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These guidelines for the assessment of herbal medicines are intended to facilitate the work of regulatory authorities, scientific bodies and industry in the development, assessment and registration of such products. The assessment should reflect the scientific knowledge gathered in that field. Such assessment could be the basis for future classification of herbal medicines in different parts of the world. Other types of traditional medicines in addition to herbal products may be assessed in a similar way. The effective regulation and control of herbal medicines moving in international commerce also requires close liaison between national institutions that are able to keep under regular review all aspects of production and use of herbal medicines, as well as to conduct or sponsor evaluative studies of their efficacy, toxicity, safety, acceptability, cost and relative value compared with other drugs used in modern medicine.

These guidelines for the assessment of herbal medicines are intended to facilitate the work of regulatory authorities, scientific bodies and industry in the development, assessment and registration of such products. The assessment should reflect the scientific knowledge gathered in that field. Such assessment could be the basis for future classification of herbal medicines in different parts of th

State Library Assistance to Sierra Vista Library PHOENIX – As the Monument Fire in Sierra Vista continues to ravage southern Arizona and displace citizens from their homes, the Sierra Vista Library has received 20 additional netbook computers for use by patrons during the crisis. The computers come on loan from the Library Development Division, a division of the Secretary of State's office. The computer equipment was delivered by state library staff from Phoenix to Library Director Victoria Yarbrough in Sierra Vista late yesterday. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by the Monument Fire in southern Arizona," said Secretary of State Ken Bennett. "We hope that by loaning a significant number of computers to the Sierra Vista library, more people will have access to important online information and have the ability to connect with friends and family." According to their website, the Sierra Vista Public Library will open to the public during normal library hours but the lobby will remain open until 10 p.m. for anyone who wants to take advantage of the Library's free wi-fi service. Also, a public resource area regarding the fire will be set up in the lobby of the library during business hours. "Local libraries play such an important role in our communities, and Sierra Vista's library is no exception," continued Bennett. Earlier this year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recognized the importance of libraries by adding them to the list of locations that can serve as temporary relocation sites during major disasters and emergencies. These actions prove how important libraries are to people they serve."

State Library Assistance to Sierra Vista Library PHOENIX – As the Monument Fire in Sierra Vista continues to ravage southern Arizona and displace citizens from their homes, the Sierra Vista Library has received 20 additional netbook computers for use by patrons during the crisis. The computers come on loan from the Library Development Division, a division of the Secretary of State's office. The co

Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013 after increasing 3.1 percent in the third quarter, according to estimates released today by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. For the full year 2012, real GDP increased 2.2 percent after increasing 1.8 percent in 2011. The decline in real GDP growth in the fourth quarter reflected the following: • Inventory investment turned down, mainly because of a decline in inventory investment in manufacturing industries. • Federal government spending fell significantly, reflecting a downturn in defense spending (for more information, see the technical note). • Net exports turned down, mainly reflecting a decrease in exports of goods; food, feeds, and beverage items as well as civilian aircraft, engines, and parts fell significantly. In contrast, business investment turned up, as spending on equipment and software rebounded (mainly computers and related parts as well as transportation equipment). Consumer spending also picked up (mainly financial services as well as autos and parts). Gross domestic purchases prices Prices of goods and services purchased by U.S. residents rose 1.3 percent in the fourth quarter, following a 1.4 percent rise in the third quarter. Energy prices slowed, and food prices turned up. Excluding food and energy, prices rose 1.1 percent in the fourth quarter, compared with 1.2 percent in the third quarter. The pickup in economic growth for the full year 2012 mainly reflected: • A slowdown in imports, notably in capital goods (except autos) and consumer goods. • A rebound in residential housing. • An upturn in inventory investment. • A smaller decrease in state and local government spending. The contributions were partly offset by slowdowns in consumer spending (mainly on services and nondurable goods) and in exports (mainly industrial supplies and materials). - here’s the full report.

Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013 after increasing 3.1 percent in the third quarter, according to estimates released today by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. For the full year 2012, real GDP increased 2.2 percent after increasing 1.8 percent in 2011. The decline in real GDP growth in the fourth quarter reflected the following: • Inventory invest

As part of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program, the seven Basin States (Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming) are developing an alternative for the Long Term Experimental and Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement (LTEMP EIS). The EIS examines how to operate Glen Canyon Dam to protect downstream resources and maintain water deliveries and power generation. Western is supporting the Basin States by facilitating participation of scientists who are experts in key resource areas, by collecting scientific information and drafting key policy and scientific information in a format that will serve as an alternative for the LTEMP EIS. The Resource-Targeted, Condition-Dependent Strategy described in the alternative focuses on three key resources: - Recovering the endangered humpback chub - Improving the trout fishery at Lee’s Ferry - Improving or protecting key sediment-based resources (camping beaches, backwater habitat and archaeological site protection) in the Grand Canyon The Basin States briefed officials of the Department of Interior and delivered this alternative to the co-lead agencies, Bureau of Reclamation and the National Park Service on July 2. Western, the Colorado River Energy Distributors Association and the Basin States hope that this alternative will be selected as the preferred alternative and ultimately be implemented.

As part of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program, the seven Basin States (Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming) are developing an alternative for the Long Term Experimental and Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement (LTEMP EIS). The EIS examines how to operate Glen Canyon Dam to protect downstream resources and maintain water deliveries and power ge

The Odessa Public Library and the Odessa Historisches Museum have continued their partnership this year with a Washington Rural Heritage sub-grant to digitize a wealth of cultural heritage materials, including some cool multimedia. This slideshow interprets the story of the settling of the Odessa area by Germans from Russia, who came to eastern Washington starting in the late 19th century, as well as the difficult yet tenacious history of the Odessa Historical Society and Historisches Museum. With an interest in photography, film and audio recording, the Historisches Museum’s founder, John E. Gahringer, MD, produced the slideshow in the 1980s from 272 images made on Kodachrome and Ektachrome 35mm slide film, and created an accompanying narrative on audio cassette with a synchronized cue track. The cue track allowed certain slide projectors, like the Telex Caramate 4000 shown in the short video below, to advance through slides automatically. After a failed attempt to capture the essence of the (malfunctioning) Caramate projector for posterity, Washington State Library staff digitized the slideshow’s components and have reconstructed the presentation in video form. Watch the trailer above for a quick introduction, or see the full length presentation here.

The Odessa Public Library and the Odessa Historisches Museum have continued their partnership this year with a Washington Rural Heritage sub-grant to digitize a wealth of cultural heritage materials, including some cool multimedia. This slideshow interprets the story of the settling of the Odessa area by Germans from Russia, who came to eastern Washington starting in the late 19th century, as well

In this section Section highlightThe People’s NHS Part of an initiative to engage the public in creating a safe and sustainable health service for the future. Spreading the word »Action on the ground to increase learning materials in the medium of Welsh.Learn more » First Minister’s call for action on the Welsh language People from across Wales with an interest in the Welsh language are being asked to take action on its future in a national online conversation. - Local Government Democracy Bill approved - Minister welcomes report which could change shape and structure of education delivery in Wales for the better - First Minister’s call for action on the Welsh language In this section - Business and economy - Children and young people - Culture and sport - Education and skills - Environment and countryside - Equality and diversity - Health and social care - Housing and community - Improving public services Welsh languageWelsh-language technology and digital media action plan The action plan sets out our commitment to drive developments in the field of Welsh-language technology and digital media.Learn more » In this section Section highlightAccess to information The Welsh Government has followed the principles of openness in government for many years. Find out how you can make a freedom of information request or see requests that have already been made. The Strategy for Older People in Wales 2013-2023 »The 3rd phase focuses on ensuring that older people in Wales have the resources to deal with the challenges and opportunities they face.Learn more » - A new vision for a National Youth Work Strategy - The future delivery of education services in Wales - Consultation on Draft Technical Advice Note (TAN) 23 Economic Development - Draft industrial and commercial sector plan - Waste Prevention Programme - Building Control system and Approved Document supporting regulation 7 In this section Section highlightReview of the Planning Enforcement System The research covers 18 recommendations for the future Welsh enforcement system. Legislative programme 2012 - 2013 » Addressing the Assembly in the Senedd today, the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, detailed the eight bills in the Welsh Government’s 5-year Legislative Programme that will be brought forward during the second year of the Welsh Assembly.Learn more » Section highlightCommunity Infrastructure Levy Local authorities can charge a Community Infrastructure Levy on new developments to support the infrastructure needed. Infrastructure Investment Case Studies » Examples of infrastructure investment projects funded by the Welsh Government across Wales.Learn more » Oral - Proposed Red Meat Industry (Wales) Measure I am pleased to lay the proposed Red Meat Industry (Wales) Measure before you today. It is primarily enabling in scope and will allow Welsh Ministers to set out, in subordinate legislation and in guidance, the framework within which the red meat industry in Wales can be developed and promoted. The proposed Measure will provide Welsh Ministers with the power to make detailed provision in regulations on increasing efficiency and productivity in the industry, improving marketing, improving and developing services that the industry provides, or could provide, to the community, and improving the ways in which the industry contributes to sustainable development. The red meat industry is defined in the proposed Measure as all of the activities comprised in breeding, keeping, processing, marketing and distributing cattle, sheep and pigs, both alive and dead. It also includes producing, processing, marketing, manufacturing and distributing products derived from those animals, apart from milk and milk products, fleece wool and hides. The proposed Measure sets out a framework within which people involved in primary activities, such as breeding and rearing, and those involved in secondary activities, such as slaughtering, exporting or promotion, may be subject to a levy fee. That continues arrangements that have been in place since the establishment of the Meat and Livestock Commission under the Agriculture Act 1967. Since then, those engaged in the red meat industry have paid a compulsory levy so that activities that small farmers and processors could not afford individually, such as external promotion and marketing and research and development, can be provided for wider general benefit. Since 1967 there have been a number of changes to these arrangements. On 1 April 2007, the Welsh Levy Board was established and took on the role of providing a mechanism by which the red meat levy and the associated support arrangements could be delivered in Since 2003, and the formation of Hybu Cig Cymru, the levy collected on behalf of Wales by the Meat and Livestock Commission was given to Hybu Cig Cymru under a delegation agreement so that these important promotion and development activities could take place. Hybu Cig Cymru has been instrumental in securing European recognition for the two key products of Welsh lamb and Welsh beef with protected geographic indicator status. This is a significant example of the kind of benefits that can be gained from a centralised co-ordinated approach that is financially supported through the levy fee. I do not propose to make changes to the current delegation arrangements and it is envisaged that a new delegation arrangement will be put in place between the Welsh Ministers and Hybu Cig Cymru that will allow Hybu Cig Cymru to continue to promote and develop the red meat industry in Wales as before.

In this section Section highlightThe People’s NHS Part of an initiative to engage the public in creating a safe and sustainable health service for the future. Spreading the word »Action on the ground to increase learning materials in the medium of Welsh.Learn more » First Minister’s call for action on the Welsh language People from across Wales with an interest in the Welsh language are being aske

Climate Change Research About this Issue EPA Climate Change Research EPA researchers are using climate models and watershed simulations to better understand how climate change will affect streams and rivers. EPA researchers and partners are working to help protect South Fork Nooksack River Watershed salmon from warming waters. The Associate Director for Climate for the Agency's Air, Climate, and Energy Research Program answers questions about climate change research. EPA researchers are exploring the links between climate change and health effects for older Americans. EPA researchers assess coastal habitats to identify vulnerabilities and help communities prepare. An EPA guide helps Superfund managers reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions during cleanup operations. EPA modelers develop innovative methods to assess low-carbon technologies. In The News Ecovative Design, an EPA Small Business Innovative Research awardee, was featured in The New Yorker. On June 4, 2013 EPA and the National Institutes of Health named the team of David Kuller, Gabrielle Savage Dockterman, and Dot Kelly as the winner of the as the winner of the My Air, My Health Challenge. EPA research chemist Ron Williams was featured on The New York Times’ health blog “Well” for a post about innovative efforts by EPA to support and tap the development of new technologies to monitor air quality. Glenn Paulson, Ph.D., Science Advisor to the EPA Administrator, was recently honored as only the fourth Board Certified Environmental Scientist by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES).

Climate Change Research About this Issue EPA Climate Change Research EPA researchers are using climate models and watershed simulations to better understand how climate change will affect streams and rivers. EPA researchers and partners are working to help protect South Fork Nooksack River Watershed salmon from warming waters. The Associate Director for Climate for the Agency's Air, Climate, and E

Advisory Opinion NO 2007-07QUESTION PRESENTED Whether the Ethics in Government Act (Act) requires a candidate, public officer or lobbyist to disclose the use of private aircraft either in connection with a campaign, for the fulfillment or retention of office, or as a lobbyist expenditure, and if so, how the value of such use must be determined.ADVISORY OPINION The request for an advisory opinion specifically asks if a plane owned by an individual, partnership or corporation is used by a legislator, a constitutional officer, a Public Service Commissioner, a member of a state board or authority, a local elected official, or a member of their staff, what must be reported, at what rate, to whom and by whom? In addition, does the purpose of the flight affect any disclosure requirements? Candidates and public officers must disclose the fair market value of flights they or members of their staff take on private, noncommercial aircraft if the purpose of such use is related to a campaign for office. Lobbyists or their employers or clients must disclose the fair market value of the provision of private, noncommercial aircraft to public officers or their staff members if the purpose of such provision is to influence legislation. If the use of the aircraft is for a campaign purpose then such use must be disclosed on required campaign contribution disclosure reports. If the use of the aircraft is related to a public officer’s fulfillment or retention of office then campaign funds may be expended to pay for the fair market value of a noncommercial flight so long as such expenditure is ordinary and necessary and disclosed on required campaign contribution disclosure reports. If the use of the aircraft is for the purpose of influencing legislation then such use must be disclosed on required lobbyist disclosure reports whether or not a lobbyist is present on the flight. The Act defines constitutional officers, legislators, state board or authority members, and local elected officials as “public officers.” O.C.G.A. § 21-5-3(22). When a noncommercial aircraft, whether private, charter or rental, is used for campaign purposes any expenditure thereon must satisfy an ordinary and necessary expense as defined by the Act. Providing the use of a plane to a candidate or public officer without charge or at a price that is less than the fair market value is an in-kind contribution. Any in-kind contribution received as a result of a candidate or public officer’s use of a private plane is subject to the contribution limits established in the Act. If more than one candidate or public officer is using the same noncommercial flight they must disclose their pro rata share of the flight’s fair market value. Georgia law already prohibits the use of government aircraft for nongovernmental purposes except under certain narrow and extraordinary circumstances. O.C.G.A. §§ 21-5-30.2(b), 32-2-2(a)(16), 35-2-73(a), and 50-19-22; Ga. Const. art. III, § VI, par. VI; see also Atty. Gen. Op.’s 1989-19 and 2004-3. When a noncommercial aircraft, whether private, charter or rental, is provided to a public officer by a lobbyist, or a lobbyist’s employer or client, for the purpose of influencing legislation, the fair market value must be disclosed consistent with the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 21-5-70 et seq. As of the date of this advisory opinion the Commission is in the process of promulgating rules to define the term “fair market value” specifically in the context of the use of noncommercial aircraft by candidates and public officers as well as rules related to the pro rata calculation of such use. These rules will specify the method for determining the fair market value of flight on noncommercial aircraft and will specify how this determination must be disclosed. Until such rules are adopted, the Commission will not pursue a candidate, public officer, committee, lobbyist, or the employer or client of a lobbyist so long as they operate under a reasonable interpretation of this advisory opinion. A “reasonable interpretation” is one that is based on a commercially reasonable determination of the fair market value of flight on noncommercial aircraft. Prepared by Tom Plank Download Advisory Opinion Print This Page

Advisory Opinion NO 2007-07QUESTION PRESENTED Whether the Ethics in Government Act (Act) requires a candidate, public officer or lobbyist to disclose the use of private aircraft either in connection with a campaign, for the fulfillment or retention of office, or as a lobbyist expenditure, and if so, how the value of such use must be determined.ADVISORY OPINION The request for an advisory opinion s

The Council of the European Union adopts the Guiding Principles for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations The Council of the European Union adopted on 6 December the Guiding Principles for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations, which should serve as a checklist for national authorities and other stakeholders on what needs to be done to promote active ageing beyond the European Year 2012. Each of the 19 Guiding Principles, jointly agreed by the Social Protection and the Employment Committees, relate to one of the three dimensions of the European Year: employment, social participation and independent living. These principles, which are annexed to the Council declaration on the European Year 2012 (17468/12), are not prescriptive; it will be for national governments, regions, cities, companies, trade unions, civil society organisations and others to make use of them according to their specific situation and challenges. “The legacy of the European Year 2012 needs to be preserved and further developed at European, national, regional and local level, along the lines outlined in the Guiding Principles for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations”, recommends the Council. “Active ageing and solidarity between generations are key to the creation of a Europe for all ages – a competitive, prosperous and cooperative Europe of innovation, creativity, social inclusion and cohesion”, remarks the Council. In its declaration, the Council expresses its strong commitment to promoting active ageing and solidarity between generations, and invites all relevant actors to take full account of this approach in the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, which calls for inclusive growth and rising labour market participation and reduction of poverty and social exclusion rates. “The active ageing perspective should be mainstreamed across all relevant policy areas”, states the document. The European Year 2012 has contributed to creating political momentum and take a step forward in tackling the challenges and seizing the various opportunities of ageing populations. However, the Council reminds that the momentum “goes beyond raising public awareness and changing attitudes towards ageing. It is also a call to build on these achievements and translate them into a strong political legacy that delivers concrete results, ensuring social cohesion and prosperity and contributing to the well-being of all generations.” - Continuing vocational education and training: Offer women and men of all ages access to, and participation in, education, training and skills development allowing them (re-)entry into and to fully participate in the labour market in quality jobs. - Healthy working conditions: Promote working conditions and work environments that maintain workers' health and well-being, thereby ensuring workers’ life-long employability. - Age management strategies: Adapt careers and working conditions to the changing needs of workers as they age, thereby avoiding early retirement. - Employment services for older workers: Provide counselling, placement, reintegration support to older workers who wish to remain on the labour market. - Prevent age discrimination: Ensure equal rights for older workers in the labour market, refraining from using age as a decisive criterion for assessing whether a worker is fit for a certain job or not; prevent negative age-related stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes towards older workers at the work place; highlight the contribution older workers make. - Employment-friendly tax / benefit systems: Review tax and benefit systems to ensure that work pays for older workers, while ensuring an adequate level of benefits. - Transfer of experience: Capitalise on older workers' knowledge and skills through mentoring and age-diverse teams. - Reconciliation of work and care: Adapt working conditions and offer leave arrangements suitable for women and men, allowing them as informal carers to remain in employment or return to the labour market. (2) Participation in society - Income security: Put in place systems that provide adequate incomes in old age preserving the financial autonomy of older people and enabling them to live in dignity. - Social inclusion: Fight social exclusion and isolation of older people by offering them equal opportunities to participate in society through cultural, political and social activities. - Senior volunteering: Create a better environment for volunteer activities of older people and remove existing obstacles so that older people can contribute to society by making use of their competences, skills and experience. - Life-long learning: Provide older people with learning opportunities, notably in areas such as information and communication technologies (ICT), self-care and personal finance, empowering them to participate actively in society and to take charge of their own life. - Participation in decision making: keep older women and men involved in decision making, particularly in the areas that directly affect them. - Support for informal carers: Make professional support and training available to informal carers; ensure respite care and adequate social protection to prevent social exclusion of carers. (3) Independent living - Health promotion and disease prevention: Take measures to maximise healthy life years for women and men and reduce the risk of dependency through the implementation of health promotion and disease prevention. Provide opportunities for physical and mental activity adapted to the capacities of older people. - Adapted housing and services: Adapt housing and provide services that allow older people with health impairments to live with the highest possible degree of autonomy. - Accessible and affordable transport: Adapt transport systems to make them accessible, affordable, safe and secure for older people, allowing them to stay autonomous and participate actively in society. - Age-friendly environments and goods and services: Adapt local environments as well as goods and services so that they are suitable for people of all ages (design-for-all approach), in particular by making use of new technologies, including eHealth; prevent age discrimination in the access to goods and services. - Maximising autonomy in long-term care: For people in need of help/care, ensure that their autonomy and participation are augmented, preserved or restored to the greatest possible extent and that they are treated with dignity and compassion. The Council Declaration is also available in: BG, CS, DA, DE, EL, ES, ET, FI, FR, HU, IT, LT, LV, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL and SV. Please visit this webpage to download the document in any of these languages.

The Council of the European Union adopts the Guiding Principles for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations The Council of the European Union adopted on 6 December the Guiding Principles for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations, which should serve as a checklist for national authorities and other stakeholders on what needs to be done to promote active ageing beyond the Europea

Sélecteur de langues Brussels, 13 July 2004 The Commission adopted a proposal for introducing a Community licence for air traffic controllers. The decision forms part of the implementing rules of the Single European Sky and will contribute to safety and the cross-border provision of air navigation services. “The proposal for a Community licence for air traffic controllers confirms the Commission’s intention to enhance the regulatory framework for the air traffic management industry, which should be in place before the end of 2004, with an initiative on the working conditions in this sector. It also demonstrates the balanced approach of the Single European Sky package to cover social aspects.” stated Loyola de Palacio, Vice-President in charge of energy and transport. The adoption of the Single European Sky legislation earlier this year triggered off a range of implementing regulations. Furthermore, this legislation paved the way to the development of a specific proposal for a Community licence for air traffic controllers in order to ensure common qualification levels. It will enable the necessary harmonisation of the current patchwork of national licensing schemes that the existing international standards developed in the framework of ICAO and Eurocontrol have not adequately addressed up to now. Nonetheless the proposal builds on material developed by Eurocontrol and is fully consistent with it, in order to facilitate its integration into national law. The new Community license aims at harmonising the licensing systems for controllers and promoting the mutual recognition of national licences. This is an important social aspect of the Single European Sky. The proposal will equally reinforce safety levels of air traffic management by introducing common standards for the European training system. Finally a more flexible use of manpower is likely to facilitate the organisation of cross-border service provision and the establishment of functional airspace blocks. Every link of the licensing chain is regulated: the institutional framework; the conditions for access to the profession; the structure of competences to ensure transparency and comparability; training standards appropriate to the complex and dense European air traffic environment, including linguistic and medical requirements.

Sélecteur de langues Brussels, 13 July 2004 The Commission adopted a proposal for introducing a Community licence for air traffic controllers. The decision forms part of the implementing rules of the Single European Sky and will contribute to safety and the cross-border provision of air navigation services. “The proposal for a Community licence for air traffic controllers confirms the Commission’s

Abstract, Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Spokane, WA, July, 1999. NORBY R.J. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA. Increased basal area increment of a closed-canopy sweetgum stand in the first year of CO2 enrichment. Increased growth of trees exposed to elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 has been widely documented in experiments with tree seedlings and young saplings, but some researchers have questioned whether larger trees will respond similarly. Using free-air CO2 enrichment technology, we are exposing 490-m2 plots of 10-year-old, 15-m tall sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) trees to 560 ppm CO2. The stand has a closed canopy (LAI=4.1) and is in a linear growth phase. During the first growing season under CO2 enrichment, stand-level basal area increment (BAI) was 19% higher in CO2-enriched plots than in control or ambient plots. Leaf area index was not significantly different between plots, but BAI per unit leaf area was increased 26% by CO2 enrichment, consistent with previous predictions. The increase in BAI occurred across all size classes of trees and could not be attributed to differences between plots in stand basal area, tree size distribution, or pretreatment BAI. The important questions concerning how growth of a mature forest will respond to gradually rising CO2 should not addressed based on these first-year data from non-acclimated trees, but these results demonstrate that older, larger trees in a linear growth phase do not lose their capacity to respond to CO2 enrichment.

Abstract, Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Spokane, WA, July, 1999. NORBY R.J. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA. Increased basal area increment of a closed-canopy sweetgum stand in the first year of CO2 enrichment. Increased growth of trees exposed to elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 has been widely documented in experiments with tree seedlings and you

|Office of NIH History| Dr. Anthony S. Fauci When the gay activists were demonstrating, predominantly against the FDA but also against the NIH, and being very strident in their criticism, I challenged them. I said, “Okay, come on in, sit down, and let's talk about it. What is it that you want?” That was when we developed relationships with them that are now very productive. We have activists who are important members of our advisory councils. We consult back and forth with them all the time. AIDS changed the way we do business at NIH in that, when appropriate, the constituencies play a major role in some of the policy and decision-making processes. You cannot just cave in and let people tell you how to do science the wrong way, but there is a lot you can learn from understanding how the disease is affecting a particular population, somewhat removed from the bench, and removed from the “ivory towers” that we have here. |For the complete transcript of this interview, go to the Transcripts page.| |Office of NIH History | NIH | DHHS|

|Office of NIH History| Dr. Anthony S. Fauci When the gay activists were demonstrating, predominantly against the FDA but also against the NIH, and being very strident in their criticism, I challenged them. I said, “Okay, come on in, sit down, and let's talk about it. What is it that you want?” That was when we developed relationships with them that are now very productive. We have activists who a

Asteroid (21) Lutetia Discovered in Paris by Hermann Goldschmidt in November 1852, asteroid (21) Lutetia has been a cosmic riddle for astronomers. In an attempt to pin down its properties once and for all, ESA's Rosetta spacecraft flew past Lutetia at a distance of 3162 km, at a relative speed of 15 km/s on 10 July 2010 at 18:10 CEST. Asteroid (21) Lutetia - pre Rosetta flyby The asteroid flyby of 10 July 2010 was expected to address a number of open questions about Lutetia; in particular, the observations and measurements obtained by instruments on board Rosetta were to be used to: Situated in the main asteroid belt and with estimated dimensions of 132 × 101 × 76 km (see Belaskaya et al., ), asteroid (21) Lutetia has been subjected to intense ground-based scrutiny since it was announced as a target for Rosetta in 2004. Initial observations recorded a high albedo, suggesting a high metallic content, and led to the body being classified as an M-type asteroid (see Bowell et al., ). Should (21) Lutetia indeed turn out to be M-type, the Rosetta flyby would be the first close encounter of a spacecraft with this class of asteroid. However, Lutetia's true nature has always been far from clear-cut. One difficulty in unambiguously classifying Lutetia is the lack of clear features in the spectrum of this asteroid. Recent visual spectroscopic studies, reported in Belaskaya et al., and Perna et al., have noted different spectral slopes at different rotation phases. This has been interpreted as arising from inhomogeneities in the asteroid's make up, perhaps caused by local differences in mineralogical or chemical content of the surface. Some researchers have suggested the closest analogue to Lutetia's surface is a type of carbonaceous chondrite meteorite (see Barucci et al.). When Lutetia was at opposition in 2008/2009 the opportunity was taken to test this theory further. A team of researchers used the VLT and Keck telescopes to estimate Lutetia's bulk density, finding it to be in the range 3.98 to 5.00 g cm-3, depending on the model that is adopted. Although no precise value could be determined this range of density would support a carbonaceous composition (see Drummond et al., ). The ground-based observations in preparation for the flyby have also allowed astronomers to construct Lutetia's light curve. Most asteroids tend to be irregularly shaped and therefore different amounts of sunlight are reflected towards the Earth as they rotate. Hence the ratio between the three major axes defining the asteroid as well as its rotational properties can be determined from measuring how this reflected light changes with time. Assuming a certain reflectivity (albedo) the dimensions of the asteroid can also be estimated. Knowing, from this preparatory work, that Lutetia rotates with a period close to 8.17 hours was of great help in planning the scientific measurements for the flyby. The encounter of Rosetta with asteroid (21) Lutetia is key to understanding the true nature of this puzzling member of the main asteroid belt. Only with the close inspection that is possible with a flyby can the riddles of Lutetia be solved, as this provides the opportunity to measure and analyse many of the asteroid's properties including its shape, density, composition and surface topography. The instruments on board Rosetta have been designed specifically for such tasks and will be able to provide the answers that are sought. The flyby at Lutetia was the second time Rosetta had studied an asteroid up-close. In 2008 the spacecraft flew past asteroid (2867) Steins at a distance of just 802.6 km, only 2.6 km further out than baselined. However, these two asteroids are just stepping stones on the journey to Rosetta's ultimate goal, the rendezvous with comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, scheduled for 2014. The Rosetta team hopes that with this rendezvous they can decipher the enigmas of the formation of our Solar System, just as its namesake helped unscramble ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

Asteroid (21) Lutetia Discovered in Paris by Hermann Goldschmidt in November 1852, asteroid (21) Lutetia has been a cosmic riddle for astronomers. In an attempt to pin down its properties once and for all, ESA's Rosetta spacecraft flew past Lutetia at a distance of 3162 km, at a relative speed of 15 km/s on 10 July 2010 at 18:10 CEST. Asteroid (21) Lutetia - pre Rosetta flyby The asteroid flyby of

| ||ABOUT THE DIRP The Division of Intramural Research Programs (DIRP) at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the internal research division of the NIMH. NIMH DIRP scientists conduct research ranging from studies into mechanisms of normal brain function, conducted at the behavioral, systems, cellular, and molecular levels, to clinical investigations into the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness. Major disease entities studied throughout the lifespan include mood disorders and anxiety, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders. Because of its outstanding resources, unique funding mechanisms, and location in the nation’s capitol, the DIRP is viewed as a national resource, providing unique opportunities in mental health research and research training. Training is conducted in all the Institute’s clinical branches and basic neuroscience laboratories located on the 305-acre National Institutes of Health campus in Bethesda, Maryland. In addition to individualized trainee/mentor-driven postdoctoral training opportunities in the clinical and basic sciences, the DIRP offers Postbaccalaureate Research Training Awards, a Clinical Electives Program, as well as a variety of Summer Research Fellowships and an Undergraduate Internship Program. The mission of the division is to plan and conduct basic, clinical, and translational research to advance understanding of the diagnosis, causes, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders through the study of brain function and behavior; conduct state-of-the-art research that, in part, complements extramural research activities and exploits the special resources of the National Institutes of Health; and provide an environment conducive to the training and development of clinical and basic scientists. In addition the DIRP fosters standards of excellence in the ethical treatment and the provision of clinical care to research subjects; serve as a resource to the NIMH in responding to requests made by the Administration, members of Congress, and citizens’ groups for information regarding mental disorders; and analyzes and evaluates national needs and research opportunities and provides advice to the Institute Director on matters of scientific interest.

| ||ABOUT THE DIRP The Division of Intramural Research Programs (DIRP) at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the internal research division of the NIMH. NIMH DIRP scientists conduct research ranging from studies into mechanisms of normal brain function, conducted at the behavioral, systems, cellular, and molecular levels, to clinical investigations into the diagnosis, treatment and

Request Free Printed Materials View Materials Online A Schoolhouse View of the Estuary: The Teachers' Companion to Louisiana Wetland "A Schoolhouse View of the Estuary" is designed to be used by classroom teachers in grades K-12. Divided by grade levels with lessons, activities, maps, and more for teachers to share with students, this CD is easy to navigate. You can visit an elementary classroom, a middle school classroom, or a high school science lab to learn more about Louisiana wetlands. This interactive educational and entertaining CD invites elementary school children to learn about our wetlands as they join Jeanne Thibodeaux and Tee Boudreaux on a treasure hunt journey. This CD will teach students basic skills and inspire coastal stewardship through a cartoon learning environment. Ideal for students K-4. Explore Coastal Louisiana This interactive educational and entertaining CD invites middle school children to learn about our wetlands as they visit Boudreaux and Marie in their camp. This CD will teach students basic skills and inspire coastal stewardship through a cartoon learning environment. Ideal for students in 4th - 8th grade. This one page document gives a brief summary of CWPPRA’s mission, goals, activities, accomplishments, and challenges. Turning the Tide Brochure This brochure discusses the causes of Louisiana's land loss and gives examples of pro-active resolutions in coastal restoration. When completely unfolded this brochure shows a map of the land change in Louisiana and gives examples of CWPPRA restoration projects. When completely unfolded it is 22" by 17". Download. This magazine is currently published twice a year to help the public better understand the work of CWPPRA (the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act). The issues are grouped by year. View online Southeast Louisiana Land Loss Map This map shows historical and projected Land loss in the southeast Louisiana deltaic plain. It measures 20" by 20". Download. LaCoast.gov Screen Saver The LaCoast.gov screen saver has fifty five images relating to Louisiana's wetlands. LaCoast_gov.exe (Windows executable

Request Free Printed Materials View Materials Online A Schoolhouse View of the Estuary: The Teachers' Companion to Louisiana Wetland "A Schoolhouse View of the Estuary" is designed to be used by classroom teachers in grades K-12. Divided by grade levels with lessons, activities, maps, and more for teachers to share with students, this CD is easy to navigate. You can visit an elementary classroom,

The Mars Climate Sounder instrument on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter maps the vertical distribution of temperatures, dust, water vapor and ice clouds in the Martian atmosphere as the orbiter flies a near-polar orbit. This example of data from the instrument shows 13 orbits of nighttime temperatures at altitudes of zero to 80 kilometers (50 miles) above the surface, presented as curtains along the orbital track. Temperatures range from 120 Kelvin (minus 244 degrees Fahrenheit), coded purple, to 200 Kelvin (minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit), coded green. The data are from March 1, 2008, which was during early spring on northern Mars. The globe of Mars depicted under the curtains is a Google Earth product using elevation data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter on NASA's Mars Global Surveyor. The ExoMars Climate Sounder, selected in August 2010 as part of the science payload for the 2016 ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter mission, will resemble the Mars Climate Sounder and provide similar types of data sets. The 2016 mission is a collaboration of the European Space Agency and NASA. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., supplied and operates the Mars Climate Sounder for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and will supply and operate the ExoMars Climate Sounder for the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. JPL also manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter mission for the NASA Science Mission Directorate and manages NASA's roles in the 2016 mission. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Browse Image | Full Res Image (NASA's Planetary Photojournal)

The Mars Climate Sounder instrument on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter maps the vertical distribution of temperatures, dust, water vapor and ice clouds in the Martian atmosphere as the orbiter flies a near-polar orbit. This example of data from the instrument shows 13 orbits of nighttime temperatures at altitudes of zero to 80 kilometers (50 miles) above the surface, presented as curtains along

Today in History: September 13 As he grew somewhat sleepy but was still conscious, figures began to appear before his eyes…. They were all grotesques. All of the men and women the writer had ever known had become grotesques. The grotesques were not all horrible. Some were amusing, some almost beautiful…. For an hour the procession of grotesques passed before the eyes of the old man, and then, although it was a painful thing to do, he crept out of bed and began to write. Some one of the grotesques had made a deep impression on his mind and he wanted to describe it. American writer Sherwood Anderson was born on September 13, 1876, in Camden, Ohio. He is best known for his short stories—"brooding Midwest tales"—which reveal "their author's sympathetic insight into the thwarted lives of ordinary people."* Between World War I and World War II, Anderson helped to break down formulaic approaches to writing, influencing a subsequent generation of writers, most notably Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner. Anderson, who lived in New Orleans for a brief time, befriended Faulkner there in 1924 and encouraged him to write about his home county in Mississippi. The third child of a harness-maker and house painter who had a fondness for storytelling, Anderson received an uneven education. As a young man, he was intent on establishing his financial independence. He married, had three children, and worked, with growing dissatisfaction, in the business world until 1912, when he suffered a nervous breakdown. Between 1912 and 1922, Anderson worked as a copywriter at a Chicago advertising agency and wrote fiction in his spare time. In Chicago, he encountered writers Carl Sandburg, Floyd Dell, Theodore Dreiser, and others associated with the Chicago literary renaissance, a flowering of letters sustained by a group of young writers many of whom, like Anderson, had come of age in small midwestern towns in the late nineteenth century. The movement, which flourished from approximately 1912 to 1925, began as early as 1893, when several young midwestern writers were drawn together in Chicago for the opening of the 1893 World's Fair. Anderson's first novel, Windy McPherson's Son, published in 1916 through the efforts of Theodore Dreiser and Floyd Dell, is an autobiographical work about a young man's success in the business world that he later rejects. Anderson's 1919 collection of short stories, Winesburg, Ohio, is considered his finest work. In 1921, Anderson met writer Gertrude Stein, whose innovative writing influenced his development as a young writer. Anderson would later write in the autobiographical A Story Teller's Story that the occasion of his reading Stein's Tender Buttons was perhaps the first time he "really fell in love with words, wanted to give each word I used every chance to show itself at its best." Beyond the last house on Trunion Pike in Winesburg there is a great stretch of open fields…. In the late afternoon in the hot summers when the road and the fields are covered with dust, a smoky haze lies over the great flat basin of land. To look across it is like looking out across the sea. In the spring when the land is green the effect is somewhat different. The land becomes a wide green billiard table on which tiny human insects toil up and down. - Search American Life Histories: Manuscripts from the Federal Writers' Project, 1936-1940 on rural life to recover first-person accounts of the rural culture that inspired Anderson and other figures of the Chicago literary renaissance. - Many of the same themes appear in the work of turn-of-the-century entertainers. Search on rural life in American Variety Stage: Vaudeville and Popular Entertainment, 1870-1920 to find popular interpretations of the tensions between rural and urban life at the dawn of the twentieth century. - For portraits of American authors, poets, and playwrights, browse the occupation index of Creative Americans: Portraits by Carl Van Vechten, 1932-1964. - Search the Today in History Archive on writer, poet, or playwright for additional features on American writers, including Carson McCullers, William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, and Langston Hughes. * John A. Garraty, ed, "Sherwood Anderson," Dictionary of American Biography, Supplement 3: 1941-1945 (New York: American Council of Learned Societies), 1973. And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. Francis Scott Key, "The Star-Spangled Banner" As the evening of September 13, 1814, approached, Francis Scott Key was detained in Baltimore harbor on board a British vessel. A young lawyer, he had come to negotiate the release of an American physician from British forces—they were released to their ship. Throughout the night and into the early hours of the next morning, Key watched as the British bombed nearby Fort McHenry with military rockets. As dawn broke, he was amazed to find the Stars and Stripes, tattered but intact, still flying above the fort. British forces had disembarked on September 12 at the mouth of the Patapsco River to begin an assault on the city of Baltimore. The following day, British Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane commenced a naval bombardment of the fort, the last remaining barrier to the city. The siege of Baltimore, which came close on the heels of the British occupation of Washington, D.C., was a turning point in the War of 1812. Turned back on land and at sea, the British abandoned their attempt to capture Baltimore on September 14. Four months later, they signed the Treaty of Ghent, which brought an end to the war. Key's experience during the bombardment of Fort McHenry inspired him to pen the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner." He adapted his lyrics to the tune of a popular drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heaven," and the song soon became the de facto national anthem of the United States of America, although Congress did not officially recognize it as such until 1931. The tattered flag that flew at Fort McHenry has been on display for many years at the Smithsonian Institution. The Star-Spangled Banner Campaign of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History seeks to preserve this icon, whose cotton and woolen fibers have been endangered by time and exposure. When preservation is completed and the museum is reopened (scheduled for the summer of 2008), the flag will be displayed in a new flag room. Learn more about the flag of the United States and the national anthem in American Memory: - Search on Star Spangled Banner in the following collections to view different copies of the national anthem, some with colorfully illustrated covers. Search on patriotic music or patriotic song for more examples of musical Americana. - Search on star spangled banner in Music, Theater & Dance to view manuscripts, songsheets, and sheet music, as well as to listen to sound recordings of the national anthem. - Learn more about the history of the American flag by visiting the Today in History features for June 14 and April 12. - Search across the American Memory collections on the word flag to read stories and see photographs and films of "Old Glory." - Visit A Guide to the War of 1812 for a wide variety of material associated with the war, including manuscripts, broadsides, pictures, and government documents. The guide links both to Library of Congress sites as well as external links.

Today in History: September 13 As he grew somewhat sleepy but was still conscious, figures began to appear before his eyes…. They were all grotesques. All of the men and women the writer had ever known had become grotesques. The grotesques were not all horrible. Some were amusing, some almost beautiful…. For an hour the procession of grotesques passed before the eyes of the old man, and then, alth

Welcome to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! One of our nation's most spectacular marine protected areas, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world! This "Serengeti of the Sea" stretches along the central coast from San Francisco to Cambria and includes pristine beaches, jewel-like tide pools, lush kelp forests, steep canyons and an offshore seamount teeming with life—from tiny shrimp to giant blue whales. The National Marine Sanctuary System promotes environmental protection, stewardship and ocean research. We invite you to explore and help protect this national undersea treasure.

Welcome to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! One of our nation's most spectacular marine protected areas, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world! This "Serengeti of the Sea" stretches along the central coast from San Francisco to Cambria and includes pristine beaches, jewel-like tide pools, lush kelp forests, steep canyons and an

FINDING DOOMSDAY ASTEROIDS New York Times Editorial Published: April 3, 2007 How much effort should we expend to ward off the possibility that an asteroid might some day collide with Earth? Space experts attending a recent conference in Washington lamented the failure of the federal government - indeed, of the entire world - to take the threat seriously enough. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, at virtually the same moment, advised Congress on steps that could be taken to find and divert threatening asteroids only to conclude that it couldn't afford them. That seems shortsighted. The risk is remote, but the consequences are potentially catastrophic. It would seem wise, at a minimum, to look harder for any death-dealing rocks that might menace us. The encouraging news is that the most horrendous hazards - asteroids like the one that wiped out the dinosaurs or even smaller objects whose impact could disrupt the global environment - have mostly been identified under a $4 million-a-year survey program. The space agency estimates that there are some 1,100 near-Earth objects whose diameters exceed six-tenths of a mile, big enough to destroy a medium-sized state and kick up enough dust to affect global climate and crop production. The survey has already identified more than 700 of them. None are on a path to collide with Earth. More troublesome is the threat of smaller asteroids, greater than 460 feet in diameter (about one-seventh the threshold of the really scary big ones), that could devastate a region but not the whole globe. NASA estimates that some 20,000 of these might be potentially hazardous; it has identified only a fraction of them. Two years ago Congress asked NASA to propose new search programs and to analyze ways to divert any asteroids on a collision course with Earth. The agency did that in a March report to Congress, but it balked at the notion of spending up to $1 billion or more to build search instruments or spacecraft. That is understandable. NASA is burdened with the need to finish the space station, build a successor to the shuttles, return to the moon and conduct wide-ranging research. It already has more jobs to perform than money to perform them. But finding asteroids that might threaten the planet, and studying their characteristics in the process, is probably more important than at least some of the other robotic missions mounted by NASA. Congress should either add funds to the agency's budget, or the agency should divert funds from other programs to accelerate the asteroid hunt. Developing ways to deflect asteroids is more problematic. NASA suggests that the best solution would be to explode a nuclear bomb next to an asteroid to deflect it off course, but international aversion to nuclear weapons in space would make that approach difficult without a global consensus. Other experts favor a high-speed ballistic impact or using the gravitational attraction of a hovering spacecraft to nudge the asteroid off course. Before plunging ahead with an asteroid-deflector, let's wait to see whether a real threat even exists. THE SKY IS FALLING. REALLY. By Russell L. Schweickart New York Times Op-Ed, March 16, 2007 AMERICANS who read the papers or watch Jay Leno have been aware for some time now that there is a slim but real possibility - about 1 in 45,000 - that an 850-foot-long asteroid called Apophis could strike Earth with catastrophic consequences on April 13, 2036. What few probably realize is that there are thousands of other space objects that could hit us in the next century that could cause severe damage, if not total destruction. Last week two events in Washington - a conference on "planetary defense" held by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the release by NASA of a report titled "Near-Earth Object Survey and Deflection Analysis of Alternatives" - gave us good news and bad on this front. On the promising side, scientists have a good grasp of the risks of a cosmic fender-bender, and have several ideas that could potentially stave off disaster. Unfortunately, the government doesn't seem to have any clear plan to put this expertise into action. In 1998, Congress gave NASA's Spaceguard Survey program a mandate of "discovering, tracking, cataloging and characterizing" 90 percent of the near-Earth objects larger than one kilometer (3,200 feet) wide by 2008. An object that size could devastate a small country and would probably destroy civilization. The consensus at the conference was that the initial survey is doing fairly well although it will probably not quite meet the 2008 goal. Realizing that there are many smaller but still terribly destructive asteroids out there, Congress has modified the Spaceguard goal to identify 90 percent of even smaller objects - 460 feet and larger - by 2020. This revised survey, giving us decades of early warning, will go a long way toward protecting life on the planet in the future. The good news is that scientists feel we have the technology to intercept and deflect many asteroids headed toward Earth. Basically, if we have early enough warning, a robotic space mission could slightly change the orbit of a dangerous asteroid so that it would subsequently miss the planet. Two potential deflection techniques appear to work nicely together - first we would deflect the asteroid with kinetic impact from a missile (that is, running into it); then we would use the slight pull of a "gravity tractor" - a satellite that would hover near the asteroid - to fine-tune its new trajectory to our liking. (In the case of an extremely large object, probably one in 100, the missile might have to contain a nuclear warhead.) To be effective, however, such missions would have to be launched 15 or even 30 years before a calculated impact. The bad news? While this all looks fine on paper, scientists haven't had a chance to try it in practice. And this is where NASA's report was supposed to come in. Congress directed the agency in 2005 to come up with a program, a budget to support it and an array of alternatives for preventing an asteroid impact. But instead of coming up with a plan and budget to get the job done, the report bluntly stated that "due to current budget constraints, NASA cannot initiate a new program at this time." Representative Bart Gordon, Democrat of Tennessee, was right to say that "NASA's recommended approach isn't a credible plan" and that Congress expected "a more responsive approach" within the year. Why did the space agency drop the ball? Like all government departments, it fears the dreaded "unfunded mandate"; Congress has the habit of directing agencies to do something and then declining to give them the money to do so. This is understandable. But in this case, Congress not only directed NASA to provide it with a recommended program but also asked for the estimated budget to support it. It was a left-handed way for the Congress to say to NASA that this is our priority ... like it or not. But for some reason NASA seems to have opted for a federal form of civil disobedience. Another problem with the report was that, while it outlined other possibilities, it estimated that using a nuclear-armed missile to divert an asteroid would be "10 to 100 times more effective" than non-nuclear approaches. It is possible that in some cases - such as an asteroid greater than a third of a mile across - the nuclear option might be necessary. But for the overwhelming majority of potential deflection cases, using a nuclear warhead would be like a golfer swinging away with his driver to sink a three-foot putt; the bigger bang is not always better. Why the concern? First, even with good intentions, launching a nuclear-armed missile would violate the international agreements by which all weaponry is banned from space. Second, the laws of probability say we would be struck by such a large asteroid only once every 200,000 years - that's a long time to keep a standing arsenal of nuclear asteroid-blasters, and raises all sorts of possibilities of accidents or sabotage - the old "cure being worse than the disease" phenomenon. In the end, of course, this is not just America's problem, as an asteroid strike would be felt around the globe. The best course is international coordination on deflection technology, along with global agreements on what should be done if a collision looks likely. Along these lines, the Association of Space Explorers, a group of more than 300 people from 30 nations who have flown in space (of which I am a member), is beginning a series of meetings in cooperation with the United Nations to work out the outlines of such an agreement. Still, as with many global issues, little will be accomplished unless the United States takes the lead. With the entire planet in the cross hairs, NASA can't be allowed to dither. If Congress's mandates and budget requests aren't energizing the agency, perhaps public hearings would shame it into action. Russell L. Schweickart, a former Apollo astronaut, is the chairman of the B612 Foundation, which promotes efforts to alter the orbits of asteroids. NASA SAYS CAN FIND MOST KILLER ASTEROIDS BY 2020 BUT LACKS THE MONEY International Herald Tribune, 5 March 2007 The Associated Press WASHINGTON: NASA officials say the space agency is capable of finding almost every asteroid that might pose a devastating threat to Earth, but because it lacks the money to do it, the job will not get done. The cost to find at least 90 percent of the 20,000 potentially hazardous asteroids and comets by 2020 would be about $1 billion, according to a report NASA will release later this week. The report was previewed Monday at a Planetary Defense Conference in Washington. Congress asked NASA in 2005 to come up with a plan to track most killer asteroids and propose how to deflect the potentially catastrophic ones. "We know what to do; we just don't have the money," said Simon Worden, director of NASA's Ames Research Center. . . . The agency already is tracking larger objects, at least [1 km] in diameter, which could wipe out most life on Earth, much like what is theorized to have happened to dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Even that search, which has spotted 769 asteroids and comets - none on a course to hit Earth - is behind schedule. It is supposed to be completed by the end of next year. NASA needs to do more to locate other smaller, but still potentially dangerous space bodies. While an Italian observatory is doing some work, the United States is the only government with an asteroid-tracking program, NASA said. One solution would be to build a new ground telescope solely for the asteroid hunt, and piggyback that use with other agencies' telescopes for a total of $800 million. Another would be to launch a space infrared telescope that could do the job faster for $1.1 billion, but NASA program scientist Lindley Johnson said NASA and the White House called both those choices too costly. A cheaper option would be simply to piggyback on other agencies' telescopes, a cost of about $300 million, also rejected, Johnson said. "The decision of the agency is we just can't do anything about it right now," he added. Earth got a scare in 2004, when initial readings suggested an 885-foot asteroid called 99942 Apophis seemed to have had a chance of hitting Earth in 2029. But more observations showed that would not happen. Scientists say there is 1 chance in 45,000 that it could hit in 2036. They think it would be most likely strike the Pacific Ocean, which would cause a tsunami on the U.S. West Coast the size of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean wave. John Logsdon, space policy director at George Washington University, said a stepped-up search for such asteroids is needed. "You can't deflect them if you can't find them," Logsdon said. "And we can't find things that can cause massive damage." BUDGET DODGES KILLER ASTEROIDS National Public Radio, March 28, 2007 Robert Reich (former Secretary of Labor) According to a new report from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, some 100,000 asteroids and comets routinely pass between the Sun and the Earth's orbit. About 20,000 of these orbit close enough to us that they could one day hit the Earth and destroy a major city. But the worrying news is NASA believes over 1,000 of these things are large enough - about a mile wide in diameter - and their orbits close enough to us, as to pose a real potential hazard of crashing into the Earth with such force as to end most life on this planet. Scientists believe this is what killed off the dinosaurs about 65 million years ago. Congress has given NASA a budget of a little over $4 million a year to track these killer asteroids, but NASA says it needs at least a billion dollars more to find all of them by the year 2020. This might involve building a special observatory for tracking them and launching a spacecraft to observe the space around Earth from Venus. The job could be finished sooner than 2020, says NASA, but that would probably require a deep space orbiting infrared observatory, at an additional cost of $700 million. All of which raises at least three pertinent questions. First, if we're spending over a billion dollars a day in Iraq, why can't we bring the troops home a few days earlier and use the savings to track killer asteroids that might end life on Earth? And since we're talking about the survival of most living things and not just Americans, why shouldn't we expect other nations to kick in some money, too - especially now that the dollar is dropping relative to the euro and the yen? And third, once NASA knows for sure that a killer asteroid is heading directly for us, how exactly are we supposed to get ourselves out of its way, or it out of our way - and how much should we be budgeting to accomplish this?

FINDING DOOMSDAY ASTEROIDS New York Times Editorial Published: April 3, 2007 How much effort should we expend to ward off the possibility that an asteroid might some day collide with Earth? Space experts attending a recent conference in Washington lamented the failure of the federal government - indeed, of the entire world - to take the threat seriously enough. The National Aeronautics and Space A

The National Methane Hydrates R&D Program The Alaska North Slope Stratigraphic Test Well - Science Plan The “Mt. Elbert prospect” will be drilled as a vertical stratigraphic test using the Doyon 14 rig. The well is being drilled beneath an exploration ice pad within an area of the Milne Point Unit not penetrated by another well, to determine the validity of pre-drill seismically-based predictions of gas hydrate occurrence and reservoir quality and to collect other data needed to support a decision on whether or not to conduct future dedicated gas hydrate reservoir production testing on the Alaska North Slope. When completed, the well will be either plugged and abandoned or suspended, with or without instrumentation for future use as an observation well. The Mt Elbert prospect is a well-developed seismic anomaly interpreted to contain two to three 25 to 75 foot-thick gas hydrate-bearing reservoir sands trapped within a well-constrained faultbounded 3-way closure as interpreted from the Milne 3D seismic data. Coring of the hydrate-bearing interval is expected to take place between depths of 2000 and 2600 feet TVD. The base operational plan will be to obtain 3-inch wireline-retrievable core while drilling a 7 7/8 inch hole. Key scientific data gathering efforts will take place during whole coring, logging-while-drilling, geophysical well logging and downhole testing utilizing Schlumberger’s Modular Formation Dynamics Tester (MDT). The MDT operation is planned to include long-term (5 to 10+ hours per station at 3 stations) open-hole (or contingency cased hole) wireline testing. The MDT data are anticipated to help assess the gas hydrate-bearing reservoir porosity, permeability, and relative permeability, and to help understand the gas hydrate-bearing in-situ reservoir irreducible water, mobile water, and gas hydrate saturations. Mud logging (Sperry-Sun) Mud Engineering (M-I SWACO) Mud chilling (DrillCool) Wellsite geology/operations (BPXA) Full coring operations Drilling core acquisition (Corion) Wireline core retrieval (Corion) Core handling, processing, transport (Omni Laboratories Inc.) Core handling, core water chemistry/thermoconductivity (DOE/NETL) Core sampling, water analysis, geochemistry/microbiology (Oregon State Univ.) Core sampling, physical properties, geochemistry/microbiology, water chemistry (USGS) Wellsite coring science management (USGS, ASRC Energy Service, DOE/NETL) Wireline well logging operations Wireline logging (Schlumberger) MDT equipment (Schlumberger) MDT operations (APA Engineering) The final Science Plan, which will incorporate operational sequences and specialized procedures, will be added to this site as operations begin.

The National Methane Hydrates R&D Program The Alaska North Slope Stratigraphic Test Well - Science Plan The “Mt. Elbert prospect” will be drilled as a vertical stratigraphic test using the Doyon 14 rig. The well is being drilled beneath an exploration ice pad within an area of the Milne Point Unit not penetrated by another well, to determine the validity of pre-drill seismically-based predictions

Right now Congress is drafting legislation which will impose a massive tax increase on every American family and business. But you won’t file this tax with the IRS, it will be hidden in the price of everything you buy and it will be the most expensive tax placed on the American people since the income tax was imposed nearly 100 years ago (1913). The proposed 1400-page Waxman-Markey “Cap and Trade” National Energy Tax legislation will impose a massive energy tax on nearly every kilowatt of energy produced in America and these taxes will be passed on to every consumer of electricity. It does so through taxing carbon emissions (85% of American energy production is carbon based). These taxes will be imposed through a carbon emission cap placed on factories and energy producing companies; and it will require that these businesses buy carbon emission permits if they want to exceed the emissions caps. It’s estimated to increase living costs for the average American family by between $1500 and $3500 a year. Every time you turn on a light switch, fill up your gas tank, turn on your television or even buy a loaf of bread, you will pay a hidden “Cap and Trade” National Energy Tax. The extra costs of meeting the government’s mandates will simply be passed on to consumers – i.e. every American. It is estimated that the Waxman-Markey “Cap and Trade” National Energy Tax bill (H.R. 2454) would cost the U.S. economy two and a half million jobs and possibly drain as much as $9 Trillion dollars out of the economy. Early backers of the “Cap and Trade” National Energy Tax plan were top officials at now defunct Enron. And who can forget the devastation that was brought on by the collapse of that mega-corporation. Enron officials saw the advantage of making money as the “middle man” and that is what would likely happen under “Cap and Trade”, with the average American consumer picking up the tab. The middle man makes his money off of consumers and adds virtually nothing to the process except higher costs. All Americans need to know the impact of this regulatory scheme making its way through Congress. If Congress imposes this system on Americans before it educates them on how it will affect their lives, people will be angry and the damage will not be easily undone. As the bill continues to make its way through the Congress three things have become starkly clear. 1. The “Cap and Trade” National Energy Tax will cost Americans hundreds of billions of dollars. Everything you buy will have a hidden tax that you must pay and which is directly attributable to the “Cap and Trade” National Energy Tax. 2. The Politicians in Washington pushing this plan know full well that “Cap and Trade” is really an elaborate plan to bring more money into the Federal government -- taking hundreds of billions of additional dollars out of the weekly paychecks of millions of families in order to create and fund lavish new unaffordable government programs. (Also, H.R. 2454 takes tens of billions of your dollars and puts them in the coffers of politicians favored companies who get special carbon breaks in H.R. 2454.) 3. The net effect of this bill will be a negligible effect on the global environment since carbon emissions from the U.S. competitors in China, India and the rest of the developing world are exempt from these caps and they will continue to increase carbon emissions at dramatically faster rates. China is already the world’s #1 carbon emitter. Furthermore, “Cap and Trade” puts products made in the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage, the end result of which is to move more American jobs to China and India where there are no costly emissions caps. It’s no wonder China has essentially endorsed H.R. 2454. Supporters admit “Cap and Trade” will be costly: Senior Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) said during a recent Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing that “Nobody, nobody in this country realizes that cap-and-trade is a tax and it’s a great big one.” April 24, 2009 YouTube Video Link Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) calls cap-and-trade “the most significant revenue-generating proposal of our time”– Wash. Post – April 3, 2009 Then Senator Obama explains the impact of “Cap and Trade” to the San Francisco Chronicle in January of 2008: “When I was asked earlier about the issue of coal…under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket…even regardless of what I say about whether coal is good or bad, because I’m capping greenhouse gasses, coal power plants, natural gas…you name it…whatever the plants were, whatever the industry was, they would have to retro-fit their operations. “That will cost money…they will pass that money on to the consumers.” “Cap and Trade” National Energy Tax Calculator – The Tax Foundation has created an online calculator to assist families in calculating their Energy Tax Increase. VIDEO - “Cap and Trade” National Energy Tax Forum – Congressman Posey hosted an educational forum for constituents. Christopher Horner, a Senior Fellow with the Competitive Enterprise Institute, gave a two hour presentation on the origins of “Cap and Trade”, how it works and how it will impact families and businesses. Congressman Posey’s Statement on the President’s Address Posey Opposes Cap & Trade – National Energy Tax OP-ED: Bill Posey, pro-con: Let's call cap and trade what it really is, a massive energy tax on every U.S. citizen OP-ED: As I See It: Washington is finding itself very much out of touch - by Congressman Bill Posey Online Calculator Helps Families Determine Cost of “Cap & Trade” Energy Tax Cancelled NASA Programs Chart

Right now Congress is drafting legislation which will impose a massive tax increase on every American family and business. But you won’t file this tax with the IRS, it will be hidden in the price of everything you buy and it will be the most expensive tax placed on the American people since the income tax was imposed nearly 100 years ago (1913). The proposed 1400-page Waxman-Markey “Cap and Trade”

On this page: In 2008, cancers of the female breast, prostate, lung, and colon/rectum accounted for more than one-half of all cancer deaths in the United States. Lung cancer alone claimed 28 percent of the lives lost to cancer. According to American Cancer Society projections, in 2010 there were 569,490 cancer deaths overall, including 157,300 deaths from lung cancer; 51,370 from cancers of the colon/rectum; 39,840 from female breast cancer; 36,800 deaths from cancer of the pancreas; and 32,050 from prostatecancer. Cancer mortality is usually measured as the annual number of deaths from cancer for every 100,000 people, adjusted to a standard population. The number of cancer deaths per 100,000 people per year, age-adjusted to a U.S. 2000 standard population. All sites combined: After steady increases in death rates among both sexes combined from 1975 to 1991, the U.S. cancer death rate stabilized from 1991 to 1994 and significantly declined from 1994 to 1998 with a non-significant decline from 1998 to 2001, followed by falling death rates from 2001 to 2008. Among men, death rates increased through 1990, were stable from 1990 to 1993, and fell thereafter. Among women, death rates increased from 1975 to 1991 and fell from 1991 to 2008. Colorectal cancer: Death rates among women fell from 1975 to 2008. Among men, rates fell from 1984 to 2008. Female breast cancer: After rising from 1975 to 1990, death rates have steadily fallen. Lung cancer: Death rates among men rose from 1975 to 1990, with non-significant change from 1990 to 1993 and falling rates from 1993 to 2008. Death rates among women rose from 1975 to 2003 and fell from 2003 to 2008. Prostate cancer: After increasing from 1975 to 1991, prostate cancer death rates fell from 1994 to 2008. Uterine cervix: Death rates fell from 1975 to 2003, followed by a period of non-significant change from 2003 to 2008. Oral cavity and pharynx: Death rates were stable from 1975 to 1979, followed by a period of falling rates from 1979 to 2008. Melanoma of the skin: Death rates rose from 1975 to 1989 and were stable thereafter. In 2008, the death rate for all cancers was 175.67 per 100,000 people, the death rate for lung cancer was 49.6 per 100,000 people, the death rate for prostate cancer was 23.0 deaths per 100,000 people per year, the death rate for female breast cancer was 22.5 per 100,000 people, and the death rate for colorectal cancer was16.4 per 100,000 people. In 2008, the death rate for melanoma was 2.7 per 100,000 people, with 2.5 oropharyngeal cancer deaths and 2.4 uterine cervical cancer deaths per 100,000 people. Reduce the overall cancer death rate to 160.6 cancer deaths per 100,000 people per year by 2020. Reduce the lung cancer death rate to 45.5 deaths per 100,000 people per year by 2020. Reduce the prostate cancer death rate per 100,000 to 23.5 deaths per 100,000 people per year by 2020. Reduce the female breast cancer death rate per 100,000 deaths to 22.9 deaths per 100,000 people per year by 2020. Reduce the colorectal death rate per 100,000 to 14.5 deaths per 100,000 people per year by 2020. Reduce the melanoma death rate per 100,000 to 2.4 deaths per 100,000 people per year by 2020. Reduce the oropharyngeal cancer death rate per 100,000 to 2.5 deaths per 100,000 people per year by 2020. Reduce the uterine cervix death rate per 100,000 deaths to 2.4 deaths per 100,000 people per year by 2020. Blacks experience the highest cancer death rates, followed by whites, who also have cancer death rates that exceed the Healthy People 2020 objective of 160.6 deaths or less per 100,000 people per year. In 2008, cancer death rates among Asian and Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and persons of Hispanic ethnicity were lower than the Healthy People 2010 objective. Studies have shown that persons self-reported as American Indian, Asian, or Hispanic on census and survey records may sometimes be reported as white or non-Hispanic on the death certificate, resulting in an underestimation of deaths and death rates for these groups. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_02/sr02_148.pdf. Mortality rates are currently increasing for only a few cancer sites. These cancer sites include the pancreas, liver and intrahepatic bile duct, and corpus and unspecified uterus. As indicated in Figure EMO2, mortality rates are decreasing for the leading causes of new cancer cases: lung cancer in men and women, prostate cancer, female breast cancer, and colorectal cancer in both males and females. Among these leading cancers, rates per 100,000 range from 63.6 (male lung cancer) to 13.8 6 (female colorectal cancer) deaths per year. Mortality rates also are decreasing for other cancer sites. Figure EMO5 shows trends for the next six most common causes of cancer death with decreasing mortality trends (3 to 10 deaths per 100,000 people each year). These sites are leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ovarian cancer, urinary bladder cancer, brain and other nervous system cancers, and stomach cancer. Other Cancer Sites with Healthy People 2020 Mortality Rate Targets In addition to Healthy People 2020 Targets to reduce mortality for cancer sites already mentioned in this report (lung, prostate, female breast, and the colon and rectum) Healthy People 2020 Mortality Rate Targets have been defined to reduce deaths from melanoma and cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx, and of the uterine cervix. Although overall death rates are on the decline, cancer deaths for some sites are increasing, such as pancreas, liver and intrahepatic bile duct, and corpus and unspecified uterus. An ongoing challenge for the United States is to find new and better ways to reduce and eliminate disparities in cancer death rates among different populations of Americans.

On this page: In 2008, cancers of the female breast, prostate, lung, and colon/rectum accounted for more than one-half of all cancer deaths in the United States. Lung cancer alone claimed 28 percent of the lives lost to cancer. According to American Cancer Society projections, in 2010 there were 569,490 cancer deaths overall, including 157,300 deaths from lung cancer; 51,370 from cancers of the co

News | previous page FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 4, 2004 CONTACT: Sue Schaefer at (605) 773-3201 South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and the Energy Safety Association Proclaim June 13-19, 2004 as Energy Safety Awareness Week PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission announced today that it will be teaming with the state rural electric cooperatives, investor owned utilities and municipal utilities to promote Energy Safety Awareness Week in South Dakota, June 13-19, 2004. This year's focus will center on summer storm safety and what to do in the case of downed power lines. Forecasting summer weather in South Dakota can be a tricky thing. here is one sure prediction that the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and the Energy Safety Association of South Dakota can make: Power lines downed by a summer storm are a serious threat to everyone. "It's a common misconception that a downed power line isn't dangerous because there isn't electricity running through it anymore," PUC Chairman Bob Sahr said. "That's just not the case, and making that mistake can be lethal." A power line that has been disconnected from a utility pole is still active. Electricity always seeks a path to the ground, so if you're in the way, the electricity will travel through you, giving you a serious shock at best and electrocuting you at worst. "The only sure thing about a downed power line is that it is dangerous to everyone," Commissioner Gary Hanson said. "That's the only prediction anyone can safely make about summer storms. These storms can cause chaos, and our desire to help or at least see what's going on can put us in danger." "If everyone can follow these common sense steps, we can avoid more trouble than has already been caused by the storm," Commissioner Jim Burg said. "The main thing is to call the authorities right away and stay away from any power line that is downed." The South Dakota PUC and the Energy Safety Association have some tips to help prevent this from happening to you. • Consider any downed power line alive and dangerous, even when a utility pole has been knocked down by a storm or accident. • Never go near a downed power line. Keep others away from it. Electricity can jump several feet, so you don't have to be touching a line to receive a severe shock. • Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, so avoid it when there is a downed line in the area. • If you come upon someone who has been shocked by a live power line call 9-1-1. Don't try to help the victim or move them, because you could be shocked as well. • If you're in your car and a power line lands on it, stay in your car and avoid touching anything metal. • If the car is on fire, or you absolutely must get out, jump away from the car so you're not touching the car and the ground at the same time. • Never drive over a power line that has been downed. • If you see a downed power line, call 9-1-1 immediately, and then call your electrical provider. For more information, people are encouraged to contact the SDPUC at (800) 332-1782, or Bob Miller at the South Dakota Energy Safety Association, (605) 224-6311.

News | previous page FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 4, 2004 CONTACT: Sue Schaefer at (605) 773-3201 South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and the Energy Safety Association Proclaim June 13-19, 2004 as Energy Safety Awareness Week PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission announced today that it will be teaming with the state rural electric cooperatives, investor owned uti

A Structurally-Integrated Ice Detection and De-Icing System for Unmanned Air Vehicles Unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) are becoming more prevalent for Suborbital Scientific Earth Exploration, which often involves high altitude, long endurance flight missions. Extreme environmental conditions, especially involving sub-freezing temperatures (e.g. polar missions in support of the U.S. Global Change Research Program), can lead to the accretion of ice on control surfaces and jeopardize both the vehicle health and mission success. MesoScribe proposes the development of a structurally integrated ice detection and minimization system for implementation onto UAV platforms. The system, encompassing multifunctional detection and de-icing modules as well as power distribution arrays, will be designed and fabricated using Direct Write technology. Specifications will be identified based on the chosen system architecture for integrated switching networks, which will be required to toggle between detection and de-icing modes for power management. Prototype modules will be feasibility tested during Phase I to demonstrate concept efficacy and provide direction for development of the distributed system architecture. The proposed technology offers a variety of benefits for integration onto UAVs, including multifunctional icing detection/minimization capabilities, low-profile non-intrusive conductor networks, minimal power consumption, and ruggedized implementation. Small Business Information at Submission: MesoScribe Technologies, Inc. 7 Flowerfield, Suite 28 St. James, NY 11780-1514 Number of Employees:

A Structurally-Integrated Ice Detection and De-Icing System for Unmanned Air Vehicles Unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) are becoming more prevalent for Suborbital Scientific Earth Exploration, which often involves high altitude, long endurance flight missions. Extreme environmental conditions, especially involving sub-freezing temperatures (e.g. polar missions in support of the U.S. Global Change Resea

Hi, my name’s Sara Bellum. Welcome to my magazine series exploring the brain’s response to drugs. In this issue, we’ll investigate the fascinating facts about the drug cocaine, which is considered a stimulant. Have you eaten any chocolate or drunk any soda lately? If you have, there’s a good chance you gave your body a dose of a stimulant—caffeine, which is also in coffee. Eating or drinking a large amount of caffeine can make you feel jittery, nervous, or energetic. That’s because caffeine—like any stimulant—changes the way your brain works. But caffeine is just a mild example of a stimulant. Many other stimulant drugs are much stronger—and some are illegal and very dangerous. Cocaine is made from the leaf of the coca plant. It often comes in the form of a white powder that some people inhale through their nose. Another form of cocaine, known as crack, can be smoked.

Hi, my name’s Sara Bellum. Welcome to my magazine series exploring the brain’s response to drugs. In this issue, we’ll investigate the fascinating facts about the drug cocaine, which is considered a stimulant. Have you eaten any chocolate or drunk any soda lately? If you have, there’s a good chance you gave your body a dose of a stimulant—caffeine, which is also in coffee. Eating or drinking a lar

Soil Moisture and Drought Susan Byrne, NASA GSFC Soil moisture plays an important role in preventing or prolonging summer droughts. When the ground is wet, water evaporates as the day warms up. The warm, moist air rises until it encounters colder air high above the Earth's surface, leading to afternoon rainshowers. The water remains in the ground through the cool night, and the cycle repeats the next day. For more information, see Dry Times in North America.

Soil Moisture and Drought Susan Byrne, NASA GSFC Soil moisture plays an important role in preventing or prolonging summer droughts. When the ground is wet, water evaporates as the day warms up. The warm, moist air rises until it encounters colder air high above the Earth's surface, leading to afternoon rainshowers. The water remains in the ground through the cool night, and the cycle repeats the n

Water: Estuaries and Coastal Watersheds What You Can Do To Help Building Artificial Reef Balls Photo Credit: Nancy Laurson Here's what you can do to protect our coastal watersheds and estuaries, our priceless resources: - Conserve water in your daily life. - Install water-saving toilets and showerheads. - Replace dripping faucets and leaky pipes. - Don't be wasteful: reduce, re-use, and recycle every day. - Pick up trash, participate in trash clean-up days. - Cut up the rings of plastic six-pack holders so that aquatic life and birds cannot become entangled in them. - Don't litter - streets and storm drains empty into rivers and streams that drain into our estuaries. - Pick up your pet's waste. - Choose non-toxic products for household use. - Choose products carefully: avoid excess packaging. - Dispose of household and yard chemicals properly; follow disposal directions on their labels. - Minimize use of fertilizers and pesticides on your yard. - Water your lawn conservatively and keep grass clippings out of street gutters. - Make sure your septic system is operating properly. - Respect your sewer system - don't pour toxic wastes, chemicals, or any medications down the toilet. - Do not dump petroleum products, including oil, down storm drains; recycle used motor oil. - Remember gutters and storm drains deliver water and contaminants to streams, rivers, and eventually the ocean. - Build a rain garden in your yard or install rain barrels. - Maintain your boats, cars, and other heavy equipment to reduce oil leaks. - Keep your boat or motorized watercraft out of sensitive areas like seagrass beds. - Install and Maintain marine sanitation devices on your boat. - Use designated pumpout stations - When visiting coral reefs, do not touch living coral. - Volunteer with your local environmental organizations.

Water: Estuaries and Coastal Watersheds What You Can Do To Help Building Artificial Reef Balls Photo Credit: Nancy Laurson Here's what you can do to protect our coastal watersheds and estuaries, our priceless resources: - Conserve water in your daily life. - Install water-saving toilets and showerheads. - Replace dripping faucets and leaky pipes. - Don't be wasteful: reduce, re-use, and recycle ev

NGOs and Health Evolving concepts about health and the articulation of its links to poverty, equity and development have recently widened the range of WHO’s partners. No longer the domain of medical specialists, health work now involves politicians, economists, lawyers, communicators, social scientists and ordinary people everywhere. The involvement of civil society has profoundly affected not only the concepts underpinning public health but the formulation and implentation of public health programmes and policies as well. Nongovernmental organizations and other civil society actors have engaged with WHO to implement health programmes at country level, made outreach to remote areas and populations possible, advocated public health issues to a broad audience, addressed sensitive issues and worked in alliance with WHO to raise funds more effectively. WHO and Civil Society: Linking for Better Health Understanding Civil Society Issues for WHO Strategic alliances - The role of civil society in health

NGOs and Health Evolving concepts about health and the articulation of its links to poverty, equity and development have recently widened the range of WHO’s partners. No longer the domain of medical specialists, health work now involves politicians, economists, lawyers, communicators, social scientists and ordinary people everywhere. The involvement of civil society has profoundly affected not onl

World Health Survey Current Status of the World Health Survey Basic tabulations from each of the different modules of the World Health Survey are available. About the World Health Survey WHO developed and implemented the World Health Survey to compile comprehensive baseline information on the health of populations, and baseline evidence on the way health systems are currently functioning. Objectives of the WHS - Develop a means of providing low-cost, valid, reliable and comparable information. - Build the evidence base to monitor whether health systems are achieving the desired goals. - Provide policy-makers with the evidence they need to adjust their policies, strategies and programmes as necessary. Interaction with Countries and Health Information Systems (HIS) The WHS was developed in individual countries through consultation with policy-makers and in collaboration with the people involved in routine HIS. It was intended to be complementary to their efforts, to ensure periodic data input in a cost-effective way so that important gaps in health information are covered. It will also establish a baseline for efforts to scale-up health activities.

World Health Survey Current Status of the World Health Survey Basic tabulations from each of the different modules of the World Health Survey are available. About the World Health Survey WHO developed and implemented the World Health Survey to compile comprehensive baseline information on the health of populations, and baseline evidence on the way health systems are currently functioning. Objectiv

WHO adds four TB drugs to its list of prequalified medicines 23 March 2007 | Geneva - The World Health Organization (WHO) has today added four anti-tuberculosis medicines to its list of prequalified products. Manufactured by the generic producer MacLeods of India, these medicines will increase the choice of quality products available to procurement agencies to tackle the disease. One of the products, Cycloserine, is particularly important because it is a second-line medicine, necessary to treat tuberculosis that is resistant to standard treatment. Cycloserine is the first such product to be included in the list. There is also a fixed-dose combination – ethambutol + isoniazid – which is the first product combining these two basic medicines to be prequalified. The other two medicines are Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide. The four medicines are the first TB products in two years to be added to the list of prequalified medicines. Their addition to the list reflects considerable quality improvement made by manufacturers, and an increasing interest in being part of the prequalification programme. The addition of these four medicines will reinforce efforts to scale up access to anti-tuberculosis medicines in high-burden areas and in countries which may have only limited capacity to control and monitor pharmaceuticals. Product assessment reports on the quality and bioequivalence of these newly prequalified products and manufacturing site inspection findings will soon also be published. These procedures make the WHO prequalification process the most transparent of all similar quality assurance programmes to date. Recent figures released by WHO put the number of TB cases in 2005 at 8 787 000. An estimated 1.6 million people died of the disease in 2005, 195 000 of them people living with HIV. For more information contact: Tel.: +41 22 791 4544 Mobile: +41 79 475 5490

WHO adds four TB drugs to its list of prequalified medicines 23 March 2007 | Geneva - The World Health Organization (WHO) has today added four anti-tuberculosis medicines to its list of prequalified products. Manufactured by the generic producer MacLeods of India, these medicines will increase the choice of quality products available to procurement agencies to tackle the disease. One of the produc

The LaueView code described by Ren and Moffatt make use of a variety of numerical analysis and optimization techniques. Essentially, the problem is one of fitting a model to observed data using a least-squares measure of the goodness of fit. Major issues that arise include (i) parametrizing the model and (ii) efficient choice and implementation of an algorithm for the nonlinear least-squares problem. In this talk with describe our experience to date with the second topic. We describe a trust-region Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm that has proved to be more efficient than the previously implemented strategy, yielding speedups of between 3 and 10 on most of the data sets we tested. We will discuss how the textbook Levenberg-Marquardt implementation had to be adapted to the requirements of the problem at hand (in particular, the fact that a Jacobian matrix cannot be computed explicitly because it is simply too large.) Much of the savings came from a decoupling of the fitting function evaluation from the more expensive derivative evaluation, so that new derivatives were evaluated only after a successful step had been taken. We also discuss "details" that were significant in improving the efficiency and robustness, such as speedup of a time-critical loop involving intrinsic FORTRAN functions and the use of double precision accumulation in evaluation of the approximate Hessian. Finally, we discuss plans for testing alternative, more compact parametrizations of the model, which may improve both the efficiency, robustness, and accuracy of LaueView. Our experiences in detecting and speeding up time-critical sections of the code by using techniques from numerical analysis, and in encapsulating the complex parts of the code to make possible the use of more powerful optimization techniques, will certainly be relevant to other codes to be discussed at the meeting . (posted 21-Oct-97 jw)

The LaueView code described by Ren and Moffatt make use of a variety of numerical analysis and optimization techniques. Essentially, the problem is one of fitting a model to observed data using a least-squares measure of the goodness of fit. Major issues that arise include (i) parametrizing the model and (ii) efficient choice and implementation of an algorithm for the nonlinear least-squares probl

TO PRINT USE CTRL 'P' of electoral votes for the 1800 Presidential election, February 11, 1801 tie vote between Jefferson and Burr in the 1801 Electoral College pointed out problems with the electoral system. The framers had not anticipated such a tie nor had they considered the possibility of the election of a President or Vice President from opposing factions. In 1804 the passage of the 12th Amendment corrected these problems by providing for separate electoral college votes for President and Vice President.

TO PRINT USE CTRL 'P' of electoral votes for the 1800 Presidential election, February 11, 1801 tie vote between Jefferson and Burr in the 1801 Electoral College pointed out problems with the electoral system. The framers had not anticipated such a tie nor had they considered the possibility of the election of a President or Vice President from opposing factions. In 1804 the passage of the 12th Ame

27 August 2010 Firefighters are reminding people to close internal doors and check their smoke alarms after a fire in Astwood this morning. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to the house in Main Road at 12.33am after a dishwasher had caught fire. Fortunately the family were alerted by a working smoke alarm and managed to get out of the house safely. Watch Manager Andy Gillett, who was in charge of the incident, said: “The door to the kitchen was closed and the house had working smoke alarms fitted. “The family were woken by a smoke alarm sounding and they were able to get out of the house safely and call 999.” Crews arrived to find the kitchen heavily smoke-logged. Andy added: “Had the kitchen door not been closed and the house not been fitted with a working smoke alarm, this could have been a far more serious incident. A house fitted with working smoke detectors - and people reacting to them - gives us a much better chance of saving lives.” Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety team, said: “People sometimes remove internal doors when they are adapting or improving their homes, but we would like to discourage them from doing so. “If you have a fire and your internal doors are closed, it limits the rate at which it spreads, maximising your chances of getting out alive and giving us the best possible chance of restricting the fire to the room it started in.” “This fire also illustrates the importance of having a properly-maintained smoke alarm. Had it not been there, this could have been an even more serious incident.” "When fires break out, which is often during the night, smoke alarms provide a vital early warning sign - indeed, they are often your ONLY warning. Don't put yourself or your family at risk for the sake of a battery." Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service will carry out a free safety check of your home and fit free smoke detectors where necessary. Smoke alarms detect fires at their earliest stages and give a loud warning to help you and your family to get out safely. Ring 01296 744477 or send an email to [email protected] to book an appointment. Terry added that by following a few simple steps and maintaining a basic level of awareness, homeowners can considerably reduce the chances of a fire: - Fit smoke alarms on each level in your home. Keep them free from dust and test them once a week. Consider buying a 10-year alarm - otherwise change the batteries in your alarm every year. - Get into the habit of closing doors at night. If you want to keep a child’s bedroom door open, close the doors to the lounge and kitchen - it may well help save their life if there is a fire. - Make a fire action plan so that everyone in your home knows how to escape if there is a fire. - Keep the exits from your home clear so that people can escape if there is a fire. Make sure that everyone in your home can easily find the keys for doors and windows. - Take extra care in the kitchen – accidents while cooking account for over half of fires in homes. Never leave young children alone in the kitchen. - Take extra care when cooking with hot oil. If you don’t already have one, consider buying a deep-fat fryer controlled by a thermostat. - Never leave lit candles in rooms that nobody is in or in rooms where children are on their own. Make sure candles are in secure holders on a surface that doesn’t burn and are away from any materials that could burn. - Make sure cigarettes are stubbed out properly and are disposed of carefully, and never smoke in bed. - Don’t overload electrical sockets. Remember, one plug for one socket. - Keep matches and lighters where children can’t see or reach them. - Take special care when you’re tired or when you've been drinking. - Don’t leave the TV or other electrical appliances on standby as this could cause a fire. Always switch it off and unplug when it’s not in use. - Don’t leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out. They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors.

27 August 2010 Firefighters are reminding people to close internal doors and check their smoke alarms after a fire in Astwood this morning. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to the house in Main Road at 12.33am after a dishwasher had caught fire. Fortunately the family were alerted by a working smoke alarm and managed to get out of the house safely. Watch Manager Andy Gillett, who w

Used Oil and HHW Grant Program Develop a Program CalRecycle has compiled the following materials and tools for planning, implementing, and evaluating used oil and household hazardous waste programs. The information is intended to complement the guidance and support provided by CalRecycle grant managers. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact your grant manager. - Grants Administration - Program Planning and Evaluation - Tools for Your Outreach Campaign - Partnering With Certified Collection Centers - Targeted Sector Programs - Conferences and Training - Used Oil Publications - HHW Publications - Grant Manager Assignments. CalRecycle staff assigned to assist used oil and household hazardous waste grantees, by county. - Grant-Related Forms Program Planning and Evaluation Community-Based Social Marketing Pilot to Increase Do-It-Yourself Oil Recycling Rates. Summarizes the findings of pilot studies in Los Angeles, Napa, and Madera Counties to determine the effectiveness of Community Based Social Marketing in increasing used oil and filter recycling among Californians who change their own motor oil, Do-It-Yourselfers (DIYers). Published by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). Used Oil Recycling Program Self Evaluation and Program Gap Identification. This online evaluation tool will help you increase used oil collection by determining which program components to emphasize and how to work within a limited budget. Grant Management Success. A manual for evaluating your used oil recycling program, which you can download from our publications catalog. Changing Behavior--Insights and Applications (MS Word, 87 KB | Adobe PDF, 1.3 MB). A project team at the local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County, Washington, spent several months in 1995 reading behavior change literature from energy conservation, recycling, health education and other fields, looking for insights. This paper, revised in 2001, describes their findings. Demographics information enables program managers to more effectively determine need for services based on characteristics such as language, age, income level, vehicle ownership, residence type, etc. In addition, the characteristics of a community determine the type of outreach that may be most effective, e.g. large populations of Spanish speakers may lead to bilingual outreach materials or large numbers of senior citizens may indicate the use of large font materials. - Demographic Profiles. Data provided by the United States Census Bureau. - California Demographics. The official demographic data for State planning, budgeting and evaluation, provided by the Demographic Research Unit of the Department of Finance. - County Vehicle Registrations (Adobe PDF, 2.9 MB). Provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles. - CalRecycle Research. CalRecycle conducted two studies to understand the used oil recycling behavior of California at-home/do-it-yourself and "shade tree" mechanics. The following publications are available: These reports may be used by grantees, along with other measurement and tracking devices, to evaluate their programs' performance. - Used Oil Collected Per Capita From Do-It-Yourselfers, FY 2003-2004 (Adobe PDF, 29 KB). This report provides statewide do-it-yourselfer (DIYer) or at-home mechanic oil collection for the most recent year in which completed data is available. This data has been compiled from the annual reports sent in by all grantees. Data listed for each grantee includes total DIYer oil gallons collected, per capita collection, per DIYer household collection, and Block Grant cost per gallon of DIYer oil collection. DIYer oil filter collection information is also provided - Used Oil Collected via Certified Claims. This report shows the amount of used oil claimed within the most recent calendar year by each certified collection center within each city or county or for several cities or counties. It can be used by grantees to complete their annual report. - Used Oil Collected Per Capita From Do-It-Yourselfers, FY 2002-2003 (Adobe PDF, 25 KB). This report shows per capita oil collection per block grantee. It is compiled from grantees' annual reports. - CCC Status Report. This report provides the most recent changes made to the used oil certified collection centers by city or county. There are two report options available: Upcoming Expirations Report and the CCC Status Update Report. Partnering With Certified Collection Centers - Certified Center Site Visit Checklist and Instructions (single and multiple site) - Certified Used Oil Collection Reports - Signage for Certified Collection Centers - Used Oil Collection Centers and Orphan Oil Best Management Practices (Adobe PDF, 49 KB) See also the Certified Center Operator home page, which includes information and materials developed for certified center operators. Targeted Sector Programs Any activity that generates used oil may require an organized recycling effort consisting of establishing collection locations and performing outreach. In addition to at-home-mechanics, targeted sector programs may include marinas, airports, agricultural areas, and small businesses such as the conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQG). - Agricultural Program - Marina Programs - Small Business (Small Quantity Generators) California Stormwater Best Management Practices Handbook. Helpful information regarding your stormwater program, including drain insert limitations and guidelines, is provided by the California Stormwater Quality Association. - Used Oil Filters Earth Resources—A Case Study: Oil. (Grades 6-12). CalRecycle partnered with the California Scope, Sequence and Coordination Project (SS&C)/K-12 Alliance and the California Department of Education to develop this 9- to 12-week curriculum based on the State Science Framework and National Science Education Standards. The goal of the project is to engage students in understanding life, earth, and environmental science, while maximizing their scientific processes and developing their strategies for responsible action and community outreach. Used Oil Grants, http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/UsedOil/Grants/default.htm Contact: [email protected] (916) 341-5062

Used Oil and HHW Grant Program Develop a Program CalRecycle has compiled the following materials and tools for planning, implementing, and evaluating used oil and household hazardous waste programs. The information is intended to complement the guidance and support provided by CalRecycle grant managers. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact your grant manager. - Grant

Micro-UAVs Possible in Near Future By Dale Kuska Special to American Forces Press Service MONTEREY, Calif., Jan. 7, 1998 A Navy SEAL creeps silently through dense bushes, and approaches a structure with American citizens held captive inside. He needs to see inside the building to find how many hostages there are and exactly where they're located, but he cannot simply walk up to the building. He reaches into his belt and opens a small canister to release a micro-unmanned aerial vehicle -- a two-inch rotary aircraft that can fly quickly into the building to collect data and assess the situation. Sounds futuristic, but vehicles like this are approaching reality, and at the Naval Postgraduate School, here, a two-man team is working to bring such vehicles to life. "Our particular vehicle is remotely-piloted, meaning there will be someone on the ground providing the control, like a remote-controlled car. There would be a camera inside to provide real-time video information, which gives the operator the ability to see where he's flying," said electrical and computer engineering Professor David Jenn, who's been working on the project with doctorate student Bob Vitale. Surveillance during hostage situations is just one use for a micro-unmanned aerial vehicle. It could also inspect hazardous areas, such as an area contaminated by a chemical attack, or other instances when sending humans would be too risky. Plus, its small size gives other advantages. "It would be portable, so it can be carried on a SEAL's belt, for example, and, when he needs it, he can simply open the canister and flies it off," Jenn said. "These things are very small, they're covert, they are very difficult to see, and even if you do see them, they're very difficult to shoot down." The primary focus of Jenn's research is to find an innovative power source for such a small aircraft. "If you use a battery, it's too heavy," he said. "Besides, batteries will not provide a lot of power for a long duration of time. (In our research) we're using an off board source of energy. An antennae would track the vehicle and provide a microwave beam to provide energy to the vehicle. The vehicle receives it, rectifies it, then uses that energy to power the motor. "One of the biggest advantages of using microwave power is that you can make these UAVs smaller and smaller. With a battery, if you continue making it smaller, you lose power," Jenn explained. Jenn and Vitale's approach for obtaining power is ground-breaking. "We've never seen anyone transfer power in this way before. In the past, people have used a microwave dish antennae with a large, flat panel suspended over it to gather energy. With a micro-UAV flying, this panel wouldn't work, because once the UAV flew off to the side, it wouldn't be able to receive energy and therefore would fall to the ground. The antennae we're working on is multi-directional, so it can continue to send energy no matter where the micro-UAV is," said Vitale. "We've also been able to use the body of the aircraft as an antennae." Jenn and Vitale's goal is to fit required sensors into a small, graphite canister weighing no more than a piece of paper, so these micro-unmanned aerial vehicles must do more than maximize use of space. "The types of sensors DoD would like to see in here are a video camera, radiation sensors, chemical sensors, and maybe even [Global Positioning System]," Jenn said. "There's also talk of using these as communication relays. All this equipment can be packaged together, but it's the weight that creates a problem." Even with weight as an issue, these tiny vehicles are making progress. "We've already demonstrated we can transfer power with microwaves. We've performed tests on the safety issues of microwaves, and we've shown that having multiple ground stations [sending microwaves] is the best possible method, said Jenn. "Now we plan to show how we can power these UAVs using radar systems -- systems the Navy already has." (Kuska is a writer at the Naval Postgraduate School.)

Micro-UAVs Possible in Near Future By Dale Kuska Special to American Forces Press Service MONTEREY, Calif., Jan. 7, 1998 A Navy SEAL creeps silently through dense bushes, and approaches a structure with American citizens held captive inside. He needs to see inside the building to find how many hostages there are and exactly where they're located, but he cannot simply walk up to the building. He re

The Department of Defense announced changes today to improve the enlistment screening process by standardizing enlistment criteria and generating uniform reporting of waiver types across all services. This week DoD and the nation celebrated the 35th Anniversary of the All Volunteer Force (AVF). Since its inception, our volunteer military has upheld the traditions of strong and selfless service to the nation. Presently, more than 1.4 million men and women choose to serve on active duty, along with nearly 1.1 million members of the National Guard and Reserves. “Waivers have long been a part of the enlistment process, allowing communities a greater voice in identifying young persons who, despite factors such as youthful misconduct, are judged trustworthy and capable, and found fully qualified for service in the armed forces,” said Bill Carr, deputy under secretary for military personnel policy. The most noticeable change to the policy is in the area of conduct waivers. Previously, each service categorized offenses differently, making it impossible to provide reliable comparisons across services, over time. “Under the new policy all conduct offenses will be classified into one of four different categories. The most severe offenses will be classified as “major misconduct,” while less severe offenses will be considered “misconduct,” “non-traffic,” or “traffic” offenses. Also new is a coding system allowing services to track the level of the misconduct and the specific offense in question,” said Carr. Recent research suggests patterns of smaller offenses such as underage drinking and curfew violations are often more problematic over a career than a single major youthful offense such as burglary, which is the most common offense in the “major misconduct” category. About one in five recruits receives exceptional admission to the military by means of a waiver. About one third are for medical waivers– most frequently for high body fat – and nearly two thirds involve youthful misconduct waivers. The standardization of data will allow the department to better analyze the relationship between offenses or categories of offense on the one hand, and attrition or performance concerns on the other. This new policy, will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2008, does not prohibit further changes in the management of the military’s screening for service in the armed forces, but it does represent another affirmative step in sustaining the pattern of success that has come to characterize AVF. Today’s AVF is highly educated with nearly 95 percent of recruits holding a high school diploma, compared to about 75 percent of contemporary youth. Moreover, two thirds are drawn from the top half of American youth in math and verbal aptitude.

The Department of Defense announced changes today to improve the enlistment screening process by standardizing enlistment criteria and generating uniform reporting of waiver types across all services. This week DoD and the nation celebrated the 35th Anniversary of the All Volunteer Force (AVF). Since its inception, our volunteer military has upheld the traditions of strong and selfless service to

In an continuing effort to help address important questions regarding Gulf War health issues, the Departments of Defense and Veteran Affairs have authored an editorial accompanying a review article on Gulf War veteran's illnesses by Dr. Jeffery Sartin, which appears in this month's peer-reviewed medical journal, "Mayo Clinic Proceedings." The editorial affirms that much has been and is being learned about the health status of Gulf War Veterans. It notes that the U.S. government for fiscal 1994-1999 has committed more than $160 million to support more than 150 clinical, basic science, and other research projects to further understanding of the causes related to illnesses among Gulf War veterans, popularly known as "Gulf War Syndrome." The article states that research investigations have already answered some critical questions. Examinations of more than 100,000 Gulf War veterans have identified a broad diversity of common health problems. Moreover, mortality studies of Gulf War veterans have not shown a higher rate of deaths due to disease; and studies of hospitalization records have not found an overall increase in birth defects among their children since the war. The editorial observes that in some studies, however, varied populations of Gulf War veterans have reported higher rates of numerous symptoms and illnesses. But analysis of hospital records reveals no general increase in hospitalization among Gulf War veterans during the first few years after the war. On the 10th anniversary of the Gulf War deployment, it is becoming clear that no single solution for the health questions that have arisen since this war will be found. As the large pieces of the medical puzzle are put together, lessons can be drawn to provide better health care for Gulf War veterans, and to protect military troops in future deployments. Homepage for the journal is at http://www.mayo.edu/proceedings/ . Full text of the copyrighted article can be viewed at http://www.mayo.edu/proceedings/2000/aug/7508e1.pdf .

In an continuing effort to help address important questions regarding Gulf War health issues, the Departments of Defense and Veteran Affairs have authored an editorial accompanying a review article on Gulf War veteran's illnesses by Dr. Jeffery Sartin, which appears in this month's peer-reviewed medical journal, "Mayo Clinic Proceedings." The editorial affirms that much has been and is being learn

Alliance and Traditional Contracting Alliance contractingAlliancing is a method of procuring, and sometime managing, major capital assets. Under an alliance contract, a state agency (the 'owner') works collaboratively with private sector parties ('non-owner participants') to deliver the project. Alliance contracting is characterised by a number of key features, which generally require the parties to work together in good faith, act with integrity and make best-for-project decisions. The alliance participants work as an integrated, collaborative team to deal with key project delivery matters. Under alliance contracts, risks of project delivery are often jointly managed by the parties. When to use alliance contractingAn agency’s decision to use alliance contracting to deliver a project requires a strategic procurement analysis to be undertaken, and a good understanding of the delivery method that is most likely to best deliver value for money against business case objectives. For example, the agency will need to consider the specific project characteristics, costs, risks and market conditions. Normally, alliancing is used to deliver the larger, more complex and high-risk infrastructure projects (with capital costs exceeding $50 million) and where the owner has particular capability to contribute its skills and expertise to deliver the project. Projects suitable for delivery as alliances are generally characterised by one or more of the following factors: - The project has risks that cannot be adequately defined or measured in the business case or prior to tendering. - The cost of transferring risks is prohibitive. - The project needs to start as early as possible before the risks can be fully identified and/or project scope can be finalised, and the owner is prepared to take the commercial risk of a sub-optimal price outcome. - The owner has superior knowledge, skills, preference and capacity to influence or participate in the development and delivery of the project, including for example, in the development of the design solution and construction method. - A collective approach to assessing and managing risk will produce a better outcome, for example where the preservation of safety to the public / project is best served through the collaborative process of an alliance. Alliance policy and guidance material The policy and guidance material are aimed at departments and agencies undertaking alliancing contracts, but may also be of interest to others in the alliancing industry and general community. The Victorian Government policy, which applies to all departments and agencies planning and progressing alliance contracting, has now been published as the National Alliance Contracting: Policy Principles (July 2011). This document can be found on the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Transport website This Commonwealth website also provides a number guidance documents. Guide to alliance contracting The guide has been prepared to provide consistent guidance on alliance contracting to departments and agencies that develop and own infrastructure projects. It sets out current leading practices for delivering infrastructure projects using alliance contracting. The National alliance contracting: Policy principles set out the minimum requirements for alliance contracting and the guide provides benchmark practices that will ensure that owners satisfy the principles set out in the policy. Guidance notes are provided on various special interest topics to assist departments and agencies in planning and reporting on their alliancing contracts. The following guidance notes have been published on the Commonwealth website: - Guidance note 1: Language in alliance contracting - Guidance note 2: Insurance in alliance contracting - Guidance note 3: Key risk areas and trade offs - Guidance note 4: Reporting VFM Outcomes - Guidance note 5: Developing the TOC in Alliance Contracting The templates have been developed to be consistent with the National alliance contracting: Policy principles and the guidance material. They draw on leading practices from Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. They reflect the best practice from each state jurisdiction rather than replicate practice from any one jurisdiction. It is intended that the documents will provide project owners with a template which can then be tailored to reflect the nature and requirements of the specific project. The following templates have been published on the Commonwealth website: - Template no 1: Project alliance agreement - Template no 2: Alliance development agreement - Template no 3: Expression of interest - Template no 4: Request for proposal DTF advises agencies undertaking project alliance contracting to exercise caution if referring to the Alliancing Association of Australasia's Reference Project Alliance Agreement. Caution is required as a number of clauses in this agreement do not reflect the policy positions approved by the Victorian Government. The Treasuries of Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria collaborated and sponsored this national benchmarking study that investigated the value for money (VFM) proposition provided to government through alliancing, and how VFM can be enhanced in the alliance delivery method. Evans & Peck and Melbourne University conducted the study. In pursuit of additional value - A benchmarking study into alliancing in the Australian public sector (4,457kb PDF) A presentation of the benchmarking study report was first made at the Alliancing Association of Australasia's (AAA) 2009 convention in Melbourne on 22 October 2009. It provides a useful high level summary. AAA national conference 2009 benchmarking report presentation (955kb PDF) Collaboration in contracting models During 2011, Department of Treasury and Finance was engaged by the Commonwealth Department of Industry and Transport (DoIT) to undertake an extensive national research project on the Design & Construct (D&C) tender strategies used in infrastructure projects and on related issues. As part of the research effort, over 50 meetings were held with senior practitioners in the delivery of infrastructure and building projects. These individuals came from various sections of the infrastructure industry, including construction, engineering design and legal firms, public sector agencies and a few companies in the mining and process engineering sectors. Central government departments that are involved in developing state and national level policies and guidelines for public sector practices were also consulted. These meetings were also supplemented by five group sessions with key industry players that workshopped some of the key issues facing traditional procurement. The results of this research was reported in two publications: Towards Agreed Expectations - Tender strategies to improve design and construct infrastructure delivery outcomes (3 MB PDF) - Towards Agreed Expectations: Tender strategies to improve D&C infrastructure outcomes - Consultation paper: Developing a national approach: Traditional contracting of infrastructure projects The investigation found three key challenges that must be satisfactorily addressed to deliver an optimal project outcome for both the client and the tenderer. These were: - people capability: always necessary to achieve optimal outcomes; - foundation success factors: these are matters that we should aim to get right every time, including such matters as quality tender documentation supporting the client’s requirements, project definition, the tender selection criteria and its application during evaluations, adequate timelines, enabling probity etc (see table 3, chapter 4 of Towards Agreed Expectations); and - effective collaboration: to enable a full and mature understanding of the client’s 'request for tender' and the contractor’s 'tender response. There was a common view that the presence effective collaboration in the tendering process, irrespective of the contracting model used, would be of substantial benefit to all contracting parties. In conducting this investigation, a number of opportunities were identified where further work would be of benefit, and which will promote improvements in the productivity of infrastructure delivery through traditional contracting. These opportunities were the subject of the consultation paper released by DoIT in February 2012. Submissions closed in April 2012. The consultation paper outcomes resulted in the development of the National framework for traditional contracting of infrastructure. Traditional contracting of infrastructure The National framework for traditional contracting of infrastructure has been initiated to document best practice to promote productivity improvements in the planning and contracting phase of major projects. In the context of the framework, traditional contracting refers to those contracts that to varying degrees allocate construction and design risk to the suppliers (but are not alliances or PPPs). The two primary categories of traditional contracting are: - Construct only (CO): the design has been undertaken by the client, and the supplier is responsible for constructing the works to the client’s design; and - Design and construct (D&C): generally a limited design has been undertaken by the client who then invites potential suppliers to tender on the basis of completing the client’s design and constructing to that design. The research undertaken in 2011 and 2012 resulting in Towards agreed expectations, and the subsequent outcomes of the Consultation Paper, supported the development of a framework with this focus: - The guide (Good practice and commercial principles); - Topic specific guide 1: Project definition and tendering; - Topic specific guide 2: Developing the project budget in business cases; - Topic specific guide 3: Governance and contract management; - Topic specific guide 4: Performance and continuous improvement. This is a best practices framework, providing a resource that individual jurisdictions can use to inform their own policy and guideline development for traditional contracting of infrastructure. (The framework does not address building projects). The documentation makes explicit statements that where there is a conflict in the guidance of this framework and jurisdictional policies and guidelines, the jurisdiction’s position will take precedence. The exposure drafts of these documents are now available for consideration and comment. Closing date for comments is 28 June 2013. The guide: Good practice and commercial principles - Exposure draft (838 KB PDF) Topic specific guide 1: Project definition and tendering - Exposure draft (1 MB PDF) Topic specific guide 2: Developing the project budget in business cases - Exposure draft (1015 KB PDF) Topic specific guide 3: Governance and contract management - Exposure draft (639 KB PDF) Topic specific guide 4: Performance and continuous improvement - Exposure draft (651 KB PDF) Once the documentation is finalised, by end September 2013, it will form part of the Commonwealth's Better Practice Framework. The Inter-Jurisdictional Alliancing Steering Committee To effectively address the emerging opportunities and issues in alliance contracting, a collaborative inter-jurisdictional approach is being undertaken. The Inter-Jurisdictional Alliancing Steering Committee was established in 2009 to pursue a number of joint initiatives, including the development of the policies, guidance material, templates and training programs. The Committee has representatives from the Treasury departments of Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria (the Chair) and the Australian Government (Department of Infrastructure and Transport). In association with Melbourne University, the Inter-Jurisdictional Alliancing Steering Committee has developed and supports a five day executive program on alliance contracting and the application of the National policy and guidelines. The Commonwealth website will provide details of the next course to be offered. Additional resources being developed This page and the Commonwealth website will be progressively updated and expanded as the Inter-Jurisdictional Alliancing Steering Committee works together with agencies and industry to identify and develop further initiatives. Infrastructure Alliance and Contracting team Department of Treasury and Finance 1 Treasury Place Melbourne VIC 3002 03 9651 5111

Alliance and Traditional Contracting Alliance contractingAlliancing is a method of procuring, and sometime managing, major capital assets. Under an alliance contract, a state agency (the 'owner') works collaboratively with private sector parties ('non-owner participants') to deliver the project. Alliance contracting is characterised by a number of key features, which generally require the parties

PHOENIX - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Commission or EEOC) announced today that is has resolved a disability discrimination lawsuit against aerospace giant Honeywell for $100,000 for a single charging party, as well as significant injunctive and remedial relief. The EEOC alleged that Honeywell, a large aerospace and systems control company employing over 100,000 people, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) when it engaged in a pattern of discrimination against Sherry Layne, a disability-rights activist who is hearing and visually impaired. According to the litigation, Honeywell discriminated against Ms. Layne by withdrawing an accommodation for her disability, involuntarily transferring her, failing to accommodate her disability, and discriminating against her because she sought an accommodation of her disability. In addition to paying Ms. Layne $100,000, Honeywell also agreed to the entry of a Consent Decree under which it is enjoined from engaging in any employment practice that discriminates on the basis of disability at its Union Hills, Arizona, facility including failing to engage in good faith to accommodate an employee's disability. Honeywell is also enjoined from retaliating against any employee who seeks to exercise his/her rights under the ADA. Additionally, Honeywell agreed to other curative relief including providing training at its Union Hills facility for employees involved in the decision making process for providing accommodations to employees with disabilities. The EEOC's suit was filed in federal district court in Phoenix (EEOC and Sherry Layne v. Honeywell, CIV 97 2006 PHX SMM). Federal District Judge Stephen McNamee signed and entered the Consent Decree on November 20, 2002. "This case is a testament to the determination of the EEOC and Ms. Layne to ensure no other Honeywell employee will be discriminated against by the company if she or he needs an accommodation in order to continue to work," said EEOC's Phoenix Regional Attorney Mary O'Neill, who oversaw the litigation. Charles Burtner, EEOC's Phoenix District Director, said: "Congress enacted the ADA to remove the barriers that kept the disabled out of the workforce. Employers need to acknowledge that disabled employees want to and can be productive members of the workforce. Under the law, employers have a legal obligation to accommodate qualified employees with disabilities." Ms. Layne previously advocated for the rights of the disabled when, in 1999, America West Airlines refused to permit her seeing-eye dog to sit with her in the first class compartment because of another passenger's objections. A complaint filed on her behalf by the Department of Transportation resulted in a heightened awareness of the airlines and the public that other passenger's stereotypes may not limit a disabled passenger's rights. Once again, Ms. Layne advocated for the rights of the disabled by joining the EEOC lawsuit as a private plaintiff. The EEOC filed suit only after exhausting its conciliation efforts to reach a voluntary pre- litigation settlement. In addition to enforcing the ADA, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, the EEOC also enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, or national origin, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which prohibits discrimination against individuals 40 years of age or older, and the Equal Pay Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, American with Disabilities Act , and the Rehabilitation Act's prohibitions against disability discrimination in the federal government. This page was last modified on November 21, 2002. Return to Home Page

PHOENIX - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Commission or EEOC) announced today that is has resolved a disability discrimination lawsuit against aerospace giant Honeywell for $100,000 for a single charging party, as well as significant injunctive and remedial relief. The EEOC alleged that Honeywell, a large aerospace and systems control company employing over 100,000 people, violat

U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis Today in Energy Fewer Northeast homeowners are choosing to lock in their heating oil prices this winter compared to previous years. About one-third of Northeast homeowners had heating oil supply contracts during the few years before the run-up in oil prices in 2008. Nearly half of homeowners then sought supply contracts during 2008 to protect against high fuel prices feared at the time. After petroleum prices collapsed during the second half of 2008, so did the percentage of homeowners with supply contracts the following two winters, with estimated participation sinking to about 25% in both 2009 and 2010. For this winter the number is expected to be even lower. About 80% of U.S. households that use heating oil are located in the Northeast. The retail price for home heating oil in that area averaged $3.82 per gallon by the middle of October (the month that marks the start of the U.S. winter heating season in many areas where heating oil is used). This is up 27% from $3.00 per gallon a year earlier, according to EIA. EIA's Short-Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook expects the U.S. home heating oil price will average $3.71 per gallon for the season, up from $3.38 per gallon last winter. Consumers can enter into a fixed-price or a price-cap contract with marketers and suppliers (dealers) to protect their budgets from being hit with high heating oil bills. A fixed-price contract allows a homeowner to pay the same price for heating oil throughout the winter, which is helpful when heating fuel costs rise, but a money-losing deal when prices fall below the locked-in price. With a price-cap contract, a limit is set on the maximum amount consumers will pay for heating oil no matter how high the price goes, but they will pay less when the price falls. Consumers have to pay an extra fee of 25 to 40 cents for each gallon of heating fuel to get flexible prices with a price-cap contract. The number of homeowners who have entered into supply contracts is smaller than normal and may be at the lowest level in at least five years, according to heating oil associations representing dealers in several Northeast states.

U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis Today in Energy Fewer Northeast homeowners are choosing to lock in their heating oil prices this winter compared to previous years. About one-third of Northeast homeowners had heating oil supply contracts during the few years before the run-up in oil prices in 2008. Nearly half of homeowners then sought supply contr

Everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat, to the water we swim in, the houses we live in and places we work in and the land we build on....all of these things affect our well being. This is why environmental health is so high on the political agenda. On this page you will find information about environmental health and relevant qualifications, together with details of courses available in the East Midlands. For more details about environmental health in the East Midlands contact: Moira Hunt, Tel: 01664 502636, [email protected] Chartered Institute of Environmental Health The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is the professional voice for environmental health. It ensures the highest standards of professional competence in its members in the belief that through environmental health action people's health can be improved. The CIEH represents over 10,000 members working in the public, private and non profit sectors. To find out more about CIEH, visit the website: www.cieh.org/ Courses in the East Midlands In the East Midlands you can study CIEH accredited courses, details are below; MSc Environmental Health University of Derby - 01332 590 500 Professional Diploma (Higher Certificate) in Food Premises Inspection Nottingham Trent University - 0115 941 8418 For more details about the course contact Christine Walker at Nottingham Trent University on 01636 817029. Email [email protected]

Everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat, to the water we swim in, the houses we live in and places we work in and the land we build on....all of these things affect our well being. This is why environmental health is so high on the political agenda. On this page you will find information about environmental health and relevant qualifications, together with details of courses availabl

Prepared by Martin Schulz and Linda F. Lumsden Department of the Environment and Heritage, 2004 ISBN 0 642 55012 3 Part C: Known and potential threats It is currently not known what has caused the recent decline of Christmas Island Pipistrelle. However, factors that may be influential and hence warrant investigation are listed below. It is likely that the decline of the species is the result of a combination of factors, and as the information available on species' biology and conservation ecology is limited, it is possible that other hitherto unidentified threatening processes may be of additional importance. The Christmas Island Pipistrelle is a rainforest-dependent species that requires primary rainforest for roosting sites. The extensive clearfelling of primary rainforest for phosphate mining has reduced the roosting habitat available for the species compared to that available at the time of settlement. While opening up parts of the rainforest may have increased the area available as foraging habitat, roosting habitat is generally more restricted and limiting than foraging habitat for insectivorous bats. Hence it is expected that a population decline was experienced by the species in the years of intensive clearing for phosphate mining. Habitat loss is not considered to be the cause of the recent decline in distribution and abundance as clearing of primary rainforest had not occurred during most of the time between the study of Tidemann (1985) and Lumsden et al. (1999) (clearing of primary rainforest ceased in 1987). However any additional loss of habitat may compound the other factors that are impacting on the species and are likely to be more influential now that the species has been reduced to lower population size and is in decline. The proposed removal of phosphate stockpiles within the Christmas Island National Park may adversely affect foraging and commuting habitat, and possibly roosting habitat. Proposals currently under consideration to clear primary rainforest on vacant crown land may provide additional pressure on remaining Christmas Island Pipistrelle populations and/or reduce suitable habitat available for the long-term recovery of the species. These proposals include phosphate mining at sites in the eastern section of the island, and activities associated with developments such as the siting of a mobile phone tower on Limestone Hill, South Point; the Christmas Island airport upgrade; and Linkwater Road re-alignment north of the Christmas Island Resort area. Small numbers of pipistrelles have been sighted recently at Limestone Hill and in the proposed southern extension of the airport (Bamford & Bamford 2002; M. Bamford, pers. comm.). - Yellow Crazy Ant Anoplolepis gracilipes - Prey availability - Habitat alteration - Climatic conditions - Vehicle-related mortality - Decreasing population size The Yellow Crazy Ant is a tramp species that has been recognised as among the top 100 of the "world's worst" invaders by the IUCN and the Global Invasive Species Database (O'Dowd 2002). It is currently under nomination for listing as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act and has been recognised as a key threat to biodiversity on Christmas Island (Commonwealth of Australia 2002). Due to its generalised biology it can be readily translocated in packaging material, timber, plants and soil, and continues to spread around the globe (O'Dowd 2002). It was accidentally introduced to the island some time between 1915 and 1934 (O'Dowd et al. 1999). These ants form multi-queened supercolonies, and dramatic increases in supercolony formation began in the mid to late 1990s at several widespread locations. The effect of the supercolonies is that the Yellow Crazy Ant may become the numerically dominant consumer on both the forest floor and in the canopy (O'Dowd et al. 1999, O'Dowd et al. 2003). Supercolonies range in size from several hectares to several hundred hectares, and at the height of their infestation occupied 25% of the total rainforest area on Christmas Island. It is currently not known what impact the Yellow Crazy Ant has on the Christmas Island Pipistrelle. However, evidence indicates that the continuing spread of the ant would have deleterious consequences for the long-term viability of the species. The Yellow Crazy Ant has been recorded preying on mammals elsewhere, such as newborn pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits and rats (e.g. Lewis et al. 1976, Haines et al. 1994). The Christmas Island Pipistrelle is known to be attacked and killed by the ant: one individual captured in a harp trap set on the Martin Point Track died as a result of Yellow Crazy Ant attack in 1998 (Lumsden et al. 1999). Bats contacted by Yellow Crazy Ants that are not killed directly are likely to suffer reduced fitness due to exposure from sprayed formic acid leading to blindness and physiological stress (O'Dowd et al. 1999). The 1998 study of the Christmas Island Pipistrelle by Lumsden et al. (1999) was undertaken at the time that supercolonies were beginning to form on the island and the potential problem they may cause was just starting to be recognised. Some of the locations that indicated a reduction in Christmas Island Pipistrelle abundance between 1994 and 1998 were in areas where supercolonies had started to form (e.g. Field 22S and The Dales; Lumsden & Cherry 1997, Lumsden et al. 1999). However, in the 1998 study, foraging and commuting activity was recorded in some areas that supported Yellow Crazy Ant supercolonies (e.g. Martin Point Track where the supercolony formed in 1997). Many sites that revealed a reduction in pipistrelle activity levels between 1994 and 1998 were in areas unaffected by Yellow Crazy Ant supercolonies. Therefore it cannot be concluded that the observed activity reductions in some sites were as a result of the Yellow Crazy Ant. However, since that time 14 of the 15 sites with high or moderate levels of pipistrelle activity were invaded by, or were within the bat's foraging range of, ant supercolonies (Appendix One). All the roosts located in 1998 were in areas that were devoid of supercolonies at the time. The majority of roosts were situated under exfoliating bark, strangler figs or in hollows on the main trunks of rainforest canopy trees (e.g. Figures 7-10). These roost locations are directly in the path of foraging columns of ants travelling from nests on the ground to the canopy where they forage (O'Dowd et al. 1999). Consequently, such roost sites are likely to be readily accessed and investigated by Yellow Crazy Ants. In supercolonies the density of ants has been recorded at about five ants per 100 cm2 of tree bole at breast height (D. O'Dowd, pers. comm.). Some roost sites may also be potentially usurped by ants nesting in canopy or mid-strata tree hollows. It is likely that in areas infested by Yellow Crazy Ant, the Christmas Island Pipistrelle would be forced to select alternative roosts, where available. Such roosts may not provide appropriate structural characteristics to afford shelter from adverse weather conditions or predators, or provide the appropriate thermal microclimate. No maternity sites have been located but these roosts may be situated in the hollows of rainforest canopy trees. Similarly, these sites would also be susceptible to infestation and potential predation. Given the small size of the pipistrelle (adults weigh 3-4.5 g, with new-born young likely to weigh approximately 1 g) maternity sites located within supercolony areas, and in particular the non-volant young, must be considered at risk. The Yellow Crazy Ant has a generalist diet foraging on seeds, a variety of leaf litter and arboreal invertebrates, crustacea including land crabs, reptiles, birds and mammals, throughout the day and night (e.g. O'Dowd et al. 1999, O'Dowd 2002). The maintenance of Yellow Crazy Ant supercolonies results in intense localised predation pressures resulting in the alteration of invertebrate diversity and abundance throughout all strata of the rainforest. For example, in affected areas compared to forests with no Yellow Crazy Ant supercolonies, Davis et al. (2002) recorded lower densities of litter-dwelling invertebrates, and G. Richards (pers. comm.) observed markedly less stridulating katydids in the rainforest canopy. Such predation pressures on invertebrates are likely to influence prey availability of the Christmas Island Pipistrelle, and require investigation. Reduction in flying insect numbers may result in reduced breeding success and a reduction in bat population size. Yellow Crazy Ant infestations also lead to tree dieback with some rainforest canopy tree species more affected than others (e.g. Inocarpus fagifer), thereby potentially resulting in the alteration of the species composition of the primary rainforest (O'Dowd et al. 2001, 2003). Additionally, alteration in various invertebrate and seed-dispersing terrestrial bird populations may influence floristic composition of affected rainforest areas (Davis et al. 2002). Changes in rainforest species composition may have long-term effects on the Christmas Island Pipistrelle in terms of the availability of suitable roosts and maternity sites. For example, some canopy trees are more prone to hollow and exfoliating bark formation than others. The Yellow Crazy Ant has the potential to alter the whole ecology of the island due to its generalised foraging and nesting habits in both disturbed and undisturbed habitats. For example, an estimated 15 to 20 million Red Crabs Gecarcoidea natalis have been killed since 1989, resulting in dramatically altered plant community dynamics (O'Dowd & Lake 1989, 1990, 1991; Green et al. 1997). The Red Crab has been described as a keystone species influencing the ecology of the rainforest on Christmas Island at a landscape level (Lake & O'Dowd 1991). The removal of the Red Crab results in increased seedling production, increased forest leaf litter accumulation, and an increase in understorey growth thereby altering the structure of the rainforest. Alteration in forest structure may significantly influence within-rainforest foraging habitat. The increased density of the understorey layer may exclude access to potential roosts in the lower forest strata. Evidence indicates that the Christmas Island Pipistrelle forages in canopy breaks including those along ecotones and caused by treefalls, and less frequently within the canopy in open situations with little mid-storey (Lumsden et al. 1999). A denser mid-canopy structure would restrict within-canopy foraging. A priority conservation management objective of the Crazy Ant Steering Committee and Parks Australia North was to control Yellow Crazy Ant supercolonies using ant baits. An aerial baiting program has resulted in the destruction of supercolonies at all sites baited (Green 2002; Kemp 2003; M. Jeffery, Parks Australia North, pers. comm.). Follow-up ground surveys and baiting are at present being conducted in areas that previously did not support supercolonies and were therefore not targeted by aerial baiting. The impact of anticide baiting on the Christmas Island Pipistrelle, both directly through contact with the bait and indirectly through flow-on impacts on prey species, is unknown (e.g. Green 2002). Except for one death due to Yellow Crazy Ants (see above), no instances of predation have been recorded. However the likelihood of observing the predation of a small, cryptic nocturnal bat is extremely low, and predation is probably occurring but going unrecorded. The Christmas Island Pipistrelle may be exposed to predation pressures from three categories of predators: a) Common Wolf Snake Lycodon aulicus capucinus: This species is a recent coloniser from Southeast Asia that was first recorded in the Settlement area in 1987 (Smith 1988). It forages predominantly on lizards and occasionally small mammals on the ground or in the lower forest strata (Deoras 1978, Daniel 1989, Murthy 1990). The Common Wolf Snake is usually associated with human habitation and on Christmas Island is established around the Settlement area (Rumpff 1992, Fritts 1993) (Figure 12). Until 1998, the only record elsewhere on the island was of a population around the buildings at Grants Well in the centre of the island. In 1998 the location of a number of individuals further west indicated a range expansion for this species: a population was found at the Christmas Island Research and Education Station, 1.3 km south of Grants Well, and one snake was found active at night on the EW Baseline at the junction of the eastern arm of the Circuit Track (Cogger & Sadlier 1999, Lumsden et al. 1999) (Figure 12). This westward range extension appears to be continuing with a specimen located on 20 May 2003 at Field 22S, another 2.3 km further south-west (M. Jeffery, pers. comm.) (Figure 12). Although the Common Wolf Snake has been recorded on the edge of primary rainforest in the central parts of the island it is not known whether it is confined to the edges or is spread throughout rainforest tracts. The Common Wolf Snake is capable of climbing trees (Auffenberg 1980) and may predate on roosting bats, particularly those sheltering under exfoliating bark and Strangler Figs on the lower trunks of rainforest trees. Non-volant young left in maternity roosts at night while the adults are away foraging may be particularly exposed to predation by this snake. Lumsden et al. (1999) considered this snake to be a likely factor in the observed decline and westward range contraction of the Christmas Island Pipistrelle. In 1984 when Tidemann (1985) recorded the pipistrelle to be widespread and common, including in the Settlement area, the snake was not yet introduced to the island. However, by the early 1990s, extremely high densities (up to 500 individuals per ha) were recorded (Rumpff 1992). In 1994 no pipistrelles were observed in the Settlement, although low levels of activity were recorded at a single site nearby (see Figure 5 ). No pipistrelles were recorded anywhere in the far north-eastern section of the island in 1998, and anecdotal evidence suggested they disappeared from the Drumsite area of the Settlement several years before (Lumsden et al. 1999). The expansion of the Common Wolf Snake into the central region of the island may account for the decline of the bat in that region (for example the marked decline in bat activity around the Christmas Island Research and Education Station) and the general westward contraction in distribution. No bats were recorded at the detector sites immediately adjacent to the three Common Wolf Snake locations in the centre of the island (Figure 12). Introduced snakes have had devastating impacts on island fauna elsewhere (e.g. Savidge 1987, Fritts & Rodda 1998, Loope et al. 2001). For example, the Brown Tree Snake Boiga irregularis has caused the extinction of 75% of the native forest bird species and half the native lizards on Guam within 40 years of introduction (Loope et al. 2001), and reduced the Mariana Fruit Bat Pteropus mariannus population to only 100 adults, with no recruitment for a decade (Fritts & Rodda 1998). Of all the introduced predators on Christmas Island, the Common Wolf Snake is the only species for which the timing of the introduction was immediately prior to the decline of the pipistrelle and whose distribution mirrors that of the pipistrelle (Figure 12). Having evolved in the absence of arboreal predators, the Christmas Island Pipistrelle is likely to be naive to the risk of climbing snakes and would not have developed strategies to avoid such predation. The Common Wolf Snake has had serious detrimental impacts when introduced to other islands. For example, on Reunion Island it has been attributed with causing a decline in endemic mice and the near extinction of a species of gecko (Cheke 1987). Weighing less than 5 g the Christmas Island Pipistrelle is smaller than some of the other vertebrate species that the Common Wolf Snake has been recorded preying upon. Figure 12. The distribution of the Common Wolf Snake up until 1998, in comparison with activity levels of the Christmas Island Pipistrelle at 84 detector sites sampled in 1998 (from Lumsden et al. 1999). A record of the Wolf Snake from 2003 indicates a continued westward expansion (M. Jeffery, pers. comm.). b) Feral Cat Felis catus: This introduced predator became established soon after settlement, and is now common and widespread on the island. It is considered to pose a severe threat to native animals on Christmas Island (Commonwealth of Australia 2002). Although dietary studies have not revealed the Christmas Island Pipistrelle as a prey species (Tidemann et al. 1994), it is possible that occasional individuals are captured given their low roosting and foraging habits. c) Black Rat Rattus rattus: This exotic species has been attributed with the extinction of bats on islands elsewhere in the world (e.g. Daniel & Williams 1984), and is thought to be a severe threat to native animals on Christmas Island (Commonwealth of Australia 2002). The Black Rat was introduced when the island was first settled, and is now common and widespread throughout the island, and occurs both in areas occupied and not occupied by the pipistrelle. However, it is possible that the Black Rat may be a contributing factor in the decline of the pipistrelle. Potential changes in the distribution and abundance of this opportunistic rat, in response to altered food resources as a result of the impacts of the Yellow Crazy Ant supercolonies on rainforest structure, may need to be considered. Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides: On mainland Australia, the Nankeen Kestrel preys primarily on terrestrial vertebrates, with bats occasionally recorded as a dietary item (Lewis 1987, Marchant & Higgins 1993). This raptor expanded its range and significantly increased in abundance on the island in the 1980s (H. Rumpff, cited in Lumsden et al. 1999). Although a bird of grasslands and other open habitats on mainland Australia, on Christmas Island this species is also widespread in areas of secondary rainforest regrowth. It is absent from extensive tracts of primary rainforest (such as in the west of the island). However, it is present along the edges and tracks through some areas of primary rainforest, using these openings as foraging locations. In 1984, Tidemann (1985) recorded the pipistrelle hawking insects along roads and ecotones during the late afternoon, several hours before dusk. Foraging by bats during daylight hours on islands elsewhere in the world has been attributed to a lack of avian predators (Speakman 1995). No daytime foraging of the Christmas Island Pipistrelle was observed in 1994 by Lumsden & Cherry (1997) or 1998 by Lumsden et al. (1999) suggesting a temporal shift in foraging behaviour. Such a change in behaviour may be the result of predation pressure, with emergence shifting to dusk when predation risk is lower. The Nankeen Kestrel was widespread across the island (in 1998), both in areas that the pipistrelle had disappeared from and in areas where it was still relatively common (Lumsden et al. 1999). Therefore, it is unlikely that predation by this species is the primary cause of the decline, however, the possibility that it is a compounding factor cannot be ruled out, and requires investigation. The Christmas Island Pipistrelle has not been recorded as a prey item of the Christmas Island Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus natalis or Christmas Island Hawk-Owl Ninox natalis (Hill 2002a, b; Hill & Lill 1998). However, it is possible that both species may opportunistically prey on this bat. The relationship between the pipistrelle and these potential natural predators is not likely to have altered recently, and hence they are not considered to be the cause of the recent decline. Unknown factors may be altering the densities of prey available to the Christmas Island Pipistrelle. Preliminary dietary studies have indicated a range of flying invertebrates are taken as prey items. Further investigations, however, are required to determine if the species is an opportunistic feeder or shows dietary specialisation, and if this varies throughout the year. As discussed above, Yellow Crazy Ant supercolonies appear to have resulted in the reduction of invertebrate diversity and abundance. Alteration to flying insect numbers may result in reduced breeding success of the pipistrelle, leading to a reduction in population size. In the 1960s drill lines were bulldozed across the island at 120 m intervals for phosphate mining exploration. This resulted in the clearing of 354 separate lines with a total length of 506 km (Lumsden et al. 1999). The Christmas Island Pipistrelle is an edge specialist targeting forest ecotones and gaps within the rainforest canopy. In 1984 Tidemann (1985) commonly observed bats flying along open drill lines. By the mid-1990s, the combination of storm damage and the regeneration of vegetation along many of the drill lines resulted in the loss of this temporary foraging niche. The loss of this habitat may have caused a local reduction in population numbers. It does not, however, account for the apparent abundance of this bat at first settlement (e.g. Andrews 1900) or the westward contraction in range of the pipistrelle. Cyclones have been documented to severely impact bats on islands (e.g. Craig et al. 1994, Gannon & Willig 1994, Rodriquez-Duran & Vazquez 2001). A severe storm in March 1988 damaged significant areas of primary rainforest. The impact of this natural event on the roosting, maternity and foraging areas of the pipistrelle is unknown. The effects of drought as experienced in 1997 and early 1998 on the Christmas Island Pipistrelle are unknown. It is likely that such conditions restrict prey numbers and may influence the thermal properties of roosts resulting in a population decline. Although forest fires are uncommon on the island, during recent extended dry periods in 1994 and 1997, fires occurred in terrace rainforest. The effects of forest fire on the Christmas Island Pipistrelle is unknown, but may result in direct adverse impacts due to the loss of roost sites (particularly exfoliating bark on tree trunks), and indirectly by affecting invertebrate populations. There may be an increased potential for wildfires in primary rainforest as a result of falling debris from wayward or failed launches from the proposed Asia Pacific Space Centre. The Christmas Island Pipistrelle commonly forages along roads from close to ground level to above canopy height within and along the ecotone of primary rainforest and secondary rainforest regrowth (Tidemann 1985, Lumsden & Cherry 1997, Lumsden et al. 1999). Small rainforest bat species are known to be the victims of roadkills elsewhere (Schulz 2000). Currently the incidence of vehicle-related mortality (e.g. from night haulage trucks associated with phosphate mining) is unknown. Although not considered a major cause of mortality, increased night-time traffic levels along roadways may result in an increase in vehicle-related mortality, especially in the western section of the island, due to the construction of the Immigration, Reception and Processing Centre and associated infrastructure. If population numbers were high, deaths due to vehicles would probably be inconsequential. However, as numbers decrease, any additional deaths have a greater impact. Although there is no evidence for disease in the Christmas Island Pipistrelle population the possibility that the decline in the species is due to an epidemic resulting from an introduced pathogen cannot be ruled out. It is believed that the extinction of the two native species of rats on Christmas Island was due to an introduced pathogen carried by the Black Rat (Pickering & Norris 1996). There was no obvious external sign of ill health in the pipistrelles caught during the 1994 or 1998 studies. If disease was a factor it could be expected that animals on the edge of the distribution, where the decline was most evident, would have been in a poorer condition (as indicated by lower body weights) than individuals in the west of the island. However, there was no difference between the two areas in the body weight of individuals captured. Current evidence suggests that the Christmas Island Pipistrelle is declining in both distribution and numbers. A small population size increases the risk of extinction through inbreeding depression and stochastic events (Caughley & Sinclair 1994). Potentially, all primary rainforest and secondary rainforest regrowth, which together provide key critical diurnal roost, maternity roost and foraging habitat, may be considered as areas under threat: - Habitat Loss: Loss of any area of primary rainforest, secondary rainforest regrowth and rehabilitation sites will result in the elimination of currently utilised habitat or areas of habitat required for the long-term recovery of the species. - Yellow Crazy Ant: Potentially all disturbed and undisturbed forest habitat may be under threat, depending on the success of control measures taken and maintained by the Crazy Ant Steering Committee and Parks Australia North. While most of the large supercolonies have now been controlled, numerous small supercolonies are developing in plateau areas (D. O'Dowd, pers. comm.), which if not controlled may impact on the pipistrelle in the future. - Predators: The identified suite of potential predators occurs throughout the island in a range of habitats occupied by the Christmas Island Pipistrelle as foraging or roosting habitat. The extent of areas occupied by the Common Wolf Snake away from the Christmas Island Research and Education Station, Grants Well and the Settlement area are poorly known. It is not known whether this snake ranges into primary rainforest away from roads and disturbed edges. - Prey Availability: Foraging occurs in a wide variety of habitats. However, it is not known which of these represent core foraging habitats and whether the species specialises on specific flying insects at various times of the year. - Habitat Alteration: The regrowth of the drill lines bulldozed in the 1960s is occurring in primary rainforest and secondary rainforest regrowth throughout the island. - Roadkills: Vehicle-related mortality is likely to occur on main thoroughfares between the Settlement and phosphate mining sites or developments in the south and west of the island. Increased mortality may occur as a result of the Immigration, Reception and Processing Centre, as sections of the road between this Centre and the Settlement pass through areas of high bat foraging activity (Figure 2). - Climatic Conditions and Disease: All areas of known and potential habitat may be affected by these threatening processes. - Decreasing Population Size: Since this declining species is restricted to Christmas Island all areas of habitat currently supporting pipistrelles may be affected by the risks associated with small population size. Since the cause of the decline and westward contraction of the Christmas Island Pipistrelle is still to be established, it must considered that the entire population is under threat. Christmas Island supports the only known location of the Christmas Island Pipistrelle. Therefore conservation of this population is essential to the survival of the species.

Prepared by Martin Schulz and Linda F. Lumsden Department of the Environment and Heritage, 2004 ISBN 0 642 55012 3 Part C: Known and potential threats It is currently not known what has caused the recent decline of Christmas Island Pipistrelle. However, factors that may be influential and hence warrant investigation are listed below. It is likely that the decline of the species is the result of a

Salem, Oregon. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced an amendment to its disaster declaration for Oregon for the December 20-26, 2008 period of severe winter storm, record and near record snow, landslides, and mudslides. The incident period has been expanded to now include the period December 13-26, 2008. Dolph Diemont, Federal Coordinating Officer, said, ?After further reviewing the data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration it was clear that the December storm was of a greater duration than had initially been determined.? Oregon State Coordinating Officer, Abby Kershaw stated, ?The expansion of the incident period will allow the state and local governments greater latitude in determining the damages and costs incurred as a result of the December storm and to receive assistance from FEMA for those damages and costs.? A total number of ten Oregon counties are included in this disaster declaration, including: Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill Counties. All counties in the State of Oregon are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Salem, Oregon. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced an amendment to its disaster declaration for Oregon for the December 20-26, 2008 period of severe winter storm, record and near record snow, landslides, and mudslides. The incident period has been expanded to now include the period December 13-26, 2008. Dolph Diemont, Federal Coordinating Officer, said, ?After further

1800 16 11 09 Want some help? Does this page need updating? What to expect when accessing records about you. Other Find & Connect resources Organisation Convent of the Good Shepherd, Albert Park (1892 - c. 1973) - c. 1973 - Catholic, Children's Home, Home and Hostel - Alternative Names - Marian Hall (Also known as) - Rosary Place (Also known as) The Convent of the Good Shepherd, Albert Park, was established in 1892. It first accommodated children aged from 15, but in later years also housed younger girls. The institution was closed by 1973. The Convent of the Good Shepherd was established in 1892 by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The Albert Park Convent came into being as a result of overcrowding at the Sisters' Abbotsford Convent. The 1890s was a period when heavy demand was placed upon the Good Shepherd Sisters due to the economic depression in Australia. The Albert Park Convent, at 142-150 Beaconsfield Parade, initially accommodated children from 15 years upwards. At a later stage, residential care was provided for younger girls. Some of the young women at the Albert Park Convent worked in the industrial laundry. The Convent was a complex of buildings that spread out over the site on Beaconsfield Parade. A school was built in 1905. In the mid twentieth century, the Sisters also established a hostel for young women, called Marian Hall, situated at 224 Danks Street, Albert Park. The institution was closed by 1973 in line with the Sisters' policy of deinstitutionalisation. - The Convent of the Good Shepherd is situated at 142-150 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park. Location: Albert Park - Kovesi, Catherine, Pitch Your Tents on Distant Shores: a history of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand and Tahiti, Playright Publishing, Caringbah, NSW, 2006. Details - 'Convent Of Good Shepherd School (Form)', in Victorian Heritage Database, Heritage Victoria, http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/vhd/heritagevic. Details - Mr Andrew Mack: Visit to a Convent: Children Entertained, The Argus, 22 July 1907, 6 pp, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10134999. Details - 'A Piece of the Story': National Directory of Records of Catholic organisations caring for children separated from their families, Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission & Australian Conference of Leaders of Religious Institutes, November 1999, http://catholicsocialservices.org.au/system/files/Directory+-+edited+10+Dec+2001.pdf. Details - 'Submission no 264', in Inquiry Into Institutional Care: Submissions received as at 17/03/05, Commonwealth of Australia, 18 October 2003, http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=clac_ctte/completed_inquiries/2004-07/inst_care/submissions/sublist.htm. Details - Grogan, Robert, 'From green to red and white', in Catholic Parish of Sts Peter and Paul, Catholic Parish of Sts Peter and Paul, http://sppchurch.org.au/parish-history/. Details - Convent of Good Shepherd School - File number B7036 - Heritage Victoria - Convent of the Good Shepherd, Albert Park - c. 1940 - c. 1960 - Rose Stereograph Co - Accession no(s) H32492/7942 - State Library of Victoria Sources used to compile this entry: 'Convent Of Good Shepherd School (Form)', in Victorian Heritage Database, Heritage Victoria, http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/vhd/heritagevic; Convent of the Good Shepherd, Albert Park [Image], Date: c. 1940 - c. 1960 Creator: Rose Stereograph Co; Grogan, Robert, 'From green to red and white', in Catholic Parish of Sts Peter and Paul, Catholic Parish of Sts Peter and Paul, http://sppchurch.org.au/parish-history/. Prepared by: Cate O'Neill Created: 17 March 2009, Last modified: 11 April 2013

1800 16 11 09 Want some help? Does this page need updating? What to expect when accessing records about you. Other Find & Connect resources Organisation Convent of the Good Shepherd, Albert Park (1892 - c. 1973) - c. 1973 - Catholic, Children's Home, Home and Hostel - Alternative Names - Marian Hall (Also known as) - Rosary Place (Also known as) The Convent of the Good Shepherd, Albert Park, was e

The prime purpose of Conservation Area status is to preserve and/or enhance the special character of an area. The Borough Council has the principal responsibility to ensure that this policy is implemented, but local residents also have an important role to play. The Borough Council is obliged under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Area) Act 1990 to prepare enhancement schemes for the whole of each Conservation Area and present them to a public meeting. The public have the opportunity to comment on the proposals and the Borough Council must have regard to these comments before adopting schemes. The Borough Council has a duty to initiate action within the Conservation Areas. However, it is the interest, participation and involvement of the local residents that will determine the success of any Conservation Area. Tel: (023) 9254 5456

The prime purpose of Conservation Area status is to preserve and/or enhance the special character of an area. The Borough Council has the principal responsibility to ensure that this policy is implemented, but local residents also have an important role to play. The Borough Council is obliged under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Area) Act 1990 to prepare enhancement schemes for th

At this Web site information is presented concerning the construction, design, and flight characteristics of several different kites. This site was prepared at NASA Glenn by the Learning Technologies Project (LTP) (http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12) to provide background information on kites as teaching aids for math and science teachers. Some of the slides were prepared to support KiteModeler, an interactive educational computer program that allows students to design and test fly kites on a personal computer. Other slides were prepared to support LTP videoconferencing workshops (http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/CoE/Coemain.html) for teachers is currently available as a JAVA applet which runs in your browser. This program can also be downloaded to your machine. This site has been intentionally organized to mirror the unstructured nature of the world wide web. There are many pages here connected to one another through hyperlinks and you can then navigate through the links based on your own interest and inquiry. There is also an index of topics that you can access from any page, so you are never more than two clicks away from any other Web page at this site. However, if you prefer a more structured approach, you can also take one of our Guided Tours through the site. Each tour provides a sequence of pages dealing with some aspect of aerodynamics. The site has been developed to support Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Many of the pages contain mathematical equations which have been produced graphically and which are too long or complex to provide in an "ALT" tag. For these pages, we have retained the non-compliant graphic at the top of the page and have provided a compliant text version of the equations in the body of the page. In many cases, because of the use of Greek fonts in the graphics, the purely English text version of the equations is slightly different than the graphic version. The differences are noted in the text. - Aerospace Activities and Lesson Plans - Beginner's Guide Home Page - Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics - Beginner's Guide to Compressible Aerodynamics - Beginner's Guide to Propulsion - Beginner's Guide to Model Rockets - Beginner's Guide to Wind Tunnels - Free Software - Aerospace Resources

At this Web site information is presented concerning the construction, design, and flight characteristics of several different kites. This site was prepared at NASA Glenn by the Learning Technologies Project (LTP) (http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12) to provide background information on kites as teaching aids for math and science teachers. Some of the slides were prepared to support KiteModeler, an

Making Patient Access to Their Health Information a Reality As Americans, we each have the legal right to access our health information held by doctors, hospitals and others that provide health care services for us, thanks to the HIPAA Privacy Rule. But 41 percent say they never have. Why? In a paper-based health care system, it can be time consuming, expensive, and cumbersome to get copies of your medical records. And what do you do with a stack—or maybe even a room full—of paper health records? Patient Access to Health Information Means Better Care Things are changing. ONC is working to get health care providers online and using electronic health records (EHRs). And adoption rates of EHRs are soaring: Hospital adoption of EHR systems has more than doubled since 2009. As our health information becomes digital, getting access to it ourselves—as patients or caregivers—makes a lot more sense. For one thing, we can make sure all of the people who care for us have the information they need to get a complete picture of our health. (Or, for you health IT geeks out there, the patient can act as an “HIE of One”.) In addition, we can use the health information ourselves to better communicate with providers and peers, better understand our health and treatment options, and make sure health information about us is as accurate and complete as possible. Research shows that engaged patients actually get better-quality health care, and can avoid potential medical errors. Health Information and eHealth Tools Last but not least, we can plug data from our electronic health records into a growing number of e-health tools and applications that help us better manage our own personal health and wellness, often outside of the context of traditional health care. Devices such as digital scales and wireless pedometers help us to track key health metrics; smartphone apps provide information, tools, and reminders; and online communities help us to interpret information, receive emotional support, and make choices that support our personal health goals. Eighty percent of Americans who have access to the information in their electronic health records use it, and a full two-thirds of those who don’t yet have electronic access say they want it . On June 4, ONC joined forces with our federal partners at the White House and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to host The Patient Access Summit. The purpose of the meeting was to identify and prioritize areas where technical standards and best practices are needed to turbo-charge progress in making patient access to health data a reality. There was a rich diversity of perspectives represented at the meeting—including those of several patients who shared their personal stories of the struggle to get timely information that in some cases meant the difference between life and death. VA’s Blue Button When it comes to the technical underpinnings of patient access to health information stored in EHRs, the “Blue Button” has been a trailblazer. Blue Button is a technical capability that lets individuals download their health or claims information in an easy-to-read format. As of May, nearly a million Americans have clicked on the Blue Button and downloaded their personal health data through federal and private-sector sources. Blue Button is becoming a recognizable brand for a concept that is new to many people: easy electronic access to your own health information. So what can we do to make Blue Button even better? Here’s what we heard at the Patient Access Summit: - Enable automated downloads – Currently patients have to refresh their health information by pressing the Blue Button multiple times. Development of a “set it and forget it” or “Auto Blue Button” function would allow such updates to happen automatically based on patient preferences. - Address patient identity proofing and authentication – To help Blue Button to spread while protecting the privacy of patients, we need effective ways to ensure that individuals are who they claim to be. - Establish standards for claims and clinical data content for consumers – Many of the leading health insurance companies have agreed to use Blue Button, but work is needed to define the types of content that patients will receive from them in a standardized way. Formal Workgroup Structures ONC will be setting up formal workgroup structures to carry these initiatives forward in the near future. We’ll be asking for volunteers to join us—and the many who have already signed on—in this process. Stay tuned for updates, or send your email address to Erin Poetter, [email protected], if you’d like to be included in the call for volunteers. Several participants in the June 4 meeting have blogged about their experience. Here are their perspectives: - Health Data Summit at the White House by Brian Ahier - Mr. Obama, Tear Down This Wall(ed Garden) by Dave Chase - Not So Secret Whitehouse Meetings with Patients by Keith Boone - Health Reform Leaders Focus on Patient Access to Records as Key Barrier by Andy Oram For More Information

Making Patient Access to Their Health Information a Reality As Americans, we each have the legal right to access our health information held by doctors, hospitals and others that provide health care services for us, thanks to the HIPAA Privacy Rule. But 41 percent say they never have. Why? In a paper-based health care system, it can be time consuming, expensive, and cumbersome to get copies of you

King County Road Services - Neighborhood traffic safety How to save lives... What can you do to reduce traffic accidents and save lives? A recent summary study of speeding complaints from homeowners living on residential streets in unincorporated King County showed that the average speed was 33.8 mph. The result adds credibility to the general claim that a majority of motorists drive over the 25 mph speed limit on residential streets. Those who exceed the speed limit come from all age groups; they are not just teenagers or commuters, but everyone alike. What does this mean? The average driver in unincorporated King County drives faster than they should on residential streets. Why does this happen? - Local residents drive faster on their local streets because they feel familiar and comfortable. - Outsiders use local streets as short cuts to busy arterial roads. For children and the elderly, this can pose a special hazard. How can you make your neighborhood street safer? AS A DRIVER... Drive slower Realize that speeding through residential neighborhoods will make very little, if any, difference in the total time it will take to complete your entire trip. In addition, driving at slower speeds allows you more time to react to the unexpected, such as a child darting out from behind a parked car. - Remember that the legal speed limit on all residential streets is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted. - Make a conscious effort to drive 25 mph or slower on all residential streets. Remind family members and neighbors of the speed limit. Avoid using local streets as short cuts The more we use residential streets as short cuts, the more we disrupt the quality of life in neighborhoods. Neighborhood cut-through traffic increases noise and pollution in residential areas and results in a greater threat to the safety of children. Observe all the rules of the road (traffic laws) Do not take chances even on short local trips to the shopping mall, etc. Most accidents occur close to home. Change your driving pattern on residential streets Learn to adopt a different attitude! You should expect the unexpected on residential streets. It may not be your fault if you have an accident, but imagine the pain you would live with if you hit a child or elderly pedestrian. Yield to pedestrians Pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections whether crosswalks are painted on the street or not. Remember that it is someone's child, mother, father, brother, or sister crossing the street! Be aware that children are the primary pedestrians on neighborhood streets and that they are the most likely victims of careless drivers. Most young children — especially those under nine years of age — have great difficulty in making sound and safe judgments about traffic dangers. AS A PARENT... Teach your children the rules of the road Ensure that your children know and understand the rules of the road. Studies have shown that smaller children have difficulty in making safe judgments about traffic dangers. Do not let your children play in the street. Warn them against darting into the road after pets or toys. Teach your children to stop, look both ways, and listen before crossing streets. Make sure your children know that even though cars are supposed to stop, they may not. Supervise your children's trip to and from school Plan a safe walking route to school. Walk it with your child and point out areas where they should be especially careful. Check with your school district for safe walking routes. Advise the school district of unsafe walking and crossing areas for children. Take or arrange for transport of smaller children to and from school. Set a good example Drive the speed limit and drive with courtesy. Do not double park. Do let children off on the correct side of the road when delivering or picking them up from school. Ensure that your children are properly equipped to ride bicycles on local streets. You need to equip your children with two things: - The proper equipment, bright clothing and an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) approved helmet. - A sound understanding of bicycle safety and the rules of the road. Do not rush while driving. Organize yourself to leave a little earlier. In particular, do not rush getting children to and from school. Your urgency may transmit to them, causing them to disregard traffic safety and run headlong across the street. AS A RESIDENT... Take the initiative Let your King County Road Services staff know about problem areas along your street, such as: Talk with the King County Sheriff's Office - Damaged or missing traffic signs - Dangerous pot-holes - Brush or trees that obscure driver's vision of signs, curbs, other vehicles, intersections, etc. Consistent traffic problems, particularly speeding, should be reported to the Sheriff. Let them know when the problem is more prevalent so they can conduct more effective enforcement. Ask for occasional traffic enforcement to deter speeders. Get involved and do your part to improve traffic safety Establish a neighborhood traffic safety subcommittee to any homeowners association, architectural control committee, neighborhood watch organization, etc. that may exist in your area. If none of these types of associations is present in your neighborhood, establish a traffic safety committee. Once a traffic committee or subcommittee is in place, contact the Road Services Neighborhood Traffic Safety Coordinator. You can also find out about the Radar/Readerboard Program. Through this program you can use equipment for educating drivers who are speeding on your neighborhood streets. There are Radar/Readerboard cars and equipment available at all of the King County Sheriff's Office precincts. - King County Traffic Engineering - signing, sight-distance 206-296-6596 - King County Sheriff's Office - traffic enforcement 206-296-3853 - Neighborhood traffic safety - King County Radar/Readerboard Program 206-296-3853 or local King County Sheriff's Office precinct - King County Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program Coordinator - King County Roads Service Division, 206-296-6596 - Street maintenance in unincorporated King County - pot holes, brush trims, damaged signs 206-296-8100 or 1-800-527-6237 Information from the Road Services Division's website is available to people with disabilities in alternate formats upon request by calling 206-263-6482 or 711 for the TTY relay service. = External link

King County Road Services - Neighborhood traffic safety How to save lives... What can you do to reduce traffic accidents and save lives? A recent summary study of speeding complaints from homeowners living on residential streets in unincorporated King County showed that the average speed was 33.8 mph. The result adds credibility to the general claim that a majority of motorists drive over the 25 m

Local History and Genealogy News, comments, resources, and more. Kalamazoo has a Gargoyle? Kalamazoo is fortunate to have many examples of outdoor sculpture throughout the community. In 1980, author Fay Hendry wrote three short books, with photographs by Balthazar Korab, looking at outdoor sculpture in Kalamazoo (H 730 H498), Grand Rapids (H 730 498.1) and Lansing (H 730 H498.2). Even though the books are 29 years old, there is a lot of good information on many pieces that are still around. It was one of the first books that had research on the panels found on the Zelinger House at the corner of S. Rose and Vine Streets. Of course being 29 years old, there are several pieces that are gone, in fact one, the statue of St. Augustine which more than likely was destroyed in the 1980 tornado which came right after these books were published. So where is our gargoyle? If you don’t know by now, check this book to find out. Outdoor Sculpture in Kalamazoo

Local History and Genealogy News, comments, resources, and more. Kalamazoo has a Gargoyle? Kalamazoo is fortunate to have many examples of outdoor sculpture throughout the community. In 1980, author Fay Hendry wrote three short books, with photographs by Balthazar Korab, looking at outdoor sculpture in Kalamazoo (H 730 H498), Grand Rapids (H 730 498.1) and Lansing (H 730 H498.2). Even though the b

Press contact: Donna Urschel (202) 707-1639 Public contact: Yvonne French (202) 707-7678 June 17, 2011 Jennifer Hochschild to Discuss “The Political Implications of Human Genomics,” July 7 Could there come a day when everyone’s genetic code is listed on his or her birth certificate, or when a sample of everyone’s DNA is in an FBI database? Genomic science is growing rapidly, but political views and public policy have not caught up with its likely effect on our identities or on the criminal-justice system. Jennifer Hochschild, who occupies the Chair in American Law and Governance in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress, will discuss the issue in a lecture titled "The Political Implications of Human Genomics" at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Kluge Center, the lecture is free and open to the public. American policymakers and the public at large, according to Hochschild, have yet to address the following questions: What will be the relationship between genetics-based information and race? Will the collection of DNA samples improve the quality of judicial decisions or add yet another layer of surveillance to black and Latino populations? Based on new national surveys and interviews she undertook at the Kluge Center, Hochschild will analyze the impact of individuals’ access to genetic information on their racial and ethnic identity and on their beliefs about its fairness and efficacy in law enforcement. Hochschild is the Henry LaBarre Jayne Professor of Government and a professor of African and African American studies at Harvard University. Hochschild is the co-author of "The American Dream and the Public Schools" (2003); the author of "Facing Up to the American Dream: Race, Class and the Soul of the Nation" (1995); "The New American Dilemma: Liberal Democracy and School Desegregation" (1984); and "What’s Fair: American Beliefs and Distributive Justice" (1981). She is also the co-author or co-editor of numerous other books and articles. The founding editor of Perspectives on Politics, published by the American Political Science Association, Hochschild is also a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She has received fellowships and awards from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation, the American Council of Learned Societies, the American Philosophical Society, the Spencer Foundation, the Princeton University Research Board and other organizations. Through a generous endowment from John W. Kluge, the Library of Congress established the Kluge Center in 2000 to bring together the world’s best thinkers to stimulate and energize one another to distill wisdom from the Library’s rich resources and to interact with policymakers in Washington. For further information on the Kluge Center, visit www.loc.gov/kluge/. # # #

Press contact: Donna Urschel (202) 707-1639 Public contact: Yvonne French (202) 707-7678 June 17, 2011 Jennifer Hochschild to Discuss “The Political Implications of Human Genomics,” July 7 Could there come a day when everyone’s genetic code is listed on his or her birth certificate, or when a sample of everyone’s DNA is in an FBI database? Genomic science is growing rapidly, but political views an

March 18, 2013 Lady at the O.K. Corral: The True Story of Josephine Marcus Earp Ann Kirschner discussed her new book, "Lady at the O.K. Corral: The True Story of Josephine Marcus Earp." February 26, 2013 Sapphires in Song: Zemer Chai Jewish Choir The Zemer Chai Jewish Choir performed in conjunction with the Library exhibition "Words Like Sapphires." December 4, 2012 Into the Light: The Healing Art of Kalman Aron An illustrated lecture by Susan Beilby Magee about her new book on Holocaust survivor Kalman Aron. November 28, 2012 We Are Here: Memories of the Lithuanian Holocaust Ellen Cassedy discusses her new book, "We Are Here: Memories of the Lithuanian Holocaust." November 19, 2012 Arise! Arise! Deborah, Ruth & Hannah An illustrated lecture by artist and calligrapher, Debra Band, on the publication of her new book "Arise! Arise! Deborah, Ruth and Hannah." November 6, 2012 The Fabric of America through the Art of Arthur Szyk An illustrated lecture on the art of Arthur Szyk by Irvin Ungar. November 5, 2012 100 Years of Hebrew Poetry Poet and anthologist Peter Cole reads from his poems and discusses the history of Hebrew poetry. October 25, 2012 The Jewish Book Since the Invention of Printing A lecture by Dr. Emile Schrijver on the history of the Jewish book since the invention of printing. September 6-7, 2012 The Stations That Spoke Your Language: Radio and the Yiddish American Cultural Renaissance Leading Yiddish language and culture experts joined media scholars and Library of Congress specialists to address Yiddish radio in America: its history and cultural impact, its continuing influence on American media, and its multifaceted legacy. (Day 1) (Day 2, Morning) (Day 2, Afternoon) August 21, 2012 From Spanish Court to Ottoman Palace Ann Brener discusses Hebrew books from the 16th century in the collections of the Library of Congress. June 25, 2012 Heaven on Earth: A Tour of Solomon's Temple through Near Eastern Eyes Victor Avigdor Hurowitz presented "Heaven on Earth: A Tour of Solomon's Temple Through Ancient Near Eastern Eyes." May 3, 2012 No One's Son Documentary filmmaker, Tewodros "Teddy" Fekadu has lived in five countries and three continents, ultimately journeying from Eritrea and Ethiopia to the Gold Coast of Australia. His life spans war, family love, the Catholic Church, homelessness, three years of detention in Japan, and finally a country to call home and the creation of his own company. May 2, 2012 Jews and Theater in an Intercultural Context Dr. Edna Nahshon will speak about her new book, "Jews and Theater in an Intercultural Context." April 19, 2012 The Heart Has Reasons: Holocaust Rescuers & Their Stories of Courage Mark Klempner spoke about people he interviewed for his book, "The Heart Has Reasons: Holocaust Rescuers and Their Stories of Courage." April 18, 2012 The First Modern Jew: Spinoza and the History of an Image Daniel B. Schwartz discusses his new book, "The First Modern Jew: Spinoza and the History of an Image." March 27, 2012 A Concert of Ladino Music: Flory Jagoda In celebration of Women's History Month, the Library presented a concert of Ladino music with Flory Jagoda in performance with Tiffani Ferrantelli and Zhenya Tochenaya. March 22, 2012 A Momentous One Hundred Years: Ancient Ethiopia, 520-620 A.D. Hailu Habtu discusses the critical century of 520-620 A.D. in Ethiopia. March 21, 2012 Jews on Trial: The Papal Inquisition in Modena, 1598-1638 Katherine Aron-Beller will be speaking about her book on the Modena inquisition of 1598-1638. March 6, 2012 In the Mediterranean Mode: Israeli Women Composers Ronit Seter discussed Israeli woman composers Shulamit Ran, Betty Olivero and Chaya Czernowin. November 10, 2011 Joseph in Africa: The Story of a Story Morgan Johnson presents the illustrated lecture, "Joseph in Africa: A 3,000 Year Story of a Story Retold in the Multi-ethnic Continent of Africa." October 4, 2011 The Three Waves of Jewish Migration to China, 1845-1940 Liliane Willens discussed "The Three Waves of Jewish Migration to China, 1845-1940." June 7, 2011 Poet Yermiyahu Ahron Taub Yermiyahu Ahron Taub reads from his new book of poetry, "Uncle Feygele," which explores the issues encountered by gay Orthodox Jews. He follows up with questions from the audience regarding the book and translating between English and Yiddish. May 17, 2011 Emile Berliner & the Birth of the Recording Industry Emile Berliner (1851-1929) was a German-born immigrant whose inventions contributed to the birth of the recording industry. A largely self-educated man, Berliner was responsible for the development of the microphone, the flat recording disc and the gramophone player. Often overlooked by today's historians, Berliner's creative genius rivaled that of his better-known contemporaries Thomas Alva Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. Like the works of these two inventors, Berliner's innovations helped shape the modern American way of life. Berliner's life, work and connection to Washington, D.C., where he lived for many years, is the subject of a talk by Samuel Brylawski and Karen Lund. May 5, 2011 Women Against Tyranny: Poems of the Resistance During the Holocaust Davi Walders speaks about her new book, "Women Against Tyranny: Poems of Resistance During the Holocaust." April 13, 2011 Jews & Magic in Medici Florence With work published widely in the course of his 30 years of archival research in Florence, Edward Goldberg founded the Medici Archive Project to provide worldwide public access to the historical data in the Medici Granducal Archive through a fully searchable database. Established by Grand Duke Cosimo I in 1569, the archive of the Medici Grand Dukes offers the most complete record of any princely regime in Renaissance and Baroque Europe. The 3 million letters contained in more than 6,000 volumes richly document more than 200 years of human history (1537-1743). Through introducing his latest publication, "Jews and Magic in Medici Florence," Goldberg outlines Medici Florence and the culmination of his study on the topic. April 4, 2011 Arthur Szyk and His Passover Haggadah Irvin Ungar discusses Polish-Jewish artist Arthur Szyk and his haggadah created in the stunning style of medieval illuminated manuscripts. March 31, 2011 Coffee, Culture and Intellectual Property Rights: The Case of Ethiopia Heran Sereke-Berhan discusses coffee and intellectual property rights in Ethiopia March 23, 2011 Joel ben Simeon & the Washington Haggadah David Stern and Katrin Kogman-Appel discuss the 1478 Washington Haggadah illustrated by Joel ben Simeon, among the most gifted and prolific scribe-artists in the history of the Jewish book. March 15, 2011 Education of Jewish Girls in Tsarist Russia Eliyana Adler discusses her new book, "In Her Hands: The Education of Jewish Girls in Tsarist Russia." Hebraic Section Webcast Archive

March 18, 2013 Lady at the O.K. Corral: The True Story of Josephine Marcus Earp Ann Kirschner discussed her new book, "Lady at the O.K. Corral: The True Story of Josephine Marcus Earp." February 26, 2013 Sapphires in Song: Zemer Chai Jewish Choir The Zemer Chai Jewish Choir performed in conjunction with the Library exhibition "Words Like Sapphires." December 4, 2012 Into the Light: The Healing Art

HB 474 (BR 1757) - K. Stein AN ACT proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Kentucky relating to civil rights. Propose to amend the Constitution of Kentucky to allow the state, or any regulated government or agency of the state, to create protected classes under the law on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other protected classes; submit to voters. Jan 31-introduced in House Feb 1-to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)

HB 474 (BR 1757) - K. Stein AN ACT proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Kentucky relating to civil rights. Propose to amend the Constitution of Kentucky to allow the state, or any regulated government or agency of the state, to create protected classes under the law on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other p

||An upper low moved from southern AZ across southern NM and far west TX over an air mass that was rather moist for early May in this area. The air mass was very unstable, such that any ground based circulation (e.g. gustnadoes) would quickly spin up within strong updrafts. One technician near White Sands Missle Range HQ observed a gustnado along a gust front from a storm farther west grow rapidly upward under a strong thunderstorm. Once the landspout had formed, it moved slowly northeast but persisted for more than 40 minutes (52 minutes according to NSSL). It remained over unpopulated desert terrain and thus no damage occurred. The tornado lasted far longer than one would expect for a landspout. It was concluded that since it connected with a cell that had supercellular tendencies, this accounted for the longevity. Due to the somewhat high thunderstorm base and little precipitation around the funnel, the tornado was easily viewed by El Paso residents up to 30 miles away. Several other severe cells developed that afternoon, with another weak tornado briefly touching down about 25 miles to the northeast.

||An upper low moved from southern AZ across southern NM and far west TX over an air mass that was rather moist for early May in this area. The air mass was very unstable, such that any ground based circulation (e.g. gustnadoes) would quickly spin up within strong updrafts. One technician near White Sands Missle Range HQ observed a gustnado along a gust front from a storm farther west grow rapidly

You can help researchers imrprove public health by volunteering for NIAID clinical studies. Our clinical studies are aimed to better understand the causes, complications, and disease course of primary immune deficiency diseases (PIDDs) and investigate new therapies and preventions. back to top Last Updated August 19, 2011 Last Reviewed October 04, 2009

You can help researchers imrprove public health by volunteering for NIAID clinical studies. Our clinical studies are aimed to better understand the causes, complications, and disease course of primary immune deficiency diseases (PIDDs) and investigate new therapies and preventions. back to top Last Updated August 19, 2011 Last Reviewed October 04, 2009

Share this page Switch off the engine and beat air pollution Motorists in Malton and Norton are to be asked to switch their car engines off whenever possible in a bid to improve air quality. Levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a gas which can lead to respiratory problems, are higher than usual in parts of the centre of Malton, in common with many other locations which suffer from heavy traffic flows. Now an initiative by the County Council, in partnership with Ryedale District Council, will see the erection of street signs in the Butcher Corner area urging motorists to turn off the ignition whenever possible to reduce NO2 emissions. "The major problem arises when traffic gets backed up at the Butcher Corner junction by the level crossing gates being closed," said County Councillor Gareth Dadd, executive member for highways. "Traffic can queue for several minutes, and often drivers don't think to turn off their engines. We hope that by placing signs at strategic points, we will encourage drivers to save fuel for themselves, and improve the quality of air for everyone else." Councillor Linda Cowling, chairman of Ryedale District Council's Commissioning Board, said: "What many people don't realise is that turning off the engine for only a minute or two can make a big difference to pollution, and it can also have a significant impact on fuel consumption. "We hope that this initiative, which is part of the Malton Air Quality Action Plan, will help to minimise the impact of additional traffic arising as a result of the diversion caused by roadworks at Brambling Fields. In the longer term, this will also make a contribution to reducing air pollution in the air quality management area." Most of the nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere is produced by the burning of fossil fuels, and in urban areas almost all of it is the product of motor vehicle exhausts. The gas inflames the lining of the lungs, and can reduce immunity to lung infections, causing problems such as wheezing, coughing, colds, flu and bronchitis. Increased levels of nitrogen dioxide can have significant impacts on people with asthma. 5 March 2012

Share this page Switch off the engine and beat air pollution Motorists in Malton and Norton are to be asked to switch their car engines off whenever possible in a bid to improve air quality. Levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a gas which can lead to respiratory problems, are higher than usual in parts of the centre of Malton, in common with many other locations which suffer from heavy traffic flows

Wongabel State Forest Wongabel State Forest. Photos: NPRSR and Tamara Vallance, NPRSR. The Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Wongabel State Forest welcome you and ask that you respect and take care while visiting their country. 8 km south of Atherton on the Kennedy Highway Two walking tracks, catering for the visually impaired, wind through a remnant of an endangered type of forest, known as mabi forest. - Tablelands parks and forests (south) map - Tablelands Region visitor guide. Parks and forests of the Atherton and Evelyn tablelands - Forestry Plantations Queensland Pty Ltd - Species lists - Hallorans Hill Conservation Park - Hasties Swamp National Park - Herberton Range State Forest - Herberton Range Conservation Park * Requires Adobe Reader

Wongabel State Forest Wongabel State Forest. Photos: NPRSR and Tamara Vallance, NPRSR. The Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Wongabel State Forest welcome you and ask that you respect and take care while visiting their country. 8 km south of Atherton on the Kennedy Highway Two walking tracks, catering for the visually impaired, wind through a remnant of an endangered type of forest, known as mabi f

Regulations, Guidance, and Communications Related to the Disposal Process for Waste Incidental to Reprocessing On this page: Regulations issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) are found in Chapter I of Title 10, "Energy," of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Chapter I is divided into Parts 1 through 199. Of these, 10 CFR Part 61, “Licensing Requirements for Land Disposal of Radioactive Waste” (which governs low-level waste), is the most relevant to the disposal of waste incidental to reprocessing (WIR). Guidance documents that may prove useful to stakeholders include the following resources: - NUREG-1854, “NRC Staff Guidance Document for Activities Related to U.S. Department of Energy Waste Determinations” Web (HTML) versions of some guidance documents are available in our NUREG-Series Document Collection. Some are also available in the NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS); see our table listing their availability. Generic communications are the NRC's primary method of sending information to specific classes of licensees. These communications may take the following forms:

Regulations, Guidance, and Communications Related to the Disposal Process for Waste Incidental to Reprocessing On this page: Regulations issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) are found in Chapter I of Title 10, "Energy," of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Chapter I is divided into Parts 1 through 199. Of these, 10 CFR Part 61, “Licensing Requirements for Land Disposal of Ra

May 02, 2012 Barack Obama pledges to 'finish the job' in Afghanistan Mr Obama hailed the approaching end of the war and thanked US troops US President Barack Obama has pledged to "finish the job" and end the Afghan war, addressing the US public live from a military base in Afghanistan. Speaking a year after Osama Bin Laden's death, Mr Obama thanked US troops and hailed plans to end combat operations. He arrived in Afghanistan on a publicly unannounced visit to sign an agreement on future Afghan-US ties with President Hamid Karzai, ahead of a Nato summit. Hours after his speech, at least seven people died in an attack in Kabul. Afghan officials said at least two suicide bombers targeted a guesthouse popular with foreigners in the eastern part of the capital. They said at least four of the victims were civilians - children from a nearby school. Seventeen people were wounded. The Taliban later claimed responsibility for the attacks. A spokesman for the Nato lead force praised the Afghan security forces for "taking the lead in putting down another desperate attack by insurgents". Earlier, Mr Obama said signing the pact with President Karzai was "a historic moment" for both nations. His visit and TV address come as correspondents say public patience with the war in Afghanistan is wearing thin. In the speech, beamed back to prime-time evening audiences in US, the president said that at the upcoming Nato summit, to be held in Chicago, the alliance would "set a goal for Afghan forces to be in the lead for combat operations across the country next year". Nato has already committed to withdrawing from combat operations in Afghanistan by the end of 2014. "I will not keep Americans in harm's way a single day longer than is absolutely required for our national security," Mr Obama said. "But we must finish the job we started in Afghanistan, and end this war responsibly." Correspondents say Mr Obama's words appear to be aimed at showing American voters he is pursuing a strategy to wind down the war, while reassuring Afghans in the face of a continuing Taliban insurgency. 'Path to peace' About 23,000 of the 88,000 US troops currently in the country are expected to leave Afghanistan by the summer, with all US and Nato troops out by the end of 2014. "It is time to renew America," Mr Obama said towards the end of his remarks. "My fellow Americans, we have travelled through more than a decade under the dark cloud of war. Yet here, in the pre-dawn darkness of Afghanistan, we can see the light of a new day on the horizon," Mr Obama said. "The Iraq war is over. The number of our troops in harm's way has been cut in half, and more will be coming home soon. We have a clear path to fulfil our mission in Afghanistan, while delivering justice to al-Qaeda." During the speech, Mr Obama outlined the agreement he had just signed with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The BBC's Paul Adams says 20 months of negotiation finally produced an agreement after differences over night raids by special forces and the handling of prisoners were ironed out. According to the US president, the document outlines plans for training Afghan forces and supporting counter terrorism efforts, as well as "Afghan commitments to transparency and accountability". Mr Obama also spoke of a "negotiated peace" with the Taliban, saying that if insurgents break with al-Qaeda, and follow the "path to peace", there can be reconciliation. He said that ahead of the Chicago meeting of Nato, he had made it clear to Pakistan that it could be an "equal partner in the process". Pakistan and US relations soured after Mr Obama launched the raid that killed Bin Laden inside the country's border. "In pursuit of a durable peace, America has no designs beyond an end to al-Qaeda safe-havens, and respect for Afghan sovereignty." Mr Obama also rejected calls to leave Afghanistan before the 2014 Nato timeline, saying "we must finish the job we started in Afghanistan, and end this war responsibly". In the wake of the agreement, the US is to designate Afghanistan as a major non-Nato ally, US officials are quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.

May 02, 2012 Barack Obama pledges to 'finish the job' in Afghanistan Mr Obama hailed the approaching end of the war and thanked US troops US President Barack Obama has pledged to "finish the job" and end the Afghan war, addressing the US public live from a military base in Afghanistan. Speaking a year after Osama Bin Laden's death, Mr Obama thanked US troops and hailed plans to end combat operatio

|USDA ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCTION| |Energy Saving Systems to Boost Producers’ Bottom Line| |St. Jonnsbury, VT, Dec 01, 2011 @@Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager today announced that USDA is awarding funds to six maple syrup producers, including five in Vermont, to make their operations more energy efficient and competitive. The Under Secretary made the announcement during a visit to St. Johnsbury. Funding is provided through the Rural Energy for America (REAP) program, which is administered by USDA Rural Development. “The Obama Administration is assisting cooperatives, small businesses, and farmers across the nation as they work to reduce their energy costs,” said Tonsager. “When energy costs are reduced, American rural businesses become more competitive, allowing them to expand and create jobs.” The maple syrup industry is vital to Vermont’s economy. According to figures compiled by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Vermont led all states in maple syrup production in 2011 with over 1.1 million gallons produced, a 28 percent increase from the previous year. The announcements today conclude a series of awards provided to maple producers in 2011 through the Rural Energy for America Program. This year, 43 projects in eight states were funded through the program. For the year, $300,811 in grants awarded through the REAP program contributed to over $1.3 million in total project development for to help maple syrup producers lower their energy use. For a list of reverse osmosis projects funded by USDA during fiscal year 2011, click here. A complete list of funding recipients announced today follows: Eric Remick Hardwick $4,975 grant Larry Cota East Fairfield $12,705 grant Matthew Gedeon Fairfax $2,112 grant Francis Hall Cambridge $9,470 grant Richard Hoburn Franklin $24,158 grant Jude Bluemle Hawks $7,960 grant USDA funding is contingent on the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant or loan agreement. REAP grants can finance up to 25 percent of a project's cost, up to $500,000 for renewable energy systems and $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements. Funding announced today will allow producers to install reverse osmosis systems to remove water from sap before it is boiled down to syrup. By removing the water before boiling the sap, producers reduce the amount of energy they consume in the production process. USDA strongly supports maple syrup producers through the REAP program and other programs. For example, the Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) program, part of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) promotes innovative conservation approaches and technologies and supports environmental enhancement. It also enables the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to promote promising technologies. A CIG project, funded by a grant from the NRCS and matched equally by The Maple Guys of New Hampshire, introduced a clean-burning gasification wood burning evaporator, the first of its kind to be used in New Hampshire, to improve the maple sugaring operation by decreasing its environmental impact and increasing safety. Since taking office, President Obama’s Administration has taken historic steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council – chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack – the President wants the federal government to be the best possible partner for rural businesses and entrepreneurs creating job opportunities and for people who want to live, work, and raise their families in rural communities. USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $155 billion in affordable loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

|USDA ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCTION| |Energy Saving Systems to Boost Producers’ Bottom Line| |St. Jonnsbury, VT, Dec 01, 2011 @@Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager today announced that USDA is awarding funds to six maple syrup producers, including five in Vermont, to make their operations more energy efficient and competitive. T

Register to receive email news alerts, daily digest, weekly roundup or Topic newsletters. Gaelic Medium Education Gaelic Books Council Fèisean nan Gàidheal Gaelic version (Duilleagan Gàidhlig) There is a wide range of Gaelic development organisations that receive funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig. These groups also receive funding from local authorities, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other public bodies. The focus of these organisations is quite varied, covering interests such as publishing, the arts, adult learners, parental support, early years, music, translation, research and resources for schools. For further information on these organisations click on the links below. Ainmean Àite na h-Alba An Comunn Gàidhealach Comann nam Pàrant (Nàiseanta) Comhairle nan leabhraichean Comunn na Gàidhlig Fèisean na Gàidheal Pròiseact nan Ealan Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig The Scottish Government does not take responsibility for any content held on an external website. Page updated: Friday, May 06, 2011

Register to receive email news alerts, daily digest, weekly roundup or Topic newsletters. Gaelic Medium Education Gaelic Books Council Fèisean nan Gàidheal Gaelic version (Duilleagan Gàidhlig) There is a wide range of Gaelic development organisations that receive funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig. These groups also receive funding from local authorities, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other publ

(9:30 a.m. EST) Chairman Levin, Senator McCain, members of the Committee, I am grateful for this opportunity to testify before so many former colleagues and friends. My experience on this Committee helped form my views on many of the issues facing our nation. And it’s a privilege to be here before you now in this different role. Yesterday, President Obama presented the Administration’s strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Today, Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen, and I will all be providing you with additional details. But let me speak briefly at a more personal level about why we are making this commitment. Simply put, among a range of difficult choices, this is the best way to protect our nation now and in the future. The extremists we are fighting in Afghanistan and Pakistan have attacked us and our allies before. If we allow them access to the very same safe havens they used before 2001, they will have a greater capacity to regroup and attack again. They could drag an entire region into chaos. Our civilian and military leaders in Afghanistan have reported that the situation is serious and worsening, and we agree. In the aftermath of September 11th, I grieved with sons, daughters, husbands, wives whose loved ones were murdered. It was an attack on our country and an attack on the constituents I then represented. I witnessed the tragic consequences in the lives of thousands of innocent families and the damage done to our economy and our sense of security. So I feel a personal responsibility to help protect our nation from such violence. The case for action against al-Qaida and its allies has always been clear, but the United States course of action over the last eight years has not. The fog of another war obscured our focus. And while our attention was focused elsewhere, the Taliban gained momentum in Afghanistan. And the extremist threat grew in Pakistan – a country with 175 million people, a nuclear arsenal, and more than its share of challenges. It was against this backdrop that President Obama called for a careful, thorough review of the strategy. I was proud to be a part of that process, which questioned every assumption and took nothing for granted. And our objectives are clear: We will work with the Afghan and Pakistani governments to eliminate safe havens for those plotting to attack against us, our allies, and our interests; we will help to stabilize a region that we believe is fundamental to our national security; and we will develop a long-term, sustainable relationship with both Afghanistan and Pakistan so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. The duration of our military presence is not open-ended, but our civilian commitment must continue even as our troops begin eventually to come home. Accomplishing this mission and ensuring the safety of the American people will not be easy. It will mean sending not only more troops, but more civilians and more assistance to Afghanistan, and significantly expanding our civilian efforts in Pakistan. The men and women carrying out this military-civilian mission are not members of a list or items on a PowerPoint slide. They are our friends and neighbors, our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters. And we will be asking them and the American people to make extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our security. I want to assure this Committee that I know takes its oversight responsibility so seriously that we will do everything we can to make sure their sacrifices are honored and make our nation safer. The situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan is serious, but it is not, in my view, as negative as frequently portrayed in public. And the beginning of President Karzai’s second term has opened a new window of opportunity. We have real concerns about the influence of corrupt officials in the Afghan Government, and we will continue to pursue them. But in his inauguration speech last week that I was privileged to attend, I witnessed President Karzai’s call for a new compact with his country. He pledged to combat corruption, improve governance, and deliver for the people of his country. His words were long in coming, but they were welcome. They must now be matched with action. The Afghan people, the United States, and the international community must hold the Afghan Government accountable for making good on these commitments. We will help by working to strengthen institutions at every level of Afghan society so we don’t leave chaos behind when our combat troops begin to depart. The President has outlined a timeframe for transition to Afghan responsibility, something that President Karzai assumed would happen, and which we took as a very good sign of a renewed understanding of the necessity of Afghanization. That transition will begin in the summer of 2011, when we expect Afghan security forces and the Afghan Government will have the capacity to start assuming ownership for defending their own country. As the President has said, we will execute the transition responsibly, taking into account conditions on the ground. But we think a timeframe for such a transition will provide a sense of urgency in working with the Afghan Government. It should be clear to everyone that unlike the past, the United States, our allies and partners have an enduring commitment to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the region. So our resolve in this fight is reflected in the substantial commitment of troops and in the significant civilian commitment that will continue long after combat forces leave. That civilian effort is already bearing fruit. Civilian experts and advisors are helping to craft policy inside government ministries, providing development assistance in the field, and working in scores of other roles. When our Marines went into Nawa this July, we had civilians on the ground with them to coordinate assistance the next day. And as operations progress, our civil – our civ-mil coordination is growing even stronger. We are on track to triple the number of civilian positions in Afghanistan to 974 by early next year. On average, each of these civilians leverages 10 partners, ranging from locally employed staff to experts with U.S.-funded NGOs. It’s a cliché to say we have our best people in this job – in these jobs, but it happens to be true. When I was in Kabul a few weeks ago, I met with an American colonel who told me that while he had thousands of outstanding soldiers under his command, none of them had the 40 years of agricultural experience of the USDA civilian serving alongside his battalion, or the rule of law and governance expertise of their civilian experts from the State Department. He told me: “I’m happy to supply whatever support these valuable civilians need. And we need more of them.” The President’s strategy will make that possible. Not only do we have the right people to achieve our objectives; we also have a sound strategy. We will be delivering high-impact assistance and bolstering Afghanistan’s agricultural sector, the traditional core of the Afghan economy. This will create jobs, reduce the funding that the Taliban receives from poppy cultivation, and draw insurgents off of the battlefield. We will also support an Afghan-led effort to open the door to those Taliban who renounce al-Qaida, abandon violence, and want to reintegrate into Afghan society. We understand some of those who fight with the insurgency do not do so out of conviction, but due to coercion or money. So, all Afghans should have the choice to pursue a better future if they do so peacefully, respect the basic human rights of their fellow citizens, and reintegrate into their society. Our regional diplomacy complements this approach by seeking to mitigate external interference in Afghanistan, and working to shift the calculus of neighboring countries from competition for influence to cooperation and economic integration. We also believe a strong, stable, democratic Pakistan must be a key partner in the fight against violent extremism, and people in Pakistan are increasingly coming to view that we do share a common enemy. I heard this repeatedly during my recent visit. So our relationship needs to anchored in common goals of civilian rule, robust economic development, and the defeat of those who threaten Pakistan, Afghanistan, the United States, and the rest of the world. We’ll significantly expand support intended for Pakistan to develop the potential of their people. We will do so by demonstrating a commitment to Pakistan that has been questioned by the Pakistanis in the past. And we will make sure that the people of Pakistan know that we wish to be their partner for the long term, and that we intend to do all that we can to bolster their futures. Now, we’re not going to be facing these challenges alone. We share this responsibility with governments around the world. I will go to Brussels tomorrow to begin the process of securing additional alliance commitments of troops, trainers and resources. We expect Secretary General Rasmussen to have an announcement today about the progress we’re making in that effort. Ambassador Holbrooke, our Special Representative, is already there consulting with our allies. And we’re also asking the international community to expand its support to Pakistan. Our objectives are shared by people and governments across the world, and we are particularly reaching out to Muslims everywhere. Let me conclude where I began. We face a range of difficult choices in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but the President’s plan represents the best way we know to protect our nation today and in the future. The task we face is as complex as any national security challenge in our lifetimes. We will not succeed if people view this effort as the responsibility of a single party, a single agency within our government, or a single country. We owe it to the troops and civilians who will face these dangers to come together as Americans, and come together with allies and international partners who are ready to step up and do more. We have to accomplish this mission, and I look forward to working with you to help meet this challenge. Thank you all very much.

(9:30 a.m. EST) Chairman Levin, Senator McCain, members of the Committee, I am grateful for this opportunity to testify before so many former colleagues and friends. My experience on this Committee helped form my views on many of the issues facing our nation. And it’s a privilege to be here before you now in this different role. Yesterday, President Obama presented the Administration’s strategy fo

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life within a particular area - the different types of species of plants and animals. We are fortunate to have over 400 hectares of natural open space and a number of key reserves, corridors and wetlands that support a number of species of native plants and animals. Our Parks Department and specialist biodiversity staff are involved in the protection, enhancement and management of the City's natural open space, while our Natural Resource Management Team is responsible for on-ground works such as revegetation, weed control, bushland monitoring and bushcare activities across the City. We also employ two specialist Biodiversity Officers who are responsible for the planning and management of all biodiversity related activities and the development of targets and policy relevant to the care and preservation of biodiversity assets. They are also responsible for the research and collation of information for community education. We are responsible for controlling declared weeds, weeds of national significance and other problematic weeds found on Council land. Declared weeds species have been identified as plants that can cause significant agricultural, environmental and social impacts. The City of Tea Tree Gully works closely with adjoining councils and the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board to control and, in some instances, eradicate these pests. Reintroducing local native flora by way of our revegetation program is an ongoing initiative that involves schools, volunteer groups, our own staff and contractors. During the planting months from May to September, hundreds of people participate in National Tree Day, World Environment Day and other planting events in a bid to provide habitat for native fauna and enhance the City's beautiful landscape. To get involved in our volunteer planting days, please contact us. Special Bushcare activities are carried out by Council staff and volunteers on several of the City's flora and fauna reserves. Bushcare is the management of remnant vegetation and protects and enhances all levels of vegetation that may have existed throughout the region prior to development. Bushcare requires a high level of skill in identifying local native plants and weed species and many of the volunteers are trained and coordinated by 'Bush for Life' (part of the 'Trees for Life') organisation, and provide an invaluable service. As part of the Waterproofing Northern Adelaide (WNA) project, Council has developed wetlands, aquifer storage and recovery schemes (ASRs) and pipework to store and harvest stormwater which can then be used to irrigate the City's parks and reserves Kingfisher Wetland (Kingfisher Drive, Modbury Heights), Solandra Wetland (Ladywood Road, Modbury North) and the Torrens Mahogany Wetland (Mahogany Avenue, Highbury) will all be connected to existing or new ASR schemes and will serve to reduce Council's reliance on mains water for irrigation purposes. Not only do these wetlands collect and store stormwater, but they also provide valuable habitat. All wetlands in the City have been planted with local native aquatic species that provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. These sedges and rushes also perform an important function in capturing nutrients and heavy metals, thereby cleansing the water that passes through the wetland. Council's Roadside Marker Scheme is a voluntary system that helps identify areas of high quality roadside vegetation and areas of historical and cultural significance. Marker plates attached to posts discretely identify these areas and helps protect the sites from roadworks, roadside maintenance, stockpiling and other potentially damaging activities. Although the City has lost much of its biodiversity since European settlement, it is still more fortunate than many urban councils having retained over 400 hectares of natural open space. We have a number of biodiversity sites that the community can enjoy. Listed below are just a handful of sites that are great places to enjoy walks, native plant and wildflower spotting and bird watching. Why grow local native plants in the garden(336 kb) Creating Gardens for Wildlife(324 kb) Preparing and caring for your local native garden(209 kb) Local native plants for gardens in CTTG(717 kb) Importance of Remnant Trees(169 kb) Garden Weeds & Bushland Invaders booklet

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life within a particular area - the different types of species of plants and animals. We are fortunate to have over 400 hectares of natural open space and a number of key reserves, corridors and wetlands that support a number of species of native plants and animals. Our Parks Department and specialist biodiversity staff are involved in the protection, enhancem

There’ve been lots of headlines lately about the dangers of prescription drug abuse—like taking a friend’s. From this positron emission tomography (PET) scan, you can see how natural dopamine levels are different in people with and without ADHD. The scan on the left shows the brain of someone without ADHD, and the scan on the right shows the brain of someone with ADHD. The greater concentration of yellow, orange, and red in the nucleus accumbens in the scan on the left reflects a higher amount of dopamine. BUT—for people who do not have ADHD, stimulants flood the brain with dopamine, causing a dopamine overload. So instead of having a calming effect as they would on people with ADHD, stimulants taken without a medical reason can disrupt brain communication and cause euphoria. It might feel good at first, but repeated abuse of stimulants can: - Increase blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. - Decrease appetite and sleep. - Cause feelings of hostility and paranoia. - Increase a person’s risk for addiction. Doctors take many factors into account when prescribing a drug for a person who needs it: dose size, the person’s weight and height, how long the drug should be taken, and much more. The bottom line is that drugs affect everyone differently. Want to see how abusing Adderall could affect you physically and academically? Choose Your Path.

There’ve been lots of headlines lately about the dangers of prescription drug abuse—like taking a friend’s. From this positron emission tomography (PET) scan, you can see how natural dopamine levels are different in people with and without ADHD. The scan on the left shows the brain of someone without ADHD, and the scan on the right shows the brain of someone with ADHD. The greater concentration of

DEMAND from Thailand and Vietnam helped to drive up the Kingdom’s cassava exports 88 percent in the first three months of 2011, compared to the same period last year, according to Camcontrol, a division of the Commerce Ministry. Cassava exports exports between January and March totaled 204,618 up 87.7 percent from 108,987 tonnes in 2010. Higher prices also helped to boost export revenues for Cambodia. Revenues for the period equaled US$9.9 million, or about a 143 percent increase from last year’s $4.1 million. Khuon Savuth, director of Camcontrol, tied the rise to demand from the Kingdom’s larger neighbors and said the increasing prices are pushing more and more farmers to plant cassava. “The high price of cassava not only improves the living standard of people but also up-holds the national economy".Chhorn Saroem Company, which exports agricultural products to Thailand, said the increased farming boosted her cassava shipments in the first three months of the year 50 percent higher than the same period last year. “This year the farmers throughout Paillin province flock to cultivate more cassava than other crops because of high price,” she said. She added that a tonne fetched 37,000 riels this year compared to 11,000 riel last year. Source : The Phnom Penh Post

DEMAND from Thailand and Vietnam helped to drive up the Kingdom’s cassava exports 88 percent in the first three months of 2011, compared to the same period last year, according to Camcontrol, a division of the Commerce Ministry. Cassava exports exports between January and March totaled 204,618 up 87.7 percent from 108,987 tonnes in 2010. Higher prices also helped to boost export revenues for Cambo

Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and/or have an unusually close understanding of the community they serve. This trusting relationship enables CHVs to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. Brief descriptions of USAID's youth programs around the world. Start date: November 19, 2012 End Date: November 19, 2015 Anticipated Project budget (Life of Project): $ 488,268 Implementer: Media Development Center (MDC) Start date: March 8, 2012 End date: March 7, 2015 Project budget (Life of Project): $1.4 Million Implementer: Rural Development Network of the Republic of Macedonia Develop and disseminate affordable climate change adaptation technologies and practices in the agricultural sector, by conducting comprehensive public awareness and outreach campaigns combined with capacity building programs tailored to the needs of farming operations. Grantee(s): University of North Carolina- Measure Evaluation Phase III Duration: 3 years (FY2011 - FY2014)- Annual determination based on need Total Projected Investment: $300K FY 11 Funding Source: USAID/Barbados- (GHCS-USAID Account) Countries: St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica Objective: To improve the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems and processes within the small states of the Eastern Caribbean. The United States and Chile partner on trilateral cooperation activities to work with countries to increase citizen security and promote agriculture and food safety. The joint efforts maximize resources and expertise to help impact development strategies in a third country. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Chilean International Cooperation Agency (AGCI), the countries have worked together in Central and South America and will now assist the Dominican Republic with at-risk youth. More than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from one or more painful, debilitating tropical diseases which disproportionately impact poor and rural populations, cause severe sickness and disability, compromise mental and physical development, contribute to childhood malnutrition, reduce school enrollment, and hinder economic productivity. Seven of these neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) can be controlled and treated through targeted mass drug administration (MDA). Treatment of at-risk populations for 4-6 years can lead to elimination or control of these diseases. Start date: December 20, 2012 End Date: June 17, 2015 Anticipated Project budget (Life of Project): $ 412,984 Implementer: Balkan Investigative Network Reporting (BIRN) Last updated: June 12, 2013

Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and/or have an unusually close understanding of the community they serve. This trusting relationship enables CHVs to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service deliver

Homepage of the Mineral Resources Program that provides current, impartial information on the occurrence, quality, quantity, and availability of mineral resources with links to projects, publications, spatial data, teams, issues, and news. Site for programs of the Central Region Mineral Resources Team with links to products, personnel, projects and programs of land stewardship, regional geochemistry, analytical chemistry, geology and resources assessment and remote sensing. Home page for Eastern Mineral Resources Team conducting research on the occurrence, quality, quantity, and availability of mineral resources. Links to products, descriptions of research projects, and staff. Estimates of known and undiscovered copper resources total nearly 60 million metric tons of copper. Iron resources in known deposits total 2200 million metric tons of ore. Twenty mineralized areas meriting further study were identified.

Homepage of the Mineral Resources Program that provides current, impartial information on the occurrence, quality, quantity, and availability of mineral resources with links to projects, publications, spatial data, teams, issues, and news. Site for programs of the Central Region Mineral Resources Team with links to products, personnel, projects and programs of land stewardship, regional geochemist

Fifth Anniversary for No Child Left Behind Spellings Speaks on International Education Around the Country Q & A Glossary News Show Celebrates No Child Left Behind New Design for FREE Web Site Fifth Anniversary for No Child Left Behind Landmark Legislation Has Changed Landscape of American Education This month marks the fifth anniversary of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the bipartisan legislation signed into law by President George W. Bush on Jan. 8, 2002, to reform America's public schools. The law is based on four principles: 1) stronger accountability for results; 2) greater flexibility for states and communities; 3) proven education methods; and 4) more choices for parents. "At its heart, [NCLB] was intended to help teachers help students reach their potential," said U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings at a national summit on the law held last April. Ultimately, NCLB set a historic goal for the country: every child reading and doing math at grade level by 2014. Schools are held accountable for students achieving annual progress toward proficiency in those subjects based on state standards. Performance is measured in grades 3-8 and once in high school by state assessments that must be reported by income level, race and ethnicity, disability and limited English proficiency to ensure that no child falls through the cracks. Since its enactment, test results have shown that the law is working. "The achievement gap that has persisted for decades in the younger years between minorities and whites has shrunk to its smallest size in history," said Spellings. The most recent Nation's Report Card also revealed that America's fourth-graders posted the best scores in reading and math in the history of the 30-plus-year-old report, while eighth-graders earned the highest math scores ever. Among its efforts for improving student achievement, NCLB has introduced free tutoring for children from low-income families in persistently underperforming schools, the Reading First program to boost literacy skills in the early grades, and grants to improve teacher quality. In addition, federal funding for it has increased by 34 percent over the life of the lawfrom $17 billion in 2001 to $23 billion in 2006. The No Child Left Behind Act is due to be reauthorized this year. President Bush has pledged to work with Congress to ensure that the accountability measures that have led to academic gains as well as the nation's commitment to NCLB's 2014 goal remain in tact. For more information about the No Child Left Behind Act, visit http://www.ed.gov/nclb/. Response Soars for Supplemental Educational Services Option in Indianapolis The after-school tutoring program in Indianapolis could not have come at a better time for the Jessie family. Jodi Jessie said her children had been struggling with their schoolwork, so she had been looking into getting their teachers to work with them for maybe an afternoon or two. "And then they came around with this tutoring program, which they can do Monday through Thursday," she said. "That was even better. So I just went ahead and put them in it." Provided free of charge, it was a huge savings for the mother of eight whose four children in grades 1-4 qualified for the service. Last September, after their school did not meet the state's adequate yearly progress (AYP) goals for a third consecutive year, they became eligible to either receive free tutoring or transfer to another school. For Jessie, it was a no-brainer: "My kids have been going there since kindergarten. I went there. My husband went there. And the school is great. The teachers are awesome. The principal is amazing. So it never crossed my mind to take them out of that school." Introduced by the No Child Left Behind Act, the extra academic help is an effort to help those who need it most: students from low-income families in consistently low-performing schools. The law requires that school districts offer supplemental educational services (SES) to students who: 1) qualify for free or reduced-price lunches; and 2) attend schools receiving Title I funds (federal dollars for high-poverty schools) that have been identified as "in need of improvement" for a second year for failing to meet AYP for three straight years. The school district covers the cost; parents select the tutoring organization they feel is best for their child. "It really empowers parents," said Carrie Reinking, who coordinates the SES program for Indianapolis Public Schools. This school year, with the support of federal funding, Indianapolis will spend more than $4 million on supplemental educational services to help several thousand students in grades K-8 improve their knowledge and skills in core subjects while their schools undergo improvements. Approximately $1,500 has been allotted per student to pay for tutoring sessions that vary in number based on SES providers' hourly rates. Providers, which may include high-performing public and private schools as well as community and faith-based organizations, are approved and monitored by states. At the local level, school districts supply parents of eligible children with a list of qualified providers serving the area, from which they may make their selection. Then the districts, which broker the contract and manage all logistics, arrange a meeting with the parent, provider and a district staff member to discuss specific goals for the child, set up a schedule for services, and decide how the child's progress will be measured. According to recent records, Indianapolis has one of the highest participation rates in the country, with 64 percent of the 3,500 eligible students signing up for tutoring in the 2005-06 school year. (The 2006-07 rate will not be available until the final audit in August.) As the largest school system in the state, Indianapolis Public Schools facilitates services for 16 eligible schools, a number that has quadrupled since the program's start in 2002. Several factors account for the large enrollment: an aggressive outreach effort that involves notifying parents at the beginning of the school year about their child's eligibility; regular provider fairs that allow tutoring companies to describe the scope of their services; and open houses and other parent events year-round that give Reinking and fellow coordinator Sylvia Myles a continuous platform to speak about the program's benefits. However, it's not just about getting the word out, added Reinking. In one area where participation was low, she said, "They wanted to be reassured by a voice or a face to say, 'Yes, this is something we feel is valuable for your child. Yes, it is going to be after school, right there in your child's own school. And yes, you can have faith that your child's going to be safe and secure in that environment.'" Scheduling the tutoring at a convenient location, particularly at the child's school, has been the biggest draw, explained Myles. "The parents do not have to worry about transporting their children to another site. They're at a safe location; they're at their own home school," she said. Other sites include public libraries, community centers and, in some cases, children's homes. Another bonus for parents is that many of the tutors hired are actually their children's classroom teachers. They are part of a wide range of talent, which also includes retired educators, college students and career professionals, providing one-on-one instruction or small-group tutoring. Yet, as the market growstutoring companies in Indianapolis have doubled to 32 from just last yearchoosing the right provider can feel like a daunting task for parents. "My take has always been pretty simple," said one provider. "If you put the kids first ... the word will spread." Overall, it has been Indianapolis' open enrollment policy that has allowed more families to take advantage of the program. Instead of restricting enrollment to, for example, one month, students can register anytime during the school year, which is especially convenient for middle school students, who often are involved in extracurricular activities, such as football or band practice, that may compete with tutoring sessions. After the tutoring, transportation is provided at no cost to seventh- and eighth-graders. Also, as another SES provider points out, for children who already have spent eight hours a day in a classroom, it's important to provide a variety of academically enriching activities, such as a board game to hone math skills: "That keeps the kids interested in coming to the after-school program every day." A former teacher for more than 25 years, Reinking considers the additional instruction provided through the SES program "a valuable extension of ... the hard work we're doing with our students during the day," while it helps to bring more community partners on board to support schools. Among other measures of success, she points to the high ratings on parent satisfaction surveys, though she admits there is still more work to do in improving student achievement. But Jodi Jessie, who said she has seen a difference in her children's attitudes toward learning following the tutoring sessions, believes the outcomes are more than numerical. "Being in the neighborhood that we are in, there are a lot of kids who go home to nothing," she said. "And when they've got a teacher there who's going to stay with them and pay attention to themthat means a lot to them." By Nicole Ashby Spellings Speaks on International Education During International Education Week, Nov. 13-17, 2006, Secretary Spellings, along with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Dina Habib Powell (pictured together at right), led the first-ever delegation of U.S. college and university presidents to Japan, Korea and China. Following is an excerpt of the secretary's remarks at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. ... Higher education has long been one of the strengths of America. Our decentralized system has empowered students with a wide range of options. It's a system that encourages innovation and adapts to meet many different needs. ... And in the fields of both academic and scientific research, foreign students contribute tremendously to and greatly enrich our universities. As a nation, we understand the value of international exchange. ... Foreign student enrollment continues to rise in the post-Sept. 11 era. In the last year, the number of student exchange visas issued reached an all-time high of more than 590,000. Student visas were up 15 percent. Our universities are working to promote the value of international education and foster new exchanges. In the past, study abroad was something that not many students could afford, and it wasn't offered at many universities. But that's changing. In the past 10 years, [the number of] Americans studying overseas has increased by 10 percent. And the number of institutions offering study abroad programs and highlighting international education has increased dramatically. If our students are going to be prepared for the international marketplace, study abroad is a critical part of that preparation. We can learn a lot from each other to better prepare our students. For example, Japan has strong math and science programs, and America is known for its emphasis on critical thinking and creativity. Working together, we can give all our students a better education. Companies today want graduates skilled in ... math, science and foreign languagethe new currencies of our global economy. And these days, companies are following talentwhether that talent is in Texas or Tokyo. Since our universities are at the heart of recruiting and nurturing talent, they must adapt to make sure a college education equips students to be competitive with the new international workforce. A core strength of America's higher education system is flexibility. Our colleges are able to innovate and adjust to meet the demands of a dynamic job market and changing global society. Recently, I had a group of higher education and business leaders explore ways we can strengthen higher education in America and make it more affordable, accessible and accountable. Our government is committed to ensuring that our education system provides students with the resources and instruction they need to be competitive and succeed in the new global economy. For us, the internationalization of education means sharing best practices, fostering innovation and increasing transparency. Because no matter what country we call home, all of us share the same commitment to see students succeed. Education opens the doors of opportunity and is the foundation for a better life and a bright future. To promote freedom, end hunger, find the cure for cancer, explore new frontiers in space ... these are noble objectivesobjectives we have a much greater chance of accomplishing together than on our own. Through shared collaboration of ideas and invention, we can make our world and the world our children inherit one of great promise and opportunity. ... Visit http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2006/11/11132006.html for the complete Nov. 13, 2006, remarks. Around the Country Florida In December, Broward County Public Schools wrapped up its third round of provider fairs designed to inform eligible families about the free tutoring available for their children under the No Child Left Behind Act. Approximately 31,000 students in the districtthe fifth largest in the nationqualify for supplemental educational services. So far, more than 4,700 students have signed up, a fraction of those eligible, but significantly more than the 330 registered in 2004-05. The increase is credited to several efforts, including: a multiple enrollment season; a partnership with the Urban League, which hosted town hall meetings; and an automated phone system announcing events. Virginia After a yearlong pilot run, four school districts in Virginia continue to offer students from low-income families free tutoring one year earlier than usual. Based on an increase in participation, the U.S. Department of Education reauthorized the state to provide supplemental educational services to students in schools in Alexandria, Henry County, Newport News and Stafford County that are in the first, rather than second, year of school improvement. Due to the flexibility, one district experienced as much as a 200-percent increase in the number of eligible children enrolling. The school systems are among 16 in five states involved in the Department's pilot program. Magnet Schools Month, a national initiative to highlight magnet schools. As part of the celebration, Magnet Schools of America is inviting communities to host special events and activities and is sponsoring a poster contest that will conclude on Jan. 26. For details, visit http://www.magnet.edu or call 202-824-0672. - January 8 Fifth Anniversary of No Child Left Behind, an observance of the landmark education law signed by President George W. Bush in 2002. The bipartisan legislation is predicated on four principles: 1) stronger accountability for results; 2) greater flexibility for states and communities; 3) proven education methods; and 4) more choices for parents. For more information, visit http://www.ed.gov or call 1-800-USA-LEARN. - January 18 White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Conference, Seattle, sponsored by a consortium of federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education. Part of a series of regional conferences being held around the country, this meeting for grassroots leaders will provide information about federal grant opportunities. To register, visit http://www.fbci.gov or call 202-456-6718. Q & A Glossary Is my child eligible for supplemental educational services? Children in schools receiving Title I funds that have not made adequate yearly progress (AYP) for three years are eligible to receive supplemental educational services (SES)free tutoring and other extra academic help outside of the regular school day. The No Child Left Behind Act requires that school districts offer SES to students from low-income families attending Title I schools that have been identified as "in need of improvement" for more than one year. Parents of eligible children should receive annual notices about the availability of services. School districts must provide a state-approved list of SES providers, which may include public and private schools as well as community and faith-based organizations, from which parents can make a selection. Once a decision has been made, parents meet with the provider and a district staff member to discuss specific goals for the child, set up a schedule for services, and decide how the child's progress will be measured. SES providers must give both the parents and the school information on the child's progress. For details about local SES opportunities, contact your local school district or state department of education. For information about federal guidelines, call the U.S. Department of Education toll-free at 1-800-USA-LEARN. News Show Celebrates No Child Left Behind Stories of successful schools and school districts, high-performing teachers and students, and how they have helped to realize the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act, will be the focus of the January edition of Education News Parents Can Use, the Department's monthly television program. Five years ago, No Child Left Behind was signed into law, thereby raising expectations for all children. It asked more of the nation's education system, requiring that states: set standards for student achievement and regularly measure progress; provide better information and more options to parents; and provide a highly qualified teacher for every classroom. Guests on January's show will explore the ways in which the law's principles of accountability, parent choice and teacher quality have helped to close the achievement gap and raise test scores. In addition, videotaped stories of high-performing schools will provide shining examples of how all studentsregardless of race, family income or zip codecan achieve at high levels. Each month, Education News Parents Can Use showcases: schools and school districts from across the country; conversations with school officials, parents and education experts; and advice and free resources for parents and educators. To learn about viewing options, including webcasts, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/, or call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN. New Design for FREE Web Site One of the most popular online resources supported by the U.S. Department of Education recently received an extreme makeover that has put hundreds of teaching and learning resources easily at the public's disposal. The redesign of the FREE (Federal Resources for Educational Excellence) Web siteavailable at http://free.ed.govhelps users to better navigate more than 1,500 resources from more than 35 federal agencies that range from an interactive program picturing phases of the moon from the National Science Foundation to video narratives by Holocaust survivors from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. It organizes these resources according to academic subjects, using an appealing display of photos and illustrations for easy identification. In addition, the new design adds a subject map on the home page that organizes the online collection according to eight categories: language arts; math; science; U.S. history; U.S. time periods; world studies; arts and music; and health and physical education. Each category follows with a subgroup that helps to fine-tune the search for resources. For instance, U.S. history covers ethnic groups, famous people, movements and wars. The science category explores applied, earth, life, physical and space sciences, while the math group looks at algebra, data analysis, geometry, measurement, and numbers and operations. And, for observances celebrated in the classroom, the sitewhich is updated weeklyincludes resources for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Sept. 11 as part of its special collections. The redesign was the first since the FREE Web site was created in 1998. U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. S.W. Washington, DC 20202 The Achiever is a monthly publication for parents and community leaders from the Office of Communications and Outreach, U.S. Department of Education (ED). Margaret Spellings, secretary. Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby, editor, at 202-205-0676 (fax), or at [email protected]. Address changes and subscriptions? Contact 1-877-4ED-PUBS, or [email protected]. Information on ED programs, resources and events? Contact 1-800-USA-LEARN, or [email protected]. The Achiever contains news and information about and from public and private organizations for the reader's information. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education of any products or services offered or views expressed. This publication also contains hyperlinks and URLs created and maintained by outside organizations and provided for the reader's convenience. The Department is not responsible for the accuracy of this information. Thank you for your interest in The Achiever, the U.S. Department of Education's monthly bulletin on No Child Left Behind, the historic, bipartisan education reform law signed by President Bush in January 2002. We are delighted to hear that the newsletter is providing you with the resources needed to help you in your efforts to improve education. Because The Achiever is a publication of the Education Department and, therefore, in the public domain, you are free to reprint or photocopy the articles. We simply ask that you give full credit to the Department with the suggested citation: Source: U.S. Department of Education, The Achiever, [Date of issue].Again, thank you for using our newsletter to communicate to a larger audience the information and resources that are available through No Child Left Behind. To unsubscribe from The Achiever: - Send email to [email protected] - Write in the body of the message: unsub nochildleftbehind

Fifth Anniversary for No Child Left Behind Spellings Speaks on International Education Around the Country Q & A Glossary News Show Celebrates No Child Left Behind New Design for FREE Web Site Fifth Anniversary for No Child Left Behind Landmark Legislation Has Changed Landscape of American Education This month marks the fifth anniversary of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the bipartisan legisl

South Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education The SC Reach for Success project proposes to expand the capacity of 51 public computer centers and create 19 new computer labs at the South Carolina Technical College System’s 16 member community colleges. The college system is the state’s largest higher education system, with 114,000 degree-seeking students and 128,000 continuing education students. Of these students, almost half receive federal Pell Grant assistance and 37 percent are minorities. This project will open these community college computer centers to the general public for the first time and plans to nearly double the number of workstations to approximately 3,260, which will accommodate an increase in users per week from 17,000 to 38,000. The project also intends to offer laptop computers for students to checkout, allowing them to use new and expanded WiFi hot spots on campus for online research and learning applications.

South Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education The SC Reach for Success project proposes to expand the capacity of 51 public computer centers and create 19 new computer labs at the South Carolina Technical College System’s 16 member community colleges. The college system is the state’s largest higher education system, with 114,000 degree-seeking students and 128,000 continuin

Volume 7, Number 2—April 2001 4th Decennial International Conference on Nosocomial and Healthcare-Associated Infections Prevention is Primary Automated Methods for Surveillance of Surgical Site Infections Automated data, especially from pharmacy and administrative claims, are available for much of the U.S. population and might substantially improve both inpatient and postdischarge surveillance for surgical site infections complicating selected procedures, while reducing the resources required. Potential improvements include better sensitivity, less susceptibility to interobserver variation, more uniform availability of data, more precise estimates of infection rates, and better adjustment for patients' coexisting illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine surveillance for surgical site infections (1); accrediting agencies such as the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations require it. Surveillance identifies clusters of infection, establishes baseline risks for infection, provides comparisons between institutions or surgical specialties, identifies risk factors, and permits evaluation of control measures (2). Achieving these goals requires health-care systems to have access to different information types (Table 1). An ideal surveillance system should have several attributes, including meaningful definitions of infection, consistent interpretation of classification criteria, applicability to procedures performed in both inpatient and ambulatory facilities, ability to detect events after discharge, sufficient precision to distinguish small absolute differences in attack rates, ability to adjust for different distribution of severity of illness across populations, and reasonable cost. Most current systems lack at least one of these attributes; for example, the system recommended by CDC's Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) (3) is excellent for clinical decision-making, but some elements are difficult to apply for surveillance purposes. Information required to apply some of its criteria may not be available for all cases; for example, the criterion of recovery of microbial growth from a normally sterile site may be affected by variation in obtaining specimens for culture. Some elements of CDC's National Nosocomial Infections (NNIS) System definition require substantial judgment or interpretation. An example is determining whether purulent drainage is present: An attending physician's diagnosis is sufficient, although the way physicians record or confirm their diagnoses may differ. For these reasons, case ascertainment is affected by considerable interobserver variability (4). Although most surgical site infections become manifest after the patient is discharged from the hospital (5–12), there is no accepted method for detecting them (13). The most widely described method of conducting postdischarge surveillance is questionnaire reporting by surgeons. This method has been shown to have poor sensitivity (15%) and positive predictive value (28%), even when surgeons are compliant in returning the questionnaires (5). Moreover, a questionnaire-based surveillance system requires substantial resources. Reporting by patients via questionnaires also has poor sensitivity (28%) because many patients do not return questionnaires mailed to them a month after surgery. Telephone questionnaires have been used effectively but are too resource intensive for routine use. Many procedures must be monitored to allow confident conclusions that relatively small differences in observed attack rates do not reflect chance variations. Identifying these small differences, understanding their cause, and undertaking quality improvement programs to reduce their occurrence would have large consequences when applied to the >45 million surgical procedures performed annually in the United States (14). Reducing the overall infection rate by a quarter of a percent would prevent >100,000 infections per year. For coronary artery bypass surgery alone, a one percentage point decrease in the risk for infection would prevent >3,500 infections per year in the United States (15). Because of the need to observe large numbers of procedures, conducting surveillance for the entire surgical population is desirable. However, to conserve scarce resources, some programs survey only a fraction of their procedures or rotate surveillance among different procedure types. Determining whether relatively small differences in infection rates result from differences in care rather than in patients' susceptibility to infection requires robust risk-adjustment methods that can take into account different case-mixes in different institutions. Available methods do not have optimal resolution and depend in part on the Anesthesia Society of America (ASA) score (3,16). The ASA score, a subjective assessment of the patient's overall health status, may reflect interobserver variability (17) that can adversely affect stratification of risk for surgical infection (18). Automated methods to augment current surveillance methods should improve the quality of surveillance for surgical site infections and reduce the resources required. To achieve these goals, surveillance should be based on the growing body of data that health-care systems, including hospitals, physicians' offices, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and insurance companies, routinely collect during care delivery. Many types of automated data are now or will soon become widely available, including information about patients, surgical procedures, and patients' postoperative courses (Table 2). Three ways to use these data to support surveillance programs are inpatient surveillance, postdischarge surveillance, and case-mix adjustment. Inpatient Surveillance for Surgical Site Infections One of the most widely available types of automated data useful for inpatient surveillance is antibiotic exposure data from pharmacy dispensing records. Studies have indicated that antibiotic exposure is a sensitive indicator of infection (19,20), since relatively few serious infections are managed without antibiotics. Poor specificity (too many false positives) has been a major problem, however, because antibiotics are so widely used after surgery for extended prophylaxis, empiric therapy of suspected infection, and treatment of infections other than surgical site infections. One way to improve the usefulness of postoperative antibiotic exposure as a marker of infection is to consider the timing and duration of administration, rather than just its occurrence. Quantitative antibiotic exposure is a measure that reduces the number of false positives by excluding patients who receive a brief course; however, there is a trade-off between sensitivity and specificity. Constructing receiver-operating characteristic curves helps to identify the amount of treatment with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity. For example, acceptable identification of infections after cesarean section was achieved by requiring a criterion of at least 2 days of parenteral antibiotic administration (21). In that study, the sensitivity was 81% and the specificity was 95% compared with infections identified by NNIS surveillance. Quantitative inpatient antibiotic exposure is useful for identifying infections in coronary artery bypass surgery patients (22). Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to demonstrate that patients with infections were best identified as those who received postoperative antibiotics for at least 9 days, excluding the first postoperative day. This criterion included both oral and parenteral antibiotics and ignored gaps in administration. This approach has two important implications for surveillance systems: It allows this mechanism to identify patients readmitted for treatment of infection within 30 days of surgery, and automated programs to identify patients who meet this threshold are substantially easier to implement. The 9-day exposure cutoff resulted in greater sensitivity (approximately 90%) for identifying surgical site infections than conventional prospective surveillance (approximately 60%) conducted in the same hospitals. A disadvantage of the antibiotic threshold criterion is that it identifies events that are not surgical site infections, including problematic wounds that do not meet the HICPAC criteria for infection, other types of hospital infections, and other long durations of antibiotic use. Studies under way will determine the utility of this approach in a larger number of hospitals. Preliminary data from nine hospitals suggest that surveillance for antibiotic use provides useful information. For cesarean section, prospective comparison of a quantitative antibiotic exposure threshold to conventional prospective NNIS surveillance and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9), discharge diagnosis codes indicates that antibiotic surveillance has considerably better sensitivity (89%) than either NNIS surveillance (32%) or coded discharge diagnoses (47%). This difference was consistent across hospitals (23). Quantitative thresholds for antibiotic exposure should be chosen individually for specific surgical procedures, since the value for cesarean section (2 days) differs from that for coronary artery bypass grafting (9 days) and there may be no useful threshold for some procedures. These values may also need to be reassessed as medical practice evolves. It will be important to understand the discrepancies between the results of formal NNIS surveillance and antibiotic surveillance. In some cases, patients who receive more than the threshold duration of antibiotic therapy appear to have clinically relevant infectious illness, such as fever and incisional cellulitis with no drainage. Postdischarge Surveillance for Surgical Site Infection Because most infections become manifest after discharge and many patients with infections never return to the hospital where the surgery was performed (5), traditional inpatient surveillance methods are not sufficient. In addition, conventional methods for postdischarge surveillance, including surgeon questionnaires, are highly inaccurate, with both low sensitivity and specificity. Information about postdischarge care is available in office-based electronic medical records of coded diagnoses, procedures, tests, and treatments from the automated billing and pharmacy dispensing data maintained by most HMOs and many insurers. Pharmacy dispensing information is typically available for insured patients who have a pharmacy benefit. Together, these automated data elements identified >99% of postdischarge infections that occurred after a mixed group of nonobstetric surgical procedures (5). This high sensitivity came at the cost of low specificity (many false positives requiring manual review of medical records). Recursive partitioning, logistic regression modeling, and bootstrap methods have made it possible to preserve good sensitivity while improving specificity by combining automated data from inpatient and ambulatory sources. The resulting algorithms use these automated data to assign to each patient an estimated probability for postoperative infection. These probabilities of infection, based on postoperative events that indicate infection has occurred, must be distinguished from predictions based on personal risk factors such as diabetes or obesity or on characteristics of the procedures such as the duration of surgery. Choosing a lower probability threshold results in higher sensitivity and lower specificity, whereas a higher threshold improves specificity at the expense of sensitivity. For example, using automated data from both HMOs and ambulatory medical records permitted a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 98%, for a predictive value positive of 48%. A higher sensitivity, 92%, was achieved at the expense of lowering the specificity to 92%, for a predictive value positive of 21% (Figure) (24). This work has been extended to surveillance for inpatient and postdischarge surgical site infections following coronary artery bypass surgery in five hospitals (25). That study found that HMO data alone identified 73% of 168 infections and hospital data alone identified 49% of the same infections. Separate algorithms have been developed to identify postpartum infections occurring after discharge (26). The utility of automated data sources might be improved in several ways: 1) A procedure-specific algorithm will likely perform better than a general one. 2) Algorithms can be improved to further reduce the number of false positives (e.g., by excluding codes for infection that occur on the same day as a surgical procedure or for antibiotics dispensed before the second postoperative day). 3) These algorithms should be made robust enough for general use by including all ICD-9 and Current Procedural Terminology codes that might be used for surgical site infections. Improved Case-Mix Adjustment Methods As quality improvement and patient safety programs evolve, there are likely to be many more opportunities and incentives for comparing infection rates within and across institutions. However, such comparisons will require case-mix adjustment that accounts for coexisting illnesses, to avoid penalizing hospitals that care for patients at higher risk. As discussed, the NNIS risk index is based on the ASA score, which has several undesirable features. Although the ASA score has five possible values, the NNIS index collapses them into two levels so that all information about coexisting illness is summarized, in effect, as high or low. There is often little heterogeneity of ASA score in patients within a surgical procedure class, for instance, cesarean sections. In addition, the ASA score is subject to considerable interobserver variation, is not available for many ambulatory procedures, is usually not captured in automated form by hospital databases, and is not available in administrative or claims data systems. As an alternative to the ASA score, the chronic disease score has been proposed to adjust data for coexisting illness in surgical patients. This score is based on the premise that dispensed drugs are markers for chronic coexisting illness; for example, dispensing of hypoglycemic agents strongly suggests the presence of diabetes. Approximately 24 conditions are represented in the chronic disease score, which is computed from ambulatory pharmacy dispensing information and can predict death and overall resource use (27–30). The chronic disease score has theoretical advantages over the ASA score: it can be computed automatically for the approximately 90% of the population that has prescription drug coverage, and it is completely objective. In its first application to a mixed group of surgical procedures, the chronic disease score performed at least as well as the ASA score (30). In addition, a modified chronic disease score, based on data for drugs dispensed on hospital admission, performed with substantially better sensitivity and specificity than the ASA score. The chronic disease score, based on admission medications, can also be computed by health-care facilities without the need for ambulatory drug-dispensing data. The chronic disease score might be considered as a substitute when the ASA score is not available or as a supplement to the ASA score to provide better risk stratification. In addition, the chronic disease score might be modified to optimize its prediction of surgical site infections, rather than all causes of death and resource utilization. For example, data on psychotropic drugs, which are important contributors to the overall chronic disease score, might detract from the prediction of infection. Improved scoring systems will need to be developed through formal modeling programs applied to large, heterogeneous datasets. Potential Uses of Electronic Data for Surgical Site Infection Surveillance Electronic data have the potential to provide better information about infections while reducing the effort required to conduct surveillance. The outcome measures (e.g., quantitative antibiotic exposure or combinations of coded diagnoses) are meaningful, although they differ from the NNIS definition. The medical profession must decide whether a surveillance definition of surgical site infection might coexist with a clinical definition, with the understanding that the two serve related but different purposes (for example, the surveillance definition for influenza epidemics depends on hospitalizations with a coded diagnosis of pneumonia or influenza rather than virologically confirmed infections or specific clinical signs and symptoms). Implementation of systems that use these data requires consensus on the part of the medical profession about outcome definitions, surveillance algorithms, and reporting standards. Even if consensus is reached, impediments will remain to the widespread adoption of electronic surveillance systems. The disparity in the electronic systems currently in use is one of these. While more sophisticated systems will permit better surveillance, most of the results described above depend on data elements such as drug dispensing information or financial claims data that are already available or are among the first to become automated. Thus, it will not be necessary to wait for fully automated medical records or more advanced hospital information systems. Although the costs of developing and validating systems based on electronic data are substantial, much of the development can be centralized, and validation need only be conducted in a few sites to establish generalizability. These reporting systems require a moderate investment by hospitals, HMOs, and insurers, most of which is the fixed cost for creating automated reporting functions. While some of this cost can be defrayed through the use of standard, shared computer code, this code usually must be customized to make it compatible with existing automated systems. Organizations that have electronic data typically create similar reports for other purposes and will not need new skills. In addition, the costs of maintaining and using the periodic reports that will constitute a new surveillance system are negligible. Data sharing between hospitals, HMOs, and insurers is important, since very few single entities possess enough information to implement a self-sufficient surveillance system. Furthermore, in many locales, hospitals contract with several HMOs and insurers. In that case, HMOs and insurers must share information among themselves as well as with the hospitals, since no one hospital is likely to have enough patients to achieve the necessary precision. Data sharing will require development of systems that protect both patients' confidentiality and the organizations' proprietary interests. If such surveillance becomes widely available, two types of uses might coexist. One would be to improve traditional prospective surveillance; for example, sensitivity of inpatient surveillance could be maintained with greatly reduced effort by restricting traditional (NNIS) review to the <10% of records that meet the quantitative screening criterion for antibiotic exposure. Similarly, for the postdischarge surveillance system, one could review as little as 2% of records (including ambulatory records in physicians' offices) while greatly increasing the sensitivity of detection. A second way to use these surveillance systems is to apply them to the entire surgical population, including patients or procedures that are not being evaluated because of resource constraints. Tracking the proportion of inpatients who exceed the antibiotic threshold or the number of patients who exceed a prespecified computed probability of surgical site infection after discharge might be sufficient, as long as that proportion is within agreed-upon limits. When the rates are below this limit, no further evaluation would be needed, since important problems in the delivery system are unlikely to have escaped detection. However, when the proportion or number exceeds the prespecified limit, more rigorous examination of the data would be triggered. Electronically assisted surveillance for infections could be performed at modest expense by many organizations that have administrative claims and pharmacy data. These groups include the providers of care for most of the U.S. population, including essentially all HMO members, many of those with traditional indemnity insurance, Medicaid recipients, and most Medicare beneficiaries who have pharmacy benefits. Dr. Platt is professor of ambulatory care and prevention at Harvard Medical School, hospital epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and director of research at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, an HMO. Supported in part by cooperative agreement UR8/CCU115079 from CDC. - Haley RW, Culver DH, White JW, Morgan WM, Emori TG, Munn VP, The efficacy of infection surveillance and control programs in preventing nosocomial infections in US hospitals. Am J Epidemiol. 1985;121:182–205. - Gaynes RP, Horan TC. Surveillance of nosocomial infections. In: C.G. Mayhall, editor. Hospital epidemiology and infection control. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 1999. Chapter 85. - Mangram AJ, Horan TC, Pearson ML, Silver LC, Jarvis WL. Guideline for the prevention of surgical site infection, 1999. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1999;20:247–78. - Emori TG, Edwards JR, Culver DH, Sartor C, Stroud LA, Gaunt EE, Accuracy of reporting nosocomial infections in intensive-care-unit patients to the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system: a pilot study. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1998;19:308–16. - Sands K, Vineyard G, Platt R. Surgical site infections occurring after hospital discharge. J Infect Dis. 1996;173:963–70. - Reimer K, Gleed G, Nicolle LE. The impact of postdischarge infection on surgical wound infection rates. Infect Control. 1987;8:237–40. - Manian FA, Meyer L. Comprehensive surveillance of surgical wound infections in outpatient and inpatient surgery. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1990;11:515–20. - Burns SJ. Postoperative wound infections detected during hospitalization and after discharge in a community hospital. Am J Infect Control. 1982;10:60–5. - Polk BF, Shapiro M, Goldstein P, Tager I, Gore-White B, Schoenbaum SC. Randomised clinical trial of perioperative cefazolin in preventing infection after hysterectomy. Lancet. 1980;1:437–41. - Brown RB, Bradley S, Opitz E, Cipriani D, Pieczrka R, Sands M. Surgical wound infections documented after hospital discharge. Am J Infect Control. 1987;15:54–8. - Byrne DJ, Lynce W, Napier A, Davey P, Malek M, Cuschieri A. Wound infection rates: the importance of definition and post-discharge wound surveillance. J Hosp Infect. 1994;26:37–43. - Holtz TH, Wenzel RP. Postdischarge surveillance for nosocomial wound infection: a brief review and commentary. Am J Infect Control. 1992;20:206–13. - Sherertz RJ, Garibaldi RA, Marosok RD. Consensus paper on the surveillance of surgical site infections. Am J Infect Control. 1992;20:263–70. - Owings MF, Kozak LJ. Ambulatory and inpatient procedures in the United States, 1996. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat. 1999;13:139. - Lawrence L, Hall MJ. National Center for Health Statistics. 1977 Summary: National Hospital Survey. Adv Data. 1999;308:1–16. - Garibaldi RA, Cushing D, Lerer T. Risk factors for postoperative infection. Am J Med. 1991;91:158S–63S. - Haynes SR, Lawler PG. An assessment of the consistency of ASA physical status classification allocation [see comments]. Anaesthesia. 1995;50:195–9. - Salemi C, Anderson D, Flores D. American Society of Anesthesiology scoring discrepancies affecting the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System: surgical-site-infection risk index rates. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1997;18:246–7. - Wenzel R, Osterman C, Hunting K, Galtney J. Hospital-acquired infections. I. Surveillance in a university hospital. Am J Epidemiol. 1976;103:251–60. - Broderick A, Motomi M, Nettleman M, Streed S, Wenzel R. Nosocomial infections: validation of surveillance and computer modeling to identify patients at risk. Am J Epidemiol. 1990;131:734–42. - Hirschhorn L, Currier J, Platt R. Electronic surveillance of antibiotic exposure and coded discharge diagnoses as indicators of postoperative infection and other quality assurance measures. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1993;14:21–8. - Yokoe DS, Shapiro M, Simchen E, Platt R. Use of antibiotic exposure to detect postoperative infections. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1998;19:317–22. - Yokoe DS. Enhanced methods for inpatient surveillance of surgical site infections following cesarean delivery [Abstract S-T3-03]. Fourth Decennial International Conference on Healthcare-Associated and Nosocomial Infections. 2000 Mar 5-9; Atlanta, GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - Sands K, Vineyard G, Livingston J, Christiansen C, Platt R. Efficient identification of postdischarge surgical site infections using automated medical records. J Infect Dis. 1999;179:434–41. - Sands K, Yokoe D, Hooper D. Tully, Platt R. Multi-institutional comparison of surgical site infection surveillance by screening of administrative and pharmacy data [Abstract M35]. Society of Healthcare Epidemiologists, Annual meeting; Apr 18-20 1999; San Francisco. - Yokoe DS, Christiansen C, Sands K, Platt R. Efficient identification of postpartum infections occurring after discharge [Abstract P-T1-20]. 4th Decennial International Conference on Healthcare-associated and Nosocomial Infections. 2000 Mar 5-9; Atlanta, GA. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - Von Korff M, Wagner EH, Saunders K. A chronic disease score from automated pharmacy data. J Clin Epidemiol. 1992;45:197–203. - Fishman P, Goodman M, Hornbrook M, Meenan R, Bachman D, O'Keefe-Rosetti M. Risk adjustment using automated pharmacy data: a global Chronic disease score. 2nd International Health Economic Conference, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 1999. - Clark DO, Von Korff M, Saunders K, Baluch WM, Simon GE. A chronic disease score with empirically derived weights. Med Care. 1995;33:783–95. - Kaye KS, Sands K, Donahue JG, Chan A, Fishman P, Platt R. Preoperative drug dispensing predicts surgical site infection. Emerg Infect Dis. 2001;7:57–64. Suggested citation for this article: Automated Methods for Surveillance of Surgical Site Infections. Emerg Infect Dis [serial on the Internet]. 2001 Mar-Apr [date] http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/7/2/70-0212.htm ¹The CDC Eastern Massachusetts Prevention Epicenter includes Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, CareGroup, Children's Hospital, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Partners Healthcare System, Tufts Health Plan, and Harvard Medical School. Investigators include L. Higgins, J. Mason, E. Mounib, C. Singleton, K. Sands, K. Kaye, S. Brodie, E. Perencevich, J. Tully, L. Baldini, R. Kalaidjian, K. Dirosario, J. Alexander, D. Hylander, A. Kopec, J. Eyre-Kelley, D. Goldmann, S. Brodie, C. Huskins, D. Hooper, C. Hopkins, M. Greenbaum, M. Lew, K. McGowan, G. Zanetti, A. Sinha, S. Fontecchio, R. Giardina, S. Marino, J. Sniffen, E. Tamplin, P. Bayne, T. Lemon, D. Ford, V. Morrison, D. Morton, J. Livingston, P. Pettus, R. Lee, C. Christiansen, K. Kleinman, E. Cain, R. Dokholyan, K. Thompson, C. Canning, D. Lancaster.

Volume 7, Number 2—April 2001 4th Decennial International Conference on Nosocomial and Healthcare-Associated Infections Prevention is Primary Automated Methods for Surveillance of Surgical Site Infections Automated data, especially from pharmacy and administrative claims, are available for much of the U.S. population and might substantially improve both inpatient and postdischarge surveillance for

News Releases issued by the Office of Water EPA Statement on Mining Permit Applications Release Date: 03/24/2009 Contact Information: Adora Andy, 202-564-2715 / [email protected] Following reports that mischaracterize actions taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), agency press secretary Adora Andy today issued a statement regarding mining permit applications: The Environmental Protection Agency is not halting, holding or placing a moratorium on any of the mining permit applications. Plain and simple. EPA has issued comments on two pending permit applications to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expressing serious concerns about the need to reduce the potential harmful impacts on water quality. EPA will take a close look at other permits that have been held back because of the 4th Circuit litigation. We fully anticipate that the bulk of these pending permit applications will not raise environmental concerns. In cases where a permit does raise environmental concerns, we will work expeditiously with the Army Corps of Engineers to determine how these concerns can be addressed. EPA’s submission of comments to the Corps on draft permits is a well-established procedure under the Clean Water Act to assure that environmental considerations are addressed in the permitting process.

News Releases issued by the Office of Water EPA Statement on Mining Permit Applications Release Date: 03/24/2009 Contact Information: Adora Andy, 202-564-2715 / [email protected] Following reports that mischaracterize actions taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), agency press secretary Adora Andy today issued a statement regarding mining permit applications: The Env

Working Group on Accessible Prescription Drug Labels Summary of Pharmacy Practices Below is a summary of information heard by the Access Board from Working Group members on information we heard on January 10-11 on pharmacy practices to ensure that blind, visually-impaired, and elderly individuals have safe, consistent, reliable, and independent access to the information on prescription drug container labels. The working group considered technical, financial, manpower, and other factors related to the number and operations of pharmacies, including independent retail stores, large chains, and online and/or mail-order pharmacies. The working group also considered methods and techniques of production of drug labels in alternate formats. The considerations included identifying factors that may pose significant challenges to the adoption of the best practices. While all practices may not be feasible at every pharmacy store, it is hoped that pharmacies will adopt practices that provide prescription drug label information in multiple modalities, notably visual and audio formats, directly from the local store, and arrange for the provision of medication with braille drug labels from a centralized process. The summary is organized by general practices at the beginning, followed by pharmacy practices on producing drug labels in alternate formats. Adopt Patient-Centered Practices In recent years, organizations including the US Pharmacopeia (USP), the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, and the National Council on Patient Information and Education have urged the adoption of patient-centered pharmacy practices. As an integral, first step pharmacists communicate individually with a patient to discuss medication questions and concerns, and to identify a patient’s need to access drug label information via an audio device, large print, or braille format. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. - Toll-Free phone numbers are used to promote individual consultation between patient and pharmacist. - Secure websites and apps for smart devices are also used to provide patient access to electronic prescription medicine information. Prescription Drug Labels: A prescription drug label is a legal document that must be prepared by the pharmacist filling the prescription. The pharmacist is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the prescription medication label. Patient-Centered Prescription Drug Label Standards Promote Patient Understanding According to USP, lack of universal standards for labeling on dispensed prescription containers is a root cause for patient misunderstanding, non-adherence, and medication errors. In 2009, USP developed patient-centered label standards for the format, appearance, content, and language of prescription medication instructions to promote patient understanding. The standards are: - At the top of the label specify the patient’s name, drug name (spell out full generic and brand name) and strength, and explicit, clear directions for use. - Follow a standard format so the patient can expect that each element will be in a regimented order each time a prescription is received. - Place in a separate area of the container less critical but important content (e.g., pharmacy name and phone number, prescriber name, fill date, refill information, expiration date, prescription number, drug quantity, physical description, and evidence-based auxiliary information) Simplify language. Use clear, simplified, concise, familiar words and sentences, not Latin terms or medical jargon. - Give explicit instructions. Clearly separate the dose itself from the timing of each dose. Example: “Take 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening” rather than “Take two tablets twice daily.” - Avoid ambiguous directions such as “take as directed.” - Include purpose for medication, e.g. high blood pressure. - Warnings: Provide alerts in simple sentences with standard icons. - Whenever possible, the directions for use on a prescription container label should be provided in the patient’s preferred language. - Use a non-condensed or sans serif font, such as Arial. - Use non-glossy paper - When covering label with protective transparent tape, use non-glossy tape. - Use high-contrast black print on white background. - Use Tall Man letters to distinguish between similar medications. - Use sentence case, with initial capital letter followed by lower-case words except proper noun. - Use large font size minimum 12-point. Note: 12-point Arial letters are larger than 12-point Times Roman. Do not use type smaller than 10-point font. - Provide adequate white space between lines of text (i.e., 25–30% of the point size). - Use horizontal text only. Design of Prescription Drug Containers to Improve Label Readability: - Use containers with 2 long flat sides to minimize need to turn container to read text. Reading with a magnifier is easier when the text is printed on a flat surface. - Offer to place a color mark on all drug containers for a specific patient, e.g. a green mark on all medications for one family member, yellow for all medications for another family member. This practice reduces confusion as to which containers belong to whom, especially when two household members may take the same medicine but in different strengths. Process to Ensure Pharmacist Proficiency in Producing Braille Prescription Drug Labels: Online and mail-delivery pharmacies developed a centralized process to provide blind patients with braille prescription drug labels. The pharmacists in this unit are specially trained to use computer software that, as the pharmacist types the label in print, the corresponding braille letter appears below each print letter. Thus, when a trained pharmacist prints a braille label using a braille embosser, the pharmacist can verify not only the accuracy of the print label but the braille label as well. The practice includes the following: - Use Grade 2 or contracted braille. - Print braille label on transparent tape with strong adhesive. - Place braille label on top of standard print label, or if printing each braille line separately, place each braille line below corresponding print line. - Preserve full integrity of communication contained in standard print label. - Do not fold braille label. - Timely delivery: Consider offering overnight delivery, at no extra charge, for prescription drugs with time sensitive regimen. - Local retail pharmacies may prefer to make arrangements with a centralized facility to provide prescriptions with braille labels, rather than incurring the expense of acquiring onsite a braille embosser and the challenge of maintaining pharmacist proficiency in producing braille drug labels. Practice of Providing Audible Labels -- Digital voice recorders attached to a prescription drug container Currently, pharmacies, ranging from small, independent stores to large chains, offer patients an option of an audible prescription drug label. Features of a digital voice recorded label include the following: - Pharmacists maintain an inventory of digital audio devices. - Upon request for an audio label, the pharmacist records all the prescription drug label information onto the audio device, and affixes it to the prescription drug container. When the patient picks up the prescription medicine, the audio label is attached to the drug container. - The pharmacist shows the patient how to use the audible label. - One audio device is used for each filled prescription for patients requesting this device. - The audio label is provided at no extra charge for the prescription. Some include a dose-timer (beeps alerting the patient that it’s time for a refill). - When recording, the pharmacist speaks in a clear voice. - The pharmacist records the device in a location that minimizes any background noise. - Pharmacist ensures audio device provides adequate time to record all information printed on prescription label. - Pharmacist reviews recording to ensure it includes all information printed on prescription label. - Pharmacist ensures that audio device adheres firmly to prescription drug container. - Pharmacist provides at no extra cost any ancillary equipment and batteries. - Pharmacist selects devices that provide independent, easy to use, start/stop operation, with adequate volume, and the number of repeat start/stop operations exceeds the life of the prescription. Practice of Using Audio Labels: Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) Tags Currently, many pharmacies are using RFI text-to-speech technology to provide patients with vision loss access to information on prescription drug labels. Using this practice, a pharmacy equips a patient with vision loss with a small device at no charge to the patient. When the pharmacist fills a prescription, the pharmacist places an RFI tag on the drug container. The patient waves the drug container over the small hand-held device, which, via synthetic electronic speech, announces all information on the drug label. - Each time a pharmacist fills a prescription, the pharmacist attaches a radio frequency identification tag to the prescription drug container. The patient uses the same hand-held device for all prescriptions. When the patient waves the prescription drug container over the device, the device announces in a clear, synthetic voice, all of the information contained on the prescription drug label. - The RFID can be used with containers of various sizes, shapes, and materials. - RFID audio labels can translate drug label information into several languages. Practice of Printing Large-Print or Enlarged Duplicate Drug labels: The practices listed below build upon the patient-centered standard prescription label practices discussed above. - Use Sentence Case, not all capital letters - Use sans-serif font, - Use 18 font size upon request. - Provide spacing between headings and information; Make headings bigger than text - Provide 1.5 line spacing; double spacing between paragraphs - Use bold type; no italics - Use non-glossy paper (and non-glossy tape) - Use print with highest possible contrast between text and background color (ideally black text on a white or pale yellow background) - Affix fold-out large print label to container.

Working Group on Accessible Prescription Drug Labels Summary of Pharmacy Practices Below is a summary of information heard by the Access Board from Working Group members on information we heard on January 10-11 on pharmacy practices to ensure that blind, visually-impaired, and elderly individuals have safe, consistent, reliable, and independent access to the information on prescription drug contai

Opera and Broadway Resources Online National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the NEA is the official arts organizations of the United States government. As the largest annual funder of the arts in the country, the NEA is dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established, bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing leadership in arts education. Through its grants and programs, the NEA brings great art to all 50 states and six U.S. jurisdictions, including rural areas, inner cities, and military This website includes information about the Great American Voices initiative and links to other online opera resources. Visit this website to learn about the NEA's tour to bring opera and Broadway to military installations nationwide. In addition, you will find resources to learn more about opera through an overview, timeline, glossary of terms, recommended recordings, books, and much more. The nonprofit service organization for opera serves the entire opera community, supporting the creation, presentation, and enjoyment of opera. Artistic services help opera companies, creative artists, and performing artists both to improve the quality of productions and to increase the creation and presentation of North American works. Information, technical, and administrative services to opera companies provide assistance to strengthen leadership among staff, trustees, and volunteers. Education, audience development, and community services are designed to enhance all forms of opera enjoyment. Use this site to find a local opera company in your area, and to learn about performances and educational programming for children, families and adults. You may search the online database of education programs to learn about summer camps and other programs for children. National Alliance of Musical Theatre For more information on musical theater, visit the National Alliance of Musical Theatre. This organization strives to advance musical theater by nurturing the creation, development, production, presentation and recognition of new musicals and classics; providing a forum for the sharing of resources and information relating to professional musical theatre through communications, networking and programming; and advocating for the imagination, diversity and joy unique to musical theatre. This website is OPERA America's online learning resource center for opera. You will find articles about numerous operas, as well as photos and sound clips. To learn more about the field of opera through online newsletters and learning courses visit Metropolitan Opera Radio Broadcasts No matter where you're located, you can tune in to opera, courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera Radio Broadcasts. Each Saturday, from December through April, a performance from The Metropolitan Opera's current season is broadcast internationally. To learn more about the schedule of broadcasts, and to find in-depth background information on the featured operas, including sound clips, visit the Web site. Your Local Opera Company Your local opera company may offer a number of different educational programs for teachers and students, such as written curriculum materials about opera that are tied to academic standards, discounted tickets to performances, or artist residencies for the classroom. To connect with an opera company in your area, visit OPERA America's listing of Professional Company Members at www.operaamerica.org/proflist.html. OPERA America maintains a season schedule of performances. This database includes performance and cast data for more than 100 opera companies across North America. Search by opera title, composer, company, location, or singer. To access the database, visit www.operaamerica.org/perfdatabase.asp. National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20506

Opera and Broadway Resources Online National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the NEA is the official arts organizations of the United States government. As the largest annual funder of the arts in the country, the NEA is dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established, bringing the arts to all Americans, and pr

Heat, Environmental Factors, and Working Out I have always liked working out outdoors. While I exercise indoors at the gym most of the time, during the weekend I like to go running and walking along a trail by the Bayamón River banks. The beautiful scenery and birds are part of what makes this workout something I look forward to the whole week. However a recent diagnosis of temporary high blood pressure prevented me from working out for a few weeks. Resuming exercise involved only working out indoors and eliminating all high intensity workouts. At first, I was reluctant to refrain from running outdoors. So I have resumed my runs at a slower pace and during the early morning hours. While I am sunwise during outdoor activities and protect my skin from UV rays by wearing a wide baseball cap, sunscreen and sunglasses, I was not aware that other environmental factors can contribute to heart disease and aggravate high blood pressure. Excessive heat and poor air quality are the most common environmental culprits related to heart problems. Hot weather can worsen ground-level ozone and air quality. In Puerto Rico, during the summer, Sahara dust particles make the situation even worse. According to NOAA’s website, high temperature, humidity and physical exertion can lead to heat disorder or heat stress. Heat stress occurs when the body can no longer keep blood flowing to supply vital organs nor send blood to the skin to reduce body temperature. Signs of heat exhaustion include: - nausea or vomiting - feeling faint or actually fainting. It takes 30 minutes at least to cool the body down once a person suffers heat exhaustion. If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can lead to serious heart problems. Preventing heat stress is simple. Here are a few suggestions I am currently following in order to enjoy exercise in the great outdoors without putting my overall health at risk. - Take rest breaks–I pause for 5 minutes intervals during my 4-mile jog - Limit heat exposure time—Perform outdoor activities early in morning or late afternoon hours - Check the air quality index — Avoid exercising when air quality is poor - Wear light and loose-fitting clothing - Drink plenty of water Simple steps will allow you to stay healthy while you exercise! About the author: Brenda Reyes Tomassini joined EPA in 2002. She is a public affairs specialist in the San Juan, Puerto Rico office and also handles community relations for the Caribbean Environmental Protection Division. Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

Heat, Environmental Factors, and Working Out I have always liked working out outdoors. While I exercise indoors at the gym most of the time, during the weekend I like to go running and walking along a trail by the Bayamón River banks. The beautiful scenery and birds are part of what makes this workout something I look forward to the whole week. However a recent diagnosis of temporary high blood pr

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs By Lina Younes I love the arrival of the smells, sounds, and sights of spring. New blooms, birds chirping, fresh smell of grass and early flowers, all beckon an awakening. However, there are some things that I am not particularly fond during the new season. I’ve never been one to like bugs. I know that bugs serve a function in the ecosystem. However, with the exception of pollinators like butterflies and bees, I wish bugs simply didn’t exist. I let them be in nature, but I definitely don’t like to see them anywhere inside my house! No, I don’t believe in using pesticides as a preventive measure to keep bugs away. What is the best non-chemical way to keep your home bug-free? Integrated pest management! It’s easier than you think. Basically, don’t create an environment in your home that will be “friendly” towards bugs and other pests. Don’t give them anything to eat nor drink. Dirty dishes in the sink, soda spills left to dry on the table, or leftovers and crumbs left out in the open only serve as magnets to these unwanted creatures. Also, don’t provide them with plenty of shelter. Well, bugs and other pests just love messy stacks of papers and boxes because they offer plenty of hiding places. If you have pets, don’t leave food or water in their feeding bowls at night. This just attracts the attention of pests while you are fast asleep. So, if you have created a non-friendly environment for these pests and they still decide to pay you a visit, please use pesticides appropriately by reading the label first. Simple steps will help you reduce your child’s chances of pesticide poisoning. Play it safe! As always, will love to hear from you regarding the steps you’ve taken to keep your home bug-free. About the author: Lina Younes has been working for EPA since 2002 and currently serves as Acting Associate Director for Environmental Education. Prior to joining EPA, she was the Washington bureau chief for two Puerto Rican newspapers and she has worked for several government agencies. Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog. Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs By Lina Younes I love the arrival of the smells, sounds, and sights of spring. New blooms, birds chirping, fresh smell of grass and early flowers, all beckon an awakening. However, there are some things that I am not particularly fond during the new season. I’ve never been one to like bugs. I know that bugs serve a function in the ecosystem. However, with the exception of pollinat

In Uganda, we supported a youth festival to demonstrate the spirit of entrepreneurship. USAID organized a national youth festival with 18 youth organizations and 26 youth clubs from local universities. More than 7,000 youth attended the event and three Members of Parliament who represent youth. The event was used to showcase entrepreneurial activities that youth are engaged in and link them with potential donors. Several young entrepreneurs shared their challenges and achievements, and encouraged their peers to learn skills that can enable them to create jobs. Training was held in social media, a skill that was highlighted by the entrepreneurs. Debates were also held on key factors affecting youth employment and the best ways to address the high unemployment rate among the youth in Uganda; the debate was facilitated by the youth MPs. There were even talent shows held in dance, drama and creative writing as tools for youth advocacy. USAID will continue to support youth advocacy on unemployment and follow up on promises by elected officials to create opportunities to reduce youth unemployment. In Nicaragua, we are supporting access to public information. USAID’s Municipal Governance Program signed a grant with the municipality of Nueva Guinea to provide IT equipment and technical assistance that will improve the work of their public information office. The grant includes a public awareness campaign component to educate citizens on the importance of requesting public information. Democracy and Governance Office Chief, Jessica Zaman, remarked on the importance of access to public information as a basic human right. Nueva Guinea Mayor, Obando Marín, thanked USAID for its support and emphasized that access to public information is not just intended to share information with everyone, but it should be considered a means to make concerted decisions that benefit the entire community. More than 150 community leaders attended the event. The Municipal Governance Program supports 20 Nicaraguan municipalities in the areas of governance, management, public services, transparency and citizenship.

In Uganda, we supported a youth festival to demonstrate the spirit of entrepreneurship. USAID organized a national youth festival with 18 youth organizations and 26 youth clubs from local universities. More than 7,000 youth attended the event and three Members of Parliament who represent youth. The event was used to showcase entrepreneurial activities that youth are engaged in and link them with p

Search America's historic newspapers pages from - or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more title: 'The Day book. (Chicago, Ill.) 1911-1917, September 25, 1915, LAST EDITION, Image 4', meta: 'News about Chronicling America - RSS Feed', Image provided by: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library, Urbana, IL All ways to connect Inspector General | External Link Disclaimer | RUSSIANS PLAN RECAPTURE OF Petrograd. Recapture of city of Pinsk and fortress of Dubno by the czar's troops predicted by war offioe. officials today, - -. Field Marshal Von Mackensen Is being hard pressed in Pinsk region. Germans have suffered heavy losses and have abandoned large numbers of guns in their retreat Austrians are counter-attacking determinedly, but have been unable to stem Russian advance in Volhy nian 'fortress triangle. Enemy is re tiring upon Dubno, whose works are not suitable for defense against at tack from north antl it Is believed here that fortress Itself will be reoc cupied within few days. Battle all around Dvlnsk and along Dwina continues. Athens. Great crowds paraded streets last night and early today in war demonstrations before French, English and Italian legations. Crowds carried Greek flags and those of allied nations. "Bulgarians and Turks were War offices were not closed during Newspapers are commenting cau tiously upon Bulgaria's-move and ex pressing hope that Bulgarian mobil ization order does notmean that Czar Ferdinand intendB to start third London. German admiralty ad mits loss of 88 Zeppelins and 9 Far seval airships from beginning of war to Aug. 1, and declares that since that date two Zeppelins and one par that date two Zeppelins and one Far eeval have been reported missing. Tokio, Allies reported to be pre paring to call upon Japan o send troops to help block threatened Aus-tro-German drive on Constantinople. No official confirmation obtainable. If allied diplomats make such repre sentations their efforts, most certain ly will result in failure, Japan feels that difficulty of transporting troops towar theater would be almost ixxr puperable. Early In the war the gov ernment even frowned on movement to enlist volunteers here for service Paris. French warship has en tered Dardanelles and silenced Turk ish battery on Asiatic coast London.' Holland-American liner Eemdyk sunk, Crew saved. Pari. French air squadron bom barded Sablons, railway station at j. Germans again using asphyxiating gas bombs In regions of Auberive and French gunners continued to wreck German trenches in Artois, Cham pagne and Argonne regions. Germans replied with attack upon French po sitions near Andebhy, Dancourt and Amsterdam. British warships heavily bombarded Zeebrugge, Ger man naval" base, today. Extent of damage not known. AUSTRIA-HUNGARY WOULD CON TROL ACTS OF SUBJECTS. Youngstown, O., Sept 25. Fresh attempt by Austrian-Hungary to con trol acts of its subjects in. U. S, seen by officials here today. Dual monar chy requested common pleas court to examine Joseph Ciepielowpkl, steel worker, for alleged treasonable Judge W. P. Barnum will act as an examining magistrate, and if Cie plelowsld will consent to gltfe deposi tion will forward testimony to Aus trian government Ciepieloweki was employed fn factory along with other Hungarians, which is making war supplies for alliea. "GAS" SETS FREIGrFcARS OFF f ' Mason City, la., Sept 25. Thirteen freight cars piled up In derailment on Minneapolis & St Louis railway. Two. cars of gasoline exploded setting fire to Vreekage, Tramp stealing Tide so badly injured he cannot give h name. Two other tramps were pret ahly burned 'in wreckage.

Search America's historic newspapers pages from - or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more title: 'The Day book. (Chicago, Ill.) 1911-1917, September 25, 1915, LAST EDITION, Image 4', met

Search America's historic newspapers pages from - or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more title: 'The Washington bee. (Washington, D.C.) 1884-1922, May 20, 1899, Image 2', meta: 'News about Chronicling America - RSS Feed', Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC All ways to connect Inspector General | External Link Disclaimer | a ,- it-is- T 7-' "V-rt .'" .-. V5 ? THE WASHINGTON JBJEJE. . ' & ?mrmmm' ' ' r-- . ' .- . - . : BY ! Politicians ought to tell the truth. Put a small man in a big posi tion and he will forget himself. Why 'is "justice in. Washington ' like the weather ? because it is changeable. The justice that is1 meted out to the white.niuii no given, to tbenegro. there is but Jit 3e hopfe for the .negro in the South.,. - The Bee, editor is not- looking for an office and "neither-dors he . Unhappy is the., man' who'hanga on official favors. . Abolish the office of justice cf It is better that they are abolished' All offices in the District of Co Jiumbia should be filled by election,. The negrp Tote will divide ;in 1900. -". '' Our new leadership is made oat of that whicli cannot be seen. In union. there is strenghl. E. M. Hewjett is the most manly negro attorney before the District; He is not the, man to cater for If th'.re was more manliood in negro attorneys t-hey would suc " Be truthful-, it will pay always. There is too much treachery among certain negroes to succeed. This world was not made for the white man alone. It is not well to tell all you know. Be careful of what you say and to whom you say it. Don't be too hasty in coming to The Maryland politicians have not been cared for as yet. Will the negro vote ever become a factor in American body politic? Be what you say "you ar Deception is sooner or later An honest man is a truthful man. You should do nothing that is distasteful to good society. It is not the person who grins in your face, that should be regarded as your friend. Don't, place too much confidence in the person who pretends friend ship. Be honest with your fellow man. The best policy is when you can not do a thing say so. It will never effect you to be on't be alarmed at every little The try daily has been struggling hard since i;s publication. It came out one day and has been trying hard ever since to make its Oan any one tell the difference between the old school and new school of politicians? Well out of the great number of fficers appointed in the army not one negro was appointed. What has become of the repeal the civil service iaw ? Don't forget how the negroes fought on San Juan Hill. General Miles thinks well of the And yet not a negro .officer has been appointed in the regular army. The man who speaks the truth is the man to trust. Don't be too impetuous in your The man who thinks he knows it all is general effected with the There was tyranny in the schools on the part of certain school officers. There are some school officials too much on the old woman order. The day will soon ome when all will be placed on a level. It is not the wise man who makes a fool of himself. Our head swells some times be-, onp the usual size. ' - 9'-( lira wlr-V FANATICS INfNEW .YORK Om Proclaimed himself, God and Foutd In -New York City, about 1832t a period of "great awakening" tiiaf be gat Monnonism. and many other sects among them one in Kentucky, whose, members, in order to win heaven by making themselves as little children,' used to crawl on their hands and knees izi church, play marbles, trundle hoops and otherwise, manifest their infantile madness one Matthews, a carpenter, having assumed the name Matthias, proclaimed himself to be God, the Father. He found believers, most of them ignorant bift some , intelligent, procured much money, and ruined, many persons. ' JB?. and his disciples claimed to heal the sick quite as suc cessfully as the Scientists npwdo. One of them, a Mr. Pierson, a- victim of--re ligious delusion, evn before the com ing of Matthias, had endeavored under most distressing and pathetic circum stances publicly to raise his wife from the dead, accenting literally the. verse -of the General Epistle of St. James di recting the elders, to anoint and pray over the sick, and" promising that "the Lord, shall-raise him up." Matthias, "being -eventually indicted for procuring $630 from a Mr. Folger under the-f-atee pretense -that-'he -was God, able to remic sins, -and would coTOTOunMca'fr'the Itoty" Ghos to said Folger, the District Attorney entered a nolle prosequi for these reasons: To maintain the indictment, he said.; I must prove that defendant's pretenses were false, and would deceive a man of ordinary intelligence and prudence, but no sane person vould believe that Matthias was God. Matthias was, how ever, convicted on lesser charges. Funny When You Ttifnk of I. At a small party the other evening, those present were asked to name the most common and at the same time the most complicated action in the human phenomena, says the New York Times. Various answers were, given, showing all degrees of observation and thought. Not one, however, hit upon the an swer that the questioner had in mind, which was walking. What action is mere common, and yet, how difficult of analysis! How many persons outside of some special course in physics at the universities can explain the phenom enon? Let somebody try. "Walking," once said Dr. Holmes, "is a perpetual falling, with a perpetual self-recovery. It is the most complex, violent, and pe rilous operation, which we divest of its extreme danger only by continual prac tice from a very early period of life. We find how complex it is when we at tempt to analyze it We learn how violent it is when we walk against a post or a door in the dark. We dis cover how dangerous it is when we slip or trip and come down, perhaps breaking or dislocating our limbs, or overlook the last step of a flight of stairs, and discover with what headlong violence we have heen hurling our selves forward." All this is very true, as we all know, to our sorrow, still, the genial autocrat has not explained the The gentle siam'ang is a gibbon and no monkey. In assemblages on the treetops live the siamang, whooping through the octaves, calling to their friends from miles away, and swooping off to meet them, racing steeplechases with the winds. I have seen, and hope to live to see again, says a writer in Blackwoods Magazine, a pack of the siamang going through the jungle a long black arm and a small crumpled body swinging wildly from it like a pendulum run mad, then a suicidal fling, a crash in the covering green, and so they are 'gone. Tame they are the gentlest creatures. The Malays catch the young ones and bring them to our doors, knowing that buy wo must. It is not among the pos sibilities for a Mem to resist the for lorn small speechless thing, when it winds its long arms and fingers around her neck, and hides its black wrink'led face of an old woman, with round un happy eyes, in the softness of her morning gown. Or it lurches across the veranda on a pair of very bandy little legs, ballancing itself with out stretched arms. But they always die. They who have weathered torrential rains under the open heaven die in captivity of consumption, and cough out their ill-comprehended souls like Christians, huddled in a blanket. Trees and Thundcrt orniR. It is useful to know what kind of trees are most likely to be struck by lightning, because trees afford shelter in thunderstorms, though a dangerous refuge, and they often grow near buildings. According 'to Mr. Alexan der McAdie, the eminent meteorologist, the order of liability to be struck is rep resented by ithe following figures: Oak, 54; trees collectively that is. in a clump. 40; tall pine trees, 15, and beech, 1. The oak is therefore the worst and the beech the best shelter. After rain trees are not so apt to split with the stroke as before it The origin of the modern circus dates back to about 1770, when Philip Astley, a discharged soldier, gaye exhibitions of horsemanship in an improvised ring Fumigation of fruit trees infested with the San Jose scale by the use of the gas of prussic acid is a remedy which is now said to be certainly ef fective. Pekin is a city of dust, like most Chinese towns. Nevertheless, the only stores that have glass windows are those of the watchmakers. If all the railway tunnels of the world were placed end to end they would reach a distance of 514 miles. They number about 1142. The largest telescope in existence does not make the planet Mars appear any bigger than the moon does through an opera glass. The guinea pig grows more quickly than any other quadruped. It is fully grown when six weeks old. The heart heats ten strokes a minute less when one is lying down than wben in an upright posture. The tirst post-offlce was opened in ar.s in 1642. in England inl5Sl, in in erica in 1710. "-.- ?MGOOD Mi ' . - AT The Qnly Complete Hopsefurnishing listaUshment Manufacturer of Plain and Ornamental Iron Porches, Window Guards, Grills, Balconies, Gratings, Cel lar Doors; Etc., of Every De scription. Buildsps' WpI & Spe6iaifeY All work Firstclass. Shop in Rear of 1344 K Streat, N. K GET THE BEST When you are about to buy a Sewing Machint do not be deceived by alluring advertisements and be led to think you can get the best made, finest finished and for a mere song. See to it that you buy from reliable manu facturers that have gained a reputation by honest and square dealing you will. then get a. j Sewing "Machine that is noted the world over for its dura bility. You want the one that is easiest to manage and is There is none In the world 'hat f can equal in mechanical con struction, durability of working parts, fineness of finish, beauty in appearance, or has aa many improvements as the It has Automatic Tensloa, Double Fd, an on both sides of needle Jatented)tu other it : New Stand (patcntea), driving wheel hing-K on adjustable centers, thus reaacicg friction f WRITE FOR CIRCULARS. THE HEW HOME SEWIM MSCHIHE CO. Obanqe,Ma68. Boston, Mass. 28 Uhiok Squabb, N--Chicago, III. ST.Loms.Mo. Daixab. Texas SAH FBAHC1SCO, CJAL. ATLANTA, Qt FOR SALE BY S. OPPENHEIMER & BU... 5H Ninth St., K.X. Washington, . . i ilfer & Krotniiann, Hams, Bacon, Lard, Beef and Beef Tongues. "Dove Brand" Hams a Specialty. 451. 4.V2 and 453 Center Market, j 401 302 Northern Liberty Market. Washington, p. p. iT9e or "inaL-'ore. You may need drugs. You can I1 WTa. t- oil KaH1 tn hf Qirlr nr tn catch cold, you may need hair brushes, COmDS, orsomeiantyaiiiuc. v-ibbci 5, N. Y ave. and ioth street northwest, the Palace Pharmacy, nth and I sts. n. w., or Dr. L. H. Harris, cor. F and 3rd sts. s. v, are the places to go. These are all first class stores. -- . 1 .... "V-. ' I BEE OFF! & WHEKI YOU CAS OIT AT TH1 LOTTEBT CASH PEIC1. Liberal diicount to 'Churches, Benevolent Societies, Socinl Clubs, Military Organizations and Labor and Trad Unions. All work ready when promised. We haye purchased an entire outfit of New Type with the most approved modern styles, enabling us to exorufe our work with satif faction to all. We invite you to call and inspeet our office even if you hare nothing us to do. GROCERIES & PROVISIONS. James, F. OYSTER fCor. Pa. Ave. and Ninth Street. Washington, D. C. Telephone 271. -TJaitors to tfeBaatlfnl City Cheerfully Speak of tlie-FleasHrasv'oLTkelr Stay. ,-The-hospitalities "of 'the residents o. Honolulu have always bten a market feature of the stay of the various .American ships in port, and the re quest 'to have the navy 'always reprp rented there will be urgently secondec Oby naval men themselves. The climatt has been delightfully spoken of foi years. by visitors, and everything said about it .has beeD fully realized. A very funny example of the exact lim .its of the, rain belt and the line of de markation between sun and rain oe . enrred here when a stranger upon jn quiring his way to,a certain street wai told to walk right.-ahead until he mel the rain and then it would be the sec ond turn to the left In :goipg through the town here one passes under overarcl-ing trees through whose dense foliage the uooe sunshine -only trickles m dancing vbroken lights. There are quantities of huge-leaved, wide-spreading trees, ex otics from -the , South Seas, many ol them rich in parasitic ferns-, and others blazing with bright ianfastic, blossoms. The. air 'is heavy w,Ith -flowery, sweet . ness, and one sees 'the delictate tama rind and feathery algaroba inter mingling Jtbejr fragileugrace with th dark, shiny foliage' of the dvp red oi "fuchsias arid gefanfnms'w'tiidh here, at tain .the, '.height and size of -our large 'riiododendrpns of home production. ; In the 'deep ..shade )f this perennial greenery the people dwell. The foreigr '. houses Show a very .varied individuali ty7, the-specialities no doubt ot the na tion represented appearing in the arehitecture'The peculiarity in which all seem to 'share is that everything is decorated and festponed with flowering trailers. It is often difficult to tell what the architecture is r which is house and which is veg( on, for all ai-gles, lattice, balustrade, ana veran das are hidden by jessamine or passion flowers or the gorgeous name-like The mixture of the neat grass houses bf the natives with the mom elaborate homes of the foreign residents has a very plesant look. One spes many groups of aborigines sitting under the -trees, each group with a mat in the centre with calabashes upon 'tcontain ing poi, a fermented paste -which is the national Hawaiian dish. The City of San Jnan. Of San Juan, Porto Rico, it may be said that the city offers many and varied attractions to the S'ght seer. The well paved and scrupuloasly clean streets are a surprise and a revelation in themselves and indeed it Is well the thoroughfares are clean, for the side walks are so narrow that it is impos sible for more than two persons to walk abreast, and few, there f 01 e, recog nize the curb as a boundary line. San Juan is built on a sloping hill, which on its seaward side, rises abruptly from the bay and is made the more precipitous by a massive wall The latter extends to and arounrI the base of lorro Castle and continues at vary ing heights to the high fortress of San Christobal. Below it beats the surf, and as a military stronghold and de fense the location seems impregnable. Great, gaping holes, however, along the exposed parapets, show that it is not, for here and there are spen evid ences of the damage done by Samp son's shells when the Admiral's fleet bombarded San Juan and its fortifica tions. Nor were the forts th3 only suf ferers, for back in the town several buildings still bear tire marks of giant projectiles. One large edifice, now used as a barracks, had a whole section of its roof carried away by a .shell, and the Church of San Domingo near the outskirts of the town, was fairly rid dled with shot in the upper portion. The inside of the church was not da maged, but the authorities. In repair ing the exterior, took occasion to make a window out of one of the holes, con sidering that easier than to fi!l the gap up with solid masonary. Iron Plentiful in Porto Rico. Much has been recently said about the mineral resources of Porto Rico and their commercial value. An offi cial report to the United States Geolo gical Survey just made by Iwobert T. Hill indicates that the most valuable metallic resource of the island is a large deposit of magnetic iron in ahill just north of Juncos. The ere is of great purity containing fully GO per cent, of pure iron. It has been esti mated that then; are 35,000,000 tons of this ore in sight. On the most con servative basis the deposit contains 10.000.000 tons of metallic iron. The deposit is ten miles distant from a seaport, and its development will ne cessitate the construction of a railroad. Mr. Hill reports that the cotiditipns of the deposits could not be more 'favora ble. The ore is encountered iv compact masses, easy of extraction a ad covered only by a light layer of earth. The hill is about 470 feet high and the approach to it from the seaport of Naguabo is by a 2 per cent grade. Naguabo is said to be able to accommodate ships of 20 Gold is washed in small quantities from some of the Porto Rican rivers, notably the Luquillo and Loiza. The amounts gained, however, aie unim portant. HO cents to a dollar a day re presenting the average product of hard labor. The natives get the gold from the river sand and gravel. The mother rock of this metal has never been de termined, but Mr. Hill doubts its ex istence, as he found no evidence of it on the island. He says that while it is impossible to reach any positive con clusion as to the quantity or value of the gold of the island, experience has shown that the placer deposits are not rich or extensive. Lord Kitchener once served in the French army. That was in 1870, dur ing the Franco-Prussian War, but his term of service was very short. He had just obtained his commission, and he volunteered for duty with the Mo biles of Dinan. He went up ;n a bal loon at Laval and watched the enemy's tactics, but the ascent brought on an attack of pleurisy, and he had to re turn home. ' In Gerraanv it is nnncifiorpfi nanna sary that a child should "go up" be-t fore it goes down in the world, so it isr carried up stairs. a3 soon as it is born. In case there is no upstairs, the nurse mounts a table or chair with the in Some of the Games at Which the Islanders Are Ex-" BOXING AND WRESTLING Cheating s Considered Gt q Legitimate But Even an lmport. ant Feature of AH Games. Their Most Popular Sport U Stfck Th ins-Whole Villace, Take Patt'ja Contests Which Often Last jral D, -The Kemarkablo SktU Ml0Wn "Jl Time is plentiful in the youth ?M and cares are few. For ta, une ,? 1 ander.the day gos lightly t)V ,'J Uhe.day, so glides life ni w little-' dClving-just to tm-ourau- a mS lavish, nature ,to yield up r, sl0 f oo'dTa little fishtins; to lift a a great deal of niiikin- of speech, says x writer in Outing. These- island sportsmen ar actual solely by.the enjoyments tno jiporf it self", or of, the rivalry to wlue!ntiT .rise. -They have no comprphoip 0. the idea' of fair play iu anj cheating is "oasidered not only 14 mate but even an important feature tt the game, whatever it may lu But a each side is as alert to prevent cheat ing by its ppponeuts as it is to practice it -for selfish advantage, the iiiattu just balances, so that, qnite uninten tionally, a. Samoan game U usually a practical .honest contest. Boxing is common enousrh iiqty among Samoan athletics, but it is an introduced sport. Old customs of war fare never include any such thins as an empty-handed personal tLcounter. When men were nsrhting they were armed: they used the missile spear at the beginning of the attack. i.hd when they came within arm's hiiL'th the club was used, a heavy club with sharpened edges which cut like an axe. Wrestling, on the other hum, is of unknown antiquity among the island ers, and has always neen a favorite sport of the strongest men. It could scarcely be expected that it would (Y velop along the same lines as wrts- tling in other lands, and it has not It would be hard to classify the Sa inoan style of wrestling. Any hand hold above the hips is pp a'issible. but a mere hand-hold is naturally of little value in grasping a man fully oiled, as are these people at all times. But the great sport among the tti moans is now, as it has been for long ages, the village contests atstuk throw ing. At this interesting amusement the islanders are content to pass many days of noisy feasting. Succ-ss at the sport is the most highly-prized distinc tion a town can have: defeat i.; a stain which must be wiped out. Sometimes large wars have grown out of the fluc tuating results of the sport. The materials of the spur aiv sim ple. There is needed a long stmigbt stretch of grassy ground, which is easily found on the centra! plaxa of' every native community. . if aot there, is never far distant in the ' nut groves. This is the phtyjui: grw The stick is a treasured possesion for each player in time finds one sti-s which just suits him. and is vryMtf' ful of the cherished possession. After all this introduction .f its ac companying features the game itself ' simple enough. It is to throw the stirs along the playing green in w a way that it may come to rest as far from the thrower as possible. Th-own ( rectly at the mark and throuJib the air, the light stick carries but a " distance, no matter how strons tbe caster might be. But when it is thr&wo so as to hit the ground a sho-t distant away and glance thence into the air the combination of strength and sfe'u avails to send the stick a lfog tanee before it comes to rtst The stick is held between the thumb ana the tips of three fingers held -Ue to gether, the index finger hem;: at we same time pressed against th.1 butt 01 the stick. The player stands ba-k fr,B the casting crease and take a short run; at the same time he s'.vings b arm backward over the shoulder. c that by the time his left foot is at the crease he is ready to discharge tfte stick from his right hand a tbe kvei of the hip. The most successful play ers cause the stick to glance twrn ground about thirty feet away. m glancing on the ground gives n" greater force to the flight of the sock. It flies about head high and may v' er two hundred feet or more be" coming to the ground again, in " secondary flight the head of the shot is seen to be directed slightly upvrar at a small angle above the horiaaaww the butt is at the same time revoWD? in a circle of about three in-ln aB with a slow motion. This position k maintained to the end of tl ?; flight. When the stick corm to tw ground the point is still a li'th- w1 ed, and thus a few additional w" may be gained by a slide along v Ot'-, -i !

Search America's historic newspapers pages from - or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more title: 'The Washington bee. (Washington, D.C.) 1884-1922, May 20, 1899, Image 2', meta: 'News ab

Reference: A.P. Roberts and E.J. Garboczi, Proc. Royal Society, 458 (2021), 1033-1054 (2002).(PDF Version of original paper) Go back to Part II Chapter 7 Sec. (9) Go back to Table of ContentsNext: Introduction A. P. ROBERTSa, b AND E. J. aBuilding Materials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA bCentre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia Oct 1, 2000 Without using accurate numerical computations, one is limited to various effective medium theories and rigorous approximations like bounds and expansions. The accuracy of these equations is unknown for general porous media. To verify a particular theory it is important to check that it predicts both isotropic elastic moduli; i.e., prediction of the Young's modulus alone is necessary but not sufficient. The subtleties of the Poisson's ratio behaviour actually provide a very effective method for showing differences between the theories and demonstrating their ranges of validity. We find that for moderate to high porosity materials, none of the analytical theories is accurate and at present numerical techniques must be relied upon. Keywords: structure-property relationships, theoretical mechanics

Reference: A.P. Roberts and E.J. Garboczi, Proc. Royal Society, 458 (2021), 1033-1054 (2002).(PDF Version of original paper) Go back to Part II Chapter 7 Sec. (9) Go back to Table of ContentsNext: Introduction A. P. ROBERTSa, b AND E. J. aBuilding Materials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA bCentre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of

Predicting the Course of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Primary Care (ICECOLDERIC) Background: COPD is a systemic illness; morbidity and mortality due to this disease are on the increase, and it has great impact on patients' lives. Most COPD patients are managed by general practitioners (GP). GPs base their initial assessment of patients' disease severity mainly on lung function and then inform patients about adequate treatment. However, lung function correlates poorly with COPD-specific health-related quality of life and exacerbation frequency. Preventive cardiology embraced risk index-guided treatment successfully. COPD disease severity indices that better represent the clinical manifestations of COPD are needed that can be used to guide risk-stratified treatment. Objectives: (1) The development and validation of a practical COPD disease severity index to predict the course of health-related quality of life over time. (2) The validation of the ADO-Index (Age, Dyspnea, Obstruction) to predict 3-year mortality in COPD patients in primary care. (3) Link evidence on treatment effects to the COPD risk indices to guide COPD treatment selection. Methods: We are in the process of conducting two linked prospective cohort studies with 413 COPD patients (GOLD stages 2-4) from GPs in Switzerland and the Netherlands. We performed a sound baseline assessment including detailed patient history, lung function, measurement of exercise capacity and blood sampling. During the follow-up of at least five years, we update the patients' profile by registering health status, exacerbations and health-related quality of life and, after 2 years, lung function and measurement of exercise capacity. For aim 1, we will identify the best combination of variables predicting the course of health-related quality of life over time using multivariable regression analysis. For aim 2, we will assess discrimination and calibration of the ADO index to predict 3-year mortality. For aim 3, we will estimate treatment effects for individual patient profiles using complex statistical models such as Markov models. Significance of project: After this study, different risk scores will be available for use in primary care so that general practitioners can estimate what impact COPD will have on the patients. By linking these risk scores to evidence form treatment studies, it will be possible to show for an individual patient how COPD and different treatments impacts on mortality, symptoms and exacerbations. Thereby, patients and physicians can make more informed treatment decisions balancing the benefits and downsides of different treatments. |Study Design:||Observational Model: Cohort Time Perspective: Prospective |Official Title:||International Collaborative Effort on Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: Exacerbation Risk Index Cohorts| - Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire [ Time Frame: At least 5 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ] - Exacerbation [ Time Frame: At least 5 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ] |Study Start Date:||May 2008| |Estimated Study Completion Date:||August 2014| |Estimated Primary Completion Date:||August 2014 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)| Swiss COPD cohort Dutch COPD cohort |Institute for primary care, University of Zurich| |Zurich, Switzerland, 8091| |Principal Investigator:||Milo A Puhan, MD PhD||University of Zurich, Switzerland|

Predicting the Course of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Primary Care (ICECOLDERIC) Background: COPD is a systemic illness; morbidity and mortality due to this disease are on the increase, and it has great impact on patients' lives. Most COPD patients are managed by general practitioners (GP). GPs base their initial assessment of patients' disease severity mainly on lung function a

Council is attempting to reduce fire hazards within the municipality through the Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee. Property owners are required to clean up their land to reduce fire hazards at all times. Prior to and during the fire season, the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer (MFPO) inspects properties to ensure fire hazards are removed. Failure to reduce or clear fire hazards may lead to fire hazard orders being issued. Non-compliance may lead to penalties being imposed. For further information contact our MFPO on (03) 5355 0200. You can help protect your property by: - Clearing leaves and twigs from roof gutters - Using roads, watercourses and other natural features as firebreaks - Isolating potential fire sources such as incinerators - Assessing your water supply and storage in terms of quantity and availability for fire fighting. For more information contact Customer Services on (03) 5355 0200.

Council is attempting to reduce fire hazards within the municipality through the Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee. Property owners are required to clean up their land to reduce fire hazards at all times. Prior to and during the fire season, the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer (MFPO) inspects properties to ensure fire hazards are removed. Failure to reduce or clear fire hazards may le

Homicide: Murder and Manslaughter - Definition of Homicide - Encouraging or Assisting Suicide - Familial Deaths and Serious Physical Harm - Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) And Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Definition of Homicide Murder and manslaughter are two of the offences that constitute homicide. Manslaughter can be committed in one of three ways: 1) killing with the intent for murder but where a partial defence applies, namely loss of control, diminished responsibility or killing pursuant to a suicide pact. 2) conduct that was grossly negligent given the risk of death, and did kill, is manslaughter ("gross negligence manslaughter"); and 3) conduct taking the form of an unlawful act involving a danger of some harm, that resulted in death, is manslaughter ("unlawful and dangerous act manslaughter"). The term "involuntary manslaughter" is commonly used to describe a manslaughter falling within (2) and (3) while (1) is referred to as "voluntary manslaughter". There are of course other specific homicide offences, for example, infanticide, and causing death by dangerous or careless driving. For dangerous driving see CPS Guidance on prosecuting cases of Bad Driving elsewhere in the Legal Guidance. Guidance on Corporate Manslaughter is available elsewhere in the Legal Guidance. Subject to three exceptions (see Voluntary Manslaughter below) the crime of murder is committed, where a person: - of sound mind and discretion (i.e. sane); - unlawfully kills (i.e. not self-defence or other justified killing); - any reasonable creature (human being); - in being (born alive and breathing through its own lungs - Rance v Mid-Downs Health Authority (1991) 1 All ER 801 and AG Ref No 3 of 1994 (1997) 3 All ER 936; - under the Queen's Peace; - with intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). A 'year and a day' Where the act or omission occurred after 7 June 1996, death no longer needs to follow within a year and a day. Note however that the Attorney General's consent must be obtained before initiating proceedings, if: - the injury alleged to have caused the death was sustained more than three years before the death occurred; or - the accused has previously been convicted of an offence committed in circumstances alleged to be connected to the death. Please refer to Consents to Prosecute, elsewhere in the Legal Guidance. In circumstances such as those where a defendant is convicted of an offence e.g. assault relating to the victim, but where the victim's injuries eventually proves fatal and the defendant is then charged with murder (potentially several years later), prosecutors should consider s.74(3) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. This section allows for the earlier conviction e.g. for assault to constitute admissible evidence to prove that the defendant was guilty of assaulting the victim but also potentially guilty of murder. Whilst the earlier conviction is admissible, it is still open for the defendant on the balance of probabilities to show he did not commit the offence for which he was previously convicted. Also, whilst section 78 PACE can be used to exclude the earlier conviction, this should not be based on some 'nebulous' concept of unfairness; rather it needs to specifically relate to the particular circumstances of the case in question. For further information see the case of R v Clift, R v Harrison EWCA Crim 2750. As these offences are highly sensitive, and to ensure consistency of approach, all cases in which a homicide prosecution is being considered where either death occurs more than 3 years after the original injury was sustained or after a person has previously been convicted of an offence committed in circumstances connected with the death require the approval of the Director of Public Prosecutions' Principal Legal Advisor prior to the obtaining of the Attorney General's consent. Approval should be sought through Chief Crown Prosecutors/Heads of HQ Casework Divisions. A transcript of the sentence hearing of the original conviction should be included with any papers sent to the PLA as it will often contain comment relevant to the issue of double jeopardy. A British subject can be indicted for murder or manslaughter in England and Wales even when he commits the offence outside the jurisdiction. The nationality of the victim is immaterial: section 9 Offences against the Person Act 1861. Murder cannot be committed by a company or other corporation. (However see Corporate Manslaughter elsewhere in the Legal Guidance). For the principal defendant, (see later for Joint Enterprise) the intent for murder is the intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), nothing less. Foresight is no more than evidence from which the jury may draw the inference of intent, c.f. R v Woollin 1 Cr App R 8 (HOL). In contrast to the offence of murder, attempted murder requires the existence of an intention to kill, not merely to cause grievous bodily harm: R v Grimwood (1962) 3 All ER 285. The requisite intention to kill can be inferred by the circumstances: R v Walker and Hayles (1990) 90 Cr App R 226. The principle set out in R v Lane and Lane (1986) 82 Cr App R 5 and restated in R v Aston and Mason (1992) 94 Cr App R 180 is that where two people are jointly indicted for the commission of a crime and the evidence does not point to one rather than the other, and there is no evidence that they were acting in concert, the jury ought to acquit both. This equally applies to homicide offences. However, see Familial Deaths below for offences involving members of the same household. Where association evidence is relied on, the circumstances of the association of the suspect with the principal offender, together with the other evidence in the case, must give rise to the inference that the suspect was assisting or encouraging the principal's offence. In some circumstances it may be appropriate to consider alternative charges which may be available and which do not require the use of the joint enterprise doctrine. In the event that the particular circumstances apply and no such alternative is available prosecutors should weigh carefully the merits of proceeding with the more serious charge under the doctrine of joint enterprise. Each case will need to be considered on its own facts and on its own merits before a deicion to prosecute is made. For further guidance on making decisions in cases which may involve joint enterprise see the CPS Guidance on Joint Enterprise contained elsewhere in the legal guidance. The prosecution must always show a causal link between the act/omission and the death. The act or omission must be a substantial cause of death, but it need not be the sole or main cause of death. It must have "more than minimally negligibly or trivially contributed to the death." - Lord Woolf MR in R v HM Coroner for Inner London ex p Douglas-Williams (1998) 1 All ER 344. It does not matter that the act/omission by the defendant merely "hastened" the victim's death: R v Dyson (1908) 1 Cr App R 13. However, where it is alleged that an omission was a substantial cause of death, causation is particularly difficult. It is necessary to prove to the criminal standard that but for the omission the deceased would not have died. To break the "chain of causation" an intervening act must be such that it becomes the sole cause of the victim's death so as to relieve the defendant of liability. (Consider R v Kennedy (2007) 3 W.L.R. 612 below in Cases where death results from the unlawful supply of drugs.) Examples of intervening acts are: - Third party interventions: such an act will not break the chain unless it was a free, deliberate, informed, voluntary act, which was not reasonably foreseeable by a reasonable person: R v Pagett (1983) 76 Cr App R 279. - Acts of God or nature can break the chain if entirely unforeseen and unconnected with the defendant's act. - An act of the victim will break the chain if not within the range of response which might be anticipated from a victim in his situation: R v Roberts (1972) 56 Cr App R 95 and R v Williams & Davis 1992 CLR 198. Note: Reeves v Metropolitan Police Commissioner (HOL) 2000 1 AC 560 where it was accepted that if the police were aware that the prisoner was a known suicide risk then a special duty of care existed and that Novus actus interveniens did not apply where he then went on to commit suicide. - Death resulting from any normal medical treatment employed to deal with a criminal injury must be regarded as caused by the criminal injury. It is only in the most extraordinary case that treatment designed to repair the harm done by the original attack could be regarded as the cause of the victim's death to the exclusion of the accused's act: R v Cheshire (1991) 3 All ER 670. The defendant must take his victim as he finds him under the 'egg-shell skull' rule: R v LeBrun (1991) 4 All ER 673. In cases where the defendant faces a charge of murder, the prosecution should decide in advance of a trial, whether or not an alternative count of manslaughter should be added to the indictment. Prosecutors should take the following action: - If the alternative is added, and the jury cannot reach a verdict in relation to the first count (murder), but return a verdict of guilty in relation to the alternative count (manslaughter) then the prosecution should not seek a retrial on the first count (murder). - If no alternative is included upon the indictment, the prosecutor must decide when the jury retire to consider their verdict on murder whether to seek a re-trial if the jury cannot agree, or whether they would be prepared to accept the alternative (manslaughter). Note that the prosecutor may be directed to consider the alternative in any event (R v Coutts UKHL 39). The reasons the prosecutor should give prior consideration to this question is because even though manslaughter is not on the indictment, the jury may indicate that it has reached a verdict of guilty on the manslaughter. The prosecution must then decide whether it will ask the judge to accept the verdict from the jury or discharge them from returning a verdict on manslaughter. - If the prosecution submits that the judge should accept the verdict of manslaughter then it will be accepting not to proceed to a retrial on the charge of murder. - If the prosecution submits that the judge should not accept the verdict of manslaughter, and therefore seeks a retrial on the charge of murder, then the judge may accede to this, discharge the jury and order a retrial on the charge of murder. - If, despite representations to the contrary, the judge accepts the verdict of manslaughter because it meets the justice of the case, or even if it did not, then the prosecution will not be able to seek a retrial on the charge of murder even if there is no abuse of process (R v JB EWCA Crim 356). Partial Defences to Murder Partial defences, are different to complete defences, such as self-defence, as they bear all the ingredients of murder but if successfully argued, reduce the offence to an act of" voluntary manslaughter" not murder. There are three partial defences to murder: diminished responsibility, loss of control and killing in pursuance of a suicide pact. In addition there is a so called 'concealed' partial defence, created by legislation in the act of infanticide, see below in this guidance. Note: Duress is not a defence to a charge of murder or attempted murder. Section 52 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (the Act) replaces the definition of diminished responsibility as contained in the 1957 Homicide Act and will apply to defendants charged with murder where the acts or omissions resulting in the death of the victim took place on or after 4 October 2010. See Schedule 22 paragraph 7 of the Act. The Act creates new subsections namely (1), (1A) and (1B) and outlines circumstances where a person is not to be convicted of murder. Abnormality of mental functioning means a state of mind so different from that of ordinary human beings that the reasonable person would term it abnormal. It covers the ability to exercise willpower or to control physical acts in accordance with rational judgement. It is a question for a jury. They are not bound to accept medical evidence: R v Sanders Crim LR 781. Recognised medical conditions can be found in the accepted classificatory lists, which together encompass the recognised physical, psychiatric and psychological conditions. These are, currently, the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). There is also scope for a condition which is not included in such a list to be deemed a "recognised medical condition" for the purposes of this test. This applies to emerging conditions which, while being recognised, might not yet have been included in the accepted classificatory lists. The defence could call an acknowledged specialist who has had their work validated, to give evidence to this effect. Impairment must be substantial, there must be evidence of this and it must be raised by defence, c.f. R v Campbell 84 Cr App R 255, R v Kooken 74 Cr App R 30. The new section 2(1)(b) states that the abnormality of mental functioning must have substantially impaired the defendant's ability to do one or more of those things as mentioned in the new section 2(1A): a) to understand the nature of the defendant's conduct; b) to form a rational judgement; c) to exercise self-control. Subsection (1B) provides that an abnormality of mental functioning provides an explanation for the defendant's acts or omissions in doing or being party to the killing, if it was at least a significant contributory factor in causing the defendant to act as he did. This does not require that it should have been the only cause or even the most important factor in causing the behaviour. But it must be more than a merely trivial factor. The defence should not be able to succeed where the defendant's mental condition made no difference to their behaviour - when they would have killed regardless of their medical condition. It is for the defence to prove that the person is, by virtue of this section, not liable to be convicted of murder. The evidential burden is on the defence on the balance of probabilities i.e. the civil standard (in contrast to Loss of Control, see below). If diminished responsibility is not raised at trial, it is unlikely that the Court of Appeal will allow evidence that was available then to be called at appeal. It will not therefore substitute manslaughter for murder. However, there are conflicting authorities. In R v Campbell 84 Cr App R 255, on a subsequent Home Secretary's reference, the Court of Appeal accepted medical evidence and ordered a retrial, but in R v Tony Martin 1 Cr App R 27 and R v Neaven (2006) EWCA Crim 955, the Court of Appeal allowed medical evidence to be adduced at the appeal, even though diminished responsibility was not raised at trial. The effect of alcohol consumed by the defendant cannot be ignored entirely. Section 2(1) does not require the abnormality of mind to be the sole cause of the killing, even if he would not have killed but for the additional impact of the alcohol, the section still provides a defence: R v Dietschmann (2003) 1 All ER 897 (disapproving R v Egan (1992) 4 All ER 470 and R v Atkinson 1985 CLR 314). The effects of alcohol do not amount to an abnormality of mental functioning: R v Fenton (1975) 61 Cr App R 261; R v Egan (1992) 4 All ER 470; R v Atkinson 1985 CLR 314. However, for cases involving alcoholics see R v Tandy (1989) 1 WLR 350 and R v Inseal 1992 CLR 35. As murder is a crime of specific intent, if the defendant cannot show diminished responsibility from brain damage caused by alcohol, if he was so drunk or drugged at the time of the killing as to be unable to form the intent to kill, or cause grievous bodily harm, he will be acquitted of murder. However he is still liable to be convicted of unlawful act manslaughter, see below. There is a link between diminished responsibility and provocation (now loss of control): R v Ahluwalia (1992) 4 All ER 889. Loss of Control Section 56 Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (the Act) abolished the common law defence of provocation and replaced it with sections 54 and 55 Coroners and Justice Act 2009. The defence itself is self contained and its common law roots are irrelevant. These provisions apply to defendants charged with murder where the acts or omissions resulting in the death of the victim took place on or after 4 October 2010. See schedule 22 paragraph 7 of the Act. Section 54 contains the components of the defence. Though they must be analysed sequentially and separately, if one is absent the defence will fail. The leading case is R v Clinton and Others EWCA Crim 2. In relation to the reference to "loss of self-control" within section 54(1)(b) Coroners and Justice Act 2009 it does not matter whether or not the loss of control was sudden, but control must have been lost. The partial defence could still be put before a jury even where there has been delay between the trigger incident and the murder. However the judge will have to determine whether the time delay was sufficiently substantial to render the defence of loss of control untenable and therefore not sufficient to put before the jury. The defence is not available to those who act in a considered desire for revenge (section 54(4)). This is so, even if the defendant loses self control as a result of one of the qualifying triggers. Section 54(5) of the Act clarifies the issues in relation to the burden of proof. For the purposes of the section, sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue with respect to the defence if evidence is adduced on which, in the opinion of the trial judge, a jury, properly directed, could reasonably conclude that the defence might apply. It is a matter of law and therefore an issue for the judge to decide whether there has been sufficient evidence raised to put the partial defence before a jury. The burden of disproof is on the prosecution. Section 55 Coroners and Justice Act 2009 defines what is meant by "qualifying trigger" for the purposes of section 54. Prosecutors should note the following: - Subsection (3) (fear of serious violence from the victim) introduces a subjective test that must be applied as in cases involving self-defence. The defendant will have to show that he genuinely feared that the victim would use serious violence, whether or not that fear was reasonable. - Subsection (4) (things said or done). Whether the defendant was seriously wronged and he had a justifiable sense to act in the manner that he did is for the jury to determine having applied an objective test. The requirements of subsections 55(4)(a) and 55(4)(b) are fact-specific and require objective evaluation. - Subsection (6) (c) It is the issue of sexual infidelity that falls to be disregarded under subsection (6) (c) however certain parts of the case may still amount to a defence under section 55(4). For example a defendant who kills her husband because he has raped her sister (an act that could be deemed to be one of sexual infidelity). The act of sexual infidelity may be disregarded however her actions may still fall to be a qualifying trigger under section 55(4). Sexual infidelity cannot by itself qualify as a trigger for the second element of the defence (R v Clinton paragraph 20). Context is critical. The Court of Appeal has determined that "'things said' includes admissions of sexual infidelity (even if untrue) as well as reports (by others) of sexual infidelity" (R v Clinton, paragraph 26). Despite s.55(6)(c), when considering the third component in s.54(1)(c) the impact on the defendant of sexual infidelity is not excluded and account of it should be taken in some cases where appropriate. Sexual infidelity is not subject to a blanket exclusion. "If there is evidence on which the jury could reasonably conclude that the loss of control defence might apply, it must be left to the jury: if there is no such evidence, then it must be withdrawn" (R v Clinton, paragraph 47). Section 4 of the Homicide Act 1957 reduces murder to manslaughter where the survivor of a joint suicide pact, took part in the killing of another person in the pact or was a party to that other person being killed by a third person. Involuntary manslaughter is in contrast to voluntary manslaughter and occurs where a person kills, but does so without the intent to kill or cause GBH. Apart from the absence of the requisite intent, all other elements of the offence are the same as for murder. There are two types of involuntary manslaughter, namely: - that caused by the defendant's gross negligence; and - that caused by his unlawful or dangerous act. Gross Negligence Manslaughter This is where the death is a result of a grossly negligent (though otherwise lawful) act or omission on the part of the defendant. The law in respect of this has been clarified in the case of R v Adomako (1994) 3 All ER 79 where a four stage test for gross negligence manslaughter known as the Adomako Test was outlined by the House of Lords: The test involves the following stages: a) the existence of a duty of care to the deceased; b) a breach of that duty of care which; c) causes (or significantly contributes) to the death of the victim; and d) the breach should be characterised as gross negligence, and therefore a crime. There is no manslaughter by "Lawrence Recklessness", overruling R v Seymour (1983) 2 AC 493. The Duty of Care There is no "general" duty of care owed by one citizen to another (No "good Samaritan rule"). A duty of care will arise from an act of a person where the requirements of foreseeability, proximity, fairness, justice and reasonableness establish such a duty (Donohue v Stevenson (1932) AC 582). Prosecutors should see Caparo Industries PLC v Dickman (1990) 2 AC 605 for the test if a duty of care existed. The duty can exist even where the deceased and the defendant were engaged in an unlawful activity together (R v Wacker (2003) 1 Cr App R 329; R v Willoughby (2004) ECWA Crim 3365. The duty can arise from a contract of employment (R v Pittwood (1902) 19 TLR 37). In addition there is the case of R (Rowley) v DPP (2003) EWHC Admin 693 where the Administrative Court referred to a fifth test, that 'criminal' involved an element of 'badness' - but note that the Adomako test is objective and the Crown need not prove the defendant's state of mind. The risk must be a serious and obvious risk of death, not merely serious injury: R v Misra and Srivastava 1 Cr App R 328. The Breach of the Duty of Care The ordinary law of negligence applies to these cases, in that those with an established duty of care, must act as a "reasonable person would do in their position". If they fail to do so they will have breached that duty. This is an objective test and will be based upon the defendant's position at the time of the breach. Therefore, if the defendant has acted within the range of what was generally accepted as being the standard practice (even if it is at the lower end) it will be difficult to describe such behaviour as falling far below the standard of a reasonable person in his position. An unqualified person is not to be judged at a lower standard than a qualified person. Therefore the lack of skill will not be a defence if the conduct is deemed negligent. If however, the defendant has particular skills and knowledge of a danger that the reasonable person would not have, his actions should be judged in the light of those skills or knowledge. This test is an objective test. It does not matter that the defendant did not appreciate the risk (the foreseeable risk of death) only that the risk would have been obvious to a reasonable person in the defendant's position. (R v DPP ex parte Jones 2000 CLR 858 and AG ref No: 2 of 1999 3 All ER 182.) The Grossness of the Breach It is for a jury to decide whether the defendant's conduct was so bad, in all the circumstances, as to amount to a criminal act or omission. In R v Misra and Srivastava 1 Cr App R 328, the court agreed with the direction by the judge that the term 'reprehensible' would be apt to describe the nature of the conduct. See R v HM Coroner for Inner London, ex parte Douglas-Williams (1999) 1 All ER 344 for a causation test in relation to gross negligence manslaughter Medical manslaughter is legally no different from Gross Negligence manslaughter. The term refers to medically qualified individuals who are performing acts within the terms of their duty of care, when the act or omission occurs. Where a medical individual is appointed to take charge of a person they then take on a duty of care towards them. Simply being a doctor or nurse in a hospital will not necessarily mean there is a duty of care to a specific patient (see section 7 HSWA [ADD LINK] in the legal guidance Corporate Manslaughter). Please refer to HSE work related deaths protocol http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/fod/oc/100-199/165_9.pdf Unlawful Act Manslaughter This is where the killing is the result of: - the defendant's unlawful act (not omission); - where the unlawful act is one which all sober and reasonable people would realise would subject the victim to the risk of some physical harm resulting there from, albeit not serious harm R v Williams and Davis (1992) 2 All ER 183; - whether or not the defendant realised this. The act need not be directed against a person (e.g. arson) - see R v Willoughby (2005) 1 WLR 1880. The knowledge attributed to the sober and reasonable person is that which such a person would acquire as an observer of the whole course of the defendant's conduct throughout the unlawful act: R v Watson (1989) 2 All ER 865, R v Dawson (1985) 81 Cr App R 150, R v Carey and others (2006) EWCA Crim 17. In manslaughter arising from an unlawful and dangerous act, the accused's state of mind is relevant only to establish that the act was committed intentionally and that it was an unlawful act. Once these points are established the question whether the act was dangerous is to be judged not by the appellant's appreciation but that of the sober and reasonable man and it is impossible to impute the mistaken belief of the defendant that what he was doing was not dangerous: R v Ball 1989 CLR 730. Cases where Death Results from the Unlawful Supply of Drugs No "unlawful act" for the purpose of unlawful act manslaughter occurs, where a person only supplies drugs or materials to another, who then in turn administers the drug to himself and dies. This is the case even where a person assists another to take the drug by performing preparatory acts, such as applying a tourniquet or preparing a syringe for injection. The House of Lords considering the point, stated that the criminal law generally assumed the existence of free will and, subject to certain exceptions, informed adults of sound mind were treated as autonomous beings able to make their own decisions on how to act: R v Kennedy (Simon) (2007) 3 W.L.R. 612 where K supplied the drug to B, who then had a choice, knowing the facts, whether to inject himself or not. Encouraging or Assisting Suicide CPS Areas must refer cases of Assisting Suicide to the Special Crime Division: see Referral of Cases to CPS Headquarters (Central Casework Divisions, The Principal Legal Advisor, Private Office, Strategy and Policy Directorate, and Press Office), The Chief Crown Prosecutors or Complex Casework Units, elsewhere in the Legal Guidance. Section 1 Infanticide Act 1938, as amended by section 57 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, provides that infanticide can apply: "Where a woman: - by any wilful act or omission; - causes death of her child being a child under the age of 12 months; - but at the time of the act or omission the balance of her mind was disturbed by reason of her not having fully recovered from the effect of giving birth to the child; - or by reason of the effect of lactation consequent upon the birth of the child then; - notwithstanding that the circumstances were such that, but for this Act, the offence would have amounted to murder (See R v Gore EWCA Crim 2789); - she shall be guilty of an offence of infanticide; and - may for such an offence be dealt with and punished as if she had been guilty of the offence of manslaughter of the child." Infanticide can be an alternative verdict or charged in its own right. The child that is killed must be the child to whom the birth etc. refers, and the child must be under 12 months old. The death can be by either act or omission. The case of R v Gore EWCA Crim 2789 has established that there is no requirement that all the ingredients of murder have to be proved before a defendant could be convicted of infanticide. The case has confirmed that the intention of parliament was to create a new offence of infanticide which covered situations much wider than offences that would otherwise be murder. Consequently, the mens rea for infanticide does not require any intention to kill or cause serious bodily harm. Therefore cases of manslaughter (see above) would fall within the elements of the offence. In every case where the mother is alleged to have killed her own child who is less than 12 months old, early efforts should be made to obtain medical evidence establishing whether or not infanticide is appropriate and, if so, a charge of infanticide can be preferred pre-committal. There is a close link between this offence with both voluntary manslaughter and diminished responsibility. However, unlike diminished responsibility, the burden of disproving is on prosecution. Although for an Infanticide offence, the child killed must be the one from whose birth/lactation the defendant is suffering; diminished responsibility might still be argued if another child of the family has been killed. Note: also the offence of Child Destruction: section 1 Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929, which prohibits the killing of any child capable of being born alive. Familial Deaths and Serious Physical Harm Section 5 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 ('DVCV Act') creates an offence of causing or allowing the death of, or causing or allowing serious physical harm to be suffered by, a child under the age of 16 or of a vulnerable adult. This stand-alone offence imposes a duty upon members of a household to take reasonable steps to protect children or vulnerable adults within that household from the foreseeable risk of serious physical harm from other household members. It is an offence triable only on indictment and where death occurs, carries a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment or a fine, or both. Where a child or vulnerable adult suffers serious physical harm the offence is triable only on indictment and carries a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment or a fine, or both. An offence under section 5 DVCV Act is an offence of homicide for the purposes of venue in the Youth Court. The offence is made out where evidence exists to establish the following elements: - a child or vulnerable adult ("V") has died or suffered serious physical harm; - the death or serious physical harm was the result of an unlawful act, course of conduct or omission of a person ("D") who was member of the same household as V and who had frequent contact with V; - there existed at the time of death a significant risk of serious physical harm being caused to V by the unlawful act of any member of that household and either: a) D was the person whose unlawful act caused V's death or serious physical harm; or b) D was, or ought to have been, aware of that risk and failed to take such steps as he or she could reasonably have been expected to take to protect V from that risk of serious physical harm; and c) the death or serious physical harm occurred in circumstances of the kind that D foresaw or ought to have foreseen. Note: 'significant' does not mean 'more than minimal' as it would for manslaughter but carries its ordinary meaning: R v Mujuru (2007) EWCA Crim 1249. The prosecution does not have to prove which of the two possible alternatives, (a) or (b) above, applies. In other words, D is equally liable to conviction whether he or she was the perpetrator of the act that actually caused V's death or serious physical harm or simply failed to protect V from a foreseeable risk of serious physical harm from another member of the household who had frequent contact with V. It will quickly be appreciated how this dual basis for criminal liability remedies one of the main perceived difficulties with the law relating to other possible charges such as murder or manslaughter. In every case the prosecution must prove that V's death or serious physical harm occurred in circumstances of the kind that D foresaw or ought to have foreseen. This requirement protects, from criminal liability, those whose dependants die from unlawful acts that had nothing to do with the foreseeable risk of harm within the household, e.g. where V is at risk of serious harm from an abusive parent but is subsequently killed by a friend of the family who had had until then little contact with the household. Further, section 5(6) DVCV Act confirms that in this context 'serious' harm is to be equated with the level of physical harm that amounts to grievous bodily harm under the Offences against the Person Act 1861. The risk that must be foreseen relates to that level of harm and the risk itself must be significant rather than minimal or fanciful. The section also contains definitions of the terms child and vulnerable adult amongst others. The definition applied to vulnerable witnesses is wider than that applied to the same phrase in the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. However, it is clear from the wording of section 5 that the test of what could be foreseen is not purely subjective but contains a 'reasonableness' dimension as well. In determining potential liability the proper test to be applied is 'what would have been reasonable for this defendant to have foreseen?' Therefore, a defendant may be fixed with knowledge if the nature of the risk was such that he or she should reasonably have been aware of it even if they claim not to have been. Frequent contact could include family members or carers, but is not confined to that group. Household is defined in sectino 5(4)(a) DVCV and will be given its ordinary meaning. It is not likely to include care homes or nurseries where a child is looked after with a number of others. A paid or voluntary domiciliary carer or housekeeper or an au-pair or similar may fall under the definition, if it would be reasonable in the circumstances. Under the Act, a person may be regarded as a member of the household for the purpose of this offence if they visit so often and for such periods of time that it is reasonable to regard that person as a member of the household. Membership of a household will be for the courts to determine on a case by case basis. The offence only applies to those over 16 years of age, unless the suspect is the mother or father of the victim. If the person who caused the death lacks or may lack criminal responsibility the other persons in the household can still be charged with 'allowing' the death or serious injury. Subsection (5) defines an unlawful act as one that constitutes an offence or would be were it not for the fact that the person lacks criminal responsibility. Age of Responsibility If D was under the age of 16 at the time of the act which caused V's death he or she cannot be guilty of an offence under this section. Further, where it is sought to prosecute D on the basis of a failure to take reasonable steps to prevent the risk of serious harm, D is assumed not to have been capable of taking any such step before attaining the age of sixteen (s.5(3)(b)). However, neither of these exceptions applies to the mother or father of the deceased child who may be prosecuted for a section 5 offence whatever their age. This distinction is justified on the basis that parents bear a special responsibility for the safety of their children. Application of Dangerous Offender Provisions An offence under section 5 is a "serious specified offence" for the purposes of the Dangerous Offenders provisions set out in Chapter 5 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (DV Act, Schedule 10, paragraph 65). Section 5 creates a substantive offence that can be charged alone and which is clearly designed to remedy situations where it has been impossible in the past to bring charges of murder or manslaughter because of a lack of evidence to prove which of a limited number of suspects caused V's death. Such situations will doubtless continue to occur and the principle in R v Lane and Lane (1986) 82 Cr App R 5 (referred to above) will continue to have effect. However, the Act also has in contemplation circumstances where the evidence, reviewed according to the normal standards of the Code for Crown Prosecutors, justifies charging one of more of the defendants with either murder or manslaughter in respect of the same death. Where this is done, it is important to ensure that the defendant is also charged with a section 5 offence. Not only does this afford the jury an opportunity of convicting of an alternative count but several significant advantages flow from the fact that a defendant is charged with both offences. Ruling Out Dismissal of the Case before Arraignment Following a sending by the magistrates' court the charge of murder or manslaughter cannot be dismissed under the Indictable Only procedure unless the section 5 DVCV Act offence is also dismissed - section 6(3) DVCV Act .This means that as long as there is a case to answer on the familial homicide offence, the defence will not be able to apply to have the more serious charge dismissed before arraignment under paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 on the ground that there is not a prima facie case in relation to murder or manslaughter. Postponing the Decision on whether there is a case to answer A similar restriction also applies during the course of the trial itself. As long as the defendant continues to face a charge under section 5 of the DVCV Act the question of whether there is also a case to answer on the charge of murder or manslaughter cannot be determined until the close of all the evidence including the defence evidence (if any defendant elects to give evidence) . The purpose of the provision is to afford the jury the greatest possible opportunity of hearing the oral evidence of at least one of the defendants during the trial and to weigh that testimony as evidence against the other accused. So, where a defendant is charged in respect of the same death with both familial homicide and either murder or manslaughter, and the prosecution evidence establishes a case to answer on the section 5 DVCV Act offence, the defence cannot make a submission of no case to answer on the murder/manslaughter charge until the close of the defence case. At that stage the court will have heard the evidence of any of the defendants who decide to go into the witness box and the decision whether there is a case to go to the jury will then be taken in the light of that evidence, not simply the evidence of prosecution witnesses. The potential use of so-called 'cut-throat' defences here is obvious. (See R v Ikram (Abid) EWCA Crim 586). Allowing Inferences to be Drawn from Refusal to Testify The other procedural change concerns the drawing of inferences from an accused's failure to give evidence at trial or refusal to answer questions put in cross-examination. If a jury would be entitled under section 35(3) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to draw inferences from the failure of a person charged with a section 5 DVCV Act offence to give evidence or to answer questions in court without good cause, then those same inferences may be drawn in relation to any charge of murder or manslaughter arising from the same death which they also face. This is so, even if there would otherwise be no case to answer in relation to the murder/manslaughter offence. In other words, provided the strict requirements of section 35(3) CJPOA are met in relation to the familial homicide offence, they will be deemed to have been met in relation to the linked murder or manslaughter charge too. To that extent the strict procedural requirements set out in R v Cowan QB 373 have been dis-applied in cases of this kind. Note that this express transference provision relates only to the adverse inference that may be drawn from a refusal to give evidence in court. Other possible inferences, such as that arising from a refusal to answer questions in a police interview, are not included within the provisions of section 6 DVCV Act. A jury cannot, of course, convict the defendant solely on the basis of such an inference (section 38(3) CJPOA), but the drawing of an inference adverse to the defendant(s) may serve to strengthen the prosecution case to the point where a conviction becomes a realistic prospect. Application of the Code Tests to the New Procedural Provisions Nothing in the DVCV Act or elsewhere suspends the operation of the normal evidential stage of the Code tests in respect of cases involving the death of children or vulnerable adults in familial settings. However, prosecutors will be entitled to take these significant procedural changes into account when determining the strength of the evidence on possible charges of murder and manslaughter. While the 'realistic prospect of conviction' test is the only proper test to apply, the Crown Prosecutor is entitled to take into account the realities of what is likely to happen in the course of the criminal proceeding and this includes an assessment of the likely impact of section 6 of the DVCV Act. Assuming that there is sufficient evidence in respect of the familial homicide charge, a submission of no case to answer in respect of any related murder or manslaughter charge will be deferred until the close of the defence case. Therefore the defence case, so far as it can be evaluated from the defendant's interview or otherwise, will be a relevant consideration to take into account at the time of the decision to charge. Whilst Prosecutors may not know precisely what the defence case is going to be, it is proper to consider what it may be and then to consider how that defence is likely to affect the prosecution case. Potential Range of the New Offence Potential criminal liability under section 5 of the DVCV Act does not depend upon the existence of any parental or other special relationship with V. Rather, it arises from membership of the same household as, and frequent contact with, a child or vulnerable adult who dies as a result of an unlawful act, course of conduct or omission that can only be attributable to the activities of someone who was also a member of that household and who also had frequent contact with the deceased. Since liability arises from membership of the deceased's household and frequent contact with the deceased, the new offence is wide enough to include anyone within that defined group who ought to have been aware of the foreseeable risk and who failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent the harm arising. Thus, it might include siblings aged 16 and over who lived with V and who had witnessed earlier incidents of violence towards V by someone living as part of the household as defined in section 5(4) of the DVCV Act. Conversely, a separated parent who did not live with or visit V before V died would not be considered a member of V's household and could not be liable for prosecution under section 5 even if he or she was aware or ought to have been aware that V was at serious risk of physical harm from a household member and did nothing to prevent that harm. Potentially, people who come into the home on a regular basis to care for V may be deemed to be members of the household for the purposes of this offence. They might be liable to be charged if they were aware of a risk of serious harm to V from someone within the same household but did not take reasonable steps to prevent V's death. People who might fall into this category include relatives, regular baby sitters over 16, and those who provide domiciliary care in the household such as child minders and paid carers. In many cases the evidence is likely exclude any possible 'outside candidates' and the range of suspects will be confined to those who are part of the deceased's household. Determining whether there is sufficient evidence to charge should not present any special difficulty in such cases. However where the evidence leaves room for reasonable doubt that the fatal act etc., was done by someone who does not fall within the definition of 'the same household' no possibility of a section 5 charge arises since the death may have been caused by someone other than a member of V's household. What Amounts to Reasonable Steps Where the prosecution case against D is that he or she failed to prevent a foreseen or foreseeable risk, the court will have to be satisfied that there were, indeed, steps that the defendant could have reasonably have taken to protect the child or vulnerable adult from harm. If there are no such steps or none that would have been reasonable for this particular defendant to take, then the section 5 offence cannot be established. What is 'reasonable' will depend upon the circumstances of each particular case but in every case the defendant is entitled to be judged on the basis of what the reasonable and sober person sharing all the personal characteristics of that particular defendant could have been expected to do. This will involve taking into account everything that is known about the defendant's circumstances, intellectual and emotional capabilities and his or her ability to make independent decisions and choices. This, in turn, may involve consideration of the likely impact of violence directed towards the defendant by the other accused on his or her ability to act reasonably in protection of the eventual victim. What would constitute reasonable steps will vary from case to case and will depend on the suspect's relationship to the victim. It may be that the steps a particular suspect could have taken may be more limited than another suspect. Depending on the facts of the particular case, the court may find that the suspect may have been too frightened to take some of the steps which in other circumstances might have been available to them. But it should be remembered that the offence is premised on a duty to protect a child or vulnerable adult from harm, and all members of the household who had frequent contact with the victim would have that duty. The rationale behind the section 5 DVCV Act offence is to promote greater protection for children and vulnerable adults from harm within their own households. In deciding evidentially what are and what are not reasonable steps prosecutors will have to keep to the forefront of their mind the duty created, ... the duty to intervene ... and actively endeavour to bring the ill treatment to an end ..., and how the state expects that duty to be discharged. R v Beard (1987) 85 Cr App R 395 (at paragraph 399 - 400). In relation to the section 5 DVCV Act offence, too, it will ultimately be a matter for the courts to decide what amounts to 'reasonable steps'. As cases come before the courts, a body of case law will develop which will help prosecutors to make that judgement. In the interim, examples of what could amount to reasonable steps might be thought to include: - Contacting social services, local child protection committees or similar. - Making sure that the child or vulnerable person is treated promptly and appropriately for any injuries or illnesses that they suffer. - Explaining concerns to the family GP or health visitor. - Contacting their teacher, head teacher or school nurse. - Contacting organisations such as the NSPCC or Childline. - Ringing one of the other voluntary agencies that support families, such as Home-Start. - For a young person aged over 16, contacting their grandparents, an aunt or uncle, or another responsible adult. - Exploring concerns with neighbours or others who may have contact with the person who is at risk. - Making sure that alcoholism or drug dependence in other members of the household are acknowledged and appropriately treated. - Attending anger management or parenting classes if appropriate, or ensuring other members of the household attend such classes. - Physically or verbally intervening to prevent violence. Account would have to be taken of the respective physical capabilities of the parties in determining whether this was a reasonable step. - Leaving an abusive partner and moving home with the child or vulnerable person. Again, this might not always be a reasonable expectation depending on the particular circumstances of individual defendants. This list is not intended to be exhaustive and is for illustrative purposes only. Such judgements are never easy to make. As with any case, prosecutors will have to keep the evidence under continuing review. Early decisions to charge may have to be reconsidered in the light of later information including evidence that may be served or disclosed by the defence. For further information on the issue of 'reasonable steps' in cases where the suspect alleges they are the victim of domestic violence, please see the Ministry of Justice Circular 2012/03 Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims (Amendment) Act 2012. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) For guidance on Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), see Non Accidental Head Injury Cases (NAHI, formerly referred to as Shaken Baby Syndrome [SBS]) - Prosecution Approach. Self-defence is as much a defence to murder and manslaughter as to any other offence. As with all cases of offences against the person, when considering the sufficiency of evidence under the Code, if it is plain that such a defence is likely to succeed it would not be right to commence proceedings. Refer to Self-Defence and the Prevention of Crime, elsewhere in the Legal Guidance. Code for Crown Prosecutors - Considerations Murder is so serious that a prosecution is almost certainly required even in cases such as 'mercy killing' of a sick relative. A count of murder should refer to the date of death, not the date of the act that caused the death. The prosecution cannot indict a defendant for manslaughter based on an acceptable plea to diminished responsibility or provocation. Such pleas may only be accepted to a count of murder. Infanticide as an alternative to murder should be preferred where a mother has killed her child before it reached 12 months of age; and there is medical evidence that the balance of the mother's mind was disturbed, either because she had not fully recovered from the effects of the birth of the child; or because of the effect of lactation on her. An alternative count of aiding and abetting suicide, contrary to section 2 Suicide Act, should be considered where there is evidence of the defendant aiding and abetting someone else to commit suicide, rather than evidence of a suicide pact. Acceptability of Pleas Before accepting a plea to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, there should be: - a satisfactory psychiatric report that concludes that the defendant fulfils the criteria set out in section 2(1) Homicide Act 1957; - agreement between the police, CPS and counsel; and - consultation with the family of the victim. Be cautious where: - the report's findings depend on certain facts provided by the defendant which cannot be proven by independent evidence; - where there are a number of specialist reports which give conflicting opinions of whether the defendant fulfils the criteria; or - the medical evidence appears to be straining to bring a defendant within the criteria. Before accepting a plea to manslaughter on the ground of provocation, ensure that: - the investigating officer has been consulted; - the CPS and counsel are satisfied that there is insufficient evidence to continue with murder; and - the family of the victim have been consulted. Pleas to manslaughter on the grounds of a suicide pact may be accepted where all the evidence, all the medical reports and the representations from the defence are available. Ensure also that the family of the victim have been consulted. Internal Referral Requirements The following cases must be notified to your CCP or designated officer as soon as practicable: - conspiracy to commit murder; - attempted murder; - concealment of birth; - infanticide; and In addition if any of the following characteristics are present the case should be dealt with by Complex Casework Units (CCU): - "Hate related murders"; - "Mercy killings"; - High profile / multi victim / multi defendant murders; - Cases involving complicated Public Interest Immunity (PII) issues; - Sensitive, serious or complex cases of major media interest e.g. allegations involving individuals or organisations with a high public profile; - Cases requiring consideration of gross negligence manslaughter and any case involving a fatality in which the investigation is being conducted in accordance with the "Deaths at Work" protocol (but note a separate referral practice is in place for offences under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 see legal guidance on Corporate Manslaughter; - Medical manslaughter these cases must be referred to Special Crime Division. - Cases involving deaths in police or prison custody, where there is any suggestion that an agent of the state may have had some responsibility for the death, will continue to be referred to Special Crime Division e.g. where there was some culpability by officers in allowing the death to occur or causing the death. Medical Reports for the Court In every murder case, the court will require a report about the defendant's medical condition. However, following the case of R v Reid (2002) 1 Cr App R 21, there is now no requirement for the Crown to obtain a medical report for the Court's benefit. You should make yourself aware of any local arrangements made by the Crown Court in your Area. Pathologist's Reports and Other Medical Issues Do not send a case of murder without receipt of a pathologist's statement covering the cause of death. Release the pathologist's statement to the defence as quickly as possible so that they may arrange a second post-mortem if required or so that the coroner may release the deceased's body. In most cases, the Crown's pathologist will only provide an "interim report" giving the likely cause of death. A full report will follow. Prosecutors are reminded that in cases involving head injuries, delays of up to 12 weeks can occur whilst neurological analysis is undertaken. Pathologists will generally complete their final report once all other studies have been completed, e.g. histology, toxicology etc. In cases where a request is received for the removal of an organ for transplant purposes, refer the request to the CCP or designated lawyer. Section 114 Coroners and Justice Act 2009 amends Schedule 1 to the Bail Act 1976. Section 114(2) provides that bail may not be granted to someone charged with murder unless the court is of the opinion that there is no significant risk that, if released on bail, that person would commit an offence that would be likely to cause physical or mental injury to another person. Furthermore section 114(3)(a) states that the court in deciding whether there is no such significant risk, must have regard to any relevant considerations as stated in paragraph 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Bail Act 1976. Section 114(3)(b) amends paragraph 9 in relation to bail decisions where the alleged offence is imprisonable and triable in the Crown Court. This section provides that, in deciding whether to grant bail in a case where the court is satisfied that there are substantial grounds for believing that the person would commit an offence while on bail, the court must have regard to the risk that such further offending would, or would be likely to, cause physical or mental injury to another person. Section 115 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, provides that where a person is charged with murder, bail can only be granted by a judge of the Crown Court. The power of the magistrate's court to consider bail in murder cases, whether at first hearing or after a breach of an existing bail condition, is now removed. Where a person charged with murder appears or is brought before a magistrate's court, a bail decision must be made by a judge of the Crown Court as soon as is reasonably practicable, and in any event within 48 hours (excluding public holidays) beginning with the day after the person's appearance in the magistrates' court. If necessary the person must be committed in custody to the Crown Court to enable a bail decision to be made (see section 115(4)). It is immaterial (see section115(5)) whether that person is at the same time sent for trial or being remanded following adjournment of proceedings under section 52 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which requires a defendant charged with an offence only triable in the Crown Court to be sent by the magistrate's court to the Crown Court forthwith. The court must give reasons for grant of bail in cases of murder, manslaughter or attempt murder: section 9A Bail Act 1976. Under section 56 Crime and Disorder Act 1998 there is a rebuttable presumption that no person charged with murder, manslaughter or attempted murder shall be granted bail, if previously convicted for any such offence and, in the case of manslaughter, sentenced to imprisonment (or detention if a child). However, note now the decision in Ilijokov v Bulgaria 2001 7 Archbold News 1. If a person charged with murder is granted bail, there is a mandatory bail condition which has to be imposed. Under section 3(6A) Bail Act 1976, a court that releases a defendant on bail when charged with murder must impose at least 2 bail conditions: 1) a requirement that the defendant undergoes examination by 2 medical practitioners, one of whom has been approved for the purposes of section 12 Mental Health Act 1983; and 2) a requirement that the defendant attends for examination when directed by the court. Prosecutors who are minded to recommend that a defendant charged with murder might be bailed should be in a position to suggest a place of examination to be specified in a bail condition. Contact the Senior Medical Officer at the local prison nearest the court or telephone the Duty Principal Medical Officer at the Prison Health Policy Unit and Task Force, Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8YG (Telephone 020 7972 4483). The Victim's Family You must keep any close relatives of the deceased informed of the case's progression. Prosecutors should refer to the guidance Victim Focus Scheme Guidance On Enhanced CPS Service For Bereaved Families. Only photographs which are necessary for the presentation of the case should be compiled by the police into an album. Take special care when instructing the investigating officer to avoid distress for the jury and for the relatives. For material that should be submitted to the Probation Service in the preparation of Pre-Sentence Reports, refer to Provision of Pre-sentencing Report Information , elsewhere in the Legal Guidance. Procedure - Post-trial The police will provide the Home Office with details of the indictment in all cases where the defendant has been convicted. The police also have responsibility for providing any relevant information to the Prison and Probation Services, not the CPS. Any request under the National Protocol Regarding the Passage of Information in Respect of Homicide Life Sentence Prisoners should be referred to the officer in the case.

Homicide: Murder and Manslaughter - Definition of Homicide - Encouraging or Assisting Suicide - Familial Deaths and Serious Physical Harm - Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) And Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Definition of Homicide Murder and manslaughter are two of the offences that constitute homicide. Manslaughter can be committed in one of three ways: 1) killing with the intent for murder but wh

|Unit History Project| 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment When the 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment received word that they were slotted for an upcoming deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, getting the Soldiers up to speed with their MOS’s was a main priority. Training on equipment and programs relative to each Soldiers responsibility was set up during monthly drills and AT in order to get them up to speed on the latest and practical methods being used in theater. The 138th MPAD began its deployment in support of OIF III & IV Sept. 9, 2005. The process of unit mobilization began with home station preparation. This process included property and equipment accountability as well as movement operations for the unit’s next destination at Ft. Dix, N.J. During the two month period of training at Ft. Dix, Soldiers of the 138th MPAD were trained in basic soldiering tasks along with areas such as: NBC training, convoy operations, unexploded ordnance (IED) recognition, individual movement techniques, land navigation, weapons qualification, combat life saver course, military decision making process course and living on a mock Forward Operating Base. II. Organization and Administration A. Organization: 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 18th Field Artillery Brigade (Airborne), 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. B. Mission: The 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment provides direct and unremitting public affairs support to units in the Multi National Division–North Area of Operations who are deployed in support of combined, unified, or joint operations.

|Unit History Project| 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment When the 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment received word that they were slotted for an upcoming deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, getting the Soldiers up to speed with their MOS’s was a main priority. Training on equipment and programs relative to each Soldiers responsibility was set up during monthly drills and AT

USGS Body-Wave Moment Tensor Solution NEAR EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA 12/06/24 03:15:02.96 Epicenter: 57.585 163.272 MW 6.0 USGS MOMENT TENSOR SOLUTION Depth 16 No. of sta: 117 Moment Tensor; Scale 10**18 Nm Mrr= 0.49 Mtt= 0.29 Mpp=-0.78 Mrt= 0.30 Mrp= 0.86 Mtp=-0.38 Principal axes: T Val= 0.94 Plg=64 Azm=294 N 0.41 2 199 P -1.35 26 108 Best Double Couple:Mo=1.2*10**18 NP1:Strike= 20 Dip=71 Slip= 92 NP2: 193 19 83 The figure above shows a visual representation of the style of faulting (focal mechanism) derived from the estimated moment tensor. Shaded areas show quadrants of the focal sphere in which the P-wave first-motions are away from the source, and unshaded areas show quadrants in which the P-wave first-motions are toward the source. The dots represent the axis of maximum compressional strain (in black, called the "P-axis") and the axis of maximum extensional strain (in white, called the "T-axis") resulting from the earthquake.

USGS Body-Wave Moment Tensor Solution NEAR EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA 12/06/24 03:15:02.96 Epicenter: 57.585 163.272 MW 6.0 USGS MOMENT TENSOR SOLUTION Depth 16 No. of sta: 117 Moment Tensor; Scale 10**18 Nm Mrr= 0.49 Mtt= 0.29 Mpp=-0.78 Mrt= 0.30 Mrp= 0.86 Mtp=-0.38 Principal axes: T Val= 0.94 Plg=64 Azm=294 N 0.41 2 199 P -1.35 26 108 Best Double Couple:Mo=1.2*10**18 NP1:Strike= 20 Dip=71 Slip= 92

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the EU for three months or less. These include Australia and New Zealand. The list of countries whose nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland differs slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national visa to visit non-Schengen countries. Border officials in EU countries may ask for other supporting documents such as an invitation letter, proof of lodging, return or round-trip ticket. For the precise requirements contact the local consular services of the EU country in question. Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa for the EU? Australian and New Zealand passport holders planning a visit to any of the 27 Member States of the EU do not require a visa if their stay is no longer than 90 days in a six month period within the EU. SHORT STAYS IN THE SCHENGEN AREA (less than 3 months): Have you obtained a short-stay ‘Schengen’ visa over the past three years? The European Commission is reviewing the procedures for issuing these visas and would like to hear your views on your experience. The idea is to modernise the policy and your input via this public consultation will help us to make the right changes. Australian tourists planning to spend less than a total of 90 days (within a six month period) in the 'Schengen area' do not require visas for countries which are parties to the Schengen Convention. More information on Schengen Visas [28 KB] . The following countries are parties to the Schengen Convention: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and Spain. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could result in a fine or create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen area. Some countries require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. Australians who are likely to exceed the cumulative 90 day limit, or who are visiting the Schengen area for other than tourist or business purposes, should contact the High Commission, Embassy or Consulate of the country or countries concerned to obtain an appropriate visa. Visa rules relating to work and business visits are governed by the individual countries. Australians should be aware that the United Kingdom, Ireland, Albania, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine are not part of the Schengen area. Australians should consult the nearest High Commission, Embassy or Consulate of these countries for visa information. Australia has reciprocal arrangements with a number of countries in the Schengen area which may allow young people to have an extended holiday, supplemented by short-term employment. Further information on working holiday program visa arrangements is available from the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website . It is highly recommended that you consult the Schengen country consular office of your main destination, in order to confirm this information and/or make your visa application. More information can be found here: VISA and PASSPORT enquiries should be directed to the relevant Member State Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as conditions vary from country to country. All passports are issued by the country of origin - for instance, if you think you may be eligible for a British passport, you will need to contact either the British High Commission or one of its Consulates. Many people ask about an EU passport - however, this term is a misnomer. Passports are issued by the Member States themselves but there is a common format for their passports. European Union (EU) member state passports have standardised layouts and designs, although the photo page can be at the front or in the back of the booklet and small differences in design indicate which Member State is the issuer. Ordinary EU member state passports are burgundy-red, with the words "European Union" written in the national language or languages (e.g. Dutch, French, Finnish, Maltese) on the front, below which is the official name of the country, the national seal, and the word for "passport", in the respective language(s), can be found at the bottom. Please contact the relevant Member State Embassy/Consulate/High Commission (list at right with contact details from the Department of Foreign Affairs website) Planning to go on holidays or on business to a European country? Looking for events and adventure or for wellness and relaxation? Interested in local craft and gastronomy or do you simply want to know more about one of 34 European countries? Europe is a never-ending journey and it begins at http://www.visiteurope.com/ the brand new European Tourist Destinations Portal, financed by the European Commission. For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see Travelling in Europe

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the EU for three months or less. These include Australia and New Zealand. The list of countries whose nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland differs slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a country fully apply

Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Senator the Hon. Joe Ludwig Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator for Queensland Industry assistance to precede marine reserves Joint media release 14 June 2012 An assistance package in the vicinity of $100 million will begin to flow to the fishing industry before the marine reserves announced today are activated. The Gillard Government today announced the final network of reserves after a year of consultation with marine and tourism businesses, environmental groups and the community. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the Government will build a tailored assistance package with the fishing industry. This will be aimed at providing adjustment assistance to those directly impacted. The package will be designed to meet case-by-case needs of these fishers and businesses, and the Government will work with industry to develop measures such as: - Transitional business assistance to support changes to fishing business operations - Assistance for employees including payments - Investment in research and monitoring - Removal of commercial fishing effort from impacted fisheries through possible purchase of entitlements - Targeted assistance to vertically integrated fishing businesses "Those impacted who want to change where they fish, how they fish, and what they fish, will be helped to do so. Those who can change their business model, or who opt to leave the industry, will get the assistance they require," Minister Ludwig said. "There will be specialised assistance on a case by case basis for vertically integrated businesses that are especially impacted. "Importantly as a Labor Government we will make sure impacted workers receive the help they need." Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Tony Burke MP, said that throughout the process the Government worked to maximise conservation results and minimise impact on fishing of all kinds. "Government and industry will work together to establish an assistance package. I want to make it clear that reserves will not come into effect until industry assistance is in place and flowing," Minister Burke said. "Reserves had been designed to minimise the impacts wherever possible. The reserves are estimated to displace approximately 1-2% of the annual value of wild catch fisheries production in Australia." Further information is available at www.environment.gov.au/marinereserves

Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Senator the Hon. Joe Ludwig Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator for Queensland Industry assistance to precede marine reserves Joint media release 14 June 2012 An assistance package in the vicinity of $100 million will begin to flow to the fishing industry before the marine reserves announced today are

Common Questions About Ozone (6) Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 1994 World Meteorological Organization Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project - Report No. 37 United Nations Environment Programme World Meteorological Organization National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Aeronautics and Space Administration Why is the Ozone Hole Observed over Antarctica When CFCs Are Released Mainly in the Northern Hemisphere? Human emissions of CFCs do occur mainly in the Northern Hemisphere, with about 90% released in the latitudes corresponding to Europe, Russia, Japan, and North America. Gases such as CFCs that are insoluble in water and relatively unreactive are mixed within a year or two throughout the lower atmosphere (below about 10 km). The CFCs in this well-mixed air rise from the lower atmosphere into the stratosphere mainly in tropical latitudes. Winds then move this air poleward - both north and south - from the tropics, so that air throughout the stratosphere contains nearly the same amount of chlorine. However, the meteorologies of the two polar regions are very different from each other because of major differences at the Earth's surface. The South Pole is part of a very large land mass (Antarctica) that is completely surrounded by ocean. These conditions produce very low stratospheric temperatures which in turn lead to formation of clouds (polar stratospheric clouds). The clouds that form at low temperatures lead to chemical changes that promote rapid ozone loss during September and October of each year, resulting in the ozone hole. In contrast, the Earth's surface in the northern polar region lacks the land/ocean symmetry characteristic of the southern polar area. As a consequence, Arctic stratospheric air is generally much warmer than in the Antarctic, and fewer clouds form there. Therefore, the ozone depletion in the Arctic is much less than in the Antarctic. Common Questions About Ozone - How Can Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Get to the Stratosphere If They're Heavier than Air? - What is the Evidence that Stratospheric Ozone is Destroyed by Chlorine and Bromine? - Does Most of the Chlorine in the Stratosphere Come from Human or Natural Sources? - Can Changes in the Sun's Output Be Responsible for the Observed Changes in Ozone? - When Did the Antarctic Ozone Hole First Appear? - [Why is the Ozone Hole Observed over Antarctica When CFCs Are Released Mainly in the Northern Hemisphere?] - Is the Depletion of the Ozone Layer Leading to an Increase in Ground-Level Ultraviolet Radiation? - How Severe Is the Ozone Depletion Now, and Is It Expected to Get Worse?

Common Questions About Ozone (6) Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 1994 World Meteorological Organization Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project - Report No. 37 United Nations Environment Programme World Meteorological Organization National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Aeronautics and Space Administration Why is the Ozone Hole Observed over Antarctica When CFCs Are

Monday, May 20, 2013 Back to News Release List Saturday, June 9 is Free Fishing Day in Idaho, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game invites veteran and novice anglers of all ages, residents and nonresidents alike, to celebrate the day by fishing anywhere in Idaho without a license. Though fishing license requirements are suspended for this special day, all other rules, such as limits or tackle restrictions, remain in effect. Free fishing day provides a great opportunity for novices to give fishing a try and perhaps develop it into a life-long pursuit. Parents are encouraged to bring their children out for a day of fun fishing excitement. Lack of fishing experience is no excuse. At special locations around the state, equipment will be available for use, and fishing experts will be on hand to help novice anglers learn the ins and outs of fishing. In addition, all these locations will be stocked with hatchery rainbow trout prior to the special day. Look for the nearest event listed below, and "Take a Kid Fishing." Events will be announced as they are set. Southwest Region: For more information call 208-634-8137 in McCall or 208-465-8465 in Nampa.

Monday, May 20, 2013 Back to News Release List Saturday, June 9 is Free Fishing Day in Idaho, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game invites veteran and novice anglers of all ages, residents and nonresidents alike, to celebrate the day by fishing anywhere in Idaho without a license. Though fishing license requirements are suspended for this special day, all other rules, such as limits or tackle

Beginning today, a new federal rule will require businesses and individuals to take appropriate measures to dispose of sensitive information derived from consumer reports. Any business or individual who uses a consumer report for a business purpose is subject to the requirements of the Disposal Rule, a part of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA), which calls for the proper disposal of information in consumer reports and records to protect against “unauthorized access to or use of the information.” The standard for the proper disposal of information derived from a consumer report is flexible, and allows the organizations and individuals covered by the Rule to determine what measures are reasonable based on the sensitivity of the information, the costs and benefits of different disposal methods, and changes in technology. Although the Disposal Rule applies to consumer reports and the information derived from consumer reports, the FTC encourages those who dispose of any records containing a consumer’s personal or financial information to take similar protective measures. The Rule applies to people and both large and small organizations that use consumer reports, including: consumer reporting companies; lenders; insurers; employers; landlords; government agencies; mortgage brokers, car dealers; attorneys; private investigators; debt collectors; individuals who pull consumer reports on prospective home employees, such as nannies or contractors; and entities that maintain information in consumer reports as part of their role as a service provider to other organizations covered by the Rule. The Disposal Rule applies to consumer reports or information derived from consumer reports. The Fair Credit Reporting Act defines the term consumer report to include information obtained from a consumer reporting company that is used – or expected to be used – in establishing a consumer’s eligibility for credit, employment, or insurance, among other purposes. Examples of consumer reports include credit reports, credit scores, reports businesses or individuals receive with information relating to employment background, check writing history, insurance claims, residential or tenant history, or medical history. The Rule requires disposal practices that are reasonable and appropriate to prevent the unauthorized access to – or use of – information in a consumer report. For example, reasonable measures for disposing of consumer report information could include establishing and complying with policies to: burn, pulverize, or shred papers containing consumer report information so that the information cannot be read or reconstructed; destroy or erase electronic files or media containing consumer report information so that the information cannot be read or reconstructed; or conduct due diligence and hire a document destruction contractor to dispose of material specifically identified as consumer report information consistent with the Rule. Due diligence could include: reviewing an independent audit of a disposal company’s operations and/or its compliance with the Rule; obtaining information about the disposal company from several references; requiring that the disposal company be certified by a recognized trade association; or reviewing and evaluating the disposal company’s information security policies or procedures. Financial institutions that are subject to both the Disposal Rule and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) Safeguards Rule, which requires institutions to take steps to protect sensitive customer information, should incorporate practices dealing with the proper disposal of consumer information into the information security program that the Safeguards Rule requires. Information is available at www.ftc.gov/privacy/privacyinitiatives/safeguards.html. FACTA directed the FTC, the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Securities and Exchange Commission to adopt comparable and consistent rules regarding the disposal of sensitive consumer report information. The FTC’s Disposal Rule became effective June 1, 2005. It was published in the Federal Register on November 24, 2004 [69 Fed Reg 68690], and is available at www.ftc.gov/os/2004/11/041118disposalfrn.pdf. The FTC has issued a new publication, “New Rule Seeks to Protect Privacy by Requiring Proper Disposal of Sensitive Consumer Information,” available at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/alerts/alt152.shtm, to educate businesses about the new requirements. The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish (bilingual counselors are available to take complaints), or to get free information on any of 150 consumer topics, call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or use the complaint form at http://www.ftc.gov. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Beginning today, a new federal rule will require businesses and individuals to take appropriate measures to dispose of sensitive information derived from consumer reports. Any business or individual who uses a consumer report for a business purpose is subject to the requirements of the Disposal Rule, a part of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA), which calls for the prope

MIT’s OCW implementation uses MIT’s Google Search Appliance to support searching the OCW site. This Development Note discusses customizing this search mechanism to provide richer, more useful results. MIT’s OCW site contains static content. Unlike dynamic web sites where content can be assembled into a page on demand, each page at http://ocw.mit.edu exists fully formed waiting to be served. While this approach has advantages, it limits the ability of users to query specific results. The reason is that Google is simply looking for words; it doesn’t attribute any semantic meaning to these words. For the query “Marx”, Google depends on the user submitting the query to distinguish between Groucho and Karl. Use of MIT’s Google Search Appliance yields multiple benefits. The primary benefit is that it leverages the current solution to return a richer query result set. MIT’s OCW has very high standards for stability, scalability, and conventionality. A solution that used its current solution would make it more attractive for future adoption. Another benefit is the power of the Google search algorithms. After all, “Google” is synonymous with online searching. Customization is achieved by writing a XSL stylesheet that changes the results page from the familiar Google results page format to a layout of your choice. The query string sent to the server when executing a search from the Greenfield site looks like this: Which breaks down this way: |site||ocw||Limits search results to the contents of the specified collection.| |client||mit||A string that indicates a valid front end and the policies defined for it, including KeyMatches, related queries, filters, remove URLs, and OneBox Modules. Notice that the rendering of the front end is determined by the |getfields||*||Indicates that the names and values of the specified meta tags should be returned with each search result, when available.| |output||xml_no_dtd||Selects the format of the search results. |proxystylesheet||%2Foeit %2FOcwWeb %2Fsearch %2Fgoogle-ocw.xsl||If the value of the |proxyreload||1||Instructs the Google Search Appliance when to refresh the XSL stylesheet cache. A value of 1 indicates that the Google Search Appliance should update the XSL stylesheet cache to refresh the stylesheet currently being requested.| |as_dt||i||Include only results in the web directory specified by |oe||utf-8||Sets the character encoding that is used to encode the results.| |q||grandmother||the text of the query submitted by the user| Google’s Search Protocol Reference documents how queries are submitted and results returned from the Google Search Appliance. This work, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.

MIT’s OCW implementation uses MIT’s Google Search Appliance to support searching the OCW site. This Development Note discusses customizing this search mechanism to provide richer, more useful results. MIT’s OCW site contains static content. Unlike dynamic web sites where content can be assembled into a page on demand, each page at http://ocw.mit.edu exists fully formed waiting to be served. While

Signed into law on March 23, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act brings your health care under your control by ensuring that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care and significantly reduces long- term health care costs. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has determined that the law will provide coverage to 32 million more people, or more than 94 percent of Americans, while lowering health care costs over the long term. This historic legislation will reduce the deficit by $143 billion over the next ten years, with $1.2 trillion in additional deficit reduction in the following 10 years. Although people share different views about the proper course of reform, I believe the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a responsible approach to the challenges of the 21st Century and will repair much of what needs fixed so that our country remains strong and competitive. The next challenge is the implementation of this law. Rest assured that I will continue to monitor the law’s implementation because we must ensure that waste, fraud, and abuse are deterred and implementation is carried out smoothly. H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Read the bill here. Read summary of the bill here. Read section by section analysis of the bill here. Read the report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office on the budgetary impact of the reconciliation bill here. Read the President's Executive Order prohibiting the use of federal funds for abortion here. Read about the small business health care tax credit here. Read brochure from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to learn how the law will affect seniors here. On July 1, 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services unveiled a new, easy-to-use tool that will allow consumers and small businesses to compare health insurance plans in the public and private sector and stay informed of the latest developments in health reform. Please click on the image below to be directed to the new HealthCare.gov page. Take an online tour of the new Healthcare.gov website below.

Signed into law on March 23, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act brings your health care under your control by ensuring that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care and significantly reduces long- term health care costs. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has determined that the law will provide coverage to 32 million more people, or more than

Attention Property Owners:A no-fee permit to plant any of these trees on CITY PROPERTY needs to be obtained BEFORE planting is done. Please call Forestry at 402-441-7035 if you have questions. REQUIRED MINIMUM TREE TRUNK SIZE IS ONE (1) INCH IN DIAMETER• USDA Forest Service • Monrovia Nursery • Arbor Day Foundation - Tree Diversity will be emphasized (i.e. no more than 10 % of same tree type). - Ash species will not be costshared by City for planting as street trees due to potential Emerald Ash Borer infestation and will not be allowed to be planted on city right of ways due to existing ash street tree population being greater than 25%. - Large type trees and small type trees will not be planted on same street because of variance in height, form and growing space requirements. Only exception is that small shade tolerant understory type trees (redbud, serviceberry) can be planted beneath large overstory shade trees, provided there is adequate room to accommodate the mature growth of understory tree. Approved Street Tree List Download approved street tree list

Attention Property Owners:A no-fee permit to plant any of these trees on CITY PROPERTY needs to be obtained BEFORE planting is done. Please call Forestry at 402-441-7035 if you have questions. REQUIRED MINIMUM TREE TRUNK SIZE IS ONE (1) INCH IN DIAMETER• USDA Forest Service • Monrovia Nursery • Arbor Day Foundation - Tree Diversity will be emphasized (i.e. no more than 10 % of same tree type). - A

Destroying the Native American Cultures When European settlers arrived on the North American continent at the end of the fifteenth century, they encountered diverse Native American culturesas many as 900,000 inhabitants with over 300 different languages. These people, whose ancestors crossed the land bridge from Asia in what may be considered the first North American immigration, were virtually destroyed by the subsequent immigration that created the United States. This tragedy is the direct result of treaties, written and broken by foreign governments, of warfare, and of forced assimilation. Today, people see the policies of the past with 21st century eyes. One might wonder how the nation's indigenous population became "inferior" cultures in their own land, or how a nation could have committed such atrocities in the name of "progress". One might question whether it is acceptable to make national decisions without involving in the decision making process those who will be most drastically affected. In 1786, the United States established its first Native American reservation and approached each tribe as an independent nation. This policy remained intact for more than one hundred years. But as President James Monroe noted in his second inaugural address in 1821, treating Native Americans this way flattered their pride, retarded their improvement, and in many instances paved the way to their destruction. In addition, Monroe observed that Americas westward growth has constantly driven them back, with almost the total sacrifice of the lands which they have been compelled to abandon. They have claims on the magnanimity and . . . on the justice of this nation which we must all feel. Despite Monroes concern for the plight of Native Americans, his administration successfully removed them from states north of the Ohio River.

Destroying the Native American Cultures When European settlers arrived on the North American continent at the end of the fifteenth century, they encountered diverse Native American culturesas many as 900,000 inhabitants with over 300 different languages. These people, whose ancestors crossed the land bridge from Asia in what may be considered the first North American immigration, were virtually de

the five-spotted hawk moth is one of the largest. Its larva is the familiar tomato hornworm. The Carolina sphinx, whose larva is known as the tobacco hornworm, weighs only one to two grams, but it flaps its wings an astonishing 25 to 30 beats per second. Some sphinx moths have been clocked at speeds as high as 30 mph. Sphinx moths are often mistaken for hummingbirds and bumblebees because of their similarities in size, foraging behavior and feeding structures. Most sphinx moths are active between dusk and dawn, but several species are diurnal, meaning they are active during the daytime when hummingbirds and bumblebees are also out and about. When flying, the clearwing moth makes a buzzing sound with its wings, similar to that of a hummingbird. Like hummingbirds, most sphinx moths fly in a quick, darting manner and hover over flowers while sipping nectar. Although sphinx moths sometimes land on a flower while feeding, hummingbirds almost never do. This is a good clue to determine if you are seeing a moth or a bird. Adult sphinx moths have a long, straw-like "tongue," called the proboscis, which they keep curled under the head. They use it to suck nectar from the flower. The nectar is rich in sugar, which fuels the energy required for hovering. Hummingbirds also have a long tongue to lap up nectar. The length of the proboscis roughly equals the length of the flower tube from which the sphinx moth is eating. Several sphinx moths have very small mouth parts that are almost useless. These moths feed very little as adults or perhaps not at all. Movie fans might be familiar with one of these sphinx moths, the death's head moth, which was mentioned in the film Silence of the Lambs. This European sphinx moth is named for the skull-and-crossbones pattern on its furry thorax. Moths, including sphinx moths, pollinate many species of plants. Moth-pollinated flowers tend to have a strong, sweet scent and are white or pale in color. Gardens planted with these flowers may attract several kinds of sphinx moths, including the hummingbird and bumblebee mimics. While eating the nectar of a flower, moths receive a dusting of pollen by brushing against anthers, which produce pollen. Their fuzzy bodies are excellent pollen carriers. As a moth sips nectar from another flower of the same species, it transfers pollen from the previous plant. This cross-pollination is necessary for many species of plants to produce seeds. The hummingbird clearwing is relatively common in Missouri. Adults may be found in the daytime in open woodlands and fields and in gardens and suburbs throughout the state between early April and September. This moth is reddish brown and has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches to 2.25 inches. Its larvae feed on honeysuckle, buckbrush, wild cherry and plum. Adults hover and sip nectar at many different flowers, including honeysuckle, beebalm, phlox, lilac and blueberry and milkweed. The snowberry clearwing is relatively common in Missouri. Adults fly throughout the day in open woodlands and fields, as well as in gardens and suburbs throughout the state, between late March and September. This bumblebee mimic is yellow with black wings and abdomen. At 1.25 to 2 inches, its wingspan is slightly smaller than that of the hummingbird clearwing. Its larvae feed on honeysuckle, dogbane and buckbrush. Adults eat from many flowers, including thistles, milkweed and lilac. The white-lined sphinx may be observed flying day and night in open habitats including woodlands, fields, gardens and suburbs throughout the state between early April and November. The top of its fore-wing is dark olive brown with a narrow tan band running from the base to the wing tip and with light tan streaks along the veins. Its wingspan is about 2.5 to 3.5 inches. The white-lined sphinx is common in Missouri. Its larvae feed on many plants, including purslane, willow herb, evening primrose, elm and tomato. Adults feed at a variety of flowers, including honeysuckle, columbine, moonvine, lilac, Jimson weed, larkspur and petunia. In addition to clearwings and white-lined sphinx moths, there are dozens of other sphinx moths in Missouri. These moths are sometimes seen flying around outdoor lights or-at dusk-sipping nectar from petunias, moonflowers, phlox, bouncing bet, honeysuckle, morning glory and primrose. The most species of sphinx moths I have ever seen in one place was six. I saw them along a busy road in Branson at dusk as they visited a flower box containing many different varieties of petunias. If you happen to see a hummingbird or a bumblebee this summer that doesn't look "quite right," don't call your eye doctor. Your eyes are fine. You probably just saw a hummingbird or bumblebee clearwing, or a white-lined sphinx moth. It's an imposter, but one you can enjoy observing.

the five-spotted hawk moth is one of the largest. Its larva is the familiar tomato hornworm. The Carolina sphinx, whose larva is known as the tobacco hornworm, weighs only one to two grams, but it flaps its wings an astonishing 25 to 30 beats per second. Some sphinx moths have been clocked at speeds as high as 30 mph. Sphinx moths are often mistaken for hummingbirds and bumblebees because of their

Council on Postsecondary Education COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AWARDS $1.26 MILLION TO IMPROVE EDUCATOR QUALITY The Council on Postsecondary Education awarded $1.26 million in federal grant funding to nine education partnerships at its meeting earlier today in Richmond. The partnerships will provide professional development for more than 300 P-12 teachers and administrators in 50 school districts over an 18-month period beginning in January. The Improving Educator Quality State Grant Program provides grants to partnerships that deliver research-based professional development programs. To be eligible, a partnership must include a postsecondary institution’s school of arts and sciences and its teacher preparation program, as well as at least one high-need local district. “We are very pleased with the quality of these proposals and their strategic focus to fully integrate the Common Core Standards into our public education system,” said Council on Postsecondary Education President Bob King. “These grants will help more students graduate college and career ready.” The Common Core Standards were approved in February. Higher, clearer and more in-depth academic standards are required by Senate Bill 1, passed by the 2009 Kentucky General Assembly. The projects, including the lead institutions and the grant award, include: - Increasing College Readiness through Assessment-Led Instruction in Middle and High School Classrooms—Year 2 (Morehead State University): $149,998. - The Active Math Project: Increasing College Readiness through Hands-On Math Instruction in Middle and High School Classrooms (Morehead State University): $149,972. - Empowering Teachers to Develop Digital Contents (Murray State University): $92,775 - Certifying World Language Teachers for Kentucky—Year 2 (Northern Kentucky University): $145,000. - Literacy + Numeracy=Exponential Learning—Year 2 (University of Kentucky): $125,176. - Special Education Math Cadre (University of Kentucky): $150,000. - Preparing All Students for Success: Career and College Readiness (University of Kentucky): $150,000. - Collaborative Teacher Training in Reading/Language Arts (University of Louisville): $148,570. - Readers Matter: Common Goals, Core Learning, and set Standards for Achievement (Western Kentucky University): $150,000. In other business, the Council approved a post-master’s certificate in family practice nursing proposed by the University of Louisville. The Council also heard key updates on the Committee on Equal Opportunities, strategic agenda planning process, tuition policy and the tuition-setting process, Kentucky Adult Education, and the K-12 assessment results for 2010 from Education Commissioner Terry Holliday. The next meeting of the Council will be held Feb. 3-4, 2011. For more information on the Council meeting or to access meeting materials, visit http://cpe.ky.gov/about/cpe/meetings/2010/Nov2010CPEMtgAgenda.htm.

Council on Postsecondary Education COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AWARDS $1.26 MILLION TO IMPROVE EDUCATOR QUALITY The Council on Postsecondary Education awarded $1.26 million in federal grant funding to nine education partnerships at its meeting earlier today in Richmond. The partnerships will provide professional development for more than 300 P-12 teachers and administrators in 50 school dis

Eastern Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center Bald Mountain copper-zinc-gold-silver deposit, northern Maine - USGS has been conducting research to characterize the natural chemical signatures associated with this type of deposit, and to determine what conditions and processes affect the long-term mobility of heavy metals in the weathering environment. Both aspects of this study are providing necessary information to refine models for the formation and weathering of this type of mineral deposit in the eastern United States, and thus aid mineral exploration and mineral-resource and environmental assessments. The Bald Mountain volcanic-associated massive sulfide deposit offers unparalleled opportunities to study natural geochemical backgrounds because it was discovered in an area that has not experienced historic metallic mining. The deposit is hosted by a moderately dipping sequence of Paleozoic submarine volcanic rocks, basalt with lesser rhyolite, and subcrops beneath 0 to 15 m of glacial till. The mineralization consists of: (1) a hypogene massive sulfide zone (pyrite and pyrrhotite with lesser chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and arsenopyrite); (2) a supergene sulfide zone (pyrite, chalcocite, covellite, and enargite); and (3) a gold-bearing gossan zone (goethite, quartz, and trace remnant sulfide minerals). Ground waters in and around the deposit show elevated concentrations of dissolved iron, base metals (copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, cadmium, and lead), arsenic, and sulfate compared to regional surface waters and ground water upgradient from the deposit. Subsurface weathering of the Bald Mountain deposit appears to significantly and naturally elevate the concentration of dissolved constituents in ground waters relative to regional surface waters. |Clayton Lake (visible in map below) with Bald Mountain in the background. The Bald Mountain deposit is situated in the remote and undeveloped North Maine Woods.| |Map of the Bald Mountain area.| |Artesian well, Bald Mountain. Although the area has never experienced mining activity, the ground waters in and around the Bald Mountain deposit naturally have elevated concentrations of iron, arsenic, and other "heavy" metals.| |Geochemical studies include ground and surface water sampling within and adjacent to the buried Bald Mountain deposit to characterize natural variations around a massive sulfide deposit.| Collaborators for this field area include the Black Hawk Mining Company. |Project Studies: Bald Mountain, ME || Elizabeth Mine and Vermont Copper belt, VT || Prince William Forest Park and Mineral District, VA || Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC & TN || Laboratory-based studies| |Mineral Resources||Eastern / Central / Western / Alaska / National Minerals Information| |Crustal Imaging & Characterization / Spatial Data|

Eastern Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center Bald Mountain copper-zinc-gold-silver deposit, northern Maine - USGS has been conducting research to characterize the natural chemical signatures associated with this type of deposit, and to determine what conditions and processes affect the long-term mobility of heavy metals in the weathering environment. Both aspects of this study are pr

News releases, contact information and other resources for members of the media. PDF version of news release Even when the picture looked bleak, Dakota County and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Child Support Enforcement Division didn’t give up. They worked for years to collect child support from a noncustodial parent who owed thousands of dollars in past due child support. However when the parent recently tried to renew his passport, he discovered he had to pay the $32,000 he owed to get it. The result: Payment in full. The collection technique, called passport intercept, enables the state to deny the issuance or renewal of a passport if a child support debt is due. Of the $32,000 collected from the parent, only $655 went to collection fees with the rest going to the child’s family. “This is a good example of what it takes, sometimes, to collect from people who clearly have the means but not the will to meet their responsibilities to their children,” said Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. “Every child deserves support from both parents, and it is a top priority for us at DHS to work with the counties to make sure children get it.” In another case, McLeod County’s diligent efforts also recently paid off using the same passport intercept method. The county and DHS recently collected payment in full of almost $30,000 in back child support from a noncustodial parent who had been paying regularly but was behind in payments. Of that, $599 paid for cost recovery fees with the rest going to the children’s family. “This is one of numerous collection and enforcement methods the department and counties use to get children the funds they deserve and need,” said Jesson In Federal Fiscal Year 2011, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, in cooperation with counties, collected and disbursed $602 million in child support. During that period the child support program had approximately 242,000 cases involving 268,000 children. As of September 30, 2011, cumulative past due child support, or arrears, totaled about $1.65 billion. Every dollar spent on child support recovery brings in $3.59 in child support for Minnesota families.

News releases, contact information and other resources for members of the media. PDF version of news release Even when the picture looked bleak, Dakota County and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Child Support Enforcement Division didn’t give up. They worked for years to collect child support from a noncustodial parent who owed thousands of dollars in past due child support. However when

If female butterflies are programmed to identify males of their species by the patterns of spots on their wings, how can new wing patterns evolve in males? The answer is that while females are predisposed to prefer a specific pattern, they learn to like flashier ones more, according to a new Yale University study. The study published online the week of June 11 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences gives a partial explanation of an evolutionary mystery. The team studied the butterfly species Bicyclus anynana, which in the wild has two spots on its forewings (the tops of the wings). The researchers found that female butterflies of the species learn to prefer males with four spots on their forewings over those with two spots.

If female butterflies are programmed to identify males of their species by the patterns of spots on their wings, how can new wing patterns evolve in males? The answer is that while females are predisposed to prefer a specific pattern, they learn to like flashier ones more, according to a new Yale University study. The study published online the week of June 11 in the Proceedings of the National Ac

Since avalanches are the number one cause of snowmobile fatalities in the west, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is presenting a free Snowmobile based Avalanche Awareness course near you. These practical and popular classes familiarize the winter backcountry enthusiast with hazard recognition and techniques for safe travel in avalanche terrain. What to expect: The program is divided into a classroom and field portion. Classroom sessions are a prerequisite to attend a field exercise. The program is 12 hours of training between the classroom and field portion. To register for this class, click here. For more information and the to view the 2013 training schedule, click here.

Since avalanches are the number one cause of snowmobile fatalities in the west, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is presenting a free Snowmobile based Avalanche Awareness course near you. These practical and popular classes familiarize the winter backcountry enthusiast with hazard recognition and techniques for safe travel in avalanche terrain. What to expect: The program is divided in

Individual differences | Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology | |Regions with significant populations</tr>||Alaska| Alaska Natives are indigenous peoples of the Americas native to the state of Alaska within the United States. They include Inupiat, Yupik, Aleut, and several Native American peoples, including Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Eyak, and a number of Northern Athabaskan peoples. In 1912 the Alaska Native Brotherhood was founded. In 1971 Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act which settled land and financial claims and provided for the establishment of 13 Alaska Native Regional Corporations to administer those claims. Similar to the status of the Canadian Inuit and First Nations, which are recognized as distinct peoples, Alaska Natives are in some respects treated separately from Native Americans in the United States. Below is a full list of the different Alaska Native cultures. Within each culture are many different tribes. - Aleut (in their own language they refer to themselves as Unangan) - List of Alaska Native Tribal Entities — the list of officially recognized Native Villages and other "tribal entities", according to the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs. - List of indigenous peoples - Native Americans in the United States References & BibliographyEdit - ↑ Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development. (2006). "Table 1.8 Alaska Native American Population Alone By Age And Male/Female, July 1, 2006." Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Research & Analysis. Retrieved on 2007-05-23. - Alaska Federation of Natives - Alaska Native Health Board - Alaska Native Heritage Center - First Alaskans Institute - Tlingit National Anthem, Alaska Natives Online |This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).|

Individual differences | Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology | |Regions with significant populations</tr>||Alaska| Alaska Natives are indigenous peoples of the Americas native to the state of Alaska within the United States. They include Inupiat, Yupik, Aleut, and several Native American peoples, including Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Ey

Individual differences | Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology | The Co-operative Principle was described by Paul Grice, and refers to how people interact with one another. As stated by Grice, "Make your contribution such as it is required, at the stage at which it occurs, by the accepted purpose or direction of the talk exchange in which you are engaged". The principle is intended as a description of people's normal behavior in conversations, not as a prescriptive command. Cooperative Principle, which Grice believed underlies language use, according to which we are enjoined to make sure that what we say in conversaion furthers the purposes of these conversations. Obviously, the requirements of different types of conversations will be different. from the book "Language Files." The co-operative principle was broken down into four maxims, which refer to rational or logical principles people observe in order to communicate effectively or get their meaning across. - "Implicature", section 2: Gricean Theory in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Grice, Paul (1975). "Logic and conversation". In Syntax and Semantics, 3: Speech Acts, ed. P. Cole & J. Morgan. New York: Academic Press. Reprinted in Studies in the Way of Words, ed. H. P. Grice, pp. 22–40. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press (1989) - Cameron, D. (2001). Working with Spoken Discourse. London: Sage Publications. |This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).|

Individual differences | Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology | The Co-operative Principle was described by Paul Grice, and refers to how people interact with one another. As stated by Grice, "Make your contribution such as it is required, at the stage at which it occurs, by the accepted purpose or direction of the talk exchange in whic