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Before Christine became a bikini competitor, she was an equestrian and grew up with a history of body obsession and food related distortions.
In this video, Christine vulnerably shares her history with Anorexia, Weight loss and weight gain, going to an Outpatient Therapy center when she was in college because her mom wanted her to, and how she didn't take her health seriously until one day she couldn't ignore the negative tendencies anymore.
Christine opens up about how stress, sadness, and grieving the loss of her best friend started bringing up her negative relationship with food and the harmful behaviors associated with a lifetime of ignoring the problem.
Christine talks about how she got into bodybuilding, found my 'Confessions of a Bikini Pro' Podcast and constantly contemplated the idea of working with me to improve her relationship with food and her body.
At a wedding though, she found herself feeling super anxious and overly focused on the food that she couldn't truly enjoy herself there in the present moment. The spiraling behaviors continued and when she talked to her coach, she expressed and knew that she had to be in a good mental space to have the most successful prep she could have and be the best athlete she could be.
When Christine signed up to work with me in my Food Relationship Healing & Discovery Program, we identified her triggers, association patterns, and where her 'out of control' feelings led her to avoid living.
She now can go out with her boyfriend without obsessing over the food like she found herself doing at the wedding which showed her she needed to take action for herself. She says she can enjoy food without the guilt, shame, and worry that used to always come with it.
Christine talks about how terrifying it was to admit she needed help but that she is so glad she did because she says 'I just feel like my future has a lot more in it now because the cycle of binge, hide, restrict, shame, guilt is exhausting...'.
Christine reached out to me a few weeks after completing the program, when COVID-19 lockdown began actually, and expressed how grateful she was to be able to sit at home, surrounded by food all day, and not be stressed, anxious, or feeling like she was going to lose control at any moment. She shares how amazing it feels to finally have something she has never had in her whole life-food freedom.
I hope you love watching this video, hearing her experience, and truly know that if you can relate, you can also get through this! Christine stepped up for herself and said 'I need help' and now she can confidently move in the direction of her goals as a woman, doctor, competitor, and anything else she chooses to become or pursue.
I am so grateful I could be part of her journey and help to facilitate such an amazing to witness internal transformation, healing, and growth. Christine truly went all in on this program and was such an incredible client to work with because of her dedication and commitment to finally resolving and working through this.
If you are feeling the nudge to get the help you need and make peace with food so you can end the distracting, detrimental, and draining obsession of what you will eat, how you eat, guilt, shame, frustration, parties, having food around, triggers and all other negative beliefs, behaviors, and patterns; I invite you to learn more about and apply for my Food Relationship Healing & Discovery Program now. Just tap on the button below to visit the information page now.

domain: psychology


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I hate “fishy” taste with a passion. That being said a good bouillabaisse on a rainy day is a magical thing. When prepared just right there is no “fishy” taste. The kids didn’t even realize they were eating fish. Hubby and I agreed that this soup turned out AMAZING. It is our new family favorite for cold fall days. It will transport you to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.
adapted from emeals.com clean eating plan:
- (1 T olive oil)
- (1 clove garlic, peeled and sliced)
- 1/2 large onion, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- (Small pinch of saffron)
- Zest of 1/2 orange or 3 drops of essential orange oil (leave out if on elimination diet)
- 1/2 (14.5 oz) can whole tomatoes or 1 large diced tomato
- 3 c chicken broth (Salt to taste)
- 1/2 T Trader Joe’s South African Smoke Seasoning Blend or Creole Seasoning
- 2 (6 oz) tilapia filets
- 1/2 lb shrimp
- The night before take 5 minutes to mix up some Overnight Rustic Bread to use for bread bowls. Start cooking bread as you begin preparing the soup.
- Heat olive oil in skillet. Add garlic, onion and fennel. Cook stirring occasionally, for 5 – 10 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
- Add saffron, orange zest, tomatoes, chicken broth and seasoning. Bring to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Season with salt. Add tilapia and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Add shrimp and cook 3 minutes.
- Serve soup in bread bowls and enjoy!

domain: food


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Beer 99 Drinking Game
An interesting card game involving math. Mid level buzz factor. Supplies: people, beer, and a deck of cards.
The object of the game is to play cards into a pile and have the value of the pile equal 99. You start off by dealing four cards to each player, then turn the top card over. Play goes around the circle with each person playing a card, mentally keeping track of total value of the pile.
King - Kept to avoid drinking or place drinking responsibilities on Someone else, usually used near end of game.
Four - used as a skip card when you have none to play, can also be used to skip drinking responsibilities goes.
Tens - When in the 90's, this drops the value of pile by 10, otherwise its a regular card.
Socials occur whenever the total equals a number ending in 9. Special socials on 69 and 71. On special you must drink twice.
Whoever gets hit with 99 must drink 1/2 glass.
After you play a card, draw another from the stack. When out of cards, reshuffle those already played.

domain: game


25 Pictures of Young Liza Minnelli
Halston & Liza Minnelli's Real
Liza Minnelli’s Style Evolution, From Studio 54 to Today
Here are Lia Minnelli's nipples
Minnelli was nominated in 2009 for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for her studio recording , based on her hit Broadway show.
As per trusted source like Wikipedia, she is Alive.


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Actress - Born Louise Kerlin on Oct. 5, 1878 in Evansville , IN - Died April 24, 1965 in Motion Picture and Television Country House, CA
Louise Dresser was one of the great stars of vaudeville and silent films.
On the marquees of turn-of-the-century theaters, Dresser's name was alongside those of the theatrical giants of the era—Lillian Russell, the Shuberts, Anna Held, Blanche Ring, Charles Frohman and Weber and Fields.
Once on a tour of the old Keith Circuit, Dresser had as an accompanist a young pianist-composer named George Gershwin.
Her greatest film, according to many critics, was the original "State Fair" in which she played opposite Will Rogers.
— Harry Trimborn in the Los Angeles Times April 25, 1965

domain: history


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The fourth of July was spectacular at our house! We had the usual feast of sausages, potato salad, fruit and chips.
Our youngest daughter made her first “I am really on my own, cake”. It turned out beautifully and tasted great.
However the highlight was one of those unplanned learning moments that can be so fun. Our son in law brought liquid nitrogen to the party in a large metal bottle so the kids could make ice cream without the wait.
It was fun helping each of the littles combine the ingredients for the ice cream. They love to cook.
Then Brady poured the liquid nitrogen in the ice cream and WOW, we had fog everywhere; clouds on the floor so to speak. The kids LOVED it. The ice cream was amazingly delicious!!
But as guys and kids will, the fun spilled out of the jar and the ice cream making to any other feasible place. It was poured on the kitchen floor and we all ran rampant through the clouds. It was poured down the stairs and into the sink filled with hot water. Lots of silliness, lots of laughter and fun.
Did you know that if you pour liquid nitrogen on an inflated balloon the balloon deflates. That is because the nitrogen is so cold that it cools off the air in the balloon taking up less space and it deflates. Hold it in the warm room air and it re-inflates. Cool!
We learned that nitrogen makes up 80% of what we breathe. Jack couldn’t get his mind around the fact that what was making ice cream is also what we breathe. Lesson for a future year!
We also learned that most elements can be liquid, gas and solid. Just so you know, liquid nitrogen can cause very serious burns and must be handled with great care and only by adults. : )
July fourth was a learning day at the Johnson’s, learning a bit about chemistry and our wonderful country. Happy Fourth of July!
Possibly Related Posts:
- Inspiring Learning
- Family Philanthropy Project – How to Grow Your Family’s Heart by Jodie Palmer
- Fun activities for afterschooing and for homeschoolers
- HELP! Activities and games for small children
- Teaching kids about Florida – A Response

domain: chemistry


You are here
The Italian police have chosen… Spanish-built police cars
Capable of withstanding 870mph bullets and projectile rocks, meet the hardcore Seat Leon
Italy’s state police and the fearsome Carabinieri have announced a new official police car. It is not Italian. It is a Seat Leon.
Yep, out go the gorgeous Alfa Romeo 159s, and in comes a fleet of specially modified Leons.
Why would the Italian police choose a non-Italian police car? Who knows. Seat however, has made sure that the 4,000 cars will be able to stand up to some serious punishment.
So, taking a 148bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engined Leon as a base, Seat has then fitted special suspension and tyres, along with bulletproof glass. So bulletproof is this bulletproof glass, that it is able to withstand .44 and .357 Magnum bullets thanks to its 22mm reinforced windscreen.
Suffice to say, it withstood the barrage of 870mph shots without incident during testing. There was also a test which involved launchers armed with rocks. Again, no fault.
Inside, there’s a metal partition for crims, along with armoured panels and the usual gamut of paraphernalia that any self-respecting Italian police officer requires.
Sure, it’s a cool thing, but is it the best fit for the Italian police? Or would you rather they were outfitted with a fleet of bulletproof, 503bhp Alfa Giulias? Yeah, you already know the answer to that one…


New research led by a UGA sociologist on the scope and scale of felony convictions finds that as of 2010, 3 percent of the total U.S. population and 15 percent of the African-American male population have served time in prison. People with felony convictions—including those who were not imprisoned—more broadly account for 8 percent of the overall population and 33 percent of the African-American male population.
The study, published in the journal Demography, includes the first estimates of the felony conviction population and maps their distribution in the states, documenting dramatic growth since 1980.
“There’s been a great deal of scholarly and policy attention toward incarceration, and rightfully so, as it has very distinct consequences for people that have that experience, as well as their communities and families,” says Sarah Shannon, first author and assistant professor of sociology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
“But the larger population who also have felony convictions face many of the same types of stigma that come with having been incarcerated—lack of access to jobs, lack of access to housing and welfare support,” she says.
Because the U.S. does not maintain a national registry of data on people with felony convictions, Shannon and collaborators from five universities calculated estimates based on year-by-year data gathered by the U.S. Department of Justice. The researchers used demographic methods to estimate the numbers of deaths and of re-incarceration for each state over the years 1980 to 2010. Based on this aggregation of state data, they estimate that as of 2010 there were 19 million people in the U.S. with a felony record.
“In communities all over the country people are living, working, paying taxes or otherwise getting by all while facing the consequences of criminal justice experience that limit their life chances and also have spillover effects into our other social institutions,” Shannon says.
To a large extent, the growth in felony convictions has stemmed from changes in sentencing laws beginning in the 1970s that increased the likelihood and length of incarceration and probation for people caught up in the criminal justice system. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws, truth in sentencing laws, and three-strikes laws, for example, increased the population in prisons.
Political dynamics resulting in more aggressive enforcement and zealous prosecution contribute to higher rates of felony convictions, but those dynamics may shift as priorities change, particularly since the vast majority of funding for the criminal justice system comes at the state level, according to Shannon.
“Proponents of harsher punishments on the right and on the left in earlier decades are now grappling with the extraordinary fiscal and social costs of incarceration, particularly since the Great Recession, when states were really feeling the belts tighten around their budgets,” she says.
This story appeared in the spring 2018 issue of Research Magazine. The original press release is available at https://news.uga.edu/total-us-population-with-felony-convictions/.


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Meet the binturong, a fascinating and enigmatic creature that roams the treetops of Southeast Asia. Often referred to as the “bearcat,” this animal neither bears resemblance to bears nor cats but holds a distinct charm all its own.
With its prehensile tail, peculiar scent reminiscent of popcorn, and secretive behavior, the binturong has intrigued researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
This article will delve deep into the life of the binturong, from its physical features to its habits, conservation status, and more.
The Binturong at a Glance
|Average Size:||2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) body length, 5–7 ft (1.5–2.1 m) including tail|
|Average Weight:||25–70 lbs (11–32 kg)|
|Average Lifespan:||10–25 years|
|Geographical Range:||Southeast Asia|
|Conservation Status:||Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)|
Species and Subspecies
The binturong is generally considered a monotypic species, meaning it doesn’t have any officially recognized subspecies. However, different populations may display some geographic variation in size, coloration, and other minor traits.
Research into the genetics and behavior of these distinct populations is ongoing, as biologists aim to understand the full scope of the binturong’s diversity.
The binturong is a medium-sized mammal with a stocky body covered in coarse, black fur. Its face has a rather expressive countenance, framed by long, white whiskers.
One of the binturong’s most distinctive features is its prehensile tail, which functions almost like a fifth limb and can be as long as its body. This tail assists the binturong in climbing and maneuvering through the treetops.
The animal has short legs with paws that are well-adapted for gripping branches. Sexual dimorphism is not prominent in binturongs, though females are generally slightly larger than males.
Habitat and Distribution
The binturong is an arboreal species, meaning it spends much of its time in trees. It is native to the forests of Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Specifically, binturongs are found in various types of forests, such as tropical rainforests, evergreen forests, and secondary forests. They prefer areas with dense canopy cover and tend to avoid open lands and human settlements.
Binturongs are generally nocturnal creatures, active primarily during the night. They are not fast movers but are excellent climbers, thanks to their prehensile tails. When it comes to social structure, binturongs are mostly solitary animals.
They mark their territory using scent glands located near the tail, which produce a smell often likened to popcorn or cornbread. This unique scent serves as a form of communication among binturongs, signaling their presence and establishing territory.
While they are not particularly vocal, they can produce a variety of sounds including growls, hisses, and chuckling noises, particularly when threatened or agitated.
Binturongs are also known to be good swimmers, a skill they might use to cross rivers or streams in their arboreal travels.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Binturongs are omnivorous animals, eating a diet that includes both plant and animal matter. Their food range consists of fruits like figs and berries, as well as small animals such as insects, rodents, and birds. Occasionally, they might also eat eggs and fish.
The binturong uses its keen sense of smell to locate food, and its strong jaws and teeth to eat both animal prey and tough plant matter. Though not fast movers, they are adept climbers and will venture through the treetops in search of fruit or descend to the ground to catch small prey.
They are also known to be opportunistic feeders, eating what is available based on the season and local abundance.
In the wild, adult binturongs have few natural predators due to their size and arboreal lifestyle. However, they can be vulnerable to large birds of prey, large snakes, and some big cats. Young binturongs are more susceptible and can fall prey to various forest-dwelling predators.
Human activities like poaching and habitat destruction have also become significant threats to binturongs, exposing them to increased risks and reducing their safe havens.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The binturong has a unique reproductive system where the female has the ability to delay implantation of the fertilized egg, a phenomenon known as “embryonic diapause.” This allows her to time the birth of her young according to favorable environmental conditions.
The gestation period is around 90 days, after which a litter of 1-6 cubs is born. Newborn binturongs are relatively undeveloped but grow rapidly, opening their eyes after about 10 days and starting to climb at around 2-3 weeks.
The mother is the primary caregiver, and she nurses the young for about 2-3 months before they are weaned. Young binturongs become independent after about 1-2 years and reach sexual maturity at around 2.5 to 3 years.
Conservation and Threats
The binturong is currently listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.
The primary threats to binturongs are habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion, as well as hunting for the pet trade and traditional medicine. In some regions, binturongs are hunted for their meat, which is considered a delicacy.
Several conservation efforts are underway to protect the binturong. These range from habitat restoration projects to anti-poaching measures. Organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society and local government agencies are working to protect this fascinating species and its natural habitat.
- Smells Like Popcorn: One of the most curious facts about the binturong is that it smells like popcorn! This is due to a chemical compound in their urine.
- Prehensile Tail: Binturongs have a prehensile tail, which is almost as long as its body. They use this tail to grasp branches, aiding in their arboreal lifestyle.
- Delayed Implantation: Female binturongs can delay the implantation of a fertilized egg to ensure that the cubs are born during favorable conditions.
- Long Lifespan: In captivity, binturongs have been known to live up to 25 years, which is quite long for an animal of its size.
- Not a Bear or a Cat: Despite sometimes being called “bearcats,” binturongs are not closely related to bears or cats. They belong to their own unique family, Viverridae.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do binturongs smell like popcorn?
The unique popcorn-like smell comes from a chemical compound found in their urine, which they use to mark their territory.
Are binturongs good pets?
It is illegal and unethical to keep a binturong as a pet. They are wild animals with specific needs that are difficult to meet in a home environment.
What do binturongs eat?
They are omnivores, eating a range of foods from fruits and plants to small animals like insects and rodents.
How long do binturongs live?
In the wild, they live around 10-15 years, but they can live up to 25 years in captivity.
Are binturongs endangered?
Currently, binturongs are listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN, meaning they are at high risk of becoming endangered if conditions continue to deteriorate.

domain: biology


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For a long time I felt I had to choose—because of time constraints—between all my passions in life. Wasn’t I really diluting my time and energy by working for both peaceful and environmentally sustainable communities? But I could never choose one over the other. Both issues have existed in some form or another over my entire life, even as the specific groups I worked with have changed.
I also have two careers, writing (now) and teaching (before). I wished there was some way I could do it all. Or better yet, combine them all.
Now that is my current plan—to merge them all! I want to let the vision of peaceful and sustainable communities both ground and inspire my writing and teaching. I want my recognition of the power of story to enrich my volunteer work in the fields of peace-building and environmental activism.
Will it work? That is the question.

domain: literature


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Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) generally requires that a participant with an interest in a retirement benefit must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from that benefit. This must be done by April 1 of the calendar year following the year in which you attain 70 ½ years of age or by April 1 following the year in which you retire, whichever is later.
If you are still working in a covered position, or for a PERF or TRF-sponsored employer through Dec. 31, you are not required to take an RMD. When you leave employment, you will be required to take an RMD or you may be subject to a 50 percent penalty by the IRS due to a late distribution.
Visit the IRS Web site at http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Retirement-Plans-FAQs-regarding-Required-Minimum-Distributions for a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding RMDs.
You must complete the RMD Retirement Application if:
You must complete the RMD Application for Distribution of Contributions if:
You must request the RMD Application for Distribution of Contributions from PERF’s Customer Service Center by calling (888) 526-1687. The application must be completed and mailed back to PERF.
Or, you may request a distribution package online:
If PERF does not receive your application by Feb. 1, and you will be age 70 ½ by Dec. 31, you will be subject to a mandatory distribution of any retirement and/or ASA funds to which you are entitled. The distribution cannot be reversed once it is processed.
If you have reached the age requirement of 70 ½ before submitting the RMD Retirement Application or the RMD Application for Distribution of Contributions, PERF is required to adjust your benefit for any IRS imposed penalties. Please see 35 IAC 13-1-1 for more detailed information regarding PERF's RMD process.
Contact PERF’s Customer Service Center toll-free at (888) 526-1687 with your concerns. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, or e-mail questions to email@example.com.

domain: law


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Rick Rieser is a graduate with honors from Capital Law School. He has considerable experience in many aspects of business law including business start up, corporate strategy, resolving disputes and litigation.
Rick also has experience in negotiating and setting family law situations including divorce, child welfare, child custody and juvenile matters. Rick also has a solid understanding of state and federal laws that are in place to protect children and students from intimidation, harassment and bullying in their school. Rick’s education also includes a Masters in Family Science from The Ohio State University
Rick has served on numerous state and national boards including the Governor’s Council on Education Reform and the National Advisory Council for the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization.


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The Road Safety Authority has said tiredness is a contributory factor in as many as one in five driver deaths on Irish roads every year.
The authority and gardaí have launched their road safety campaign for the August bank holiday weekend, with the focus this year on the consequences of driver fatigue.
The RSA said road collisions caused by tiredness are three times more likely to be fatal or result in a serious injury, as drivers who fall asleep at the wheel do not have time to reduce speed or take evasive action.
Among the tips outlined for drivers today was to advise drivers who feel tired to stop in a safe place, sip a caffeine drink and sleep for 15 to 20 minutes.
Gardaí and the RSA have urged all road users to think about their behaviour as people take to the roads this bank holiday weekend.
Ninety-one people have died on the roads so far this year - including ten young drivers aged between 21 and 25.
The total number of deaths is down on the same period last year, but gardaí stated no one should be complacent about road safety.

domain: news


After two international endeavors, multiple Grade 1-winning turf veteran Channel Maker, the reigning Champion Turf Male, will make his stateside comeback in the Grade 2, $250,000 Bowling Green on July 31 at Saratoga.
Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, the 7-year-old English Channel gelding was a game second in the Neom Turf Cup (G1) on Feb. 20 in Saudi Arabia before a distant eighth to multiple Group 1 winner Mishriff in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) on March 27 at Meydan.
Channel Maker captured the 2018 Bowling Green when dead-heating with Glorious Empire and has finished a respective fourth and third in the previous runnings.
Following last year’s Bowling Green, Channel Maker added two Grade 1 triumphs to his ledger, capturing the Sword Dancer Invitational at Saratoga and the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational at Belmont Park before running a close third in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland. All three efforts netted a career-best 108 Beyer.
“He’s doing great, looks great and has travelled well,” Mott said. “He’s just a nice horse to have in the barn. He always shows up even if he doesn’t win.”
Following the Bowling Green, Mott said he would “absolutely” look at the Sword Dancer Invitational (G1) on Aug. 28 at Saratoga.
Owned by R.A. Hill Stable, Wachtel Stable, Gary Barber and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Channel Maker boasts a 39: 7-6-5 record and lifetime earnings of $3,241,551.
Mott added that the Troy (G3) on Aug. 6 is a likely target for Casa Creed, who last out won the Jaipur (G1) on June 5 at Belmont.
The 5-year-old Jimmy Creed bay has won two straight races, capturing the Elusive Quality ahead of his Jaipur coup. The Troy, which is run at 5 1/2 furlongs, will be the shortest distance Casa Creed has raced in his 20-race career.
“We’re looking at the Troy,” Mott said. “We just have to see if 5 1/2 is good for him.”
Mott confirmed graded-stakes winner Antoinette will race in the Shuvee (G3) next Sunday. The homebred daughter of Hard Spun was a last-out second to Letruska in the Fleur de Lis (G2) at Churchill Downs.
Frank Fletcher Racing Operations’ J L’s Rockette, a recent maiden winner at Ellis Park, could make her next start in the Adirondack (G2). The juvenile daughter of Into Mischief worked a half-mile in 49.32 seconds on the Oklahoma training track on July 16.


|Talk Time:||Up to 32 hours|
|Standby Time:||Up to 12.5 days|
|Rear-Facing Camera||13 MP|
|Front-Facing Camera||5 MP|
|Dimensions||5.80" x 2.90" x 0.30"|
|Operating System||Android 7.0 Nougat|
|Special Features||1.4 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon Quad-Core MSM8917, 5.3" HD IPS Display2.5D Arc Glass Rear Key with Fingerprint Sensor Panda Glass Screen Protection||The LG K20 is slim, stylish and easy to use. Delve into your favorite shows and more on the large 5.3-inch HD display. Capture brilliant memories with the smartphone's 13-megapixel camera. The multi-functional, rear fingerprint sensor lets you take fumble-free selfies with just a tap, and provides enhanced security.
Premium sleek design.
The LG K20 V features striking curved glass and a metal frame that fits comfortably in your hand.
|Total Due at Shipping:


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The Archer Film Festival is celebrating its fifth year this week, and they continue to work towards their admirable goal of of making women a part of the conversation in the world of filmmaking from a young age. According to their website,
The Archer Film Festival is a high school student film festival dedicated to empowering female filmmakers. Our goal is not to exclude men, but rather to include women. As a result, the festival is open to all high school student filmmakers.
It’s an admirable goal, and the project seems to be really taking off, as they landed a big fish for their keynote speaker this year: J.J. Abrams. On Wednesday evening, Abrams met with the group of ambitious teens for a lecture and Q&A, leading the Star Wars: The Force Awakens filmmaker to drop some excellent words of wisdom on the crowd.
On top of championing the arts and encouraging those who feel like they must share their voice turn their words into action, he also specifically addressed the expansion of female roles in the Star Wars universe.
“She [producer Kathleen Kennedy] and I talked [at] that very first meeting about this young woman who would be at the center of this story. It was a very clear thing for the both of us, and it was just this instinctive thing. It helped to have incredible producers [like] Kathy, who’s a woman and is [at the] forefront of this: trying to make sure [women] are behind and in front of the camera.”
Representation for women and people of color has been a hot button topic in Hollywood these days, and Abrams addressed the importance of getting a wide range of voices out there head on.
“I think [representation is] something that people need to see,” he emphasized. “That there’s a benefit to voices not just of women, but people of color and people that are typically not as well-represented.”
He also shared an anecdote about working with director Mike Nichols and how Nichols showed him the importance of believing that your voice matters. However, Abrams was quick to emphasize that while words and ideas are critical, taking real action is the biggest step.
“But wherever the inspiration comes from, when the inspiration comes, I think the most important thing is action,” he said. “And figuring out a way to trust yourself enough and know that your voice is important enough and that you should express it.”


US-based Donaldson Aerospace & Defense has received product manufacturing approval for its A330/A340 Air Purification System (APS), a system originally developed in conjunction with Boeing for the 787 Dreamliner. The APS pairs EASA-recommended HEPA filtration with advanced air purification, into a single system.
According to Donaldson, the HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of harmful contaminants down to 0.3 microns, including pollen, smoke, dust, allergens, bacteria, spores, fungus and viruses. Air purification takes the HEPA’s efficiency a step further by removing odours as well.
This air purification is achieved through a gas phase adsorption chemical filtration process that removes unpleasant and irritating odours originating inside and outside the aircraft, such as exhaust, anti-icing fluid, bleed air, perfume, cleaning agents, harsh chemicals, etc.
“With the extensive cleaning airlines are undertaking today with harsh chemicals that can affect allergies, the APS helps ensure fresh, clean air to increase passenger comfort, said Donaldson’s fixed wing director, Lars Hesbjerg.
The APS is interchangeable with the HEPA filter, and according to Donaldson has a minimal weight increase and similar change intervals compared to a standard particulate filter.
The APS is currently installed and in use on hundreds of Airbus A320s and Boeing 777s, and all Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Approval for the Boeing 777 is expected later this year.


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I am a former alcoholic and drug addict. I am proud to say that it has been over 8 years since I last tasted alcohol or took a hit.
I got drunk for the first time at a family party when I was just 9 years old. After I was very sternly turned down when I asked for a sip of the Aguardiente the adults were having, I went ahead and snuck a large tumbler full when everyone was busy dancing. After that, I started chasing high after high. What began with alcohol was accompanied by a whole myriad of other substances as I got older.
I ended up in prison for two years in my 20s, received a rude awakening when I saw what the future holds for an addict, and made a firm decision to stay clean when I got out. I went about it in all the wrong ways, sublimating my alcohol and drug addiction into work, and ended up in a terrible relapse. After an attempt to take my own life, I was admitted into a wonderful rehab center in Idaho where I was given the tools and guidance to truly turn my life around.
In rehab, I was introduced to many ways that I could better the quality of my life so that I no longer felt the need to turn to alcohol or substances to make me feel better.
Once I left rehab, I took what I had learned and began to seek more ways to not only enhance my life but also to better myself. That is when I found bicycling.
After I started to really get into it, I couldn’t imagine my life without cycling because, honestly, I feel better now than I have ever felt in my life.
Bicycling has really been the key ingredient to my successful, 8-year long recovery and here are the top 5 reasons why:
1. It gives me a legitimate reason to get up and out the door
Before discovering my love for bicycling, I was a very stay at home and lie around kind of guy. The only reason I would bother getting dressed and out the door would be to get drunk, get high, or restock. I never really enjoyed being outside or stopped to smell the roses.
When I’m on my bike, it’s like I’m living ‘La Vie En Rose’. Rain or shine, I love being outside, breathing the fresh air and admiring the beauty in the little things. I can never get enough of it, so I’m rarely sitting around with the curtains drawn anymore.
2. It helps to relieve stress, tension, pressure, anger, all of the above, and more
You can’t escape life. You can be the most optimistic person in the world and you will still have your bad days. When you’re in recovery, those bad days can be the beginning of a giant avalanche if you allow them to be. When I’ve had a rough day at work, an altercation with a family member, or just one of those days, I find that getting on my bike tends to really turn things around for me.
I have a rhythm that I unconsciously follow when trying to clear myself of negative thoughts and feelings; I start out slow and work up to the fastest I can go until I slow down again. With the energy and force it takes me to pedal as fast as I can, I get to release the frustration in a way that benefits me. I get a solid workout and an experience that can sometimes be far more effective than (traditional) therapy.
3. It helps keep me fit
I’ll be honest, I never liked exercising. I never really had a problem with my weight so I didn’t think I needed it, and my not so great experiences in gym class didn’t help either. The only reason I started biking is actually because one of the guys in my local AA group swore by it. I gave it a try, enjoyed it, next thing you know I’m biking religiously.
The best part about cycling is that it doesn’t actually feel like you’re working out. Every time I get on that bike, be it for a half hour or 5 hours, I enjoy myself. I love that I’m not in one place, and the feeling of the wind on my face. I love that I can control the pace according to my mood and energy levels. The fact that suddenly my muscles are more toned than ever and going up a flight of stairs doesn’t have me feeling winded, is just an added plus.
4. It has allowed me to meet some pretty cool people
Life as an addict is a pretty lonely one. Aside from my immediate family, I didn’t really have people that I could call my friends. I went to parties and even had a group of people that were on a similar path as I was, but I never experienced a real connection with those people.
After I started biking, I found myself making all kinds of genuine connections. When I’m on my bike, I tend to end up in places like parks, trails, and other public places. There is such a variety of people that enjoy biking and having that one thing in common really allows you to bond. People I’ve met thanks to this hobby of mine have accompanied me in marathons, bicycle tours, races, organized rides, and other great activities that make for some really great memories. Most of these people have great energy and are really motivated about life, which is quite infectious and fun to be around.
5. It has made me love myself
Needless to say, as an addict, I never genuinely felt good about myself. I really only felt good when the alcohol and drugs had me in a state where I could barely control myself. I thought that made me cool, that I was more fun. But without the booze or the substances, I never felt like I was enough.
After I started biking, whether it be for the sense of freedom it gave me, the fact that I was more fit or the fact that I suddenly had incredible, supportive people in my life, I started feeling like I was more than enough. Now, I am confident and I feel like I am capable of anything. Being on the bike has allowed me to push myself physically, mentally and spiritually, go places I’ve never been, and take chances that I would never have taken before.
Recovery was very difficult before I started bicycling. Addiction was all I ever knew, and without my fix, I felt like I would fall apart. Through bicycling, I was able to see all the things that I had been missing out on. I am now incredibly grateful for every day that I wake up healthy, with a roof over my head, and food to eat. I am grateful for all the little things that I once took for granted. And the joy of riding around on my bike fills me so much that my former addictions no longer have any effect on me. I am finally free.
Image Source: Flickr


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8. Siberian Cats
The Siberian is a centuries-old landrace of domestic cat in Russia and recently developed as a formal breed with standards promulgated the world over since the late 1980s. The formal name of the breed is Siberian Forest Cat, but it is typically referred to as the Siberian or Siberian cat.
How much does Siberian Cats cost?
Siberian kittens typically cost between $1,200 and $4,000, depending on pedigree and age. Why the high price tag? This breed is expensive due to their high demand and the relatively low number of purebred Siberian cats outside of Russia—so they’re pretty rare in the U.S.

domain: pet


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A sex offender from Witham, who was found with hundreds of indecent images of children as young as seven,has been jailed.
Paul Thompson, 24, of Douglas Grove, was jailed for 15 months after officers searched his home during a monitoring visit.
During the visit, officers searched his computer equipment where they instantly came across indecent images of children depicting abuse of girls aged as young as seven.
The 24-year old was subsequently arrested and charged with seven counts of making indecent images of children, three counts of possessing prohibited images of children and two counts of possessing extreme pornographic images of children.
On further inspection of his house, officers seized further computer equipment including a computer tower, hard drives and a USB stick.
Other devices had already been seized by Managing of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) officers on two previous monitoring visits.
Forensic analysis of all computer equipment found they contained 247 images and 168 movies.
Thompson admitted the charges when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court and he was jailed for 15 months.
He was also made the subject of an eight-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was placed on the Sex Offender's Register for a further ten years.
Thompson was brought to justice following a joint investigation by Essex Police’s MOSOVO, Child Abuse Investigation Team and Operation Gloucester team, which is a specialist team of extra officers who use an intelligence-led approach to target those involved in child abuse imagery offences.
The investigation was led by detective constables Laura Mackenzie, Cheryl Parker and Michael Summers.
Following the sentencing DI Bonnie Moore said: “Through the combined efforts and hard work of three of our specialist teams, we have been able to put Thompson - who was already a convicted sex offender and showed no remorse throughout - behind bars where he belongs.”
“Protecting children continues to be a top priority for Essex Police. Not only are children abused to make this imagery, but every time individuals like Thompson download or view that imagery, the abuse and exploitation of those children continues.
“We will continue to leave no stone unturned in our targeting of those offenders committing offences involving child abuse imagery.”
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is the only UK-wide child protection charity focused solely on preventing child sexual abuse. The charity runs Stop it Now! – a child sexual abuse prevention campaign and helpline
For more information on how Stop it Now! helps people address their online behaviour, please visit the website www.stopitnow.org.uk or call the confidential Stop it Now! Helpline on 0808 1000 900.
Thompson was sentenced to 15 months on Thursday (January 18).

domain: sociology


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UWC and University of Missouri celebrate 30 years of partnership
The year 2016 marks a 30 year anniversary celebration of the partnership between the University of the Western Cape and University of Missouri (UM). The partnership which started in 1986 has helped more than 600 staff and students from the two institutions through exchange visits and collaborations.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the UWC-UM partnership, two events have been organised. The first runs from 25-27 May 2016 at UWC, and the second at the University of Missouri Columbia Campus in September 2016. Professor Mike Middleton, Interim President of the UM System, and some 40 of his colleagues, both senior managers and scholars from all four campuses: Columbia, Kansas City, Roll and St Louis, attended the celebrations at UWC.
The UWC-UM partnership was the first to be elevated to the category of strategic international partnership.
The aim of the partnership is to advance mutual understanding between the institutions faculties and to promote collaborations in teaching and learning and research and community engagement, for the mutual benefit of each institution and the broader community each serves.
Reflecting on the partnership, Dr Joel Glassman who is a Director at International Studies and programmes at UM, said the exchange programme has provided the single most widely shared international experience for UM faculty in all disciplines.
Professor Chris Stroud, Director of UWC’s Centre for Multilingualism and Diversities Research, said the co-operation brings together an enthusiastic research cohort of complementary expertise (e.g. urban studies, education, child language development, African linguistics and sociolinguistics) that is amenable to a range of methodological approaches and theoretical interests.
Professor William Folk from the University of Missouri said the historic partnership has fostered ground-breaking basic and clinical research in healthcare for the African public.
Professor Ndiko Ludidi from the Department of Biotechnology at UWC said: “My participation in the academic exchange programme between the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and the University of Missouri came as a result of a successful application for me to establish collaborative research with Prof Robert Sharp of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group at UM from 30 March 2014 to 30 May 2014.”
He added that the partnership has enabled him to implement and improve on methods to simulate drought conditions for use in his laboratory at UWC in an effort to understand the molecular/genetic processes involved in the regulation of maize responses to drought.
Professor Charlene Africa said her collaboration with Professor McArthur from UM has significantly contributed to UWC’s research agenda, and the collaboration itself has afforded her the opportunity to continue to get assistance through her various networks, many of which she may not normally have access to.
Reflecting on his experience with collaborating with UM, Professor Chris Arendse from the Department of Physics at UWC said: “Through the UWC-UM exchange programme I also gained access to state-of-the-art characterisation facilities and expertise, which resulted in the expansion of my research agenda to include X-ray reflection for the structural characterisation of nanostructures and organic/inorganic structured heterojunction solar cells.”
Celebration events consisted of a welcome tea, the start of celebratory conference, a case study of the youth of the Western Cape, a UWC-UM Community Engagement partnership, and a celebratory dinner which took place at UWC’s School of Public Health.
The celebratory conference for 25-28 May showcases collaboration with all four campuses of the University of Missouri in the areas of: a study of indigenous medical plants, food security, health sciences, linguistics, community development, chemistry, physics, plant sciences and student exchange programmes.
For more on the partnership and collaborations click on the links provided below:


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Salt stress is a major problem in turfgrass management. Investigation of metabolites, such as polyamines (PAs) that may improve salt tolerance of turfgrass species, is needed. Two independent growth chamber studies were conducted to evaluate physiological characteristics and changes in PAs, such as putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd), and spermine (Spm), in response to salt stress in ‘Penncross’ and ‘PsgSLTZ’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). The study also aimed to determine a method of PA extraction to improve PA yields from creeping bentgrass. Salt solutions were drench applied to plants growing in pure sand daily in a stepwise manner for ≈70 days in both studies. For both cultivars, salt stress caused an increase in leaf Na+ content, percent of electrolyte leakage (EL), and canopy temperature depression (CTD) while it caused a decrease in turf quality (TQ), osmotic potential (Ψs), and K+ and Ca2+ content compared with controls. In the early stages of salt stress, Put content increased in salt-stressed plants compared with controls. Spd content did not change significantly while a transient increase in Spm was observed in the later stage of salt stress. The PA quantification method used in this study included using formic acid during the extraction process, which exhibited enhanced quantification of PAs from creeping bentgrass compared with other methods previously published. Salinity stress upregulated the content of Put and Spm in leaf tissue, which may be involved in salinity tolerance in creeping bentgrass, while Spd accumulation may not be a major salt tolerance mechanism; supplementation with these biochemical compounds could be an alternative to improve creeping bentgrass salt tolerance.
Yingmei Ma and Emily Merewitz
Sanalkumar Krishnan, Yingmei Ma, and Emily Merewitz
Mowing frequencies are associated with differences in disease susceptibility of turfgrasses, but how hormones respond to mowing practices are not fully understood. Two independent growth chamber experiments were conducted to determine how leaf trimming and heat stress play a role in modulating endogenous hormones within creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) leaf tissues. The study also aimed to evaluate whether there are hormone changes at 0, 15, and 30 minutes after leaf trimming (wounding). The effects of trimming and temperature on sod plugs of creeping bentgrass ‘Penncross’ and ‘Penn-G2’ were investigated under optimal conditions (23/20 °C day/night) and heat stress (30/25 °C day/night). Plants were 1) untrimmed and sampled by plucking at the leaf base, 2) untrimmed and sampled by cutting at 0, 15, and 30 minutes, or 3) trimmed once every 3 days. Salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were generally greater in untrimmed plants compared with plants trimmed every 3 days under high temperature conditions. Zeatin riboside (ZR) was lower in untrimmed plants compared with plants trimmed every 3 days. JA and gibberellic acid (GA) accumulated to greater levels in the plants after 15 and 30 minutes of sampling. Polyamines (PAs) exhibited a transient increase in putrescine (Put) due to wounding. The results demonstrate the importance of research practices that consider the timing of sampling turfgrass plants for hormone analysis, help elucidate why mowing practices may play a role in stress susceptibility, and may be applicable to various studies related to leaf wounding.
Vijaya Shukla, Yingmei Ma, and Emily Merewitz
Polyamines (PAs) such as spermidine (Spd), spermine (Spm), and putrescine are involved in various biological functions including abiotic stress response. Whether PAs play an important role in cool-season turfgrass tolerance of drought stress is not well investigated. We have conducted a series of growth chamber (GC) studies including one hydroponic and two soil-based GC studies with creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) ‘Penncross’ and ‘Penn-G2’ to determine whether exogenous application of PAs may affect plant growth and stress tolerance. Application of relatively low concentrations of Spd (500 or 750 μM) or Spm (500 μM) promoted tillering rates under optimal growth conditions in hydroponics. The same levels of PA treatments moderated the damages associated with drought stress in the soil-based GC studies. The most notable differences in drought response associated with PA treatment were increased membrane health. This was observed as greater photochemical efficiency, higher quantum yield, less electrolyte leakage, and less lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde content) in PA-treated plants compared with control plants. The relatively low level of exogenous PAs used in this study did not have a major effect on plant water relations under drought stress. Canopy temperatures and soil moisture content were unaffected by any PA treatment; however, on some days during early drought stress, relative water content was significantly higher in PA-treated plants compared with controls. PA could play a major role in protecting photosynthetic and cellular membranes during drought stress of creeping bentgrass.
Jack E. Staub, Matthew D. Robbins, Yingmei Ma, and Paul G. Johnson
Continued reduction in limited natural resources worldwide increasingly necessitates the incorporation of low-maintenance and low-input plant materials into urban landscapes. Some fine-leaved Festuca grass species have been used in formal gardens and native urban landscapes because of their inherent tolerance to abiotic stresses, but native, ornamental types (tall and non-spreading with multicolored culms and panicles) are not common in landscapes of the western United States. A native fine-leaved Festuca collection made in Montana (designated FEID 9025897) by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Services possesses such ornamental characteristics but has not been evaluated for its horticultural potential. Therefore, a study was designed to assess its phenotypic and genotypic attributes by cloning 270 FEID 9025897 plants and evaluating them along with native F. idahoensis and F. ovina PIs (five) and commercial checks (five) for genetic diversity and plant morphology for 2 years (2010–11). Plant genetic constitution was determined using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. Plant height, width, biomass, relative vigor (visual rating of 0 = dead to 5 = green, abundant growth), persistence (number of plants alive per plot), and regrowth after clipping (visual rating of 0 = none to 5 = most) were estimated by evaluation of plants under replication at Hyde Park, UT. Based on AFLP-based coancestry analysis, FEID 9025897 plants possessed considerable genetic affinities with F. idahoensis. Morphological traits as averaged over both years varied in height (13.9 to 105.0 cm), width (9.9 to 66.2 cm), biomass (0 to 170.4 g), vigor (0.2 to 4.7), persistence (0 to 3.9), and regrowth (0 to 4.0). Based on these differences, 19 (7%) FEID 9025897 plants were identified for their ornamental potential that possessed multicolored (red, orange, and yellow) culms and varied in morphology with 2-year means of height (79.8 cm), width (45.2 cm), biomass (88.5 g), vigor (2.9), persistence (1.8), and regrowth (3.7).

domain: agronomy


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Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Tuesday’s broadcast of “America Reports” that today’s testimony from Capitol Police officers to the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol was “damning.”
Baier said, “I watched every minute of this. If you were watching, you saw compelling, at times damning, emotional testimony from these four officers who fought the line to try to protect the Capitol and the lawmakers inside. For anybody watching who looked at that and looked at the videos and their testimony about that day and thought it was not violent, I think that was an eye-opener.”
He continued, “We obviously talked about January 6 a lot in the time since then but putting it all together and seeing it again is jarring. And to listen to these officers say how they really fought to hold onto their lives.”
Baier added, “While Republicans politically are saying that this is a partisan effort and that they charge that it’s not going to get to the questions that they think are important about January 6th, why were the Capitol Police so ill-prepared for what happened that day. You cannot watch this testimony and say that it’s not a big deal. And you cannot watch this testimony and say that there are questions that are going to take us places that I don’t think we know where we’re going to go yet.”
Follow Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.

domain: politics


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KILLEEN, TX — The Killeen Creators are a group of community leaders who have big plans for the city of Killeen. Right now, they are starting with community gardens to combat food insecurity in the area.
Today, their mission means more than ever before, with their founder, Kelly Flading now in hospice, fighting fate.
Kristin Wright the Executive Director and Board Chair of Killeen Creators, said “It came out of H-E-B closing in North Killeen. That was the impetus and the concern for people who didn't have transportation, and means to get to fresh vegetables, and fruit.”
Wright said the momentum the organization gaining is incredible to witness.
“We're having people come to our churches, other nonprofits, Realtors, developers and investors saying Killeen Creators we want to garden, can we work with you? And we are on it. We are ready. We're going to do it,” she said.
With two sites up and running, a third in the works and a 3-acre field in development they are going to need a lot more helping hand.
One of their very first members MJ Gregory said she's ready to get her hands dirty.
“I believe in what they're doing. I want to be part of it. This is my opportunity to give back because I feel like I have been extraordinarily blessed as a person,” Gregory said.
Gregory is a veteran and although she has chronic pain from her time serving in the military, she feels called to serve the Killeen community, rain or shine.
“With my limitations, I can still use my hands and arms and creep around and do whatever I can. But I wanted to come out here and serve people that needed to be served, you know, and the aspect of educating people about where your food comes from, and what it can do for your health excites me, you know because I think food can be your medicine and medicine could be you,” said Gregory.
Their motto, “Take what you need. Give what you can.” Although their Community Gardens have been successful, Wright says they are just getting started.
“Our goal is to have a community garden within walking distance of every resident of Killeen,” said Wright.
Gregory said, “You know, Killeen needs a movement and well-being and health I think should be it.”
Wright said she is so happy to see how far Killeen Creators have come in just a year. She said as they move forward, they will keep Flading's vision at the forefront.
“Watching a community really understand her vision in a short time. It's just a beautiful manifestation of what community can do.”
The fruits and vegetables from the garden are free to anyone who needs it. In the future Killeen Creators plan on focusing on the additional pillars of their organization, the art of recovery and civic empowerment.
To find out more about Killeen Creators click here.


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FleetPoint has launched a new, free-of-charge tool that allows visitors to compare the full running and operating costs of all new cars and vans on the market.
The Whole Life Cost Calculator, developed in partnership with Clear Vehicle Data (CVD), encourages fleet decision-makers to compare and contrast the real cost of running vehicles in a side-by-side format.
It utilises market-leading independent data from International Decision Systems (IDS).
Users can compare depreciation and interest, fuel costs, service and repair costs, road tax, insurance, breakdown cover and Class 1A National Insurance contributions – helping FleetPoint’s audience to consistently make the right vehicle choices.
Uniquely, the tool uses more realistic fuel calculation figures for cars such as plug-in hybrids and range extender vehicles than the misleading official NEDC figures.
The calculator is the latest in a string of FleetPoint developments, as the publication – only launched in June 2013 – strives to become the industry’s leading voice on fleet matters.
FleetPoint’s refreshed website launched last month, alongside a specially-optimised version for smartphones and tablets.
An official app will also follow, alongside several new and exciting features to be revealed over the coming months.
Ian Smith, Managing Director of FleetPoint, said: “We are excited about adding this extra functionality to our fast-growing fleet website.
“We aim to become the authoritative one-stop shop all fleet information, and this is the first of a number of tools and calculators that we will be introducing in partnership with Clear Vehicle Data.”
Ian Hare, Director and Co-Founder of CVD, added: “We are delighted to be partnering FleetPoint on this exciting venture.
“This is the first application for our business-based version of Whole Life Cost.”


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Rainsford Island Island - May 5th - Explore!Rainsford Island ExpeditionThe Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands are sponsoring a trip to Rainsford Island on Saturday, May 4, 2013 departing from Rowes Wharf Water Transport (60 Rowes Wharf, Boston behind the Boston Harbor Hotel on Atlantic Avenue). The closest T stations are South Station (Red Line) and Aquarium (Blue Line). The boat leaves Rowes Wharf at 10:00 am and gets back at 2:00 pm. The trip goes regardless of the weather, with no rain…See More
Hi, I'm interested in chatting with anyone who's got stories to share about the wreck of the ship "City of Salisbury" off Graves Light in April, 1938. Because of its cargo of exotic animals, many of which were pitched into the water, it was also called the "Zoo Ship." I'm seeking/sharing info for an article for the Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands.Would love to hear any personal recollections or see any pictures. I'm aware of the Edward Rowe Snow account and various other pieces of info…See More
What is your interest in the Mass. Studies Network?
Technical writer, teacher, author, photographer, docent at Boston Light, member of Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands, natural history enthusiast, Trustees of Reservations volunteer, Morse Institute Library volunteer.
Norwood Historical Society, Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands, Crystal Spring Center for Earth Learning, Trustees of Reservations, Appalachian Mountain Club.
Major areas of interest
Archaeology, Arts, Community Life, Cultural Heritage, Education (college/university), Education (K-12), Environment, Genealogy, Geography, History, Literature, Local Studies, Visual Arts
Other areas of interest not listed above?
I assume that plants and animals are included in "Environment."
Comment Wall (3 comments)
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domain: geography


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The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum in Winchester holds the WWI War Diaries for the regiment
If one of your ancestors served with the Royal Hampshire Regiment during World War I, you may be interested that you could discover more about their experiences on the battle field by examining the war diaries of the unit they served with.
Access to the archive is on an appointment only basis and you may be charged a small fee for that access. If you can’t get to Winchester then the museum has a research facility, although it cannot research an individuals service record. There is a fee for this excellent research service.
The archive is held at Serles House in Winchester which also houses the museum and memorial garden for the Royal Hampshire Regiment.
You may also be interested in Operation War Diary a Citizen History project
Operation War Diary is a Citizen Historian project that all of us with ancestors who served in WWI could get involved with and really make a difference
We have all been moved by this years Remembrance Day, so many people have been posting on social media networks, pictures of their family members who served in WWI.
Project Operation War Diary seems a good way to make sure our engagement isn’t fleeting and that by showing that if we each do a little, we can all achieve such a lot.
The war diaries of the British Army serving on the Western Front are being released from the National Archive and with the expertise of the Imperial War Museum a Citizen Historian Project has been instigated to classify each page of the diaries to reveal new data and connections.
With careful interpretation, the diaries can help the family historian begin to piece together the story of an ancestors war experience.
Anyhow, take a look at Operation War Diary and become a Citizen Historian for the World War I centenary. You can choose a diary to work with, a tutorial gets you started and you can do as much or as little as you want. Citizen Historian projects are a great way of cracking through large amounts of data that otherwise would be left in the archives.
Once the job is done the diaries will be free to look at through the National Archive and can be downloaded for a small fee.

domain: library


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March ended on a positive note with a year-to-date increase in small business hiring of 3.1 percent and a year-to-date increase in pay of 0.4 percent, according to SurePayroll's Small Business Scorecard, an economic indicator that tracks the health of the U.S. small business economy using actual payroll data for tens of thousands of small businesses nationwide.
So after three months of hiring acceleration and slight month-over-month increases in wages, dare I say we see a trend?
In the very least, I think we see a nice start to 2010—a definite rebound in hiring and positive signs for paychecks. The question is do business owners see it that way? The SurePayroll small business owner optimism level—our gauge of the percentage of business owners who say they feel optimistic about the small business economy—continues to bounce around from month to month. This month, the rate stands at 55 percent, down six points from last month. That's better than January's 46 percent optimism but far from 2007's highs of nearly 80 percent.
I'm a numbers guy through and through and believe many indicators are telling us we've turned the corner. Our hiring and wage numbers suggest a steady climb up from rock bottom, and besides that the GDP was up in the fourth quarter of 2009. But I also know that the way business owners feel about the economy is the most powerful indicator out there. And with nearly half not feeling optimistic, I can't say we're in recovery mode yet.
Perhaps a few more months of positive hiring and wage growth and some more details about how small businesses will be affected by the health care bills will make the difference. Until optimism stabilizes, I'm cautiously optimistic that 2010 will hold the headline we all desire to see most: "Recovery!"
Click here to read the full SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard for March including national and regional data.


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Finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta has revealed that he has met up with the ICGC founder Dr. Mensa Otabil and other high profile Ghanaians as he prepares for his budget presentation in Parliament next month.
Mr. Ofori Atta is set to present the government’s first budget since they won the 2016 elections. He has promised the budget will offer relief to businesses and also create a conducive environment for entrepreneurship.
Speaking at a forum in Accra, Mr. Ofori Atta said he will take risks in the budget despite the financial challenges facing the country.
“My challenge is to free the economic space so that people can use the genius of the entrepreneurship that we know is deeply embedded in us; and I have been asking myself how I am going to do all that. So yesterday for example, after realising that you are moving into the calculus of the numbers, I called a breakfast meeting in the morning with Otabil and Stephen Adei and Patrick and I asked; guys what are the bold things we should do in this budget. I think we need to think out some risks, some bold and imaginative risks,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ofori Atta also gave the assurance that government will not touch the Heritage fund as it explores ways to finance the free SHS policy.
“We are financing the Free SHS education without looking at the Heritage Fund. We are not touching the Heritage Fund. I think we have enough resources from our envelope to be able to do it without touching the Heritage Fund…We will not touch the Heritage Fund…there is going to be a budget allocation for that and it does not include the Heritage Fund.”

domain: finance


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Squee-worthy Celebrity Couple PDA Moments — As Told in GIFs
1. And the ultimate moment? When Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams recreated their kiss from The Notebook before accepting their “Best Kiss” MTV movie award.
After the two broke up, Gosling described McAdams as “one of the great loves of my life.”

domain: entertainment


Archive for December, 2006
It has been quiet for several months now and not much has happened during that time. But now it’s time to get some projects moving forward again.
Here’s couple new pictures. These were mostly done during the summer already.
First we have the head module board mostly assembled now. Also some new fixes and additions have been included.
Here’s also the Planar display attached into the lid of the box that will contain the main hardware. This particular display unit doesn’t have the mounting tabs so some other way to mount it had to be figured out. To not spend too much time in this phase some holes were just drilled through the lid and everything bolted together. Later there will hopefully be some arrangement that will make the whole thing look cleaner and not have the mounting hardware visible to the outside. In front of the display panel there is a 4 mm thick acrylic sheet for protection that can be replaced if it gets too many scratches. Well there already is quite many visible scratches but they don’t seem to really affect the visibility of the EL display.
In the next photo from the backside we can see 5 rectangular pieces cut from a copper circuit board glued behind the plastic in the left side. Also there is the small board with the DIP package IC and some other components and different color wires coming out of it. These are capacitive sensing buttons made with a QProx touch sensing chip. Originally this was just a test of how well the sensing works but at least for now it has worked well enough that they have stayed there. This also needs a new board that integrates the 5 sensing elements and the QProx circuitry on one PCB instead of the current temporary solution.
Using a touchscreen was also considered as it could have made it possible to make a more intuitive user interface. But after considering the environment where this is used and that the touchscreen would add another layer between the display and viewer’s eyes the decision was made to use just the capacitive touch sensing buttons. Also this interface is mostly just used for changing settings which shouldn’t happen that often.
In the next photo the processor board is mounted behind the display.
Last photo for this update is a Danfoss PVG32 proportional valve which will be used to control the crane. One more thing that needs to be done is the electrical wiring between the joysticks and this valve.


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8 hours (Approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Instant Confirmation
- Private tour is operated with just your party and a guide/driver
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Informative, friendly and professional guide
- Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
Saved to wishlist!
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Entrance ticket fees
Departure & Return
Departure PointTraveler pickup is offered
Pickup service is available for downtown Guilin hotel, please provide your hotel information while booking.
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- OPERATED BY China Theme Tour
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Learn more about cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Guilin Private Tour of Daxu Old Town and Yaoshan Tea Plantation?
The policies on face masks and attendee health are:
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
Product code: 31614P14
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This article was contributed by Rosalind Brazel, communications manager for Washington Community Action Network (Washington CAN!) The Honest Elections Initiative campaign aims to take big money out of politics and give low income people a real voice in electing leaders who represent them. On Monday, June 1, more than 32,000 signatures were delivered to theContinue reading “Seattle Election Initiative Aims to Take Big Money Out of Campaigns”
Tag Archives: campaigns
NWFCO Launches The Justice Leadership Academy
Twenty-seven leaders from grassroots organizations in six states came together in Seattle during three very hot days in early July to launch NWFCO’s newest training program, the Justice Leadership Academy (JLA).


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Agility adds Mercedes tractors to regional fleet
Agility, the global logistics provider, has expanded its regional overland fleet by adding 95 new Mercedes-Benz Actros 2041S 4x2 tractors to its Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Bahrain operations. The expansion represents an investment of more than US$7.5 million. Agility’s new trucks are equipped with a spark prevention mechanism that meets strict safety requirements in the oil and gas and petrochemicals industries. The vehicles also emit less carbon dioxide than older trucks.


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I get it, you got hurt and you’re having a hard time letting go of the pain and resentment. But wearing them like the world on Atlas’ shoulders is only going to anchor you right where you stand. Feel your feelings. Sit with them, even revel in them and let yourself feel extra mopey for a while. Then stand up. Right yourself and shrug the weight off.
When you’re steady on your feet again, take a step forward, in the direction that you want to go. Don’t let someone else’s derailed train throw you on the path you have chosen for yourself. That bitter pill can only continue to hurt you if you keep refilling the prescription.
Never forget that I love you, and that excludes no one.

domain: psychology


Insurance industry groups have called it a “bomb-throwing bogus advocacy” group, a “publicity-seeking, dark money front,” and an organization out to protect its own “financial $elf-interest$.”
These are the kinds of attacks that Harvey Rosenfield and Consumer Watchdog, the advocacy group he founded nearly 40 years ago, have come to expect.
But in the last year, as home insurers have stopped writing new policies and retreated from parts of the state prone to wildfire, a new voice has joined the ranks of critics who say Rosenfield and Co. are making things worse: California’s elected insurance commissioner, Ricardo Lara, whose office has called Consumer Watchdog an entrenched interest group “defending its own piggy bank.”
If attacking a public advocacy group seems like an odd stance for an elected official, it’s made even odder by the fact that Lara wouldn’t have his job if it weren’t for Consumer Watchdog.
To understand the beef, you need to understand Proposition 103, a California law governing the insurance industry.
The campaign for that ballot measure in 1988 was one of the first missions of Consumer Watchdog, which formed in the wake of Ralph Nader’s success in spurring new consumer regulation.
That proposition, which Rosenfield helped write, enacted some of the most stringent insurance industry regulation in the nation. First, it created the office of an elected insurance commissioner to head the state Department of Insurance. Any time an insurance company seeks to raise prices, Proposition 103 requires that the firm apply to the commissioner for prior approval.
The goal, according to the text of the act, is to provide transparency into the insurance market and prevent insurers from charging policyholders “excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory” rates.
Nearly 35 years after Proposition 103 went into effect, Californians pay less for auto and home insurance than most Americans, with the state ranking among the bottom half of states for prices in both categories. But insurers say that long processing times for rate increases, among other regulations, have made it difficult to do business in the state as inflation and wildfire risks are on the rise.
One specific criticism of Consumer Watchdog revolves around a unique proviso of Proposition 103. The law allows public groups such as Consumer Watchdog to intervene in an insurance company’s application for a rate increase and argue — alongside the Department of Insurance — for what the ultimate price should be.
When groups such as Consumer Watchdog intervene, Proposition 103 stipulates that they can get paid for their efforts. After paying the intervening groups, insurance companies wind up passing those fees along to consumers. Insurance companies argue that this provides Consumer Watchdog and others a perverse incentive to turn every rate filing into a battle in order to get paid their fees.
“No other state has this kind of public participation and scrutiny built into the regulatory process, which is why Prop 103 is their No. 1 target,” Rosenfield said. “It drives them nuts.”
“It comes down to the money, right?” said Carmen Balber, Consumer Watchdog’s executive director. “Thanks to the intervenor process, consumers pay less for their home and auto insurance than they would otherwise, and the industry has sought to claw back those profits for decades now.”
There has been friction between the insurance industry and consumer groups for decades, but things have recently started to boil over.
The American Property Casualty Insurance Assn., the nation’s largest insurance lobbying group, in late 2023 bankrolled a website attacking Consumer Watchdog . Representatives of the Insurance Information Institute and the Personal Insurance Federation of California regularly opine to reporters that Rosenfield, Balber and Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court, are wrenches in the underwriting machinery.
“The industry is going after Consumer Watchdog harder than normal,” said Patrick Sullivan, senior editor of insurance industry publication Risk Information. And the feud between the group and the Department of Insurance keeps escalating. “I have never seen the relationship degrade to the point it’s at now,” Sullivan said.
The industry groups have been pushing for changes in Sacramento and at the Department of Insurance — and at the close of last year’s legislative session, saw some results in the forms of promises to loosen regulations.
Lara, the state’s insurance commissioner, has had a rocky relationship with Consumer Watchdog from the start. After he pledged to not accept campaign funds from insurers in his first run for the office in 2018, a San Diego Union-Tribune investigation revealed that Lara had accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from people and companies with ties to the insurance industry. Consumer Watchdog filed a public records request for communications between Lara’s department and the insurance companies linked to the donations, and then sued the commissioner for allegedly failing to respond to the request in full. The group lost its initial lawsuit, but is continuing to fight it in the state Courts of Appeal.
Since then, the group has accused Lara’s office of ramming through rate increases without adequate review or opportunity for public input, and called his plans to change regulations with the goal of bringing more insurers back to the state market a “sham.”
Lara, in turn, noted in a news conference announcing his proposed reforms that “bombastic statements from entrenched interest groups” help no one, and that “one entity can unreasonably prolong rate filings” while “materially benefiting from a process that is meant for broader public participation.”
Michael Soller, the Department of Insurance’s spokesperson, is less coy about the “entity” in question. After Consumer Watchdog accused Lara of striking a secret deal with insurance companies in the fall, Soller put out a statement saying that the group’s “cynical claims hide the truth that [it] has earned millions of dollars signing off on rate increases — while denying the reality that insurance has become impossible for some Californians to find at any price.” He added that the group “is turning a blind eye to consumers’ needs while defending its own insurance piggy bank.”
Yes, they’re a big pain, but that’s their job.
— Rep. John Garamendi, describing Consumer Watchdog
Although other consumer groups such as United Policyholders and the Consumer Federation of California have taken a more measured approach, Rosenfield has been blunt. “A commissioner more disposed to protect the industry has come along,” Rosenfield said. “Ultimately, there’s accountability for that within our system of democracy.”
“He’s kind of out a little bit on his own on this in terms of opposing what Lara’s doing,” said Brian Sullivan of Risk Information.
Increasingly, Consumer Watchdog is one of the only consumer advocates even participating in the Proposition 103 process. In the early days of the regime, half a dozen or so major consumer groups were willing to enter the fray. But over time, the pool of dedicated groups with the resources to fight long regulatory battles and only get paid months (and sometimes years) after their work begins, has dwindled to a handful. Now state records show that 75% of the time, if there’s an intervening entity in a rate filing, it’s Consumer Watchdog.
This is where the accusation of self-interest comes to bear. Since Rosenfield helped write Proposition 103, he also wrote in the fee mechanism that pays his salary at Consumer Watchdog. According to critics, that amounts to self-dealing at the consumers’ expense.
State records show that over the last two decades, the group has been paid $11.6 million in fees by the state for its interventions in rate filings, or an average of $575,000 each year. Proposition 103 isn’t Consumer Watchdog’s only policy focus, nor is it the group’s only source of revenue. Consumer Watchdog brought in $3.75 million in revenue in 2022 from donations, grants and other sources, according to public filings.
For that $11.6 million Proposition 103 payout, the group has been party to saving consumers $5.51 billion in the last two decades, according to an analysis produced by Consumer Watchdog. In the last five years, Consumer Watchdog says its actions have contributed to $2.1 billion in savings for Californians. The group arrived at these figures by comparing the dollar value of rate increases that insurance companies sought in the last 22 years against the final amount they got when Consumer Watchdog challenged their request.
In the last two years, when Consumer Watchdog intervened in a company’s request to raise its rates, the final result for ratepayers ended up 38% lower than what the companies requested for home insurance, and 29% lower for auto insurance, on average. When Consumer Watchdog didn’t enter the fray, the final amount approved by the state insurance department was only 2-3% lower than what companies requested on average, according to the report.
Soller of the insurance department calls these numbers “deeply flawed.”
“Based on our review, their claims are highly inflated,” Soller wrote in a statement. “They compared the amount originally requested by the insurance company to the amount approved, with no accounting for what the department’s role was in that three-party negotiation.”
In other words, it is impossible to attribute all of those savings to the group’s intervention because state insurance regulators probably would have argued down the companies’ requests on its own.
But the scale of California’s insurance market means even small concessions can have a big effect on ratepayers. If Consumer Watchdog’s interventions contributed 0.3% of those $5.2 billion that insurance rates have been pushed downward, then the group has saved Californians millions more than it’s been paid in fees.
Rep. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove), who served as the state’s first and fourth elected insurance commissioner, finds the attempts to discredit Consumer Watchdog disturbing, if not surprising.
“Yes, they’re a big pain, but that’s their job,” Garamendi said. “These organizations are absolutely essential in the process of a rational insurance market, with premiums that are fairly priced, policies that are clearly understood and written, claims that are paid.”
“It has nothing to do with the problems in the state,” Sullivan said. “They’re fighting amongst themselves over very little — it isn’t the intervenor process causing the long delay times” that are at the root of the industry’s problems with the regulatory system.
The fundamental problem, according to industry groups and observers, is that rate filings often take a year or more to work their way through the system, which can lead to a punishing lag between costs and revenues for insurers.
Many insurers are still limiting the number of new policies they write in California. If changes do come, it would take many months, and probably years, before they could ripple through to policies and change insurers’ business decisions about operating in the state, Sullivan said.
Commissioner Lara is hiring more staff and changing filing rules with the goal of speeding up the process. His office also plans to roll out new rules that could allow insurance companies to lock in higher prices further in advance, by allowing them to use algorithmic modeling to set higher prices for wildfire risk zones and pass through some of the costs of reinsurance — insurance policies that insurance companies themselves buy to cover their own losses.
Consumer Watchdog, in a surprise to no one, has some strong opinions about Lara’s plans.


Ganduje Under Fire For Inviting Kwankwaso, Gov Yusuf To Join APC
Former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, has faulted the call by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, on Governor Abba Yusuf and presidential candidate of New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso to join the APC.
Shekarau described it as an unnecessary move.
During a stakeholders’ meeting last week, Ganduje had invited Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf to dump NNPP for APC.
Reacting, Shekarau said Ganduje should have advocated a peaceful coexistence in Kano State.
A statement by Shekarau said: “My brother, Ganduje came to Kano and invited the governor, Kwankwaso and others to come and gather in APC. For me, that is not necessary.
“What he should have done was to call on the people of Kano to stay peaceful, regardless of who is leading, since the case is over.
“Whether you insult them or not, whether they know how to do it or not, they are the ones in power. Whatever it is, it will come to pass. Eight years is just like tomorrow.
“I have done eight years and added 12 to 13 years ahead. Wherever we are, if we do not see or feel justice will be served on us, we leave. That is the basis of leadership or association.”


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The well-known philosopher Aristotle once said “The energy of the mind is the essence of life.” In today’s everyday life, the energy drinks market might be the new essence of the life as the category — in connection with an uptick in energy shots’ sales — now is the No. 2 performer, second only to bottled water, in convenience stores, according to market research analysts.
As beverage manufacturers get more creative in their product development, more beverages seem to be blurring category lines. One category that has been both aided and challenged by this multi-platform approach is the energy drink category.
According to Mintel, 42 percent of people who drink energy shots take them in the afternoon, and 49 percent of people who consume energy drinks also do so in the afternoon, said Jennifer Zegler, global food and drink analyst at the Chicago-based market research firm, in Beverage Industry’s August 2013 issue.
The non-aseptic energy drink category reported more than $6.9 billion in sales for a 19.4 percent increase for the 52 weeks ending April 15 in U.S. supermarkets, drug, gas, convenience and mass merchandise retailers, excluding Walmart, according to Chicago-based market research firm SymphonyIRI Group.
Corona, Calif.-based Monster Energy Co. launched the Monster Energy Ultimate Intern Search to fill two newly created intern positions. The Monster Energy Ultimate Intern Search will award two individuals a compensation package worth more than $15,000 and the opportunity to work directly with athletes, music artists, celebrities and the Monster Energy staff at major national sports and entertainment events across America, including X-Games 18, the Vans Warped Tour 2012, and the Street League DC Pro Tour fueled by Monster Energy, during the summer.
Beverage Industry last covered Monster Energy in our December 2007 cover story. At that time, Monster’s leadership team, including this year’s Executive of the Year honoree Rodney Sacks, chairman and chief executive officer of Hansen Natural Corp., was somewhat reluctant to participate in our cover photo shoot. Sacks, along with Monster Beverage Co. President Mark Hall and Hansen Natural Vice Chairman and President Hilton Schlosberg, obliged for the cover photo, but the company also extended an invitation to the Monster Beverage staff.
Rodney Sacks, chairman and chief executive officer of Hansen Natural Corp., Corona, Calif., in conjunction with his executive team comprised of Hilton Schlosberg, vice chairman and president of Hansen Natural, and Mark Hall, president of Monster Beverage Co., lead the company once known solely for its namesake natural beverages to international growth as the producer of one of the top-selling energy drinks on the market.


When will robots become an integral part of our lives, and will it ever happen? Most people understand that robots are very useful, and they help us in doing some hard work, but there are scared humans, who believe that drones can take our cities under their control. They are afraid of time, when robots will be as common, as pets, because they can make a lot of troubles. But still, this is hardly possible, because the artificial intellect can’t surpass our natural intelligence. And if you want to see how everything will be in the nearest future, you don’t have to invent the time machine. All you need – is just follow the necessary link, and open a fantastic arcade that will bring you to the world of amazing robots.
In Clone Drone in the Danger Zone you should think of your own design of a robot, and only after you fulfill this step, you can go further. There are a lot of details for your construction, and you can create something really unique. You can choose any material, but you should know that some of them make your drone stronger, an others – weaker. Don’t be afraid to fail this mission, because you will be able to improve everything. The very moment you are ready, you can go to the arena, where you will face other drones. They will be furious, and you should beat them, slice into small pieces and do other things that will help you to win. At first you will see a small number of rivals, but it will constantly grow. Each victory brings you some money that you can spend on some improvements, or even buy a copy of your main character. Clone Drone in the Danger Zone leaves no place for fear or pity; you should amuse your contestants by the strength of your will and ability to plan the attack. Don’t forget to upgrade your drone, and it will become strong and defeat all rivals!


THE RAUCH FAMILY:
Grew up big but still small: founded in 1919 in Austria, we are a 4th generation family owned business. Our constant ambition for the highest quality made RAUCH what it is today – a worldwide leading beverage company.
YOUR ROLE IN THE FAMILY:
● Tends accessory equipment such as pumps and conveyors to move materials or ingredients through production processes
● Weighs or measures materials, ingredients, and products to ensure conformance to requirements
● Cleans and maintains equipment, using hand tools
● Collects samples of materials or products for laboratory testing
● Records operational and production data on specified forms
● Tests samples of materials or products to ensure compliance with specifications, using test equipment
● Transfers materials, supplies, and products between work areas, using moving equipment and hand tools
● Unloads mixtures into containers or onto conveyors for further processing
● Adds or mixes chemicals and ingredients for processing, using hand tools or other devices
● Compounds and processes ingredients according to formulas.
● Dislodges and clears jammed materials or other items from machinery and equipment, using hand tools
● Dumps or pours specified amounts of materials into machinery and equipment
● Examines materials, ingredients, or products visually or with hands, to ensure conformance to established standards
● Observes production and monitors equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation
● Opens valves to drain slurry from mixers into storage tanks
● Reads work orders to determine production specifications and information
● Starts machines to mix or blend ingredients; then allow them to mix for specified times
● Stops mixing or blending machines when specified product qualities are obtained, and open valves and start pumps to transfer mixture
● Recognizes and follows Good Manufacturing Processes
● Follows Food Safety Elements
● Recognizes and follows HACCP requirements
● Maintains a safe and secure work environment, including correcting unsafe acts/conditions
● Supports implementation, maintenance and ongoing improvement of the food safety and handling system
● Maintains and ensures adherence to sanitation practices
● Follows all standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for area of responsibility
● Follows instructions from supervisors regarding policies and procedures
● Effectively responds to directions during emergencies by understanding emergency procedures, equipment and systems as necessary; Implements contingency plan to the level required
● Complies with environmental regulations when using, dispensing, or handling hazardous and non-hazardous materials and waste
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR TO JOIN OUR FAMILY?
● 1 year of related experience preferred
● Ability to control operations of equipment and systems
● Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
● Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
● Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
● Ability to apply standard production techniques, procedures, and criteria
● Ability to handle sensitive and proprietary information in a confidential manner
● Ability to functionally operate a computer
● Able to work independently as well as working within a team
● Demonstrates attention to detail
● Takes initiative; proactive instead of reactive
● Adapts to ever changing priorities, situations, and workflow
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
· Works in a manufacturing environment
· While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to: talk, hear, reach with hands and arms, grasp, pick, lift, stand, walk, and perform repetitive motions. The employee must frequently lift and /or move 50 pounds. The employee is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as operate production machines where the seeing job is at or within arm’s reach
· This position is exposed to occupational hazards, including but not limited to high noise levels, physical obstacles, exposure to chemicals, etc.
· Must wear appropriate safety glasses, hearing protection, clothing, and footwear in appropriate areas and follow safety practices
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
RAUCH North America, Inc.
10501 North Reems Road | 85355 | Glendale


How Far Will Doug Ford Go to 'Get' Patrick Brown? - 2018-11-14
Despite saying through a spokesperson that he is 'looking forward to working with all municipal leaders, including Patrick Brown,' Doug Ford's relationship with the incoming new Brampton mayor is still murky at best.
Ford cancelled a Peel regional chair election that Brown was contesting soon after he became Ontario's premier, which prompted Brown to enter the mayoral race. One day after Brown won that election, Ford's government announced that they are cancelling the much vaunted Ryerson university funding for Brampton.
Now it seems more recent moves that the premier is making are not only coming off as more examples of exacting so-called "payback" against the former PC leader, but it's costing the province as well.


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Latest Air-Date: 2018-05-01 S06E06
Series: Gangsters: America's Most Evil (2012)
Genres : Documentary, Biography, Crime
Runtime: 60 min
Description : Gangsters: America's Most Evil is a cinematic documentary series that explores the rise and fall of some of the most nefarious and notorious criminals brought to justice by the United States government.
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So the ESPN Honolulu staff held their Fantasy Football draft yesterday. Our PPR league has 12 members, including defending champ Keegan “I-Never-Played-This-Before-Oh-Wow-I-Guess-I-Won” Ohta. Just remember, if you want the latest Fantasy Football news and tips, listen to the Rivals Fantasy Football Show every Wednesday. In case you were wondering, here are the teams that ESPN Honolulu personalities Chris Hart, Gary Dickman and Josh Pacheco drafted. Gary had the No. 1 pick, Josh had No. 4 and Chris had No. 12.
Will somebody be able to dethrone defending champion Keegan Ohta?
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