text:
Degree Granting Department
Creollismo, Francisco Oller, Manuel E. Jordan, Ramón Frade, Spanish American War
In the three decades surrounding the Spanish-American war (1880-1910), three prominent Puerto Rican artists, Francisco Oller (1833-1917), Manuel E. Jordan (1853-1919), and Ramón Frade (1875-1954) created a group of paintings depicting "el jíbaro," the rural Puerto Rican farm worker, in a way that can be appropriately labeled "nationalistic." Using a set of motifs involving clothes, customs, domestic architecture and agricultural practices unique to rural Puerto Rico, they contributed to the imagination of a communal identity for creoles at the turn of the century. ("Creole" here refers to individuals of Spanish heritage, born on the island of Puerto Rico.) This set of shared symbols provided a visual dimension to the aspirational nationalism that had been growing within the creole community since the mid- 1800s. This creollismo mythified the agrarian laborer as a prototypical icon of Puerto Rican identity. By identifying themselves as jíbaros, Puerto Rican creoles used jíbaro self-fashioning as a way to define their community as unique vis a vis the colonial metropolis (first Spain, later the United States). In this thesis, I will examine works by Oller, Jordan and Frade which employ jíbaro motifs to engage this creollismo. They do so by painting the jíbaro himself, his culture and surroundings, the fields in which he worked, and the bohío hut which was his home. Together, these paintings form a body of jíbaro imagery which I will contextualize, taking into account both the historical circumstances of jíbaro life, as well as the ways in which signifiers of jibarismo began to gain resonance amongst creoles who did not strictly belong to the jíbaro class. The resulting study demonstrates the importance of the mythified jíbaro figure to the project of imagining Puerto Rican creole society as a nation, and the extent to which visual culture participated in this creative process.
Scholar Commons Citation
Boe, Jeffrey L., "Painting Puertorriqueñidad: The Jíbaro as a Symbol of Creole Nationalism in Puerto Rican Art before and after 1898" (2012). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.


text:
The Wizard of Oz
Author: Beth Bracken
Film stills and original dialogue from the beloved movie The Wizard of Oz tell the tale of a young girl named Dorothy who flies over the rainbow with her dog, Toto, befriends a Tin Man, a Scarecrow, and a Lion on a yellow brick road to the Emerald City, and defeats a Wicked Witch before meeting a Wizard and learning that there's no place like home.
Please note: these books may bear remainder marks and may show some shelf wear.
All sale books are FINAL SALE and may not be returned or exchanged.

domain: entertainment


text:
The late literary lion’s archivist shares 70 years of his missives.
Before he died at age 84, Pulitzer Prize–winning author Norman Mailer (1923-2007) penned 44 books. He also spent that time adapting plays, writing poetry, producing films, and helping to launch “New Journalism” and the Village Voice. In the course of all that activity, the Brooklyn boy–turned–Harvard man also wrote complex, caustic and sometimes-moving letters to some 4,000 individuals. Lennon (Norman Mailer: A Double Life, 2013) presents 716 of those letters, decade by decade, in their naked forms and without much introduction. The recipients represent a cavalcade of contrasting personalities ranging from Martin Luther King Jr. to Monica Lewinsky. Most are directed at Mailer’s family, friends and colleagues and find the World War II veteran supremely absorbed in his own ideas. Mailer aficionados will no doubt enjoy the behind-the-scenes looks at the making of seminal works like The Naked and the Dead, as well as the writer’s ongoing sparring matches with editors and critics. Back in 1958, fellow scribe William Styron received this warning: “So I tell you this, Bill-boy. You have got to learn to keep your mouth shut about my wife, for if you do not, and I hear of it again, I will invite you to a fight in which I expect to stomp out of you a fat amount of your yellow and treacherous shit.” The legendary man of letters seems downright tame here, possessed of a certain kind of blue-collar charm that compliments his penchant for intellectualization. But one must also then consider that Mailer later stabbed the same woman he so steadfastly defended. She survived, but the author would go on to fulfill the prediction he made early on in life about becoming a serial groom. Apparently, Mailer hated writing letters and often found the exercise tortuous, but from Lennon’s collection, it appears that he loathed being disconnected even more.
An intriguing look at a particularly influential life of letters and a treat for Mailer fans.

domain: literature


Tioga County is mourning the loss of Richford fire chief John Keener, who passed away suddenly on Thursday night. John was a lifetime member of the department and chief since 2010. He had been dealing with health... Read More.
The Owego Police Department in conjunction with the Tioga County DA’s Office has made a felony arrest for the Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. 31-year-old Desire Kline of Owego has been arrested. Kline is alleged to... Read More.
Athens School District: 2 Hour Delay Binghamton School District: Closed Today Broome County Catholic Schools: Closed Today Broome-Tioga BOCES: Closed Today Candor School District: Closed Today Canton School District: 2 Hour Delay Central Baptist Christian Academy: Closed Today Chenango Forks School... Read More.
The New York State Police at Owego arrested 24-year-old Michael Thornton of McGraw, New York on felony Grand Larceny charges. The arrest was a result of an investigation into the use of a stolen... Read More.
Primary Elections were held for certain contested party nominations Tuesday. There were 7 races in Tioga County. The winners of each primary election will get the Republican party’s spot on Election Day this November... Read More.
A car was found partially submerged in a pond in Richford last night. Scanner reports indicate that the car was submerged in a pond off of Creamery Road. According to first responders on scene,... Read More.
A portion of Route 38 was closed this morning in Richford after a head-on collision between a tractor trailer and a minivan. It was reported around 8:45am on the section of highway just north... Read More.
Several fire departments were called to the scene of a structure fire on Wilson Creek Road in Newark Valley this morning. The fire was reported to 911 just before 2:30am. Newark Valley crews were... Read More.
The Newark Valley Central School District has received the results of a state audit out of the New York State Comptroller’s Office. The audit was held from July 1st, 2014 to October 13th, 2015.... Read More.
As of January 1st, Northern Tioga EMS, formerly known as Berkshire EMS, will cease operations. The EMS service provider covers the areas of Newark Valley, Berkshire and Richford. The inability to keep the service... Read More.


Rates ARE In Fact Rising
For the better part of the last few years (decades?), if there was one thing that market strategists were sure of it was that interest rates were going to rise. And if there is one thing they have been consistently wrong about, it is their forecast for higher rates. The trend downward has been an especially one-way ride over the past 15 months. Each time rates threatened to move up, bond bulls stepped up right where they needed to and pushed rates back down (see November and March posts).
A few weeks ago, we posted that, due to the technical position of interest rates, it was the bond bears who needed to step up if they wanted to prevent another run at new lows. The bears did indeed step up and rates have been on the rise since. And in fact, as of yesterday, 30-year Treasury yields have exhibited preliminary signs of a potential change in trend, i.e., rates potentially are on the rise now.
At least, 30-year yields have achieved a few milestones necessary for a trend change that they had been unable to achieve for over a year. Specifically, the 30-year yield has:
- formed a higher high for the first time since 2013
- formed a higher low for the first time since 2013
- risen above the 200-day simple moving average for the first time since March 2014
Despite these milestones, a longer-term change in trend is not a guarantee. Presently, the 30-year yield is bumping against key Fibonacci Retracement levels from the December 2013 highs and September 2014 highs around 2.90-2.95. Should this level be overcome, the November highs around 3.10 (also representing a 50% retracement from the 2013 highs) would be the next target before a bigger test around 3.30-3.40. That level marks the September 2014 highs and the key 61.8% Fibonacci Retracement of the December 2013 to January 2015 decline. Surpassing that level would open the way for a potential longer-term turn higher in interest rates.
For now, at least when pundits proclaim their “higher interest rate” predictions, they have some evidence to actually point to – in the short-term anyway.
More from Dana Lyons, JLFMI and My401kPro.
The commentary included in this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute a recommendation to invest in any specific investment product or service. Proper due diligence should be performed before investing in any investment vehicle. There is a risk of loss involved in all investments.


text:
Route, Timetable and Fares
Explore the city by boat with Thames Clippers, the fastest and most frequent fleet on the River Thames. Find out more on our routes, timetables and fares.
The first bridges of Illuminated River are now lit! Join our official guided boat tours for the best view.
River family fun
Ahoy adventurers! Find out about our kids activity books, facilities and family discounts

domain: travel


text:
Season 3 of the VFS Variety Hour begins with a BANG.
In our longest episode yet, we take a step behind the scenes of Ross and Evan’s short film, THE SON IS ON FIRE! A single podcast in three acts. Special guests aplenty. Tequila. You don’t want to miss this.

domain: artistic


text:
Modulation and intrinsic factors influencing spike reliability and precision in the auditory system
MetadataShow full item record
Neurons in the auditory pathway fire spikes with high fidelity and precision. This feature is very important for temporal information processing and sound localization. Therefore mechanisms dedicated to preserving and improving fidelity in spiking are of central importance to sound processing. To understand such mechanisms, I focused on the synapse formed by auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) onto bushy cells (BCs) in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN). This auditory nerve synapse plays a crucial role by conveying temporal information from ANFs to higher auditory centers in the auditory pathway. One factor that contributes to fidelity is modulation. Modulation influences processing of sound information, especially at early stages of the auditory pathway, which has large consequences for downstream auditory centers, and thereby hearing. Modulation can occur by both targeted neurotransmitter release acting at synaptic or perisynaptic receptors and by changes in ambient neurotransmitter levels that act at extrasynaptic receptors. I focused on the physiological role of ambient glutamate using voltage-clamp and current-clamp experiments. I found that ambient glutamate plays a significant role in modulating BC excitability and enhancing the spike probability, through tonic activation of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). I also found that the fidelity of spiking could be modulated through changing ambient glutamate level. This modulation provides considerable flexibility in the functional state of this synapse (Chapter 2). Another major factor that regulates fidelity is how postsynaptic spikes are initiated, which depends critically on the properties of sodium channels. These channels are crucial for triggering the spike itself, so their properties are important to understand. Remarkably, BCs have non-overshooting spikes with minimal contribution from the somatic compartment. In addition, other auditory neurons which encode precise temporal information also lack somatic spikes. However, the reason for this unusual intrinsic property is unclear. I studied the functional effects of somatic sodium conductance ( g Na ) in BCs using a new, fast dynamic-clamp system. The properties of the dynamic-clamp interface are set out in Chapter 3. I used this dynamic clamp to add g Na to the soma, which yielded normal, overshooting spikes. However, increasing g Na also had major negative consequences. With increasing g Na , the spike probability decreased during evoked synaptic activity. In addition, g Na also degraded the precision of coincidence detection. Thus, low somatic g Na appears to be an adaptation for enhancing fidelity and temporal precision in BCs (Chapter 4).


PEACE PACT ENDS WAR OF WORDS.
Wirral's Mayor Cllr Andrew Hodson issued a legal threat to Liberal Democrat leader Simon Holbrook over the latter's claim the office of mayor had been brought into disrepute. He made the claim because an emergency meeting to discuss Wirral's U-turn on library closures clashed with a long-standing business commitment, and requests to reschedule were denied. He has now apologised.
A joint statement read: "The Mayor and Cllr Holbrook have agreed that, while there was no legal requirement for the Mayor to consult over the date of the meeting, it would have been preferable had the Mayor consulted all Group Leaders before the date was set." It adds: "Cllr Holbrook accepts he overstepped the mark in accusing the Mayor of abusing his position and bringing the Mayor's Office into disrepute, and has apologised for those remarks."
|Printer friendly Cite/link Email Feedback|
|Publication:||Liverpool Echo (Liverpool, England)|
|Date:||Oct 10, 2009|
|Previous Article:||MERSEYSIDE Police; MERSEYSIDE Briefing.|
|Next Article:||MERCER MUM'S APPEAL REJECTED; Three-year jail term for lying to cops stays.|
|Admiral Sir Reg blew it and war was on the way.|


text:
Kentucky site likely for Martek expansion
By Julie Bell,
Originally published February 5, 2003
"Martek Biosciences Corp. said yesterday that it plans to spend more than $30 million expanding manufacturing capacity to keep up with demand for its infant formula supplement, which gained U.S. approval last year.
Chief Financial Officer Peter L. Buzy said the latest expansion, to begin this year and be up and running next year or in 2005, most likely will be located in Winchester, Ky., home of its current plant.... Martek already has spent more than $25 million over the last 18 months doubling the capacity of its Winchester plant and building a separate packaging and administrative building. That work is expected to be completed in the next couple of months, giving Martek and its contract manufacturers the capacity to make enough supplement to bring the company $120 million to $160 million in annual revenue.
The company reported $46.1 million in revenue for the fiscal year that ended Oct. 31. [ $160M, That's a lot of baby formula.. - JC]

domain: news


text:
Six terrorists killed in Pakistan
At least six terrorists were killed Saturday when army's helicopter gunships pounded their hideouts in Hangu district in Pakistan.
Helicopters shelled suspected militants' hideouts in Tora Wari and Dar Samand areas of the district, Dawn online reported citing its sources.
Hangu borders the tribal region of Orakzai, considered to be the hub of the Taliban.
On Feb 20, at least 35 militants were killed after fighter jets targeted their hideouts in three different districts of North Waziristan tribal region.
The air strikes were carried out following an approval of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
(Posted on 22-02-2014)
Information on States of India:
Andaman Nicobar | Andhra Pradesh | Arunachal Pradesh | Assam | Bihar | Chandigarh | Chhattisgarh | Dadar Nagar Haveli | Daman Diu | Delhi | Goa | Gujarat | Haryana | Himachal Pradesh | Jammu Kashmir | Jharkhand | Karnataka | Kerala | Lakshadweep | Madhya Pradesh | Maharashtra | Manipur | Meghalaya | Mizoram | Nagaland | Orissa | Pondicherry | Punjab | Rajasthan | Sikkim | Tamil Nadu | Tripura | Uttar Pradesh | Uttaranchal | West Bengal
INDIA REGIONAL MAPS:
Andhra Pradesh Travel Map | Bihar Travel Map | Goa Travel Map | Gujarat Travel Map | Haryana Travel Map | Himachal Pradesh Map | Karnataka Travel Map | Kerala Travel Map | Maharashtra Travel Map | Punjab Travel Map | Rajasthan Travel Map | Sikkim Travel Map | Tamil Nadu Travel Map | Uttar Pradesh Travel Map | West Bengal Travel Map |
KERALA TRAVEL MAPS:
TRAVEL MAPS OF INDIA:
INDIA CITY MAPS:

domain: geography


text:
In “Understanding the Differences Between Stress and Anxiety: A Guide to Mental Wellness,” you will gain insight into the distinctions between stress and anxiety. This article, part of a comprehensive series on mental health and well-being, aims to provide you with valuable information, strategies, and support to enhance your overall mental and emotional wellness. By understanding the differences between stress and anxiety, you can better navigate these challenges and take steps towards a healthier and happier life.
1. What is Stress?
1.1 Definition of Stress
Stress is a natural response to challenging situations that your body experiences. It is a physical, mental, and emotional reaction to changes or demands in your life. When you encounter stress, your body goes into a “fight-or-flight” mode, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This response helps you cope with the demands at hand and can even be beneficial in certain situations. However, chronic or prolonged stress can have negative effects on your mental wellness and overall health.
1.2 Causes of Stress
Stress can be caused by various factors, including work-related pressures, financial difficulties, relationship problems, major life events, and even daily hassles. Each individual may have different stressors that trigger their stress response. It is important to note that what may be stressful for one person may not cause stress for another. Identifying the specific causes of stress in your life is crucial in effectively managing and reducing its impact on your mental well-being.
1.3 Effects of Stress on Mental Wellness
Prolonged exposure to stress can have significant effects on your mental wellness. It can lead to symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and feelings of overwhelm. Stress can also impact your sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels. If left unmanaged, chronic stress can increase the risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. It is essential to be aware of the potential negative impact of stress on your mental well-being and take proactive steps to minimize its effects.
1.4 Strategies to Manage Stress
To effectively manage stress, it is important to develop healthy coping mechanisms and strategies. Some effective stress management techniques include practicing relaxation exercises like deep breathing and meditation, engaging in physical activity, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and sleep, setting realistic goals and priorities, and seeking social support. Additionally, time management skills and establishing boundaries can also help reduce stress levels. By implementing these strategies, you can better manage stress and promote your overall mental wellness.
2. What is Anxiety?
2.1 Definition of Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal emotional response to stress or anticipated threats. It is a feeling of uneasiness, fear, or apprehension about what is to come. While it is natural to experience some level of anxiety in certain situations, such as before an important presentation or during a life-altering event, excessive and persistent anxiety can be harmful to your mental well-being. Anxiety disorders are characterized by intense and prolonged feelings of fear, worry, and unease that can significantly impact daily life.
2.2 Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some common causes of anxiety include a family history of anxiety disorders, traumatic experiences, chronic stress, certain medical conditions, and substance abuse. It is important to understand that anxiety is not a personal weakness or character flaw, but rather a result of various factors interacting together. Identifying the specific causes and triggers of your anxiety can assist in managing and reducing its impact on your mental wellness.
2.3 Effects of Anxiety on Mental Wellness
Anxiety disorders can have a profound impact on your mental wellness. They can lead to symptoms such as excessive worrying, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. Left untreated, chronic anxiety can worsen and increase the risk of developing other mental health conditions. It is crucial to acknowledge the effects of anxiety on your mental well-being and seek appropriate support and treatment.
2.4 Strategies to Manage Anxiety
Managing anxiety involves a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes and provides effective coping mechanisms. Some strategies to manage anxiety include practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation, engaging in regular physical exercise, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine intake, and avoiding alcohol and substance abuse. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, is also an effective treatment option for anxiety. Seeking support from loved ones and joining support groups can provide additional tools for managing anxiety and promoting mental wellness.
3. The Relationship Between Stress and Anxiety
3.1 Interplay between Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are closely related and often interact with each other. While they are distinct experiences, they share common elements and can influence one another. Stress can trigger anxiety, and prolonged anxiety can increase stress levels. It is important to understand the interplay between stress and anxiety to effectively manage both and prevent their impact on mental wellness.
3.2 How Stress Can Lead to Anxiety
When faced with chronic or overwhelming stress, your body’s stress response can become dysregulated, leading to anxiety. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain, contributing to the development of anxiety disorders. Additionally, persistent stress can erode your ability to cope with future stressors, making you more susceptible to anxiety.
3.3 Impact of Anxiety on Stress Levels
Anxiety can intensify your stress response and make it more challenging to manage stress effectively. The constant worry and fear associated with anxiety can amplify the perceived stress in everyday situations, leading to heightened stress levels. Anxiety can also impair your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills, further exacerbating stressful situations. Recognizing the impact of anxiety on stress levels is crucial in implementing strategies that target both stress and anxiety.
3.4 Dual Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety
Since stress and anxiety often coexist and influence each other, adopting strategies that address both is essential. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep, can help reduce both stress and anxiety. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation can also effectively manage both conditions. Additionally, seeking support from loved ones and professionals, practicing time management skills, and setting realistic goals are beneficial in managing stress and anxiety simultaneously.
4. Recognizing the Symptoms of Stress
4.1 Physical Symptoms of Stress
Stress can manifest in various physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension, stomachaches, rapid heartbeat, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. You may also experience fatigue, frequent illness, and increased susceptibility to minor health problems. Recognizing these physical symptoms is crucial in identifying when stress is impacting your well-being and taking appropriate actions to manage it effectively.
4.2 Emotional Symptoms of Stress
Emotional symptoms of stress can include irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and a sense of being overwhelmed. You may find it difficult to relax or enjoy activities you once loved. Emotional symptoms can significantly impact your mental wellness and relationships, underscoring the importance of recognizing and addressing stress-related emotions.
4.3 Cognitive Symptoms of Stress
Stress can also affect your cognitive abilities, leading to difficulties in concentrating, memory problems, indecisiveness, and a racing mind. You may experience “brain fog” or find it challenging to stay focused on tasks. It is essential to be aware of these cognitive symptoms to identify when stress is hindering your mental functioning and seek appropriate strategies to manage it.
4.4 Behavioral Symptoms of Stress
Stress can manifest in behavioral changes, such as increased or decreased appetite, changes in sleep patterns, restlessness, social withdrawal, and decreased motivation. You may also notice unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive alcohol or drug use, as a response to stress. Recognizing these behavioral symptoms allows you to assess how stress is affecting your daily life and make positive changes to address it effectively.
5. Recognizing the Symptoms of Anxiety
5.1 Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can cause various physical symptoms that may resemble those of stress, including rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest tightness, muscle tension, and stomach discomfort. You may also experience headaches, dizziness, trembling, and excessive sweating. Recognizing these physical symptoms is vital in distinguishing anxiety from other health conditions and seeking appropriate support.
5.2 Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety
Emotional symptoms of anxiety can include excessive worry, fear, nervousness, irritability, and a pervasive sense of uneasiness. You may feel on edge or constantly expecting something bad to happen. Anxiety can also trigger panic attacks characterized by intense fear, heart palpitations, and a feeling of impending doom. Awareness of these emotional symptoms helps you identify when anxiety is affecting your mental wellness and take suitable steps to manage it.
5.3 Cognitive Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can significantly impact your cognitive functioning. Common cognitive symptoms include racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, a heightened sense of alertness, and excessive worry about future events. You may also experience intrusive thoughts or have difficulty stopping obsessive and negative thinking patterns. Recognizing these cognitive symptoms can assist in differentiating anxiety from other mental health conditions and implementing appropriate strategies for managing it.
5.4 Behavioral Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can influence your behavior and daily activities. Behavioral symptoms may include avoidance of certain situations or places that trigger anxiety, excessive reassurance-seeking, constant checking for signs of danger, compulsive behaviors, and social withdrawal. Recognizing these behavioral symptoms is crucial in understanding the impact of anxiety on your daily life and implementing strategies to manage it effectively.
6. Coping Mechanisms for Stress Management
6.1 Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact your stress levels. Regular physical exercise, such as walking, jogging, or practicing yoga, releases endorphins and helps reduce stress. Prioritizing proper nutrition by consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support your body’s resilience to stress. Adequate sleep is also crucial for stress management, so ensure you prioritize getting enough restful sleep each night.
6.2 Relaxation Techniques
Engaging in relaxation techniques is an effective way to manage stress. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness can help calm your mind and relax your body, reducing stress levels. Find a relaxation technique that suits you and incorporate it into your daily routine to promote a sense of calm and well-being.
6.3 Time Management Strategies
Effectively managing your time can significantly reduce stress. Prioritize your tasks, set realistic goals, and create a schedule that allows for breaks and self-care. Identifying and eliminating time-wasting activities or delegating tasks to others can help alleviate stress caused by overwhelming workloads. By managing your time effectively, you can create a sense of control and reduce stress.
6.4 Seeking Support and Social Connections
Social support plays a crucial role in stress management. Reach out to loved ones, friends, or support groups to share your feelings and experiences. Talking about your stressors and receiving support can provide perspective and relief. Engaging in social connections and activities can also distract from stress and promote a sense of belonging and well-being.
7. Coping Mechanisms for Anxiety Management
7.1 Breathing Exercises and Meditation
Breathing exercises, such as deep diaphragmatic breathing, can help regulate your body’s stress response and reduce anxiety. Practicing mindfulness meditation, focusing on the present moment without judgment, can also be beneficial for managing anxiety. These techniques promote relaxation, reduce anticipatory anxiety, and help you develop a sense of control over anxious thoughts and emotions.
7.2 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders. It focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and irrational beliefs that contribute to anxiety. By replacing these thoughts with more rational and constructive ones, CBT helps you develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce anxiety symptoms. Working with a qualified therapist trained in CBT can provide valuable tools for managing and overcoming anxiety.
7.3 Incorporation of Mindfulness Practices
Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily life can be beneficial for anxiety management. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and acceptance. It helps you develop a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, allowing you to respond to anxiety more skillfully. Mindfulness practices, such as body scans, mindful walking, and loving-kindness meditation, can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety levels.
7.4 Seeking Professional Help
If anxiety symptoms persist or significantly interfere with your daily life, seeking professional help is crucial. Mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed therapists, can provide a range of evidence-based therapies and treatments tailored to your specific needs. They can help you develop effective coping strategies, provide support, and monitor your progress. Seeking professional help is a proactive step towards managing anxiety and promoting mental wellness.
8. Prevention and Early Intervention
8.1 Recognizing and Addressing Stress Triggers
Preventing stress starts with recognizing and addressing the specific triggers in your life. Pay attention to situations, events, or people that consistently cause stress for you. Once identified, you can take steps to mitigate their impact or develop coping mechanisms to navigate them more effectively. Avoiding or minimizing stressors whenever possible can help prevent the negative effects of stress on your mental wellness.
8.2 Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Developing healthy coping mechanisms is essential in preventing stress and anxiety. Engage in stress-reducing activities like exercise, relaxation techniques, and hobbies. Practice self-care regularly, ensuring you prioritize activities that bring you joy and peace. Establishing healthy boundaries and learning to say no when necessary can also prevent excessive stress. By developing healthy coping mechanisms, you empower yourself to manage stress effectively.
8.3 Creating a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment is crucial for stress and anxiety prevention. Surround yourself with positive and understanding individuals who can provide emotional support. Cultivate healthy relationships and communicate your needs and concerns openly. Establishing a strong support network can provide a buffer against stress and promote your mental well-being.
8.4 Promoting Mental Wellness in Daily Life
Promoting mental wellness is an ongoing process that requires daily attention. Prioritize self-care practices, such as practicing gratitude, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and fostering healthy relationships. Incorporate stress management techniques, practice mindfulness, and engage in regular physical exercise. By consciously promoting mental wellness in all aspects of your life, you can prevent stress and anxiety from adversely affecting your well-being.
9. Seeking Professional Help
9.1 When to Consider Professional Intervention
Knowing when to consider professional intervention is essential for your mental wellness. If stress or anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life, relationships, or ability to function, seeking professional help is warranted. Persistent feelings of distress, difficulty managing symptoms, or signs of other mental health conditions may also indicate the need for professional intervention. Trust your instincts and consult with a mental health professional to receive the support and guidance you need.
9.2 Types of Mental Health Professionals
There are various types of mental health professionals who can provide support and treatment for stress and anxiety. Psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication if necessary, while psychologists and therapists offer specialized therapies and interventions. The choice of professional depends on your specific needs and preferences.
9.3 Treatment Options and Therapies
Treatment options for stress and anxiety encompass various evidence-based therapies and interventions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with stress and anxiety. Other therapy approaches, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can also be effective for managing stress and anxiety. Medication may be prescribed by a psychiatrist in cases where symptoms are severe or do not respond to therapy alone.
9.4 Importance of Regular Check-ups
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important for monitoring your mental wellness. Schedule routine appointments to discuss any concerns or changes in your mental health. Communicate openly with your healthcare provider regarding your stress and anxiety symptoms, as they can recommend appropriate interventions and ensure your overall well-being. Regular check-ups promote early intervention and help prevent the escalation of stress and anxiety-related issues.
10. The Path to Mental Wellness
10.1 Holistic Approaches to Mental Wellness
Achieving and maintaining mental wellness involves adopting a holistic approach that considers all aspects of your well-being. This includes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Take care of your body by engaging in regular physical exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough restful sleep. Nurture your mind and emotions through relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and pursuing activities that bring you joy. Discover and cultivate a sense of spirituality that resonates with you, whether through religious or spiritual practices, connecting with nature, or engaging in self-reflection.
10.2 Self-Care Practices for Well-Being
Self-care is a vital component of mental wellness. Engaging in regular self-care activities promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and rejuvenate your mind, such as reading, taking baths, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative hobbies. Set aside dedicated time for self-care each day to nurture your mental wellness.
10.3 Building Resilience and Emotional Intelligence
Building resilience and emotional intelligence can help you effectively navigate stress and anxiety. Resilience involves developing the ability to bounce back from adversity and adapt to life’s challenges. Cultivating emotional intelligence enables you to recognize and manage your own emotions and effectively navigate relationships. Both resilience and emotional intelligence contribute to mental wellness by enhancing your ability to cope with stress and maintain healthy relationships.
10.4 Promoting Awareness and Reducing Stigma
Promoting awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health is essential for fostering mental wellness. Educate yourself and others about stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Engage in open conversations and share your experiences to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. By promoting awareness and understanding, you contribute to a more compassionate and supportive society that values mental well-being.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between stress and anxiety is crucial for enhancing your mental wellness. By recognizing the symptoms, implementing effective coping strategies, and seeking appropriate support, you can manage stress and anxiety, leading you on a path to a healthier and more fulfilling life. Prioritize your mental well-being and empower yourself to live a life of balance and resilience.

domain: psychology


text:
Politics of Environmental Law: Political Ideology, Elitism or Urban-Rural Interests?
- 147 Downloads
This paper examines a number of demographic aspects in congressional districts and states that played important roles in a series of Congressional votes on environmental issues in 2000. These characteristics include urbanization or population density, education, income, race, and employment. Our findings are mixed. While we find some evidence (at least in Senate votes) that population density is a positive predictor of “pro-environment” votes, we also find that things commensurate with the Environmental Kuznets Curve such as income, education, and lifestyle also play an important role in environmental voting.
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
- Ackerman, B. A., & Hassler, W. T. (1981). Clean Coal/Dirty air, New Haven: Connecticut: Yale University Press.Google Scholar
- Baumol, W. J., & Oates, W. E. (1979). Economics, environmental policy, and the quality of life, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.Google Scholar
- Baumol, W. J., & Oates, W. E. (1988). The theory of environmental policy, New York: Cambridge Press.Google Scholar
- Becker, G. S. (1983). A theory of competition among pressure groups for political influence. Quarterly Journal of Economics, No. 3, August, 371–399.Google Scholar
- Laband, D. N. (2001). Regulating biodiversity: Tragedy in the political commons. The Freeman: Ideas on Liberty, September. Taken from the Internet: http://www.fee.org/vnews.php?nid=376
- Mayle, P. (1991). A year in provence, New York: Vintage Books USA.Google Scholar
- McChesney, F. S. (1987). Rent extraction and rent creation in the economic theory of regulation. The Journal of Legal Studies, 16, 101–117.Google Scholar
- McChesney, F. S. (1998). High plains drifters: Politicians' lucrative protection racket. The Freeman: Ideas on Liberty, 4–9.Google Scholar
- Milgrom, P., & Roberts, J. (1992). Economics, organization and management, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.Google Scholar
- Petersen, J. (2005). Death of a sawmill. Opinion Journal: From the Editorial Page of the Wall Street Journal, December 29, 2005, http://www.opinionjournal.com/cc/?id=110007741.
- Posner, R. A. (1974). Theories of economic regulation. Bell Journal, 5, 335–358.Google Scholar
- Reisner, M. (1989). The next water war: Cities versus agriculture. Issues in Science and Technology, 98–102.Google Scholar
- Sowell, T. (1981). A guilt-edged society. from Pink and Brown People and Other Controversial Essays, Palo Alto, California: Hoover Press, 65–66.Google Scholar
- Sowell, T. (1981). Environmentalists and ego trips. from Pink and Brown People and Other Controversial Essays, Palo Alto, California: Hoover Press, 100–101.Google Scholar
- Sowell, T. (1981). Those phony environmentalists. from Pink and Brown People and Other Controversial Essays, Palo Alto, California: Hoover Press, 101–105.Google Scholar
- Stigler, G. J. (1971). The theory of economic regulation. Bell Journal, 3–21.Google Scholar
- Tucker, W. (1977). Environmentalism and the Leisure Class. Harper's, 49–80.Google Scholar
- Sowell, T. (1982). Progress and Privilege: America in the age of environmentalism, New York: Anchor Press/Doubleday.Google Scholar
- U.S. Bureau of the Census. (2001). Statistical Abstracts of the United States.Google Scholar
- Yandle, B. (1989). The political limits of environmental regulation: Tracking the Unicorn, Westport, Connecticut: Quorum Books.Google Scholar

domain: economics


text:
Shirley Shillingford, a longtime advocate for Boston’s poor and hungry, always has a cause to push for and something to say. But on Monday afternoon, something rare happened: She was speechless.
A range of public officials — including Mayor Martin Walsh and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley — along with local friends, surprised the veteran of 45 years working for the city, renaming in her honor the food pantry in Mattapan that she’s run as manager for the past 15 years. It’s now Shirley’s Pantry, per the new sign on the wall outside, as well as the Boston Public Health Commission Healthy Baby, Healthy Child Food Pantry.
She wasn’t at a loss for words long, of course.
“I am the official loyal beggar,” Shillingford said of her work. “All you can say to me is ‘yes’ or ‘no’ — so I’m not afraid to ask.”
Shillingford, a Jamaican immigrant, recalled setting up the pantry at 213 River St. in 1992. She said she persuaded some local guys to buy them some chicken, and got some beer companies to toss them a fridge and freezer.
“If you don’t ask, then you don’t get,” Shillingford said.
Pressley presented Shillingford with the first official citation she’s made as a federal elected official, recognizing Shillingford for her work helping the people of Boston.
“We just made it official — this has always been Shirley’s place,” Pressley said, then adding to Shillingford: “You have sacrificed for people in the dawn of their lives, the middle of their lives and the twilight of their lives.”
Walsh called Shillingford “one of the real heroes of the community,” noting that the work done in pantries like this one is particularly important this time of the year for the city’s needy.
“If this wasn’t here for them, this would be a very different Christmas for them,” Walsh said.


text: A novel liquid chromatographic system which enables high temperature ultrafast liquid chromatography (HTUFLC) has been designed through the careful consideration of heat transfer, band broadening, and pressure drop. Studies of the effect of linear velocity on the HETP show that column efficiency at high velocity, especially of well-retained solutes, dramatically improves at higher temperatures. At 150 °C, at a flow rate of 15 mL/min with a 5 cm by 4.6 mm (i.d.) column packed with 3 μm polystyrenecoated zirconia porous particles, long chain alkylphenones were completely resolved, and the analysis time could be decreased by a factor of 50 compared to that at room temperature (25 °C) at a conventional flow rate (4 mL/min). In addition, using pure water as the mobile phase, five phenols were separated in less than 30 s.


Named after the Latin word for "bridge", the Pons is a revolutionary connection system that forges two brains into a singular consciousness. The initial design of the Pons was a skeletal helmet with circular clamps that fixed it to the head of the user. Pons were later constructed within the interior of the helmets for Drivesuits to work in tandem with the entirety of the Drift process inside the Jaeger. When connected through the Drift, pilots are able to "see" what the Jaeger does through the Pons interface; it allows them to pick up telemetry from whatever sensors are in the direction the pilot looks.
© NeuraFutures.com all rights reserved 2021-2023
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.


text:
But instead share a delicious lunch recipe!
I just ate this - it is a modified Super tuna. But I was getting tired of tuna. SO!
Egg Salad -Salad:
Combine : 2 hard boiled eggs, fresh dill, finely chopped celery and green onion, cucumber and 2Tbsp of Mayo
Place on top of bed of chopped baby spinach and green beans ( I used the marvelous ones from Costco. They have no equal short of homegrown)
I figured since I split the egg salad portion with the baby, it was okay to put in a lot of mayo!
It really didn't even taste like "egg salad" since it was so very crunchy. I am in love with this. So yummy!

domain: food


Our Six Flange Mace was a knightly weapon of warfare circa 15th century and is typical of those used throughout Europe. Examples of this mace have been exhibited in museums around Europe including the Wallace Collection London. Each Gothic Mace is made with a open core steel shaft for weight and balance with double handed leather grip. Overall Length: 30”
Submit Rating & Review
Product Ration & Review
(0.00) # of Ratings: 0 There are no comments for this product. CLICK HERE
to be the first one to share your opinion!


Abercrombie & Fitch Tries To Make Diversity Fashionable
Clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch is known for many things: classic casual apparel, fresh-faced half-naked models, and gorgeously photographed catalogs combining those two elements. But, for the past year, Abercrombie has been selling something that doesn’t have a price tag: tolerance.
Last fall, Abercrombie teamed up with the Anti-Defamation League to create a diversity-training program called “A Campus of Difference,” aimed at student leaders on college campuses. The anti-bias workshop was inaugurated at Washington University, in St. Louis, and over the past academic year four more colleges participated: Ohio State; University of California, Los Angeles; University of Houston, and The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement at Spelman College.
This fall, Abercrombie and the ADL will expand the college program, and unveil a parallel program for use in high schools. Todd Corley, Abercrombie’s vice president for diversity, said, “This is an important initiative for us because it helps us to support the dialogue among college students about the importance of appreciating difference.”
Abercrombie’s involvement in this diversity program initially raised some eyebrows, coming as it did on the heels of media and consumer uproar over some of its T-shirts, which were emblazoned with slogans deemed offensive to Asians and women, such as “Two Wongs Make it White Laundromat” and “Gentlemen Prefer Tig Old Bitties.”
Jill Stratton, the assistant dean of students at Washington University, was the liaison for “A Campus of Difference” when it came to her campus. Some of the students were aware of Abercrombie’s controversial T-shirts and were, at first, skeptical of the program, she said. “To be honest, I was concerned at first when I heard about the tie-in with Abercrombie,” she said. “But I was very impressed with the facilitators. Before they started, they were very honest. They told us, ‘Look, this is a response to the consequences of some of our actions.’ It’s a lesson that you should always be honest, be genuine and then move on.”
Deborah Stogel, the ADL’s director of higher-education programs, said that Abercrombie “wanted to do something in the community like this” in the wake of the T-shirt flap. “The idea was sort of happening simultaneously on both ends,” she said, noting that the ADL is “neither promoting nor endorsing Abercrombie & Fitch,” although all of the workshop materials feature the corporation’s name. Caryl Stern, the ADL’s associate national director, said that Abercrombie is demonstrating that it is a “responsible corporation” and that it is “concerned … about confronting bias and prejudice in the larger society and especially among young people.”
Some universities hold “A Campus of Difference” programs for their honors students, while others have used it as a training workshop for club or residential hall leaders. ADL training specialists with experience in higher education then guide the discussions among several smaller groups of five to 10 participants each.
The four-hour-long training program focuses not only on antisemitism but also on other forms of bigotry, including racism. The first activity asks the participants to list four different terms that they identify as relating to their heritage. Then, they must think of situations in which they felt proud or embarrassed about being one of those four terms.
“The program concentrates on who we are as individuals, celebrating individual identities,” Stogel said. “We do activities that show us how we create a campus that is accepting of all different people.”
When “A Campus of Difference” came to Washington University, some 120 leaders of student residential halls participated. Stratton said the experience was productive: “I mean, it’s not like if you put it in the oven at 350 degrees for four hours, you’re done,” she said. “It’s a lot more complicated than that. What this did was set the foundation.”
The next phase for the ADL and Abercrombie will be to craft a high-school version of the program to debut in the coming academic year. “This time around, we’re reaching a broader age range of kids,” said Stogel.
The high-school program will hone in on fighting hate crimes and acts of bias — particularly cyber-bullying, a relatively new form of harassment over the Internet that has become more prevalent among adolescents, Stogel said.
“This will be an ally-building effort,” Stogel said. “We want to teach students how to become agents to stand up for those being victimized.”


text:
READY MATIC BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR MH-777
Ready Matic Fully Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor MH-777 with Adaptor
Fully Automatic Ready Matic Blood Pressure Monitor machine allows you to monitor your Blood Pressure. It has Intelligent Pressure Control, Double Users Management system.
Ready Matic Blood Pressure Monitor Machine allows you to track the variances in your blood Pressure level over the course of time.
Ready Matic Blood Pressure Monitor Machine renders results very quickly, signifying the most rapid testing procedure possible. With testing this quick and easy, you can expect minimal interference with your daily routine and the ability to get back to doing the things you love to do!
Large Screen Size
Ready Matic Blood Pressure Monitor Machines offers not just one user, but two users Measurement records– it has a large screen rendering results. This ensures that testing results are easy to read on a large display.
Ready Matic Blood Pressure Testing Machine has a excellent battery life, a full 5 times longer than other blood Pressure Monitor Machine in the market today.
- Intelligent Pressure Control
- Last 3 groups Average Function
- Double Users Measurement Records
- Super LCD Display
- Free Adaptor
- With Users Manual
- Two Persons Memory 2 x 90
- Extremely Accurate
- Attractive Designs

domain: health


text:
Welcome to Dubai, city of merchants, cultural crossroads, second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates. A country where the dust of the desert is clearing to reveal the potential for one of the most significant international cities of the 21st century.
Our best deals
4 nights & flights from $1199*pp
Fly FREE to a Neighbour Island and stay 2 nights from $99*pp
One way flights from $209*
Sydney,Melbourne,Brisbane & Perth
Return flights from $1299*pp
Take a Friend
Second person cruises
4 nights & flights from $899*pp
Europe Business Class
Return flights from $4669*pp
Return from $1989*
Istanbul, Paris, London & more!


text:
Elite Tactical Reports - A Guide to STFs on Elite Difficulty
View Single Post
Join Date: Jun 2012
06-30-2012, 04:02 PM
Infected Space Briefing
Initial Borg patrols are defeated.
Optional Objective timer begins (All mission objectives must be completed in 15 minutes).
Nanite generators (4 per transformer) are destroyed. Two spheres will warp in after the first two generators are destroyed, and the destruction of generators begins the process of nanite probes and spheres, which heal the transformer, warping in.
Nanite transformer(s) is/are destroyed.
Borg Tactical Cube warps in.
Tactical Cube & Gate are destroyed to complete mission.
General Tactics & Suggestions:
Gravity Well, Eject Warp Plasma & Tractor Beam Repulsors are all quite effective at slowing down incoming nanite probes and spheres.
Its reccommended to kill the Gate prior to attacking the tactical cube as the Tac Cube does *not* immediately aggro on entering the system, leaving you free to pummel the gate into submission without any incoming damage at all. If someone does manage to aggro the cube (and really, they have to go out of their way to do this, IE, this is a troll you probably dont want to run with again) they, or someone else should kite it out a little bit and then evasive back to work on the gate. You can also just move to the other side of the gate (flying behind) and the gate should be dead before the tactical cube manages to blunder its way into range.
Specifically about fighting the gate. You dont have to take any damage whatsoever. Out past about 7.8 km 15 to 30 degrees off of the side of the gate is a dead zone where its attacks cannot hit you.
Due to nerfs to power siphon drones and energy siphon in general, its not longer possible for a single ship to keep the tactical cube totally docile. However, they still help. Even thought they tend not to have the brute force damage potential of an escort, science ships/carriers can still make this fight a lot easier.
Tactical Walkthrough & Optional Strategy:
After clearing out the initial patrols, the timer will start. Head over to one of the gates and quickly destroy the Cube guarding the nanite transformer.
The team should split up and bring each of the four nanite generators to 10% of max health, WITHOUT destroying any of the four generators feeding nanites into the transformer. On command of the team lead, destroy all four nanite generators simultaneously. IMMEDIATELY have all ships focus fire on the transformer, using all available DPS-boosting abilities. The goal is to destroy the transformer before the spheres that spawn can get into range to heal it.
After the transformer is destroyed, all ships should clean out the Borg vessel that entered the system.
Repeat Steps 1-3 for the other transformer.
After both transformers are destroyed, a Tactical Cube will warp in. Ignore it. Do not aggro it. Focus all fire on the gate while sitting in its dead zones.
After the gate is destroyed, kill the Tactical Cube, and make sure to use every single trick up your sleeve, to complete the optional objective with time to spare.

domain: game


Still thinking outside the box, Flatlands Dance Theatre will place the focus on collaboration within the choreography of eight new dances this weekend.
The program, called "Collide: Redux, A Collaboration of Artists and Art Forms," will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at LHUCA's Firehouse Theatre, 511 Ave. K.
It is an innovative collaboration among choreographers, dancers, musicians, visual artists, multimedia artists and even a circus artist.
General admission tickets are $20 for the general public and $12 for seniors, students with ID and children (includes $3 service charge).
Tickets are on sale online at selectaseatlubbock.com, and at the Select-A-Seat outlets at Amigo's Supermarket, Dollar Western Wear, the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, Market Street, Ralph's Records, the Texas Tech Student Union's ticket booth and United Supermarkets.
Call 770-2000 or toll free (800) 735-1288 for more details.
Lubbock's professional dance troupe now has 14 dancers in its main company; the youngest is 24. Five Texas Tech dance students are working apprentices.
Kyla Olson, executive director of Flatlands Dance Theatre, could not hide her excitement and pride when speaking of the group's progress. "We're in our fourth season, and already we have presented at least 40 original choreographies. That's fairly amazing.
"At the same time we have been building an audience, and working on grants and fundraising. I want the company to keep growing, and I want the people (general public) to know about what we do."
Just as amazing is the manner in which Olson and company dancers juggle time just because they love dance as an emotion-packed, expressive art form.
Consider that Olson works at Texas Tech as a dance instructor. When classes end, she begins thinking about rehearsals for Flatland Dance Theatre; she will dance several times in the program. Plus she has been hired to choreograph two of this summer's Moonlight Musicals, "South Pacific" and "Titanic."
"Yeah, I really have no free time, ever. But this is the way I like it," said Olson. "And besides, every one of our company members have full-time jobs or families, where they are taking care of their kids.
"So the hard part is finding a time when everyone can be present."
When the season started, Olson and artistic director Ali Duffy told the company dancers about a proposed theme of collaboration, and asked for ideas.
They also found out who wanted to work on original choreography.
Olson said she likes the idea of "building bridges" by collaborating with other types of artists - and she is thrilled that two Flatlands company members, Molly Roberts and Emily Winton, created their first choreographies for this production.
Both dancers took risks with their creations.
Winton, for example, is working opposite three musicians in a dance called "Please remove your shoes." In fact, Connor Leggot composed an original song specifically for the piece.
Roberts' dance is called "Courage to Move," and she and her dancers have worked hard with acrobat and circus-trained aerialist Richard Oaxaca. A former award-winning cheerleader, Oaxaca now dances professionally, but also found time to pursue a dream and attend the New England Center for Circus Arts and the San Francisco Circus Center.
The concept may strike many as astounding, but "Courage to Move" finds dancers working with rigging that is safely hooked into fly rails, said Olson.
"This entire production is about half live music and half recorded," said Olson. "But a lot of real musicians composed music for their dance, and I know the choreographers enjoyed that process."
This show also marks the first time that Olson has collaborated on a choreography with Suzanne Aker.
"It was a honor to work with her," noted Olson. "She is amazing. She is 86, active and we were blown away when we watched her building movements."
Aker created the city's first ballet company, now called Ballet Lubbock, in the 1960s. She was a founding board member for Flatland Dance Theatre.
But there's another reason Olson finds magic when working with Aker on a piece called "Catherine."
She explained, "Suzanne also was my very first ballet teacher."
Follow William on Twitter


text:
This administration is corrupt and is not even bothering to hide it anymore. They are probably relying on the press to not cover their transgressions – and in most cases they don’t.
“It’s highly unusual that you would acknowledge an investigation into a political figure who is running for office in an upcoming election,” he says. “I think it deserves an explanation, because it does come off as potentially political when you announce an investigation in a candidate who’s running for office.”
via Department of Justice | Federal Bureau Investigation | GOP.
I guess he’s an “old school” Louisiana politician. I hope Louisiana has out grown this type of deceit. Calcasieu parish isn’t New Orleans…
In response to a Freedom of Information Act request, Derosier revealed earlier this week that he has spent $47,000 of public dollars on billboards and videos this year alone – more than three times what he spent last year – under the guise of “public service announcements.”
“There was no ‘public service’ in these expenditures,” Hartman said. “There was nothing but a violation of the law in the use of taxpayer dollars for blatant and shameless self-promotion.”
via District Attorney Caught In Lies | PRLog.
This whole mess is not being handled very well at all. It seems every level of government involved are completely incompetent or severely lacking in common sense.
So Sheriff Lupe Valdez goes along with this. Orders her deputies to enter a quarantined Ebola home, unprotected, to serve quarantine papers. And one wonders… if it is perfectly safe to enter a potential Ebola infected quarantined home unprotected, then why the quarantine? Defeats the whole purpose of a quarantine… doesn’t it?
Of course, it is a little to late to worry about your family…
via Perfect Ebola sense… | American Irony In The Land Of Freedumb….
Soylent Green is people!
We’re not quite sure what they’re getting at here, but judging from our man’s experience, they may be referring to Soylent 1.0’s effect of having him “out-gassing more, and the resultant emissions are noxious.”To combat these effects, the company has added a mixture of digestive enzymes to its brew – including alpha-galactosidase, acid-stable protease, and fungal proteases – which it claims should help guzzlers’ bodies break down the complex carbohydrates and proteins in the mix.”Of course, there are myriad factors which affect a food’s digestive characteristics, and it will take several iterations to optimize fully for this category,” Soylent says. “We think Soylent 1.1 is a solid first step, and will be relying on feedback from our customers to evaluate the full effectiveness of the enzyme blend.”To commemorate the formula upgrade, Soylent has also issued new packaging for its product. It now comes in an unassuming white box bearing the Soylent logo and the motto “Free Your Body” – your body presumably having been imprisoned by delicious curries and bacon sandwiches for far too long.
via Take THAT, hated food! It’s OVER, tedious chewing! Soylent strikes back with version 1.1 • The Register.
Well this is an unexpected turn of events. I would of never thought there were potential criminal charges in a municipal water works problem. I’ll have to keep an eye on this one to see what happens.
LSP hands over investigation of deadly amoeba to state attorney general
Updated: Oct 02, 2014 12:13 PM CDT
Written by: FOX8Live.com Staff
LAPLACE, LA (WVUE) –
Louisiana State Police have handed over their investigative file into a deadly amoeba found in the St. John the Baptist Parish water supply to the state attorney general’s office.
“We will immediately begin to review this information to determine the appropriate course of action. We also appreciate the cooperation provided by the St. John Parish Administration who has supplied us with their internal findings as well,” a spokesperson with the attorney general’s office said on Thursday.
The state mandates that a certain level of chlorine be maintained in the waterlines because it kills the amoeba. Criminal charges could be filed as part of the investigation.
The potentially deadly amoeba was found in the system that serves Garyville, Reserve, Mount Airy and parts of LaPlace in July.
Copyright 2014 WVUE. All rights reserved.
via LSP hands over investigation of deadly amoeba to state – FOX 8 WVUE New Orleans News, Weather, Sports.
We’re from the Government and we’re here to help…..
“Let me be real frank to the Dallas County residents: The fact that we have one confirmed case, there may be another case that is a close associate with this particular patient,” he said. “So this is real. There should be a concern, but it’s contained to the specific family members and close friends at this moment.”
The director continued to assure residents that the public isn’t at risk because health officials have the virus contained.
via Officials: Second person being monitored for Ebola.
35 tank cars equals a million gallons… I know the trains down here are usually 100 or more cars long, not all tank cars though. Wouldn’t it be safer if it was buried under ground? You could move a lot more of it a LOT safer.
By Joe Jordan / October 1, 2014 / Nebraska Watchdog
Nearly half a million folks in 11 eastern Nebraska counties now know what top state officials have known for several months: millions of gallons of dangerous and potentially deadly oil train shipments are traveling through their backyards every week.
Bakken oil rolls through 11 Nebraska counties: Dakota, Thurston, Burt, Dodge, Saunders, Cass, Lancaster, Gage, Johnson, Pawnee and Richardson
In an unexpected about face, state officials Tuesday released what they previously said was highly sensitive security information.
Those security concerns—including the state’s decision refusing a Nebraska Watchdog public records route request— were sounded earlier this year despite the federal government’s insistence that public safety would not be compromised.
On May 7, following a 2013 Canadian derailment and explosion and four crashes and fires in the U.S., the Department of Transportation ordered railroads carrying more than 1 million gallons of Bakken crude oil — 35 tank cars — to provide states with detailed routing and volume information, allowing local fire and police to better prepare for accidents.
via Secret is out: Potentially dangerous oil train shipments roll through NE weekly « Watchdog.org.
If so, why isn’t gas getting cheaper? It is down to almost under $3 a gallon here in SW Louisiana but I bet it’s not that much in Saudi Arabia. Now imagine if the Feds would open up some leases. (Most of the production increases are from drilling/fracking on private land, not federally controlled lands.)
By Rob Nikolewski │ Watchdog.org
The U.S. energy sector keeps posting impressive numbers and it’s on the verge of reaching another international milestone.
For the first time in nearly 25 years, American liquid petroleum production, which includes oil and natural gas, is on pace to surpass Saudi Arabia.
HAIL, SHALE: Due in large part to what’s called the “shale revolution,” the U.S. is poised to become the world’s top producer of liquid petroleum.
According to figures released by the International Energy Agency in Paris, the United States is just about even with the Saudis at 11.5 million barrels per day of oil and related liquids.
Saudi officials insist it still has the capacity to increase production, but as the Financial Times of London reported Monday, “even Saudi officials do not deny that the rise of the U.S. to become the world’s largest petroleum producer — with an even greater lead if its biofuel output (of about 1 million barrels a day) is included — has played a vital role in stabilising markets.”
The last time the United States produced more liquid petroleum than Saudi Arabia was in 1991.
via Move over Saudi Arabia, here comes U.S. oil and gas « Watchdog.org.
There’s a use for a drone I hadn’t thought of… I hope no one in our government reads this.
The Argentine government has used drones to catch out wealthy tax evaders who had not declared mansions and swimming pools.
Unmanned aircraft were dispatched over an upper class area of Buenos Aires and discovered 200 homes and 100 pools that had not been detailed on returns.
Tax officials said the drones took pictures of luxury houses standing on lots registered as empty.
The evasions found by the drones amounted to missing tax payments of more than $2 million and owners of the properties have been warned they now face large fines.
The unregistered mansions and pools were found in an area about 10 miles south of the city and, according to the tax agency, they appeared to be large and constructed with “premium materials”.
via Argentina Uses Drones To Root Out Wealthy Tax Evaders – Liberty Crier.
I have heard from many Louisiana conservatives that Jindal wasn’t as “great” as the national conservative groups/media like to portray him. From saying he won’t raise taxes but raising fees to now this. Be wary of him as he tries to rise to national office. ~JC
As the election for the next President approaches, I feel it is my responsibility as a former Louisiana State Senator to enlighten you about a possible future candidate. Louisiana Governor [Piyush] Jindal, has been setting the stage for a possible run for President of the United States. In doing so, he has caused much arm to the state of Louisiana and its residents.
Basically, Governor Jindal and the state of Louisiana have “Obamacared” its own employees’ health insurance plan as well as two other different agencies’ funds. When Governor Jindal came into office, the Health Care Trust Fund for the state of Louisiana had a $500 million dollar balance. According to Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera, this same trust fund will be gone by 2015. How is it possible that $500 million has disappeared? Also, the Louisiana Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly had a balance of $519.2 million in 2012 and at the end of this fiscal year, it will contain zero! In 2011, the state capped the amount of the Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund and redirected the monies to the operating budget. This maneuver thus effectively uses the trust fund money to pay for balancing the budget (Lake Charles American Press, Sunday, August 10, 2014O.
Governor Jindal brags about balancing Louisiana budgets, but he never mentions how many times he has “robbed Peter to pay Paul” to do it. He has put together some of the most patched up budgets of any Louisiana governor in recent times. It is predicted that for the next fiscal year, the state deficit will be some $1.2 billion! (Lake Charles American Press, Thursday, September 4).
Finish reading: Jindal’s raid on our trust funds | New Orleans’ Multicultural News Source | The Louisiana Weekly.
Government employees and politicians get special status from TSA
By Eric Boehm / September 26, 2014 | Watchdog.org
Government employees and politicians get preferential treatment from the Transportation Security Administration simply for being government employees and politicians.
Meanwhile, everyone else is stuck in an “aviation security caste system” based on dozens of watchlists compiled by the TSA, FBI and other law enforcement agencies, along with a secret formula the TSA believes can sort passengers based on hypothetical analyses and conjecture.
That’s the conclusion drawn by Hugh Handeyside, a staff attorney for the ACLU, who reviewed a recent audit of the TSA, every traveler’s favorite government pseudo-police force.
via Government employees and politicians get special status from TSA « Watchdog.org.
I just don’t understand how they can say this is good for the economy. I know raising my electric bill by 35% would put a serious dent in the money I have for going to dinner, shopping, traveling. The so called renewable energy sector has already demonstrated that it is not ready for prime time. Several of Obama’s supporters that received large Federal grants have gone out of business… Either they were scams from the get go or they could not make a profit even with a large injection of taxpayer money.
When it becomes cost effective, I will be one of the first to jump on the solar/wind bandwagon. I would love to not have an electric bill at all…
Gina McCarthy argued Thursday that her home state of Massachusetts is proof you can cut greenhouse gas emissions while fostering economic prosperity, but the Environmental Protection Agency administrator failed to mention the apparent trade-off for consumers: dramatically higher electricity prices.
In a speech promoting President Obama’s climate change agenda, Ms. McCarthy ignored the fact that New England states — which nearly a decade ago formed the nation’s first regional “cap and trade” system — are dealing with electricity rates more than 35 percent higher than the national average.
via EPA chief pushes green energy agenda, ignores high electricity costs that result – Washington Times.
Something needs to be done, I am normally a “de-regulate” everything but the telecoms have grown back into nearly the huge monopoly they were before the Feds broke them up. The cable companies are no better, soon you will have 2 choices for internet service and both will be over priced and low quality customer service. The problem of right-of-way access needs to be addressed also, this is the permission for a company to put their cable/fiber/wire on a pole or underground by the roads. One reason there isn’t more competition now is right-of-ways have to be negotiated with every city/county/state/small town and there is not a consistent price or code for this. Right-of-ways should be negotiated at the state level, that way when a new company wants to offer service in a state they don’t need to deal separately with dozens of small government agencies. An example of this is my small town, the city owns the electric service and therefore most of the poles. A city councilman was getting a lot of complaints about the CATV company and wasn’t getting answers from the local office. He couldn’t get anyone from the main office in NYC to contact him so he proposed a change to the right of way fees for the CATV company – he wanted to raise the price to $10 per pole… count the poles next time you drive down a road. Needless to say the home office called and corrected the problem. The point of that is the city shouldn’t have its own price, that CATV company (to get TV to my town) has to negotiate with 3 towns and the parish (county) government just to get service to my town. I wonder how much cheaper it would be if they only had to negotiate a contract with 1 state agency?
By Josh Peterson | Watchdog.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal lawmakers already are beginning to look beyond the 2014 midterm elections, and the fight to turn the Internet into a public utility could be setting the stage for a revamp of telecommunication law in the new Congress.
Talk of modernizing the Telecommunications Act of 1996, or ’96 Act, was on the lips of more than one lawmaker last week during the flurry of the net neutrality discussions, which has both sides of the debate threatening higher consumer costs and stifled innovation if their way is not implemented.
During an interview at his Capitol Hill office last week, U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters that continuing fights over the Federal Communications Commission’s authority over the Internet could inspire an update of the ’96 Act to clarify its jurisdiction.
via Net neutrality fight sets stage for telecom law update « Watchdog.org.
I tend to shop at Lowe’s, they are closer and usually have what I am looking for. Now I am glad I don’t shop at Home Depot and I probably won’t ever again.
Home Depot ignored staff warnings of security fail laundry list
‘Just use cash’, former security staffer warns friends
By Darren Pauli, 22 Sep 2014
Home Depot is facing claims it ignored security warnings from staff, who say prior to its loss of 56 million credit cards, it failed to update anti virus since 2007, did not consistently monitor its network for signs of attack, and failed to properly audit its eventually-hacked payment terminals.
The fixer-upper retail giant failed to conduct even basic adequate scans in line of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), former employees told the New York Times, with more than a dozen customer information databases unbelievably marked as off-limits to security staff.
Former unnamed security staff told the paper they were so concerned of the poor state of IT systems that they warned their friends to ‘use cash’ instead of credit cards.
via Home Depot ignored staff warnings of security fail laundry list • The Register.
…It will probably come as a surprise to no one that Ceasefire PA is dramatically lying with their claim.
According to the FBI, long guns accounted for 622 murders in 2012 (322 rifles, 303 shotguns), and 1,205 in 1996 (532 rifles, 673 shotguns, according to Table 20). The number of people murdered with long guns hasn’t doubled… it has roughly halved.
The attempt to target long-guns comes after numerous media outlets sympathetic to gun control curious chose last week to abandon their 30-year fixation on so-called “assault weapons.”
Apparently, they’re now going to go after bolt-action rifles used for hunting, calling them “sniper rifles,” comparing their owners to “insurrectionists” and”terrorists” as they attempt to push universal background checks as a de facto gun registry.
via And Then They Came For The Bolt-Actions – Bearing Arms.

domain: politics


text:
A Holistic Approach to Aquatic Microplastics Research
Microplastics—those tiny bits of plastic less than 5 mm (<0.2 inches) in length—have become a very large problem. These minute structures are now known to be abundant in nearly every type of environment on Earth where they are affecting ecosystems and living organisms, including humans.
A growing number of researchers worldwide are investigating microplastics pollution in a range of aquatic environments. Two of the biggest needs these researchers face are standardized methods for sample collection, preparation, and analysis, and analytical methods that are highly sensitive and accurate. One aquatic microplastics research team in England is making great strides toward meeting these needs.
UoB Research Team Develops Improved Laboratory and Field Methodologies
The University of Birmingham’s (UoB) microplastics research team is a collaboration that addresses the aquatic microplastics pollution problem from different, but complimentary, angles. Dr. Holly Nel is a marine and estuarine ecologist who focuses on understanding the movement of plastics through aquatic systems and their effects on aquatic biota. She is an expert in field methods including sample collection and preparation. Dr. Andrew Chetwynd is a biochemist with expertise in the development of novel analytical methods that provide superior polymer identification and micro-/nano-particle characterization. These two scientists have converged their work into a powerhouse for understanding microplastics pollution!
The characterization of aquatic microplastics faces several recurring analytical challenges. The UoB team is currently addressing several of these challenges, including:
- Development of analytical methods that are highly sensitive and that maintain that sensitivity even with small sample mass
- Ability to generate accurate data for a range of microplastic particle sizes and media types
- Accurately distinguishing between isomers and closely related polymers
- Preventing false identifications of particle constituents
Dr. Nel and Dr. Chetwynd rely on several PerkinElmer, Inc. (PerkinElmer) instruments to address these challenges. The hyphenated workflow that links thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) has become a key to their success. The individual instruments in the workflow each provide unique data and insights that the team uses to fully characterize microplastics. The accompanying PerkinElmer software enables them to avoid polymer misidentification and build location-specific polymer libraries. Dr. Nel uses this robust and highly accurate data to evaluate and refine her field methods.
Dr. Chetwynd and Dr. Nel are using their expanded techniques to identify microplastics hot spots and vulnerable areas within ecosystems and to track their sources. The ultimate goal is, of course, to use such information to develop targeted mitigation strategies.
Want to know more about the UoB team’s work and their vision for global collaboration to address microplastics pollution? Read the full account in our customer success story.

domain: biology


text: A talented section participant who rarely soloed, Mario Bauzá’s primary importance to music was behind the moments among the primary instigators of Afro-Cuban jazz, the potent combination of Latin rhythms with jazz improvisation. A multi-instrumentalist, Bauzá performed clarinet and oboe using the Havana Philharmonic before shifting to NY in 1930. Throughout a stint with Noble Sissle in 1932, he turned to trumpet. As musical movie director with Chick Webb (1933-1938), Bauzá helped convince the drummer from the potential greatness of Ella Fitzgerald. He was with Don Redman during 1938-1939, and Cab Calloway (1939-1941). Bauzá was mainly in charge of Calloway employing Dizzy Gillespie, and in 1947 he’d introduce Gillespie to Chano Pozo. Bauzá became the longtime musical movie director of his brother-in-law Machito’s orchestra (1941-1976), motivating Machito to include jazz solos to his music. In the 1980s and early ’90s as the top of his personal Afro-Cuban orchestra, Mario Bauzá (who got long since abandoned playing trumpet) documented three superb albums of his preparations and lastly received some reputation for his essential efforts to music.


SAN ANTONIO - The 59th Medical Wing at Lackland Air Force Base received an American flag Thursday that offered hope to thousands of soldiers, sailors, Airmen and Marines who were wounded in Iraq.
The flag is one of four displayed in Hero's Highway, a tent that wounded troops entered as they were brought into the Air Force Theatre Hospital at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
Over seven years, 35,000 patients were treated at the hospital in Balad.
More than 9,000 of those wounded warriors passed under the flag which was presented to the 59th Medical Wing.
Retired Col. Charles Hardin, who was the commander at the hospital from January 2005 to May 2005, said the glimpse at the flag offered hope.
"You could see the relief on their faces," he said. "That flag meant all the world to them at that moment."
It was a sign that they were in American territory -- and would be taken care of.
06 January 2012
'Hero's Highway' flag presented to 59th Medical Wing at Lackland Air Force Base
Posted by MaryAnn


text:
Quite Simply Our Best Scot-Petshop Dog Waste Bag Yet
Our customers love our Original Scot-Petshop large green dog waste bags. They love the size, thickness, how tough and strong they are and the Exo Bio-renewable technology used in production. We have been manufacturing these bags for over 10 years and we are privileged to have so many repeat customers coming back to us time and time again. We thank you! Many love our Premium dog poop bags too at 20 micron in thickness. However some often found them a little too thick. I suppose it is just personal preference. Everyone wants to be confident and happy in picking up after their dogs and that’s where we come in.
Instead of giving our Original Scot-Petshop bag a face lift (as we know many customers like them just the way they are). We decided on a brand new Scot Petshop standard dog waste bag using Epi Oxo-biodegradable technology with a few new fresh ideas. We have made the bag a darker green like our premium bags. Increased the product dye content so they are more opaque. We have introduced an easy hanging tab, this allows bundles of 100 bags to be hung on a simple hook which can be easily dispensed from. Great for dog walkers, Dog Grooming Salon, Doggie Day Care Centres. Ideal for hanging up in the home in a garage or utility area. Finally our bags come in a simple cardboard box, bundles into neat piles of 100 bags without any excess packaging.
New Great Features:
High Dye Content – Less Transparent
Handy Hanging Tab
A Bit Bigger Than Our Original bags
No Excess Packaging
Recyclable Card Box
We love them, please give our New Scot-Petshop Dog Waste Bags a try. We hope you and your four legged friend will love them too.

domain: pet


Urbani izziv Volume 29, No. 1, June 2018
Marseilles School of Architecture, Marseille, France
Social housing in a suburban context:
A bearer of peri-urban diversity?
In recent years, French urban policies have demanded reflection on the possible relations and intersections between two emblematic, and almost antithetical, forms of housing: collective social housing and suburban single- family housing. There are two main laws in place that encourage opposite dynamics in the housing market: on the one hand, the Solidarity and Urban Renovation Act adopted in 2000 promotes social housing construction, obliging municipalities to achieve a certain quota. On the other hand, the Housing and Renewed Urbanism Act adopted in 2014 facilitates private housing production to limit urban sprawl through suburban densification. These opposite planning approaches leave local governments responsible for enforcing complicated policies of questionable feasibility. This article presents the main social and political concepts used in France today to promote social housing: the right to housing and, most importantly for suburbs, the social diversity of neighbourhoods. Subsequently, the relevance of social diversity for the suburbs is discussed. Certain social housing projects that have been successfully implemented in suburban neighbourhoods are examined. Finally, this article opens a discussion on possible methods for resolving the opposition between the dynamics of social housing construction and private housing densification processes in the suburbs.
urban policies, social housing, social diversity, suburbs, single-family housing