtrust expedition videographer Sam LaBudde produce a 23-minute video, Stripmining the Seas. It is the first video ever produced to focus on driftnetting, and calls for a ban on the use of this technology.
In Honolulu, Earthtrust presents "Stripmining the Seas" to representatives of the Japan Fisheries Agency attending an entanglement conference, requesting comments and updates. None are received.
Sam LaBudde screens "Stripmining the Seas" for New Zealand scientists and governmental officials to visually describe the nature of the threat to South Pacific resources. When shown at the annual conference of the Federation of Commercial Fishermen, participants are outraged at the wanton waste of the ocean's resources and the toll taken on wildlife.
New Zealand launches an investigation into the extent of driftnetting in the South Pacific, and contemplates legislative action. Earthtrust and the New Zealand Department of Conservation form a strong and ongoing alliance. Fleet expansion becomes a concern as evidence is gathered indicating that the fleet is expanding from 17 vessels in the 1987-88 season to 180 vessels for the 1988-89 season. U.S. Congresswoman Jolene Unsoeld contacts Earthtrust for information to draft U.S. legislation restricting driftnets. She presents Earthtrust footage in announcing legislation urging President Bush to impose economic sanctions against driftnetting nations.
A version of "Stripmining the Seas" is shown to a Congressional oversight committee on driftnetting by a coalition of U.S. fishing organizations.
Woolworths, a major New Zealand grocery chain, runs newspaper ads using Earthtrust's photo of a baby dolphin drowned in a driftnet, announcing it will refuse to buy seafood caught in driftnets.
Earthtrust works closely with Hawaii Governor John Waihee and William Paty of the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hawaii subsequently passes a law prohibiting the possession of driftnets in Hawaiian waters, to stop Asian driftnet boats from using Hawaii's ports. A copy of the law is sent to New Zealand as a model.
As required under the Driftnet Act of 1987, Japan and the U.S. agree to an observer program. Fourteen U.S. and Canadian observers will be put on Japanese squid driftnet boats. This number is criticized as statistically insignificant.
South Pacific nations adopt the "Tarawa Declaration," calling for a ban on driftnetting in the South Pacific, and demanding that Japan and Taiwan immediately halt all driftnet operations.
The U.S. State Department criticizes as "wasteful and indiscriminate" North Pacific driftnet fishing operations of Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.
Inspired by news media and fisheries attention to the issue, the first North Pacific Driftnet Conference is held in British Columbia. Scientific papers are presented, and immediate action to restrict driftnetting is urged.
A Taiwanese businessman is arrested in Seattle for illegally selling driftnetted Pacific salmon valued at over 1 million dollars. The sale is a violation of the Lacey Act, which prohibits commerce in illegally caught fish and wildlife.
The Canadian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Tom Siddon, states that Canada opposes the use of driftnets in the North Pacific.
The Japanese Ambassador warns New Zealand not to take unilateral action against driftnet fishing in international waters. The United Daily News in Taiwan reports Americans are receiving death threats due to American action restricting the activities of Taiwanese fishermen in the North Pacific.
Guam passes a resolution asking President Bush to move toward banning driftnet fishing and importation of fish caught using driftnets.
The U.S. Coast Guard boards a Taiwanese driftnet vessel and seizes 1.3-million dollars in illegally caught U.S. salmon.
Faced with sanctions, Taiwan finally agrees to begin an observer program for 1989, and to place transponders on driftnet and transport vessels in the North Pacific by 1990.
U.S. officials state if South Korea doesn't sign an agreement under the Driftnet Act, economic retaliation will follow.
Earthtrust raises concern that Hawaii is not enforcing the state's driftnet ban. William Paty of D.L.N.R. then makes a speech before the Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council entitled, "Dismantling the Wall of Death." Paty states, "whether (other fisheries can continue to exist) will depend on...how far-reaching our efforts (are in) banning the stripmining of our seas by drift gillnetters." He credits the Earthtrust expedition with focusing the issue.
The Canadian Prime Minister's office contacts Earthtrust for assistance in drafting Canada's policy on driftnets. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney meets with Japan's Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu to discuss the serious problem driftnetting poses for Canada's fisheries and marine wildlife. Kaifu pledges Japan will cooperate on this issue.
Congressman Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa meets with Earthtrust to discuss U.S. and South Pacific driftnet legislation. A strong advocate for banning driftnetting in the South Pacific, he remains a close contact with Earthtrust.
The U.S. Senate sends a letter to Thomas Pickering, Ambassador to the United Nations, requesting that he introduce a strong resolution calling for an end to driftnetting.
At its meeting in Guam, the South Pacific Conference calls for a ban on driftnetting in the South Pacific. The U.S. says it will support that call. Japan says it will reduce its fleet and send an enforcement vessel to the region.
Japan urges the U.S. and New Zealand not to introduce a resolution at the United Nations banning driftnet fishing.
To forestall the growing movement for a global ban on driftnets, Japan introduces a United Nations resolution calling for continued study of driftnetting.
The next day, the U.S. introduces a resolution calling for an immediate ban on driftnetting in the South Pacific, and a moratorium on driftnetting worldwide by June 30, 1992. The UN operates on consensus so a compromise must be reached.
The governors of Hawaii, California, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Washington and the premier of British Columbia jointly create the "North Pacific Driftnet Declaration." It seeks an initial reduction and ultimate ban on driftnet fishing on the high seas. Most of the signatories had worked directly with Earthtrust on this issue.
House Resolution 3496 is introduced by Representative DeFazio. It would prohibit importation into the U.S. of fish or marine animal products from Japan, Taiwan, or the Republic of Korea until those countries cease driftnetting.
House Concurrent Resolution 214, entitled "In Support of Banning Driftnetting in the South Pacific," asks the Secretary of State to participate in developing an international convention to ban driftnetting in the South Pacific. Authored by Congressman Faleomavaega, it passes unanimously with the support of the Hawaii delegation. The Congressman's staff consults with Earthtrust in producing the final version of this legislation.
The Japan Fisheries Association sends a transcript of "The Truth About Driftnetting," to all members of the U.S. Congress to counteract the strong anti-driftnetting movement. This video tape, made by their New York public relations firm, makes unauthorized use of Earthtrust's briefing video. It alleges that the issue of driftnetting is a "non-issue" created by Earthtrust and the U.S. fishing industry. It is shown at the United Nations in the hopes of influencing the vote on a ban. Soon after, Earthtrust produces a carefully referenced document that refutes, point by point, each of the allegations made in the J.F.A. video. This document is well-received by U.N. missions and government officials who receive it. For example, the government of Nauru sends a telex to Earthtrust noting the "well-analyzed and verified replies" to the Japanese allegations.
Adopted by 22 South Pacific countries, the "Convention for the Prohibition of Fishing With Long Driftnets in the South Pacific" is the strongest legislation yet on driftnetting. The signatory nations
agree: to prohibit the possession of driftnets in their own Exclusive Economic Zones, to prohibit their nationals and any vessels registered in their nations from engaging in driftnet activities, and to prohibit the trans-shipment of driftnet products through their waters. Nations are encouraged to restrict port access and port servicing, prohibit processing in facilities, and to impose even stricter measures than those required by the Convention.
After intensive negotiations, the United Nations adopts a compromise U.S./Ja pan resolution (UNGA 44/225) which calls for: a reduction in all driftnet fleets, a moratorium on driftnetting in the South Pacific by July 1, 1991, and a moratorium in all others areas of the world by June 30, 1992 "unless effective conser vation and management measures have been taken." This "loophole" is criticized and, since U.N. resolutions are non-binding, this action is far from a ban. However, it marks major progress from the obscurity which surrounded the issue before the sailing of the SEA DRAGON in 1988.
A Taiwanese driftnet boat captain reveals he will go to the Falkland Islands next season, rather than return to the South Pacifica region under intense scrutiny by Earthtrust. Earthtrust, in turn, announces plans to monitor the waters around the Falklands. Meanwhile, Japanese television uses Earthtrust footage in news broadcasts.
Earthtrust submits extensive data and comment to the U.S. Congress on the need for driftnet legislation and the inclusion of tuna under the Magnuson act.
The U.S. and Taiwan discuss effects of Taiwanese driftnetting in the North Pacific on U.S. resources. The U.S. raises conservation, navigation, and safety problems, and proposes monitoring and enforcement programs. Taiwan refuses to sign an agreement at this time.
Taiwan announces it will halt driftnetting in the South Pacific by July 1991, in accordance with the U.N. resolution. It says the government will buy back driftnet boats and grant no new construction licenses. Earthtrust meets with the Taiwan Council of Agriculture and discovers that no funds have been allocated for the buy-back plan.
The Marine Mammal Commission meets in Honolulu. At the request of Executive Director John Twiss, Earthtrust shows "Stripmining the Seas" to initiate discussion of the driftnet issue.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) shows that driftnetting is even more devastating than Earthtrust feared. The UNFAO now estimates that between 315,000-1,000,000 dolphins were killed in 1989 by known driftnet fisheries.
Japan and the U.S. sign an agreement to monitor North Pacific driftnet fleets, primarily to protect U.S. salmon. It calls for tripling the number of observers to provide 10 percent coverage for both squid and large-mesh fleets, and installing transponders on all boats.
StarKist, Chicken of the Sea, and Bumble Bee Tuna, which account for 84 per cent of the U.S. tuna market, announce that they will not purchase tuna caught on dolphins during purse-seining, or import tuna caught with driftnets. Bumble Bee, a Thai-owned company, refuses to commit not to purchase driftnet-caught tuna packed in Thailand canneries and exported to other countries..
The Council of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization endorses the U.N. driftnet resolution.
The National Marine Fisheries Service releases the 1989 Report of the Observer Program.
Estimates are worse than feared:
1989 ESTIMATED MORTALITY *
JAPANESE SQUID FLEET
AT 4% OBSERVER EXTRAPOLATED COVERAGE 100% COVERAGE Albacore 59,060 1,476,500 Blue Sharks 58,100 1,452,500
Dolphins                    914                   22,850
Sea Birds                 9,173                  229,325
(*1989 U.S. Observer Program data)
Earthtrust submits extensive comments to the United Nations Law of the Sea office which is drafting the Secretary General's Report to the United Nations. The final Report credits Earthtrust for bringing this issue to the forefront.
The International Whaling Commission adopts a resolution in support of U.N. resolution 44/225. The action validates years of work by Earthtrust to have the IWC address driftnetting as a form of "whaling." An Italian court suspends all driftnetting for swordfish and albacore tuna by Italian nationals.
Sid Johnson, who had seen Earthtrust's video production "Stripmining the Seas," identifies and photographs Taiwanese driftnet boats at Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago. This is first documentation of driftnetting's spread to the Western Atlantic. U.S. fishermen fear that billfish may be intercepted by driftnetting fleets before reaching U.S. waters.
The New York Times publishes Sid Johnson's driftnetting photos from Trinidad. The National Fisheries Company claims the Trinidad boats are long-liners; however, a U.S. National Marine Fisheries biologist verifies the nets are driftnets. Earthtrust offers $1000 reward for documentation of driftnets deployed in the Western Pacific. Sid Johnson becomes the Earthtrust field representative for Trinidad and Tobago, and "Stripmining the Seas" is aired on Trinidad TV.
Earthtrust sends a team to the United Nations to present documentation of driftnetting in the Western Atlantic Ocean, and to push for full implementation of U.N. resolution 44/225. Soon after, Trinidad and Tobago announces a ban on driftnet boats in their waters.
Earthtrust and the Audubon Society present documentation to the U.N. of driftnet boats in the Azores--a violation of U.N. resolution 44/225.
Earthtrust reports to the U.N. that a Taiwanese company sold two boats to mainland China and then applied for new boat construction permits. This action indicates that at least this Taiwan company has no intention of complying with the upcoming UN moratorium.
In Thailand, Bumble Bee refuses to allow investigators Jim Logan of Earthtrust and Brenda Killian of Earth Island Institute to investigate its cannery, which is suspected of continuing to buy driftnet fish. However, canneries who sell to StarKist allow the team to inspect their facilities to verify "dolphin safe" claims.
Earthtrust conducts a session on pelagic driftnetting at the International Whaling Commission's "Symposium on Mortality of Cetaceans in Passive Fishing Nets and Traps".
The U.S. Senate adopts amendments to the Magnuson Act which mandate a ban on importing any fish or fish products harvested by driftnets in the South Pacific (effective July 1, 1991), or anywhere by July 1, 1992. It also makes it illegal for any U.S. citizen to use driftnets.
Earthtrust president Don White receives national TV and print coverage in New Zealand on the driftnet issue. During this time, eleven Taiwanese boats are plying the Tasman Sea.
Jim Logan and Brenda Killian investigate canneries in Indonesia. Cannery executives report Taiwanese boats approach them to buy driftnetted fish but they refuse. Driftnet boats are not legal in its territorial waters, but Indonesia has 13,000 islands and no Coast Guard.
Driftnet nations, led by Japan, research ways to modify nets in an effort to show the world that the nets can be made "safe" for dolphins. They underestimate the concern that fisheries are being depleted and that other species are significantly affected. Earthtrust investigators meet with driftnet fleet owners who state they are using these modified nets with varying success. The investigation also reveals evidence that even if the government of Taiwan adopts policies banning its citizens from driftnetting, authorities will not be able to prevent the fleets from driftnet fishing. Earthtrust submits a report on its findings in Taiwan to the UN.
The U.N. adopts a second drift net resolution, reaffirming the need to end this fishery.
Earthtrust's Taiwan investigative team researches Taiwanese driftnetting. Interviews with government officials, fishermen, and fishing analysts uncover that the driftnet industry plans to defy any government directives to stop driftnetting; that human rights violations are rampant in the industry; that waste of target species is even higher than observer programs show because many boats lack proper refrigeration and a high percentage of the catch is spoiled on the return trip. Earthtrust interviews a governmental official who states on camera that "there are too many dolphins in the ocean." Multi -purpose boats are being constructed, making it possible for vessels to hide the fact they are equipped with driftnets.
The Japan Fisheries Association produces its second pro-driftnet video for use at the U.N. Earthtrust begins research and production of a second video to counter misinformation in the J.F.A. piece.
Sir Geoffrey Palmer, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and the catalyst in the South Pacific for banning driftnetting, joins the Earthtrust International Advisory Board.
Japan drops charges against 35 fishermen accused of posing as North Kore ans and illegally poaching salmon, claiming that since "the boat owners did not make a profit, a crime was not committed. "
Earthtrust sources indicate that China has begun a driftnet fleet with boats purchased from Taiwan. This action violates the spirit of U.N. Resolution 44 /225 which calls for no further expansion of fleets.
Earthtrust sponsors Stephen Leatherwood's participation in the Scientific Committee of the IWC and sponsors Magnus Skarpheddison as Earthtrust's representative at the Plenary Session of the IWC. Both are strong advocates for a driftnet ban. However, the United Kingdom, which established a small driftnet fleet earlier in the year, blocked a resolution which would have defined driftnets as nets over 1.5 miles long.
June-October 1991
The U.S. releases figures of the 1990 U.S.-Japan North Pacific squid driftnet observer program. The U.S. estimates that to take 106-million red flying squid, over 40-million other creatures from more than 100 species were killed.
Counsel for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) asks Earthtrust for a legal analysis of the General Agreements on Trade and Tariff (GATT) provisions, and how they affect marine mammals. At the urging of Earthtrust, among others, the Hawaii Congressional delegation endorses a call for the U.S. to object to any GATT amendments that would harm dolphins.
Earthtrust verifies that a planned U.S. driftnet research cruise would be illegal under the Magnuson Act. Within two weeks of alerting Congress and the Marine Mammal Commission that this cruise will send a message to Japan that "the U.S. thinks scientific driftnetting is defendable," Earthtrust is notified that the government will suspend the research.
Earthtrust analyzes new data from large mesh and small mesh observer programs, and calculates that more than 50 times more turtles and 20 times more dolphins die in the large mesh than in the small mesh. Earthtrust contacts the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service. NMFS had looked at the turtle data, but says the dolphin data has not been examined.
[83K GIF]
Earthtrust team at the United Nations in 1991:
Jim Logan, Art van Remundt, Linda Paul, and Sue White
The Earthtrust United Nations driftnet team travels to New York to present a new video "Closing the Curtains of Death," and a 115-page briefing paper on driftnetting to U.N. delegates. The team is warmly received. Representatives of many nations send copies of the materials to their home countries. Earthtrust works with sponsors of the U.N. resolution calling for a global ban on driftnets to ensure that a consensus resolution will be a strong one. Japan is calling for continued study, the U.S. is calling for a ban; meanwhile, the European Community has already adopted a ban on driftnets effective at the end of 1993. Negotiations between the major proponents and opponents of driftnetting increasingly are heated. Earthtrust keeps U.N. missions updated on the events.
Japan and the U.S. announce they have reached agreement on a joint resolution to phase out driftnet use worldwide.
As United Nations Resolution 46/215, the resolution is adopted by the General Assembly. The resolution calls for a 50 per cent reduction of driftnet operations by June 30, 1992 and a full phase-out by the end of the year. Although 46/215 extends driftnetting by six months, it is the first time that Japan has agreed to end driftnetting, and the resolution does not include the loophole in the earlier resolution (44/225). Earthtrust hails the victory, but cautions that continued international pressure will be needed to achieve compliance with the moratorium; it will establish an investigative network to track fleet movements and other developments on the driftnet issue.
Earthtrust Taiwan learns that some Taiwanese driftnet boat owners have built "multi-purpose" boats designed to easily hide driftnets, and plan to move their operations off the coast of Africa once the moratorium takes place.
In response to these and other developments, Earthtrust creates the DriftNetwork, a global investigative network of governments, organizations and individuals to track fleet activity, and create national and international enforcement legislation. Noel Brown, dir"ector, U.N. Environmental Programme, says "The only mechanism now proposed which may credibly provide the information necessary to implement the full U.N. moratorium is the concept of the DriftNetwork, planned by Earthtrust."
An article in the The Far Eastern Economic Review, published in Singapore "Gone Fishing: Rogues Trawlers May Be Dodging Official Driftnet Ban" quotes Earthtrust Taiwan's Keith Highley and features Earthtrust's photo of a fishermen holding up a swordfish on board a driftnet boat.
The Director of Fisheries of the Bahamas asks Earthtrust for information on driftnetting and for information on sustainable fisheries. Earthtrust supplies its driftnet documentation, urges the Bahamas to support a United Nations resolution calling for an international driftnet boat registry, and urges the Bahamas to ban non-sustainable fisheries.
Notified by a DriftNetwork contact of a driftnet boat in Singapore, Earthtrust mobilizes an investigative team from Taiwan. Upon arrival in Singapore the team documentsdriftnets and driftnet gear on two boats. Both boats had disguised their identities but their Taiwanese crews talked freely to Earthtrust's investigators. The crew maintained that they were not worried about violating the United Nations moratorium or Taiwanese laws against driftnetting. The boats were based out of Kaoshiung, Taiwan . They purchased Honduran flags and had renamed their boats with English names. They had been driftnetting in the Indian Ocean (a sperm whale sanctuary) and were heading to the North Pacific). Their nets were stored in Mainland China according to the crew and they off loaded their catch in Singapore. This was the first photodocumentation of pirate driftnet boats in port and the first knowledge of where the nets were stored and what companies were involved.
Earthtrust keeps the information on the investigation confidential until June while assessing whether a team could be sent to Mainland China. Government contacts were consulted regarding the China trip. Ultimately it was deemed not feasible and the Singapore investigation was revealed to the public.
Earthtrust broke the story of its investigation in Singapore. The story was carried by the Associated Press internationally. The Honolulu Star Bulletin , June 4, 1993 carried a 14" by 7" story with the photo of the driftnet boat taken by Earthtrust investigator Suzie Highley in Singapore.
The Taiwanese Consulate invites Earthtrust to inspect Taiwan Driftnet enforcement boats. Earthtrust personnel inspect the boats on two occasions when in Honolulu for refueling. The Taiwanese are asked specific questions regarding their plans for the patrol boats, including why they were not going to go to the Indian Ocean. Soon after, Taiwan issues a press release stating that in 1994 they would have one boat in the Indian Ocean as well as boats patrolling the North Pacific.
Earthtrust receives a letter from Representative Patsy Mink praising this report titled "Earthtrust and Driftnets: A Capsule History". Wrote Mink, " I commend your gallant efforts to protect the oceans from driftnet fishers. Please keep me informed." Ms. Mink has been a strong supporter of the effort to end driftnet fishing.
Earthtrust produces the first edition of the "Asia Driftnet News" which it sends to contacts throughout the world. U.S. Coast Guard official calls to tell us that it is the most up-to-date information that he has seen on driftnets and to please keep him on the mailing list.
Keith Highley, director of Earthtrust Taiwan, and Linda Paul, a fisheries expert and environmental attorney, go to Washington DC to meet with US government officials and conservation organizations. Keith and Linda meet with among others: Ambassador David Colson, US Dept. of State; William Dilday, Office of Fisheries Affairs, US Dept of State; Steven Springer, Chief, Enforcement Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service; Lt. Daniel Kristovich and Lt. Cmdr Kevin Miller, US Coast Guard, Milton Rose, International Trade Officer, National Marine Fisheries, Office of Enforcement ; Wynn Calland, Cmdr. US Navy, Special Assistant for Ocean Resources; and the congressional staff aides. Briefings on the role that Taiwanese fishing companies are playing in the spread of pirate driftnetting are presented by Keith. Linda emphasizes the power that the US has to sanction countries whose citizens are engaging in driftnetting.
The Director of the Taiwanese Council of Agriculture faxes to Earthtrust a response to our inquiry regarding Indonesian /Taiwanese driftnet operations The letter states that the permit for Taiwanese driftnet boats had expired February 1992.. Earthrust continues to receive reports of Taiwanese driftnet boats in Indonesia waters.
The Office of Naval Intelligence utilizes Earthtrust driftnet footage for a video to be used in training navy surveillance officers in how to recognize driftnet boats. They will use both Earthtrust footage from both the North Pacific expedition and the Singapore investigation.
Earthtrust receives a letter from the Coordination Council for North American affairs (the Taiwan Consulate) in Honolulu. It states that Taiwan has taken action against the Chin Lai and the Titan No. 1 due to the photodocumentation provided by Earthtrust. The licenses of both boats are suspended for a period of time.
Hannah Bernard, Earthtrust representative distributes Earthtrust driftnet information at the Marine Mammal Commission Meeting in Galveston Texas as well as at the Biennial Conference on Marine Mammals. Earthtrust is thanked for providing the participants with the most recent information available on pirate driftnet activity.
Earthtrust is notified by the Humane Society International that the French government is pressuring the European Council to allow them to continue to driftnet. France turned in two studies to the EC which they say supported their conclusion that the French driftnet fishing was not harming the environment. Dr. Ken Marten, director of Earthtrust's Project Delphis, translates the French papers. He analyzes the scientific arguments and concludes that the data from the French studies not only does NOT support such a conclusion, but in fact proves the opposite.
According to the French studies, of the 600 common and striped dolphins observed killed in the French driftnet fishery, over 50% still had their umbilical cords attached. Not only were dolphins and other cetaceans taken, but leatherback turtles as well. Earthtrust had recently been notified by a professor in the US that at the present rate of decline, leatherbacks would be extinct within 25 years. Thus, the take of leatherback by the French driftnet fishery could significantly affect this species.
Earthtrust submits an analysis of the French studies to the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers for the EC.
Earthtrust investigators travel to Kaoshiung, Taiwan to look for the presence of driftnet boats in port, but do not find any.
Earthtrust remains in close communications with government contacts on the EC driftnet situation, and receives assurances that if the EC extends the deadline for a ban on using driftnets longer than 2.5 km that the US will invoke the sanctions process under the Driftnet Moratorium Act. Earthtrust continues to monitor US reactions to these developments.
DriftNetwork Coordinator Sue White meets with foundations and contacts in California to keep them aware of pirate driftnet activity.
Earthtrust receives a letter from a lieutenant in the Coast Guard stating that the best training resource that he has seen was " Stripmining the Seas". He wrote that " even the videotape could not capture the sadness one feels while observing people destroying the Ocean's resources. On the other hand, most people don't have the unique opportunity to observe this tragedy first-hand, making documentation by ...Earthtrust vital to the education of our citizens and to the protection of our Oceans."
Earthtrust is contacted by Disney and other production companies for usage of driftnet footage in their projects.
Keith Highley travels to Mainland China for three weeks, where he investigates reports of driftnet boats using Chinese ports. Keith is told that he had just missed a South Korean boat by two days. This is the first report of South Korean boats using Mainland China.
A volunteer from Spain translates the driftnet boat identification flyer into Spanish for distribution at the IWC meeting in May
The draft of Earthtrust's extensive white paper on driftnetting is completed, titled High Seas Driftnetting: The Plunder of the Global Commons, by Earthtrust's international wildlife law expert Linda Paul.
On April 7, 1994 the European Commission votes to allow the French to continue to driftnet for one more year. Earthtrust immediately writes to the United States Government calling upon it to invoke sanctions under the Driftnet Moratorium Enforcement Act. Earthtrust sends out notification of the EC decision to activist contacts.
EarthTrust
Windward Environmental Center
1118 Maunawili Road
Kailua, HI 96734 USA
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Three Ways Denver Businesses Can Improve Transportation for Their Employees and Maintain Community Character
Mar 2 , 2018 By: Justin SchorEngineering + Planning, Mixed Use, Multimodal, TDM
By Justin B. Schor and Brian J. Horan
Metropolitan areas around the country are drooling over the idea of landing Amazon's HQ2 in their neck of the woods. After all, jobs and prosperity are hard to argue against.
But with Denver announced as a finalist city, do Denver residents even want HQ2? Traffic is bad enough, and getting worse. And many in the region don't want any part of Amazon's plans. This sentiment is understandable – residents don't want the character of their neighborhoods and Denver itself to change from what currently makes them great.
Whether HQ2 arrives in Denver or not, the traffic generated by existing businesses and a growing population raises a question:
How can Denver's current businesses improve transportation for their employees now?
The Easy Button macro solution is right there: Build more transit, widen roads, and continue to expand light-rail and commuter-rail systems. But we know where those discussions tend to go in Colorado. There's not much appetite for more projects like T-REX and the I-70 expansion – projects that are not only expensive, but seemingly threaten to change the character of the region.
As Shailen Bhatt, former executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation, put it in 2015: "The challenge is that Colorado is not a typical state. We're a growth state, and we've been growing and we're going to continue to grow."
In such conditions, we suggest three "micro" transportation solutions that can contribute to maintaining the character of the region's neighborhoods and the City of Denver itself while helping employees improve their commuting experience:
Develop micro-infrastructure solutions
Avoid the traffic
Adopt new transportation solutions
1. Develop Micro-Infrastructure Solutions on or Adjacent to Office Properties
On a "micro" infrastructure level, our firm's traffic engineering and transportation planning teams work every day at improving existing transportation infrastructure around businesses, including updating roadways, improving traffic signals and intersections, upgrading facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists, and modernizing parking.
When considering such transportation improvements, there are a few questions that can guide how and where businesses can improve their facilities, such as:
Site Circulation: Does the subject site need to be reconfigured to provide better on-site circulation for vehicles and pedestrians alike?
Access to Transit: Do surrounding roadways allow for safe and convenient access for employees who want to use transit to get to work?
Varied Access: Does access to and from the site need to be modified for the benefit of the varied needs of vehicular commuters, transit riders, bicyclists, pedestrians, and loading dock personnel?
Asking questions such as these can lead to incremental improvements for commuters.
2. Avoid the Traffic: Flex and Telework, Real-Time Info, Events
Flex and Telework
Aside from mitigating potential disruptions to workplace productivity due to inclement or severe weather, telework programs give employees greater leeway to balance successful professional and personal lives. While a telework policy is primarily initiated to benefit a company and its employees, as these programs expand they have a positive impact on a region's transportation network. Telework is not simply a "work from home" initiative, but can also be a "commute when traffic is lighter" initiative.
Employers who are considering implementing a telework policy would be wise to:
Establish a formal policy under which eligible employees of the organization may be authorized to telework
Determine which employees are eligible for telework, since roles and responsibilities vary
Supply telework employees with the right equipment, networking systems, and cybersecurity tools to ensure an uninterrupted workflow
Offer Real-Time Traffic Information
A key way to "beat the traffic" is to have access to the right information. Hence the huge popularity and usage of apps like Google Maps and Waze. While such technology gives commuters insight into vehicular traffic patterns, employers and office properties can offer public access to transit options such as TransitScreen. Knowing when the next bus, train, or shuttle is arriving makes for a more productive work environment and a less stressful day.
Office property amenities are becoming increasingly important to employer tenants and to the workforce. Exercise facilities, bike rooms, and flexible meeting facilities are not only de rigueur at new transit-oriented office locations, but are also being incorporated into older suburban office properties.
In addition to these, office properties and employers would be wise to offer hospitality-focused work and social spaces. Happy hours and other events offer employees the ability to focus on the "life" aspect of the "work-life" equation, all while most of the cars on the road are inching through rush-hour traffic.
3. Adopt New Transportation Solutions
Ride-Hailing at the Office
Many suburban office properties have adopted shuttle buses to carry workers between the office to nearby transit and commercial locations. In many cases, this option continues to be a smart transportation tool.
However, in our work we have found that not all shuttles deliver optimal results. Performance can vary by time of day, day of the week, and by route. In these cases, we have found that incorporating ride-hailing solutions such as Lyft and Uber can result in lower transportation costs while delivering better service for commuters.
Don't Get Stuck in a Rut: Plan for All Options
In our experience, it's easy for employees to assume that an automobile is the only option to commute. Oftentimes, that is the case. However, alternatives such as transit, cycling, or walking can provide an option that allows for a different kind of commute without the need to focus 100% on vehicular traffic.
These alternatives do not have to be an everyday solution. Workers may find that on particular days, using transit may work best for them by making use of shuttle buses and ride-hailing to complete last-mile connections for office properties not located directly on transit routes. Not every day is a great day to ride a bike to work but on days that it is there should be easy access to safe and convenient bicycle storage.
When it comes to office relocations, knowledge can be power and can reduce stress. The fact is, the default mindset for most people is that they can only get to their office using a car. Potential office tenants are not just concerned with their new working space, but with relocating, commuting and adapting to it.
Companies that are going through a major office move to a new location can reduce employee stress by educating them about all the commuting possibilities. Research, analysis, information assembly, and communications programs are key to ensure that a property's tenants feel confident about their new office location and all the commuting choices that are available to them.
Denver City Council Passes Ordinance to Require TDM Programs
The TDM programs in the City and County of Denver aim to: Reduce the number of people driving Create walkable, transit-friendly communities,...	Read
By: Courtney J. MenjivarJustin SchorMixed Use, TDM
Transportation Topics Video: Denver TDM Requirements for Development
How does the development community feel about being required to do TDM? What do they feel the pros and cons of this...	Read
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Is One Solution to Denver's Parking Challenges
By Justin B. Schor and Brian J. Horan Regions such as Denver are increasingly grappling with traffic and parking. For commuters, gridlock...	Read
By: Justin SchorMultimodal, Parking, TDM
Colorado Counties and Towns Served by Wells + Associates
Wells + Associates' transportation consulting team manages traffic engineering, transportation planning, traffic design, and transportation demand management projects across the state of Colorado....	Read
By W+A Engineering + Planning, Parking, TDM

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Nola Fay Patterson, 89, of Oakwood died on Nov. 26, 2018, in Palestine.
She was born on May 26, 1929, in Austin to Bessie (Dye) and R.T. Spaw.
She married James Patterson in 1949 in Austin. He preceded her in death in 1965. The family says after his death she worked hard to raise the couple's five children.
Patterson is survived by one son, James Neal Patterson of Huntsville; four daughters, Janie Riddle and husband, Ted, of Catoosa, Oklahoma, Lois Milstead and husband, William, of Normangee, Betty Meyer and husband, Carlos Edward "Sandy" Meyer of Uvalde and Rose Lyddon and husband, Charles, of Oakwood; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, church family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Tommy Spaw and Johnnie Spaw; two sisters, Virginia Kane and Nellie Hill; and stepson, Blaine Schwab.
A celebration of life was held yesterday at 1:30 p.m. at Austin-Peel & Son Funeral Home of Austin, followed by interment at Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Impact Church of Christ, 1704 Weber St., Houston, TX 77007.


NEW YORK — Reviewers have raved about Batman: Arkham City , the action-packed superhero game that publisher Warner Bros. released on Tuesday for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
One aspect of the Dark Knight's latest adventure that has found itself the subject of controversy is the way it handles the Catwoman segments of the game. These are unlocked with a "VIP Pass," a redemption code printed on a sheet of paper inside new copies of the game. Gamers who rent, borrow or buy a used copy of Arkham City will have to pay an extra $10 for the code. And those who can't connect their consoles to the Internet will be unable to experience the story of Batman's feline rival.
Wired.com spoke with Arkham City director Sefton Hill at the New York Comic Con in Manhattan last weekend, where he defended this decision, calling Catwoman a "guest star" and emphasizing that her segments make up less than 10% of the game's total content.
"I certainly understand and appreciate the concerns of the DLC issue, but that was the decision that was made," Hill said, noting that developer Rocksteady Studios had specifically created the Catwoman content with an eye towards distributing it in this manner.
"Everybody who buys the game new and has access to the Internet is going to be able to get that full experience," Hill said.
At Comic-Con, we also asked Hill about feature creep, which early reviewers including Game|Life editor Chris Kohler criticized in their takes on Arkham City last week. Kohler noted that Batman's extensive arsenal can be overwhelming, particularly in the midst of a fast-paced brawl or boss fight.
Hill said it's all in the name of making you feel like Bruce Wayne himself.
Arkham City is all about building upon its predecessor, Arkham Asylum , Hill says. For the team at Rocksteady Studios, that meant giving the Caped Crusader all the gadgets he had in the previous game, and more.


text:
rosh hashanah pomegranate
This bubbly, sweet-tart cocktail combines sparkling wine, dessert wine and deep-red pomegranate juice rosh hashanah (hebrew: רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה , literally meaning the beginning (also head) [of] the year ) is the jewish new year. More Party Punch Recipes This bubbly, sweet-tart cocktail the biblical name for. Although the holiday includes elements of joy and celebration, Rosh HaShanah is a deeply religious occasion kiddush, new fruit, apple and challah dipped in honey, and a host of other traditional rosh hashanah foods -- your complete guide to the holiday s evening meals. The customs and symbols of Rosh HaShanah reflect the rosh hashanah, the jewish new year, starts at sundown on september 20, 2017. An Easy Rosh Hashanah Seder Guide, including candle-lighting, shofar blowing, etc it's known for apples dipped in honey. --- For Rosh Hashanah Recipes, click here For Rosh Hashanah Crafts, click here --- What is Rosh Hashanah? Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the Jewish Rosh Hashanah gift baskets, Rosh Hashanah Gifts, Honey Gift, Jewish High Holiday Baskets, shana tova, rosh hashanah 2017, rosh hashanah 5778, greeting cards, shofar t raditional high holy days dishes such as brisket, tzimmes, and kugel may rightfully have their place at the rosh hashanah table, but if you re adventurous and. A kosher food website home to thousands of recipes from your favorite chefs and original kosher cooking show videos The Jewish High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Elul - Laws, customs, recipes and inspiring videos and articles rosh hashanah the jewish new year can be celebrated compassionately by using these vegan tips and tricks. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year rosh hashanah is the holiday celebrating the jewish new year. Special Rosh Hashanah food customs have developed over the centuries many people know about the custom of eating apples dipped in honey on rosh hashanah, but there are many more food-related customs for the jewish new year. Enjoy these traditional Ashkenazic Rosh Hashanah holiday how to celebrate rosh hashanah. These fantastic recipes are perfect for Rosh Hashanah, whether it s Gail Simmons favorite brisket, crispy-creamy kugel or honey-roasted apricots rosh hashanah is an important religious holiday that celebrates the jewish new year. OU Kosher presents popular Q&As in preparation for Rosh Hashana typically occurring in september or. Additional questions can be asked by contacting the OU Kosher Hotline (212-613-8241) or by submitting for the first few years that i made our rosh hashanah meal, the task i dreaded most was seeding the pomegranate. Rosh Hashanah holiday recipes for the Jewish New Year from Martha Stewart, including honey cake, brisket, roast chicken, challah, gefilte fish, and kugel extracting the itty bitty juicy red seeds (also known. When does Rosh Hashanah start and end in 2016? Get the date details for 2016 and 2017, along with recipes, greetings and other information Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה , literally meaning the beginning (also head) [of] the year ) is the Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah Recipes | Martha Stewart
Rosh Hashanah Traditional Foods and Recipes | My Jewish.
--- For Rosh Hashanah Recipes, click here For Rosh Hashanah Crafts, click here --- What is Rosh Hashanah? Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the Jewish Rosh Hashanah gift baskets, Rosh Hashanah Gifts, Honey Gift, Jewish High Holiday Baskets, shana tova, rosh hashanah 2017, rosh hashanah 5778, greeting cards, shofar t raditional high holy days dishes such as brisket, tzimmes, and kugel may rightfully have their place at the rosh hashanah table, but if you re adventurous and.
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text:
function P=findpeaksL(x,y,SlopeThreshold,AmpThreshold,smoothwidth,peakgroup,smoothtype)
% function P=findpeaks(x,y,SlopeThreshold,AmpThreshold,smoothwidth,peakgroup,smoothtype)
% Function to locate the positive peaks in a noisy x-y time series data
% set.  Detects peaks by looking for downward zero-crossings in the first
% derivative that exceed SlopeThreshold. Returns list (P) containing peak
% number and position, height, width, and area of each peak, assuming a
% Lorentzian peak shape. Arguments "slopeThreshold", "ampThreshold" and
% "smoothwidth" control peak sensitivity. Higher values will neglect
% smaller features. "Smoothwidth" is the width of the smooth applied before
% peak detection; larger values ignore narrow peaks. If smoothwidth=0, no
% smoothing is performed. "Peakgroup" is the number points around the top
% part of the peak that are taken for measurement. If Peakgroup=0 the local
% maximum is takes as the peak height and position.
% The argument "smoothtype" determines the smooth algorithm:
%   If smoothtype=1, rectangular (sliding-average or boxcar)
%   If smoothtype=2, triangular (2 passes of sliding-average)
%   If smoothtype=3, pseudo-Gaussian (3 passes of sliding-average)
% See http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~toh/spectrum/Smoothing.html and
% http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~toh/spectrum/PeakFindingandMeasurement.htm
% Skip peaks if peak measurement results in NaN values
% See http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~toh/spectrum/Smoothing.html and
% http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~toh/spectrum/PeakFindingandMeasurement.htm
% T. C. O'Haver, 1995.  Version 1.1, Last revised December, 2014
% line 61: changed log(abs(yy)) to rmnan(log(yy)); added rmnan function
%
% Example:
% Three noisy Lorentzian peaks at x=20,50,80, all heights=1.0; all widths=10.
%   x=1:.2:100;
%   y=lorentzian(x,20,10)+lorentzian(x,50,10)+lorentzian(x,80,10)+.01.*randn(size(x));
%   findpeaksL(x,y,0.0004,0.3,17,17,3)
% Compare to findpeaks(x,y,0.0004,0.3,17,17,3) with the same signal.
%
% Related functions:
% findvalleys.m, findpeaks.m, findpeaksb.m, findpeaksplot.m, peakstats.m,
% findpeaksnr.m, findpeaksGSS.m, findpeaksLSS.m, findpeaksfit.m.

if nargin~=7;smoothtype=1;end  % smoothtype=1 if not specified in argument
if smoothtype>3;smoothtype=3;end
if smoothtype<1;smoothtype=1;end
smoothwidth=round(smoothwidth);
peakgroup=round(peakgroup);
if smoothwidth>1,
    d=fastsmooth(deriv(y),smoothwidth,smoothtype);
else
    d=y;
end
n=round(peakgroup/2+1);
P=[0 0 0 0 0];
vectorlength=length(y);
peak=1;
AmpTest=AmpThreshold;
for j=2*round(smoothwidth/2)-1:length(y)-smoothwidth,
    if sign(d(j)) > sign (d(j+1)), % Detects zero-crossing
        if d(j)-d(j+1) > SlopeThreshold*y(j), % if slope of derivative is larger than SlopeThreshold
            if y(j) > AmpTest,  % if height of peak is larger than AmpThreshold
                xx=zeros(size(peakgroup));yy=zeros(size(peakgroup));
                for k=1:peakgroup, % Create sub-group of points near peak
                    groupindex=j+k-n+1;
                    if groupindex<1, groupindex=1;end
                    if groupindex>vectorlength, groupindex=vectorlength;end
                    xx(k)=x(groupindex);yy(k)=y(groupindex);
                end
                if peakgroup>3,
                    z=rmnan(ones(size(xx))./yy);
                    coef=polyfit(xx,z,2);
                    PeakY=4*coef(1)./((4*coef(1)*coef(3))-coef(2)^2);
                    PeakX=-coef(2)/(2*coef(1));
                    MeasuredWidth=sqrt(((4*coef(1)*coef(3))-coef(2)^2)./coef(1))./sqrt(coef(1));
                    % if the peak is too narrow for least-squares technique to work
                    % well, just use the max value of y in the sub-group of points near peak.
                else
                    PeakY=max(yy);
                    pindex=val2ind(yy,PeakY);
                    PeakX=xx(pindex(1));
                    MeasuredWidth=0;
                end
                % Construct matrix P. One row for each peak
                % detected, containing the peak number, peak
                % position (x-value) and peak height (y-value).
                % If peak measurements fails and results in NaN, skip this
                % peak
                if isnan(PeakX) || isnan(PeakY) || PeakY<AmpThreshold,
                    % Skip this peak
                else % Otherwiase count this as a valid peak
                    P(peak,:) = [round(peak) PeakX PeakY MeasuredWidth  1.57.*PeakY*MeasuredWidth];
                    peak=peak+1; % Move on to next peak
                end
            end
        end
    end
end
% ----------------------------------------------------------------------
function [index,closestval]=val2ind(x,val)
% Returns the index and the value of the element of vector x that is closest to val
% If more than one element is equally close, returns vectors of indicies and values
% Tom O'Haver (toh@umd.edu) October 2006
% Examples: If x=[1 2 4 3 5 9 6 4 5 3 1], then val2ind(x,6)=7 and val2ind(x,5.1)=[5 9]
% [indices values]=val2ind(x,3.3) returns indices = [4 10] and values = [3 3]
dif=abs(x-val);
index=find((dif-min(dif))==0);
closestval=x(index);

function d=deriv(a)
% First derivative of vector using 2-point central difference.
%  T. C. O'Haver, 1988.
n=length(a);
d(1)=a(2)-a(1);
d(n)=a(n)-a(n-1);
for j = 2:n-1;
  d(j)=(a(j+1)-a(j-1)) ./ 2;
end

function SmoothY=fastsmooth(Y,w,type,ends)
% fastbsmooth(Y,w,type,ends) smooths vector Y with smooth
%  of width w. Version 2.0, May 2008.
% The argument "type" determines the smooth type:
%   If type=1, rectangular (sliding-average or boxcar)
%   If type=2, triangular (2 passes of sliding-average)
%   If type=3, pseudo-Gaussian (3 passes of sliding-average)
% The argument "ends" controls how the "ends" of the signal
% (the first w/2 points and the last w/2 points) are handled.
%   If ends=0, the ends are zero.  (In this mode the elapsed
%     time is independent of the smooth width). The fastest.
%   If ends=1, the ends are smoothed with progressively
%     smaller smooths the closer to the end. (In this mode the
%     elapsed time increases with increasing smooth widths).
% fastsmooth(Y,w,type) smooths with ends=0.
% fastsmooth(Y,w) smooths with type=1 and ends=0.
% Example:
% fastsmooth([1 1 1 10 10 10 1 1 1 1],3)= [0 1 4 7 10 7 4 1 1 0]
% fastsmooth([1 1 1 10 10 10 1 1 1 1],3,1,1)= [1 1 4 7 10 7 4 1 1 1]
%  T. C. O'Haver, May, 2008.
if nargin==2, ends=0; type=1; end
if nargin==3, ends=0; end
  switch type
    case 1
       SmoothY=sa(Y,w,ends);
    case 2
       SmoothY=sa(sa(Y,w,ends),w,ends);
    case 3
       SmoothY=sa(sa(sa(Y,w,ends),w,ends),w,ends);
  end

function SmoothY=sa(Y,smoothwidth,ends)
w=round(smoothwidth);
SumPoints=sum(Y(1:w));
s=zeros(size(Y));
halfw=round(w/2);
L=length(Y);
for k=1:L-w,
   s(k+halfw-1)=SumPoints;
   SumPoints=SumPoints-Y(k);
   SumPoints=SumPoints+Y(k+w);
end
s(k+halfw)=sum(Y(L-w+1:L));
SmoothY=s./w;
% Taper the ends of the signal if ends=1.
  if ends==1,
    startpoint=(smoothwidth + 1)/2;
    SmoothY(1)=(Y(1)+Y(2))./2;
    for k=2:startpoint,
       SmoothY(k)=mean(Y(1:(2*k-1)));
       SmoothY(L-k+1)=mean(Y(L-2*k+2:L));
    end
    SmoothY(L)=(Y(L)+Y(L-1))./2;
  end
% ----------------------------------------------------------------------
function a=rmnan(a)
% Removes NaNs and Infs from vectors, replacing with nearest real numbers.
% Example:
%  >> v=[1 2 3 4 Inf 6 7 Inf  9];
%  >> rmnan(v)
%  ans =
%     1     2     3     4     4     6     7     7     9
la=length(a);
if isnan(a(1)) || isinf(a(1)),a(1)=0;end
for point=1:la,
    if isnan(a(point)) || isinf(a(point)),
        a(point)=a(point-1);
    end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Your position: Home > Application
Application of cast-in-place foam concrete in subway
Cast-in-place foam concrete can be used for the treatment of subway station pavement. The subway line passes through the soft base area or the karst area. In order to improve the friction coefficient and the bearing capacity of the foundation pit, ensure the safe construction of the foundation pit and prevent the basement from collapsing due to danger. During the railway operation, some projects are replaced by the design of the rail transit, and the tradition. The alternative is to use a horizontal layered filling method, layer-by-layer rolling and layer-by-layer inspection for construction.
The traditional process not only has a slow construction speed, but also has an influence on the compactness of the filling material due to erosion by groundwater, and even affects the safety of the railway. The use of concrete to replace the roadbed, whether in the early construction stage or the later maintenance stage, because of the characteristics of lightweight and high-strength concrete, self-compacting, small settlement and fast construction, it determines its high cost performance.
Foam concrete can be used for backfilling of foundation pits in metro stations. Because of the complexity and historicity of subway foundation pits, with the development of high-rise buildings and densely populated buildings, complex pipelines have proposed higher technology and pits for subway stations. Backfilling construction requirements.
Foam concrete machine is used to make foam concrete, our foam concrete machine is a full foam concrete production line, you need not purchase machines. Our foam concrete machine includes screw conveyor, concrete mixer, foam generator and foam concrete pump.
Our foam concrete machine is mainly used to cast in place, you can used it in subway, also you can use it to make floor, roof, external wall; and our foam concrete machine can be used to make CLC blocks. If you need more info, please feel free to contact us.
Pre:Announcements of Diesel Concrete pumps
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text:
"Earth from the Far Side of the Moon"
My new art piece is 23 inches round with thousands of glass seed beads, broken glass, tiny pebbles and rhinestones on a wood panel. The art was inspired by a photo from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in December 2015, traveling 80 miles above the far side of the Moon. The original photo was digitally combined to refine the image. I started this art work prior to the launch of the Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft, and hope to see a similar image from its incredible journey until splashdown today, December 11, 2022.
Barbara Sheehana
Born in 1944 in Washington, D.C., I have painted and sculpted most of my life. At 74 years of age, I feel I am at my most creative time of life. I started painting a series of "Nebula Art" in 2015 after seeing the Hubble Space Telescope images. I find so much joy in attempting to capture these beautiful photographs. I live now in Naples, Florida, and have 18 completed paintings so far and will continue to paint as long as I am able. I studied art and sculpture at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C.; painting and sculpture at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, Va. I have taken art classes in my community of Pelican Bay. Exhibition include Swiss Embassy, Torpedo Factory, Pelican Bay Community Center, Naples Art Association and Rookery Bay Go to the artist's portfolio
This artwork is copyright © Barbara Sheehana. All rights reserved.


Well first of all, its not recycled ideas. Its like you're regurgitating some Perez Hilton nonsense. Second, after watching her do the Jazz & Piano dates vs. Enigma its blatantly obvious where her heart really beats. I think Enigma is kind of what she has to do vs. J&P being what shes truly psyched about. Not to say she doesn't give it her all with Enigma because quite honestly I think it would be ignorant to say that. But when you watch the J&P performances shes really glowing from the inside.


text:
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		<front>
<lb/>
	<reference>D. Fensel et al. (Eds.): ISWC 2003, LNCS 2870, pp. 802–817, 2003.<lb/></reference>

	<note type="copyright">© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003<lb/></note>

	<docTitle>
	<titlePart>ODESeW. Automatic Generation of Knowledge Portals<lb/> for Intranets and Extranets<lb/></titlePart>
	</docTitle>

	<byline>
	<docAuthor>Oscar Corcho, Asunción Gómez-Pérez, Angel López-Cima, V. López-García,<lb/> and María del Carmen Suárez-Figueroa<lb/></docAuthor>
	</byline>

	<byline>
	<affiliation>Laboratorio de Inteligencia Artificial<lb/> Facultad de Informática<lb/> Universidad Politécnica de Madrid<lb/> Campus de Montegancedo sn.<lb/> Boadilla del Monte,</affiliation>
	</byline>

	<address>28660. Madrid, Spain<lb/></address>

	<email>{ocorcho,asun}@fi.upm.es<lb/> {alopez,vlopez,mcsuarez}@delicias.dia.fi.upm.es<lb/></email>

Abstract. This paper presents ODESeW (Semantic Web Portal based on<lb/> WebODE platform [1]) as an ontology-based application that automatically<lb/> generates and manages a knowledge portal for Intranets and Extranets.<lb/> ODESeW is designed on the top of WebODE ontology engineering platform.<lb/> This paper shows the service architecture that allows configuring the<lb/> visualization of ontology-based information for different kinds of users,<lb/> establishing reading and updating access policies to its content, and performing<lb/> consistency checking between the portal information and the ontologies<lb/> underlying it.<lb/>

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text:
The Real Reason Global Fish Stocks Are Declining — And What You Can Do About It
Although the oceans are already changing, advocates say it's not too late to do some serious damage control. This includes the decline of global fishing stocks.
By Emilie Le Beau LucchesiNov 8, 2022 3:00 PM
(Credit: Rich Carey/Shutterstock)
Atlantic cod, halibut and salmon. All three pair nicely with a lemon-butter sauce, a side of pomme purée and a glass of white wine. Yet no matter the preparation, a fresh catch from New England's coastal waters is always enjoyable — and perhaps a bit too much. These seafood staples are now on the U.S. government's list of depleting fish stocks.
On a global scale, advocates say depleting fish stocks are the most urgent threat to oceans and immediate change is needed. In some waters, consumer demand for certain seafood is to blame for the smaller stocks; in other areas, environmental issues are harming marine life. Either way, it's a complicated problem to solve because it involves a whole host of nations, organizations and research institutes.
Understanding Overfishing
Depleting fishing stocks are the result of both overfishing and being overfished, which, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Institute, are two separate problems.
Overfishing happens when individuals or industries take more fish out of the water than can be reproduced. This can be managed and even resolved with government-mandated fishing limits. Being overfished, on the other hand, can also involve heavy fishing — or it can be the result of environmental issues such as pollution, climate change or degradation to the stock's environment. If these issues persist over time, repairing a depleted stock might not be possible.
Although NOAA manages 460 stocks in the U.S., only about 70 percent have a known overfishing status and 55 percent a known overfished status. At the end of 2021, there were 26 stocks on the overfishing list. These included cobia and lane snapper from the Gulf of Mexico; red snapper, red grouper and snowy grouper from the South Atlantic; chinook salmon, coho salmon and pacific sardine from the Pacific; and the blue king crab and snow crab from the North Pacific.
In New England, the aforementioned Atlantic halibut, salmon and cod were all on the overfishing list as well. But many fish stocks, including the Atlantic cod, were on both the overfishing and overfished lists.
A Global Problem
Depleting fishing stocks are seen in waters around the world. In the European Union, for example, overfishing affects at least 40 percent of Northeast Atlantic fish stocks. In the Mediterranean and Black Seas, 87 percent of stocks endure the same.
Advocates argue that government subsidies are part of the problem. In 2018, governments around the globe spent $22 billion in public money subsidizing the fishing industry. About half of these subsidies were then used to fish in grounds that would otherwise be unprofitable.
But addressing the problem isn't as simple as telling fishing vessels to limit the amount of fish they pull from the water; about 64 percent of ocean waters are beyond national jurisdiction, and these waters are dominated by boats from just a few countries.
Additionally, many nations hesitate to enforce fishing limits anyway. Why? Seafood is a major menu item for 3 billion people and political leaders don't look forward to the task of replacing the missing protein source. Given that the fishing industry employs 60 million people worldwide, leaders would also have to address unwanted economic problems.
Still, environmental advocates warn that change will be inevitable if fishing stocks continue to deplete. And these changes could bring bigger problems than missing marlin in a meal.
Changing Oceans
Overfishing disrupts ecosystems and can make oceans less resilient to change. While the oceans are already enduring increased temperatures from global warming, researchers have found that areas with depleted fish stock show less ability to cope with global warming.
Scientists have also noticed that depleting stocks are actively pushing more species toward extinction. A 2021 study in Current Biology found that overfishing threatened a third of all sharks and rays with extinction. Its authors concluded the harm from depleted stocks was greater than the threat of pollution, climate change and habitat loss — combined.
In addition to harming marine life, scientists say depleting stocks also have the potential to harm already fragile coral reefs. Healthy coral reefs depend on herbivorous fish, which munch on the algae and sediment that would otherwise blanket the reefs. Yet these fish are at risk for succumbing to the stresses of overfishing.
Shopping Responsibly
Although the oceans are changing, advocates say it's not too late to do some serious damage control. Groups like the Marine Stewardship Council encourage concerned citizens to pressure their government leaders to support sustainability initiatives, end fishing industry subsidies and set limits on how much stock can be pulled from the water.
Concerned consumers can also be proactive by researching which stores and retailers engage in sustainable practices. The MSC, for example, has a list of retailers and brands that meet their sustainability standards. The council also has a blue label program that helps consumers to recognize certified products while perusing the grocery store.
Because in the end, simply paying attention while at a seafood department or restaurant enables everyone to enjoy that nice fish entrée with the lemon butter sauce, without contributing to depleting fish stocks.
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MAGIC DOWNLOADS
Our company has several storage centers around the world which allows us to offer FREE and FAST SHIPPING in almost all cases. We're handling several FBA centers availables in Mexico, United States, Canada and Spain that allow us to ship throughout Europe, even offering DELIVERIES IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS.
Javier Urbina (1977, Madrid, Spain) settled in Mexico since 2013. Founder and administrator of this global online magic shop.
Artist and producer of circus shows around the world, especially with soap bubbles. He has worked as an artistic director on large format productions and as an artist advisor. Awarded internationally on several occasions, he obtained, among other recognitions, the WORLD RECORD for making the largest chain of bubbles worldwide.
"My first salary was earned in Madrid (Spain), when I was 15 years old, thanks to magic, performing in the street. Later, I studied Theater for several years and this gave me powerful tools to enhance my artistic side to the maximum Subsequently, I founded a few experimental theater companies and began to travel the world with my own creations, from much of America to Asia, Oceania and Europe. A fast-paced, magical journey full of unforgettable experiences. "
"Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to meet many artists who have been a true INSPIRATION and a great help in developing my own creations. This photo reflects another of my childhood dreams fulfilled, with David Copperfield, in a from my visits to MGM (Las Vegas-USA) where I had the opportunity, in addition to enjoying his wonderful show, to be able to share a magical moment behind the scenes with him but... "
"What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas"
RE-INVENTING
"Taking advantage of the contingency of the global health emergency due to COVID-19, there is no choice but to re-invent ourselves and that is why I have decided to fulfill another of my pending dreams due to an agenda full of commitments, now on pause . "
"I always wanted to open my own online magic shop where, in addition to offering what many other magic shops offer, I could give access to certain products that are 100% manufactured and that I myself have used in my own shows as well as provide the advice and the "know how" accumulated over 25 years of experience. "
Here is a promotional video (2 minutes) of the main show "The Lord Of The Bubbles". You can consult this and other projects that we have carried out around the world on the web: www.TheLordOfTheBubbles.com (a new window will open).
TRAILER - Main Show "The Lord Of The Bubbles"
(spectators reviews - english subtitled)
Amateurs and / or professionals interested in the fascinating world of magic or bubbles are welcome to this project made from the heart.
Remember that if you have any problems or doubts with the product / s that you purchase here, you can write to me directly at urbina@thelordofthemagic.com or via WhatsApp and you'll get an answer as soon as possible.
Health, love and success!
Javier Urbina CEO
THE LORD OF THE MAGIC
RFC: LMA181122KU8 MEX
urbina@thelordofthemagic.com
THE LORD OF THE MAGIC SAS
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My ceramics are wheel thrown and hand crafted. Many of my pieces are low fired using alternative firing techniques such as smoke or saggar firing in a wood fired barrel kiln. Others are finely pierces and and glazed, often with translucent celadon glazes which show off the natural white body of the clay, highlighting the piercing and carving.
Low fired ceramics: The low fired pieces (unglazed) are made of white stoneware clay and burnished to a high sheen. Burnishing the clay gives the ware a satin-like sheen but the low firing temperature leaves the clay body porous so these items are not water resistant (although these pieces can be treated to make them water resistant). The smoke fired pieces are fired in a wood smoke reduction environment to give a rich satin black finish and I use a pop-off slip to reveal a contrast of the natural white clay body. The saggar and barrel fired pieces are fired with metal oxides which, during the firing, release fumes that are absorbed into the clay creating organic patterns of blues, pinks and greys which are unique to each piece.


Today I am grateful that I was brought to a place where I understand what it means to venerate, revere, fear the LORD. I think that I live in the world and know who He is, but in the distraction of my life, I forget, or could I humbly say, disregard His omnipotence. I shudder and cower at the thought that those words are true for my heart. Bowing at His Holy feet for forgiveness, brings to mind a concept I never fully understood, but I believe I do now, to Fear the Lord.
Based on the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar was the greatest ruler that had ever ruled. He had a kingdom of Gold where all the forthcoming kingdoms were reflected in lesser metals or in clay. He lived in prideful luxury over what he considered his great accomplishment. His power came at a costly prideful price. God made it known through a dream that his kingdom would be crushed and he would be reduced to one of the beasts of the field. One day as he strolled in his palace living in the lap of true luxury God spoke. His grandiose delusion that he was like god or perhaps a god himself was snuffed out with a word. "While the words were still in the king's mouth (the words from his mouth were glorifying his own majesty), there fell a voice from heaven, "O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will." Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar." Daniel 4:31-32. The italics are mine. His mind was removed and he was made like an ox, IMMEDIATELY WITH JUST A SPOKEN WORD. A true display of Gods sovereign omnipotence.
After King Nebuchadnezzar's ruling came his son, King Belshazzar. He was also haughty and ignored the Lords decrees and majesty. One day when he was celebrating in revelry he pushed the Lord too far. He brought out the vessels of gold and silver that Nebuchadnezzar has taken from the Jewish temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and filled them with wine and drank from them. It feels as though he stole precious heirlooms and discarded them with carelessness at an all night party. Who can blame the Lord for His anger. His outright blasphemy was his last act of kingship. "Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace, opposite the lamp stand. And the king saw the hand as it wrote. Then the king's color changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together." Daniel 5:5. He was terrified. Can you blame him. Imagine if before you fingers appeared and wrote foreign words on your kitchen wall. Once again after his enchanters, Chaldeans and astrologers failed Daniel was brought in. The king offered him robes and jewels for his interpretation, but Daniel refused the gifts of debauchery and suggested he give them to someone else. He interpreted the inscription of MENE, MENE, TEKEL and PERES. "Mene, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; Tekel, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting; Peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians." Daniel 5:26.
What I found immediately striking was that the King didn't really acknowledge the words. He seems to celebrate and clothe Daniel with purple and chains of gold and announced that he would be the third ruler in the kingdom. His weakness and trembling had apparently disappeared now that some interpretation was given. Not much else is said about King Belshazzar, other than Gods forecast came true that night and he was killed. GOD FOLLOWS THROUGH WITH WHAT HE SAYS, SO HEED HIS CALLING.
I have read this story before, but never has the Lord brought to my attention the greatness of His power. How He chooses who He gives grace to and who He snuffs out with a single act. King Nebuchadnezzar was given grace. He was given great power and authority for many years, and he was humbled by his mind being removed from him and being made to live like an animal for 7 years. Then at the end of his 7 years he was transformed and he revered the Lord. The shocking part is the immediacy of the Lords words. He spoke and Nebuchadnezzar was driven from his palace. With King Belshazzar he wasn't given a second chance. He was killed the day he was told his days were numbered.
The Lord is loving and forgiving, but He is just, sovereign, omnipotent and intentional. He wants all of us as His children forever. So to fear Him means we follow and obey Him, which means we can receive forgiveness, which means He gets to have us and we get to have Him for eternity. So fearing the Lord allows a real relationship with Him. For us as parents we can understand this loving act. We hope our children have a bit of fear of the wrath of mom and dad causing them to obey. Disobedience equals consequences. King Nebuchadnezzar and King Belshazzar are clear examples of strict parental consequences. I pray this understanding can be embedded in all our minds and heart as we make choices every day. That we make choices that God chooses for us. From the words of Beth Moore, I pray for God "to perform miracles over your mind and to utterly invade your subconscious." I pray this as a prayer for my mind and yours.
It is wise to fear Him and to acknowledge His ways. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." Psalm 111:10. "Then he charged them saying, "Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and wholeheartedly." 2 Chronicles 19:9. "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them." Psalm 34:7. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7. "You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him." Deuteronomy 13:4.


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Development magazine Summer 2011 /
Development Ownership /
Under Development – Making an Economic Engine from a Closed Military Base
Development Ownership
The 1.7-mile extension of 36th Street will enable the Port to open nearly 150 acres adjacent to the runway for development of new facilities, resulting in the creation of approximately 8,000 new jobs in aerospace and air logistics.
If the Department of Defense (DOD) needs to close or realign military bases as it did in the 1990s and 2005, the communities affected by the closings and the DOD itself can look to the former Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, as a model. The base is now the Port of San Antonio and serves as a prime example of how cooperation at all levels of government and partnerships with the private sector can turn a potential catastrophe into a vigorous economic engine.
The Kelly story is so compelling that in the last year alone, the International Economic Development Council honored the Port with its 2010 Real Estate Redevelopment & Reuse Award for cities with populations greater than 500,000. In addition, the Association of Defense Communities, an organization that helps communities affected by base closings, named the Port the 2010 Redevelopment Community of the Year.
Kelly had been in existence since the dawn of military aviation and functioned as a repair and maintenance depot and a training center. In 1943, training was moved elsewhere, but repair and maintenance continued at the base. Over the years, Kelly became the largest single employer in San Antonio and it came as a shock when in 1995 the Air Force announced its closure.
Over the next 15 years, building projects at the Port are projected to total $2.5 billion.
At that time, the only things certain were that the community would have millions of square feet of old buildings and about 1,880 acres of land that did not have zoning, dedicated streets or utility easements. What was uncertain was what would happen to its 19,000-person workforce. The site was turned over to Greater Kelly Development Authority, later called Port San Antonio. When Texas set up this port authority, it made no public funds available, saying it would have to be run like a private business.
Creating an Income Stream
Bruce Milller
"Our predecessors at the Port set the stage for our ability to function successfully today," said Bruce E. Miller, president and CEO of the Port of San Antonio. "A military base is supposed to close in one to two years; then the military wants to get out. Here, our predecessors got a delay in the base closing, permitting a transition of five to six years."
That delay gave those running the Port time to figure out and execute its plan, with the help of the Air Force. The maintenance, repair and overhaul depot, known as an MRO, was operated by military personnel, but aircraft always need maintenance and repair. Why not use government contracts to turn the work over from the military to private companies? That way, the Air Force could complete the base closing and private companies could hire local workers. During this time, the newly arrived companies could solicit corporate work to supplement and eventually replace the government contracts.
Boeing, Pratt & Whitney and Lockheed Martin won the original contracts. "This gave the Port the time it needed," said Miller. "The buildings stayed in production, people were hired and the Port created an income stream."
Today, 70+ well-diversified employers at Port San Antonio provide direct jobs to approximately 14,000 people.
As Kelly closed, the Port's growth continued. The initial aerospace employers grew from three to 14 companies. Today, 70+ well-diversified employers at the Port provide direct jobs to approximately 14,000 people and generate $4.23 billion in regional economic activity each year. The news gets better: firms like Core Design Completions, North America's largest outfitters of custom interiors for private aircraft, has opened shop here and in the past year has increased its space for hangars, offices and shops by 100,000 square feet. Boeing will bring a 787 Dreamliner, the new commercial airliner, here for finishing work soon. Six more Dreamliners will come to the Port over the next year. The Port is also growing as a logistics platform because of its strategic location in North America and its access to the Mexican marketplace.
Tradeoffs Bring More Growth
At the time that Kelly was closed, the Air Force continued to use space scattered around the former base.
Boeing was among the initial aerospace employers that helped Port San Antonio create an income stream during the base closure process. Boeing will bring a 787 Dreamliner, the new commercial airliner, here for finishing work soon. Six more Dreamliners will come to the Port over the next year.
In 2007, it amended its leaseback agreement, transferring 21 smaller properties to the Port in exchange for Building 171, a 450,000-square-foot structure. This allowed the military to consolidate its people at the Port and from other locations. The Air Force brought in an additional 3,000 people from around the country to work in Building 171. Amending the agreement helped the Port develop road infrastructure, expand access to the joint-use runway at the airport it shares with Lackland Air Force Base and construct new buildings to accommodate future business growth.
Port San Antonio is involved in another project that is certain to spur its growth as well. The state, city, Texas Department of Transportation and Port are working together to extend a street called 36th Street at the Port. It is a 1.7-mile extension to the road. The total project will cost $40 million, including $15 million of federal stimulus money. This new extension will enable the Port to open approximately 150 acres adjacent to the runway to develop new facilities with direct ramp access for aerospace and logistics customers, which in turn will create about 8,000 new jobs in aerospace and air logistics.
Partnering for Workforce Development
Photos courtesy of U.S. Air Force. Port projects include development of 400 acres for Kelly Town Center, a mixed-use project that will add office, residential, retail, hotel and restaurant options at the Port. Kelly Town Center also encompasses about 80 acres of historic properties — including former officer quarters from the 1920's that will be incorporated into the new project.
What attracted the original aerospace companies to the Port and to San Antonio, besides the opportunity to profit from government contracts, was that the Port of San Antonio sits in a prime location with an airport, rail port, three interstates and a port. But the biggest draw to San Antonio for the private employers, according to Miller, is the quality of the workforce in and around San Antonio. How could the Port and the city assure that its workforce would continue to rank highly, as people grew old and retired?
For the Port, one of its strongest commitments is to a partnership in workforce development. The Port works closely with the local community college, which has one campus at the Port. One of the key areas of involves developing aerospace skills in its students. Programs like this will help the region keep a highly skilled workforce into the future.
History and the 24/7 Environment
CEO Miller and the Port are keenly aware that many of today's workers want to live, work and play in a highly attractive 24/7 environment. Therefore, at the heart of Port San Antonio, 400 acres are being transformed into the Kelly Town Center — a vibrant, high density, mixed-use development that will add office, residential, retail, hotel and restaurant options at the Port.
Options for private developers include Lindbergh Park, a 45-acre site at Kelly Town Center where up to one million square feet of offices can be developed to meet the needs of the military, federal government and vendors who require special secured facilities. Kelly Town Center also encompasses about 80 acres of historic properties — including former officer quarters from the 1920's that will be incorporated into the new project.
"Over the short term at the Port, the private developer has not had much of a role to play," said Miller, "but over the long haul, the developer has a very important part to play. We ourselves are a full-service real estate company and we have developed several million square feet of space. However, we have very shallow pockets so we are looking to bring in private developers."
Building projects at the Port over the next 15 years are projected to total $2.5 billion, including the town center that could bring up to 21,000 additional jobs to the region, for a potential employment base of 25,000 people by 2025.
Economic Development,


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Are soft 404's Bad?
You may have seen errors in your Google Search Console about soft 404's and wondered what they are. According to Google, a soft 404 is when the crawler discovers a page that Google believes to be an error page, but returns a 200 OK response header.
This is a very important point since not returning an actual 404 response header on an error page negatively impacts your crawl budget and it means that Google needs to spend time crawling pages that you do not want crawled.
Google illustrates this with an example that clarifies that regardless of what a page says, the response header is most important.
In addition to returning a 404 code in response to a request for a page that doesn't exist, the server will also display a 404 page. This may be a standard "File Not Found" message, or it could be a custom page designed to provide the user with additional information. The content of the page is entirely unrelated to the HTTP response returned by the server. Just because a page displays a 404 File Not Found message doesn't mean that it's a 404 page. It's like a giraffe wearing a name tag that says "dog." Just because it says it's a dog, doesn't mean it's actually a dog. Similarly, just because a page says 404, doesn't mean it's returning a 404.
Going back to the initial question: Are soft 404's bad? No, they won't cause your site to be penalized, but you are causing Google to crawl your site in an inefficient manner. The best practice is to ensure that all error pages give a 404 or 410 response header.
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