text:
The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad is slick, sleek, eminently usable and incredibly portable
Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is a new implementation of the popular Bluetooth keyboard peripheral for iPad. When on the go, it can be stowed right on your new iPad or iPad 2, just like an Apple Smart Cover, and when in use it can provide a productivity boost for long form writing. But does ultra-portability put a dent in mobile productivity?
The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad is the sleekest, most sophisticated Bluetooth keyboard we've tested to date. It does add some bulk and some weight -- it is a keyboard, after all -- but given the Apple-esque aluminum shell and high quality plastic iterior and keys, it's remarkably svelte.
Included in the box is the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad itself, along with a pamphlet, and a micro USB cable so you can plug it into a Mac or Windows PC, or a power adapter, to charge.
Like a Smart Cover, the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover attaches to your iPad 2 or New iPad magnetically and protects the screen (and keys) while closed. The aluminum matches nicely with a naked iPad casing, and wears well. The hinge is plastic instead of metal, but seems strong enough. (Metal would have been nicer.) Also like a Smart Cover, it will automatically sleep your iPad when closed. Carrying it around when closed, it looks and feels like two iPads secured face-to-face.
When you're ready to work, opening the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover turns on your iPad. Unlike a laptop, however, you have to remove your iPad from the magnetic hinge and reposition it in the magnetic slot. (There's also no trackpad.) While you could place your iPad in portrait orientation, and it will hold it, the Ultrathin is designed for landscape use.
Pairing is simple, with no pin required. After switching it on and tapping a few times in Settings, you're fit to type.
Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover doesn't make for a full sized keyboard like you'll find on a MacBook Air. It's closer to a small netbook keyboard. However, the keyboard is done in the current Apple chicklet style, so while the scale is smaller the feel is not dissimilar.
Unlike some other Bluetooth keyboard for iPad, the Logitech Ultrathin doesn't include a set of dedicated function keys. There is a dedicated Home key, but otherwise a Function key modifier lets you use the number keys to send commands like Spotlight Search, Switch language, show/hide the virtual Keyboard, increase Text Selection by one word to the left or right, Cut, Copy, or Paste, Play/Pause music, Mute volume, increase or decrease volume, or Lock or un-Lock your iPad.
There are also alt/option, ctrl, cmd, and arrow keys, and the iPad supports a lot of commond text editing commands and coventions, allowing you to type fairly closely to how you would on a traditional personal computer.
Logitech promises a battery life of 6 months, based on 2 hours of usage a day. That translates to 1.5 months at 8 hours a day. Since the Ultrathin Keyboard hasn't been on the market long enough to test those claims, we'll have to revisit that part of the review at a later date. Suffice it to say, it will last a good while under normal usage.
The good
- Thin, light, and georgous looking
- Excellent typing experience
- Smart Cover-like design is both ultra-portable and protective
The bad
- No dedicated function key row
The bottom line
I've used the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for going on a week now, mostly for pounding out iMore articles using Elements. (And yes, I used it to write this very review.)
There are cases that let you use computer keyboard, like the Origami and Apple keyboard combo, and there are keyboards that are integrated into more traditional style cases, like the Adonit Writer Plus.
The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover isn't either of those things. If you're looking for a ultra portable, ultra stylish, ultra functional Bluetooth keyboard for your iPad, one that's as well designed as it is built, then look no further -- the Logitech Ultrathin Keybord Cover is it.
$98.95 - Buy now (opens in new tab)
Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.
Looks good. Is there a review for the Logitech keyboard case? It has a dedicated function key row and I would like to see how the two stand against one another.
This keyboard looks slick. If I hadn't already bought an Apple Bluetooth keyboard I would definitely be getting one.
iPads are retarded, now even more so.
A FULLY functional cd burning laptop is cheaper.
Giant iPod touch with physical keyboard? I think NOT. Lame.
On another note, business men love to milk dumb ego driven fanboys.
@ MSM.......Genius take, jerk wad. Must have taken you quite a while thinking up that gem.
Only thing is I can't have the five seconds back that it took to read your drivel. Take your "PC" and go burn some CD's ona another forum. Lug that piece of crap laptop around as you wish, and in the fifteen minutes it takes for it to boot up I will have already lapped your tired arse.
While both of you are just in your opinions, "dixie" has a valid point: As a student, I used my ipad to take notes, etc. All I had to do is press on and there it goes, ready to go when I am. The importance of speed on boot up probably isn't important to everybody, but I love iPad and it has done me well.
Oh, babubabubububu bababubu — isn't he such a cute little thing? Bababububu!
If you're still burning CDs, an iPad isn't for you, therefore, neither is a keyboard for one. If you take advantage of online streaming and storage, and are interested in extreme mobility, the iPad is a great choice. I prefer to use mine w/out a physical keyboard in most cases, but when attending conferences, traveling, or taking notes in random meetings the physical keyboard is nice, and allows me to to do just about anything I can do on any of my laptops, without have to lug them around. Laptops are the new desktop...for heavy lifting when you're not on the move.
What do you do with it when you don't want to use the keyboard? Does it fold back discreetly behind the iPad, or do you basically have to remove it and set it aside?
You need to set the cover aside. This is probably it's only major flaw, (but isn't a terrible one)
I am liking mine so far.
Thanks Rene, this review was great however I couldn't wait to get it.
I'm typing on one right now and I'd had my eye on it for a few months... I'd seen it on the logitech website and it always said pre-order. I assumed it hadn't come out yet but when browsing in a Best-Buy I noticed they had two in stock and immediately picked one up.
I dont mind the nondedicated function keys at all.. the compactness of the keyboard is the biggest thing that might had been hard to work with but I also have smaller hands so, not that bad.
I have found myself using my (new) iPad on the couch and my on screen keyboard not showing up while my keyboard was in the kitchen so.. if you are done with the keyboard or dis attach it make sure to go ahead and turn off the keyboard.
@ Justin:
i use the keyboard as a stand even when its not in use.. however if you want to hold the pad in your hands then you do basically have to set the keyboard aside.
why are you here if you don't like iPads or apple?
i think this keyboard also works with cases that cover just the back of your Pad and also work with smart covers because of the keyboard attaching via the magnet strip like a SC.
if you're not sure about this keyboard..
i say 6 months of battery and protection for you iPad's front.. come on. a must have.
I bought the Zagg keyboard, and carbon case. Did not really like the case. The keyboard has to be the Logitech. Has the same look. At the time Best Buy was out of the everything but the Zagg keyboard, and case. I use it all the time, and have yet to charge it. The nice thing, it has the function keys which is nice. I like the smart cover, and use the Incipio transparent back cover that works with the smart cover. The cover does not get in the way when putting the iPad in the keyboard. Seems like they all cost in the 90's, with a case. When you need to do word docs, and long writing, a keyboard is nice, but it is also nice to just use the iPad for fun, by it self.
Here is my review from Amazon. I compare this keyboard with the Zagg Folio:
This review is from: Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad 2 and New iPad (920-004013) (Personal Computers)
I will say up front that I am comparing this item to the Zagg folio keyboard case. I originally bought the ZFKC and liked it very much. It is the best portable keyboard I have ever used by far. It had a couple of issues for me, but overall, is an outstanding product. That said, I found it just a tad thicker and heavier than I liked. The added protection probably makes it a good trade off for most people. I found it a bit annoying to detach the iPad from the case, as there is no good way to use the iPad as an iPad while in the case. Finally, I found the stance of the iPad when typing, to be unsuited for lap use. If it will be on a flat table, then all is well. If you use it in your lap or while mobile, the iPad is easily dislodged from the slot. I was going to try and modify the case with some magnetic tape had I decided to keep it.
As for the Ultrathin...
It has a host of issues as well. For starters, the keyboard is not as good as the ZF. The keys are smaller, closer together, and missing the top row of function keys. The ZF has a descrete row of function keys so that you never have to use the function button. The Ultrathin is lacking that row, so doubles the numeric row with functions, thus requiring you to press the function key plus a number to do things like change the volume. That's annoying, but not a deal breaker. The magnetic hinge on the Ultrathin is not strong enough. Carrying in a certain way can easily cause the two pieces to separate in your hand. The magnet that closes the lid is also not strong enough. It can come slightly open in your bag and leave the screen on for hours when you think it is securely closed. I have had to add a lock screen password to keep that from happening. Also, the outer material of the cover can be easily scratched.
With all that going against it, there are a couple of features that make it my choice for an iPad keyboard. First, the total package is thinner and lighter, and frankly, looks magnificent. I carry my iPad everywhere and write often. Second, the iPad detaches easily from the case, so I can use it without the keyboard with ease. Finally, the Ultrathin has a magnetic strip where the iPad is seated. It literally locks into place. Regardless of what angle it rests on your lap while in motion, and being jostled, the iPad is not going anywhere. If the battery life claim turns out to be half true, that is a huge plus. Also, if you want to work with the iPad in the vertical position, that is easy to do with the Ultrathin.
Bottom line
There are trade-offs with both cases. For pure typing productivity, nothing beats the ZF. As a touch typist, I can go full speak on that rig. I drop to about 85% with the Ultrathin. Still, for my particular usage style. The Ultrathin fits better for me. I find myself in many situations where I need to do some writing, but am not at a table. I am definitely looking forward to the next iteration of this product.
@MSN: If you are having so much with your $600 laptop, doing cutting edge tasks no doubt like burning DVD's, why are you trolling posts for accessories for a product you think is retarded in the full place. I say you must certainly lead a full and productive life!
Anyway, I grabbed this keyboard at Best Buy a week ago and it doesn't dissappoint. It's the BEST iPad physical keyboard that I've used and do see it gettig any better than this for a long time.
Good review Rene.
This is a product of form and function. If you feel the need of a keyboard, a stand, and a protective case this looks like good solution. For the business traveler or vacationing nerd this would be a great compact traveling partner. Not too sure of the price but it looks like a quality product. Can't wait to get my hands on one.
It is appropriate time to make a few plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this put up and if I may I want to suggest you some fascinating things or tips. Maybe you could write subsequent articles regarding this article. I wish to learn more issues approximately it!
[url=http://pastebin.com/nMLnABnT]buy Shallaki online[/url] [url=http://pastebin.com/H3j5AN3z]buy Lasix online[/url] [url=http://dailybooth.com/grgjoe345j3r/25609963]buy Accupril[/url] [url=http://dailybooth.com/dff056646e73/25652752]buy Cialis-black online[/url] [url=http://dailybooth.com/3566027a94ae/25648471]buy Viagra-professional[/url] [url=http://pastebin.com/xX0wRLVe]buy Clomid[/url] [url=http://pastebin.com/23u3wCCr]buy Strattera online[/url] [url=http://dailybooth.com/6b732d50b181/25650879]buy Accupril online[/url] [url=http://pastebin.com/VzbVjphX]buy Neurontin[/url] [url=http://pastebin.com/e65NnT9v]buy Glucovance online[/url]
Your body has the inherent ability to create, keep and restore well being. The therapeutic operation is ordered and intelligent: character heals with the reaction belonging to the everyday living force. The physician's position is to facilitate and augment this method, to act to establish and remove obstructions to well-being and recovery, also to assist the creation of the healthful inside and exterior environment. In brief, give your body the suitable instruments and it will mend itself.
[url=http://pastebin.com/HT6gzmmv]buy Elocon online[/url] [url=http://dailybooth.com/2db03cb18d30/25648467]buy Viagra[/url] [url=http://pastebin.com/qVCPAYsx]buy Caverta online[/url] [url=http://pastebin.com/LKNgfhrL]buy Avandia[/url] [url=http://pastebin.com/jPQ0Y7LM]buy Azulfidine online[/url] [url=http://dailybooth.com/bbba3d996f44/25638536]buy Coversyl[/url] [url=http://pastebin.com/Atq71CqK]buy Indocin[/url] [url=http://pastebin.com/fbwGuZqL]buy Betapace online[/url] [url=http://dailybooth.com/2b9af30a6a51/25648854]buy Zerit[/url] [url=http://dailybooth.com/7a3fd4e6afa6/25651562]buy Anaprox online[/url]
Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog
and I am inspired! Extremely useful info specially
the ultimate section :) I handle such info much. I used
to be seeking this particular info for a long time. Thanks and good luck.
Also visit my web blog: NO WAY OUT 2012 live stream
THERE APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM with the function keys. I was setting up a gmail account and I was continually getting an incorrect login or password error. I was very carefully entering in the id/pw information and it was not being accepted. After 30-40 minutes of trying, I entered the information using the iPad's virtual touch keyboard and BINGO...it worked!!!
All of the Logitech keys appear to work (the characters entered show up on the screen) but apparently something gets lost in the translation. I believe that the culprit in my case is the # symbol that is causing the problem. I am left wondering how deep rooted this problem is. Does it extend to all of the other function/symbol keys? If I try to print something, will any letters, numbers or symbols show up as a blank? Same question if texting using the logitech keyboard. Will the characters show on my screen, but arrive as blanks on the receivers screen?
I am amazed that Logitech is so careless they could build and sell this keyboard without comprehensive and adequate testing and quality control procedure.
I have now had my keyboard for about 6 months. As it says on the tin, the battery on its first charge lasted around 5 months and I was using it 1.5-2 hours a day. However, now we are at the business end, the frustration starts. I cannot get the keyboard to hold its charge for more than 3 - 4 days on a full charge. I have tried through the USB and through mains in case there were issues there, and have left it anywhere from 6 hours to 48 hours at a time, but it seems to refuse to want to function for more than days at a time....anyone else having this issue, because I am about to contact Logitech to vent....
I have loved my keyboard for about a year now but all of a sudden it is randomly inserting numbers while I am typing. I can't use it now. What is wrong?


text:
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline PLC has donated a painting with a mysterious past to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The work by N.C. Wyeth was one of 16 illustrations made in 1929 for George Herbert Palmer's translation of Homer's "The Odyssey." Wyeth sold the series to a private collector in 1930, but the whereabouts of all but six are unknown.
"The Trial of the Bow," which was placed on view Monday, is the first N.C. Wyeth work in the museum's collection. Wyeth is the patriarch of three generations of artists who lived and worked in Chadds Ford in the Brandywine River valley, including son Andrew Wyeth, who died in 2009, and grandson Jamie Wyeth.
"This is how we increase the quality of life in our community beyond the economic engine of jobs," said Bob Carr, Glaxo senior vice president.
The large oil-on-canvas depicts the moment when Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, reveals his identity to Penelope by stringing his bow and firing an arrow through twelve ax handles. The painting was acquired in the late 1980s by GlaxoSmithKline, but the company is still working to uncover who purchased it and where.
Kathleen Foster, curator of American art, said the painting was likely acquired by a now-retired Glaxo executive who was in charge of art acquisitions.
"That's the person who's going to know," she said, adding that details of the sale could point the way to other lost paintings from "The Odyssey" series that may have been sold at the same time.
GlaxoSmithKline recently moved from its downtown office tower to an ultra-modern new home at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and decided to part with its collection of several hundred photos, drawings, textiles and paintings. The new building has glass walls and an open floor plan without a lot of places to hang works of art; employees were given the opportunity to buy some pieces at half the appraised value and others were auctioned or donated.
"It always captivated me that we had this painting," said Ray Milora, project executive for Glaxo. "We're beyond proud to be able to be here today … this is sort of the exclamation point on our move."
More than 95 percent of the museum's collection came as gifts, so donations like "The Trial of the Bow" are essential and appreciated, museum director and chief executive officer Timothy Rub said.
The museum also announced several other gifts Monday including a watercolor by Pierre Joseph Redoute, four paintings from 18th-century colonial Latin America, a rare Tiffany chandelier and more than 200 photographs by modernist photographer and filmmaker Paul Strand.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
In a study commissioned by Siemens Enterprise Communications last summer (see our coverage here), the Yankee Group found that while about 70 percent of individual consumers want to communicate by social media, fewer than 30 percent of companies are equipped to do so.
Seventy percent of consumers surveyed want to be able to leverage social media sites to see real-time availability of company experts in areas such as technical support and billing.
Moreover, enterprise employees say social networking would help them, too. For instance, 69 percent would like to be able to initiate a Web conference automatically from a chat discussion.
In spite of its potential advantages, though, the integration of social networking has some potential pitfalls.
The following list of DO's and DON'Ts should serve as a primer for those looking to take advantage of enhanced customer communications through social media.
DON'T: Assume customers won't notice your absence in social media channels
DO: Keep current as communication channels evolve
– Customer contact channels never stand still…neither should you! A recent Yankee Group study revealed that 70 percent of consumers want to be able to leverage social media sites to see real-time availability of company experts in technical support, billing, etc. Customers are searching for you online, so be readily available.
– Being present with new media not only gives you the opportunity to serve customers where they are congregating and communicating, but being early or first in your industry allows you to differentiate yourself on customer service and accessibility.
DON'T: Miss out on conversations with your customers
DO: Identify where your customers are communicating on social media, and target relevant corporate or public outlets for monitoring
– Take advantage of powerful automated tools that monitor, filter and notify of customer, stakeholder and prospect activity on social networks or community sites
– The filtering criteria can be customized based on your objectives and highly tailored to your business needs. The same Yankee Group survey uncovered that 67 percent of employees need more tools to track and manage their social communications for business purposes.
DON'T: Cripple your contact center by keeping communications methods siloed
DO: Leverage the effectiveness and efficiencies of your Contact Center via integration
– Leverage the skills, resources and processes by integrating key social media outlets with your contact center technologies, tools and processes.
– As volumes grow, using ad hoc methods or dedicated personnel may be inefficient and ineffective. Better to build in social media tools from the beginning and allow them to become part of how you do business.
DON'T: Let employees' social media usage become a liability for your business
DO: Train employees on the subtleties of effective social media interactions
– Social media interaction is somewhat different than e-mail, voice, or face-to-face. Remember, social media conversations are usually in the public domain! Enforce company social media guidelines and keep employees educated.
– Often it can be wise and effective to move and morph a social media dialog into a richer and/or more private medium (e.g. voice, e-mail, chat, etc). Communication that begins in a social networking forum should be moved to phone or e-mail for ongoing conversations.


text:
Skip to content
Getting Your First Job in Relief and Development
Getting a start in humanitarian aid work.
Career Coaching for Relief and Development
Posts from the 'Jobs' Category
April 4, 2018
Which websites post aid jobs?
April 4, 2018
Graphic design in humanitarian aid
March 21, 2018
Psychology or social work degree for humanitarian work?
November 23, 2016
Job posting from Oxfam, Humanitarian Programme Manager Malawi
September 6, 2016
Job posting: Field Director
December 15, 2015
Landing your first development job
January 4, 2015
Will our legal skills be useful in humanitarian aid?
September 15, 2014
New program to encourage hiring of Peace Corps (and AmeriCorps) alumni
September 9, 2014
Seeking jobs at the UN
Book chapters
Who is this blog for?
Why you might want to work in relief and development (and why you might not)
Why is it so difficult to get your foot in the door?
Challenges to finding your first job in the field
Who's who, and who should you work for in relief and development?
How to find your first job in the relief and development field
Volunteering overseas
What should I study in university to get a job in humanitarian work?
What about graduate school?
What about the military experience on my resume?
Should I just show up somewhere where there are a lot of aid agencies? Part 1
Should I just show up somewhere where there are a lot of aid agencies? Part 2
Staying safe part 1
Staying safe part 2 – kidnappings and the duty of care
A word about motivation and disillusionment
Want a second opinion?
What if I decide international humanitarian work isn't for me – what next?
Glossary of aid jargon
Interview – Alanna Shaikh, International Public Health practitioner
Interview – Lorina McAdam, former Country Director, Mercy Corps
Interview – Alan Noble, Emergency Recruiter at World Vision International
Interview – Maggie McLoughlin, Communications and Outreach intern for the UN World Food Programme
Interview – Jolynn Fisher, NGO Program Support, Afghanistan
Interview – Martin Penner – Web Editor at UN World Food Programme.
Interview – Tiana Tozer, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Mercy Corps Sudan
Interview – Esker Copeland, Internship Coordinator at CARE USA
Interview – George Bragg
Interview – More career advice from Alanna Shaikh
Interview – Sahar Alnouri, Global Gender Advisor, Mercy Corps
Recent posts
Cameras for aid workers and Peace Corps (update)
Light Relief. Episode One.
Mental health and aid work?
Safety and security in the field
'Shithole' countries and humanitarian aid workers
Guidelines for doctors visiting developing countries
Which websites post aid jobs?
Graphic design in humanitarian aid
Too poor and debt-ridden to be an aid-worker?
Book reviews
Photo story
Practitioner interviews
Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy
Getting Your First Job in Relief and Development
Join 531 other followers
Sign me up
Already have a WordPress.com account?
Log in now.
Getting Your First Job in Relief and Development
Sign up
Log in
Report this content
View site in Reader
Manage subscriptions
Collapse this bar


text:
(CNN) - Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer said he expects to be on a New York primary ballot in September after a last-minute signature collection blitz ended Thursday.
"Against the odds and all predictions - and in light of some who tried to thwart the effort - I am pleased to announce that we have collected more than 27,000 signatures in four days," Spitzer said on his official Twitter account.
"I want to thank those who assisted with this effort and the New Yorkers who signed these petitions. I pledge to stand with you against the special interests and on the crucial issues."
The signatures collected were well over the 3,750 need to be put on the ballot.
Candidates typically collect far more signatures than required because some end up being disqualified by election officials or challenged by opponents.
The Democrat spent the last few days scrambling to get the necessary signatures as he simultaneously fielded questions around his return to politics. Five years ago, he admitted he paid a prostitute thousands of dollars for sex and resigned his office.
Earlier on Thursday, he expressed his confidence in reaching the signature threshold but declined to say how many he had collected.
"We have put together a field operation. Everybody said, it is hard to gather 3,750 signatures over the course of a couple days on the streets of the city," Spitzer told CNN's Christine Romans. "I feel pretty confident and we're out there today. And we'll see where we are tonight."
Now that he has the signatures, his next step will be facing voters who likely still remember the former "Sheriff of Wall Street" fell from grace in 2008.
"I feel the public is going to give me a fair hearing," Spitzer said, with "a gut instinct" about how people will recall his record as state attorney general and as an advocate on financial matters. "I think the public will be supportive."
One poll seems to agree with Spitzer's assessment, quickly putting him at the top of the race for comptroller, ahead of the only other major Democrat running for the post, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.
Another candidate for comptroller? The woman who claims to be the mistress who supplied Spitzer with prostitutes.
New York City has been dealing for months with talks of past sexual scandal in its city-wide races, with former Congressman Anthony Weiner running for the Democratic mayoral nomination despite his own resignation in 2011 after sending lewd photos of himself on Twitter. Weiner is also leading the polls.
Spitzer is seeking a different office: he is running for comptroller, the official responsible for overseeing city finances.
For Spitzer, the return to politics is about a desire to return to public service, he said, after years of work as a media commenter and host, including work for CNN.
"I resigned because I believed it was the appropriate way to say I appreciate what accountability is all about. Which had been something I'd spoken about," Spitzer said. "Five years later I'm ready to go to the public and say here's the entirety of the record, here's totality of the record. I think I can serve once more, and I'm ready to serve if you want to bring me back."
Spitzer said that his family, despite some reports otherwise, fully supports his return to politics. That support includes his wife.
Earlier this year in South Carolina, Mark Sanford won a seat in Congress after a 2009 affair with a woman who is now his fiancée overshadowed his governorship. He and Weiner have each made redemption and second chances a central part of their campaigns.
- CNN's Lawrence Crook and Gregory Wallace contributed to this report


text:
Plainspoken Coffee. A Coffee Review for Ordinary People by Ordinary People, #41.
The Arbor Day Foundation's mission is to "inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees." The first tree-planting holiday, dubbed Arbor Day, took place in Nebraska in 1872. The last Friday in April — today — is National Arbor Day in the United States, celebrated with various tree planting activities.
One of the Arbor Day Foundation's projects is Rain Forest Rescue, which has supported development of a conservation plan and land purchases in forested areas of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. Related to that effort, the organization sells Arbor Day Specialty coffee. In addition to bags ranging from ten ounces to five pounds, various samplers and gift boxes and a coffee club of two bags of coffee a month are also available.
The regular offerings are the Arbor Day blend (medium roast), an Italian dark roast, and two flavored varieties (hazelnut and a cinnamon hazelnut). The medium roast Arbor Day blend is also available in decaf through the coffee club. There is currently a limited edition Colombian from Mesa de los Santos which I won't go into here; I wrote about this Smithsonian Bird-Friendly and Rainforest Alliance certified origin in a previous post.
Aside from the limited edition coffee, there is no further information about the the origins of the Arbor Day selections on the web site. However, I was told that Arbor Day sources from Fair Trade co-ops in Mexico depending on availability: ISMAM and Nubes de Oro.
ISMAM (Indigenas de la Sierra Madre de Motozintla) is a cooperative with nearly 2,000 members of Mayan heritage, growing coffee on 9,700 ha of land, mostly on plots of less than 5 ha. It is based in Tapachula, Chiapas, near the Guatemalan border, and all members have received organic certification. Coffee is grown between 800 and 1600 meters (other sources I've seen give the altitude at 1,100 meters; the lowest elevations are robusta coffee, not included in this blend), and is the arabica varieties typica and bourbon.
ISMAM-grown coffee is touted as shade grown. One larger ISMAM farm, the 200 ha Finca Belen, is Smithsonian Bird-Friendly certified. It's a farm where Smithsonian researchers have done a number of studies on shade coffee and biodiversity. It's not possible to determine how much, if any, of the Arbor Day coffee comes from this particular farm. Shade management across 2,000 farms will certainly vary.
Nubes de Oro is also a Chiapas cooperative, located near the El Triunfo Biosphere reserve (see this Starbucks review for more info) and headquartered in Mapastepec. There are over 400 members. As with ISMAM, Nubes de Oro grows typica and bourbon, and the altitude ranges from 900 to 1300 meters. This cooperative is also listed as Smithsonian Bird-Friendly certified, although the certification may involve only some of the members.
The Arbor Day coffees are roasted by The Roasterie in Kansas City — a really good specialty roaster, not some big anonymous commercial roaster, which I think is great.
We reviewed the Arbor Day Blend in both regular and decaf. When I received the coffee, the Fair Trade certified label was prominently displayed, but I had to search for the organic seal. Curious. Anyway, as advertised this was a medium roast, with most beans showing a sheen of oil, and some with blobs of oil. There was no roast date on the package (which was not a valve bag), but when hot water hit the freshly ground coffee it did have a decent bloom.
In the French press, this coffee was pleasant, but did not have the acidity we may have expected from a Mexican coffee, especially from Chiapas. Some chocolate notes were there, but more people commented on flavors tending toward nutty or earthy. Several people thought it was sharp, slightly bitter, or better with milk.
Brewed, this harshness was gone for the most part, but it was still not as lively as we would have liked. To be fair, this is in all likelihood, given the season, the end of last year's crop and therefore would be more apt to be a little dull. One taster said that it didn't knock his socks off (actually, I think he said "my socks stayed on when I tried it."). But, he said that didn't mean it was bad — just a decent cup of coffee. It was just what you'd expect from this origin, balanced, not really complex, a good everyday cup.
I don't drink much decaf, so I wasn't sure what to expect from the decaf version. I thought it was better than the regular — a little smoother, without the sharp notes, even in the French press. It had no "off" taste, but was a little weaker than the regular, even when we experimented with grind and brew times. Had I been served this, I would not have known it was decaf. Overall, these coffees scored 2.75 motmots.
For those seeking decently-sourced, organic, Fair Trade, and generally shade grown coffee — especially by subscription — I'd say to certainly give the Arbor Day coffees a try. In particular I think the average American coffee drinker, who is used to darker roasts or coffee shop coffees, would be pretty pleased with this.
And on this Arbor Day, consider planting some trees. If you order from the Arbor Day Foundation, you will be directed to select trees that will grow in your region. I implore you to make sure to select species that are native to your area. Arbor Day sells a lot of species that are not native to North America, including a few that are considered invasive in some regions. Using native species is really important to keep ecosystems functioning normally — and it will help the same migratory birds than benefit from your choice of shade grown coffee!Revised on November 25, 2020


text:
Let's say you are out for a night on the town. Your significant other turns to you and says how do you like my outfit? Unless you answer this question perfectly (still not sure how to answer this even after many years of marriage!) you may notice that your significant other withdraws for a while to cool off. Could be a few minutes, could be for the night, but this time away allows things to mellow and return to a state of bliss yet again. What does this have to do with shoes?
It's common practice for a lot of runners to have multiple pairs of shoes at one time. This though process behind this has been that running in a shoe breaks down the cushioning properties of the shoe, and it takes time for it to rebound before your next run.
Well, Let's look at some objective information on this subject. This is not going to turn into a discussion of minimal shoes vs. traditional construction. We are simply going to look at what happens to the properties of the midsole itself. The midsole is the squishy part of the shoe that lies between your foot and the tread. Its commonly made of a chemical compound called ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA). Shoe manufacturers manipulate properties of the midsole to get their shoe to perform a certain way. Obviously a minimal shoe has less of this midsole material in it then a traditionally constructed shoe, but they both have some type of cushioning material between the foot and the shoe tread.
As you run, you are applying mechanical forces to the shoe itself. These forces physically break down the midsole. In fact, lets look at this at the microscopic level. The following picture is from a study (1) that looked at the state of the midsole at various points in the shoe's lifespan. In fig A, you are looking at an electron micrograph cross section of a brand new shoe. It's easy to see the outline of the well defined air pockets in the midsole. This intact formation allows the midsole to perform as it was designed. Fig B shows a cross section of the midsole after 500 kilometers (310 mi). This type of magnification allows you to see that the edges of the former well defined air pockets are now frayed and weakened. Finally, Fig C shows the midsole after 750 Kilometers (466 mi). It is now possible to see that the majority of the air pores are frayed, and in fact some of them have actually deformed enough to create holes. Thus, the structural properties of this midsole material are now very different from what they originally were when new. While your body can repair tissues that have been affected from mechanical stresses in running, your shoes cannot. Resting your shoes by the front door between runs won't reverse these changes.
While it's probably a good thing to be nice to your shoes (running in wet environments with no chance to dry out may accelerate breakdown of the midsole), they don't have feelings. You can pound on them day in and day out – even 2 runs in the same day. The breakdown of the material in your shoe is cumulative. So what happens to our gait as shoes breakdown?
A 2009 article (2) revealed that running in worn shoes caused the runner to increase their stance time (time spent on the leg) and alter their lower leg range of motion in order to keep forces on the body somewhat constant. What does this mean? As your shoes break down, the body will slightly alter its gait style adapt to the gradual changes that occur in the shoe itself. When do these gait alterations reach critical mass (causing injury if you don't buy new shoes)? Shoe breakdown is variable depending on the runner's mass, running surfaces, and gait style. I know runners who note that they become injured if they put more than 250 miles on their shoes, and I know runners that put well over 1200 miles on a single pair. The old school rule of thumb states 400-500 miles, and is likely a good starting point based on the research stated above.
Happy Running!
- Verdejo, R. , Mills NJ. Heel-shoe interactions and the durability of EVA foam running-shoe midsoles. J Biomech. 2004. Sept; 37(9):1379-86.
- Kong, PW., Candelaria, NG., Smith, DR. Running in new and worn shoes: a comparison of three types of cushioning footwear. Br J Sports Med 2009 43: 745-749


text:
Newly renovated Sheraton NYC offers credit for Botox
The Sheraton New York Times Square is celebrating its facelift by rewarding you for yours.
To celebrate the completion of its $180 million top-to-bottom renovation, the Sheraton is offering guests what it's calling an "uplifting" perk this October and November.
Uplifting, for sure. Guests who have renovated their homes or their bodies—with a home improvement or cosmetic procedure—will receive a $50 "Makeover Celebration Credit" per stay.
"We are celebrating our hotel's complete renovation and showing a gorgeous new face to Manhattan," says Mark Sanders, general manager of the hotel.
The construction scaffolding will be removed from the building's facade in September.
The credit, Sanders says, "is simply a token of appreciation for guests who have also recently gone through the makeover process."
Not everything that can make your face gorgeous will qualify, however. Your last eyebrow waxing might have improved your look, but it's not enough to get the credit.
Neither are massages, haircuts, manicures, pedicures, hair dyes, and electrolysis.
What will make the cut? Any in-office injectable dermal fillers such as Botox and Restylane, surgical liposuction, and a surgical facelift.
As for your home, don't expect a carpet cleaning, pool cleaning or home cleaning to qualify.
A new coat of paint on your house or new plumbing or air conditioning systems will pass muster. So will new landscaping and structural renovations to any room or structure like a garage.
But do-it-yourself projects won't do for the hotel. Major renovations must be done by home improvement, construction, and landscaping companies.
Chekitan Dev, an associate professor at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration and author of Hospitality Branding, says the promotion is unique for a hotel.
"Linking a hotel's renovation or makeover to a customer's own home renovation or personal makeover is a novel idea," he says. "If the Sheraton can get its customers to know it had been renovated, an important driver of hotel choice, then they have a win."


text:
Living in a capitalist economy means that one's life path is largely dictated by getting money, spending money, and saving money. Most people are plenty good at spending money, and some people are pretty great at getting money, but few excel at saving money, mostly because saving money is boring, not fun, and not simple, but oh so necessary.
While the idea of saving money for the long term might seem ridiculous to someone who is just starting out and trying to live on ramen until their next paycheck, eventually, we'll all have to figure out how to put a little away for a rainy day, and even if you're not ready to start saving now, at the very least it's important to familiarize oneself with proper terminology so that you're capable of thinking about money using the vocabulary of money, saving, and investing.
401Ks, 403Bs, 457B, IRAs, and Roth IRAs are all types of accounts that are taxed differently. They are containers into which you place your assets that you're saving for the long term- stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options, cash, etc.
401Ks, 457Bs and 403Bs are accounts that you enroll in through your employer. 401Ks are for people who work at for-profit companies and 403Bs and 457Bs are for people who work at non-profit-generating entities, like schools or NPOs. You don't have a say in what type of plan your employer has; your employer sets it up. If you'd like to enroll in your employer's plan, ask HR if you're eligible and what you need to do. Once you've decided to invest in a specific type of account, then you make decisions about what type of investment strategy you'd like to employ. Plans like this generally have a bunch of options on how you'd like your money to be invested within your plan- if you're more conservative or aggressive or if you just want it all sitting there in cash. Usually, your choices will include a list of mutual funds that follow a specified investment strategy and you get to pick what percentage of your money goes where. If your eyes are crossing when you think about trying to parse through your investment choices, call the representative of the company that manages your 401K plan. They have someone there whose job it is to help people like you. Use them; you're paying for them.
Often (but not as much nowadays) companies will match your contribution up to a certain percentage of your income. This is basically additional compensation from your company, so even if the options within your plan are crappy, it makes sense to contribute at least to the company match (usually 3, 4, or 5%) so that you can take advantage of the free money they're offering you as incentive to save.
You don't pay taxes on money you contribute into a 401K until you take it out, and you can't take money out of your 401K until you're 55 years old (with stipulations) without substantial tax penalties (with rare exceptions, but for the purpose of this kind of brief explanation, I won't go into those).
The maximum amount you can contribute to your 401K in 2011 is $16,500. If you're over 55, you can pitch in an additional $5,500 as a "catch up" contribution.
If you find yourself in dire financial straits, you can access funds in your 401K without penalty, but this depends on the company that manages your plan. Most 401K plans will allow you to take a loan out against the value of your investments, but they have different rules on how you must pay yourself back.
If you quit your job, you may choose to roll your 401K into an IRA (Individual Retirement Account). An IRA is almost identical to a 401K, taxwise, except that the account is yours rather than part of a company plan, and so it could almost go without saying that there is no company match.
Not every company has a 401K, 403B or 457B plan. If your company doesn't, or if you don't have a job but you do have income, you can open your own IRA account. You can also open an IRA to supplement savings through your employer, or if you really don't like the options available to you through your employer's plan.
A Roth IRA is a retirement savings vehicle that's taxed differently than a regular IRA and that has different income requirements attached to it. If you're a single person making less than $107,000 per year or a married person whose household makes less than $169,000 per year, then you can contribute to a Roth IRA.
The difference between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA lies is where the investments are taxed. If you contribute to a traditional IRA, contributions are considered "pre-tax," and thus reduce your individual income tax burden in the year that you make the contribution. When the time comes to take money out of an IRA, you owe taxes based on your tax bracket in the year that you withdraw the funds. For example, if you earn $1000 and contribute $100 to a traditional IRA, you are taxed as though you earned $900, because the $100 you contributed to your IRA isn't taxed until you take it out in three decades or whatever amount of time needs to pass between now and when you retire. Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax money, but when you withdraw money from a Roth IRA, you are not taxed. If you earn $1,000 but contribute $100 to a Roth IRA, you pay taxes on all $1,000, but when you retire, you never have to pay taxes on that $100 again. Thus, if you think you're going to be in a higher income tax bracket when you retire than you are now, it might make the most sense to contribute to a Roth IRA.
If you contribute to Traditional IRA, you may begin withdrawing funds at 59 1/2 and must begin withdrawing funds at 70 1/2. If you contribute to a Roth IRA, you may begin withdrawing funds at 59 1/2 and there is no age at which you must begin withdrawing funds.
Things get a little more complicated and there are other options if you own your own business or if you're self-employed or if you've figured out how to declare yourself an S-Corp (and if you have figured out how to incorporate yourself, please email me, as corporations seem to have more rights than individual citizens nowadays) but for the sake of simplicity, I won't go into them on this, the first day of trying to explain something very boring but necessary to readers.
Cliff's notes: A 401K is a type of employer-sponsored account into which you can deposit money that you plan on using after you retire. You don't pay taxes on the money in that account until you take it out. If your employer offers a 401K or 403B plan to its employees, there should be someone at the company that manages the 401K to help you make investment decisions. An IRA is an Individual Retirement Account that serves the same purpose as a 401K. A Roth IRA is another type of long-term investment vehicle.
Hopefully this was illuminating for the unfamiliar and not too tedious for those familiar with how American workers save for the long term. In the meantime, if you have any questions about simple personal finance type stuff, leave it in the comments and I'll see if I can rassle up some answers.
More information on Roth IRA's, Traditional IRA's, and 401K type plans.


text:
For nearly 30 years, Englishman Billy Bragg has kept the faith as one of the most outspokenly political songwriters of his time. From anthems like "There Is Power In A Union," which Bragg wrote in support of striking mine workers in Thatcher-era Britain, to bringing forgotten Woody Guthrie lyrics to life in his collaboration with Wilco on the two Mermaid Avenue discs, Bragg has made a career of mixing leftist humanist sentiments with punk energy, memorable melodies and emotional vulnerability. He's on tour in America in support of the just-released retrospective box set Billy Bragg Volume 1, and he'll play March 10 at Double Door. The A.V. Club tracked down Bragg at his home in Dorset, England, to chat about pop and politics. Read a longer version of this interview at avclub.com.
The A.V. Club: The box set and the Must I Paint You A Picture best-of from a couple of years ago have given you an opportunity to look back. Are you generally happy with the way your career has turned out?
Billy Bragg: I think so. I carry on doing my own thing, and, I guess, rely on people to get it. One reason I wanted to put some of that back catalog out there was because I think some of the context of what I was doing in the 1980s, the politics of the '80s, are perhaps not so obvious to the 20-year-old of today.
AVC: How would you try to explain what you were doing in those days to someone who's young now?
BB: Well, if you can imagine what it's like in England trying to explain to people that you did gigs for the Labour Party—they find that very difficult to grasp, given the Labour government that we have at the moment. I think the politics that we had in the 1980s in America and in the UK were a lot more ideological than they are now. So today, rather than talk in terms of ideology or ideas like socialism, I think more important issues [to discuss] are things like compassion and accountability. That's what we were trying to achieve then. We were trying to hold people who had power in account. Not just the government of Margaret Thatcher, but also the multinational corporations. I think there are echoes of what we were trying to do in the anti-globalization movement.
AVC: Perhaps surprisingly, you weren't always so politically active—you didn't actually vote in the first election that you were eligible for. How did your political awareness develop?
BB: It was the inspiration of one person, whose name I should never forget—Margaret Thatcher. When Thatcher was elected in 1979, there was a sort of spurious feeling that having a woman as prime minister was a sign of how progressive we'd become. Everyone was pretty laid back about it. That was when we realized what a genuine radical she was. By 1983, I was wide awake, wide awake. I'd had politics before, but they'd just been purely humanitarian. The miners' strike [of 1983] forced me into more ideological expression—you know, it's the difference between something as humanistic as "just because you're better than me doesn't mean I'm lazy" [a lyric from Bragg's "To Have And Have Not"], to, within three records and 18 months, "There Is Power In A Union."
AVC: The shorthand, two-word description of Billy Bragg is that you're a quote-unquote—
BB: Big nose?
AVC: [Laughs.] Well, I guess I can't disagree with that. I meant—
BB: Lazy bastard?
AVC: "Political songwriter." But obviously you've got a lot of songs about love and relationships.
BB: I would say the majority of them.
AVC: Do you feel that people focus too much on your political side?
BB: I don't mind being labeled as a political songwriter. I've chosen to do that. What really annoys me is being dismissed as a political songwriter. That really pains me, because life isn't all about love; it's not all about politics, either. It's a beautiful mixture of events that absolutely baffle you, and you think, "Why can't I do something about that?" And to ignore one or the other would be foolish.
AVC: How did the fall of communism change things for you? The political playing field was suddenly far different from when you first started.
BB: I was very happy. I was in Knoxville, Tennessee, actually, playing in a supper club. We were late. I think we got lost somewhere. I'm not very good in Tennessee, it's not one of my strongest states, and we got lost somewhere past Chattanooga. When we turned up late, the guy said, "The toilets are over there, you're onstage in an hour, and the Berlin Wall has come down." [Laughs.] It's one of those fuck-the-world moments. The fact that we were able to resolve these issues peaceably is a real victory. Resolving it any other way would have been so costly for humanity that it just totally freaks me out to think about it.
AVC: Do you feel that we've lost ground post-Sept. 11?
BB: I think we've fallen into an elephant trap of our own making. The enormity of what happened is still difficult to come to terms with. It will take some time, but when you actually go down to the absolute detail, and you realize it was done by a bunch of guys with box knives—that realization, to me, really should help us get a perspective on it. It wasn't the first act of war, it was the most unspeakable act of murder and terrorism. There is no army out there in the dark waiting to take over America. There are individuals out there willing to do unspeakable things, but going out and invading other peoples' countries is no way of dealing with that. It's like being stung by a bee and going out and smashing up a beehive, and thinking you've solved the problem. There are more beehives out there; more bees will come. But they're bees. They're not grizzly bears. If I'm extending this metaphor a bit too far, I do apologize. —Christopher Bahn


text:
by Toby J. Swaford, K-12 Education Coordinator
(Ed. note: it's been raining constantly in Fort Collins this summer, and the resulting boom in the mosquito population has driven us to a certain degree of obsession with the topic. But it's been very educational!)
Summertime brings many pleasures and a few irritants, including the buzzing of insects. While some may find the lower register drone of a bee quite relaxing, the higher pitched mosquito is nothing if not annoying.
According to one West African tale, Mosquito was known for saying foolish things. Mosquito's constant silliness drove Iguana to distraction; so much so, that Iguana placed sticks in his ears to drown out Mosquito's constant prattle. Unfortunately, the sticks made it impossible for Iguana to communicate with any of the other animals, which leads to a series of misunderstandings and tragedies.
The end result is that Owl neglects her duty of waking up the sun and the world is plunged into darkness until the other animals unravel the series of events that have lead up to their dilemma. From this point on, the animals refuse to speak with Mosquito; who, in his loneliness, persistently buzzes in the ear of Man asking if the rest of the animals are still mad at him.
Apparently, they are.
Actually, mosquitoes and many other insects produce the buzzing noise as a function of flight. Some insects flap their wings slowly, like the butterfly (8 to 12 beats per second), and make no perceptible sound. The mosquito, on the other hand, beats its wings very fast – averaging 450 to 600 beats per second creating the distinctive, high-pitched whine.
Of course when it comes to mosquitoes, if the buzz is bothersome, the bite is beastly — but why? For starters, only female mosquitoes bite; the males lack the proboscis, the long, thin, needle-like mouth part required to penetrate an animal's skin and ingest blood. As this occurs, a small amount of mosquito saliva is injected into the bite. The saliva contains an anti-coagulant, to keep the blood flowing through the proboscis as the female feeds. Afterwards, the body's immune system responds to the residual saliva by forming a welt, or wheal, while the itching sensation is caused by the break down of the proteins contained in the mosquito spit.
Okay, I know what you're thinking, "If all of this is true," and I assure you, it is, "then what do male mosquitoes eat?" The answer is simple, the same thing that feeds the females. Yup, all mosquitoes, male and female, survive solely on the sugars found in plant nectar.
So, what's with the Dracula routine? Two things — first, I say Dracula because when it comes to blood suckers, I'm old school. No self respecting vampire should ever sparkle, under any circumstances — period.
Second, and more pertinent to this discussion, female mosquitoes require the proteins in blood to develop their eggs. A single, blood rich meal can facilitate the production of as many as 250 eggs.
In addition to blood protein, female mosquitoes also require something else to reproduce. (Well, something other than the male, but we'll get back to him in a moment.) Standing water is a crucial element for the reproductive cycle. Female mosquitoes can lay their fertilized eggs in pretty shallow environments; a half-inch of water is all that is needed. Soon, the eggs hatch into squirming little larva, which go through a series of four molts until they reach the pupa stage. A hard case is formed around the young mosquito, until it emerges as a fully formed adult.
Removing, or treating, standing water is still one of the most effective ways to combat potential mosquito populations, especially in rainy seasons like we've experienced in Fort Collins this summer.
Of course, if you think our mosquitoes are bad you should consider the plight of the folks in Karmarno, Manitoba. Not only are they the mosquito capital of Canada, the name Karmarno literally translates to "mosquito" in the Ukrainian language; and in 1984 the town erected the world's largest mosquito statue, with a wingspan of fifteen feet.
Closer to home, New Jersey is considered "Mosquito Central," with over 60 species of mosquito found there. It was also along the East Coast that the word "mosquito" was introduced into the English language. Translating as "little fly" in both Spanish and Portuguese, mosquitoes were simply referred to as "gnats" in England before the word made its way back from the colonies.
Getting back to the male, it seems that in addition to the obvious role he plays in fertilizing the eggs, he must first romance the female. Remember that buzzing we discussed earlier? Scientists have recently discovered that it plays an important role in attracting a mate. Males produce a sound within the 600 hertz range, while females come in somewhere around 400 hertz. When mating, the happy couple will harmonize reaching into the range of 1,200 hertz.
This new discovery changes what many scientists once thought about mosquitoes, including that the females had no sense of hearing. It also leads us to believe that before they mate, mosquitoes may spend time whispering sweet nothings into each other's ears.
Ah, romance.


text:
Two of Egypt's biggest stars, Ahmed El Sakka and Yusra Al Lawzi have stirred controversy with a series of sexy promotional photos for their latest drama, 'Khutoot Hamra' (Red Lines.) In the pictures, the actors are shown embracing with Yusra wearing a strapless minidress.
Now fans have taken to Facebook and Twitter to tell producers how angry they are, particularly as the drama is designed for the holy month of Ramadan. Many see it as disrespectful for what's supposed to be a month or religious contemplation for Muslims.
Ahmed is still filming the remaining scenes of the drama despite the fact that it has already begun airing on the first day of Ramadan. According to the producer of the drama Mahmoud Shams, producers will still be doing last minute filming until half way through the month. The story revolves around a police officer that turns into an arms dealer.
Do you think the photo is innapropriate for Ramadan? Tell us your thoughts below.
Via SyndiGate.info
© 2000 - 2022 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)


text:
Pregnancy is an exciting and busy time for couples. You spend time wondering about your baby-to-be and making plenty of preparations to welcome the newest member of your family. By taking this quiz, you can learn which lifestyle behaviors are most helpful and which may be harmful to your developing child.
Stay Informed.
Connect with us.


text:
WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said today that her agency knew of alleged Boston bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev"s trip to Russia last year even though his name was misspelled on a travel document. A key lawmaker had said that the misspelling caused the FBI to miss the trip.
Napolitano"s disclosure came as news to Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who told the secretary that it contradicted what he"d been told by the FBI.
"They told me that they had no knowledge of him leaving or coming back so I would like to talk to you more about this case," Graham told Napolitano as she testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on sweeping immigration legislation.
Napolitano said that even though Tsarnaev"s name was misspelled, redundancies in the system allowed his departure to be captured by U.S. authorities in January 2012. But she said that by the time he came back six months later, an FBI alert on him had expired and so his re-entry was not noted.
"The system pinged when he was leaving the United States. By the time he returned all investigations had been closed," Napolitano said.
The Russia trip is now seen as potentially important to determining how and when Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the older Boston bomber who died in a firefight with police, apparently became radicalized, and whether he had ties to others.
Tamerlan Tsarnaev was investigated by the FBI at Russia"s request and his name was included in a federal government travel-screening database after that, law enforcement officials have told The Associated Press. One official told the AP that by the time of the flight Tsarnaev would have faced no additional scrutiny because the FBI had by that time found no information connecting him to terrorism.
The testimony came during the third Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on sweeping immigration legislation. As at the previous two hearings, the proceedings were overshadowed by the events in Boston.
Napolitano also defended the security procedures that occur when someone applies for asylum to the U.S., as the Tsarnaev family did about a decade ago. She described an extensive process with multiple screenings.
She said any asylum applicant is thoroughly interviewed and vetted, run through databases, fingerprinted and vetted again when they become eligible for a green card and ultimately citizenship.
Napolitano also said the process has improved in recent years. And she said the new immigration bill would build on that.


text: BrianOfDenver 1,496 Report post Posted September 19, 2017 #FINALLY The Raja is going to the San Manuel Casino in Highland, CA on Wednesday 9/20! Live play will start around 9:00 PM PST In honor of this occasion, we have some contest prize giveaways!! We have 3 prizes to give away! Guess the following to win a prize. 1 - What will be The Raja's largest jackpot of the night? (closest guess wins, exact guess wins bonus mega prize pack!) 2 - How many total jackpots will The Raja hit during live play? 3 - What Machine will The Raja play first? Each prize pack will have a great assortment of swag including signed items from Murray The Magician, Aluminum Koozies and Travel Bags from The Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas and hats and water bottles from Ainsworth Gaming Technologies in addition to TBJ Swag such as playing cards, stickers, and even some autographed photos! Notes --- Prize packs will be an assortment and will vary pack to pack, but all packs will contain 4 or more items all times we will do a random drawing or spin off for any ties. Good Luck and all entries are due by 11:00 PM EST / 8:00 PM PST on Wednesday 9/20. 2 Newfdogg and Eric Beauty reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text:
Top Items:
Mobile leaders to unify the Symbian software platform and set the future of mobile free — Foundation to be established to provide royalty-free open platform and accelerate innovation — London, UK - Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and NTT DOCOMO announced today their intent to unite Symbian OS …
Greg Sterling / Search Engine Land: Symbian Mobile Platform To Become Free, Rivaling Android & iPhone
Nik Cubrilovic / TechCrunch: Nokia Acquires Symbian - Goes Open Source
Eric Zeman / InformationWeek: Nokia, Others Deal Major Blow To Android
Greg Sterling / localmobilesearch.net: Nokia to Make Symbian Open Source
Eric M. Zeman / Phone Scoop: Nokia Buys Out Symbian, Opens It Up
Kim Poh Liaw / SlashPhone: Nokia to Acquire Symbian Limited
Doug Aamoth / CrunchGear: Nokia to buy Symbian, plans to open platform
Jonathan Skillings / CNET News.com: Nokia to buy Symbian outright, launches app effort
Richard MacManus / ReadWriteWeb:
Nokia Acquires Symbian; Takes on Google's Android — Nokia isn't finished with its acquisition spree just yet. Tonight the Finnish company announced a plan to acquire the 52 per cent of Symbian it doesn't already own and make the platform open source. Nokia clearly aims to challenge Android …
Discussion: Nokia Conversations, mathewingram.com/work, Techcraver.com, broadstuff and Roland Tanglao's Weblog
Alan Patrick / broadstuff: NOKIA ENTERS OPEN SOURCE OS RACE - MICROSOFT NEXT?
Roland Tanglao / Roland Tanglao's Weblog: Nokia Acquires Symbian; S60 to go Open Source!?!
Nokia to acquire Symbian Limited to enable evolution of the leading open mobile platform — Visionary move embraces openness and accelerates innovation — Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced it has launched a cash offer to acquire all of the shares of Symbian Limited that Nokia does not already own …
David Meyer / CNET News.com: First Symbian Foundation handsets due in 2010
Dieter Bohn / The iPhone Blog: Nokia Unifies Symbian, Sets it Free
Luigi Lugmayr / I4U News: Nokia opens up Symbian to compete against Google Android
Stan Schroeder / Mashable!: Nokia Acquires Symbian, Opens It Up
Christopher Price / PhoneNews.com: Symbian Platform to Unify, Challenge Android
Timothy / Slashdot: Nokia to Acquire and Open Source Symbian
Chris Ziegler / Engadget:
Nokia buys Symbian, turns software over to Symbian Foundation — Nokia's been in bed with Symbian for many, many years through the development of its S60 platform — the world's most populous smartphone platform, dont'cha know — and they're taking that relationship to its endgame today …
Discussion: The Register, Open Gardens, Electronista and 9 to 5 Mac
Nik Cubrilovic / TechCrunchIT:
Symbian Goes Open Source - Courtesy of Nokia
Symbian Goes Open Source - Courtesy of Nokia
Discussion: The Open Road and Jarrett House North
Matt Asay / The Open Road: HP beats its chest over Linux contribution
MG Siegler / VentureBeat:
Nokia buys Symbian, opens it for war with Google Android
Nokia buys Symbian, opens it for war with Google Android
Discussion: IDG News Service, Wall Street Journal, Open Source, BBC and PalmAddicts
Cassell Bryan-Low / Wall Street Journal: Nokia to Buy Phone-Software Firm
Dana Blankenhorn / Open Source: Nokia Symbian deal shows Google on right track
Sam Mcloughln / PalmAddicts: Symbian Going Open Source!
Miguel Helft / New York Times:
At Google, Slow Growth in News Site — MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — The death of Tim Russert of NBC News this month quickly became a top article on the nation's biggest news sites. — The front page of Google News took about an hour to catch up. — Google blamed a technical problem …
Discussion: The Open Road, O'Reilly Radar and paidContent.org
Marc Hedlund / O'Reilly Radar: Daylife's API for the News
Miguel Helft / Bits:
Google to Unveil New Ad-Planning Tool — Google is expected to unveil a new ad-planning tool for agencies and marketers at an industry conference on Tuesday. — Word that the Internet search giant has something up its sleeve surfaced when the Advertising Research Foundation …
Emel Mutlu / Inside AdWords: Introducing Google Ad Planner
Chris Williams / The Register: Google preps conflict of interest-tastic web analytics tool
Kaiser Kuo / Ogilvy China Digital Watch: Catching up: A keynote on a widening chasm, Facebook in China, Xiaoyou, etc.
Sardar Mohkim Khan / Startup Meme: Google's media research tool, AdPlanner waits announcement
Michael Learmonth / Silicon Alley Insider: Google Moves In On comScore, Nielsen - Again
Jake Swearingen / VentureBeat: Google to announce new media research tool AdPlanner
JR Raphael / The Inquisitr: Coming Soon: Google AdPlanner
Emily Steel / Wall Street Journal:
Google to Offer a Tool To Measure Web Hits
Google to Offer a Tool To Measure Web Hits
Discussion: Search Engine Watch Blog, SEO and Tech Daily, Rocky Fu's Blog, BloggingStocks, CNET News.com, Colin's Corner and WebProNews
Nathania Johnson / Search Engine Watch Blog: Google to Unveil Media Planning Tool
Charlie Anzman / SEO and Tech Daily: Stats, Reality and Google's New Tool
Douglas McIntyre / BloggingStocks: New Google product: Nowhere for websites to hide
Steven Musil / CNET News.com: Google plans new Internet measurement tool
David A. Utter / WebProNews: Google Hints At New Service Via WSJ
Matt Richtel / New York Times:
What's Obscene? Google Could Have an Answer — Judges and jurors who must decide whether sexually explicit material is obscene are asked to use a local yardstick: does the material violate community standards? — That is often a tricky question because there is no simple, concrete way to gauge a community's tastes and values.
Discussion: Search Engine Land, Parallax View, BuzzMachine, MediaBytes with Shelly Palmer and Lost Remote
Barry Schwartz / Search Engine Land: Google The "Moral Compass" Of The US Justice System?
Eric Chabrow / Parallax View: Will Google Search Rescue Porn Defendant?
Shelly Palmer / MediaBytes with Shelly Palmer: Google Search Data Used in Obscenity Trial: MediaBytes with Shelly …
Don Day / Lost Remote: Google News not much of a hit
Mary Jo Foley / All about Microsoft:
No reprieve: XP phase-out begins June 30 — XP petitioners: It's time to raise the white flag. — After months of rumors that Microsoft might rethink its decision to pull the plug on Windows XP, the official word is out: XP is on its way out. — Microsoft is sticking to its plan …
Discussion: WinBeta
Joe Wilcox / Microsoft Watch:
XP: Microsoft Does the Right Thing
XP: Microsoft Does the Right Thing
Discussion: Donna's SecurityFlash, TG Daily and InfoWorld
Wolfgang Gruener / TG Daily: Dell extends lifeline of Windows XP PCs
Ina Fried / CNET News.com:
Gates' big send-off — REDMOND, Wash.—If you ask Bill Gates what life will be like when he stops working full time at Microsoft, he'll have to get back to you. — That's because, a week away from the transition, he still hasn't slowed down his pace. If anything, things have picked …
Discussion: Microsoft Watch, Forbes and Gizmodo
Edited by Wendy Tanaka / Forbes: Goodbye, Bill Gates!
Wilson Rothman / Gizmodo: Bill Gates Retirement Party
Dan Frommer / Silicon Alley Insider:
Helio Closing Stores. Time To Hang Up? — "Virtual" wireless carrier Helio could be on its last legs. We hear that it's finally closing its barren retail stores this week, confirming a few earlier reports. And even if a last-ditch sale to rival Virgin Mobile (VM) happens, we doubt Helio has much left to offer the mobile industry.
Discussion: CNET News.com, Electronista, FierceWireless, FierceMobileContent and Gadgetell
Marguerite Reardon / CNET News.com: Virgin Mobile jumps on flat-rate bandwagon
Jason Ankeny / FierceMobileContent: Helio planning to close stores, kiosks
Robert Nelson / Gadgetell: Will Helio be the next MVNO to join the dead pool?
Michael Krigsman / IT Project Failures:
Oracle / SAP increase prices — Don't you jump for joy to learn Oracle has raised prices 15%-20% across major product lines? SAP fans shouldn't feel left out, since that company has increased support costs by 5%. — Sensationalist technology rag, The Register, discusses the Oracle increase in flowering terms:
Reyhan Harmanci / San Francisco Chronicle:
Web TV is a hit. So where's the big money? — With an average monthly viewership of 1.5 million people, "Break a Leg," the Internet video series about the making of a sitcom in San Francisco, is ahead of its time. Brothers Yuri and Vlad Baranovsky the 24- and 30-year-old co-creators of the show …
Discussion: Venture Chronicles
Ellen Lee / The Technology Chronicles:
Because life takes Visa... and Facebook — Visa is teaming up with Facebook, investing $2 million in advertising and introducing a social networking application for small business owners. — Visa plans to announce today that it is launching an application on Facebook for small business owners …
Discussion: FaceReviews and Mashable!
Rodney Rumford / FaceReviews: Visa Joins Facebook
Stan Schroeder / Mashable!: Facebook and Visa Team Up to Target Small Businesses
IDG News Service:
Lenovo to Offer New ThinkPad Line for SMBs — Lenovo on Monday confirmed plans to launch a new ThinkPad laptop line, the SL series, with features and support services geared toward small and medium-size businesses. — Priced from US$699 to $1,199, the laptops will come with online backup services …
Discussion: The Register, Engadget, CrunchGear and UMPC Buzz
Kelly Fiveash / The Register: Lenovo throws arms and legs around SMBs
Nilay Patel / Engadget: Lenovo prepping business-oriented ThinkPad SL series
Doug Aamoth / CrunchGear: ThinkPad SL series to include online backup, LoJack


text:
Cemetery tells group to remove flags from soldiers' headstones
Volunteers in Colorado who placed thousands of American flags at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver are now being told to remove them.
The group "Flags for Fort Logan" has been placing small flags on headstones for four years to honor veterans. But a worker told the group, which included veterans, that flags were only allowed during Memorial Day weekend and that they should have gotten permission.
The flags were removed, but the group says they feel insulted.
"I feel that these people have given the ultimate sacrifice and they definitely should be honored and respected on Veterans Day as well as Memorial Day," group coordinator Jennifer Skalecke said.
The cemetery's website lists certain times of the year when adornments are allowed, but doesn't mention anything about Veterans Day. The policy does say permanent plantings, statues or other breakable objects are not permitted.


text:
Starting Earth Day, April 22, the natural and organic supermarket chain will no longer carry wild-caught seafood that is «red-rated,» a color code that indicates it is either overfished or caught in a way that harms other species. The ratings are determined by the Blue Ocean Institute, an advocacy group, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.
Among the seafood disappearing from Whole Foods shelves will be octopus, gray sole, skate, Atlantic halibut and Atlantic cod caught by trawls, which can destroy habitats. The company will stock sustainable replacements like cod caught on lines and halibut from the Pacific.
«In the long term, what we're really looking to do is help reverse trends of overfishing and bi-catch, so that really we can move the industry as a whole toward greater sustainability,» said seafood quality standards coordinator Carrie Brownstein. She added that Whole Foods is making the shift a year ahead of its internal deadline.
Retail prices could be higher in some cases in which sustainable suppliers have lower yields.
Whole Foods, which has been strengthening its buying practices for years, is among a number of supermarket chains responding as consumers become more concerned about the sources of their seafood.
In the past month, BJ's Wholesale Club announced a policy to ensure its seafood is sustainable or on track to meet sustainability standards by 2014, and Supervalu announced a comprehensive policy to ensure its farm-raised seafood is sustainable. Supervalu, which operates Albertsons, Shop `n Save and seven other retail brands, also stopped selling six wild-caught species because of sustainability concerns.
The changes have come fast. In 2008, when Greenpeace first published its seafood sustainability scorecard of supermarkets, all 20 of the major chains surveyed failed. Last year, 15 of 20 companies had passing scores, said John Hocevar, the environmental group's oceans campaign director.
«It's pretty impressive to see that it was an issue that really wasn't on most of these companies' radar,» Hocevar said, «and with encouragement from us and many others, they really did for the most part step up.»
Greenpeace is among a number of private groups that certify or offer guidelines for seafood, meaning consumers sometimes must sort out multiple ratings.
For instance, some Whole Foods seafood will continue to feature labels from the Marine Stewardship Council, which maintains a widely used system that certifies seafood from sustainable fisheries. But Brownstein said the council doesn't assess every fishery, so Whole Foods relies on the color coding for seafood from fisheries not covered by the council. Whole Foods will now only sell green- and yellow-rated seafood, which is more sustainable.
Shrimp, salmon and other seafood grown on farms have yet another separate labeling system.
Hocevar said the profusion of ratings can confuse customers, which is why Greenpeace urges supermarkets to only sell sustainable products.
Source / Fuente: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
Author / Autor: Michael Hill
Date / Fecha: 30/03/12
Visit our Facebook / Visite nuestro Facebook:
Visit our YouTube channel / Visite nuestro canal de YouTube:


text:
ProjectEarthShift 2: Universal Scale of Consciousness (life-affirming/ life-creating calibrations 200-1000)
ProjectEarthShift 2:
Quantum Scale of Consciousness
(life-affirming, life-enhancing and life-creating calibrations)
Part 2 of the Quantum Scale of Consciousness
Click for part 1: ProjectEarthShift 1: Quantum Scale of Consciousness (life-diminishing/life-threatening calibrations 0-199)
Today we will talk about the truly exciting, life-enhancing and life-creating calibrations of human consciousness. My Universal Consciousness Scale is based on the scale proposed by Dr. David Hawkins in his groundbreaking bestseller Power vs. Force. In his work, Dr. Hawkins used kinesiology test to answer simply 'yes' or 'no' and to calibrate the 'truth' and 'falsehood' of a subject or question.
I have taken this amazing system substantially further. I've reworked the old and added new calibration levels; also, I have modified and expanded the logic and usage of the calibration methods. When I calibrate, I first of all determine the core vibration and the chi level of a subject or object. I can also go well beyond that, as will be discussed in the upcoming Part 3: What is Chi Kinesiology.
As you watch my videos, all this will become clear to you. The incredible usefulness of these methods and this kind of knowledge should also become self-explanatory. In addition to voice explanations, the videos are accompanied by written clarifications; they include beautiful imagery, with people, animals and nature, famous quotes and other enhancements designed to facilitate comprehension. Lots of hands-on examples of calibrations are included.
This is Part 2 of the series. Part 3: What is Chi Kinesiology is to follow. Please make sure you watch this part together with Part 1 for a full picture. (Part 1 video is here; My original post about Part 1 is here.)
Here are the life-affirming calibrations we will discuss in this segment. I bolded the additions and modifications I've made to the original scale:
LEVELS of REASON – 200-499
Courage – 200
Neutrality – 250
Willingness/friendship/cooperation – 310
Acceptance – 350
Reason – 400
Humanity/compassion – 480
LEVELS of MASTERY & MAGIC – 500-1000
Love – 500
Joy – 540
Creation – 580
Peace – 600
Enlightenment – starts at 700 to 1000
Like, comment, share, subscribe!
- ProjectEarthShift 1: Quantum Scale of Consciousness (life-diminishing/life-threatening calibrations 0-199)
A word from Lada
Dear readers, as you know, I have started a new and very promising PROJECT EARTH SHIFT and a new series of videos on Lada Ray Channel on YouTube.
I just published two first videos and articles:
1. Universal Scale of Consciousness (life-diminishing calibrations)
2. Universal Scale of Consciousness (life-affirming/ life-creating calibrations).
Please make sure you watch my videos and read my articles as they will help you tremendously in understanding how the world in which we live works!
This is a revolutionary and very important work. I am counting on your support!
Subscribe to LADA RAY Channel on YouTube
Watch Project Earth Shift videos
Please remember to like and comment on my articles and videos!
Posted on November 28, 2014, in Earth Shift Report, Videos and tagged calibrations, calibrations of human consciousness, chi kinesiology, compassion, courage, creation, creativity, Dr David Hawkins, energy kinesiology, enlighenment, evolution of human consciousness, humanity, joy, Lada Ray, love, mind, New Thought, peace, Power vs Force, reason, universal consciousness, vibration. Bookmark the permalink. 8 Comments.
Lada,….great blog!
My I ask please what your thoughts are on the upcoming Moldova elections. From afar it looks like the authorites are using all the crooked tricks (with EU backing)to fix the election. Yesterday's news about the ban reaffirmed that to me.
It also seems to me that if enough of the Moldovans in Moscow vote over there……then the pro-russia side should win.
Any thoughts?
I will have to look into this…


text:
EXPLICIT LANGUAGE: Video of Shia LaBeouf's arrest in Savannah
The actor was arrested Saturday morning in Savannah
The actor was arrested Saturday morning in Savannah
The actor was arrested Saturday morning in Savannah
New details are emerging in the arrest of actor Shia LaBeouf in Savannah.
Newly released police body camera video shows LaBeouf shouting profanities at officers while being arrested on July 8th.
LaBeouf was arrested by Savannah-Chatham Metro Police around 4:00 a.m. after police say he ran from them after failing to comply with their request to leave the area near Wild Wings Café in City Market.
In a newly released police report, the responding officer was standing in front of Wild Wings Café around 4 a.m., speaking with some people he knew. The officer says that's when LaBeouf came over to them asking for a cigarette. When they told LaBeouf they couldn't help him, the officer says LaBeouf looked at him and asked "What (expletive) badge are you wearing?"
The report goes on to say that the officer then asked LaBeouf to leave the area multiple times because of his behavior, but that the actor became increasingly agitated, shouting profanities at the officer.
The officer then writes that LaBeouf "started coming towards me in a aggressive manner." The report says that at that point, the officer grabbed his arm to put the actor in handcuffs at which point, according to the report, LaBeouf said, "you are not arresting me (expletive)" as he ran toward the Andaz Hotel.
When the officer arrived at the hotel and asked security about his whereabouts, the report says that LaBeouf came out from hiding in a corner.
That's when LaBeouf was arrested. Following the arrest, the officer says that LaBeouf continued to be belligerent toward him and the other responding officers.
He's been charged with disorderly conduct, obstruction, and public intoxication.
You can read the full report here, but we do warn you that the report does contain foul language throughout.


text:
If you're living a truly conscious life, then you naturally have great respect for animals.
And you probably also feel great pain at how they are often treated by humans.
Sometimes it's even disheartening that so little progress is made so slowly.
But there's good news.
As part of the human race, the more we contribute to raising human consciousness — with respect to animals but also in general — the treatment of animals by humans is bound to improve as well.
This is because raising consciousness is a way to work more closely with cause rather than with effect, or symptoms.
Raising Awareness
Right now, the way animals are treated is abysmal and this article won't detail the atrocities. If you aren't aware of them, but would like to be, the film EARTHLINGS is an excellent place to start. It's about practices that are typical yet — with good reason — are always hidden from view. But be forewarned, it's a moving film which may literally traumatize you, like it did me. (You can check out some reviews here. They are compelling.)
Another source of excellent information is the PETA website (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). If you yourself are ever interested in living a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, they have lots of helpful information, free kits to help you make changes, lots of recipes, and leads to really great resources.
Veganism, and Cruelty-Free Living
If you do look into going vegan, you'll find out that it's not always just about diet (i.e. not eating animals and/or animal products).
It's more about a "cruelty-free" way of life.
A cruelty-free lifestyle involves not eating or using any type of animal product, especially when the animals were mistreated during processing.
Many of us don't think about it but this means not supporting industries that promote the fancy leather car seats (or furniture), leather shoes or jackets, animal hide accessories, down clothing or bedding, fancy or beautiful feathers, fur, boar bristles, wool products (including lanolin), and even silk. Some vegans even shy away from using honey unless it's from a natural and organic source.
Humane Options
It's startling how many of our household products, from toiletries to cleaning supplies, are tested on animals. Even some of the companies that claim not to test on animals sometimes contract out to a third party who does. Most of these testing practices are cruel. And of course, some of our medicines/drugs (such as Premarin) are derived from animals who are treated horrifically.
There are often times when animals, insects, etc. encroach on us and we have to draw the line somewhere. Again, there are many humane options available now, and thankfully most are available to all of us via the internet.
It may take more time to research and use these methods, but a conscious, kind person will make the effort.
As you read these stories you will see that whenever I was properly humble and willing to let something besides a human be my instructor, these various four-legged, six-legged, and no-legged fellows shared priceless wisdom with me. They taught me that perfect understanding and perfect co-operation between the human and all other forms of life is unfailing whenever the human really does his required part.
~ Foreword to Kinship with All Life, by J. Allen Boone, 1954
So there are many ways we can all play an active role in our own lives to honor animals as sentient beings.
Doing so not only benefits them but it benefits us as well.
A conscious person always benefits from living in integrity, and conscious integrity allows for nothing short of respect for all sentient beings. (Including our fellow humans, by the way!)
And if you get nothing else from this post, get this:
As part of the human race,
raising your own consciousness will necessarily
help raise the consciousness of human-kind in general,
with countless positive side-effects.
And it's a most rewarding type of activism!
How You Can Make a Difference
Consider adding just one additional practice to your lifestyle that is respectful of animals or will help raise human consciousness with regard to them.
And really, it's not always even about "adding" a practice as it is merely "substituting".
And note that it doesn't have to be all or nothing! This is an important thing to remember. So many don't do anything because they know they are not willing or able to "give it all up". But that's not necessary! Perhaps you could be vegetarian one day per week. Or be vegetarian instead of vegan.
Anything at all that you are willing to do is a step forward.
Here are some ideas (most from this article) and resources:
- Practice being conscious and aware (lots of ideas right here on this site!)
- Watch the eye-opening film EARTHLINGS – (you can watch for free HERE)
- Browse the PETA site
- Consider going vegetarian or vegan
- Purchase and support cruelty-free items and products
• those that don't contain animal products
• those that are not tested on animals << great link!
- Use a humane option next time you have "pests"
- Support any animal welfare group with your donation of time or money (see below for my favorite)
- Read Kinship with All Life by J. Allen Boone (it's delightful!)
- Read Animals as Teachers and Healers: True Stories and Reflections by Susan Chernak McElroy (also delightful, and heart-warming too)
- Share this article! (Buttons below. Thank you!)
In closing, I'd like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes about these magnificent beings (also quoted in the film EARTHLINGS):
We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals. … We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.
~ Henry Beston
Thank-you in advance, from all Earthlings!
Great Holiday Gift Idea!
If you're an animal-lover, and have friends or family who are animal-lovers, consider this:
Animal-Kind International (AKI) is an excellent non-profit, where 100% of your donation goes to their cause; NOT to overhead, NOT to promotion, but directly toward animal welfare.
♥ ♥ ♥
If you make a donation in your gift recipient's name, AKI will send them a holiday card letting them know and showing the animal you/they helped! Isn't this a great gift? I think so! (You can see their latest newsletter for more details about this. And don't you just love Squiffy?)
♥ ♥ ♥
On their site, they show many of the individual animals they are in the process of helping. You can make a general donation or sponsor a particular animal.
They do such good work, I hope you'll take a moment to check them out.
And even if this gift-giving idea doesn't ring your chimes, keep them in mind when you feel it in your heart to make a donation to help animals. ♥ (Subscribe to their newsletter, follow them on Facebook, and/or read their wonderful blog written by Karen, AKI's founder!)
Thank-you! And Happy Holidays to you and "yours"!


text:
With PWA Fuerteventura all wrapped up for this year we thought we would bring together the current moves of the moment so you can understand the difference between a pasko and a culo or an air-bob to a kabikuchi. We've also given each move our own Boardseeker difficulty rating so if you are considering attempting such moves then we suggest to start from the 'easiest' and work your way up.
There was an unbelievable aerobatic display thrown down in Fuerteventura this year and even the competitors themselves were heard applauding their fellow riders and/or rivals. The PWA must be pretty pleased with themselves at the moment as the new power move judging format has pushed the level of freestyle windsurfing away from the traditional sliding moves to a more aerial and explosive display, of which only a few have fully mastered. These few are currently reaping the rewards of their risk taking antics as they fly through full 720 spins in the air and complete moves where a total change of direction has taken place mid-trick. So what are the moves, what is new and who is doing them?
Difficulty: 8/10
Invented by Gollito, this move has been around for over a year now. Inspired by Marcilio Browne's double air-taka this particular stunt was really the favourite last week. What is more it wasn't just the top 5 that were seen trying and landing them, even in the first round of the double elimination we saw people going for them. However, Steven Van Broeckhoven, Tonky Frans and Gollito Estredo were certainly pulling them off with a style and power that seemed to be above and beyond most of the other competitors right now.
The pasko itself is essentially an air flaka into shaka all in the air. There is some discrepency at the moment about how the move should be pulled off exactly as some of the top pros are landing the pasko with very different styles. Gollito goes for a more ponch like approach whilst Steven and Tonky aim to do a full blown complete 720 flaka rotation in the air. Either way the move looks outstanding and is already pushing the boundaries of freestyle further. Some inside info Boardseeker managed to gain whilst on site in Fuerteventura was talk of a 1080 pasko… There have been claims from a couple of the competitors that they have landed a triple spinning move where two and a half of the spins have been completed in the air. It is no surprise when you see shots like the one below, where Tonky Frans is over mast high mid pasko during training in Lanzarote. Is this a move we might see in Sylt…
Difficulty: 9/10
Perhaps this should be renamed the Kiri move because it is none other than Kiri Thode himself who is absolutely rocking it. Boosting the highest aerial kabikuchis he has them fully dialled in and can pull them out even in the most marginal conditions. Alongside him is the Italian ripper Jacopo Testa who is stomping them left, right and centre. Undeniably his favourite move you will see him sail away from one every second run, the run in between would have been some crazy culo or double culo. Another young prodigy who is stomping the move is UK styler Oscar Carmichael, training the move hard he showed promise at his first PWA event ever.
The kabikuchi is not the easiest move to describe so check the clip below to see one for yourself. Essential it is super high scoring move because it involves ducking the sail then doing a kono like movement into the wind before fully reversing in the air and spinning back the other way. The best guys can complete the full rotation before landing!
Culo into culo and burner into burner
Difficulty: 9/10
A first for competition the culo into culo was landed by Kiri Thode and Steven Van Broeckhoven last week. There were a couple others sticking the move but these two had the best consistency. The burner into burner has still yet to be seen in competition, which perhaps suggests a level of difficulty slightly above the regular stance version.
Again a move that is also not too easy to explain so check the clip below but the key is to be sure you have your single culos completely dialled in then attempt the move in stronger winds with more speed.
Air-bob into culo
Difficulty: 10/10
A combo move that made its way onto our screens in the last year this is another ducking the sail manoeuvre but all in regular stance. Kiri Thode was the one seen landing this move for the first time ever in competition and not just once but in a number of his final heats including the very controversial double elimination finals, where conditions were pretty marginal for such a technical and powerful trick.
Clew first air-chachoo
Difficulty: 10/10
Landed some 5 years ago by Gollito it finally made its way into competition this year, but it wasn't Gollito who showed it to us. Israeli rider Yarden Meir was the man to pull it. Landing it twice in the double elimination the judges weren't too sure what to call it at first as it looked like some aerial toad diablo… confused?? Check the clip below to see it for yourself.
No handed air flaka
Difficulty 8/10
A move only attempted and landed by Anthony Ruenes in last weeks competition. This particular trick has a high risk factor as we witnessed Ruenes crashing hard as much as he stomped it. The move itself is an aerial up wind 360 where you throw the sail away form you on take off and catch it half way through the rotation.
We have no tips for this move and unfortunately no video to go with it but all we suggest is to get your no handed flakas and your air flakas sorted before attempting this particular variation.
To wrap up it is obvious that the level of moves within freestyle is pushing new boundaries and it is perhaps the conditions that are provided at each event that will only restrict what we will see in the future. The progression of moves continues to grow and we are surely set to see some pretty exciting developments in the coming years as the double and triple spins begin to enter the scene. One question that is on many minds will be which discipline will claim the first aerial triple move, freestyle or waves?
With PWA Tenerife just around the corner and a forecast that is all time will Koester, Campello or Brawzinho pull out the triple forward there or will one of freestyles finest get a pasko 1080 on camera before then…
Stay tuned to Boardseeker as we will make sure we bring it to you as soon as we hear about it.