Intersection DiscussionPage address: https://www.mnsu.edu/planning/masterplan/archives/parking/intersectiondiscussion.html
A very real problem on virtually any college campus is going to be the potential conflict between pedestrians and vehicles traversing the campus. Often both groups are attempting to get to a specific destination within certain time constraints and may not be as vigilant in looking out for the other as they should be. Where possibilities exists to minimize this potential conflict, appropriate resources should be dedicated to do so.
Minnesota State University - Mankato is no different from other college campuses. There were several high vehicle traffic/high pedestrian traffic locations noted currently with another significant locations likely coming on line in October 2000 when the Taylor Center opens. The most notable location is at the intersection of Ellis Avenue and Stadium Road. On the south side of Stadium is the Gage Residence Hall housing some 1,300 students. As many of these students cross to campus for class, they are crossing from the southwest to the northwest corner of the intersection. Further to the north they are traveling across the entry/exit lanes to the pay lot that is heavily utilized and then South Road (West) in front of the Student Union. At each of these locations, there is significant conflict between students as pedestrians and students, faculty, staff and visitors in autos and the campus buses. The particular fact that much of the conflict occurs during the break between classes as students rush to their destination and those exiting campus and desire to leave campus in a timely fashion delay on both parties causes serious frustration and the very real possibility for pedestrian/vehicle accidents.
One suggested solution for the Stadium Road/Ellis Avenue intersection, which has in fact been adopted by the Parking Advisory Committee, is the directing of students to the East Side of Ellis Avenue. This has the benefits of moving them away from the "blind" crossing as cars travel eastbound up the hill on Stadium Road to Ellis. It allows eastbound traffic to turn left (north) onto Ellis without the delay from students crossing Stadium. It also reduces the conflict with cars and students at the entry/exit to the pay parking lot in front of the Student Union and with busses. Students are moved onto the opposite sidewalk. This has the benefit of it actually places them on the better side of the road and generally closer to where they should want to be and eliminates much of the conflict. This is a very simple, yet highly functional solution to this serious problem at this intersection. Alternatives of either an elevated or underground connection would be, in our opinion, both very expensive and if off the easiest path for students would not, in our opinion, be used. Students would not climb stairs to reach the elevated pathway but would in all likelihood merely cross the street at grade and thereby not eliminating the conflict.
Another location with a high potential for accidents is on the East Side of campus at Warren. East of Warren there are numerous apartment complexes housing many students not electing to live in the campus dormitories. With campus so convenient and the parking situation, many students walk to class with the same ambivalence as they cross Warren. Drivers must pay particular attention since many students have the attitude, "I'm the pedestrian and I have the right of way so you have to watch out for me." It was observed often that once one student starts across the roadway that others would follow in a steady procession
The problem on Warren Avenue does not however offer the same potential for a simple solution. Here it would not matter on what side of the street the students cross as either one creates the potential conflict. Some sort of appropriate traffic control device either a light, pedestrian crossing signal or traffic speed bumps would seem to be necessary to compel vehicles to slow down such that they could easily stop when pedestrians are present. Without going to the significant expense of traffic signals, perhaps the simplest solution would be either speed bumps or even a flashing yellow pedestrian crossing signal. The major focus would be to insure that drivers were made aware of pedestrians crossing who may not be paying particular attention or expecting that the drivers do in fact see them and expecting the driver to stop. Here we feel that a traffic engineer or campus planner should be consulted for the most appropriate solution given the vehicle volume, pedestrian flows and potential for conflict.
Similar potential exists for conflict once the Taylor Center opens and provides an obvious convenient access point to the campus from the "remote" lots on the southeast portion of the campus. As pedestrians cross Stadium road from these lots to the Taylor Center whether for classes or athletic events there is a high potential for vehicle/pedestrian interactions.
Similarly, at the Taylor Center the pedestrian vehicle interaction solution is a difficult one. Traffic signals are certainly one possibility but we understand that the City would insist that this cost is borne by the University alone but this may be the best solution available. There is of course always the possibility that the students or others would simply ignore the signals and cross whenever they perceive a break in traffic thereby reducing the potential benefit of the signals. Certainly any method that separates vehicles and pedestrian would be the safest and preferred choice. However, we don't feel that an overhead bridge connection would be reasonable since we don't feel that students or patrons would consistently climb stairs to such a connection unless the traffic volume was such and the delay incurred would be shorter than waiting for a traffic break. Instead, we think pedestrians would take the more direct route across Stadium Road. Tunneling would be prohibitively expensive and even then, unless the pathway was convenient enough for the students and others parking in lots 20 through 23 it would not guarantee its use. Here again however, we feel that a traffic engineer or campus planner should be consulted again considering the potential for conflict given the expected vehicle volumes particularly during events at the Taylor Center.


text:
I feel like you’ve lost your confidence. At one time, you felt assured of your purpose; if not specifically, at least generally. You knew you had worth. You question that now.
It’s not surprising, given what you’ve been through, but it is heartbreaking to watch, nevertheless. You have seen so much loss that it’s hard to fathom, let alone deal with, as you must every day.
Every waking day.
I can see you fading, in your pictures. Even a year ago, when the worst of it had already happened, the fire was still there. Now, you struggle to generate that, or any, fire. But you keep trying.
If another person loving you, and believing in you completely, was enough, you would have enough. I believe in your gifts, your views, your heart, and your worth.
I believe, completely, in you.
This life is temporary, we all know. Disappointment, pain and grief frame our existence. But so do hope, joy, and love.
I hope and believe the best for you, I know that joy is still there for you, and I love you, truly.
Even though we’ve never actually met, and may not ever.
I’m attaching the video below because it’s better than 99% of the movies I’ve ever seen in my life.

domain: literature


text:
Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)
Too many apprenticeships not meeting the needs of young people, employers or the economy
A new Ofsted report finds that not enough apprenticeships are providing advanced, professional skills in the sectors that need them most.
The drive to create more apprenticeships has diluted their quality, an Ofsted report published today (Thursday 22 October) finds.
Apprenticeships: developing skills for future prosperity reports that many of the courses on offer are failing to give learners the skills and knowledge employers are looking for. Too many low-skilled roles are being classed as apprenticeships and used to accredit the established skills of people who have been in a job for some time. In some cases learners were not even aware that the course they were on was classed as an apprenticeship.
The surge in apprenticeship numbers has been mainly in sectors such as customer service, retail, administration and care. It has not focused enough on the priorities that benefit employers or the economy. There are still not enough apprenticeships providing the advanced, professional-level skills needed in sectors with shortages.
The rise in poor-quality courses has devalued the apprenticeship brand at a time when there is a concerted effort to put vocational learning on an equal footing with academic study.
Ofsted’s report finds the Government’s ambition to boost apprenticeships in England and create a higher skilled workforce is being undermined because:
- the quality of apprenticeship provision is too variable and often fails to provide sufficient training to develop new skills - especially in service sectors like retail and care
- the growth in apprenticeships over the last 8 years has not focused sufficiently on the sectors with skills shortages
- the number of 16 to 18 year olds being taken on as apprentices is as low today as it was a decade ago, with most places going to those over 25
- secondary schools are not doing enough to promote apprenticeships to young people. Careers guidance is not of a high enough quality and too many schools do not do enough to prepare pupils for the world of work
- employers, especially small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), have been slow to get involved in designing programmes and developing standards, or in taking on apprentices out of fear of becoming mired in bureaucracy
Launching the report at a speech to the Confederation of British Industry in the West Midlands, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, will demand urgent, joined-up action to be taken by schools, employers and further education and skills providers to help raise the quality of all apprenticeships.
Calling on the ‘guilty parties’ to act, Sir Michael will say:
The fact that only 5% of our youngsters go into an apprenticeship at 16 is little short of a disaster.
Too many of our schools are failing to prepare young people for the world of work. Even where they do, the careers advice on offer isn’t encouraging enough youngsters into vocational routes that would serve them best. Too many of our further education providers have focussed for too long on equipping youngsters with dubious qualifications of little economic relevance. And too many employers have not engaged with schools or organised themselves effectively to make the apprenticeship system work.
Our report today lays bare what many have long suspected. Despite the increase in numbers, very few apprenticeships are delivering the professional, up-to-date skills in the sectors that need them most.
Employers and providers involved in poor quality, low-level apprenticeships are wasting public funds. They are abusing the trust placed in them by government and apprentices to deliver meaningful, high-quality training.
Being an apprentice should be a badge of honour. The reforms now working their way through the system are commendable. But we are kidding ourselves if we think our good intentions are enough. We have won the argument over the value of apprenticeships. We have yet to make them a sought-after and valid alternative career choice for hundreds of thousands of young people.
Unless we do so, we risk leaving in place a two-tier system of high and low quality apprenticeships that short change the participants and fail to address the skill needs of the nation.
Sir Michael will also call for better local co-ordination to address the shortcomings in the system. He will challenge his business audience to get more involved, saying:
The overriding problem has been, is and will continue to be one of organisation. Unless there is a very clear organisational structure around apprenticeships the government’s ambitions will remain unmet.
Employers have got to take ownership. Why isn’t there a recognised structure to deliver apprenticeships at a local level? If the great majority of employers are SMEs, employing fewer than 20 people, how can they fully engage if they don’t know where to turn?
This is my challenge to you. Organise yourselves. It’s no use waiting for others to put structures in place and then bemoan the lack of progress made. Use your networks and knowledge to find solutions.
Today’s report makes several recommendations for all parties involved in promoting and providing apprenticeships:
- the government should build on the reforms already underway to ensure the growth in apprenticeships enhances learners’ skills and prospects for long-term employment through good-quality training, focusing on the industries with the strongest demand for a skilled workforce
- schools and further education and skills providers should provide impartial careers guidance about apprenticeships to all pupils and their parents, and prepare students for work by ensuring they develop the personal and employability skills that employers value
- providers of apprenticeships should ensure apprenticeship provision is of a high standard and enables apprentices to develop the increasingly complex skills needed by employers
- employers should agree their contributions to the apprenticeship, such as time, resources and funding, and ensure that apprenticeships do more than simply assess existing skills
- Ofsted should ensure that inspections focus on evaluating the impact of apprenticeships on enhancing the nation’s skills set
The findings of the report are informed by interviews and conversations with over 1,400 individuals. Ofsted visited 22 further education and skills providers and inspectors interviewed 106 managers, 30 stakeholders, 108 teaching and support staff and 89 employers. They also held discussions with 188 apprentices. The views of a further 709 apprentices and 204 employers were collected via online and paper-based correspondence.
Notes to editors
- The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.
8.30am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday 0300 013 0415
Out of hours duty press officer 07919 057 359
Latest News from
Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)
English ‘fundamental’ to pupils’ educational success24/05/2022 16:15:00
Ofsted has published the latest in a series of reviews into different subjects across the curriculum. Yesterday’s review looks at English.
Computing education essential in technologically diverse world17/05/2022 12:20:00
Ofsted has published the latest in a series of reviews into different subjects across the curriculum. This review looks at computing.
Amanda Spielman's speech at the 2022 Schools and Academies Show28/04/2022 13:15:00
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector yesterday responded to the recent schools white paper and discussed Ofsted’s 2022–2027 strategy.
Every child deserves the best start in life27/04/2022 10:15:00
Ofsted yesterday published a new strategy for the next 5 years (2022 to 2027).
HMCI commentary: Ofsted's strategy 2022 to 202726/04/2022 13:15:00
HM Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman introduces Ofsted's new strategy.
‘Lack of collective knowledge’ on needs of children in care13/04/2022 12:20:00
There is a ‘lack of collective knowledge’ around the needs of children in care, according to a study by Ofsted, published today.
Strong signs of recovery across education, but challenges remain05/04/2022 10:33:00
Ofsted yesterday published the second set of reports in a series looking at the pandemic’s continued impact on education providers.
New frameworks for joint targeted area inspections (JTAIs)29/03/2022 13:15:00
Ofsted, CQC and HMICFRS yesterday announced the restart of their programme of joint targeted area inspections (JTAIs).

domain: news


At Crestron Electronics, Inc we build the technology that integrates technology.
We are proud to be the largest and most recognized brand in automation and control solutions, and the premier technology partner for fortune 500 businesses globally.
Our products are integrated into new high-tech commercial buildings’ to include some of the most exciting real estate throughout the world. Our clients include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, LinkedIn and many others. We are the leaders in one of the most exciting and fastest growing industries in the world!
Our automation and control solutions for homes and buildings allow our clients to control entire environments with the push of a button, integrating systems such as Audio Visual, Lighting, Shading, Security, Building Management Systems and HVAC to provide greater comfort, convenience and security.
We continue to experience rapid growth as we invest in resources and create new opportunities; as a result, we have exciting opportunities for a CO-OP Intern (Spring/Summer 2019) to join our Software Development Tools team in Rockleigh, NJ.
The Software Development Engineering Intern will support the Software Tools Department’s Toolbox group. In this role, you will design, write and automate test cases for testing software tools, perform troubleshooting and debugging of test failures. We will look for you to show case your problem solving skills and attention to detail to assure quality and stability in our software products prior to deployment.
Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship
Please note only applicants who meet the requirements listed in this ad will be considered
At Crestron, we build the technology that integrates technology. Our automation and control solutions for buildings and homes let people control entire environments with the push of a button, integrating systems such as A/V, lighting, shading, IT, security, BMS, and HVAC to provide greater comfort, convenience, and security. All of our products are designed and built to work together as a complete system, enabling you to monitor, manage, and control everything from one platform.


Jan 31, 2017 at 10:05 | Source: Reuters
The impairment charge came as Sony cut its outlook for profits from DVD, blu-ray discs and other home entertainment operations in line with a broader market decline, the company said in statement on Monday.
Feb 23, 2013 at 09:30 | Source: Tech2.com
No matter how much money you're willing to spend to be an early adopter, it won't be worth it.
Feb 22, 2013 at 09:21 | Source: Tech2.com
For all intents and purposes, Sony has created an Xbox with a Blu-ray player, which is exactly what we wanted all along. The PS3s bespoke Cell processor may have been the Sony fanboys coveted argument in a forum war, but it ultimately was too complicated for developers to harness its true potential.
Jan 09, 2013 at 12:39 | Source: Tech2.com
Samsung is claiming yet another world first at this years CES, a soundbar that can connect with a TV using wireless Bluetooth technology.The HW-F750
Dec 26, 2012 at 11:46 | Source: Tech2.com
LG Electronics has recently announced its 2013 audio and video lineup, which will be on display at CES in Las Vegas. The new selection features the BH9430PW
Oct 27, 2012 at 09:37 | Source: Tech2.com
Check out these three options to rip Blu-ray titles into full 1080p HD MKV files.
Oct 12, 2012 at 17:33 | Source: Tech2.com
High definition televisions brought roughly four times the resolution of television sets that came before them. The TV industry is all set to do that all...
Oct 09, 2012 at 17:33 | Source: Tech2.com
Micromax has entered the competitive consumer electronics arena, and the company has launched a series of LED TVs, home entertainment systems, and an Android dongle for televisions.
Oct 01, 2012 at 10:17 | Source: Tech2.com
Phil Orlins knows everything about producing TV in three dimensions. The ESPN producer has captured ...
Sep 01, 2012 at 19:54 | Source: Tech2.com
Whether you're a photographer, engineer, businessman, or just a casual computer user, chances are that you have photographs, blueprints, or important legal documents that you want archived for a good part of your life...


Portage High School students celebrated the end of the school year with a battle for the champion title of the Class Olympics. The event, however, was actually about an even larger battle.
Teachers and students organized the inaugural Class Olympics as a fundraiser for ALS research. The student body raised just over $2,000 and decided to split the donation. Part of the funds raised were donated to ALS research in honor of principal Max Gill, and the rest was donated to his family.
Event sponsors and PHS faculty members Heidi Thibideau, Charity Kehoe, Leslie Kretz, and Sarah Wilkins helped the students raise the funds by organizing relay games and an Ice Bucket Penny Wars challenge. PHS teacher Deb Broom also organized a Snowie fundraiser in which students could purchase snow cones during the event. The company generously donated 20% of its proceeds to the fundraiser.
The students signed up to participate in the Class Olympics, which consisted of a series of relay games, including tug-of-war, egg race, softball throw, wheelbarrow race, and 100m dash. Freshmen, sophomore, and junior teams competed against each other and earned points for their class. The freshmen came out victorious, earning the highest number of points across all events!
Students who attended the Class Olympics event were encouraged to donate $1. Many students offered an additional donation, and some teachers sponsored their Tribe Time classes by paying the $1 donation for them.
Teachers also volunteered to participate in an Ice Bucket Penny Wars Challenge. The week prior to the event, students nominated 12 teachers to participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge and voted for six finalists by placing money in jars set up during lunch hours. The six teachers who collected the most money had a bucket of ice water dumped on them at the end of the Class Olympics.
Thibideau said the event was a great way to raise money for a worthy cause while bringing together the student body.
“I was blown away that we managed to raise over $2,000 in just over a week and a half,” Thibideau said. “It’s a testament to the heart of PHS, which is always our kids.”


text:
This post was written by Twila Rios, Summer Intern in the department of Prints, Photographs and Architectural Collections.
The New-York Historical Society has two collections of photographer Claire Yaffa: the Claire Yaffa Children with AIDS photograph collection and the Claire Yaffa New York Foundling Hospital photograph collection. A portion of the Children with Aids photograph collection is currently on exhibit at N-YHS, through September 1, 2013.
When looking through these collections a few impressions stand out. First I am struck by the level of trust that must have existed between Yaffa and her subjects. Yaffa is able to capture relaxed and genuine portraits of people, often in trying circumstances. I am amazed also at the courage it must have taken to do some of these projects. Most of the children Yaffa met at the Incarnation Children’s Center died within the ten years that she photographed there. Yaffa even took photos at their funerals, sometimes with only Yaffa and a few staff in attendance.
Yaffa’s courage to take on difficult topics was not limited to the Children with AIDS photos. She photographed the homeless of Westchester County, and also photographed extensively at the programs of the New York Foundling Hospital. Her photos are full of humor, hope and joy despite grim circumstances. She also insures we see real human beings rather than only the issues at hand.
Yaffa was prepared to dislike the mothers she photographed at the Foundling’s Temporary Shelter and Crisis Nursery, which were programs to help abused children and their parents. But interacting with the mothers, she began to see them as victims also; individuals as much in need of care and support as their children. Yaffa then discovered that her photos of mothers with their children were having an interesting effect. In the smiling, loving photos Yaffa captured the mothers could see themselves as good parents. They could believe that change was possible and have faith in a happier future for themselves and their children.
The photos in the two Claire Yaffa collections document the Incarnation Children’s Center and the New York Foundling Hospital in the 80’s and 90’s. The finding aids can be found via the NYU finding aids portal at Guide to the Claire Yaffa Children with AIDS photograph collection, and Guide to the Claire Yaffa New York Foundling Hospital photograph collection. The two collections are available for viewing during regular library hours by advance appointment (to schedule an appointment, email firstname.lastname@example.org).

domain: library


TheUnited States Department of Commerce will apply the average complaint rate toapply for a separate tax rate application for corporate decision is notreasonable, because it does not consider the record of alternative data duringthe survey period. In addition, although the U. S. Department of Commerce ruledNingbo Jiulong steel investment amount in using the adverse facts availablelegal and substantive evidence to support, but the U. S. Department of commercedoes not use including corporate tax rates alone questionnaire, including otherdocumented information there is no substantial evidence to support.
TheUnited States International Trade Court ruling, the case was returned to the U.S.Department of Commerce to re trial, the U.S. Department of Commerce to request:1 based on substantial evidence and the law to make a ruling. 2. In the processof re trial, the U. S. commerce department shall keep a record of the surrogatedata were re examined, and accordingly determine the individual tax rate forenterprises dumping margin, which is in line with the Ministry of Commerce todetermine the dumping margin as accurately as possible the duties. 3. TheMinistry of Commerce of Ningbo Kowloon rates ruling with 19U.S., 1677e (c)provisions; at the same time to explain, Ningbo Kowloon provided by suppliersto test certificate and the company prepared for consumers to determine NingboKowloon sold in the United States involved, the product of the number of factsor adverse causes both the fact that test certificate does not match theavailable. 4 the Ministry of Commerce shall re solicit any informationnecessary to re award. 5 the Ministry of Commerce shall, with the completion ofthe re ruling in November 19, 2012, 30 days of the issuance of the ruling, andwithin 15 days of the date of publication of the review.


text:
I need a new rig for my popular animation project called Nimbus. The first episode aired in November 2016, that you can see here. I am in desperate need of someone that could recreate the rig seen in this video into something new and efficient, and perhaps a new detailed face rig for these characters. Thanks.
[url removed, login to view]
More specifically, the main requirement for this project is that you must be efficient in Autodesk 3DS Max!
18 freelanceria on tarjonnut keskimäärin %project_bid_stats_avg_sub_26% %project_currencyDetails_sign_sub_27% tähän työhön
"Must watch my portfolio link"Hello how are [login to view URL] is shams afroz 3D art [login to view URL] Quality of my work is the base of my [login to view URL] than five years i am doing 3 dimensional [login to view URL] i think out of the circle Pe Lisää

domain: artistic


text:
THE WAY WE WALK BY JILL HOFFMAN-KOWAL
HOFFMAN-KOWAL, JILL. Los Angeles: Cash Machine , I00200522. 4.25 x 7 inch . Paperback. New.
From the co-founder of Target Video and the host of The Spirit Of Punk radio show comes over 100 pages of photos from the birth of the San Francisco punk scene, Los Angeles and a dash of NYC spanning 1977-1980. Many never seen before. Featuring The Mutants, The Cramps, Crime, The Screamers, The Zeros, Dils and more. Inventory Number: I00200522


text:
The 2020 elections have produced the highest voter turnout rate since the early 1900s – a projected 67% of eligible voters participated. The U.S. Elections Project, a resource developed by University of Florida professor Michael McDonald, estimates approximately 160 million people voted. That represents a roughly 16% increase from the 2016 totals. This year more than 100 million votes were cast before Election Day. Early vote numbers this year surpassed total 2016 numbers in several states, including Texas, Montana, Washington and Hawaii. As the votes continue to be tallied toward final results, we already know this is the most robust turnout in 120 years.
Now President-elect Biden was the first to appear on election night conveying a sense of confidence and optimism of his position while still short of final results. President Trump later appeared before a gathering at the White House to describe several areas where he overperformed expectations. Immediately following Election Day, both campaign managers sought to articulate what they believe to be their available path to victory.
President-elect Biden has been declared the winner having won more than the required 270 Electoral College votes. Vote counting and legal challenges continue, but outstanding ballots are expected to favor Democrats. Those votes are largely coming from urban areas and mail ballots where Democrats have had an advantage.
In the contest for control of the Senate, Republicans appear well-positioned to maintain control with a narrow majority. Democrats need a net gain of four seats, or three seats if President-elect Biden wins the presidency, in order to gain majority control. Republicans lost Colorado and Arizona but offset one of those losses with a win in Alabama. In Georgia, no candidate received a majority in the either Senate race. Both Senator David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in Georgia were unable to win outright and avoid a January run-off election. They will now face Democratic nominee Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, respectively. Democrats must win both seats in order to take the Senate with Vice President-elect Harris’ vote.
U.S. House Elections
Democrats will, as expected, maintain control of the House. What was unexpected is that Republicans slightly trimmed their deficit in the House. Projections ahead of the election generally had Democrats adding 10-15 seats to their majority. Instead, Republicans as of now increased their holdings by a net six seats. Democrats flipped two North Carolina districts in their favor as a result of redistricting changes, and Republicans flipped nine other seats.
The Implications for the Insurance Industry
On the federal level, we do not anticipate major impacts to the business of insurance. A divided government means many Democratic priorities will either die in the Senate or need to be pared back to secure bipartisan support. We no longer see the likelihood of increased corporate taxes or expansive legislation to create a Biden New Deal (infrastructure/clean energy), and aggressive financial services regulation. It remains unclear if both sides of the aisle see a prospective pandemic insurance proposal as a must pass. However, Congressional gridlock will create room for President-elect Biden to take aggressive executive action on COVID-19 response, the environment, and immigration. On day one, we expect his administration to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, use the Defense Production Act to address any shortages of personal protective gear, which could include liability waivers, issue localized guidance for business and school reopening, and setting carbon emissions goals.
As previously reported, Americans cast votes over the last several weeks for eleven governors, five insurance commissioners, 5876 state legislators, and considered 100 state ballot questions.
In nine of the eleven gubernatorial races, an incumbent ran for election. All the incumbents, six Republicans and three Democrats, won reelection. The Republicans won the open seat in Utah, as expected, and picked up the open seat in Montana, previously held by a Democrat. The current party breakdown for governors then is 27 Republicans and 23 Democrats.
In terms of state legislatures, there are 99 legislative chambers (Nebraska has a unicameral legislature). Prior to the election, the Republicans controlled 60 of these chambers, while the Democrats control the other 39. Only two states, Minnesota and Alaska, had divided control of their legislature’s two houses; the rest of the states had single-party control. The Republicans controlled the legislature in 29 states, with the Democrats in control in 19. Legislative races were held in 44 states this year. The Republicans flipped control of both the Senate and House in New Hampshire, giving the Republicans another state where they control both houses of the legislature.
With the addition of both chambers of the New Hampshire legislature and the pick-up of the Montana Governor’s race, the Republicans now have trifectas – control of the governor’s office and both houses of the legislature (or control of the unicameral house in Nebraska) – in 23 states as compared to 15 states for the Democrats and 13 divided states.
There were elections for the position of Insurance Commissioner in five states. The incumbents all won reelection in Delaware (D), North Carolina (R), North Dakota (R), and Washington (D). The Republicans retained an open seat in Montana.
As yesterday’s results did not really change majority party control of state legislatures collectively, the 2020 elections will not change the political dynamics of state redistricting efforts.
Voters were asked in many states to directly decide on new constitutional amendments and new laws. Here are a few of interest:
California Proposition 16 – This initiative would have repealed Proposition 209 of 1996, which prohibited state affirmative action programs. This proposition was defeated, so affirmative action programs are still prohibited.
California Proposition 22 – This initiative grants app platforms, such as Lyft, Uber and DoorDash, exemptions to the recently enacted law that requires these companies to classify their drivers as employees. This proposition passed.
California Proposition 24 – This initiative, The California Privacy Rights & Enforcement Act of 2020, makes certain provisions of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) more stringent, including the creation of a new state privacy agency, increased penalties for violations of the CCPA, and new privacy rights with respect to “sensitive personal information,” including geolocation, biometric information and financial information. It should be noted, however, that information collected in a business setting and certain Business to Business information is exempt from the CCPA. This initiative passed.
Illinois Allow for Graduated Income Tax Amendment – This initiative would have amended the state constitution by changing the income tax structure from a flat rate system to a graduated rate system. This initiative was defeated.
Massachusetts Question 1 – This initiative, the “Right to Repair Law” Vehicle Data Access Requirement Initiative, requires manufacturers that sell vehicles with telematics systems in Massachusetts to equip them with a standardized open data platform beginning with model year 2022. This system provides vehicle owners and independent repair facilities with access to retrieve mechanical data and run diagnostics through a mobile-based application. This initiative passed easily.
Implications for the Insurance Industry
On the state level, the small Republican gains will not dramatically affect the state political climates or the types of issues the industry will be facing. Natural catastrophes and policymaker reaction to those catastrophes, data privacy and cyber issues, and social inflation remain as some of the pressing issues the industry will continue to face. A renewed focus on climate change on the federal level will give insurance commissioners in Democratic states additional impetus to implement guidance and regulations meant to make insurers more “climate-friendly.” Finally, there is one issue that will be garnering attention at the state level, regardless of whether it is a “red” state or a “blue” state, is the issue of race and how it affects insurance processes and outcomes.

domain: politics


text:
Matilda Israa January 13, 2021 coloring cute crayon
Stamping is one of the most versatile crafts around because there are so many different options that you can use to enhance even the most basic stamp. When you look at some colored stamped images, you may be overwhelmed by how beautiful they are. Some look like works of art that have been meticulously painted by tiny little brushes. For a beginner, or even intermediate stamper, they make look overwhelming. The truth is however, that coloring stamped images does not have to be difficult, and it does not require any special artistic skill.
One of the easiest ways to provide crayons for children is by buying them wholesale. If you take just a few moments to browse online, you can find a reputable dollar store supplier that offers crayons at a price better than any retail store could ever offer. This is a great way for schools and other organizations to get the crayons that they need while sticking to a budget. Large groups are not the only ones who can benefit from buying wholesale crayons though. What most people don’t realize is that the average individual can buy wholesale products as well. Although you might have to buy a little larger quantity than you were looking for, the savings would be well worth it. As for the extra crayons, you could donate them, save them for later use, or split them among family and friends along with the purchase price. If we can find an affordable way to get crayons for every child out there, why wouldn’t we?
Wild Planet’s Crayola Crayon Town combines drawing and coloring with construction and imaginative play. Children can color the props, buildings, and even the play mats. The pre-cut artwork panels can also be colored and folded in such a way to make archways and buildings. Children will have a blast creating their own world.
I also found out that there are no rules when it comes to coloring, color outside the lines; it is surprising a way of breaking the rules, and it feels so good. There are no coloring police to arrest you for breaking the color inside the lines rule. Nor do you have to follow the instructions and use the suggested colors. It is a release that is outstanding.
I have to admit to ridiculing her for wanting such childish things; I wanted her to be normal. What I didn’t realize is that her fondness for coloring and crayons is very normal. It just isn’t what most teenage girls spend their time doing.
Most often, Conte Crayons are used on rough-textured or high-grained paper that holds pigment well, permitting rich textures and wide ranges of tonality. Conte crayons work well on prepared primed canvases as well, for the purpose of underdrawing for a painting. The Conte Crayon stick, being square and small in size, is suitable for detailed work, especially if the tip is beveled to a point by rubbing it on a sandpaper pad.
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Supports Port of Boston’s competitiveness in global economy, including 7,000 jobs, 1,600 New England businesses and $4.6 billion in economic activity
BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Edward Markey, Congressman Stephen Lynch, local elected officials and representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) officially kicked off the Boston Harbor Dredging Project.
The $350 million state and federally funded multi-phase project will support continued growth at Conley Container Terminal, which has achieved three consecutive record breaking years for volume, including over 256,000 Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 – a 3.9% increase over FY 2016. The Port and Terminal generate $4.6 billion in economic activity, support 7,000 direct jobs and service exports and imports for 1,600 businesses across Massachusetts and New England.
“Deepening Boston Harbor and supporting infrastructure investments at Conley Container Terminal are crucial to Massachusetts and New England’s competitiveness in the global marketplace,”
said Governor Baker. “We are proud to work with our state and federal partners toward these improvements, supporting billions in economic activity and over 1,600 businesses creating thousands of local jobs.”
Project plans include maintaining the inner harbor, and deepening the outer harbor, main shipping channel and reserved channel to allow for larger container ships already calling Conley Container Terminal following the expansion of the Panama Canal. States up and down the East Coast are investing in their ports to accommodate bigger ships. The dredging in the inner harbor preserves vessels’ capability to deliver home heating oil, automobiles, jet fuel, and salt to terminals along the Chelsea and Mystic Rivers.
“A deeper harbor means more container traffic, and that means more economic growth. It’s good for Greater Boston, it’s good for the Commonwealth, and it’s good for the entire region,”
said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). “I was glad to partner with Massport and the Port of Boston and to fight for federal funding for this project, and I’m excited to see it begin.”
"Boston Harbor is an economic engine for Massachusetts and the entire New England region, ensuring our industries, manufacturers, and workers are competitive in an increasingly globalized economy,"
said Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. "This strong federal investment will help further upgrade the harbor in order to accommodate more and larger ships, to bring in more jobs, more investment, and more economic prosperity."
“The Port of Boston has been the lifeblood of the New England economy for centuries and I’m proud to have supported such a significant investment in its future, and in turn, the future of thousands of Massachusetts workers who make a living along the Harbor,”
said Representative Stephen Lynch (D-MA). “Keeping the port competitive is vital to ensuring all of Massachusetts remains competitive in the global economy and a home of sustainable economic growth and opportunity.”
The overall project to deepen Boston Harbor will cost approximately $350 million, including $130 million from Massport and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and $220 million in federal funding, including $18.2 million allocated in the USACE’s FY 2017 workplan and $58 million included in the President’s FY’18 budget. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has contracted with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock to perform the work.
Economic development legislation proposed and signed by Governor Baker last year also permitted $107.5 million for Massport infrastructure investments at Conley Container Terminal, including the construction of a new berth and procurement of three new cranes to accommodate new, larger cargo ships.
The first phase of the project consists of maintenance dredging, including the construction of a Confined Aquatic Disposal (CAD) Cell just off the shore of the Autoport in Charlestown, which will safely hold tons of sediment from the floor of the harbor. This work is expected to continue through the end of the year.
“Investments we make today into the Port of Boston and the Conley Container Terminal are essential for New England to remain an important player in the global economy for years to come,”
said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “We are grateful to our state and federal partners, under the strong leadership of Governor Charlie Baker, Senators Warren and Markey and Congressman Lynch, for continuing to support the Port, help modernize Conley’s facilities and allow the Harbor to handle even larger ships.”
Twelve of the world’s top 15 shipping lines call the Port of Boston home versus only five shipping lines four years ago and investing in Conley reduces the amount of goods that are trucked from New York, which lowers costs to consumers, improves air quality and alleviates highway congestion. Businesses using the Port of Boston and Conley Container Terminal include the Kraft Group’s International Forest Products, L.L. Bean, Jordan’s Furniture, and Christmas Tree Shops.
“International Forest Products is the largest shipper out of the Conley Container Terminal and the modernization of the Port of Boston is critical to maintaining our competitive edge in the global economy,”
said Daniel Kraft, President and CEO of International Forest Products. “The investments made in this project demonstrate a real commitment and signal that we have partners just as dedicated to growing our regional economy as we are.”
The second phase of the project, scheduled to begin in mid-2018, will deepen the Outer Harbor Channel, from 40 to 51 feet; the Main Shipping Channel, from 40 to 47 feet; and the Reserve Channel, where Conley Container Terminal is located, from 40 to 47 feet. Currently, Conley is able to handle 8,500 TEU ships - this project will allow it to handle up to 12,000 TEU vessels.


LINCOLN AND KING’S UNFINISHED WORK
Los Angeles Event to Commemorate Lincoln Bicentennial,
Explore Impact of Race Relations on L.A.
Join the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and leaders from across Los Angeles for an important public discussion entitled, “Lincoln and King’s Unfinished Work.” The town hall, being held on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, will look at President Lincoln’s significant role in expanding the nation’s definitions of freedom and equality of opportunity, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work in that tradition. Since Los Angeles is “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” participants will also discuss the ways that words, entertainment and the arts explore race and freedom. This is especially timely since films about race are among those nominated for Golden Globe Awards the same evening as the event.
Featured event participants for this lively discussion with the Los Angeles community, include actor Richard Dreyfuss, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, Los Angeles County Office of Education Superintendent Dr. Darline Robles, writer/director Gary Ross, and renowned Lincoln scholar Ronald C. White. Motivational speaker and entrepreneur Stedman Graham will serve as the moderator.
A free public event hosted by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Foundation along with several Los Angeles area community organizations – opening with a reception hosted by Wells Fargo & Company – the town hall is the last in a series of 11 events held across the country under the broad theme of “Lincoln’s Legacy: Race, Freedom and Equality of Opportunity.” Inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s efforts to build an equal opportunity society, the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission’s Lincoln Legacy Town Hall Meeting series seeks to build mutual understanding about differing perspectives on race and ethnicity and are an opportunity to explore what it means to be American in the 21st century.
- Andy Anderson, chief historian, Wells Fargo & Company (panelist)
- Richard Dreyfuss, actor (panelist)
- Assemblymember Warren T. Furutani, (CA-55th) (panelist)
- Stedman Graham, entrepreneur; motivational speaker (moderator)
- Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) (panelist)
- Harry V. Jaffa, historian; author; Professor Emeritus, Claremont McKenna College; distinguished fellow, the Claremont Institute
- Reverend Eric P. Lee, president and chief executive officer, SCLC-LA (panelist)
- Suzan-Lori Parks, playwright (panelist)
- Dr. Darline Robles, Los Angeles County Office of Education Superintendent (panelist)
- Gary Ross, writer/director (panelist)
- Tom Schwartz, Illinois state historian
- Ronald C. White, historian; author of A. Lincoln (panelist)
Remarks by historians Harold Holzer and Louise Taper.
Sunday, January 17
2:00 p.m. Reception (hosted by Wells Fargo & Company)
3:00-5:00 p.m. Town Hall Meeting
The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
The Music Center
135 North Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
Registration: Event is free and open to the public. To register, visit www.LincolnLivesOn.com.
List of Co-conveners.
The Fetzer Institute of Kalamazoo, Michigan provided a major grant to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Foundation to produce the Lincoln Legacy Town Hall Meetings. Support for the Los Angeles event has been provided by Wells Fargo & Company.
Congress established the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission to plan the nation’s celebration of the 16th president’s 200th birthday in 2009. The Commission works to engage the broadest range of individuals and groups in the commemoration. Through education programs, public forums, and the arts, the Commission provides an opportunity to re-examine Lincoln’s legacy in our 21st century democracy. Its members, who are appointed by the president and congressional leaders, include political leaders, jurists, historians and collectors. For more information, please visit www.abrahamlincoln200.org.
The mission of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Foundation which was established in 2007 is to continue and build upon the work begun by the ALBC: to educate the public about Lincoln; to serve as an honest broker in building collaborations; and to foster civic engagement grounded in Lincoln’s ideals of freedom, democracy, and equality of opportunity as a guide.
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Directs and conducts instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras or choirs.
This career is part of the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Performing Arts pathway.
A person in this career:
- Uses gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
- Directs groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Studies scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
- Considers such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
- Auditions and selects performers for musical presentations.
- Plans and schedules rehearsals and performances, and arranges details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
- Positions members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
- Performs administrative tasks such as applying for grants, developing budgets, negotiating contracts, and designing and printing programs and other promotional materials.
- Meets with soloists and concertmasters to discuss and prepare for performances.
- Meets with composers to discuss interpretations of their work.
Dig into the details and check
out what people in this job
have to say about their work.


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Treat yourself to a holiday where you feel completely independent in a gite or furnished accommodation!
If you want to spend your holidays in a fully independent way choose to rent a house, flat or studio, in a farm building, located in the heart of a village or in the remote countryside…it’s up to you. All our rentals have been visited and certified to a high standard.
A self-catering gite for an overnight stay, a weekend or longer is the perfect choice for families or groups of friends. Some gites situated close to your chosen hiking route will also welcome you for an overnight stay.

domain: travel


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12th November 2013 Content supplied by: Invisible Sentinel
Invisible Sentinel Wins Certification for Its Listeria monocytogenes Assay
Invisible Sentinel Inc., a life-sciences company that develops rapid diagnostics for the detection of foodborne pathogens have received certification from the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC) for its first-in-class rapid diagnostic for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes.
The assay has been approved for use in detecting bacterial contamination by L. monocytogenes in various food types, including ready-to-eat foods, deli meat, and dairy products, and on various surfaces with which food is in contact during preparation and packaging.
The AOAC is a global standardization organization that validates analytical test methods for the food industry. The AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM designation is recognized by the US Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and global regulatory agencies.
'This approval demonstrates our progress in expanding the Veriflow™ product line to detect a growing list of foodborne pathogens,' said Ben Pascal, co-founder of Invisible Sentinel. 'Like other diagnostics in the Veriflow™ system, Veriflow™ listeria monocytogenes (Veriflow™ LM) features accessibility and simplicity not typically associated with other molecular technologies.'
The first approval by the AOAC of such a hand-held diagnostic came last October, when the organization certified Veriflow™ campylobacter Assay (Veriflow™ CA) to detect the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in poultry.
Currently in the AOAC review process for certification are additional Veriflow™ assays to detect pan-Listeria species, pan-Salmonella species, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC).
'We intend to provide a complete suite of pathogen-detection solutions to the food industry by the fourth quarter of 2013,' said Nick Siciliano, co-founder of Invisible Sentinel.
Listeria monocytogenes is a potentially deadly food-borne bacterial pathogen. Listeria can be found in soil and water, and animals can carry the bacteria without appearing ill. Infection typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, and muscle aches. An 'invasive' infection can cause miscarriage and death. Among multi-state outbreaks in recent years were one in 2011 linked to contaminated cantaloupes (143 cases, 1 miscarriage, and 33 deaths) and another in 2012 linked to contaminated ricotta cheese (22 cases, 1 miscarriage, and 2 deaths).
Veriflow™ listeria monocytogenes (Veriflow™ LM) is available directly from Invisible Sentinel. Orders can be placed by calling (215) 966-6118, menu selection 1.
Date Published: 12th November 2013
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domain: food


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Looking for Bold Flavor? Try Our Dark Roast Coffee Blend!
Are you someone who craves the robust and intense flavors of coffee? If so, then our dark roast coffee blend is exactly what you need! At Blend Riders Coffee, we take pride in crafting exceptional blends that awaken your senses and leave a lasting impression. Our dark roast coffee blend is designed for those who appreciate a bold and full-bodied taste that lingers on the palate. Let's dive into the world of rich flavors and discover why our dark roast coffee blend is a must-try.
- Intense and Complex Flavor Profile:
Dark roast coffee beans undergo a longer roasting process, resulting in a deep and intense flavor profile. With our dark roast coffee blend, you can expect bold notes of chocolate, caramel, and even hints of smokiness. Each sip is a delightful journey through a spectrum of flavors that awaken your taste buds and provide a truly satisfying experience.
- Less Acidity, More Smoothness:
One of the advantages of dark roast coffee is its reduced acidity. The longer roasting process breaks down the acids in the beans, resulting in a smoother and less bitter taste. If you find that lighter roasts tend to cause acidity-related discomfort, our dark roast coffee blend offers a mellow and gentle experience that you'll love.
- Bold Aroma and Body:
The aroma of our dark roast coffee blend is truly captivating. As you brew your cup, the rich scent of roasted coffee fills the air, setting the stage for an indulgent experience. When it comes to the body, our dark roast coffee blend delivers a full-bodied mouthfeel that coats your palate and leaves a lasting impression. It's the perfect choice for those who appreciate a coffee with substance.
- Versatility in Brewing Methods:
Our dark roast coffee blend is highly versatile and can be enjoyed through various brewing methods. Whether you prefer a classic drip coffee maker, French press, espresso machine, or even pour-over, our blend is crafted to shine in any brewing technique. Experiment and find your preferred method to unlock the full potential of our dark roast coffee blend.
Conclusion:Our dark roast coffee blend is a gateway to an extraordinary coffee experience. The robust flavors, smoothness, and captivating aroma make it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts seeking a bold and satisfying cup. Don't settle for mediocre coffee; choose Blend Riders Coffee for an unforgettable coffee adventure. Buy our roasted coffee beans today and embark on a flavorful journey that will redefine your love for coffee. Cheers to bold flavor and exceptional coffee moments!


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Leaders in the music and fashion of the 1960s pop era, this 8" x 10" Beatles print has the Fab Four in their unique clothing styles on a psychodelic rainbow background. Also available on stretched canvas. MoreBlack Friday Sale Today Storewide! 20% Off, Plus $10 Gift Card for Every $100 Spent! Order Now for Christmas Delivery.
Exclusive designs personalized free Preview online, order today & save!
Unique Retirement Gift
Art print custom made from their fondest moments & memories
Your Message in Art
Custom high quality canvas art created by your voice.


Mini Cooper Mini Cooper Engine Accessories
Featured Engine Accessories Products
i use to think it was retarded when people would drive around with there HID headlights on all of the time.... now i do it too LOLOL
I have the full H&R set up on my car and I love the quality of the parts. I have sold my Eibach springs to get the H&R coilover and I know my decision is right! Thanks Ilovebodykits
This Neuspeed exhaust for my Jetta is incredible! Now my car sound so good and it is not too loud.
my car sounds aggressive with this exhaust n i felt the acceleration is smoother n more power when the vtec kicks
Headake - (San Diego, CA)
Super fast shipping!!
Chris. D - (Columbus, GA)
Good product & service. light works excellent.
40 reviews 4.5 out of 5 stars


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|Thursday, March 22, 2012, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Moorfoot Room, Level 0
Walking ability is known to be a key predictor of health outcomes and remains a relevant goal for patients months to years after initial brain injury or insult. Although there has been, over decades, extensive research on the recovery of walking ability after neurologic injury, too often the interventions tested and delivered focus on one particular technique or piece of equipment. Accordingly, research activity has not resulted in a set of comprehensive practice guidelines for gait training with individuals who have sustained such an injury.
Currently, physical medicine physicians and physical therapists employ a broad array of techniques and utilize a growing number of advanced technologies in the rehabilitation effort. In the ever-advancing landscape of physical rehabilitation, clinicians are seeking to understand the best timing, utilization and intensity/dosage of those technologies and associated protocols to maximize measureable, functional outcomes. Further, the evolving understanding of neuroplasticity and its role in motor learning and recovery forces clinical teams to critically analyze every aspect of their plan of care for a neurologic patient and seek methods that balance safety with sufficient physical challenge to achieve significant functional improvement.
Anne Chan, PT, DPT: Current Physical Therapy Technique
Nathan D. Zasler, MD, Medical Consultant, iWalk Program, Sheltering Arms Hospital; CEO and Medical Director, Concussion Care Centre of Virginia and Tree of Life Services. Richmond, Virginia: Neuroplasticity
Matt Wilks, PT, MSPT: iWALK Program Development
Amber Devers, PT, DPT: iWALK Guidelines
Jessi Vaught, PT, DPT: iWALK Approach Overview
Chair: Jim Braith, MD

domain: medical


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- Ambassador James R. Lilley and Congressman Stephen J. Solarz North Korea Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2012
- Iran Threat Reduction Act
- Peace Corps Volunteer Service Improvement Act of 2011
- Syria Freedom Support Act
- Taiwan Policy Act of 2011
- United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act
United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act
This bill makes U.S. contributions to the United Nations conditional upon the implementation of real reforms, including shifting the basis for most of the funding of the UN’s operating budget to voluntary contributions, instead of the current mandatory contributions. It will give U.S. taxpayers, through their elected representatives, the ability to determine how much we pay to the UN, and what we pay for. The bill uses America’s greatest leverage at the United Nations - our financial contributions - to make UN reform a reality.
The United Nations has been plagued for years by scandal and mismanagement. A few major examples include the “Oil for Food” scandal, during which UN and Iraqi government officials embezzled money intended to provide humanitarian support for the Iraqi people following the fall of Saddam Hussein, and the “Cash for Kim” scandal, where the UN Development Program’s operations in North Korea were exploited by Kim Jong Il’s regime.
The United Nations system is also routinely exploited by anti-American and anti-democratic regimes to target free democracies—such as the United States and Israel—while shielding fellow rogue regimes from scrutiny and punishment. One major shortcoming in this area is the lack of any standards in determining membership in UN bodies. For example, serial human rights abusers China, Cuba, Libya, Russia, and Saudi Arabia have all served on the Human Rights Council. North Korea, a serial arms proliferator, and Cuba have each served as president of the UN Conference on Disarmament, an arms control body.
The UN has not shown the desire or the ability to change its ways. As long as the U.S. and other member-states keep sending check after check, there is no incentive for the UN to change. The bill gives the UN two years after the bill’s enactment date to phase in funding reform before the U.S. is required to withhold contributions. However, after two years, should less than 80% of the UN regular budget be funded on a voluntary basis, then the U.S. shall, until the 80% threshold is met, withhold 50% of its non-voluntary regular budget contributions assessed by the UN. This creates a sliding incentive scale, not an “all-or-nothing” sanction: the more the UN makes its regular budget voluntary, the less the U.S. would withhold.
STATUS: H.R. 2829 was approved by the Committee on November 3 by a recorded vote of 25-13. Click here for details.
- VIDEO: Ros-Lehtinen discusses her proposal to reform the UN
- From the Blog: Do You Know What Your Money Is Paying For at the UN?
- Watch the Committee consider this legislation here.
- Ros-Lehtinen Introduces United Nations Reform Bill; Legislation seeks changes to UN funding mechanism, opposes anti-Israel policies
- Summary: The United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act
- Ros-Lehtinen OpEd in The Miami Herald: "To Protect Israel at the UN, Money Talks"
- Remarks by Ros-Lehtinen at Press Conference on UN Reform


There are a few things you can do to improve the audio quality of your videos when you convert them to mp3s. First, make sure that your video is properly encoded and converted. Second, use a good audio conversion program to get the best results. Third, make sure that you choose the right bitrate for your mp3 file. Fourth, use compression artifacts to your advantage by using AAC or VBR encoding.
Introduction: What are the benefits of mp3 audio quality over other formats?
People usually listen to music through a device with a headphone jack. However, there are now portable devices that have speakers as well. There are numerous reasons why people might want to listen to music through speakers instead of headphones.
First, it can be more immersive because you can feel the beat more intensely when listening through speakers.
Second, it’s easier to hear background noise when listening through speakers than when using headphones.
Third, you can share your music with others by using Bluetooth or a cable connection.
Finally, some people find that mp3 audio quality is better than other formats, such as FLAC or WAV.
How to Improve Audio Quality When Converting Videos To Mp3s: Tips For Better Sounding Files
It’s no secret that people listen to music more than ever before. Whether it’s blasting out dance tunes at a club or simply enjoying some chilled-out jams on the train, we all seem to love listening to music. However, with so many people now relying on portable audio devices to listen to their favorite tunes, it’s no surprise that the quality of audio files has taken a hit.
This is particularly true when it comes to converting videos to mp3s – often, the resulting files sound poor due to low compression levels and inferior audio encoding methods.
Here are some tips for improving the audio quality of your mp3 files:
1. Use high-quality encoders and compressors: The best way to improve the audio quality of your mp3 files is by using high-quality encoders and compressors.
The Best Ways To Convert Videos To Mp3s – Quick And Easy Methods
There are many ways to convert videos to mp3s, but some of the quickest and easiest methods are listed here. All you need is a video converter program and some basic knowledge of how to use it.
Top 5 Tools For Better Audio Quality When Converting Videos To Mp3s
If you’re looking to get better audio quality when converting videos to mp3s, there are some top-rated tools you can use. For example, Adobe Premiere Pro offers great compression and encoding features that can help improve the audio quality of your video files.
Additionally, software like AVG’s Media Studio offers powerful editing capabilities that can be used to clean up noise and distortion in your audio recordings.
And finally, Audacity is a free audio editor that can be used to fix common issues with sound quality, such as poor volume or distortion.
Conclusion on Best Ways To Improve Your Audio Quality
Audio quality is important for a variety of reasons. Some people use audio quality as an indicator of the overall quality of a product or service. Others use it to check the fidelity of what they are hearing. Still, others listen for audio quality when evaluating different types of media.
Finally, some audiophiles make a career out of improving the audio quality of their music playback equipment or listening experiences.
There are many ways to improve the audio quality of your content and device usage, so it’s important to find what works best for you and your specific needs. Here are some tips on how to improve your audio quality:
1) Use headphones or earbuds whenever possible to get the most immersive experience possible from your content. This will help reduce outside noise and ensure that you’re getting the best possible sound.


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This Maria Beaulieu necklace features baroque, dark and light multicolored Tahitian pearls with an 18k yellow gold clasp. Timeless and classic, a strand of pearls is an heirloom tradition to be passed through the generations. Consider a gift of pearls for any of life’s grandest occasions. Pearls measure 9mm x 12.5mm. Total length measures 19 1/4". Handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY, U.S.
Questions? We're here to help! 617-655-4791


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It is always a pleasure to see the Alcala family. I went to high school with Robert and have taken portraits of his family over the last five years. His boys always make me laugh and his wife and I always love to catch up. Because the boys get bored quickly, we try to incorporate some fun into the session- the boys had a few races with their Dad to see who was the fastest! I can't wait to work with them again.
All images shot on film. Developed and processed by The FIND Lab
Hi, I'm Melissa. I am a wife, mother, step-mother, Gigi (step-grandma) and a photographer. I started out as the family member always asked to bring my camera along and it has turned into my life dream. I just love being able to capture moments for others that they can always cherish.This is my little corner to share my sessions, projects, and a little piece of our daily life. Thanks for stopping by!


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The science associated with developing, updating, calibrating, and validating collection system models continues to evolve. Models represent effective tools for simulating the performance of wastewater collection systems. The models created today are significantly more sophisticated than those generated 10 years ago. As Utilities are faced with the need to develop large and longer term Consent Decree mandated capital improvement plans (CIPs) that balance affordability with infrastructure needs, it is important to understand when a model is “good enough” for long-term planning and design purposes.
The advances in modeling make it tempting to continue model calibration and validation (C&V) beyond the original intended purpose. This is particularly true for conceptual planning models. Engineers tend to be data-centric and strive for a more robust model than necessary for high-level planning. For this reason, the authors developed the two new tools for the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSDGC) to evaluate its 55,000 node mega Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) model which is one of the largest collection system models in the world.
This paper will present the above tools which can also be applied to other models.

domain: design


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Colten Boushie, 22, shot by white farmer later acquitted of murder
Independent investigator will consider whether race played role
Debbie Baptiste, the mother of Colten Boushie, holds up a picture of her son on the steps of the court during the murder trial of Gerald Stanley. Photograph: Canadian Press/Rex/Shutterstock
A police watchdog will review how Royal Canadian Mounted Police handled the shooting of a young Cree man by a white farmer, enlisting an independent investigator to delve into a case that has ignited racial tensions in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.
The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission – a federal government agency tasked with examining complaints about the RCMP – announced on Tuesday that it would investigate the 2016 death of Colten Boushie and the events that followed.
The 22-year-old was shot in the head after he and four friends from Red Pheasant First Nation drove on to a rural property in Saskatchewan. A lawyer for Gerald Stanley, the farmer who was holding the semi-automatic pistol that killed Boushie, described the shooting as a “freak accident”.
On Wednesday, Saskatchewan’s public prosecutions office said the Crown would not appeal the verdict, after coming to the conclusion that there was no legal basis to do so.
The 2016 shooting set the province on edge, laying bare the deep fissures that persist between some indigenous and non-indigenous communities.
First Nations leaders criticised the RCMP for fuelling tensions with a press release, sent out after the shooting, that said three occupants of the car had been taken into custody as part of a related theft investigation and another male was being sought. No charges were ever laid.
“The news release provided just enough prejudicial information for the average reader to draw their own conclusions that the shooting was somehow justified,” Chief Bobby Cameron of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations said in 2016.
Boushie’s family complained about their treatment by police on the night of the shooting, describing how police surrounded their trailer and searched the home. Boushie’s mother was so overcome with grief she could barely stand, but family members said they were asked by police if they had been drinking.
The RCMP later cleared its own officers of any misconduct in an internal investigation. Boushie’s family responded with a statement that asked: “How are we to trust the RCMP when they treat us like criminals when we are the victims
During the trial it emerged that before leaving the scene, the RCMP failed to cover the vehicle in which Boushie was shot and left one of the SUV’s doors open. When the forensic science team arrived two days later, inches of rain had seeped into the vehicle’s interior, potentially washing away valuable evidence.
The court also heard that while Stanley was taken into custody after the shooting, he was released and allowed to return the next day to give his statement.
On Tuesday, the watchdog said its investigation would include looking at how Boushie’s next of kin was notified after his death, the ensuing search of the family’s home and the media releases that the RCMP sent out following the shooting. It would also consider whether race played a role in how police handled the case.
“In the course of our review and our ongoing monitoring of events related to this tragic incident, it has become apparent that additional matters related to the conduct of RCMP members involved need to be examined,” Guy Bujold of the commission said in a statement. “As such, I am satisfied that it is in the public interest to launch an independent investigation into this matter.”
News of the review was welcomed by the Boushie family’s lawyer. “There is a tremendous amount of hope that the family and I have that this is going to be a game-changer,” Chris Murphy told the Canadian Press. “It’s going to change the way policing is done in this country, especially in relation to how indigenous people are policed in this country.”
The RCMP said it would cooperate fully with the investigation. “We look forward to the process of addressing any uncertainty or outstanding questions regarding our role in this matter,” it said in a statement.


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domain: hobby


These selections were recorded during the 1990s and as late as 2002 by IPO’s Bill Sorin, before his label came into being. They showcase pianist Sir Roland Hanna, the label’s first artist, at the height of his powers. Hanna’s playing resonates with an authoritative, almost regal forcefulness yet it’s also graceful. Despite his deft technique, he never sacrifices meaning for display, and there’s a sense of joy and discovery at every turn-life-affirming melodic and harmonic richness, deep emotion without bathos. He begins Coltrane’s “Naima” with a feel of coiled tension, which he then relieves by lessening the tautness of his focus, expanding from his initial narrow reading of the melody line into a broadened elaboration on the theme. His “Lush Life” isn’t the world-weary lament of a soul old before his time, but a meditation on the joy that Billy Strayhorn’s careworn after-hours poet was seeking in his dissolution. The sparkling clarity of Hanna’s treble work and the richness of his chording bring a feel of hard-won tranquility to a piece most interpreters mine for its romantic resignation.
Become a JazzTimes member to explore our complete archive of interviews, profiles, columns, and reviews written by music's best journalists and critics.


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The THS Yosemite was a colony JumpShip originating in the Terran Hegemony, one of many to be involved in the relentless colonial expansion humanity launched itself on during the days of the Terran Alliance. The THS Yosemite is noteworthy for the fact that she failed in her mission; in 2499 the Yosemite was operating in the Deep Periphery when she suffered crippling damage to her K-F Drive in the system tagged by Terran Alliance stellar cartographers as Waypoint 531.
The Yosemite and her cargo of colonists perished shortly after the K-F Drive failure, and the Yosemite herself was soon just a lost footnote in the Terran Hegemony's colonization history; she was rediscovered by ComStar in 2833, three and a half centuries after her loss. Having located her in the Waypoint 531 system - a system consisting of no astral bodies other than the red giant star at the heart of the system and four large asteroids known collectively as "The Brothers" - ComStar stripped the Yosemite of her DropShips and any viable technology they could find, and then abandoned her remains to be destroyed in the relentless solar winds.
- The Wars of Reaving, p. 128, "Stellar System Waypoint 531"


Will drivers — and passengers — count on not solely to be snug in their luxurious automobiles but also pampered? On a ’90s episode of “Sesame Street,” viewers met the Elephant Elevator Operator, who was so massive that he could not actually carry any passengers with him inside the tiny area. As you face the bathroom pan there’s lateral transfer area of one metre on the left. Low-accuracy guns and poor marksmanship meant that soliders have been often left preventing in hand-to-hand fight. France stepped in and provided many hundreds of muskets, cannons and other guns to help the colonists of their fight against the British. Which nation supplied the Americans with many weapons through the warfare? The Brown Bess musket was one in all the commonest weapons of the war. How much are you aware in regards to the weapons utilized in these history-altering battles? Many Revolutionary Struggle battles were fought in shut quarters, with bayonets as the primary weapon. Even inexperienced troops might rapidly be taught to stab enemy troopers with a bayonet, making it an effective (and horrifying) weapon all through the conflict. When soldiers pulled the set off, a piece of flint would strike steel, creating a spark that ignited black powder that fired the weapon.
Two served as trainers and technical advisors to the FBI on a categorised piece of surveillance equipment. About sixteen million men and women served in uniform in the course of the conflict. Mary tells Joe that for the reason that battle started, she has made tons of cash by promoting her trinkets to the guys on the base. The flints had no problem creating a spark, but the spark would fall onto wet black powder, which did not ignite when moist. In the colonies, they have been known as the Insupportable Acts, and so they helped to spark a revolution. For years, the British ravaged parts of the colonies, capturing cities, intimidating the locals, and doing their greatest to put down the rebellion. Bombs have been crammed with gunpowder and meant to explode throughout flight, raining down sharp steel on unlucky targets. Mortars fired bombs that were intended to explode in midair, inflicting shrapnel to spread over lengthy distances. Restrictions implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 had been disproportionately enforced upon members of marginalized teams. In 2012 to 2016, Iranian banks have been disconnected from the system, as part of an array of restrictions to pressure Iran to curb its nuclear program.
Still, for essentially the most half mascots are considered lighthearted enjoyable, and as a lot a part of a football game as hot canines and beer. Who was not a part of the allied forces throughout WWII? It is true, WWII was such a serious battle that the military resorted to the primary peacetime draft in American historical past. It’s the very best rank potential in the army. Jalyen McCollough switched from No.22 to No.2, which is probably going why Cameron Miller selected No.22, as a number of sources have hinted at a possible transfer from huge receiver to defensive back for the freshman. His signature made it unlawful to assist escaped slaves — and it also created strategies to push slaves again into the palms of their owners. These liberty poles grew to become icons of people yearning for freedom from Britain. After seeing their infantry chewed up by trench warfare, Britain was all-in on tanks. Both sides tried to keep away from preventing throughout rain showers as a result of flintlocks have been notoriously unreliable in wet weather. Old-college black powder constructed up and fouled the barrels, making it harder and more durable for troopers to insert recent rounds. Paper cartridges contained both black powder and metallic shot.
Grapeshot referred to a number of rounds of shot stuffed right into a cannon after which fired suddenly. They affixed lengthy, sharp bayonets to their guns and then charged. Scorching shot was so named because it referred to superheated cannon balls that had been shortly loaded into guns and fired at enemy ships. Siege guns had been the largest cannons used through the conflict, and they blasted giant, solid metallic shot into enemy fortifications. The guns often merely fell apart. By this period, matchlock guns were outdated, however percussion guns had been still decades from reality, which means flintlock guns had been the most typical expertise. They have been also extremely heavy and exhausting to maneuver, that means armies usually used them just for protracted engagements like sieges. They had been too heavy. Its central tower replaced the nice Pyramid because the world’s tallest structure within the 14th century, and one among the original copies of the Magna Carta was stored right here for centuries. Within the 17th century, the journey throughout the Atlantic was an arduous one. According to the stories of the Ojibwe folks, the brown bullhead is one in every of six figures that came from the sea to form their clan. Charleville muskets have been .Sixty nine caliber, a bit smaller than the .Seventy five caliber Brown Bess muskets.
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Kikar Shabbat is reporting that Aryeh Deri, the former head of the Shas party will be returning to Shas.
A contract is being drawn up stating that both Eli Yishai (the current head of Shas), and Aryeh Deri will agree to work together. Rav Ovadiah Yosef will determine who will gets to be the party chairman, and what job each man gets.
Rumor has it that Deri will be appointed as party chairman, while Yishai will be pushed down to the number 2 slot, but in consolation will be the party’s chief minister (which he currently is anyway).
Shas leadership is apparently worried that if Deri forms his own party, he will take away many of Shas’s seats in the Knesset.
It is believed that Ariel Atias was one of the driving force behind the scenes in making this deal happen.
Deri was forced to step down as the head of Shas after he was convicted of bribery and other charges in 1999.Jewish Press News Briefs
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Assassin’s Creed 3 has a whole host of pop culture references littered throughout the game. It was only natural that a game of this scale and magnitude would have in itself a lot of pointers to the outside world. These Assassin’s Creed 3 Easter eggs provide a welcome little distraction from the main game because let’s face it, everyone needs a break from their work once in a while even if their work is saving the world and all that.
Assassin’s Creed 3 Easter Eggs
In this guide, we have compiled a whole list of Easter eggs found so far in the game. Please remember this guide will be ever expanding as we find new material and post it here.
If you have any knowledge of such Easter eggs, which are not present in this guide, then do share it in the comments’ section below. Now without any further ado, here are the Easter eggs in the game:
MMA Match Easter Egg
UFC and Assassin’s Creed have a strong relationship. In fact, there is a UFC cage present in the game if you know where to look. The stadium is located in Desmond’s sequence 1 and mission: “Stadium.”
When you reach the catwalk while chasing a guy in this mission, do not simply run past it. Instead, just hang around there and watch the fictional match of Guilherme Venancio and Luis Otavio Duris in the octagon below.
Loch Ness Monster Easter Egg
Nessy may or may not exist in the real world, and she poses the same mystery around her in Assassin’s Creed 3. To find out the truth for yourself, you need to complete a certain side quest called “Monster Of The Sea.” All you need to do activate this mission is to go into the pub, and you will see the name of the quest appear on top of a table of talking men.
After this you will need to travel around Boston and eavesdrop on the tall tales of three other persons and also talk to them to finally get at the heart of this mystery.
UFOs also make an entry in this game. They can be seen (?) when you complete the “Unidentified Flying Object” mission in the Frontiersmen Membership Side Missions. To activate this mission just talk to the grizzled hunter in the tavern. Be warned the ending of this mission may be a bit anti-climatic.
Da Vinci’s Flying Machine
You get to have a go with a copy of Leonard Da Vinci’s flying machine in the side quest called Homestead Mission. Sadly, it is not as great as the original one. In fact, it even does not manage to fly at all; you would only end up crashing into the water below.
Hackers Movie Easter Egg
This reference to the movie can be heard when you complete the Boston Brawlers side quest. In the movie, the quote is “Mess with the best, die like the rest.” In the game after this particular side quest, you hear “Dance with the best, fall like the rest.”
Cool Hand Luke Easter Egg
This reference to the 1967 movie can be randomly heard while walking alongside the ladies in the streets of New York and Boston. They randomly say the dialogue from that movie: “What we have here is a failure to communicate.”
Headless Monster Easter Egg
To find the Headless Hunter for yourself, you only need to complete the “Headless Hunter Mission” in the Frontiersmen Mission quest line. Unlike the other Easter eggs in the game, the Headless hunter really appears in the game, so be sure to do this quest.
Sasquatch Easter Egg
To find and meet the Sasquatch just complete the “Find The Sasquatch Mission” in the Frontiersmen Membership Side Missions quest line. Again be prepared to be a bit let down though.
This very unique Turkish Assassin can be found at Davenport Homestead during sequence 6. Go ahead and take cover behind the back wall near the porch and whistle. Once the turkey appears, tarket and put in the konami code which is up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, and A, which will then change the turkey into an assassin. B and A are switched with circle and X respectively, and A and B on Wii U.
The Boy who Cried Wolf
You have heard this name before probably if you studied this Aesop’s fable back in school. The boy can be found in the game north of New York in a secluded camp. You can find his corpse eaten by a wolf, which will spawn a wolf near your location.
Sid Meier’s Pirate
Sometimes, whilst sailing the ship, you will be able to listen to the song played in Sid Meier’s Pirates. Neat reference.
In the Animus Database you will find a reference to Y: The Last Man, which mentions a specific Agent 355.
Hinting at AC Origins
Talking to Shaun after the first real life mission, Shaun will suggest dialing the Animus back to the first civilization to see what the people were like. It could have possibly been a hint towards the future title of the series; AC Origins.
Alice in Wonderland
Shaun will reference Alice in Wonderland once the grand temple opens saying, “In another moment, down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again,” which is actually a line from “Down the Rabbit Hole” from the book Alice in Wonderland.
The Broken Sword Knife was actually a reference to a series which also dealt with a history of Templars and Assassins known as Broken Sword series.
The hanging laundry found in the game is actually arranged in a pattern to resemble the French Flag.
Spyro the Dragon
When you activate the mini-camera on Desmond’s first mission, the noise is actually same as that of Sparx the Dragonfly in Spyro the Dragon series.
The Last of the Mohicans
The Gunstock War Club was made same as of the club used by Chingachgook in the film The Last of the Mohicans.
A QR Code is hidden within an image right above the MMA ring while Desmond is in Brazil.
The Headless Horseman is referenced when Connor starts to investigate beheaded bodies under the order of the Frontiersmen, he will then see an actual Headless Horseman with a pumpkin as a head.

domain: entertainment


Viscosity measurements in halide melts
Naftaly, M., Jha, A., Taylor, E.R. and Mills, K.C. (1997) Viscosity measurements in halide melts. Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 213-214, 106-112. (doi:10.1016/S0022-3093(97)00097-5).
Full text not available from this repository.
Viscosities of three kinds of halide liquids were measured at temperatures near the glass transition and above the melting point. The liquids and glasses investigated were two fluoroaluminates, a cadmium mixed halide, cadmium halide phosphate and gallium–indium fluoride glasses. These glasses were designed for a variety of rare-earth doped fibre amplifiers and lasers. The cadmium mixed halide glass has a strong non-Newtonian behaviour, while near-Newtonian behaviour was observed in fluoroaluminate liquids. The implications of these results on fibre drawing and low-loss fibre fabrication are discussed. Viscosity data were fitted to models and the appropriateness of the fits is discussed
|Digital Object Identifier (DOI):||doi:10.1016/S0022-3093(97)00097-5|
|Subjects:||T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
Q Science > QC Physics
|Divisions :||University Structure - Pre August 2011 > Optoelectronics Research Centre
|Accepted Date and Publication Date:||
|Date Deposited:||11 Mar 2010|
|Last Modified:||31 Mar 2016 13:12|
|RDF:||RDF+N-Triples, RDF+N3, RDF+XML, Browse.|
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Melbourne: Researchers are wondering why part of the Earth’s atmosphere recently suffered its biggest ever collapse known to us.
The collapse occurred in the thermosphere, a rarefied layer of the Earth’s upper atmosphere between 90 and 600 kilometres above the surface, which protects us from the Sun’s extreme ultra violet (EUV) radiation.
A team led by Dr John Emmert from the US Naval Research Laboratory found that the thermosphere went through its biggest contraction in 43 years.
The thermosphere typically expands and contracts in line with the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle. During solar maximum when solar activity increases, the thermosphere heats up to 1100°C and expands. The opposite happens during solar minimum.
Currently, the Sun is experiencing its longest solar minimum on record, with little sunspot activity and few solar flares or coronal mass ejections.
To see how the solar minimum is affecting the thermosphere, Emmert and colleagues monitored the impact of atmospheric drag on satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). These satellites fly through the thermosphere, so the thicker the thermosphere the more drag it puts on spacecraft.
The researchers expected to see a contraction in line with solar minimum, but the level of collapse was up to three times greater than solar activity alone can explain.
They believe an increase in atmospheric CO2 may explain the contraction. CO2 has a cooling effect in the thermosphere, which would then amplify the impact of the extended solar minimum.
But the researchers found low levels of EUV radiation only account for about 30 per cent of the collapse, while the increase in CO2 levels account for another 10 per cent at most.
That still leaves some 60 per cent, which can’t be explained by current modelling.
Moreover, the current anomaly appears to have started in 2005, well before the current solar minimum began.
According to Emmert and colleagues, there may be an as yet unidentified climatological tipping point involving both energy and chemical feedbacks.
"They are suggesting that the whole composition and chemistry of the thermosphere might have changed and they way we come out of this solar minimum will tell us how it’s changed," ABC Science quoted Dr Phil Wilkinson, of the Ionospheric Prediction Service, with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, as saying.
Wilkinson added: "Or it could be that minor constituents in the thermosphere play a far more important role than we thought and we’re only realizing that now. If that’s the case then the thermosphere will eventually return to normal conditions."
Wilkinson said the only real impact of the thermosphere collapse is in space, where less atmospheric drag will keep spacecraft in orbit longer.
He said: "That’s good news if you want to keep your satellite flying, bad news if you’re trying to de-orbit space junk."
Emmert`s study appears in Geophysical Research Letters.

domain: geography