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The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is a translation tool that helps communication and comparison between qualifications systems in Europe. Its eight common European reference levels are described in terms of learning outcomes: knowledge, skills and competences. This allows any national qualifications systems, national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) and qualifications in Europe to relate to the EQF levels. Learners, graduates, providers and employers can use these levels to understand and compare qualifications awarded in different countries and by different education and training systems.
For more information on NQF's and their relation to the EQF click on the buttons below:
Legal documents, Studies, Documents agreed by the EQF Advisory Group and
European Qualifications Framework Series
Qualifications that are part of national qualifications framework are listed on this page. You can scroll down to find all information. Filter by Subject Field, EQF level and Location and you will find more detailed information on qualifications, and a link to the national database. The qualifications are part of national qualifications frameworks that have formally referenced to the EQF
Introductory Direction for Health and Welfare Units: The Curriculum of the Introductory Direction for the Administration of Health and Welfare Units combines the following: a) subjects aimed at the analysis of the units (organizations and institutions) of public and private sector in Health and Welfare, b) subjects that offer specific knowledge on the provision of health services and welfare by Health and Social Protection Systems - Social inclusion, and c) subjects with a clear orientation to policies, use of resources, and meeting the needs of recipients. Skills of a Graduate of the AHWU: Upon completion of their studies, students of the Introductory Direction of AHWU a) Have advanced knowledge of their various cognitive fields of study, involving a critical understanding of theories and principles; b) possess advanced skills, combine understanding with application, having the required skill and innovation to solve complex and unpredictable problems in specialized fields of study and work; c. develop problem solving skills, transferring the knowledge received and the skills obtained about decision-making and managing workgroups in health and welfare services.Upon completion of their studies, graduates of the Introductory Direction of AHWU acquire the necessary scientific and technological knowledge, abilities and skills to be able to operate as an administration-management executives of health and welfare services, particularly in the following areas:- Organisation, operation and coordination of activities of ...
Awarding bodyTechnological Educational Institute of Athens


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John Sesto
July 10, 1928-July 19, 2013
Pleasanton, California
Contact the submitter
This odd custom we have, trying to sum up the worth of a man?s life in two hundred, two thousand or two words, struggling against clichés like devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, dedicated son and brother, although those ring true. Now we find ourselves, moments after the passing of this man, our dad, our mother's husband, searching for the right words to encapsulate his legacy. This is our tribute to a man who stood strong and firm (oh so stubbornly firm), who continually conquered illness (until this final cancer took him), who stayed true to his Catholic faith, who took no shortcuts and told no lies. John lived to 85. Being a child of the depression, he left high school in 1945 as a junior to join the Navy, where he served over 20 years as a dental technician and medic, often attached to Marine Corps units. He took up lightweight boxing. He traveled extensively and made history in 1949 as part of the crew of the U.S.S. Burton Island icebreaker, the first known vessel to reach Nome, Alaska midwinter. John loved to learn. He left the service twice to study dentistry at Creighton University, but, the Korean War intervened and he was called back to active duty in 1950 and again in 1953. Post Navy, in 1966, he completed his B.A.. He went on to earn his M.B.A. from Golden Gate University, this while working full time and, together with his wife, raising his girls. While all these ?facts? are true and help define the man, we, his family, will best remember John, our dad, our mom?s husband, his granddaughters? doting papa, our rock, for his unwavering strength, uncompromising integrity, his unshakeable faith, his lighthearted jokes, his stubbornness, his readiness to give, his undeniable love, his BBQ, his shining eyes and always his smile. He is survived by his wife, Gerda, his daughters, Michelle and Melinda, and his granddaughters, Danielle and Kristen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice in Dublin.
Tags: veteran

subset: commoncrawl


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(Please welcome new Jets nation author Dean Belanger. Dean's first article here at JN looks at Mark Scheifele's chances of making Canada's WJC roster).
It may already be a forgone conclusion that Mark Scheifele will not be a member of the inaugural Jets lineup when they return to the NHL this fall. The reasons are numerous; is he ready, the depth chart, what's better for his development, etc. A quick peek at the depth chart and it's easy to see that Nik Antropov, Bryan Little, and Alexander Burmistrov are ahead of him as far as the scoring lines are concerned. One of Antropov or Little will probably end up on the wing, but that still only leaves the bottom half of the roster open. Most coaches want to employ a checking line and an energy line and it's quite clear to me that Scheifele fills neither role properly. Tim Stapelton, Ben Maxwell, and Jim Slater (if healthy) are more likely to take those minutes.
Based on those facts, it's a no-brainer to send the player back to junior where he can continue to develop and garner the top minutes and responsibilities. Scheifele was considered a late bloomer as far as his draft class is concerned and he progressed big time at the end to land up in the top 10. In fact, many were surprised to see the Jets take him over Sean Couturier. It would be wise to let him continue that rise. Based on last season's performance of 66 GP 22 G 53 AST 75 P his NHLE (NHL equivalency) would be 8 goals and 20 assists. Not bad, but not good enough to sacrifice another year of junior. Of course, my philosophy has always been: if you earn a spot, it's yours. Nothing should be given at the NHL level, and opportunities should not be taken based on contracts. If Scheifele comes to camp and earns a spot, you make room for him. Burmistrov did exactly that last year.
Which leads me to another team he needs to earn a spot on – Team Canada. One game is not enough data to make a proper-formed opinion. Unfortunately, I intend to do just that. On Saturday at the Red/White game Scheifele did very little to make an impact. Granted, there are many reasons for that. 13 forwards meant that no line would ever stay intact. These players had only been together for a few days. All of the players were focused on the system that coach Don Hay is trying to employ.
Scheifele was on team White and started the game playing with Tyler Toffoli on RW and Matt Puempel on LW. (not exactly Selanne and Tkachuk is it?) As mentioned earlier, the lines were in a constant state of flux. During the first PK, Scheifele was on the ice killing a penalty with Devante Smith-Pelly and they ended up on a 2 on 1. Scheifele sifted a nice pass over to Smith-Pelly who couldn't convert. The two where trapped on the ice after that as team Red scored a power play goal. To be fair, it wasn't the best shot from Oleksiak and Tyler Bunz may have been screened. Later in the game, Scheifele tried to beat a defenseman wide and was taken out of the play. Unfortunately for him, the play came back quickly to his own end and team Red was able to convert which at the time looked like the back-breaking fourth goal for a 4-1 lead.
On the positive side Scheifele seems to be a very good positional player. He's not a jack rabbit to be sure, in fact his foot speed was average at best. What you do notice though is he is one of those players that the puck follows. He is also a strong passer and with the right set of wingers would probably put up some big numbers. What was really interesting to me was how much his body language and offensive zone positional play reminded me of Dale Hawerchuk. Yes, that Dale Hawerchuk who is also his coach in Barrie. Now I know that might sound like blasphemy but people in Edmonton are comparing Nugent-Hopkins to Gretzky…
More troubling to his chances is the depth chart at center for Team Canada. Unless Scheifele can effectively move to the wing, he may be in tough to stick as an extra forward. Scanning the invite list, the current centers feature returning players Sean Couturier and Ryan Johanson; first overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins; and fifth overall pick Ryan Strome all of whom were better on Saturday. Of the 26 forwards invited, 14 play center or are listed as playing multiple positions including center. To make this team at center is going to be a tall order to say the least, which was also mentioned here by Ed Tait in a recent article. I would be shocked if Johanson is available for this tournament. I think it's fair to say that Nugent-Hopkins and Strome are 50/50 to make their NHL teams. If all of those three return, he has no chance. If all three stick in the NHL, it's looks much more realistic. There is a lot of time between now and December and I expect Scheifele to continue to develop, as will the other players he's competing against.
Don't be surprised though if he's a late cut or at best the 13th forward.


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Danzig How To The Gods Kill Unisex Hoodie
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Updated some setting signature setting.
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Burnham on Sea Coach Hire & Minibus Hire
We have 16, 24, 29, and 33 seat coaches available for hire in the Yeovil area.
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Contact us for more information on the coaches have available for hire in the Burnham on Sea and surrounding Somerset area.


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Stanislav Odyagailo
Here we are at the end of another month and for some the end of another summer. For me the demarcations of the calendar usually means a link dump of those topics I did not get to during the past 30ish days or a image dump of pictures and art I have archived but not placed with any text. Today is one of those visual days. I will offer explainations where I am able. The first image above is simply a bizarre remnant of my long gone penguin days and, of course, an ode to the end of summer.
I just never found the words to go with this image but I do suggest not falling asleep in this situation.
This comes from a file called 'bizarre chewing gum sculptures' I think that says it all.
Here we have one of those color enhanced photos from NASA, but whenever I see this one I am reminded of Nanci Griffith singing Once in a Very Blue Moon.
Its not just anyone who can wear a bow tie.
Well this would be me during the recent Boyz Poker Outing in Las Vegas, taken by Mike at the new Chihuly gallery in the also new City Center.
and finally, well I just don't know . . . Emu Date Night?


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Max Galleio
Elite Quitter
About Me
- About Max Galleio
- Biography
- working out, listening to music, trying to get free prizes
- Location
- in the morgue
- Interests
- my interests change, but one remains constant. Finding that one person that truly makes me happy
- Occupation
- McDonalds Grill Member
- She put a bag on my head
Still counts!
- She put a bag on my head


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Shocka (Feat. Geneva) - One Way Ticket [Unsigned Artist]
Check out official music video "One Way Ticket" from Shocka an unsigned artist from TORONTO
FREE DOWNLOAD to mixtape "My Thoughts, My Reality"
Directed by: @fame_nickles
Crew: @DrewEbanks , @photoriotphotog , @Spudlightmedia
Facebook: Shocka Muzik
Twitter: @Shockamuzik | @ItsGorilla | @TeammShocka
Bookings and inquiries contact email@example.com
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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DAF 90th Anniversary Edition
A Special Edition for a Special Anniversary
To celebrate our 90th Anniversary, we're offering you a unique chance to own an exclusive, limited edition of the award-winning New XF (FTG 6x2 RHD / FT 4x2 LHD).
This special truck comes with a unique and stylish exterior, a supremely luxurious interior and full-option specs fitted as standard. The driveline is fitted with the top-of-the-line MX-13 530 hp engine.
Ultra-modern styling with a historical touch
A limited-edition truck deserves a unique exterior. That's why we've gone to great lengths to give it premium design features that make it the envy of the road.
The 90th Anniversary Edition XF Super Space Cab is available in three spectacular new metallic colours:
|Jamaica Blue
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|DAF Anniversary Black
Maximum comfort and style to match
The New XF is renowned for its superb driver comfort. For this special 90th Anniversary Edition, we've raised the interior to a whole new standard of luxury and visual appeal. Once inside our most luxurious optional cognac-coloured Exclusive interior trim comes as standard. Featuring the extremely comfortable Xtra Leather Air seats, with leather armrests on both sides, an Xtra Comfort mattress and an Exclusive leather steering wheel and door panels. All these features add up to the ultimate in style and comfort.
Luxury gift set
Each 90th Anniversary Edition XF is supplied with a luxury gift set including a full leather travel bag with leather baggage label, a rugged yet stylish jacket, Waterman pen in customised leather box, leather credit card wallet and a 90th Anniversary Edition sketch.
To illustrate that the anniversary truck is built on a rich heritage, the historical DAF emblem received a prominent position on the front of the truck between grille and windscreen.
The horizontal grille strips are painted in cab colour (blue for the black variant), for a special and high-end look.
The unique striping is placed on the front, side and back of the cab and side skirts, making this special edition instantly recognisable.


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- Home
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- Eye of Horus Flower of Life Hardwood Pendant
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- Eye of Horus Flower of Life Hardwood Pendant
Product Description
Customize this laser-cut, hand-finished hardwood pendant with the wood type and 6mm gemstone combo of your choice! Choose between our hand-finished Cherry, Walnut or African Padauk hardwoods, each cut to about ¼" thick and contrast the natural beauty of the gemstones against the wood. Each pendant includes a free waxed cotton cord, tied into an adjustable slip knot. 'Eye of Horus Flower of Life' is an original design by Shawn Kessler and measures about 1.75 inches tall.
Customize the back of your pendant by adding this listing to your cart!
- The Cherry tree (golden brown wood) symbolizes strong expression, rebirth, new awakenings and compassion.
- The Walnut tree (chocolate brown wood) symbolizes clarity and focus, gathering of energy and beginning new projects.
- The African Padauk (lustrous orange-red wood) symbolizes power and strength, drawing from the element of fire, and is used for vitality and control yet with a constantly shifting energy…
- You can learn more about our gemstone options here
All of our hand-finished products are shipped from Southern California, where they are produced as they are ordered. Please allow us a 1-2 week lead time to create and ship your order. Most will ship in one. If you have a need-by date to meet, just please let us know and we will work with you!


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Saturday, May 29, 2010
Meet Jonathan Broxton (again)
Jonathan Broxton
June 12, 2010
Verizon Wireless Store
3785 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 105 A, B,
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Always confirm!
Warning: Don't be offended if he doesn't smile. That's just Broxton :)
10 comments:
- Dodgerbobble said...
I think I'm gonna go to this one. His Pomona appearance is just too damn far.
I wish us fans in the San Fernando Valley could get a player to appear out here once in a while.
- May 29, 2010 at 11:37 AM
- Greg Zakwin said...
This is great, if I miss Brox this Saturday I can go the week after.
dodgerbobble- I hope traffic isn't horrible to Pomona, I'm planning to hit up the Bills AND Brox signings.
Should be interesting, regardless of success haha. Speeding will be a necessity, I foresee.
- May 29, 2010 at 11:39 AM
- Roberto Baly said...
Good luck guys! :)
- May 29, 2010 at 12:00 PM
- Dodgerbobble said...
KK -I'm gonna try to get to Bills then Casey Blake in Pasadena. I'll probably go to Blake first, then Bills in Culver City.
- May 29, 2010 at 12:01 PM
- Greg Zakwin said...
I'm going Bills, then Broxton.
A fun day, it should be.
Roberto- Have you decided which events you're hitting up?
- May 29, 2010 at 1:27 PM
- Roberto Baly said...
Yeah I haven't thought about it to be honest. I got these guys several times so it's all good.
- May 29, 2010 at 1:33 PM
- Greg Zakwin said...
Lucky you.
- May 29, 2010 at 4:30 PM
- Roberto Baly said...
@ KempKershaw - Check your e-mail.
- May 29, 2010 at 4:56 PM
- Greg Zakwin said...
Will do Roberto, will do.
- May 29, 2010 at 8:58 PM
- Falling LEAVes said...
yay! I will be there. I wanted to get Brox, but Pomona is too far to go after Culver City. Now I get a second chance.
- May 29, 2010 at 10:48 PM


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409 Cartwheel Bend, Austin
This home has a private backyard with hill country landscape. Nestled within the beauty of the Hill Country with resort surrounds and 63-miles of Lake Travis. With 22 miles of hiking and biking trails, 4 pools, playground, tennis/basketball courts, a dog park + Life Director who creates tons of events for your enjoyment. Brand New Fitness Center, enjoy a day of fun on the lake or sit on the deck at the Canyon Grille and enjoy dinner and a Sunset. Come see what "The Rough Life" is all about!
Club House, Cluster Mailbox, Common Grounds, Grill, Jogging/Biking Path, Play Ground, Pool-Community, See Agent, Sport Court(s), Underground Utilities
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Attached, Door Opener, Door-Single, Entry-Front
Hill Country, Panoramic, See Agent
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Cook Top Gas, Dishwasher, Disposal, Energy Star Appliances, Exhaust Fan Vented, Microwave Oven, Range-Free Standing
1 Side Masonry, Frame/Stone, Stucco
Property Listed by: CTX Listings, LLC
The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Based on information from the Austin Board of REALTORS® (alternatively, from ACTRIS) from June 3rd, 2020 at 1:30pm CDT. Neither the Board nor ACTRIS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. The Austin Board of REALTORS®, ACTRIS and their affiliates provide the MLS and all content therein "AS IS" and without any warranty, express or implied. Data maintained by the Board or ACTRIS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.


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New York City's road to the 1940 Federal Census begins here...
Suppose you are looking for John H Fedeler, live-in superintendent at The New York Public Library, 1910-1940.
Use our 1940 NYC telephone directories to find his address.
Convert the address into a census enumeration district, then find his record at the National Archives.
It's easy! Learn more in our FAQ.
Brought to you by the New York Public Library's Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy & NYPL Labs
Select a borough
News for 05/31/1940


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Baca National Wildlife Refuge/Lexam Explorations
Baca National Wildlife Refuge & proposed land exchange:
Situation: In 2006, Lexam, Inc. a Canadian Mining Company, filed an application to drill two 14,000 ft test wells on the newly created Baca National Wildlife Refuge (BNWR). SLVEC filed a lawsuit in May of 2007, which forced the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to undergo a NEPA process and provide a range of alternatives. In the spring of 2008, the FWS released anEnvironmental Assessment (EA) stating No Significant Impact of drilling. This decision was challenged by SLVEC with a Preliminary Injunction.
In 2011, SLVEC reached a settlement agreement with US Fish and Wildlife Service. The stipulated Agreement was filed just days after a request by Colorado Senator's Udall and Bennet, "to facilitate a discussion about buying out mineral rights in Baca National Wildlife Refuge to protect it from future drilling." The senators sent a letter asking Dan Ashe, the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for a meeting with stakeholders to explore potential solutions to conserving the refuge's natural resources." These actions have been supported by years of public outcry (28,000 responses) for buyout and will further efforts to work towards permanent protection of theBaca National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent public lands.
Although litigation had been focused on the Baca Wildlife Refuge, other federal landmanagement agencies have expressed interest in a broad mineral acquisition that would also protect the unique character of the Sand Dunes National Park and the National Forest Baca Mountain Tract, part of the 2000 Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve legislation.
In March 2012, Senator Udall's and Bennet office, regional and DC, brought together almost 30 representatives from various agencies and interested parties to facilitate a meeting. Present were: 4 representatives from US Fish and Wildlife, including the real estate office, 4 reps from National Park Service, including the new Superintendent, Forest Service real estate office, the Rio Grande Water Conservation District- SLV water users, 2 reps from Trust for Public Land, the Dept. of Interior office, Saguache County Commissioner, BLM's real estate office, SLVEC and Lexam's representatives from Toronto.
Lexam made an announcement. Understanding the financial constraints imposed on the federal government at this time, they offered a land exchange. Lexam already has anoperating gold mine in Nevada and would like to build a facility next to the mine, not to expand the mine, but to improve efficiency in operations. This property is currently owned by the BLM so Lexam is proposing a land exchange of that BLM property in exchange for divestiture of all their mineral rights within the San Luis Valley. This land exchange will require an act of congress since the mineral/land properties in question are contained within two different states. BLM was tasked to go back and discuss this proposal within various BLM and congressional offices. It appears to be a proposal worthy of consideration, but research will need to be conducted in coming months. The various interests left the meeting feeling cautiously optimistic.
Plan, Goals, and Objectives: Federal Mineral Rights acquisition within the San Luis Valley.
During negotiations in 2010, Lexam made an offer to sell their minerals rights for $8.3 million. Trust for Public Land (TPL) agreed to act as negotiator, with the original intention to facilitate purchase with private funding support until federalfunds could be appropriated to move all the rights into the public domain, and then retired. SLVEC secured funds and a Mineral Remoteness Report was developed and given to the Congressional Delegation, Public Land Managers, Water Users, Trust for Public Land and the Dept. of Interior in the fall of 2011.
SLVEC received commitment from a private source to fund a full mineral appraisal of Lexam's mineral rights when that becomes necessary and made that announcement as a point of negotiation at the March 1st meeting. In coming months,the Senatorial offices of Colorado and Nevada will meet to determine the feasibility of this land exchange and in the event of agreement, will prepare legislation to move it through congress. SLVEC will continue to mobilize public support for Mineral rights/BLM Land exchange. We believe that because there is a win/win interest to both the public and private sector, that it will not attract much controversy in congress.
Evaluation: Success will be achieved when serious negotiations are underway and legislation is drafted toexchange Nevada BLM land for the mineral rights under the former Baca Ranch, which includes the Wildlife Refuge, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the Forest Service Baca Mountain Tract. he Baca National Wildlife Refuge is Colorado's largest and newest Refuge. Flanked by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve to the south, the BNWR spans approximately 92,500 acres. But this largely untouched refuge is under threat from oil and gas development.
After a multi-year battle to protect the water in the San Luis Valley aquifers, the BNWR was created by the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act of 2000. This legislation was the result of efforts by many local individuals and groups, including the Citizens for San Luis Valley Water, San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council and other conservation organizations, local governments in the SLV, state officials, local federal officials, and our Congressional delegation. The legislation included the expansion of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the creation of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, and added additional acreage to the Rio Grande National Forest, known as the Baca Mountain Tract.
Over the course of the following four years, The Nature Conservancy acted as a broker in acquiring the additional lands for the Park, the Refuge, and the Forest. This included the purchase of the Baca Ranch for $33 million, then held by Farallon Corporation. At the time, the mineral rights had already been severed and sold to a third party, Lexam, and were not available for purchase. Farallon could only sell the surface and water rights that it held. It was important to purchase the surface and water rights in the Baca Ranch in a timely manner in order to acquire the property needed for federal designation, and in order to avoid losing the ranch to a third party. In September of 2004, land acquisitions had been finalized, and the official designation was signed by then Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton.
Because of the new lands that were acquired, the Great Sand Dunes National Park had begun the process of creating a General Management Plan late in 2003. The BNWR, due to funding constraints from the US Fish &Wildlife Service (FWS), was not scheduled to begin their own comprehensive management plan until 2011. Surveys of the land, including studies of flora and fauna and cultural resources, were delayed as well.
In December of 2006, Lexam Explorations, owner of the mineral rights under the BNWR, notified the FWS that they intended to drill two 14,000-foot deep exploratory oil & gas wells (see map). Since Lexam owned the mineral rights, and had a surface-use agreement in place that had been established with the previous owner, FWS took the position that they did not need to engage the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) over the issue, and that there was no need to solicit public comment.
Many citizens and environmental groups disagreed. In May of 2007, the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council filed a lawsuit asserting that the FWS had a duty to implement NEPA, and involve public process, to protect the public interest in the BNWR. The lawsuit established important safeguards for the refuge, and the FWS agreed to institute an Environmental Assessment (EA) before any exploratory drilling could begin.
Throughout the year of 2008, the EA process went forward. Over 47,000 comments were received from the public, including comments from many local entities that expressed concern over the fact that no Comprehensive Management Plan had been done for the refuge, and no baseline data existed for evaluating the effects of oil & gas drilling. Specific concerns about air quality were raised by both the National Park Service and the EPA. The State Historic Preservation Office and the Hopi Tribe expressed concerns about the cultural resources that could be damaged by drilling, and requested accountability regarding how these concerns would be addressed.
Despite numerous comments and concerns, expressed both in scoping, and as reaction to the draft EA, (see Press Release on EA) the FWS issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in November of 2008.
As the EA process went forward, concerns arose about the role that Lexam Explorations and its consultants were playing in the creation of the EA. The Citizens for San Luis Valley Water Protection Coalition, who had been involved in water protection in the same area in the 1990's, filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, in which they asked for documents and internal communications between FWS, the DOI Solicitor's office, Lexam, Lexam's attorneys, and ENSR Corporation, a consultant working with Lexam.
When these documents were released, it became evident that there was inappropriate influence, including specific wording and edits to the EA, and inappropriate exchange of information. This helped insure that the scope of the final EA was very narrow in its assessment of impacts from drilling. The result was that the EA, and the FONSI Record of Decision, were not a true representation of either the science or the concerns expressed during the EA scoping and comment period.
In September of 2009, at the request of SLVEC's attorneys, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Walker Miller granted a Preliminary Injunction (PI) which recognized the likelihood that environmental groups would prevail in the lawsuit. Judge Miller's decision, subsequent settlement talks, and the small likelihood of finding developable minerals (0.03%, according to a USGS study), have created a situation where purchase and retirement of the mineral rights may be the best alternative. Although litigation is focused on the BNWR, other federal land management agencies have expressed an interest in a broad mineral acquisition, which could further protect the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Baca Mountain Tract of the Rio Grande National Forest.
In January of 2010, during the process of settlement talks stemming from Judge Walker's PI decision, Lexam became a willing seller and offered to have the Mineral rights purchased for $9.7 million. The current goal is the development and implementation of a public/private partnership that can move swiftly to meet the challenge of purchasing these rights on behalf of the American public and having them retired in perpetuity.
SLVEC continues to advocate for protection of these lands. In approving the legislation of 2000, Congress recognized that these lands offered "unique hydrological, biological, educational, and recreational values deserving of preservation into perpetuity."
We now have the historic opportunity to complete the process that began with the Park and Preserve Act of 2000 and protect this public lands complex for the American people.
Background Information
Original Lawsuit Filed by SLVEC
Investigative Report on Endangered Species Act and Conflict between Science and Policy
Findings on Preliminary Injunction Order
Stipulated Settlement Agreement
Definition of Significance
NEPA Citizens Guide
Energy drilling may be avoided at wildlife refuge
Telesto Memo on Water Quality/Lexam
Press Release on Suit Filed Against Fish & Wildlife Service
Drilling delayed until August - Valley Courier Article
Drilling on Baca NWR Halted - Press Release
Stipulated Agreement


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"The fatuous idea that a person can be holy by himself denies God the pleasure of saving sinners. God must therefore first take the sledge-hammer of the Law in His fists and smash the beast of self-righteousness and its brood of self-confidence, self wisdom, and self-help. When the conscience has been thoroughly frightened by the Law it welcomes the Gospel of grace with its message of a Savior Who came–not to break the bruised reed nor to quench the smoking flax–but to preach glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted, and to grant forgiveness of sins to all the captives."
– Martin Luther


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The new entrance to California Adventure.
The Red Car Trolley passing under the bridge on Buena Vista Street.
Shops on Buena Vista Street.
The Elias & Company store on Buena Vista Street.
Mickey and Walt statue.
Carthay Circle restaurant.
Carthay Circle restaurant at night.
Pacific Wharf
Paradise Pier
Cars Land sign
Mater driving through Cars Land.
Tail light flowers in Cars Land.
The queue for Luigi's Flying Tires.
Luigi's Flying Tires
Cars Land rock work.
Cadillac Range rocks in Cars Land.
Cars Land waterfall.
Radiator Springs Racers
Bridge and waterfall in Radiator Springs Racers.
Stanley's Oasis
The inside portion of Radiator Springs Racers.
Doc Hudson in Radiator Springs Racers.
The inside portion of Radiator Springs Racers. Lightning McQueen and Mater.
Cars Land neon at night.
Radiator Springs Racers neon at night.
Cars Land at night.
Cozy Cone Motel neon at night.
Cozy Cone Motel
Luigi's Flying Tires neon at night.
Ramone's House of Body Art neon at night.
Flo's V8 Cafe neon at night.
Sarge's Surplus Shack neon at night.
Filmore's Taste-In at night.
When Disneyland needs to work on a building, the put a picture of the building on the tarps. Almost looks real.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
The Partners statue. Walt and Mickey.
Horse-drawn carriage on Main Street.
The Coca-Cola Corner on Main Street.
Geometric bushes near Small World with the Matterhorn in the background.
A Matterhorn macaroon cookie. Yum!
Haunted Mansion
The chandelier in the Haunted Mansion.
Haunted Mansion stretching room portraits.


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A study has confirmed what any savvy parent could have told you: young boys who are given games consoles may fail to advance as far academically as their Wii, Xbox and PlayStation-less peers.
A team from the Denison University in Ohio led by psychologists Robert Weis and Brittany Cerankosky gave PlayStation 2s to 32 boys out of a group of 64 lads aged between six and nine years old. None of the kids had a console already.
Half of the children given a console got it at the start of the study, the rest at the end. The test ran for four months. During that time, parents kept a record of their kids' activities from the end of the school day until bedtime.
Reading and writing skills were assessed throughout the group at the start and at the end of the study period.
The researchers didn't monitor what the boys were doing with their consoles, only how much time they spent playing on them.
The results were clear - you'll undoubtedly have guessed them already. Kids with consoles spent less time doing other things, from homework to reading to less tangible academic activities such as discussing their school day with parents. That manifested itself in slower progress in the development of reading and writing, as evidenced by "significantly lower reading and writing scores" in the second, final set of tests.
However, they did not show any untoward behavioural issues after taking possession of their PlayStations.
All this comes as no surprise, perhaps, but the study does nail down the answer to questions of whether modern kids can cope with cramming more activities into the day: they can't. Gaming, in this case, displaced other activities - it wasn't shoehorned in.
Gaming, of course, isn't inherently any worse than any other non-academic activity, but its role on modern youth culture ensured that boys took to it with an enthusiasm they might not have shown with other activities.
Past studies have not demonstrated such a clear link between the time spent on academic and semi-academic activities and academic progress because they have focused on kids who already play videogames, many of whom may do so precisely because they perform less well as school and not the other way round.
The researchers said more work needs to be done, specifically to assess whether the pattern shown in the study continues over a much longer period, or whether the effect is reduced over time as the novelty of the console wears off.
The study was published by the US Association of Psychological Science. ®
Sponsored: Webcast: Ransomware has gone nuclear


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"…Miller's book is rich with colorful anecdotes."—Journal of American History
"This is a superb example of breathtaking research, presented in a style that will appeal to a broad audience…Rather than delivering a detailed history of the Watch and Ward, he offers up a series of vignettes that are historically accurate yet thoroughly entertaining in their telling. This is social history at its finest, and Miller should be applauded for resurrecting the history of this influential group that had a national reputation."—Choice Reviews
"The fight for artistic freedom in America begins in Boston, and Miller gives us a front-row seat."–Christopher M. Finan, president of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression and author of From the Palmer Raids to the Patriot Act
"Miller relates a wealth of historical anecdotes…[they] left no shortage of entertaining censorship initiatives for Miller to recall here for readers' enjoyment."–Booklist
"As a catchphrase, 'banned in Boston' made history; as an imprimatur it sold books." —Chronicle Review
"As a catchphrase, "banned in Boston" made history; as an imprimatur it sold books. Now telling its story in rollicking fashion is Banned in Boston: The Watch and Ward Society's Crusade Against Books, Burlesque, and the Social Evil (Beacon Press), by Neil Miller…"- Chronicle Review
"…Miller relates a wealth of historical anecdotes regarding the likes of H. L. Mencken, Upton Sinclair, and Walt Whitman …the society moved on to other matters of perceived public good, but it left no shortage of entertaining censorship initiatives for Miller to recall here for readers' enjoyment."-Booklist
"Miller, who knew almost nothing about the history of book banning in Boston before beginning research for his book, was presented with the idea for this latest project by his publishers at Beacon Press after they discovered that their office was located in the old New England Watch and Ward Society headquarters. Ironically enough, the building is now a hub of dissemination of many of the types of literature that the society once sought to ban, he said."-The Tufts Daily
"A fast-paced, highly readable account of a forgotten…chapter in Boston's history."
"Mr. Miller has provided a service by being the first to document the entire history of the notorious Watch and Ward Society, from its formation in 1878 to its last, dying gasps in the 1950s. The story is fascinating and often funny, and the author (who teaches journalism at Tufts University) tells it with clarity and perception."- The Washington Times
"Banned in Boston is Neil Miller's entertaining and informative account of the Society's activities from its founding through its heyday in the early 1960s…Banned in Boston provides a balanced look at a local movement that represented a widespread – and continuing – tension within American society."- Suite 101
The Battle of Brimstone Corner, April 1926
Part I: Early Days
Chapter 1
Founding Fathers, 1878
Chapter 2
First Forays into Censorship, 1881–1898
Chapter 3
Politics, Poker and the "Social Evil"
Chapter 4
Mrs. Glyn and Sin, 1903–1909
Chapter 5
Tough Guys and "Blue Bloods," 1907–1925
Part II: The Watch and Ward Go to War
Chapter 6
New Bedford, 1916
Chapter 7
The Battle of Diamond Hill, 1917–1918
Chapter 8
Café Society, 1917–1919
Chapter 9
Corruption Fighters, 1913–1924
Part III: Decline and Fall
Chapter 10
Mencken versus Chase, Round 2, 1926
Chapter 11
Censorship Goes Wild, 1927–1928
Chapter 12
Boston, 1929
Chapter 13
The Dunster Bookshop Fiasco, 1929
Chapter 14
Depression Days, 1930–1938


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Client Profile: Dini Partners, Inc.
By Ron Zollars
Leading nonprofit corporations from private and tax-assisted universities to independent and religious schools and arts organizations depend on philanthropic support to fund operations, services and growth. In fact, for many it can best be stated that fundraising is central to mission delivery. At times in the life cycles of nonprofit institutions, visions for expanded programming or new facilities drive major infusions of private philanthropic dollars in the form of well-organized and highly strategic capital and endowment campaigns. These campaigns often with goals in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, lasting years and involving many volunteers require the guidance of highly skilled consultants in fundraising and management for nonprofit organizations.
Today, given the economic climate, the outlook for success in raising capital can be extremely challenging for nonprofit institutions, their leaders and boards. Even individual philanthropists with large financial portfolios are being cautious in distributing their assets to the noblest of causes. According to the Late Fall 2011 Nonprofit Fundraising Study, conducted by the Nonprofit Research Collaborative, 65 percent of charities surveyed have reported increased demand for their services in 2011. However just 41 percent saw increased fundraising results in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the same period a year ago. The news for smaller businesses is even more disparaging. As reported in the survey, "Smaller charities, those with less than $3 million in total expenditures and which make up 90 percent of the nation's nonprofit organizations, saw disproportionate declines in funds raised and were more likely to report they are planning budget and services cuts in 2012."
Fortunately, for these organizations, there are professional fundraising consultants who are resourceful and can help institutions to succeed in fundraising despite their concerns about the economy. Many of these consultants are former major gifts officers, directors of development, seasoned prospect researchers and event planners who can lend their expertise and provide a valuable service to nonprofit organizations. One such company, Dini Partners, Inc. has been assisting hundreds of institutions since its inception in 1969. The company describes itself as a consulting firm that provides expertise in leadership for fundraising, philanthropy and organizational performance to nonprofit instituions and organizations. They also provide leadership development, strategic planning and specialize in major gift campaigns. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas; and has regional offices in Dallas, Texas; Austin, Texas; and Denver, Colo.
Dini Partners (named after its founder) was established by Richard F. Dini who previously was campaign director and a consultant to Rice University in the mid 1960's. This was at a time when major capital campaigns were rare west of the Mississippi. In the early days, the company was operated out of Dini's home. By the time Bob Corder joined Dini & Associates in 1977, there were three people in the organization. Today, Corder is a partner in the firm and works out of the Denver office. "Dick sold the business, provided strategic guidance to all the clients and served as a coach to the young staff people he had hired," recalls Corder. "Life for me became one on the road moving to Colorado to work with the Univ. of Colorado Health Sciences Center, back to Houston and then to San Antonio to run a $50 million campaign at Trinity University. Our base has always been in Texas, but for years we've had extensive business in other regions of the country, primarily the southwest."
Corder, previously a broadcast journalist, began his career at WKY Radio in Oklahoma City. In 1984, he became president of Dini & Associates and continued in that capacity for more than 20 years. The company changed its name to Dini Partners in the 90's. Other key staff members were subsequently promoted to the role of partner (Karen Waller, Larry Vaclavik and David Jones) and they began purchasing stock from the firm through their annual bonuses.
"The hardest part in this expanded ownership model for Dick Dini was the requirement that he give up financial control of the firm," said Corder. "He reluctantly agreed and as a result ended up receiving more value for his ownership than if he had maintained personal control."
According to Corder, Karen Waller was the first woman in their industry to become a partner in a major firm west of the Mississippi. A significant achievement for Waller who since that time has managed the Dallas office for more than 25 years.
The preponderance of Dini Partners' staff are professional consultants. The company became an S-Corporation as of Jan. 1, 2012 and last year achieved annual revenues of $5.7 million. This year they are budgeting for $6.3 million. Larry Vaclavik, who currently serves as managing partner and president at Dini has been with the company for 23 years. Vaclavik explained that in the early days the structure was quite different. "We went from a single entrepreneur. Dick Dini enlisted Bob Corder as an early partner in the firm and Karen Waller. Those three individuals became the core of the company," said Vaclavik. "Eventually there were seven entrepreneurs connected by a corporate name. We realized this model wasn't going to generate the operating capital needed for the company to flourish and continue beyond this generation. We developed a new model, an economic engine, that is different from other firms in the industry. The service delivery team is the economic driver of the company. In every client setting there are two to three members in a team and three to six people per team. That is the unique strength in our firm - the ability to coalesce a team that serves and meets the needs of each client. Team mentality has fueled us beyond our expectations. When you have a team of people focused on the future you win for the client and for the firm."
Dini Partners decided to pursue a course of employee ownership for several reasons. Dick Nystrom, vice president for Finance and Administration said they took a look at the number of partners and in particular, the ones that were within five to 10 years of retirement. They then contemplated the liability of finding people willing to purchase the stock at value. "We didn't see a mechanism to sell the stock in a way that wouldn't be a crushing blow to both the leadership and sales of the corporation and also the owners," said Nystrom. "It was clearly a way to define an ownership transition. The ESOP provided a path to an orderly transition of ownership. Also, as some of our senior members of the staff transition into retirement, we needed a vehicle to incentivize the younger, talented professionals to have a long-term stake in the firm."
Vaclavik further explained that all of the shareholder partners were in their mid-fifties to late sixties. They asked themselves: Will we as a company be able to continue and go onto another third or fourth generation and ensure the future of Dini Partners? "People were genuinely excited about the ESOP and a light bulb went off that this was the way to do this," said Vaclavik. "We've incorporated EO language in areas across the firm. We've formed an Employee Ownership Committee to deal with management issues as we look to the future and meet with our employees. The degree to which it takes deep roots will take a couple years but there is an understanding of value and financial benefits long-term and also a personal sense of ownership in the firm and its future direction."
The fundraising opportunities and financial outlook have improved in contrast to a few years ago during the heart of the recession. "Today we are seeing ever more positive signs in our field of the ongoing recovery," said Vaclavik. "As the recovery continues and the demands for our services continue to grow, we look forward to the sharing of the rewards of our expertise and counsel with all of the employee owners."
Employee ownership has been embraced by our employees said Nystrom. Since the concept was introduced the firm has added five or six new employees since the ESOP transaction. "It's proven to be an effective tool in recruiting. The folks that didn't pay attention to the numbers before are starting to pay attention now. They received their first ESOP statement and all of a sudden what we've been talking about became a tangible figure. Any reservations or remnants of skepticism seem to be disappearing," said Nystrom.
Nicole McWhorter, has been a consultant at Dini Partners for the past six and a half years. During that period, she's worked on numerous fundraising campaigns with many outstanding clients which include the Girl Scouts of the U.S. (along with more than 25 local councils), the YMCA of Greater Houston, the Central Oklahoma Humane Society and many others.
In summary, McWhorter said that in terms of management style there's been a sea change. "I think there is renewed excitement along with a very real sense of ownership amongst all members of the firm. People feel like they can make even more of a difference. Along with the great work we do with our clients, we can also continue to grow the firm and make it even more profitable," said McWhorter. "The evolution of the ESOP has affirmed the open management style of our company while also building enthusiasm as we continue to grow. It truly is an exciting time to be part of Dini Partners – the future is bright and it's ours to shape."


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by Magistra Nicolaa de Bracton
In five years as editor of Pennsic newspapers, I have often been asked what goes on behind the scenes. Trust me. You don't want to know. We at the Independent guard our secrets better than most Peerage circles. Oh the tales I could tell…
Our day normally begins a little before 9 am. On the days we are publishing, the papers arrive from the printers and the circulation desk allots them out to our urchins — the kids who deliver the papers. The tradition of having urchins goes back many, many years, before there were many organized children's activities at Pennsic. We couldn't do it without them and consider them a vital part of our staff. The kids not only earn ten cents per paper they sell, plus any tips they receive, they also receive a variety of bonuses for selling a certain number of papers each day. Lady Aurora, our circulation manager (or urchin wrangler) works with both the kids and their parents to make sure the rules are understood by all. We try to make sure that each urchin has a "route" that they sell in, so that as many areas of Pennsic as possible are served. Many get quite creative with poems and songs to sell their papers. We also have many kids who have grown up at Pennsic selling the paper. We give them a great deal of responsibility, and they respond wonderfully.
Meanwhile, the front desk opens for advertising and submissions. We have a 1 pm deadline for all advertising, since the ads are the most labour-intensive aspect of the newspaper. We create many of the display ads on-site, and have a full graphics shop in our trailer. Classified ads are entered into a database, meaning that we need enter a multi-day ad only once. All work is done on Macintosh computers, using a program called InDesign for layout. Lady Shannon, our advertising manager, and Lady Moire, our production manager, work throughout the early part of the day to prepare thumbnails of the paper so we will know how much space we have for articles, and to make the decisions (along with THL Heirusalem, our publisher, and the editorial staff) as to how long the paper will be. We always try to make sure that advertising and non-commercial content are approximately equal, with the exception of our special Midnight Madness advertising section.
We have three regular staff "beat" reporters — Baroness Tsivia, who specializes in non-martial activities, Master Liam, who is our fencing/archery/thrown weapons/etc. reporter, and Lord Donalbane, who is our battlefield reporter (and a sports reporter in his modern life). They work from leads provided by our customers, as well as from the printed schedules and their own intuition for finding interesting stories. In addition, we have our three featured writers — Og, Duke Sir Guillaume, and "Lord Red the Green" (who is actually one of our regular staffers...shhh... Other members on staff (such as me) also contribute articles from time to time, and we also have a number of freelancers who regularly provide content. Photos are provided by staff members and freelance submissions, and artwork is either done by our staff artist, Lady Muirne, or by freelance contributions. Anyone is welcome to contribute articles, artwork, or photos, although there is no guarantee we'll have space to use them.
We also have arrangements with members of the Pennsic staff to obtain the A&S class changes and camp news, which are both published as a service to our readers. This is in contrast to the advertising (both display and classified), which is purchased by merchants and other individuals. While we work to make sure no ad is offensive in content, we cannot guarantee the accuracy (or veracity!) of any advertisement.
By early evening, the last stories are in and the editorial staff (Lord Calvert and I) are in the process of selecting and editing the stories, picking out artwork and photos, and slotting stories into our thumbnails. As we finalize content, Lady Moire slots it into the layout. Proof copies are printed out and circulated amongst the editorial staff and our publisher.
Heirusalem's duties, incidentally, are to manage the paper from a business standpoint (tracking all funds coming in and going out) — including the preparatory work before Pennsic in selling ads and working with the Coopers on setup, and to be the go-to person for any overall issues with the newspaper. She also manages the entire staff. Think of her as the "autocrat" of the Pennsic Independent.
When the paper is finally ready to send to the printers, Heirusalem calls Chauncey at Workman Press. The Pennsic Independent and many of its predecessors have had a long-standing arrangement with these folks, and while we have briefly tried other printers, we always have come back to Workman — they know our needs, will drive out to pick up the master copies, and even those times when the paper has been put to bed in the wee hours of the morning, the paper has always been delivered within an hour or so of 9 am. Chauncey drives to the gate and picks up the paper, which we have left with the guard. Overnight, the newspaper is printed, and at 9 am the next morning, the whole process begins again.
Those of you who are here at Pennsic may not even be aware of our online presence. This year, Master Justin, one of the people behind the SCAtoday.net news site, has put the software used for that site to good use to produce the online Pennsic Independent edition this year. Lord Calvert works to select several of the day's top stories and photos for inclusion on the website, which is available free of charge and allows those cannot attend to keep up with Pennsic happenings. We have also offered PDF subscriptions for the first time this year, allowing subscribers to get the entire newspaper. Response has been excellent — we have several subscribers overseas in the Middle East, in fact.
Of course, like any newspaper, we make mistakes — sometimes big ones (I wonder whether a certain erstwhile King of the Middle ever found his P?), but we try to keep them to a minimum, and apologize profusely when they happen. We also strive to keep a sense of neutrality and objectivity — which is why you will not see stories about political issues, "my Crown/Kingdom/household is better (or worse) than those other guys" or other personal disputes in the Independent. We will not be used as a weapon to help fight other peoples' battles, especially given that we come from several different kingdoms and probably do not know the context or history of these types of issues. At the same time, we strive to find content that is interesting and timely, and are always open to suggestions or volunteers. Feel free to let us know how we can improve YOUR newspaper.
Photo by Mistress Kay of Tre Astrium: Pennsic War XXXIII Pennsic Independent staff wraps up another year of production.


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Scrum Sevens
A tournament of extremes
September 24, 2009
The Tri-Nations has produced some memorable moments in 2009 © Getty Images
Peter De Villiers Adam Ashley-Cooper Berrick Barnes Richard Brown Dan Carter Matt Giteau Joe Rokocoko Morne Steyn
The Tri-Nations is over, the trophy safely tucked away alongside the Webb Ellis Cup in South Africa's bulging cabinet.
It was a tournament of extremes, with the Springboks hailed as the best ever and the All Blacks and Wallabies derided at home and impotent abroad. There were high-profile returns, ignominious exits and a sprinkling of off-the-wall jibes from Peter De Villiers, who had the last laugh in Hamilton.
In our latest Scrum Seven we take a look back at the seven moments that shaped this year's see-saw tournament.
Outside you, Berrick
The tournament kicked off in Auckland way back in July, where the Wallabies arrived on New Zealand soil full of promise after coasting to victories over France, Italy and the Barbarians. Their confidence looked well founded as after only three minutes centre Berrick Barnes dummied his way through a static All Blacks backline to score.
With the score at 10-3 inside the opening quarter, Barnes was again the focal point as the Wallabies had the perfect chance to take a huge step towards their first win on New Zealand soil since 2001. The Reds' talisman charged down a kick by Stephen Donald, gathered at pace and set off for the line.
A player renowned for his class, Barnes straightened and kept going as the overlap outside him went from two, to one, to none. Ignoring his options meant that the ball was stripped and within minutes All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw was dusting himself down after scoring and setting up a comeback victory. Fine margins.
If you wanna be a record-breaker
With the British & Irish Lions dispatched 2-1 and their opening Test against the All Blacks having gone the same way, the Springboks progressed to Durban with their tails up. The same could not be said for the All Blacks, who were now in the throes of a difficult season.
Isaac Ross, stepping in to the gargantuan boots of the injured Ali Williams, rounded off a flowing All Blacks try. His bread and butter at ruck-time was not so pretty as the All Blacks pack conceded penalty after penalty. The game finished a try apiece - the score was decided by some indiscipline and an inspired, record-breaking performance by Morne Steyn.
Only in the side due to an injury to Ruan Pienaar, Steyn broke Andrew Mehrtens' Tri-Nations scoring record by bagging all 31 points with a try, conversion and eight penalties. His boot produced a further 64 points during the tournament, breaking the record for most points in a Tri-Nations series. Not bad for a back-up.
Yellow fever
Discipline was a recurring theme throughout the Tri-Nations. Experienced players who should have known better and younger players alike felt the wrath of the referees, no more so than during Australia's 29-17 loss to the Springboks in Cape Town.
Highlighting the lack of experience in the Wallaby set-up, flanker Richard Brown followed Matt Giteau to the bench two minutes after the fly-half was given his marching orders for a reckless lunge at an airborne Fourie du Preez.
At a time when the Wallabies were reeling after Victor Matfield cancelled out their early lead, Brown's ruck infringement was the height of stupidity considering the situation and stole away from the Wallabies any chance to counter-punch before the break. Morne Steyn kept the scoreboard ticking over with another 20+ point haul and the rest is history.
Return of the King
The knives were out for both Graham Henry and Robbie Deans by the time the All Blacks and Wallabies trotted on to the field in Sydney. Both sides had played, and lost, in South Africa and nothing less than victory would suffice for both teams as the Bledisloe roadshow stopped at the ANZ Stadium.
For some part, everyone watching the game inside the stadium or out knew that the man wearing No.10 for the All Blacks would have a bearing on the outcome. Had Dan Carter returned to the international stage too soon?
The proof was in the pudding. With 78 minutes on the clock and the home side leading 18-16, Carter stepped up and threaded a picturesque penalty through the uprights to seal the game and the Bledisloe Cup. It's hard to do justice to how much better the All Blacks are with him than without.
So they are human after all…
The Springbok juggernaut was halted, temporarily, in Brisbane as the Wallabies produced a fine display of pressurised attacking rugby to win 21-6. In a heartbeat the Wallabies went from young and reckless to being ridiculously coined as 'Generation Next' in the Australian media.
It was a superb performance however, characterised by their hounding of a Boks side that looked tired and vulnerable for the first time in the tournament. Adam Ashley-Cooper's try sent the already vociferous crowd in to raptures, one of Australia's best players this season seeing just reward.
There are big steps yet to be taken if this Wallaby side has any chance next season and beyond in to the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and skipper Stirling Mortlock should be fearful for his place in the No.13 jersey. He'll be 34 in 2011, Ashley-Cooper 27. Just saying.
"We did find something to do in Hamilton - we won the Tri-Nations Cup."
The Springboks' loss in Brisbane threw a startled All Blacks back in to the title mix, leading Peter De Villiers to wind up the press pack for the first time since the British & Irish Lions series. Proclaiming that his Springboks would not complete their preparations in Hamilton as it was too boring, echoing the sentiments of Wallabies fullback Chris Latham.
Some statements from Hamilton's authorities and a bruising victory later, De Villiers was on his way back to South Africa with the Tri-Nations trophy in his possession. His mouth had again gotten him in trouble, but his preparations had been spot-on as the tired side that lost to the Wallabies was replaced by a precise, ruthless unit. Fourie du Preez and Jean de Villiers picked up tries, while it was the other Steyn, fullback Frans, who nabbed the headlines with three penalties from his side of halfway.
"We did find something to do in Hamilton - we have won the Tri-Nations Cup," quipped De Villiers, before legging it on to a plane, chased by the city's angry population. Probably.
No ordinary Joe
No player cut a more forlorn figure during the early Tri-Nations Tests than All Blacks wing Joe Rokocoko. Smokin' Joe's Test record heading in to the tournament read 55 Tests, 44 tries. By the end it read 60 Tests, 45 tries.
Suffocated by the All Blacks' lack of accuracy against the Springboks and anonymous against the Wallabies, the fans turned on Rokocoko as his scoring drought appeared to get the better of him. Aside from standing on his wing and throwing a tantrum until someone passed him the ball, there was little that he could do.
Against the Springboks in Hamilton he played his best Test for a year, looking hungry and eager for work in coming off his wing. He followed that up with an even better showing in a 33-6 rout of the Wallabies, sparking counter-attacks from deep and diving in for a cathartic 79th minute try. He now needs only five tries to overtake Jeff Wilson as the All Blacks leading try-scorer. Any bets?
© Scrum.com
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First Read has confirmed that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) today filed his paperwork for his 2013 re-election campaign.
The AP has more:
The technical step allows Christie to set up a campaign headquarters, hire staff and raise money toward his re-election, said the people, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak before the governor makes a formal announcement in a few weeks.
Christie, who has become a national figure during his first term, is riding an unprecedented wave of popularity because of how he handled the storm. Even Democrats have applauded his hands-on response. He appeared on "Saturday Night Live" in his trademark fleece pullover this month to lampoon his own nationally televised storm briefings.
The outstanding question is whether Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D) decides to challenge Christie. Booker is probably the only New Jersey Democrat capable of beating the incumbent governor.


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Prepare to be Deceived
Wednesday, 12/21/2016
Weekly Scripture
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,'" as the prophet Isaiah said.
John 1:19-23


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State Rep. Leslie Love is serving her second term representing the 10th House District, which comprises Redford Charter Township and a portion of Detroit. In her first term, she sat on the House Committees on Commerce and Trade, Financial Services, and Workforce and Talent Development.
In addition to her committee assignments, during her time in the House, Leslie has served as the Democratic Caucus vice chair and chaplain for the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, as well as being a member of the Progressive Women's Legislative Caucus, Greater Wayne County Caucus and Hispanic Caucus.
In the first year of her first term, Leslie was the first woman, first African-American and first freshman representative in her caucus to introduce legislation that was signed into law as a public act (PA 123). Additionally, she has had two House resolutions adopted, has introduced and co-sponsored numerous bills, and passed several bill amendments. Leslie has sponsored or co-sponsored legislation on a number of significant bill packages, including the bipartisan Juvenile Justice Reform package, Michigan Credit Union Act package and the equal pay package.
Leslie was appointed to serve on the MiSTEM Advisory Council, a group of business, K-12 and higher education and philanthropic leaders dedicated to helping make Michigan a world leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.
Known for her passionate floor speeches, Leslie made headlines when she led the charge informing voters about Proposal 1, Michigan's road funding ballot initiative in 2015. She was also an outspoken opponent to eliminating straight-ticket voting and the film incentives. Leslie has been a leader on issues ranging from economic empowerment to education, and from consumer protection to cannabis.
In her first term, Leslie secured $230,000 in appropriations for her district, making significant donations to South Redford and Redford Union school district for technology enhancements and equipment. In addition, she has worked to help improve and beautify the community, helping secure funds for the Viola Liuzzo Park Association in Detroit to revitalize a dilapidated neighborhood park, as well as $50,000 to renovate Kraft Park in Redford.
As her slogan goes, "Always on the job. Always in the Community," and Leslie's commitment to and love for the district is evident by the plethora of ways in which she engages the community, including holding Coffee Hours, Legislative Updates, After Work with the Rep Dinners, community leader discussions, town halls and more.
Before her election to office, Leslie was the director of theatre operations and adjunct professor at Marygrove College for 12 years. She was a professor for Wayne County Community College District as well. In her spare time, she pursued her avocation as an actor and stand-up comedian.
Leslie was born and raised in Michigan. She grew up in Detroit, attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Cooley High School. She earned a bachelor of arts from Siena Heights University, a master of fine arts from Wayne State University and a master of arts in human resources management from Marygrove College.


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You don't often think of a large decorative chandelier as being a bona-fide gadget. But the hanging veins on Denise Hachinger's Kronleuchter—or crown light—raise and lower at your beckoning to focus the light or cast an ambient glow in the room.
The clear veins are illuminated with a thin light source along their edge, using the total internal refraction trick so the light appears diffused at all times. The design also allows the chandelier to focus most of its light downward when it's closed, for drawing attention to a dining table for example. Or illuminating an entire room when the veins have been lifted open. Ironic since it's usually the light that causes a flower to open, not the flower opening to reveal the light.
[Denise M. Hachinger via MoCo Loco]


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timmo26 brauchte ein neues Logo Design und hat einen Wettbewerb auf 99designs gestartet.
Aus 167 Designs von 53 Designern wurde eine Gewinner gewählt.
Event Development Network
Event Development Network is a new event services business. We are a team that will organize an event and take it from idea to reality.
Clients come to us with an event in mind and we do all required legwork from sourcing a venue to organization of the theme to selection of the catering.
Our clients range from a school or small to medium business right through to large corporates.
We like modern clean designs with depth, and would like to see something with a symbol and the business name 'Event Development Network'. These can be separate or combined. We do not want to use EDN as an acronym, it should be the full name in the logo.
Our new logo should work well on a dark and light background, for use on the web and in stationery. It should definitely convert well to black and white – for use in newspaper advertising.
There is no restriction on color use – be creative and impress us! :)
Here is the ratings in case we don't have time to give heaps of feedback (we will do our best though)...
Ratings System:
2 star and below – not really what we are after.
3 star – getting closer but need revisions or a different take on your design
4 star – design is being considered
5 star – we really like the design and will make our final selections from these.
* modern, clean design with depth
* a symbol and business name text in the logo
* suitable for light and dark background
* to be used in print and web environments
* creativity
* final file in vector format
Don't Wants
* Designs that look like they are done in paint
* Designs that are not 'polished'
* Designs that use 'EDN' acronym.
Finden Sie heraus, wie ein Designwettbewerb funktioniert, oder lernen Sie mehr über unsere Logo-Design-Angebote.


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If you were following our Twitter feed Friday and Saturday, you might have wondered whether we'd been hacked. Well, in a way we were—by Rainn Wilson, the actor known for his role as a second banana in My Super Ex-Girlfriend and the lead in The Rocker—a film I've not seen but is a modern classic, according to my thirteen-year-old nephew (who by the way claims that explosions, the television show Wipeout, and this youtube video are also "classic").
Following his takeover we feel we should clarify a few things: we're not selling our collection or bulldozing the museum, we don't support the Birthers, we do not have any emoticon-based exhibitions in the works, and many artists in our collection are post-modern maximalists working in a pre-ironic milieu, not pre-modern reductivists working in post-irony—an inferior genre if ever we've seen one.
Mr. Wilson—sadly, not related to actors Owen or Luke, nor to Ann and Nancy of the band Heart, nor to the volleyball in Castaway (any of which would have made him way cool)—did get a couple of things right amid his hate-spewing under the guise of our name: There is an automotive museum across the street, and omg Justin Bieber is cute. Sooooooo cute.
(If you missed his takeover and want to catch up, check our twitter feed.)


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Today, Shimano is the world's largest manufacturer of cycling components, but that position as market leader hasn't stifled the culture of innovation. From the STI integrated shifter/brake lever combo in 1989, which made downtube shifters obsolete nearly overnight, to the SPD clipless pedal, Shimano has introduced some of the most important components of the modern era. More recently, Di2 electronic drivetrains are carrying the torch, proving themselves a competitive advantage in the top levels of road, cyclocross, and mountain bike racing.
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OSSTF/FEESO is a strong, democratic union that uses its knowledge and power to balance both the protective and professional concerns of its membership. All our expertise and resources are focused on helping educational workers achieve their goals and helping students succeed in strong, well funded public education institutions. We play a leading role in defending equitable access to high quality education in Canada and around the world. Simply put, we are committed to protecting and enhancing public education.
Under Related Attachments below, you will find a Welcome Letter from provincial OSSTF/FEESO President Harvey Bischof. As a teacher candidate in an English-language Intermediate/Senior or Technological Education program at an Ontario faculty of education, you are an Associate Member of OSSTF/FEESO and this entitles you to information such as that which you will find in this section of the provincial website. This information has been put together as a sort of "OSSTF/FEESO 101 for Teacher Candidates". You will find a wealth of information here about what it means to be a member of OSSTF/FEESO and about the services that we provide for members. You also have access to the electronic versions of our monthly newsletter, Update, and our magazine, Education Forum, which is published in late October, February and May. You may subscribe to the digital versions of these two publications for free by going to our "Go Green" section, clicking on "Non-members" and filling in the form there.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend an OSSTF/FEESO Certification presentation at your faculty. If you attend that session, you will receive an application form for a Letter of Assessment. This Letter of Assessment, once the Certification Department has assessed your academic and/or technical credentials, will tell you what pay "group" you will be in when you are hired for a Long Term Occasional or permanent teaching position at a public secondary school.
Feel free to explore this section of the website as well as the rest of the provincial website.
Everything you need to know about being an OSSTF/FEESO Associate Member, and then some!


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Cross Creek is a beautiful new home community featuring D.R. Horton and Express Homes in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Zoned for Clay County's top-rated schools, Cross Creek is also conveniently located minutes away from all of Fleming Island's shopping and services and only 25 minutes to NAS Jacksonville. Express Homes offer homeowners a fantastic value on thoughtfully designed floor plans with energy efficient features.
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the Northeast Florida Multiple Listing Service, Inc. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Engel & Volkers are marked with the listing broker's name and detailed information about such listings includes the name of the listing brokers. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
©2020 Northeast Florida Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.
Listing information last updated on June 3rd, 2020 at 9:59pm EDT.


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Keep in mind that there are quite a few different texts - sutras and sastras, esp. - on this topic, and they don't always agree.Dharmakid wrote: A question I currently have concerns Buddha nature. What is the difference between Buddha-datu, Tathagatagarba, and Buddha nature? Are they all the same thing? Do different Mahayana schools teach them differently?
Some may equate them together, some will make distinctions, etc. etc.
The scope of "Mahayana" is very, very broad - probably the only thing they agree on is becoming a Budddha - and almost any generalization will mean either ignoring, or explaining away, those teachings which do not agree.
Being a bit more specific, or limited in scope, eg. "In Kagyu school ...", or "According to Dogen ...", etc. will be very helpful, and one may be able to get some clearer answers and perspectives.


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Iranian studies (Persian: ايرانشناسی - Īrānšenāsī), is an interdisciplinary field dealing with the study of history, literature, art and culture of Iranian peoples. It is a part of the wider field of Oriental studies.
Iranian studies is broader than and distinct from Persian studies, which is the study of the modern Persian language (known as "Farsi" or "Parsi" to the natives) and literature specifically. The discipline of Iranian Studies focuses on broad trends in culture, history, language and other aspects of not only Persians, but also a variety of other contemporary and historical Iranian peoples, such as Baluchis, Kurds, Pashtuns, Ossetians, Scythians, Parthians, Sogdians, Bactrians, etc.Contents
The medieval Iranian poet Abu''l-Qasim Ferdowsi, author of the Iranian national epic the Shahnameh, can be considered the "founder" of Iranian Studies in the sense that in his work he made a deliberate effort to highlight Persian culture prior to the Arab conquests. In this sense Ferdowsi''s nationalistic approach can be contrasted with that of Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, the famous ninth-century historian whose History of the Prophets and Kings reflects a more specifically Islamic perspective. Ferdowsi''s work follows earlier semi-historical works such as the lost Sasanian-era Khwaday-Namag.
Persian historiography strictly speaking begins with the Tarikh-i Mas''udi of Abolfazl Beyhaghi (995-1077), whose fluent prose style was highly influential on subsequent Persian literature. Persian historical writing reached its peak two centuries later with the Jami al-Tawarikh of Rashīd al-Dīn Fadhl-allāh Hamadānī (1247–1318). Other important historical works include the Tarikh-i Jehan-gusha by Ata-Malik Juvayni and the Zafar-nameh of Sharaf ad-Din Ali Yazdi, a history of the Mongolian conqueror Timur (Tamerlane; 1370–1405).Iranian Studies in modern Iran
Among the most prominent scholars of Iranian Studies in Iran during the twentieth century may be counted Badiozzaman Forouzanfar, Abdolhossein Zarrinkoub, Zabihollah Safa, Mojtaba Minovi, Mohsen Abolqasemi, Ahmad Tafazzoli, and Alireza Shapour Shahbazi. The Loghat-nameh of Ali-Akbar Dehkhoda is the largest comprehensive Persian dictionary ever published, in 15 volumes (26,000 pages).Iranian Studies in Europe
European scholarly interest in Iranian language and civilization dates back to the late eighteenth century, with the emergence of comparative Indo-European linguistics and the translation of the Avesta by French scholar Abraham Hyacinthe Anquetil-Duperron. British interest in Persian was spurred by the fact that it was the administrative language of much of India; German scholars were attracted by the purported cultural links with Iran as a fellow "Aryan civilization".
The major European scholarly organization devoted to Iranian Studies is the Societas Iranologica Europea. The London-based Iran Heritage Foundation supports Iranian studies at several universities and sponsors a wide range of public cultural events.
The first major American Iranist was Columbia University Professor A. V. Williams Jackson (1862-1937), a scholar of Indo-Iranian languages who is known for producing a grammar of the Avestan language. During the 1950s Richard Frye developed Iranian Studies at Harvard. Other venerable programs concentrating on ancient and medieval Iran in North America are to be found notably at UCLA, where the Program of Iranian Studies was created as in 1963 (University of California-Los Angeles, Iranian Studies), and incorporated into the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (NELC) that was established by Wolf Leslau a few years before, in 1959. The doctoral Program at UCLA (now the largest program in North America), was the home institution of Professor emeritus Hanns-Peter Schmidt who used to read Old Iranian and Old Indic (Indo-Iranistik), and is now led by M. Rahim Shayegan who also specializes in Ancient Iran. Other Universities where Iranian Studies are offered include Indiana University, Bloomington; University of Chicago (some Elamite); Princeton University (modern Iran); and the University of Toronto. The Society for Iranian Studies (now the International Society for Iranian Studies) was founded by a group of Iranian graduate students in 1967 and began producing a journal, Iranian Studies. The field expanded considerably during the 1970s, with a number of Americans having served in the Peace Corps in Iran taking up academic positions. Close relations between Iran and the US facilitated the growth of academic programs as well as the Asia Institute in Shiraz and the American Institute of Iranian Studies.
The 1979 revolution initially reversed this trend; American academic centers in Iran were closed and their assets seized. Over the past three decades, lack of funding and the difficulty of research travel to Iran have been major obstacles to scholars based in North America. Nevertheless, the field has seen some important achievements such as the monumental Encyclopedia Iranica project led by retired Columbia professor Ehsan Yarshater. In recent years several new centers for Iranian Studies have been established, notably at the University of California-Irvine, the University of Maryland, and Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. Iranian Studies "initiatives" have been launched at the University of Toronto, University of Oklahoma, New York University, and the University of California-Santa Barbara.
(Some of these authors have also written articles for the Encyclopædia Iranica)Yarshater lectureship
The Yarshater lectureship is today the most prestigious honor in the field.List of Iranologists Iranian Scholars
Tags:1882, 1888, 1927, 1934, 1968, Achaemenid, Achaemenid Empire, Afghan, African, Afsaneh, Afshar, American, André Godard, Arab, Arabic, Arch, Arizona, Armenian, Asia, Asia Institute, Assyrian, Australian, Austria, Austrian, Avesta, Basil, Berlin, British, California, Cambridge, Canada, Canadian, Caucasus, Central Asia, Chicago, Chinese, Christian, Columbia, Columbia University, Croatian, Czech, Dariush, Dariush Shayegan, Dehkhoda, Durham University, Dutch, Elamite, Europe, Farsi, Ferdowsi, France, French, Gabriel, George Curzon, German, Germany, Ghirshman, Gulistan, Hafez, Harvard, Harvard University, Henry Rawlinson, History of the Prophets and Kings, Hungarian, Hungary, India, Indiana, Iran, Iran Heritage Foundation, Iranian, Iranica, Islamic, Israel, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Jaubert, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, Jewish, John Malcolm, Jordan, Kerman, Khayyam, Kurdish, Lloyd, London, Los, Los Angeles, Maryland, Massachusetts, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mehdi, Mehrdad, Middle East, Middle Eastern, Montreal, Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Near East, New York, New York University, North America, Norwegian, Omar Khayyam, Oxford, Parsi, Parviz, Percy Sykes, Persian, Persian Gulf, Persian art, Poland, Polish, Portuguese, Princeton, Princeton University, Roman, Roman Ghirshman, Rubaiyat, Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Russian, San Francisco, Scythians, Shahnameh, Shahrokh Meskoob, Shapour, Sharaf ad-Din Ali Yazdi, Shiraz, Shirley, Sorbonne, South African, Soviet, Spain, Stanford, Stanford University, Sufism, Swedish, Swiss, Tabari, Thomas, Timur, Toronto, Turan, UCLA, UK, US, University of California, University of Cambridge, University of London, University of Texas, University of Texas at Austin, Uzbek, Virginia, Warsaw, Warsaw University, Washington, Wikipedia, Wilhelm, Yazdi, Zoroastrian


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This was published 7 years ago
Love & lust: it's a chemical romance
Centuries after William Shakespeare asked, 'What is love?', brain imaging studies are allowing scientists to give at least a partial answer. New studies show love is in the mind - a complex emotion triggered by 12 specific areas of the brain. These areas form the network of love, write Todd Lindeman and Alberto Cuadra.
The network of love
The logical side
The outer area of the brain helps determine awareness, perception, reasoning and judgment. This is the area that makes us feel that our partner makes us whole. It is the area that helps us focus on one partner while ignoring all others and helps us understand a partner's intentions.
The relay station
The thalamus, a large mass of gray matter in the core of the brain, is like Central Station — an impulse relaycentre at the heart of the love network.
What do scientists hope to learn?
Neuroscientists are studying the brain to gain a better understanding of how the network of love may provide doctors, psychologists and other therapists with new treatments or medicines for those who suffer from disorders associated with dysfunctional relationships, love addiction, love deprivation, unrequited love, rejection or loneliness.
The emotional side
Deep inside the brain, a complex set of structures in and around the limbic system is responsible for our emotions. This pleasure-and-reward area plays a role in how we feel, how we express what we feel and in the formation of both good and bad memories.
When times are great this area is flooded with the chemical dopamine. Whether you are enjoying a good meal, running a five-kilometre race or giving a dozen long-stemmed roses to your loved one, the euphoria generated in these feel-good areas compels us to repeat the behaviour.
Are there different types of love?
Yes. In the past decade, scientists have conducted neuroimaging studies on passionate love (between beloved ones), companionate love (between friends), maternal love and unconditional love (love of others without expecting anything in return). These studies show which regions of the brain are activated by different types of love. For a person who is madly in love, for example, areas of the brain associated with enjoyment, reward, desire and euphoria are highly active.
Falling head over heels in love happens in three phases: lust, attraction and emotional attachment. During each phase, different chemicals released in the brain can elicit the best and worst from a lover: obsession, cravings, anxiety, attentiveness, aggression.
"Romantic love is one of the most addictive substances on Earth," says biological anthropologist Helen Fisher, a member of the Centre for Human Evolution Studies at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
The Washington Post