text:
Yet Another Canadian Free UN Expert Body
A leading United Nations human rights expert body will regrettably remain Canadian free for at least another two years after Thursday's elections in Geneva, Switzerland.
The vote on more than half the membership of the 25-person UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture was once again notable through the absence of any Canadian candidates for this esteemed multi-national UN body.
Nations Unies by MPDO1605 (2008)
The outcome of the tightly contested ballot was announced on 25 October, resulting in the election and re-election of some excellent human rights experts.
Due to Canada not being a State Party to the OPCAT, the country had neither the possibility of putting forward a Canadian candidate, nor the right to cast a vote to determine the composition of the UN's largest human rights treaty body.
With a vitally important human rights role to play in the global fight against torture, the UN Subcommittee might have benefited significantly from Canadian human rights expertise, which unquestionably exists in abundance in the country. Moreover, in the light of the fact that Canadian experts occupy just one out of 162 seats which comprise the 10 existing UN treaty bodies, Canada's potentially sizeable human rights role on the international stage remains surprisingly diminished.
Even so, if Canada acted on its OPCAT pledge and swiftly moved forward with the ratification of the instrument, Canada would be strategically placed to advance a Canadian candidate for the next SPT elections due in 2020.
By doing so, the very positive influence of Canada's accession to the instrument might equally be felt inside the country as well as out.
For readers who are unsure how the UN treaty bodies operate in practice, please watch the short animation below.
Posted by mp in OPCAT, SPT, UN Subcommittee
UNCAT Meeting on Canada: Civil Society Views Solicited
With just a month to go before the UN Committee against Torture's examination of Canada in Geneva, civil society's views were recently solicited in the run-up to this important UNCAT meeting.
On 17 October 2018 the Department of Canadian Heritage convened a meeting in Ottawa of the country's principal civil society and Indigenous groups to discuss various crucial questions surrounding the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture in Canada.
John G. Diefenbaker Building – Old Ottawa City Hall by Jamie MacCaffrey.
In its invitation to civil society and Indigenous groups the Department of Canadian Heritage wrote: "In preparation for this appearance, federal, provincial and territorial governments are seeking the views of Canadian civil society organizations and Indigenous representatives on Canada's implementation of the CAT." The UNCAT meeting was held in Old Ottawa City Hall in the heart of the nation's capital (please see left).
Approximately 15 civil society and Indigenous group representatives attended the meeting, who were joined by an array of government actors from different federal, provincial and territorial spheres (both in person and by teleconference). A diversity of human rights subject matter was discussed during the exchange, including issues such as Canada's implementation of the Convention, policing, non-refoulement and the rights of migrants, corrections, national security, and violence by private actors, particularly against Indigenous women. The agenda of the meeting can be found at the bottom of this news article in French and English.
As highlighted previously on the Canada OPCAT Project website, the UN Committee is timetabled to examine Canada at 10 am Geneva-time on 21 November, while Canada's replies to the UN Committee will be heard from 3 pm onwards on 22 November.
Focus on the OPCAT
The question of Canada ratifying the OPCAT was also discussed and throughout the exchange several civil society groups made verbal reference to the instrument. A representative from Global Affairs Canada underscored that, while the ratification of the OPCAT was a priority of some importance for Canada, the process of putting in place an NPM was a complex exercise and certain financial considerations had also to be taken into account.
Even so, it was made known that Global Affairs Canada had also been in contact with various OPCAT-focused entities internationally. These included actors in countries where the OPCAT had or was in the process of being implemented, including New Zealand and Australia.
It was highly noteworthy that, in addition to the Canada OPCAT Project's briefing-paper, several Canadian civil society organizations have highlighted the recommendation of OPCAT ratification in their written shadow-reports to the UN Committee. These include ACAT Canada/FIACAT, Amnesty International Canada, Canadian Human Rights Commission and the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group (ICLMG).
In its shadow-report Amnesty International Canada expressed concern that, despite the May 2016 statement by the then Minister of Foreign Affairs that the OPCAT would no longer be optional for Canada: "More than two years later accession has not yet occurred, and there has been no public update regarding progress." It therefore recommended that Canada should reconfirm that it intends to accede to the OPCAT, provide a public report on the progress of consultations with provincial and territorial governments, and accelerate those consultations towards a successful outcome.
ACAT Canada/FIACAT similarly urged Canada in their shadow-report to: "Respecter sa promesse de ratifier, dans le plus brefs délais, le Protocole facultatif à la Convention contre la torture (OPCAT)", a view point also shared by the ICLMG. ACAT Canada/FIACAT also stressed the inadequacies of existing monitoring bodies as well as gaps in oversight coverage in the pages of its detailed report.
In its shadow-report the Canadian Human Rights Commission made the following key point: "In a geographical large, complex federal state such as Canada, it is imperative that the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) be carefully designed with appropriate legislative authorities and coordination mechanisms. It is also imperative that it be provided adequate resources to effectively carry out its work."
It is hoped that the opinions of civil society and Indigenous groups on the OPCAT as well on a myriad of other human rights issues under the UN Convention against Torture are taken into consideration in Canadian government circles. It also hoped that the latter act positively on the outputs of the UN Committee against Torture's examination of Canada in Geneva in late November 2018.
UN Web TV will broadcast the UN Committee's examination of Canada live on 21-22 November. Interested persons will therefore be able to tune-in in real time or alternatively watch audio-visual recordings of the process on demand afterwards.
EN Agenda_CAT engagement
FR Ordre du jour_Séance d'engagement CCT
Posted by mp
COPCAT Shorts: Too Many States Failing OPCAT
Although over 60 NPMS have been established in countries around the world – a major success story – it remains the case that a significant number of OPCAT state parties have failed to do so … The obligation to establish an NPM is a central element of the OPCAT. We just do not understand why these states believe that they do not need to do so.
We will continue to do what we can, but at the end of the day a State either takes its international obligations in respect of torture prevention seriously, or it does not. Those states which have not established their NPM as they ought do not appear to the SPT to be taking their obligations very seriously at all.
Statement of Sir Malcolm Evans, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment to the UN General Assembly Third Committee, New York, 15 October 2018.
Read the full statement here.
Watch the joint press briefing by Malcolm Evans, Chair of Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture; Jens Modvig, Chair of Committee Against Torture; and Nils Melzer, Special Rapporteur on Torture from 16 October 2018.
Torture Prevention – Press Conference, 16 October 2018 (copyright UN Web TV).
Posted by mp in Monitoring tools, OPCAT, SPT
COPCAT Shorts: Risk of Backsliding on Torture
Today, not only is the world still plagued by torture, but we are at risk of backsliding on what I consider to be one of the most important achievements in human history: the universal recognition of the absolute, non-derogable and peremptory prohibition of torture and ill-treatment under the same compelling terms as the prohibitions of slavery and of genocide.
Today, all of us bear the historical responsibility to address these challenges and deliver on the promise made by the Universal Declaration of human dignity for all members of the human family, everywhere, at all times and in all circumstances.
Nils Melzer, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture (copyright UN Photo / Jean-Marc Ferré).
Nils Melzer, United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
Statement to the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee, New York, 15 October 2018.
Posted by mp in Absolute prohibition of torture, UN Special Rapporteur
Spotlight on Canada in New Prison Oversight Newsletter
A welcome spotlight falls on Canada as the key focus of the very first newsletter of the ICPA's Network on External Prison Oversight & Human Rights. Published this week to coincide with the launch of the expert network, this new publication examines the question of prison oversight in Canada, drawing on a wealth of practical human rights expertise.
As highlighted on this website just a few weeks' ago, the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) Network will be launched during the organization's 2018 Annual Conference in Montreal, Quebec, the week beginning 22 October 2018.
From a Canadian perspective, this human rights initiative is especially interesting, as Correctional Investigator Ivan Zinger is the key figure behind the creation of the network.
Writing in an opening message to newsletter readers, Ivan Zinger has expressed the hope that the "… network will provide a unique platform to enable organizations involved in prison oversight to share information and exchange best practices and lessons learned." Comprising at present some 28 expert members from 13 countries across the globe, the Network will in no time grow exponentially and take in many more experts, countries and continents.
The Network's newsletter will initially be published three times a year and is aimed at providing an effective way to share and exchange information and best practices in prison oversight and human rights.
With an in-depth focus on Canada, the first issue offers an interesting compendium of articles on prison oversight mechanisms cast across its vast territory, including at the federal-level the Office of the Correctional Investigator, but also analogue mechanisms in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Yukon.
In addition, Assistant Law Professor at Queen's University, Lisa Kerr, offers an instructive Op Ed on the function of prison oversight bodies, while Howard Sapers presents a background piece in his capacity as Independent Advisor on the review of Ontario's prison estate. The origins and objectives of the Canada OPCAT Project are also highlighted in a short article titled Shining a Spotlight on Canada.
The newsletter also has some very useful sections focusing on important new publications and relevant academic articles as well as a calendar of criminal justice-related events.
In his welcoming remarks Ivan Zinger has stressed: "The success of this network will be measured in part by the success of our newsletter. Therefore, I need your feedback and contributions so we can improve the newsletter and make it as insightful and relevant as possible."
The next newsletter is set to focus on both a detention related theme (possibly solitary confinement) and a country jurisdiction. Readers interested in submitting articles or joining the network as experts, should contact Ivan Zinger via his office.
Posted by mp in Independent detention monitors, OPCAT
Canada's OPCAT Progress To Come Under Renewed UN Scrutiny
With just a few days to spare before the guillotine falls, the Canada OPCAT Project today submitted its shadow-briefing paper to the United Nations Committee against Torture in Geneva in anticipation of its examination of Canada in late November 2018.
In its short paper the Canada OPCAT Project focuses exclusively on the state of ratification of the OPCAT in the country as an issue. In doing so, it advances various suggested questions which the UN Committee against Torture may wish to put to the Canadian delegation. For the more eager readers, the Canada OPCAT Project's shadow report can be downloaded in full at the bottom of this page.
The UN Committee against Torture is timetabled to examine Canada at 10 am Geneva-time (4 am ET) on 21 November, while Canada's replies to the UN Committee of experts will be heard from 3 pm onwards (9 am ET) on 22 November. The Committee's provisional agenda and program of work are available here, where all submitted shadow papers and reports will be listed in due course (the submission deadline for which is 15 October).
Palais Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland by CCPR_Centre.
The proposed questions highlighted in the Canada OPCAT Project's briefing include the following:
As stated in paragraph 5 of Canada's seventh periodic report, could the delegation please detail any 'extensive consultations' which Canada has so far undertaken on the question of the ratification of the OPCAT?
Could the delegation cite specific examples of consultation with Canadian civil society in this same regard? If not, when does Canada envisage conducting in-depth consultations with civil society?
Could the delegation provide a more detailed time-line and end-date for the completion of the process of considering the ratification of the OPCAT?
Could the Canadian delegation please explain the specific roles allotted to the Department of Justice and Global Affairs Canada respectively in relation to the OPCAT ratification process?
Is the Department of Justice planning to make public its legal analysis on Canada's accession to the OPCAT? If not, could the Canadian delegation please specify why this information should not be placed in the public domain (in an non-redacted format) for the purposes of discussion?
Has Canada considered contacting the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture with a view to seeking its advice on the ratification of the OPCAT?
It is therefore hoped that the two assigned Co-Rapporteurs for Canada as well as the other eight UN Committee members will closely quiz the Canadian delegation about Canada's repeatedly stated intention to consider the ratification of the OPCAT and that they will try to seek concrete answers to at least some of the above unanswered questions.
UN Conference Room at Palais Wilson, Geneva by Niklas Plutte (2010).
As noted on previous occasions on this website, written civil society contributions to the examination of Canada's seventh periodic report under the UN Convention against Torture come as highly welcome. Such alternative information infinitely helps support the crucial work of the UN Committee members as they subject the track-records of countries to much-needed international scrutiny.
Canada will be one of six countries whose periodic reports will be examined by the UN Committee against Torture in Geneva from 12 November to 7 December. The other States Parties include Guatemala, Maldives, Netherlands, Peru and Vietnam. A link to the live broadcast of the UN Committee's examination of Canada on 21-22 November will be posted on this website in the coming weeks.
Persons interested in receiving a copy of the Canada OPCAT Project's full submission to the UN Committee against Torture can download the document immediately below or contact the website directly for an emailed copy.
COPCAT Project Shadow Briefing Paper to UNCAT 12 October 2018
Posted by mp in OPCAT, UNCAT
Monitoring Weapons and Restraints in Places of Detention
On a day that UK Prisons Minister Rory Stewart announced that 3.4 million Canadian Dollars (around 2 million GBP) would be spent on arming prison officers in England and Wales with a synthetic incapacitant pepper spray, the arrival of a new publication on the issue of weapons and restraints in detention arrives not a day too soon.
In a brand new set of resources the UK-based Omega Research Foundation and University of Essex have secured a firm handle on the task of monitoring the use of weapons and restraints in places of detention, a challenge underpinned by the above news story and the related human rights concerns voiced by key actors in the country.
The two organizations have produced a very welcome Practical Guide titled Monitoring Weapons and Restraints in Places of Detention: A Practical Guide for Detention Monitors and a related one-page, foldable Pocket Book for this purpose. The Practical Guide is described "… as a detailed resource which collates standards around the use of firearms, less lethal weapons and restraints in places of detention, and provides checklists of questions to ask and key areas for monitors to observe."
The lighter-weight Pocket Book (please see below) summarizes key points from the Practical Guide and is designed to be easy for monitors to print out and use in places of detention. The above resources are available in English, French and Spanish.
In addition to an in-depth examination of the use of lethal weapons, the publication analyses an array of less-than-lethal weapons. These include chemical irritants and restraints, electric-shock and kinetic impact weapons as well as other restraints. The international and regional legal framework regulating such weapons and restraints is also examined in detail.
In a guest blog contribution to the Association for the Prevention of Torture's website the University of Essex's Abigail Dymond (the co-author) offers a short presentation of these invaluable resources and discusses why weapons and restraints should be monitored.
More interesting information about the highly respected Omega Research Foundation can be gleaned from watching the short video animation below:
Posted by mp in Independent detention monitors, Monitoring tools
Norway's NPM: Some More Useful Lessons for Canada
In her cutting-edge series of human rights and criminal justice interviews the Irish broadcaster and writer, Jane Mulcahy, has posted a new Law & Justice Soundcloud interview with the Head of Norway's NPM.
In this fascinating recent conversation with Helga Fastrup Ervik, Jane Mulcahy broaches a range of different OPCAT-related topics. Canadian human rights experts and lay-persons alike will find some interesting insights in this revealing exchange, including into the operation of Norway's NPM in practice and the related challenges it faces.
Jane Mulcahy Interview with NPM Head, Helga Fastrup Ervik (copyright of Jane Mulcahy).
The Norwegian NPM representative also tackles the the question head on why countries like Canada and Ireland should ratify the OPCAT (at 10 minutes 30 seconds onwards).
In the interview Helga Fastrup Ervik makes it clear that, contrary to popular belief, all is not 100% well in her country's prison estate. As in Canada, resort to isolation of prisoners and limited out-of-cell activity are common challenges found within the system.
Norway ratified the OPCAT in June 2013 and designated the Parliamentary Ombudsman as the NPM the same month. The NPM has been operating since 2014 and consists of an independent department within the Parliamentary Ombudsman, comprising a team of seven multi-disciplinary staff. Detailed information about the structure and operation of Norway's NPM can be found on its website in English.
A good snapshot of the scope activities of the activities of the Norwegian NPM can also be obtained by delving into the institution's 2017 Annual Report (please click on the adjacent image to access this report) or its different news items.
Equally as interesting past OPCAT-focused interviews conducted by Jane Mulcahy are also available on-line, including with the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention Chair, Malcolm Evans, and Australian OPCAT expert, Steven Caruana.
The Right to Know: Tell Us About OPCAT Please?
Swiftly following on from Canada's Right to Know Week (24-28 September 2018) the Canada OPCAT Project today lodged a complaint with the Information Commissioner of Canada concerning a 'deemed refusal' of information on the part of Justice Canada (the Department of Justice).
As was documented in detail previously on this website, a request was filed on 5 June 2018 under the Access to Information Act (ATIP) for specific information concerning the implementation of the OPCAT in Canada.
Followers of this website will also clearly recall that, less than two weeks ago, Canada stated before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that it had accepted the core Universal Periodic Review recommendation (made by 27 countries no less) that it consider ratification of the OPCAT.
Thus, it seems especially surprising that no response has been elicited from Justice Canada (positive or negative) concerning a UN instrument which Canada may soon ratify.
ATIP Request on OPCAT
To briefly recap, in early June 2018, an ATIP request was filed to obtain a copy of a Justice Canada legal analysis of Canada's potential accession to the OPCAT. The document was referred to in Department of Justice correspondence also obtained through an ATIP request earlier in the year. Several weeks later, on 28 June 2018, Justice Canada responded to this second ATIP request, stating that it required a 60-day extension to comply with the application.
As this 60-day extension has long since past, a complaint of 'deemed refusal' was lodged on 1 October 2018 with the Information Commissioner of Canada.
According to the 2017-2018 Annual Report of the Information Commissioner, Justice Canada was the subject of 61 new complaints during this same period (please see page 26 of the report). Even though the institution is less frequently a source of complaints for members of the public (as compared with other Canadian government departments and agencies), it nevertheless remains frustrating that a formal complaint has been deemed necessary in this particular instance. Even so, the Canada OPCAT Project is hopeful that a response will be forthcoming from Justice Canada in the near future.
For Canadian readers who would like a quick primer on why the right to information is so important, Canadian Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard is here to tell you why (in English and French):
Canadian Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard presents Right to Know Week 2018
Posted by mp in OPCAT, Ratification
OPCAT Ratification in Australia: Some Lessons for Canada?
After detention scandal upon detention scandal and no end of highly damaging domestic and international news headlines, Australia finally implemented a decisive measure to turn around this depressing state of affairs. The country ultimately took the decision to put pen to paper, ratifying the OPCAT in December 2017.
While the two countries may be many thousands of miles apart, the parallels between Australia and Canada are not insignificant, not least as Australia is a similarly geographically vast, federally structured state, comprising six states and two self-governing territories, which complicates the implementation of the OPCAT in practice. Despite these challenges, Australia has succeeded in ratifying the OPCAT and is currently in the process of instituting a multi-body NPM structure.
In a recent illuminating interview with the Australian OPCAT expert, Steven Caruana, Sydney Criminal Lawyers' writer Paul Gregoire asked the interviewee a series of probing questions relating to the operation of the OPCAT detention-oversight system in practice, both at home and abroad.
Steven Caruana, recent Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellow (copyright of Sydney Criminal Lawyers).
In the course of 2017 Steven Caruana undertook in-depth research into the wider issue of how the OPCAT was functioning in reality as part of his Winston Churchill Trust Fellowship. The resulting publication (which has also been featured on this website), Enhancing best practice inspection methodologies for oversight bodies with an Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture focus, identifies both good practice inspection methodologies as well as a concept of what constitutes a framework for good practice for NPMs.
In the interview Steven Caruana responds to a series of questions of direct relevance to the Canadian context. These include questions on the impact of the OPCAT in real life, the improvements the OPCAT might engender in places of detention, the uniqueness of the OPCAT preventive approach, and the best NPM-related practices he encountered in the course of his research. The interviewee also replies to the age-old question of why the human rights of persons in detention should be safeguarded.
The Article 24 Procedure
Canadian readers may also be interested to know that, upon ratifying the OPCAT, Australia took advantage of the so-called Article 24 procedure, which allows states to delay the domestic implementation of the instrument (or visits by the UN Subcommittee) initially for up to three years. The idea for such a postponement at the national level is to create an extended window of opportunity for OPCAT States Parties to put in place an NPM.
Australia is certainly not the only country to have made good use of the Article 24 procedure, as Germany, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Philippines and Romania have all done so in recent years.
In a nutshell, the above interview comes as highly recommended reading, especially as the Australian expert responds eloquently to questions routinely raised in the Canadian context. His valuable research can also be accessed by clicking on the adjacent image.
Posted by mp in NPMs, OPCAT, Ratification
← Previous page 1 … 7 8 9 10 Next page →


text:
Xconomy Detroit Ann Arbor
Plant-Breeding Biotech Cibus Delays IPO, Citing Market Conditions
Michigan-Israel Biz Group's Website Maps State's Startup Ecosystem
SmartPharm Therapeutics Appoints José Trevejo CEO
Hi Marley Raises $8M From Investors to Streamline Insurance With AI
Highspot Snags $60M to Help Sales Professionals Refine Their Pitches
CEO and Founder, Techstars
Gerry Hays
Serial Entrepreneur and Investor
Andy Ory
Founder and CEO, Acme Packet
Detroit/Ann Arbor Home
Detroit/Ann Arbor Events
X Lists
Roundup: Swift Biosciences, ONL, Application Deadlines, & More
Sarah Schmid Stevenson
@XconomyDET_AA
Here's a look at innovation news from around Michigan:
—Challenge Detroit, a leadership and professional development program that takes fellows from around the country and places them at a local partner company for a year, is now accepting applications for its 2016-2017 cohort. For the first time since the program's inception in 2012, Detroit-area companies have the opportunity to participate by nominating an existing employee to become a fellow. Challenge Detroit accepts college‐educated applicants from across disciplines and levels of experience. The deadline to apply is March 6.
—Ann Arbor's Swift Biosciences has partnered with San Diego-based Silicon Biosystems Menarini on a new product to help oncologists access genomic information locked within formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. Tim Harkins, the CEO of Swift Biosciences, said in a press release that Silicon Biosystems Menarini has "revolutionized the analysis of FFPE samples by enabling researchers to perform [genetic testing] from samples that previously could not be sequenced."
Silicon Biosystems will combine its DEPArray System, capable of isolating tumor and normal cells from FFPE materials, with Swift Biosciences' sequencing technology, allowing researchers to test samples that contain small amounts of damaged or fragmented DNA, the companies said. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
—DTX Launch Detroit is accepting applications to its 10-week summer startup accelerator for college students and recent graduates. Launch Detroit teaches budding entrepreneurs how to find customers, test ideas, create business plans, and hone pitches. A free informational session will be held at TechTown Detroit on Feb. 24 for those with questions about the program; click here to RSVP. The deadline to apply for the program is April 22.
—The Mobile Technology Association of Michigan is spearheading the creation of an online trade show, where those working on connected cars can develop business relationships. The Connected Vehicle Virtual Trade Show "booths" will remain online for an extended period of time so participants can find collaborators and understand the various value propositions being highlighted. Those interested in participating have until Feb. 19 to register for a booth, which can be customized and changed in real-time throughout the life of the project.
—The professional development organization Inforum is now accepting applications for its inGAGE Master Class for women entrepreneurs. Patti Glaza and Paula Sorrell will teach the class, helping participants assess their ventures' strengths and challenges, and introducing them to potential investors. The next class will run April-September; click here to apply.
—Earlier this month, ONL Therapeutics received an orphan drug designation from the FDA for ONL1204, an experimental treatment for retinal detachment. In a press release, ONL said it's the only company that has secured orphan status for a retinal detachment drug. Clinical trials for ONL1204 are expected to get underway some time this year.
—The University of Michigan's Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is on the hunt for companies to present at the upcoming Michigan Growth Capital Symposium. Any early- or mid-stage startup seeking funding can apply for a 15-minute slot to pitch an audience of potential investors. Thirty-five companies will be showcased, and the deadline to apply is March 10.
—Every winter semester, the University of Michigan's Center for Social Impact partners with a Detroit-based nonprofit on a project that helps the partner organization tackle pressing challenges. This year, the Social Impact Challenge focused on the Police Athletic League's (PAL) Kids at the Corner redevelopment campaign to transform the former home field of the Detroit Tigers into a youth sports center. Teams of students participating in the challenge pitched ideas to help PAL complete the project.
Team "Eye of the Tiger" won the top prize and $2,500 for its proposal to preserve the site's history through corporate and alumni sponsorships, social media awareness campaigns, enhanced sports leagues for boys and girls, and co-hosted community events. The groundbreaking for the new Detroit PAL facility is planned for April, and the team will continue to work with the facility through the end of the school year.
Sarah Schmid Stevenson is the editor of Xconomy Detroit/Ann Arbor. You can reach her at 313-570-9823 or sschmid@xconomy.com. Follow @XconomyDET_AA
Roundup, Part One: NextEnergy, Application Deadlines, U-M News, More

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Published on May 31, 2016. Takes about 2 minutes to read.
Last year, at the 4th Finland International Improv Festival, we (the improvisers) played Cards Against Humanity in the hostel kitchen. This left me thinking: what if there was a niche version of that awfully great game for improvisers? I Googled around and did not find any, so the logical thing to do was to create my own.
The idea came to me a day before I was scheduled to travel to the 5th FIIF. I thought it would make a cool gift to Trent, the organizer of the festival, who could (hopefully) put it to good use both during the festival and afterwards.
I had previously created a custom CAH deck for developers, whch turned out to be a great success (my colleagues loved it), so the process was familiar. I spent the day writing down card ideas, buying paper, printing, cutting and laminating the cards. At around 9pm, my girlfriend came to my aid and we cut and laminated together. I printed the label and a sheet with rules. We packed everything neatly into a beautiful black box. At 1am, we were done.
Now, the game had not been playtested at all due to lack of opportunity and time. Some cards will probably need to be re-worded or removed, additional cards should be added. There are a total of 50 questions and ~120 possible answers. The answer catalog really needs more cards.
That being said, we did manage to complete it and it looks pretty.
Cards Against Improvisers is based on the game Cards Against Humanity, to which I have no affiliation to. The game idea is theirs and licensed under Creative Commons.


In the village of Jaun, discover a very unique handcraft.
It is Jaun's cultural diversity that gives this mountain village its particular charm. An example is its cemetery, known for the exquisite woodcarvings found on each tom, depicting the life of the deceased. These sculptures, quite unique in Europe, were created on the initiative of Walter Cottier, a self-taught resident who died in 1995. Other village artists have carried on this most unusual work.


Step 1 of 2. Select one or more vehicles. You can add, edit, and remove vehicles at any time. You can edit vehicles to personalize the MPG and fuel prices.... Step 1 of 2. Select one or more vehicles. You can add, edit, and remove vehicles at any time. You can edit vehicles to personalize the MPG and fuel prices.
For a basic project in zip code 47474 with 1 line, the cost to Install a Gas Line starts at $574 - $713 per line. Actual costs will depend on job size, conditions, size options. Actual costs will depend on job size, conditions, size options.


Thomas Joinery are proud to say we are now recycling all wood waste from our joinery production into briquettes. Briquettes are ideal for wood burners, AGA's and Rayburns, BBQs and Chimineas. All timber used comes from sustainable forestry and is a 100% waste bi-product from the manufacturing process. No trees are felled for direct production of the briquettes. They come in easy to handle 10 kilo bags. They have also recently been trialled on wood boiler systems and have shown good gasifying properties. The moisture content of the briquettes averages 7 - 8%.


Our customers trust us, we know you will too.
Color House Graphics has been a leading print provider for over three decades. We've developed a new standard for print production, using our advanced technology to provide our customers with faster production and superior quality. CHG is the ideal one-stop-shop manufacturing facility. Whether you're publishing soft cover books, hard cover books, children's books or high-end coffee table books, we have the solutions and support that you'll need.
We're not just building your book; we're building a relationship. We are committed to understanding your needs, budget and print goals. Our experienced staff will work with you to reach all of your requirements. Color House Graphics is ready to serve you today and well into the future.
Color House Graphics is a privately owned company that aims to provide its customers the best possible service and quality while providing long-term solutions to their most critical business issues. Our employees take great pride in satisfying our customers while looking for unique and innovative ways to improve the value we bring to our customers.
Meeting our customers' needs and ensuring their satisfaction.
Valuing our employees as individuals and co-workers.
Empowering them to provide the best service possible.
Providing quality products and services with rapid turnaround at a fair price.
Operating a safe, clean and technologically advanced manufacturing operation.
Participating in the production of materials that promote high moral and ethical values.
We strive to do more than meet our customers' needs. We also strive to delight our customers by anticipating and exceeding their expectations through an innovative and creative workforce. We recognize employees as our most important asset and we focus on making Color House Graphics their first choice for employment.
Since our mission and vision are based on Christian values which are the foundation of our business philosophy, we use great care in determining the types of projects we will manufacture. We will especially take into account when it is determined that the nature of the content we are asked to reproduce might offend our employees, customers or members of our local community.
The hardcovers are here! And they are absolutely bee-you-tee-full!
Books look awesome, you did a great job. Thanks a million.
I just received the books, they look awesome!!!!
The Phoenix Edition looks beautiful. You outdid yourself on the pink cover stamping on the cover!
Hi guys, we got the books in last week, and they look great! Thanks for the great work.
Just looked at them and they look fantastic! Wow, what a great looking book. Your team met and exceeding my expectations and I couldn't be more happy with the outcome. Please let everyone know that they have really done an excellent job on this book! I can't say enough positive things about it. Beautiful!!!
Along with good pricing, I want you to know that a big reason I am sending you some books is because of the support I feel we received from Britni on a past project. She did a great job of checking each step and understanding what we requested. The in house CSR is so important to a job. Thanks to prepress, pressmen, and bindery too!
Thank you so much for all your help, you all have been incredible. We already have a second book in the translation stage and you will remain as our choice for printer.
Thanks for all your work on this getting these books printed quickly. Please pass on our thanks to all others at CHG. You guys are great.
Both orders are in, nice job, including the casebinding. Thank you both for continuing to meet our expectations for excellent quality work! And excellent customer service, ongoing! Pleasure working with you both.
Color House Graphics was established in September 1987 by Ken Postema, Bill Landheer and Steve Landheer. They brought together their unique skills and experience to form one of the fastest growing book manufacturing companies in the U.S. The values and experience they shared continues to drive the company forward, meeting the needs of the customers and employees.
Both Ken and Bill previously held key management positions at Zondervan Corporation, a Grand Rapids-based Christian book publishing company, before their jobs were eliminated following the closing of Zondervan's in-house printing division. Steve Landheer owned a book bindery in Grand Rapids at the time and became part of the CHG plan. They rolled up their sleeves and quickly assembled a small group of other former Zondervan employees and invested in just enough printing and binding equipment to get their business rolling forward.
In 2002, Bill Landheer retired from the business, leaving Ken and Steve as co-owners. At the end of 2012, Ken retired, leaving Steve as the owner. Today the company remains a privately held business that combines quality manufacturing and state-of-the art equipment with a friendly, helpful customer service and sales staff that is ready to assist you.
Want to receive industry updates, marketing tips and helpful printing and publishing how-to's?
Sign up to be a member of Color House Graphics' monthly mailing list. It's easy!


text:
Kookaburras Team Named For Darwin International Hockey Open
Monday, 3 September 2018 1:10:22 PM Australia/Sydney
Author: Ben Somerford/Monday, 3 September 2018/Categories:
Hockey Australia today announces the 20-member Kookaburras team for the upcoming Darwin International Hockey Open (DIHO) and two Tests against Argentina.
The world number one Kookaburras will compete against Argentina (ranked second), Malaysia (12th) and Japan (16th) in the DIHO from Tuesday-Saturday 18-22 September at Marrara Hockey Centre.
Australia will also play 2016 Rio Olympics gold medallists Argentina in two Tests on Friday 14 September and Sunday 16 September at the same venue.
The matches are all crucial preparation for the Kookaburras leading into the 2018 Men's World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India, starting in November where Australia will defend their world title.
Tickets are available for the DIHO matches via Ticketbooth from $10 for children and $15 for adults.
Uncapped 22-year-old Victorian defender Josh Simmonds, Queenslander Jacob Anderson and Tasmanian Jack Welch have all been called up to make their Kookaburras debuts.
Forward pair Anderson, 21, and Welch, 20, both come from outside the National Senior Men's Squad.
Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said: "Every selection has its challenges and this one is no exception.
"We've had a number of injuries with our strikers so we've had to look beyond the National Senior Men's Squad and we've selected Jacob and Jack from our National Development Squad.
"Both played recently in the National Under-21's Championships and also in the Australia A Series in Malaysia. They performed well and their selections are based on their performances at those two events.
"They happened to be in good form when this selection opportunity came along and we're excited for them to make their debuts.
"Likewise Josh Simmonds, who was added to the National Senior Men's Squad earlier this year, gets his opportunity in defence.
"He's a really dedicated athlete, who is well prepared and it'll be nice to see him get his debut."
From the Kookaburras team which won the Champions Trophy in the Netherlands in July, goalkeeper Andrew Charter and defender Matthew Dawson both return from injury, while Darwin local Jeremy Hayward retains his spot and will play in front of his home crowd.
Wollongong forward Kieran Govers, who has 121 caps and scored 58 goals for Australia, earns his first call-up since November 2016 having been added to the National Senior Men's Squad in May.
"Kieran has worked very hard to get back into the squad," Batch said.
"We're happy to test him again at international level and see if he can stake a claim for World Cup selection."
The Darwin matches will lead into the Australian Hockey League and an October training camp as Batch and the National Selectors home in on selection for the World Cup later this year.
Batch added: "We're narrowing towards the World Cup and, even though we've gone outside the squad, we're still trying to find our best group of players for the World Cup.
"Our performances in Darwin will be taken into consideration but we've got further opportunities for players not selected in Darwin to impress during AHL and our October national camp."
The Kookaburras are due to arrive in Darwin on Wednesday 12 September.
The matches will not be streamed. Fans can follow @Kookaburras for live updates.
Kookaburras team for DIHO & Tests vs Argentina:
Athlete (City, State)
Jacob Anderson (Mackay, QLD)
Josh Beltz (Hobart, TAS)
Timothy Brand (Chatswood, NSW)
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT)
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW)
Kieran Govers (Wollongong, NSW)
Jake Harvie (Dardanup, WA)
Tim Howard (Wakerley, QLD)
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS)
Joshua Simmonds (Doncaster, VIC)
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD)
Corey Weyer (Biggera Waters, QLD)
Jack Welch (Hobart, TAS)
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, NSW) *Plays for QLD
Australia v Argentina Fixtures (all fixtures in local time/ACST):
Friday 14 September 7pm – Australia v Argentina
Sunday 16 September 7pm – Australia v Argentina
2018 DIHO Fixtures (all fixtures in local time/ACST):
Tuesday 18 September 5:15pm – Argentina v Japan
Tuesday 18 September 7pm – Australia v Malaysia
Wednesday 19 September 5:15pm – Malaysia v Japan
Wednesday 19 September 7pm – Argentina v Australia
Friday 21 September 5pm – Malaysia v Argentina
Friday 21 September 7pm – Australia v Japan
Saturday 22 September 5pm – 3rd Place Final
Saturday 22 September 7pm – 1st Place Final
Posted in Hockey News Australian Hockey By


Beautiful 4 bedroom 2 bath brick home in Crystal Creek that backs to natural wooded area. Great split floorplan with big living area featuring a corner fireplace for those cold winter evenings. Kitchen has a breakfast bar and a spacious eating area. There is also a walk in pantry! Custom tile work makes this home sparkle! Tile floors throughout the entire home. Master bath features a garden tub and double vanity and walk in closet. There is a deck that runs the length of the rear of the house overlooking the backyard and natural area beyond. You will not want to miss this lovely home!


Sallese, J.-M. ; Krummenacher, F. ; Pregaldiny, F. ; Lallement, C. ; Roy, A. S. ; Enz, C.
We propose a design oriented charge-based model for undoped DG MOSFETs under symmetrical operation that aims at giving a comprehensive understanding of the device from the design strategy. In particular, we introduce useful normalizations for current and charges that in turn lead to very simple relationships among the physical quantities. Finally, we emphasize on the link that exists between this approach and the EKV formalism derived for bulk MOSFETs, which in turn leads to the unique gms/ID design methodology for DG architectures. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.


text:
SVO Senior Quality Engineer – Chassis
Responsible for developing and delivering quality disciplines relating to vehicle and component design, development and launch for all current and future Special vehicles within our client. Working closely with both the supply base and within the client to ensure new vehicles are delivered and produced to the correct quality, volume and cost. Roles are available across several different commodities.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Within Quality at our client, their engineers have a wide range of roles and responsibilities, engaging all areas of the business, from Design, Purchasing, Product Development, Launch Teams, Manufacturing, After Sales, Dealerships and their supply Base. Worldwide travel, constant interaction with people and the drive to make the highest quality sports cars in the world requires flexible engineers with good communication and team work skills and a thirst for problem solving.
In the manufacturing plant, their engineers bring new products into production through the development of parts, vehicle and supply base. Their engineers also work closely with our manufacturing colleagues and monitor the success of the end product via their After Sales and network of dealerships worldwide.
Manage the delivery of off tool, off process 100% accurate parts and final part approval for responsible commodities through their Part Approval Process
Use of automotive engineering quality tools (i.e. DFMEA, PFMEA, PPAP, APQP, 8D, PPS)
Confirm supplier manufacturing capacity status and ensure no negative impact to supply and quality during new model launch.
Work closely with their supply base to define improvement plans.
Drive quality history reviews and campaign prevention related activities to ensure no repeat issues from previous models.
Agree the vehicle and parts quality requirement with PD, programme, manufacturing and suppliers to exceed customer expectations.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams of various sizes, across all areas and influence the delivery of those teams.
Experienced problem solver.
Skills in reliability and robustness engineering.
Knowledge of Quality Tools and techniques for design.
High degree of numeracy and knowledge of statistical techniques is also an advantage.
Proven ability to lead cross functional team meetings and define clear improvement action plans.
Ability to self-manage and work under pressure to deliver quality, production and engineering requirements and thrive in a dynamic and changing environment.
Full UK driving licence (essential)
Millbank are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
Millbank operates as an Employment Agency and Business.
31479JH
Proud Serviceman Returns Home from Warrior Games Ready to Inspire Others
Former British Army Lance Corporal Richie O'Connell has returned from the Warrior Games in Tampa Bay, Florida where he competed alongside Team UK with other injured soldiers from around the world.
Former British Army Lance Corporal Richie O'Connell has returned from the Warrior Games in Tampa Bay, Florida where he competed alongside Team UK with other injured soldiers from around the world. Millbank Managing Director David Hopley caught up with Richie to talk to him about what it meant for him to take part in the Warrior Games, how it felt to meet and bond with others in situations similar to his own, and what's next on the horizon for him in his recovery journey. #BeInspired #Community
Former British Army Lance Corporal @richieoc72 has returned from the @warriorgames in Tampa Bay, Florida where he c… https://t.co/TpuaoeQkL1
Are you a Consultant or Senior Consultant with minimum 12 months experience in the Permanent recruitment market and are you ready for your next career move? Millbank has an opportunity for a Permanent Recruitment Consultant to join our dedicated Rail Division based at our Runcorn Head Office. We have had an established Rail business since 1995 which was dedicated to Possession & Isolation Management & Delivery functions within the Rail environment but latterly was reborn in 2014 to focus on delivery of Professional & Technical, White Collar Recruitment Solutions. It's this area of Rail we are focusing specific investment and growth moving forward. From a standing start in 2014, the business has had significant success growing year on year to a forecasted turnover in 2019 of £8m. About You With at least 12 months experience in permanent recruitment, you will have the ability to network with candidates using your excellent communication skills and visit our clients independently or with support of a Business Manager. You will have ambitions to progress further in your career, adding significant value to the business which we will support through mentoring from our experienced management team. You'll work on a wide range of roles within Professional & Technical Engineering Rail disciplines, engaging with white collar candidates for permanent roles throughout the UK with no geographical restrictions. Benefits Join an experienced team – Over a quarter of our staff have been with us for more than ten years, and some have been with us for nearly thirty years Grow with us – We are continually expanding into new sectors as the industrial landscape changes, meaning we have recently developed and expanded several teams Convenient location – Dodge the city traffic jams of Manchester, Liverpool and Chester whilst still being within easy reach of transport links Modern facilities – A fresh, contemporary office with free parking and adjacent local amenities Be part of our heritage – We have built up a well-established client and candidate database that knows and trusts us Desirable commission structure – Uncapped, meaning your success is rewarded directly Welcoming office atmosphere – Work with a professional, friendly team, and be part of our regular office activities, such as fundraisers, dress down days and social events Highly rated by our staff – Our company has a high staff satisfaction rating on Glassdoor, with reviews citing a good work-life balance, friendly co-workers and a beneficial atmosphere of learning and support. About Millbank The Millbank Group has over 30 years of experience delivering resource business solutions for project management, engineering, technical, automation, IT and commercial management personnel to a wide range of industry sectors and world class clients. With offices in Runcorn (5 mins from M56) and Oxfordshire the group turnover is over £70 million and is forecasted to increase by 18% growth over the next five years with the recent award of some prestigious contracts. Millbank are committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership.
Do you want to work for a recruitment agency that's trusted, knowledgeable and professional? Are you an experienced recruitment consultant, specialising in either permanent or contract placements? Do you have experience working for or within a technical or engineering industry? Whether you're already a Senior Consultant, or you feel like it's time to move up into a more senior role, Millbank is the place to develop your recruitment career. The opportunity We offer the prospect of joining a professional, hard-working team focused on delivering the highest quality service possible to clients and candidates. We have made our name providing solutions for technical and engineering disciplines, so previous experience working for or in these industries would be an advantage. We don't believe in tracking performance through redundant KPIs. Instead, we believe in treating each candidate and client as individuals, enabling our consultants to deliver on our promise of excellent service. Over 35 years we've built up important long-standing relationships through our core values: heritage, knowledge, integrity and respect. If you can take these values to heart, we'd welcome talking to you. Why Join Millbank? Join an experienced team – Over a quarter of our staff have been with us for more than ten years, and some have been with us for nearly thirty years Grow with us – We are continually expanding into new sectors as the industrial landscape changes, meaning we have recently developed and expanded several teams. Convenient location – Dodge the city traffic jams of Manchester, Liverpool and Chester whilst still being within easy reach of transport links Modern facilities – A fresh, contemporary office with free parking and adjacent local amenities Be part of our heritage – We have built up a well-established client and candidate database that knows and trusts us Desirable commission structure – Uncapped, meaning your success is rewarded directly Welcoming office atmosphere – Work with a professional, friendly team, and be part of our regular office activities, such as fundraisers, dress down days and social events Highly rated by our staff – Our company has a high staff satisfaction rating on Glassdoor, with reviews citing a good work-life balance, friendly co-workers and a beneficial atmosphere of learning and support. About Millbank The Millbank Group has over 35 years of experience delivering resource business solutions for project management, engineering, technical, automation, IT and commercial management personnel to a wide range of industry sectors and world class clients. With offices in Runcorn, Cheshire, (5 mins from M56) and a southern based office in Oxfordshire, the group turnover is £68 million and is forecasted to increase by 18% growth over the next five years with the recent award of some prestigious contracts. Millbank are committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership.
Government Hands £500m Loan Guarantee to Jaguar Land Rover to Develop EV Future
The UK government is committed to supporting the automotive sector in reaching the forefront of the design and manufacture of electric vehicles, it was announced at an industry gathering at Downing Street on Monday.
Aston Martin Valkyrie Debut Dynamic Run Takes Centre Stage at Silverstone
Aston Martin treated F1 fans to witness the first dynamic run of the phenomenal Valkyrie hypercar at the British Grand Prix this weekend, with the 1,160bhp machine lapping Silverstone just before qualifying.
British Grand Prix to Remain at Silverstone Until At Least 2024
A new deal has been secured between Silverstone and Formula 1 to keep the British GP at the iconic track for another 5 years.


text:
'use strict';

/**
 * Module dependencies.
 */
var mongoose = require('mongoose'),
	Soldier = mongoose.model('Soldier'),
	_ = require('lodash');

/**
 * Get the error message from error object
 */
var getErrorMessage = function(err) {
	var message = '';

	if (err.code) {
		switch (err.code) {
			case 11000:
			case 11001:
				message = 'Soldier already exists';
				break;
			default:
				message = 'Something went wrong';
		}
	} else {
		for (var errName in err.errors) {
			if (err.errors[errName].message) message = err.errors[errName].message;
		}
	}

	return message;
};

/**
 * Create a Soldier
 */
exports.create = function(req, res) {
	var soldier = new Soldier(req.body);
	soldier.user = req.user;

	soldier.save(function(err) {
		if (err) {
			return res.send(400, {
				message: getErrorMessage(err)
			});
		} else {
			res.jsonp(soldier);
		}
	});
};

/**
 * Show the current Soldier
 */
exports.read = function(req, res) {
	res.jsonp(req.soldier);
};

/**
 * Update a Soldier
 */
exports.update = function(req, res) {
	var soldier = req.soldier;

	soldier = _.extend(soldier, req.body);

	soldier.save(function(err) {
		if (err) {
			return res.send(400, {
				message: getErrorMessage(err)
			});
		} else {
			res.jsonp(soldier);
		}
	});
};

/**
 * Delete an Soldier
 */
exports.delete = function(req, res) {
	var soldier = req.soldier;

	soldier.remove(function(err) {
		if (err) {
			return res.send(400, {
				message: getErrorMessage(err)
			});
		} else {
			res.jsonp(soldier);
		}
	});
};

/**
 * List of Soldiers
 */
exports.list = function(req, res) {
	Soldier.find().sort('-created').populate('user', 'displayName').exec(function(err, soldiers) {
		if (err) {
			return res.send(400, {
				message: getErrorMessage(err)
			});
		} else {
			res.jsonp(soldiers);
		}
	});
};

/**
 * Soldier middleware
 */
exports.soldierByID = function(req, res, next, id) {
	Soldier.findById(id).populate('user', 'displayName').exec(function(err, soldier) {
		if (err) return next(err);
		if (!soldier) return next(new Error('Failed to load Soldier ' + id));
		req.soldier = soldier;
		next();
	});
};

/**
 * Soldier authorization middleware
 */
exports.hasAuthorization = function(req, res, next) {
	if (req.soldier.user.id !== req.user.id) {
		return res.send(403, 'User is not authorized');
	}
	next();
};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


AAC describes methods of communication which can be used to supplement the more usual methods of speech and writing when these are impaired.
AAC facilitates understanding as well as expression.
AAC can be a way to help someone understand, as well as a means of expression.
Why is there a need for alternative communication?
Many children, especially those with PMLD, are unable to communicate verbally. They may make sounds without the capacity to form them into understandable words.
There are many alternative communication strategies that can be used to allow these children to start to communicate.
Initially this could be enough to indicate preferences. However, this can progress to each child being able to make choices and might eventually lead to a conversation.
Enabling each child to be an effective communicator is a prerequisite for classroom learning.
You may encounter another associated term: Assistive Technology.
AT is an umbrella term that consists of assistive, adaptive devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them.
It promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing. In this way, it provides enhancements or adaptations to conventional technologies to enable interaction and the accomplishment of tasks.


text:
816 Views Share:
Thundercats : The Cast
Characters list created by xeriminx
Lion-O
Lion-O is the leader and the hereditary "Lord of the ThunderCats." Lion-O, based on the lion, wields the legendary Sword of Omens, which is able to fire bolts of energy and allows Lion-O to see across great distances with its power of "Sight Beyond Sight", as well as the Claw Shield, a gauntlet that launches grappling lines from its claws.
Jaga was a male Thunderian noble and a ThunderCat. Jaga was Claudus' successor as Lord of the ThunderCats and keeper of the Sword of Omens after Claudus was blinded fighting the Mutants. Jaga was once good friends with Grune until the latter's betrayal.
Cheetara
Cheetara is a female ThunderCat based on a cheetah with an anthropomorphic humanoid physical form, along with an athletic build. She is normally seen wearing a one-piece orange leotard that has her ThunderCat emblem at the front of her bosom, and orange boots.
Panthro
Panthro is physically the strongest ThunderCat and is a cunning warrior in combat, relying as much on martial arts as on physical strength. With Tygra's help, he builds all of the vehicles the ThunderCats use on Third Earth — including the ThunderTank, the Feliner and the ThunderClaw, ThunderStrike and HoverCat. In combat, he uses a pair of chained Fighting Sticks (nunchaku)
Tygra
Tygra is able to turn himself invisible to the naked eye. He also possesses mind power, which enables him to creates illusions that can deceive his opponents; using this power however drains him.
Tygra is also an intellectual, being the architect of the group, and has been seen conducting scientific research sometimes (he even works in a laboratory sometimes). He's grounded and calm, usually considering every aspect of a situation rather than rushing into conclusions or actions.
Snarf
Entrusted with the care of the young Lion-O, Snarf Osbert (known simply as "Snarf" to his fellow ThunderCats) often thinks of himself as the oldest member of the group. Although Snarf is an excessive worrier and something of a pessimist, his courage and loyalty is as evident as any full-sized ThunderCats, particularly when defending Lion-O.
Wilykat
Wilykat is the brother of Wilykit and the older of the two Thunderkittens. They were close to Lion-O's age when escaping Thundera before its destruction.
WilyKat is the more cautious of the two and he often shows his adventurous sister concern.
WilyKat and Wilykit's primary weapons are the grenade capsules on their belts, containing a variety of chemical, smoke, and incendiary compounds.
Wilykit
Wilykit is the female Thunderkitten, the sister of Wilykat, and she is the youngest of the Thundercats.
Wilykit is a very adventurous young lady, she spends most of her time with her brother Wilykat. The pair of young thunderians are playful and active. She does not go on as many missions as the older thundercats.
Bengali is a tiger-like Thunderian with blue and white stripes.
Bengali is a blacksmith who wields the Hammer of Thundera, which functions both as a tool and a weapon. The hammer is capable of emitting energy beams similar to other ThunderCats' weapons. As he explains to Lion-O, only a Thunderian blacksmith could reforge the Sword of Omens. This makes him an indispensible addition to the ThunderCats' force.
Claudus
Claudus is Lion-O's father and the previous Lord of the ThunderCats. Contrary to popular belief, Jaga was not a relative of Lion-O, only a mentor for the young heir to the ThunderCats throne, when they escaped the destruction of Thundera.
Pumyra
Pumyra is a young female Thunderian introduced in the second season. This young woman, based on the puma, is a talented healer and medic. She uses her knowledge of Thunderian medicine, combined with the wide range of medicinal supplies to be found on Third Earth, to help heal and cure her fellow ThunderCats.
In combat, she uses a special whipcord, which resembles a "cat's tail," that can launch special pellets and spheres with a slingshot.
Slithe
Slithe or S-S-Slithe is the leader of the Mutants and a very dangerous enemy of the ThunderCats. Although lacking sophistication, he can be very cunning. Domineering and impatient, Slithe often must browbeat the other Mutants into going along with his plans. He has a tendency to emphasize on pronouncing the letter "S" in his speech, usually ending his sentences with the question, "Yes-s-s?" He also holds little to no respect for Mumm-Ra.
Lynx-O
Lynx-O is the oldest ThunderCat alive. He was blinded by fire before Thundera exploded. He has been able to fine-tune his other senses because of this. A Braille board was made for him, so he could learn about the Lunataks. Now it is used to help guide through the Forest of Mist and to learn about other things before the rest of the ThunderCats learn about them. Lynx-O is based on the Lynx.
Mumm-Ra is a fictional character from the animated TV series ThunderCats. He is the main antagonist on the show, demonstrating absolute mastery of magic. He often uses the Mutants of Plun-Darr as pawns in his schemes to defeat the ThunderCats. Their original intention was to steal, and utilize the power of the Eye of Thundera (and in one episode, the Star of Thundera as well); however, this swiftly shifts to a series-long determination to outright obliterate the ThunderCats.
Mumm-Ra usually resides in his Black Pyramid as a withered, corpse-like being; however, he can alter his form by reciting the following incantation: "Ancient spirits of evil, transform this decayed form to Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living!" This transforms him into a muscular fiend who menaces the ThunderCats with episode-long challenges before being driven back into his sarcophagus. In later episodes, while endowing Mumm-Ra with his powers, the statues of the Ancient Spirits of Evil come down from their perches, extend their arms over him as the powers of evil flow into Mumm-Ra.
Ma-Mutt
Ma-Mutt is Mumm-Ra's pet, who greatly resembles a demonic bulldog. While incapable of speech because of his canine physiology. He appears to be a sentient being of roughly human intelligence, capable of following complex plans and successfully posing as Mumm-Ra and mobilizing the mutants. He was also able to speak in this form, presumably because it posessed a more articulated mouth and vocal cords.
He has demonstrated the ability to fly as well as to grow in size and seems to have greatly enhanced strength. As well as this he has been shown as highly competent at whatever task he undertakes, but he is absolutely loyal to his master, Mumm-Ra, who appears to likewise consider Ma-Mutt as his only true ally and friend.
Ratar-O
Ratar-O is one of the commanders of the Mutants and captain of The Ratstar.
His weapons of choice are a pair of sais called the Rat's Eye. He can also fly using boosters in his shoe
Arrogant and domineering leader, Ratar-O is a Mutant commander. Ratar-O has proven to be one of the ThunderCats' deadliest foes. He once forced Slithe into serving under him.
Luna is a diminutive sorceress, now the leader and chief strategist of the Lunataks.Because of her small form, she is carried around and cared for by Amok, her servant.
Cruel and caustic, Luna commands the Lunataks by birthright.
Ancient Spirits of Evil
The Ancient Spirits of Evil are evil spirits that Mumm-Ra summons in order to transform himself into Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living. In addition, he sometimes invokes the Ancient Spirits of Evil to transform himself from Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living to other forms to suit his purposes, such as the Netherwitch or Diamondfly. The spirits are represented by four large statues surrounding the cauldron (boar, crocodile, bull, vulture)
Amok is Luna's loyal servant and bodyguard, also her chief mode of transportation.
Amok's a hulking, quadrupedal brute who seems to be a cross of bulldog and demon, and having very limited capacity for vocalization. Amok is strong and fast but also displays enough cunning to exact revenge against Luna for abandoning him when she recovers Queen Luna's magical belt . He also has an innate weakness for candy, and will abandon Luna in an instant if it means getting to eat it.
Alluro
Alluro is a master of deception, mind games, and psychological warfare.
Alluro's dark evil nature is boundless, and the Lunatak takes great delight in the mental cruelty he is able to inflict on his enemies. However, like many of his kind, Alluro's courage is only as strong as his ability to control his enemies, a weakness that the ThunderCats often exploit. He has twice shown a desire to overthrow Luna and become the leader of the Lunataks (Psych Out and Crystal Canyon.)
The Thundercats, led by the young Thundercat Lord Lion-O, are fighting evil on Third Earth.
Baron Tass
Baron Tass is an overweight Thunderian man. He arrived on New Thundera and tried to cash in on old debts. Lion-O forbid him though. He is shown to have a history with Torr. He and Mr. Grubber found the location of his old estate and used water from the Well of Doubt to make the Lord of the ThunderCats doubt himself.
Mr. Grubber
Mr. Grubber is the sidekick of Baron Tass and is always at his side. He serves as Baron Tass' bookkeeper.
Grune
Also known as Grune the Destroyer.
Grune was a ThunderCat and the general in command of Thundera's armies. His great-grandfather was Lord of the ThunderCats.
Jagara
Jagara is an ancient ThunderCat Sorceress. She guards the Mighty Gyroscope on New Thundera.
Leah (Thundercats)
Leah is a young Thunderian girl who crashes in the Jungle of Darkness.
Torr is a young Thunderian commoner. Torr and his group returned to New Thundera after it reformed to resettle their homeland. When they arrived on the planet they were captured by the robotic Two Time and kept prisoner. The ThunderCats saved him and his group, even though New Thundera was unstable he refused to leave his home.
Jackelman
Jackalman is a member of the evil Mutants. He is the leader of the Jackelmen from the planet Plun-Darr.
Monkian
Monkian is a fictional character in the animated television series ThunderCats. He is a member of the evil Mutants. He is a humanoid monkey.
Ancient Spirits of Good
The Ancient Spirits of Good were good spirits that Mumm-Rana called upon in order to transform herself into Mumm-Rana, the Ever-Good.
Mumm-Rana would transform by the making following the request: "Ancient Spirits of Goodness, Transform this gentle form, to Mumm-Rana, the Ever Good".
Mumm-Rana
Mumm-Rana, the Ever-Good is the polar opposite version of the evil Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living. She resides in the White Pyramid and calls to the Ancient Spirits of Good. She also has the ability to transform from her mummified state to a much stronger warrior form.
All-Star DC Universe
24 item list by sackdaddy
My Thundercats Movie Cast
21 item list by TheKnight12
The "House M.D." Cast
18 item list by Maary
The "Six Feet Under" Cast
The "The Middle" Cast
The "Scrubs" Cast
The "Dexter" Cast
The "3rd Rock from the Sun" Cast
The Evolution of Donnie Yen
Western Movie Posters: Jack Hoxie by SA-512
America's Sweethearts by SwornShadow
Alina Kovalevskaya (Ukrainian "Barbie Doll") by Mikopoles
Music...R.I.P...R&B...Heaven's Soul Choir by Dj Levels
Beautifully Cute - Taya Brooks by parryj
WWE All of Hell in a Cell Matches by jordanwiles94
Laurence Harvey - Movies I've Viewed by Kandi
Beautiful US Faces - Jessie Li by parryj
Astonished By Keke Palmer by django123
Liya Kebede (Ethiopian model) by Mikopoles
Favorite Albums released in 1992 by lovedriver
Faces So Beautiful It Hurts - Uzbekistan by parryj
Sarah Paulson's 5 Favorite Films by Nusch
Beautifully Cute - Rowan Blanchard by parryj
Powerful Entities and Great Visuals by RevelationEques
More lists from xeriminx
Vivian Hsu - Vogue Taiwan - 2019 by xeriminx
Fan Bingbing - Grazia - 2019 by xeriminx
Umbrella by xeriminx
Goddess with a frozen age - Lure Hsu by xeriminx
xeriminx's Dream Team players mini bio's by xeriminx
xeriminx's Dream Team First Eleven & theirs nicks by xeriminx
Kirsten Ren by xeriminx


2. Pack a BagMany of our member Inns & B&Bs are a little off the beaten path. Plan according.
3. Enjoy The AdirondacksExplore, relax and have a great time while you are visiting. Be sure to take lots of pictures!


An excellent opportunity to acquire affordable acreage. Build your dream rural escape with as the property boasts a building entitlement entitlement and choice of building sites to capitalise on the views across the property. Approximately 116 acres of unspoiled country to create the perfect rural escape, home or weekender.


text:
L'arboretum de Beynost est un arboretum français situé à Beynost dans le département de l'Ain.

Description

L'arboretum a été créé, à la suite des inondations de 1995 : en effet, cette zone constituée de 350 arbres contribue à stabiliser le sol, en cas de ruissellement sur le coteau de la Côtière, sur lequel se trouve l'arboretum.

En novembre 2014, l'arboretum fait l'objet d'un important abattage puis débardage (à cheval) en vue de la plantation programmée de chênes verts.

Références

Article connexe

 Liste des arboretums de France

Arboretum en France
Parc ou jardin public dans l'Ain
Arboretum
Patrimoine naturel dans la Côtière

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Un vase diatrète (en ), ou verre en cage, ou encore vase réticulé est un type de vase en verre ouvragé de la fin de l'époque romaine, autour du , considéré comme l'aboutissement des réalisations romaines dans la technique du verre. Un vase diatrète se compose d'une coupe intérieure en verre et d'une cage extérieure décorative qui se détache du corps du récipient, auquel elle est rattachée par de courtes tiges ou entretoises, le tout également en verre. Une cinquantaine de ces vases sont parvenus jusqu'à nous, parfois en bon état, ou plus souvent, sous forme de fragments ; seuls quelques exemplaires sont presque complets. La plupart ont une cage à motifs géométriques circulaires, souvent avec une inscription ou une sentence en lettres au-dessus de la zone réticulée. Certains sont pourvus d'une bride ou d'une zone de moulure en saillie supportant le lettrage, au-dessus des motifs inférieurs (cas illustré par la coupe de Cologne).

Encore plus rares sont les exemples avec des scènes en relief, dont la coupe de Lycurgue du British Museum est le seul exemplaire complet à avoir survécu, bien qu'il existe d'autres fragments du même type : sur ce vase, la cage est constituée d'une vigne emprisonnant l'infortuné Lycurgue. Aucun de ces vases n'a de pied. Ces objets de fabrication difficile étaient sans doute très coûteux, au moins autant que les objets romains en camée de verre, comme le vase Portland. Dans les deux cas, la technologie mise en œuvre pour les fabriquer, ainsi que leur utilisation, font l'objet de débats parmi les spécialistes.

Technologie
Les vases à cage en verre diatrète sont évoqués dans la littérature latine : les divers objets cités sont datés du premier tiers au milieu du , dans la même période tardive que les vases en verre camée, du type du vase Portland. Ils semblent faits de verres de composition similaire, et certains vases tardifs sont manifestement des combinaisons des deux techniques du verre camée et du verre diatrète. La principale division entre ces différents types de récipients se situe entre les tasses à figures, accompagnées ou non de motifs réticulés, et celles qui n'en comportent pas. Certains vases diatrètes ont leurs inscriptions placées sur des brides moulurées. La plupart ont une forme de gobelets étroits, mais d'autres plus larges sont en forme de bols.

Depuis la première publication sur le sujet en 1680, il a été généralement admis que les coupes à cage étaient fabriquées en taillant et en érodant un récipient de verre épais et solide, technique laborieuse à laquelle les Grecs et les Romains étaient très expérimentés en raison de leur passion pour les sculptures en pierre dure et la gravure des pierres semi-précieuses. Une théorie alternative, autrefois rejetée, mais récemment relancée, suggère que cela n'est vrai que pour le bord des récipients et la découpe de la cage, mais pas pour l'assemblage du gobelet et de sa cage : ceux-ci auraient été fabriqués séparément et soudés à chaud. Par exemple, il est affirmé que les joints lisses sur la coupe de Munich montrent la fusion de la cage avec la coupe principale, mais que la cage elle-même est sculptée. Ces joints lisses sont également visibles sur les coupes de Cologne et de Pljevlja. Cependant, cela reste controversé, et une coupe fragmentaire, trouvée à Corinthe dans les années 1960, ne montrerait aucune preuve d'articulations là où la cage rencontre le récipient, lorsqu'elle est examinée au microscope.

En dehors des gemmes sculptées, il existe un petit fragment d'un motif ajouré en argent réticulé, qui a survécu dans un grand trésor d'argent romain, découpé au  sous forme de lingots et enterré en Écosse à Trapain Law, conservé au Royal Museum of Scotland. Le fragment montre un motif basé sur des cercles, très similaire au verre diatrète, suggérant que le même style peut avoir été employé en orfèvrerie sur plaque d'argent, sans qu'on puisse savoir laquelle des deux techniques est apparue la première.

Certains exemplaires ajoutent de la difficulté au processus de fabrication par la réalisation de différentes couleurs sur la cage, comme les coupes de Milan et de Cologne, mais la plupart sont en verre normal, comme ceux de Munich et de Corning. Le meilleur exemple de la technologie spéciale du verre dichroïque, qui change de couleur suivant qu'il est traversé ou non par la lumière, est la coupe de Lycurgue, au British Museum.

Fonction
La fonction des coupes diatrètes est incertaine. Les inscriptions qu'elles portent laissent penser qu'elles étaient utilisées lors de cérémonies de libations festives, mais il a été remarqué que la forme du bord tourné des récipients et l'absence de support sur l'ensemble des coupes connues les rapprochaient toutes de la coupe du musée du verre de Corning, qui était presque sûrement une lampe à huile conçue pour être suspendue, si l'on considère les petits accessoires en alliage de cuivre trouvés avec elle : une bande ronde ajustée sous le rebord, et trois pièces faites de chaînes fixées à des tiges réunies à un anneau commun attaché à une tige unique, un arrangement connu sur beaucoup de lampes romaines, d'un type à trois attaches, très semblable à celui des suspensions de jardin modernes. Cependant, les dédicaces conviviales inscrites sur plusieurs exemplaires de coupes diatrètes sont comparables à celles des coupes en verre d'or romaines de la même époque, principalement à Rome.

Caractères

La coupe de Lycurgue n'a pas de bord évasé, mais elle peut avoir été modifiée ou équipée d'un cerclage en métal comme celui, moderne, qu'elle possède maintenant. La coupe Constable-Maxwell et la coupe Corning ont un profil plus en forme de bol que de gobelet, beaucoup plus large que les autres exemples bien connus. Sinon, par leur forme, en dehors de l'absence de toute inscription, elles sont très similaires aux coupes plus étroites. Les vases diatrètes peuvent donc être regroupés en deux catégories : l'une sans inscription en forme de bol, l'autre en forme de gobelet, avec une inscription. Les larges tasses à fond arrondi, qui encouragent une consommation rapide, parce qu'on ne peut les reposer sur une table qu'entièrement vidées et retournées, sont connues de diverses cultures.

Origine
Le verre romain décoratif de la plus haute qualité a tendance à être attribué à Rome ou à Alexandrie, celle-ci étant mentionnée comme lieu de fabrication de verrerie sur-travaillée par le satiriste Martial, au , et d'autres sources, mais les découvertes de vases diatrètes proviennent majoritairement de sites romains le long du Rhin, ou à proximité, ce qui suggère qu'ils ont été produits dans la région, peut-être à Augusta Treverorum, la Trèves moderne, la plus grande ville de l'Allemagne romaine, qui a été la résidence principale de Constantin Ier pendant de nombreuses années, coïncidant avec la période où les coupes réticulées semblent avoir été fabriquées. Une autre possibilité est Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, la Cologne moderne. Cependant, plusieurs découvertes plus récentes, notamment les coupes Corning et Constable-Maxwell, proviennent de l'Empire romain d'Orient : il peut y avoir eu deux centres de production.

Catalogue

En forme de gobelet

 La Coupe de Cologne, au Musée romain-germanique. L'inscription grecque se lit : ΠΙΕ ΖΗCΑΙC ΚΑΛѠC ΑΕΙ (= ΠΙΕ ΖΗΣΑΙΣ ΚΑΛΩΣ ΑΕΙ) / pié zèsais kalôs aei : « Buvez, vivez bien pour toujours ».
Trouvée en 1960 à Braunsfeld, un quartier de Cologne. C'est quelque peu déroutant pour les archéologues, car le reste des objets funéraires trouvés dans la même tombe étaient très banals.

 La Coppa diatreta Trivulzio, au Musée archéologique de Milan, le seul exemplaire intact, sans aucun dommage. Elle porte l'inscription latine BIBE VIVAS MVLTIS ANNIS : « Buvez, vous vivrez de nombreuses années ».
Cet objet du , trouvé au  dans un sarcophage entre les communes de Mandello Vitta et Castellazzo Novarese (Novara), a été acquis au  par l'abbé Trivulzio, puis en 1935 par la ville de Milan.

 La Coupe de Munich, aux Staatliche Antikensammlungen de Munich, trouvée à Cologne, porte également l'inscription BIBE MVLTIS ANNIS (abréviation de BIBE VIVAS MVLTIS ANNIS).

 La Coupe de Lycurgue, au British Museum. Aucune inscription, mais une scène mythologique gravée, avec des parties diatrètes. Le verre est dichroïque, changeant de couleur lorsqu'il est éclairé par transparence. Ses origines sont inconnues, mais il a probablement toujours été au-dessus du sol. Il est nettement plus grand que les gobelets géométriques, avec une hauteur de 158 mm.

 Le Netzbecher (= gobelet réticulé) de Daruvar, au Kunsthistorisches Museum de Vienne, trouvé en 1785 à Daruvar, en Croatie. Le gobelet, fragmentaire, avec beaucoup de manques, atteignait 9,5 cm de haut.
Il porte les lettres FAVENTIBVS, une expression de bonne chance (peut-être une abréviation pour faventibus ventis « avec des vents favorables », expression courante).

 La coupe diatrète du Rheinisches Landesmuseum, Trèves, trouvée en 1950 dans un sarcophage à Piesport-Niederemmel, de 18 cm de haut.

 La coupe de Pljevlja, trouvée en 1975 à Komini/Komine près de la ville de Pljevlja au Monténégro ; du , avec un corps clair et une cage bleue, l'inscription VIVAS PANELLENI BONA M[EMORIA] (« Vis, Panhellenius, en bonne mémoire »). Conservée au .
 Un vase diatrète fragmentaire trouvé à Serdica (Sofia) en 2001, dans un sarcophage romain de la fin du .
 Une coupe figurative, montrant apparemment le phare d'Alexandrie, trouvée dans un trésor à Begram, près de Kaboul, en Afghanistan.
 Un fragment découvert en 2009 à la domus dei Putti danzanti (villa des putti dansants) à Aquilée.

En forme de coupe plus évasée
 La coupe en cage Corning, au Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, New York, en forme de bol plus large que les exemples précédents (7,4 cm de haut, 12,2 cm de large). Certainement destiné à la suspension, car les raccords en alliage de cuivre ont été trouvés en même temps que lui, comme décrit ci-dessus.

 La coupe Constable-Maxwell, un exemplaire large comme le vase Corning, 10 cm de haut, 18,2 cm de large. Il figure toujours dans une collection privée, vendu en 1979 pour 1,2 million de dollars US à la British Rail Pension Fund, puis en 1997 pour 2 311 000 £ et encore en 2004 pour 2 646 650 £, un prix record mondial pour un fragment de verre romain.
 Le bol de Hohen-Sülzen, le plus précieux des six verres trouvés en 1869 dans deux sarcophages romains. À l'exception de la bouteille de Dionysos, au Landesmuseum de Mayence, ces verres sont portés disparus depuis 1945.
 Le vase d'Autun, découvert à l'été 2020 à Autun en Saône-et-Loire (l'ancienne Augustodunum romaine), lors d'une fouille préventive de l'Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives (INRAP) sur une nécropole de 230 sépultures. Annoncé le  2020, le vase diatrète, trouvé parmi différents artefacts de valeur, est fragmenté, mais entier. Il mesure  de haut pour un diamètre de . Il est orné de motifs décoratifs sculptés, rehaussés de lettres en relief formant les mots  ( en latin). Trouvé dans la sépulture d'un probable aristocrate éduen, il est le premier vase diatrète trouvé en France et sur le territoire de l'ancienne Gaule. Des analyses d'imprégnation ont montré que ce vase contenait des huiles, plantes, fleurs, ainsi que de l'ambre gris, ce qui constitue la plus ancienne preuve archéologique de l'utilisation de cette précieuse substance aromatique.

Bibliographie
 Étienne Coche de La Ferté, « Le verre de Lycurgue », Monuments et mémoires de la Fondation Eugène Piot, année 1954, 48-2, p. 131-162.

Sources

Liens externes
 British Museum

Art de la Rome antique
Objet conservé au British Museum


FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- As much as the possibility of playing with his brother appealed to him, tight end Martellus Bennett is staying retired.
"I would love to play ball with my brother; it would truly be a dream come true. But my biggest dream is to change lives with my creativity and that is what I am currently doing," Bennett said in an Instagram post.
The possibility of Bennett, 32, coming out of retirement was sparked when his brother Michael was acquired by the New England Patriots in a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles two weeks ago.
Martellus Bennett won a Super Bowl championship with the Patriots in 2016 and has spoken glowingly of his time with the franchise. He had returned briefly to the Patriots in 2017, landing on injured reserve before retiring.
He has started a creative agency, with the aim being to inspire youth.
"I appreciate all of the love but this is waaaaayyy bigger than the game of football," he wrote on Instagram.


text:
Sweet Little Agents of Infection
Education Teacher Leaders Network
By Nancy Flanagan — November 14, 2006 4 min read
Nancy Flanagan
Nancy Flanagan is a National Board Certified Teacher and a former Michigan state teacher of the year. After a 30-year career teaching music in grades K-12, she recently entered the doctoral program at Michigan State University. She speaks regularly about teacher leadership around the US.
As part of a new partnership, teachermagazine.org is publishing this regular column by members of the Teacher Leaders Network, a professional community of accomplished educators dedicated to sharing ideas and expanding the influence of teachers.
I'm a touchy-feely kind of person. As a middle school teacher, I used the hand-on-shoulder gesture to calm down angry boys, and gentle one-finger contact to indicate everything from "let's get moving, guys" to "cool shirt!" A principal once requested that I refrain from hugging students at the annual Awards Night, because it "embarrassed the other teachers" and made the program too long.
I know that being a motherly middle aged woman made me more trustworthy to parents and kids; I never worried about inappropriate contact. In fact, on the rare occasion when someone flinched at being touched, I wondered what was going on in that kid's life, and kept a special eye out for signs of depression or abuse.
After decades of teaching in secondary environments, I moved to a position teaching elementary music—a kind of touchy-feely banquet. Almost 500 children (with their attendant secretions and incubating viruses) passed through my classroom every week, and most of them wanted a hug, right now. The teacher I replaced had some words of wisdom for me as she was moving her stuff out and I was moving in: "Don't let the children touch you." As I helped put the last plastic crates in her trunk, she added that anti-bacterial hand gel would become my best friend.
I know the arguments against physical contact with kids: It can be misconstrued. It's wise to keep the focus on instructional activities, and a little distance makes for a more formal academic atmosphere. In my college music methods class, we were instructed never to touch a child's fingers when demonstrating a drumstick grip or clarinet fingering, but to use a pencil instead. I don't remember anyone ever telling me not to touch the kids because they were agents of infection, however.
Like most teachers, I actively try to maintain my health. I get enough sleep, exercise, take vitamins and get a flu shot religiously every fall. As a middle school band teacher, I knew that contact with saliva was inevitable and kept soap and bleach handy next to the sink. I've made it through entire school years with no illnesses, although I was very occasionally knocked down by a respiratory infection.
The year I went to elementary school was a different story altogether. By mid-year, I'd been sick enough to be out of school five times, sometimes for multiple-day stretches. Most teachers know that it's often easier to come to school even when you don't feel tiptop, but these were days where I simply could not tough it out. I had symptoms you wouldn't want to mention at a dinner party, the Bronchitis That Wouldn't Leave, and a full-blown asthma attack requiring emergency attention.
I'm still not certain what caused these illnesses. I was housed in a rundown portable classroom, with two dusty window units supplying heat (lots of heat) in the winter and air-conditioning when it was warm enough (which is almost never in Michigan). The "air flow system" comprised two features—the quarter-inch wall cracks between the two halves of the portable (which I covered up with posters) and a broken vent, through which snow drifted when the wind was right.
I spent most of my music budget on a large circular carpet (cut from a remnant) because the floor was disgusting—covered with duct tape and who knows what else. There was no water source (or phone or computer, either). Surprisingly, I liked this classroom. It had a funky, casual ambience that matched my improvisational teaching style and eccentric classroom décor (heavy on collected student artwork and goofy music stuff).
I don't think it was the room that caused me to become ill, however. I think it was the centerpiece of my work—the adorable children, who rocketed through the slush and up the splintery steps ready to sing, move and play instruments. Little kids want to sit next to the teacher, hold her hand in the circle dance, and breathe heavily and moistly in her immediate vicinity.
In my diary from that memorable year, I wrote this entry as the winter holidays approached:
"I find it impossible to resist the affectionate gestures—the hug from Dusty (who lost his dad in a terrible accident last fall), the squeeze from Ashlee (who desperately needs a friend), and even the quick around-the-middle from Harrison (who picks his nose, and gets a full pump of hand gel from me every time he enters the room). I know they're probably making me sick, but I haven't been able to draw the line my predecessor recommended and tell them to keep their hands to themselves."
"I'm hoping that I can open the windows, come spring, and we'll all be a little healthier. In the meantime, I'm doubling up the vitamins and buying hand gel in the large economy size."
Teacher Leaders Network
Teaching Profession CTQ Collaboratory Cultivating Community (and Efficiency!) With Classroom Jobs
Eighth grade teacher Ariel Sacks discusses the benefits, both educational and administrative, of putting students to work in the classroom
Ariel Sacks, August 27, 2013
Teaching Profession CTQ Collaboratory A Parent's Letter: What I Want From My Kids' Teachers
A teacher and father wants his own kids to love learning, and has three requests of their classroom teachers to help make that happen.
Jon Eckert, August 20, 2013
Teaching Profession CTQ Collaboratory Surviving a Last-Minute Change in Your Teaching Assignment
What do you do when you're unexpectedly transferred to teach a different class and grade? A teacher who went through the experience offers seven tips.
Georgianna Castellano, August 13, 2013


Spera is an up and coming device that will help improve the medical industry with saving thousands of lives of drug addicts globally. This is a device and company still in development making what can be displayed limited for the time being. The product will be available world wide for doctors and various clinics. The graphical elements and logo represent the techiques that are used to help cure various addictions. The colour palette is also chosen to represent the different feelings and meaning behind this inspiring project.


Have you been feeling itchy at night? It doesn't have to do with bed bugs or any other insects, at all.
According to a recent report posted by www.fatherly.com, scientists finally came up a name for nighttime itching, calling it as nocturnal pruritus.
The itchiness, based on the report, is nothing more than a symptom of temperature changes in the body throughout the day since humans are biologically primed to get warmer in the early evening and colder in the early morning.
"Circadian regulation of sleep dictates that core temperature is maximal in the early evening and minimal in the early morning," researchers from Temple University's school of dermatology wrote in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
"The consequential increase in skin temperature may be associated with increased itch intensity," it said.
Approximately 25 percent of people suffer from chronic itching and 90 percent of this population say the itchiness becomes most intense at night, the report added.
"If temperature is in fact the culprit, it would make some sense. Warmer temperatures cause moisture to evaporate from the skin, drying it out, and blood vessels also tend to dilate, which makes the impulse to scratch that much worse.
On top of that corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory hormones produced by the adrenal glands, are lower than during the day, "which leads to a decreased anti-inflammatory response and may facilitate exacerbation of nocturnal pruritus," the study authors wrote.
However, there are more than temperature at play. "People tend to have drier skin with age due to fewer oil glands, and people who experience chronic itching tend to have higher rates of depression," the report added.
For some, there's an issue of bed bugs. "Mites are more active at night and bed bugs are attracted to the heat and carbon dioxide people give off at night. In rare cases, nighttime itching can be a symptom of kidney disease, lymphoma, or a liver disorder. There are all sorts of things that can make you itch," the report said.


text:
D'Andre Swift Injury Report: Fantasy Impact of Lions RB Trending Toward Missing Another Game
Rey Del Rio/Getty Images. Pictured: Lions RB D'Andre Swift
Running back D'Andre Swift (shoulder) is trending toward missing his second game in a row on the heels of the Lions' first win of the season.
More Injury Reports: Melvin Gordon, Deebo Samuel
D'Andre Swift Injury Report
Swift is dealing with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder he suffered early in the Lions' Thanksgiving matchup against the Bears. He finished the game with three carries for zero yards and three catches for nine yards.
The initial prognosis suggested Swift could miss "multiple weeks," a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. He was listed as doubtful heading into Week 13 and ultimately did not play against the Vikings. Backup Jamaal Williams got the start and was a bit of a letdown. He shouldered nearly all of the work out of the Lions' backfield and saw 17 carries for 71 yards, but was barely involved in the passing game; third-string running back Jermar Jefferson saw five carries for 18 yards.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell told the media on Wednesday that Swift is improving, per the Detroit Free Press, but did not participate in practice. He also missed practice on Thursday. He was previously referred to as a long shot to return in Week 14 against the Broncos, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He would have to log — at the very minimum — a limited practice on Friday for managers to have any confidence in his availability come Sunday.
Worry-o-meter: 5 out of 5.
Previte's Week 14 Fantasy Start/Sit BreakdownRead now
D'Andre Swift's Fantasy Outlook
If Active
Swift would still be a must-start if he miraculously plays in this game. He was RB9 through the first 11 weeks of the season on a per-game basis in half PPR scoring. The Year 2 running back has recorded 140 attempts for 555 yards and 56 catches for 429 yards and six total touchdowns so far this season.
There is a good chance he shares his workload with Williams as he has in previous instances when Swift was banged up. This puts Swift's value somewhere in the RB2 range with Williams' in the RB3 tier.
If Inactive
Williams would be the primary beneficiary once again in the likely event Swift misses Week 14. Williams finished as RB26 last week in half PPR and would be a low-end RB2 this week against Denver's defense, which has been slightly above average against fantasy running backs.
Jefferson would back Williams up in this case and would have some deeper league appeal.


If you can get your hands on two fan shrouds send one this way. I'm in SoCal as well.
got a diff cover, actually just pulled a whole sub-frame and the local junkers... no fan shroud though so still looking for that.
I have a spare fan shroud but it is broken in half. Could patch together with zip ties or jb weld.
the one I have now is epoxy modded, looking for one that's in a single piece with little to no damage.


Arouet is thrilled to be participating in our second annual #AZGivesDay, a state-wide day of giving to support 1,000's of organizations in the community who are MAKING A DIFFERENCE and we are #superexcited!
Please JOIN US in supporting #Arouet and the amazing #women we serve and support. Please SUPPORT US in making our #AZGivesDay a success. Any amount is appreciated, and you do NOT have to live in Arizona to give!