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I had flashed him an understanding grin as he bolted up the aisle (after eight long hours, escaping was what we all wanted to do), so when he came striding up to me in the luggage hall I wasnâ€™t that surprised. What did throw me was his taking my face in both hands and stroking my cheeks while muttering and crossing my head. It wasnâ€™t exactly the sort of first encounter Iâ€™d expected to have with a Georgian â€“ and it was certainly the first blessing Iâ€™d ever been given in a luggage hall.
Such is the power of religion in Georgia that when I mentioned this experience later to locals it was not seen as entertaining but as a portent. The robed figure was not just any old Harrods shopper, but one of the heads of the Orthodox Church, who had just accompanied His Holiness Ilia II, the equivalent in Georgia of the Pope, on a trip to London. The fact that I had been blessed was a sign, I was assured: I was now in Godâ€™s hands and would have a heavenly holiday â€“ which indeed I did.
Even if one has not been held by holy hands, Georgia is the sort of country that does make one count oneâ€™s blessings. It clearly struggles. Being sandwiched between Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey is not a particularly comfortable place to be, politically or economically.
Unemployment is at 16 per cent, the countryside is littered with derelict former Russian mines and factories, and a quarter of the population survive below the poverty line, in buildings that have been rocked by war and earthquakes.
But it has such a rich and interesting history that after a while these glaring disadvantages start to fade. So, yes, a lot of the houses are falling down and the roads are potholed and the accommodation is often basic. But when you witness the Caucasus Mountains soaring into blue skies like some mythical snowy set from Lord of the Rings, when you step into ancient sacred hilltop churches aglow with gold mosaics, and when you sit and feast with big-hearted, cultured people, suddenly Georgia doesnâ€™t seem so poor after all.
Like most visitors, I based myself in Tbilisi, the capital, and took day trips from there â€“ the best way to see the country, if you like a break from basic guesthouses, an occasional European meal and classical music in gilded concert halls that wouldnâ€™t be out of place in Vienna. Built in the 6th century around an area of hot springs on the banks of the Mtkvari river, the city bears the scars and glories of more than 40 invasions, from Greeks such as Jason in search of the Golden Fleece to Russian oligarchs in search of golden opportunities.
The most interesting bits of Old Tbilisi are walkable and were built in the last century, when Russia was looking to Europe for inspiration. Climb one of the many hilly streets and you will feel as though you are passing ramshackle parts of Paris, replete with crumbling shutters and intricate ironwork balconies.
Stroll along others and you will spot wooden houses that look like set pieces from a Tolstoy novel: charming double-storeys painted in pastels, their ornate verandas hung with grapevines.
The buildings that dominate the city, though, are mostly houses of worship. Wherever one looks, the spire of a church or mosque pops into the skyline. It is to these, while concert halls and galleries are refurbished following years of war, that most citizens go to get a cultural fix. Given that the nation was the second, after Armenia, to make Christianity the national religion (in 337), these spaces are rich with spiritual music and glorious artworks.
I went into more than 10 churches in a week (if churches arenâ€™t your thing, then Georgia probably isnâ€™t your destination). My favourites were probably the darkest and most ancient in the city: the 6th-century Anchiskhati, whose choirâ€™s voices were so pure that they made my hair stand on end, and the dark, fresco-covered Sioni Cathedral, where a replica of the cross of St Nino (who brought Christianity to this region) is on display.
It is by examining the remnants of previous civilisations that one sees this countryâ€™s colourful â€“ and rather bloody â€“ history brought to life. Drive to the wine valleys of Kakheti, two hours north-west, and one passes ruins of the palace of the second king, Gorgasali, who died in AD502, its turret now crumbling into the forest. Drive a little farther south, into semi-desert at David Gareja, and you can venture into Bronze Age caves that were painted with frescoes in the 13th century and are still inhabited by a few remaining monks.
In the hills of Uplistsikhe, one can explore an entire cave city that was once inhabited by 20,000 people, then explore the murals of the beautiful Gelati monastery, with its giant golden mosaic of the Virgin that twinkles in the darkness amid the echo of monks chanting mass.
I travelled earlier this year when it was too early to explore the mountains, and wished I had come later (or was a better skier â€“ there are three ski resorts, the newest of which, Mestia, offers Swiss lifts, free lift passes and clean guesthouses for Â£50 for a double room). Tbilisi is surrounded by mountains and parks, all of which have trails, campsites and forests that are said to be ablaze with colour in autumn, and virtually empty of tourists.
of white cheese, fresh salads and spicy pickles, and several varieties of khachapuri: a moreish cheesy bread.
When I next go, I will spend less time eating, and more exploring the wine lands of Kakheti (particularly now the German-run Schuchmann winery has opened, with airy vineyard-view rooms) and the pretty art-filled town of Sighnaghi, encased by a great wall (not unlike Chinaâ€™s, but with 28 towers).
I probably wonâ€™t return to Gori to see Stalinâ€™s museum again â€“ one visit to the grim little home town of the Georgian-born dictator is enough â€“ and I wouldnâ€™t return to the town of Kutaisi, other than to revisit the heart-stoppingly beautiful Gelati monastery again.
But I will go back to be scrubbed into squeaky cleanness by a big Georgian mama in Tbilisiâ€™s sulphurous steam baths; I will buy heaps more wine (super-cheap and absolutely delicious; see www.georgianwinesociety.co.uk); I will go to a concert every night (the musicians and concert halls are extremely good). And every single morning I will eat a cheese puff from the monkâ€™s bakery by Sioni cathedral. Yes, it was that good â€“ and only 20p.

industry_corpus2: Travel & Geography


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When you need the help of an Auto Locksmith West Chevington look no further than our team of experts who are always on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
We have a team of auto locksmiths on call in West Chevington 24 hours a day 365 days a year for when you have a security emergency relating to your vehicle.
No matter what service you need from a local auto locksmith in West Chevington simply pick up the phone and give us a call so we can unlock your vehicle and replace or repair your car key today.

industry_corpus2: Automobiles


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The Work to Give Project, a partnership between the Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society and Corrections Services Canada, is an initiative designed to provide incarcerated offenders with employment skills while contributing to low income communities and families.
There are many communities within British Columbia that are impoverished, where unemployment rates are high and graduation rates are low. Statistics show there is a high likelihood that youth will turn to drugs, alcohol and crime in communities that are faced with these challenges. The Cariboo-Chilcotin region within British Columbia has the highest degree of statistical challenges as noted above and as such, is the reason for choosing this area as the primary focus for this project.
Incarcerated offenders have some amount of time on their hands whereby they are “idle” and may not have enough activity, employment or programming to fill their long days. It is believed that this inactivity is a factor which can lead to an increased demand for drugs, contributing to an institutional subculture that is not conducive to rehabilitation. Many offenders have the skills to produce products but do not have the resources or capacity to build on their knowledge. Furthermore, other offenders would benefit from the opportunity to learn these skills from each other. Furthermore, the opportunity for offenders to give back to communities in need engenders a restoration for previous harmful actions.
The Work to Give Project provides offenders with raw materials to produce products that are donated to the Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society, who then distributes the goods throughout the Cariboo- Chilcotin region to charitable organizations and low income families and communities. Given that CSC has a clear over representation of Aboriginal offenders, this project has specifically been designed to provide products to these communities in an effort to address this over representation from a “preventative” lens. CSC has engaged the Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society, First Nations leaders and organizations in the region to develop lists of needs which has resulted in offenders producing furniture for homes, schools and Band Offices, as well as children’s clothing, toys, educational materials and other items.
Through regular visits to the institutions by the PLWCS, providing pictures and stories of the impact their donated goods are making in homes and communities, the offenders have become very enthusiastic about Work to Give. They are realizing that their work is being delivered right to the people that have a need for it, and feel engaged and appreciated. In turn, the benefits to the communities receiving the goods has been countless. Hundreds of children, families, schools, and communities are feeling the impact of this project every day.
It is our ultimate goal to assist the communities, families, and children of the Nation to be successful, healthy, and whole in all aspects of their lives.

industry_corpus2: Law & Justice


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How Can I Find an Provider in my Area?
TAP® Pest Control Insulation is registered as a pesticide with the EPA. The regulations controlling who can sell and install TAP® Pest Control Insulation in a particular market is controlled by the individual state regulatory agencies. In some states, specifically AZ, MI, and CT, the state regulatory agency allows licensed insulation contractors to sell and install TAP® Pest Control Insulation. In other states, however, the rules vary widely.
Interested in adding TAP® Pest Control Insulation to your Current Program?
Contact us today to learn more about how you can install TAP® Pest Control in the new homes you build or locate a provider in your area.

industry_corpus2: Real Estate & Construction


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Stampinantics: JUST ADD INK #222 AND A TUTORIAL!!
At Just Add Ink this week we have a gorgeous colour challenge, as suggested by Mae, using Bermuda Bay, Blushing Bride, and Soft Suede.
This colour challenge suited a technique I used on one of my recent convention swaps, which you can see HERE. I used a different embossing folder for this weeks challenge and love the look of all those chevrons!
I hope the colour challenge inspires you to join in this great challenge at Just Add Ink this week. Head over there and check out the great samples the rest of the DT have come up with too.
Stampin' Up! classic inks, two or three colours and sponges.
Stampin' Up! embossing folder of choice.
1. Sponge your choice of inks onto Whisper White or Very Vanilla card. It looks fairly ugly at this stage, but never fear!
2. Open your embossing folder so the inside is facing you. One side will have the Sizzix and SU logo on, but we need to work on the opposite side. Spritz the side of the the embossing folder without logo's liberally with water.
3. Turn your embossing folder over, wet side toward your sponged card and gently lay the folder down. Press evenly over the entire surface to transfer the water to the sponged card.
4. Don't leave the folder on too long or you will loose the definition of the folder you are stamping. Gently lift the folder away. When you first reveal your wet artwork, it doesn't look very defined, but that happens as it dries.
The top photo was taken just after I lifted the folder, the bottom, after it was dry. Quite a difference! You can leave it to dry naturally, as I do, or speed the process up with a heat gun.
I hope you weren't too disappointed with how easy this technique actually was!! It packs a real punch with minimal effort - I love that!
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you thought. I appreciate hearing from each and everyone that cares to leave a comment!
love the card Paula and thanks for sharing how to create my own.
You are very welcome, have fun!!
Nice and easy tutorial Paula. Thanks for sharing must give this a go myself.
Too easy, right, Mae? Can't wait to see your card!
Thankyou for sharing this cool technique. Looks fabulous.
Fabulous card! I love the technique you used and appreciate your excellent explanation!
Thanks you, Marie. I am glad you found the tutorial easy to understand!
WOW oh WOW dear Paula!! This card and the TUT totally goes off!!!! MAN i'm sooo excited about giving it a try! Can't believe how easy it is, certainly a WOW factor!! YAY! thanks HEAPS for sharing you clever lady!
Hi Sharnee!! So lovely to see you here. I can just hear the excitement you have for this tutorial and I can't wait to see what you do with it!
Thanks for the tutorial, Paula - what a clever technique. I'll try it myself soon!
You are very welcome, Margot. Enjoy!
Paula, your original card and this one looked so complicated! I am so happy to read that it isn't and even I could probably do it. Thanks so much for the tutorial...it was definitely worth the wait! Love both cards, as always. I'm off to try this! Hugs!
You are welcome Jill. Didn't Nikki do a wonderful job of her own sample? I hope you will try it too!
Wow, that was easy - I saw your card at facebook and wanted to take a close look - happy that I did ! I need to try this soon ... But I think I better become your follower so I can find this tutorial again ... and maybe more ;) .
Welcome to my blog Anita, I am happy you are here. Yes, I do post other tutorials as I go along, so keep an eye out for those!
This is so cool! Thank you for sharing.
Another great demo...never saw this one before. Once again you rocked it.
Sweet by name, sweet by nature, thanks Myrna!
What a great simple technique. I gotta try it! Thanks for the inspiration!

industry_corpus2: Others


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Hello! I am looking to secure funding to allow Warren County YMCA (PA) staff to become trained instructors in the Rock Steady boxing program benefitting folks with Parkinson’s Disease. We are already certified to do Pedaling for Parkinson’s and are about to go through the Delay the Disease program. There are currently no fitness programs for PD clients in our area. I would like information on your next grant opportunity. Thanks so much, and make it a great day!
Hi Christine, thank you for reaching out about funding opportunities to support people with Parkinson’s in Warren County. We currently only fund nonprofits organizations and institutions located in the Delaware Valley region. Your organization falls outside of our funding area. I am happy to direct you to national organizations that may be willing to fund your program. Feel free to reach out via phone at 610.668.4292.

industry_corpus2: Sports


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Catan: Seafarers Scenario – Legend of the Sea Robbers includes four new linked scenarios that tell the "Legend of the Sea Robber" to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Catan: Seafarers. Each scenario can be played individually, with players trying to win the game as usual by collecting ten victory points, but players can also record their scores at the end of each scenario, with effects of one game affecting the next.
Catan: Seafarers Scenario – Legend of the Sea Robbers requires both the Catan base game and the Catan: Seafarers expansion.

industry_corpus2: Gaming


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This panel discussion at the Library of Congress featured three speakers who had nontraditional legal careers beyond appearing in court and drafting wills or contracts. The speakers were: Jen Van Buren, Director in the Office of Career Strategy at Georgetown University Law Center; Robert J. DeSousa, the state director for U.S. Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania; and Mary Levering, a lawyer, librarian and educator who is retired from the Library of Congress.
The Chapter’s 2018 Annual meeting was held at Tortilla Coast, a Capitol Hill institution. The featured speaker was Beth Nolan, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of The George Washington University. Ms. Nolan expounded on her experience in her current role, in addition to past roles including as Partner at Crowell & Moring, LLP, White House Counsel under President Clinton, and as an attorney in the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel. We also swore in the Chapter leadership for the upcoming year.
The Chapter took a late afternoon tour of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) in June. The USIP is an independent national institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. We first heard from their Counsel and employees about the important role of the USIP, and then toured their beautiful building on the northwestern edge of the National Mall. The tour ended with a beautiful view of the District and neighboring Virginia from the building’s roof deck.
The Chapter cosponsored with the DC Bar Association a panel discussion on the role of the general counsel in government institutions, followed by a rooftop deck reception at the DC Bar’s new headquarters. The panel featured Judith Leonard, General Counsel of the Smithsonian Institution; Nancy Robinson Breuer, Secretary and General Counsel of the National Gallery of Art; and Elizabeth Pugh, General Counsel of the Library of Congress. The panel was followed by a rooftop reception at the DC Bar’s new headquarters in the District of Columbia’s Mount Vernon neighborhood.
The Chapter and the DC Bar Association co-sponsored a brown-bag lunch featuring Professor Joel Paul, Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of California Hastings, who spoke about his book Without Precedent: Chief Justice John Marshall and His Times. No member of America's founding generation had a greater impact on the Constitution and the Supreme Court than Marshall, and no one did more to preserve the delicate unity of the fledgling United States. From our nation's founding in 1776, and for the next forty years, Marshall was at the center of every political battle. As chief justice of the United States Supreme Court—the longest-serving in history—he established the independence of the judiciary and the supremacy of the Constitution and the federal courts. As the leading Federalist in Virginia, he rivaled his cousin Thomas Jefferson in influence. As a diplomat and secretary of state, he defended American sovereignty against France and Britain, counseled President John Adams, and supervised the construction of Washington, D.C. Professor Paul discussed how a rough-cut frontiersman with little formal education became one of the nation's preeminent lawyers and politicians and, with cunning, imagination and grace, shaped America's future.
February 22, 2018 - "The Judge: 26 Machiavellian Lessons"
A lunch break offers time to stimulate your mind with deeper, big picture thinking. In February, the FBA Capitol Hill Chapter joined with the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Law and National Security for a brown bag lunch at Ropes and Gray in Washington, D.C. featuring a dialogue between Chief Judge D. Brooks Smith, U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and Professor Ronald Collins, University of Washington Law School, to discuss The Judge: 26 Machiavellian Lessons (Oxford University Press, 2017). Few ethicists would advise policymakers to adhere to the canonical political strategies of Niccolo Machiavelli's classic, "The Prince," as judges are expected to work above the realm of politics in the lofty ideals of the law. In the "The Judge," however, Professor Collins and co-author David Skover argue that Machiavelli can indeed speak to judges, and model their book after "The Prince." The February brown bag offered chapter members an opportunity to break from the sometimes tedious day-to-day work of attorneys and view the law in a larger, more philosophical way.
The Chapter beat the winter blues with a tour of the United States Botanic Garden. Located at the base of the U.S. Capitol, the USBG is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance of plants to the well-being of humans and to earth's fragile ecosystems. We toured the indoor gardens and galleries with a knowledgeable USBG guide and learned about the diverse plants within the USBG. The tour provided a new perspective on plants that we see and use in our daily lives.


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Hello, I'm interested in finding out more about your Be more proactive in your healthcare & learn how to help yourself and your family with natural options!
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With personalized solutions along with the passion and commitment for what she does, Nancy Serba has been able to build long lasting relationships by helping people achieve better Health and Wellness with essential oils!
Call her today for more information.
Serving the Missoula and surrounding areas.

industry_corpus2: Health & Medicine


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Alessandro Zattoni is Professor of Management at Parthenope University of Naples. He is also Professor of Corporate Governance at Bocconi University and Director of the Strategic and Entrepreneurial Management Department of SDA Bocconi School of Management. He is one of two screening editors for Corporate Governance: An International Review, the premiere scholarly journal in corporate governance.
William Judge is Professor of Strategic Management and the E. V. Williams Chair of Strategic Leadership at Old Dominion University (ODU). He is Editor-in-Chief of Corporate Governance: An International Review, the premiere scholarly journal in corporate governance.

industry_corpus2: Subject Education


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The O’Reilly Data Show Podcast: Chang Liu on operations research, and the interplay between differential privacy and machine learning.
In this episode of the Data Show, I spoke with Chang Liu, applied research scientist at Georgian Partners. In a previous post, I highlighted early tools for privacy-preserving analytics, both for improving decision-making (business intelligence and analytics) and for enabling automation (machine learning). One of the tools I mentioned is an open source project for SQL-based analysis that adheres to state-of-the-art differential privacy(a formal guarantee that provides robust privacy assurances). Since business intelligence typically relies on SQL databases, this open source project is something many companies can already benefit from today.
What about machine learning? While I didn’t have space to point this out in my previous post, differential privacy has been an area of interest to many machine learning researchers. Most practicing data scientists aren’t aware of the research results, and popular data science tools haven’t incorporated differential privacy in meaningful ways (if at all). But things will change over the next months. For example, Liu wants to make ideas from differential privacy accessible to industrial data scientists, and she is part of a team building tools to make this happen.

industry_corpus2: Artificial Intelligence


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Cryptocurrency mining botnet malware Smominru has infected more than 526,000 computers using a leaked NSA exploit, The Hacker News reported yesterday, Jan. 31.
Software security researchers from cybersecurity company Proofpoint have detected a new global botnet called Smominru, also known as Ismo, that uses a National Security Agency (NSA) exploit EternalBlue to spread Monero mining malware.
The EternalBlue exploit was leaked by the so-called Shadow Brokers hackers who were reportedly also behind the 2017 widespread WannaCry ransomware threat, according to The Hacker News.
Proofpoint reported that the Smominru botnet has been infecting computers since May 2017, mining about 24 Monero coins per day. To date, the botnet has reportedly managed to mine about 8,900 Monero, or about $2.1 million at press time. The highest number of Smominru-infected PCs has been found in Russia, India, and Taiwan, researchers said.
According to Proofpoint, cybercriminals are targeting vulnerable version of Windows, also using a leaked NSA protocol exploit called EsteemAudit.
According to thehackernews.com, the experts also notified DDoS protection service SharkTech where Smominru’s command and control infrastructure has been detected, however, they didn’t get a response.
As Cointelegraph reported Jan. 28, a massive Monero-mining malware attack via online ads, mostly attributed to the controversial cryptocurrency mining and advertising platform Coinhive, has affected a huge number of users and online businesses worldwide, including Youtube.

industry_corpus2: Finance & Economics


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the high falutin’ designer kind.
we built some 29 million Mid-Century Modest homes.
Mainstream. Main Street. Mass produced. Middle Class homes.
ROYAL BARRY WILLS Cape Cods at one end of the architectural spectrum.
CLIFF MAY Ranches on the other.
AND YES, a dose of Contemporary increasingly thrown in, too.
a gazillion prosaic, vernacular melting-pot variations in between.
1,000 square feet for many years running.
they were the culmination of the American Dream.
these little homes were an amazing gift.
HOW DO WE LOVE THEE, Mid-Century Modest homes?
Built with love and immense gratitude.
Wonderful features – pastel bathrooms, fitted kitchens, livable layouts.
Knotty pine paneling – installed by Gramps.
like Nutone exhaust fans, Hall-Mack Tow’lscopes, and Dishmasters.
Wallpaper and pinch pleats and pull-down kitchen lights.
Boomerang cabinet pulls and wagon wheel lights and braided rugs.
for many millions of people.
Stories about the beginning of a new American era still playing out today.
Did I mention small? Yes. But small is — green.
THERE IS MUCH TO APPRECIATE in our Mid-Century Modest homes.
And certainly nothing to apologize for.
a home equity loan that stresses our family finances beyond our limits.
can be much more affordable to buy and to renovate.
Reduce. Re-Use. Recycle. Restore. Re-Store.
And in the process, re-thinking what we want it to mean for us today.
OH YEAH, and Retro style has a happiness-quotient that is off the charts.
and cherish the opportunity to safeguard their history and heritage.
That’s the: Mid-Century Modest Manifesto.
I have been in heaven driving around Mid-Century Modest neighborhoods in Denver all weekend. We have a LOT of them!
But the MC-Modest truly has it own unique charms and beauty. I will post photos of some of my finds on he Flickr account.
I am not a snob.
And tract housing from the 50s rocks!
And now i will keep reading!
@Tami, even though it’s mean – yes, it’s pretty wicked funny.
It is sooo great to read this about mid-century-modest since we live in a 1950`s, 900sqft home which we bought from the orginal owners. The house is full of character with keyhole arches, a pink bathtub, and various builtins. One of the coolest features that everyone loves is the rec room in the basement. It has real wood part way up on the walls that look like logs. There is a bar and wine storage cupboard. They even left the dartboard and orginal darts. It had an old gas fireplace which we replaced for a wood one. (was worried that the house would blow up if we used it) Everyone loves to hang out in this space because it has warmth and character. I am researching on how to update my kitchen and still keep its character and that is how I discoved this sight. I love all the great ideas and am glad to realize that wanting to keep your homes style is OK.
My mother still lives in the house she and my father bought in 1958. They added a den with a fireplace in the 60’s to “modernize” the house. She wanted it because it was across the street from the high school were she taught. The school built in 1952 had to be torn down in 1999 because of sick building syndrome. But all the houses that surround the school are still there. Neighborhood remains the same. I think its funny how with the fancy new building came fancy attitudes that had not existed before. I remember one time my father thinking of selling our house to the school board, who would have turned it into a parking lot. I was long out of the house, but my immediate comment was, “I did know hell had frozen over.” Needless to say, he kept the house. Even today, 13 years after he has gone, she won’t think of leaving. I don’t want her to. That is what I consider home. My husband’s mother still lives in his childhood home as well. There is something about that generation that just did not move around like we have. Says a lot about them and lot about us.
Yup, Kathy. Thank you for sharing these lovely, lovely memories.
I love this site! I am 9 months into a retro renovation for a 1952 mid-century modest house in south Louisiana. The exterior of the home is the traditional “double shotgun” style that has been found to be tried and true in the gulf coast humidity. But once the doors opened, I instantly fell in love with the mid century modern/modest interior. I knew right then that I had to have this house! I am hooked!
I recently found this site and I have used your resources to buy my laminate countertops and trim and other things as well. Thanks so much for your inspiration!


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As a homeowner, you know how critical it is for your heating and plumbing to be in top shape. A functional furnace and a hot water tank can make a world of difference in your comfort level through the harsh Canadian winters. At Oliver Plumbing & Heating Inc, we have been delivering prompt and reliable plumbing, heating, and HVAC services for over 35 years in the greater Edmonton area. All of our technicians are fully trained and certified providing you peace of mind as we resolve your plumbing or heating issues quickly.
If your furnace has failed or is showing signs of failing, don’t panic! Our certified and knowledgeable technicians will provide you with a cost effective solution to your heating problem.
We provide all of our services at exceptionally competitive industry rates.
We also service all makes and models of furnaces. Let us help you with your heating issue. We will get your heat back on promptly. Before we install your new furnace, we perform a heat loss calculation in order to ensure the correct size furnace in your home. You will benefit from higher fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs in the long term. Let us bring you some peace of mind.
Whether you need help with a bathroom remodel or a kitchen renovation, Oliver Plumbing & Heating Inc can help. Don’t hesitate to contact our office.


text: Etsy’s seller 2018 holiday campaign involves various channels of communication. Our goal was to prepare seller for the biggest shopping frenzy of the year. Equipping them with tips, tools, reminders to help ensure the best customer experience for buyers. On top of motivating the seller we also ended the year by rewarding them with “feel-good” sentiments, through their personalized year in review page.


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DES MOINES, Iowa – Animal control officers in Des Moines used a tranquilizer to capture a mysterious goat that had dived into traffic and was on the run for hours.
The Boer goat got a taste of freedom Wednesday morning as she evaded capture on the city's south side. The brown and white animal with floppy ears ran into traffic and eventually went into a fenced car dealership.
The Des Moines Register reports (http://dmreg.co/HfuQA4 ) officers chased the goat around the dealership before using a tranquilizer to stop her.
Officials say the goat appears to be healthy and uninjured. Authorities are now looking for her owner.
Last week, animal control workers in Des Moines took into custody a roughly 200-pound pot-bellied pig that had spent weeks on the loose in an east side neighborhood.

industry_corpus2: Agriculture & Fisheries


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White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett said criminal justice reform that reduces the prison population would make America safer.
Jarrett also said President Obama is focused on tackling the issue along with Congress and is not a “lame duck.” Obama has directed federal agencies to “ban the box,” which prohibits them from asking about an applicant’s criminal history. Jarrett said Obama wants Congress to do the same for federal contractors as well, which requires congressional action.
In addition, the Justice Department has decided to release about 6,000 inmates from federal prison who were convicted of drug-related offenses.
Jarrett was asked if reforming the criminal justice system could cause crime to rise.
“We are seeing crime go up in some cities. We’re also seeing it leveled in others and going down in the third category,” Jarrett said during the "Race and Justice in America" Summit held by The Atlantic.
She said Obama has instructed Attorney General Loretta Lynch to meet with the mayors and police chiefs in cities where crime is rising to figure out what the federal government can do to help.
“The reason why we have so much support from law enforcement for criminal justice reform – and the president was just speaking to the International Association of Chiefs of Police of Chicago a couple weeks ago – they fully support it and they believe if we have meaningful reform it will actually make the streets safer,” Jarrett said.
Jarrett predicted “really big things” would happen during Obama’s final year in office.
“Even though we only have one year left, it’s the second half of the fourth quarter but really big things happen at the end of the game as we all know. Just look at this last year, we’ve had a terrific year, and if you recall not that long ago the press was calling the president a lame duck – I believe it was – it doesn’t feel much like lame duck to me,” she said.


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I am not sure how do you feel about the 3D Touch feature coming with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. I was as excited as the iPhone had been introduced for the time which revolutionized mobile phone with multi-touch, because I believe this is going to be another round of touch interface transformation.
May be you don’t agree it as an great feature, but there are still a lot you can explore from this new feature to benefit your life and work. Here in this article I would like to share a number of tips to make the most of iPhone 3D touch.
Mail is an excellent app to try out the 3D Touch interactions. One of my favorite 3D Touch features is the ability to press a message in the mailbox list to peek at the message contents and then swipe to the right to mark it as read. I get a lot of emails, and this feature helps me save a ton of time and achieve my goal of Inbox Zero. You can also swipe to the left to Delete or Archive the email, or swipe up to get more options such as “Reply All”, “Forward”, “Mark..” (which gives you an option to Flag or Move the email to the junk folder), “Notify” and “Move Message”. You can press deeper to see the full message.
Ever since Apple has added Low Power Mode, I think I have become lazier when it comes to charging my iPhone. So I end up using Low Power Mode quickly frequently to get through the day. Here’s where the 3D Touch Quick Action for Battery Settings comes in handy. It is one of the fastest ways to quickly enable Low Power mode.
Press firmly on the Settings app icon to get Quick Action options, and then swipe up to the Battery option and release your finger, to jump to the Battery Settings. Tap on the On/Off toggle to enable Low Power mode.
This is another useful 3D Touch shortcut. Press firmly on the Camera icon on the home screen to open the Quick Action menu. Then choose the option to take a photo or take a selfie. You also can choose to record a video or begin a slow-mo recording.
How often have you taken a photo, and then gone back to the Camera roll to see if you need to take another one? I do it many times, so I find this 3D Touch feature very helpful.
When you take a photo with the Camera app, you can press on the thumbnail in the bottom left-hand corner to peek at the last taken photo or video.
When typing in any app, you can easily switch to a trackpad mode that allows you to move the cursor across the screen. Simply press down on the keyboard until the keys disappear and the keyboard turns a shade grey. When the keyboard changes into this trackpad, you can move the cursor by swiping your finger around the trackpad area. You also can press once to select a word, press twice to highlight a sentence or press three times to select a paragraph. When you are done, simply lift up your finger to return to the keyboard.
3D Touch also allows you to preview links from almost anywhere in iOS. When you see a link, simply press hard on the link and a pop-up preview of the site will appear. Once you are viewing the page, you can slide it upwards to access a menu that allows you to perform actions such as open the link, add it to a Reading List or Copy it. It is useful to have a quick look at the website to see if it is worth.
We have been hearing rumors that Apple will be giving us more granular control over who we want to send read receipts for iMessages. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened yet. But 3D Touch offers you a workaround. You can press a message to take a peek at it, but it won’t send a read receipt. If you want to engage in a conversation then you can swipe up, left or right to use quick actions.
You can also quickly switch to the previously used app by pressing firmly on the left edge of the screen and swiping to the right in one single motion or you can just release it to access the app switcher. But I keep forgetting to use it.

industry_corpus2: Computing & Telecommunications


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My goals for yesterday turned out to be too ambitious. I’d hoped to finish planting all of our summer gardens but that didn’t happen.
I discovered that the roto-tiller tines needed to be replaced and that took me all morning. I wish I’d taken care of that during one of those lazy slow winter days. Lesson learned.
But even though we didn’t finish, all the gardens are prepped and bedded. So far we’ve planted the winter squash, sweet corn, okra and watermelons. Today I should be able to finish putting in the beans, summer squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and cantaloupes. Seven large gardens in all. It will feel good to have it done.
I left the house at about 6 a.m. and came back in around 8:30 p.m. The high temperature yesterday was 91.
I’d call that an honest day’s work.


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StreamCast Networks, owners of the peer-to-peer file sharing platform Morpheus are suing Skype, Kazaa and founders Niklas Zennstr_m and Jaanus Friis over a core technology it claims they sold to eBay as part of the Skype acquisition.
StreamCast is using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICA) as the platform for its attack and it seems the most likely objective is money.
The court documents (which have not yet been made officially available) seeks a restraining order on the use of the technology and damages.
It’s a little complicated, but we’ll try to get this right even though details are still a little sketchy. The story line starts back with Zennstr_m and Friis developing the now infamous Kazaa file sharing program. Like many other similar programs the application is built using a technology called FastTrack which was developed by Estonian programmers headed by Jaan Tallinn, with Ahti Heinla and Priit Kasesalu under contract to the Kazaa/Skype boys.
Now when things got a little hot in the kitchen and Zennstr_m and Friis bailed out of Kazaa, they worked with the same Estonian programmers to develop the Skype application. Though Skype has been extremely coy about giving away too much about the workings of its VoIP service, it’s fairly obvious it uses some sort of P2P technology.
If this case comes to court we may find out a little more about how this growing security risk operates under the hood, which would be a good thing.
Anyway, in bailing out of the Kazaa operation its founders sold the program a Sharman Networks which is based in Vanuatu, though its main offices are in Sydney, hence the local Kazaa trial. The whole deal was described by the Washington Post as a ‘shell game’ used to elude prosecution. It’s exactly what went on, what was sold and who now owns it that would become the focus of any trial if this case goes to court.
Kazaa and StreamCast’s Morpheus both used the same FastTrack technology developed by the Estonians. Once the acquisition of Kazaa by Sharman was complete, Morpheus users were cut off from the network. A bit of a tussle ensued, but in the end StreamCast found a new platform for Morpheus and Kazaa, well we know about Kazaa.
One of the key points in the Kazaa prosecution has been whether it is a centralised or de-centralised network. This was an important point in the Kazaa trial as the FastTrack technology it was launched with used a distributed, movable index compared to its forerunner Napster which relied on company operated servers to maintain the index.
This was Napster’s undoing in the courts and it also placed significant strain on the servers when the user base grew astronomically. Tallinn built FastTrack in a different way where the system independently searched for suitable servers attaching to the network and used them to hold the indexing.
Now while the Kazaa trail in Australia found that Sharman had breached copyright through its failure to attempt to curtail illegal file-sharing it did not find that the system was a centralised one, indicating that it most likely was/is still based on the FastTrack protocols.
That’s almost a sideline issue, because StreamCast is suing Zennstr_m and Friis, their company is now all cashed up after selling Skype to eBay for US$4.1 billion last year.
StreamCast alleges that the FastTrack P2P software remained the property of Zennstr_m and Friis and was used by their company Skype Technologies as the core underlying technology powering the VoIP application. It was Tallinn and his team of Estonian programmers that put together Skype for Zennstr_m and Friis, so there is a distinct possibility.
StreamCast claims that under the terms of their original deal with Zennstr_m and Friis (when they owned Kazaa), was that they would give them their first right of refusal to acquire FastTrack if they ever offered it to a third party. The StreamCast suit seems to allege that they sold the technology when the Kazaa to Sharman, but through the Vanuatu “shell game” transferred the technology to Skype which was sold to eBay, in breach of the original agreement.
The court documents do not name eBay as a respondent.
But since the “shell game” in 2002 when Kazaa ownership was transferred to a shelf company in Vanuatu, nobody outside the deal really knows who owns what. StreamCast at one point accused Kazaa of being a centralised network, something the legally besieged company could not admit to if it wanted to maintain in an Australian court that it had no control over what was swapped on the network using its application.
There was not much evidence to go on, until the Kazaa case and no money until the Skype acquisition to make such a suit worthwhile.


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“What’s the hold-up?!” is the phrase that I assume people must have been wondering. Holidays, headaches, and getting sick kind of disrupted my posting schedule, but here it is! The next page of Rob’s oh wait now we’re somewhere else. What’s the deal?
We’re switching focus for a bit in order to give Rob sometime to come up with a plan, but also so we can see what out good friends Kevin and Jen Collins (oh looks she has a last name now…I need to update the cast page now) are up to. For the record, I’ve settled on the surname of “King” for Kevin, thus allowing the last panel to make a little more sense. (Just so you know, I usually don’t make names that are direct references to anyone in particular, when I do, I tend to draw attention to it. Also I do some “light research” (i.e. quick Google/Wikipedia search) to make sure I’m not accidentally using any names that might already be too famous and I just don’t know about it or whatever).
As I’ll probably say hundreds of more times: coming up with good names is probably one of the hardest things I can think of as far as writing is concerned. For example , if you start writing yourself into a hole and you need an easy (read: lazy) way out of editing, you can always use a deus ex machina and maybe you can get lucky and your story will be exciting or hilarious for it. If you can’t think of a good name for one of your characters, well… I can only think of stupid ways out, like using (hopefully) cool nicknames or maybe even have the character deny their stupid name but be too put off to bother correct the error. Look, I’m not good at this naming thing, let’s move on.
Anyway, welcome to Oscar’s apartment, somewhere in the city near Rob’s house (it’s probably Boston or the surrounding area, but it’s not really an important detail yet). Oscar, you’ll find out at some point, went to college with Rob, Kev, and Jen. For now, it’s probably only worth mentioning that he’s an engineer and is currently working as one, for a company outside of the city. The apartment he’s living in, while lacking a good deal of fashion sense (much to Jen’s chagrin), is both affordable and provides easy access to his work via public transportation. (As a side note, but this will be explored later: Jen went to school for a type of fashion/design type thing. Her outfits probably don’t reflect this as I am still largely uneducated in this area (but I hope I’ll learn something by doing all this drawing!)).
Anyway, as you’re probably tired of reading all this, I just wanted to call your attention to the couple of robots that are performing cleaning tasks on this page. There’s probably a good reason why I neglected to include things like this in/around Rob’s house. More on this later.
FINALLY: Check out the buttons and Links page I added to the site!
Ok, that is all. Next page by the middle of next week.
I liked the comic, but I can’t particularly follow the uhh elevator they are in? I got a little lost what things are and what we are looking at in each panel.
I think it was an elevator with a green thing that was oddly shaped like the hand reader/identity conformer.
Hmm, in retrospect I probably could have made that a lot clearer. But yeah, first they used the elevator, then they were about to enter the apartment (via the futuristic door in the last panel).
I’m finding that it’s kind of tricky to publish a webcomic where its sort of hard to go back and edit big things like this, in order to make the page clearer. At any rate, it’s things like this that remind me why I’m doing this comic: so I can learn to tell better/clearer stories in this medium.
Thanks for the input I really appreciate it!

industry_corpus2: Film & Entertainment


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If you’re lucky enough to be a part of the club of people who grew up on a lake, you know that it’s the best childhood you can ask for. Hailing from Michigan, the Great Lakes State, my fate was sealed before my first lifejacket was ever buckled. The summers spent on open water, the camaraderie of fellow boaters, nightly bonfires, and daily sunburns are just a part of life. But growing up on water shapes so many aspects of your identity and has a lasting impact on who you are.
1. You respect rules and traditions.
There are certain guidelines that you have to adhere to on the water, and you do so out of courtesy to your fellow boaters and for the safety of your passengers. If you don’t follow the rules, even the unwritten ones, things can get dangerous. You also have a respect for traditions, like unmarked no wake zones, boat-beaching areas and chipping in a few dollars for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show—they all solidify you as part of the community.
2. You knew how to drive on water before you could drive on land.
You earned your boater’s license promptly at age 14 and never looked back. There are a few extra things to know when it comes to cars, but the basics are pretty much the same, and you were a pro by the time you got to driver’s ed at age 16.
3. You like to keep your house full of people.
Summer meant friends—and lots of them. All the time. Family from out of town always made a point to visit, and family friends camped out during holiday weekends. Your house was constantly filled with people, and every weekend was a party. Even if you no longer live on a lake, you probably tend toward large gatherings, especially if they involve being near water.
4. You know how to entertain.
(See #3.) You can whip up a beautiful spread of veggies, chips, dips and grilled delicacies in record time. You have a fridge/cooler dedicated solely to beverages. You keep far too many extra chairs in storage, just in case. You never underestimate the power of a well-placed decorative sign and festive centerpiece, but you also know the key to a great evening or weekend is the people and conversation. Entertaining is second nature to you, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
5. You love the smell of bonfires.
Lakes and bonfires go together like peanut butter and jelly. The crackling of fire and gentle rolling of waves on the shore is a melody you can never forget. Whenever you smell a bonfire, it immediately takes you back to evenings spent roasting s’mores and going for late night cruises.
6. The Fourth of July is your favorite holiday.
In the dead center of summer comes a holiday that so perfectly aligns with living on a lake, you couldn’t have planned it better if you tried. Patriotism, sunshine, water sports, cookouts, and fireworks– I mean, really. If you’re like me, you may even count your years in Fourth of Julys instead of New Years.
7. You’re not afraid to make a fool of yourself.
Between being thrown off tubes, face planting while skiing/wakeboarding, and dive attempts that turned into painful belly-flops, you have no shame in trying new things. You’ve also perfected the cannonball jump and will continue to use it despite your age.
8. You can tie a knot like nobody’s business.
Fisherman’s knot, overhand knot, bowline, lark’s knot, you know ‘em all. Bonus points if you were in the Girl/Boy Scouts as well.
9. You appreciate all of the seasons.
It may be sad when Labor Day rolls around and the boat is retired to its trailer, but you know that summer will come again. Waiting for those months of sun and fun is just a part of life, and you can appreciate the beauty of the other seasons as well. Plus, the lake freezes over in the winter, the ice skates and snowmobiles come out, which can be just as much of a good time.
10. Nature doesn’t freak you out.
From a young age, you learned that spiders (which are in abundance near water) eat those pesky mosquitoes, so you learned to love them. You got tangled in seaweed when you went flying off the tube, and perhaps even made accessories out of it to scare your non-lake friends. Snakes, turtles and frogs made a fun challenge to capture—and let go, of course. Splashing around in the muck was no big deal.
11. You take care of the things around you.
We all know when the storm rolls in, there’s a switch that turns on in us that gets everything under shelter or inside and covers or cranks up the boat in under five minutes. You learned to take care of your belongings promptly so you wouldn’t have to deal with a bigger mess later.
12. You have a more relaxed outlook on the world.
On the water, you can’t control everything. You can steer the boat, but the water is the ultimate decision-maker. You just have to go with the flow and try your best to navigate whatever comes your way.
It’s safe to say that you’d be a different person without the lake, which is why we’ll always have a soft spot for weekends spent on the water and the lessons it teaches us.
Emily is a twenty-something Midwestern soul who lives, works, and occasionally plays in Chicago. She graduated with a degree in International Studies and an insatiable desire to understand people, including herself. When she is not busy answering emails and catching up on projects for work, she can be found indulging in her latest TV obsession. Emily is fueled by La Croix sparkling water, BBC News podcasts, and scenic runs. She hopes you'll follow her adventures on Instagram (@emlajolie)!


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The poster session will take place on Monday from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Posters must be hung in advance and remain in place all day. Presenters are required to man their poster from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Posters should be in size DIN A0 [A-zero, width: 84.1 cm (33.1 inches) x height: 118.9 cm (46.8 inches)].


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So what exactly is organic agriculture?
What kind of farming is organic farming? More precisely, what form of agriculture does the philosophy of organic agriculture create?
According to the Japanese law to promote organic agriculture (from a proposal of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries), organic agriculture is based on the principle of not using chemically synthesized fertilizer or agricultural chemicals such as herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides, as well as avoiding GMO technology. It is an agricultural production method which as much as possible reduces the load on the environment. Perhaps it is inevitable, being legal language, but the government definition is based almost entirely on a negative clause (not use…). It is a curiously contrary and “inorganic” expression of organic agriculture.
Reading between the lines, it is easy to see the words “don’t use (all the while barely resisting the urge to…)”, “based on not using (but…)” lurking behind the prohibitions, straining at the leash, trying hard to find a way out and around.
True organic farming sees chemical fertilizers and agricultural chemicals not as prohibited, but unnecessary. As anyone who has tried organic farming will understand, chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, and GMO technology are completely unneeded. Conversely, in their present unrestricted state, these chemicals are a hindrance to organic farming. Organic farming cannot be expressed in prohibitive language; what is required is a positively defined, organic relationship between people, and between people and nature.
Organic agriculture is not explicitly defined by the Japan Organic Agriculture Association; it is simply expressed “a sustainable cultivation of the soil that is not destructive to the environment, a method of farming that produces healthy and delicious food.” Organic farming in Japan strives to return to the original meaning of agriculture—the support of human life in balance with nature and soil. It is not limited to one specific kind of agriculture.
For me, organic agriculture (in Japanese, yuu-ki nou-gyou) has the meaning of “ki” ga “a ru” farming. What is ki? Ki is life. In most Japanese dictionaries, ki is defined as a mechanism or system, but the root etymology is “a structure or system of life.” Yuu is part of the word “have” or “possess.” So yuuki (organic) means, in Japanese, “having a system/structure of life,” and yuukibutsu (living thing) means, literally, a thing born from a system of life. In other words, organic farming is an agriculture based on a system of life: more precisely, we can say that organic agriculture produces new life based on encouraging and protecting the mechanisms of life.
The fundamental form of agriculture exists in the “chain of life,” the “cooperation of life,” living grains and vegetables grown based on the lives of insects and bacteria in the soil, and human life which is in turn fostered by these grains and vegetables. Our existence and survival is based on this symbiosis of life systems, expressed in the characters yuuki.
On the other side, contemporary agriculture represents the attempt to produce life on a large scale with “lifeless” agricultural chemicals and fertilizers. It isn’t too much to say that GMO technology is a life destroying technology that modifies life itself like a raw material. If agricultural chemicals and chemical fertilizers break away from the chain of life, then GMO technology disrupts the chain of life itself.
In organic agriculture, compost and organic fertilizer are used to feed the soil, not the plant. They do not supply the crop with organic material (causing the crop to absorb organic material), but rather foster the microorganisms living in the soil, using the power of these microorganisms to foster the life of the crops. Life comes from life, a simple fact that defies easy expression in reductive, legal language.


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New behaviors typically arise from the co-option of existing morphological systems for new functions. But what happens to the evolutionary trajectory of a structure when it begins to be used for a new behavior? The ability to bury underneath the sediment has convergently evolved many times among fishes. Representatives from at least four of the groups demonstrating burial behavior can be found at FHL, and each group uses a different set of structures to accomplish this task. Some of these groups are very diverse (e.g., flatfishes, 800+ species, 9 species at FHL) and some are evolutionary one-offs (e.g., sandfish, one species). My mentees can choose to study either the evolution of morphology involved in burial behaviors, the function and biomechanical performance of structures involved with burial in live fishes, or a combination of both evolution and function.
The bull kelp Nereocystis luetkeana is an annual kelp species that provides the bulk of the complex three-dimensional habitat space in rocky subtidal habitats of the San Juan Islands and elsewhere in Washington State. There are a variety of potential projects that focus on investigating biotic and abiotic factors influencing bull kelp across their complicated life history using a combination of lab and field work. Topics of interest include Northern kelp crab (Pugettia producta) feeding preferences (in the lab) and distribution and abundance (in the field, using snorkel or SCUBA surveys); contribution of P. producta feces to detrital food webs (in the lab, using the intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus); effect of intraspecific and interspecific competition with invasive Sargassum muticum on growth of juvenile N. luetkeana (in the field, using transplant experiments); and the relationship between maximum force exerted by crab claws and crab food preferences (collecting organisms in the field, testing in the lab using P. producta as well as shore crabs, genus Hemigrapsus). Subtidal data collection using SCUBA may possible for a student who is already a trained scientific diver at an AAUS member institution. A better understanding of the dynamics of N. luetkeana beds in the Salish Sea is crucial not only because they create valuable habitat for economically and ecologically important species, but also to inform management decisions and restoration efforts in a changing ocean.
The evolution of facial asymmetry in flatfishes is one of the most prominent and bizarre departures from the vertebrate body-plan. Over a short period of time during the larval phase of flatfish species one eye migrates nearly completely to the opposite of the head as the fish transitions to a benthic lifestyle. In this project, we will use CT scanning and geometric morphometrics to study the evolution of skull shape in flatfishes and their relatives. Students will gain valuable experience operating a micro-CT scanner and learning how to segment high-resolution slice data. They will also gain experience analyzing three-dimensional shape data and analyzing multivariate datasets in a comparative phylogenetic framework.
Durophagous fishes consume hard prey, such as snails or crabs, and typically overcome their prey’s defenses by crushing them with sets of robust teeth and powerful jaw muscles. While Asemichthys taylori (Family: Cottidae) is durophagous, these relatively tiny fish appear to use their vomerine teeth for puncturing small holes in snail shells as opposed to crushing. If unpunctured, snails have been reported to emerge alive and intact following the process of digestion1. How then do these relatively tiny fish generate the necessary forces to puncture the shells of these snails, effectively facilitating nutrient uptake? Accomplishing this goal will require us to conduct in depth investigations of the system’s form and function to understand the biomechanics behind the mechanism. Over the course of this program students will learn a number of techniques including fish collection from tidepools, video analysis of feeding motions, SEM, 3D printing, mechanical testing, and CT scanning and segmenting.
Animals and plants are formed of myriad material components, from sinew and bone, to bark and leaves. These tissues have varying properties, with some more flexible and tough, while others are brittle and strong. Consumers must be able to break down these materials to access the resources they need to grow, reproduce, and survive. We might expect then, that herbivores are shaped differently than carnivores, given the unique mechanical difficulties in breaking down cellulose and silica-infused plant stalks, relative to crushing bone and tearing flesh. The Amazon basin has the highest diversity of freshwater fishes in the world (>25% of all fishes). The basin’s many rivers blend together during seasonal flooding into ‘varzea’, or flooded forest. Varzea is packed with diverse herbivorous fishes, which consume flowers, fruits, and seeds of plants submerged in the forests and are important seed dispersers.
In the Summer of 2019, we will explore how the overall form and function of South American characiform fishes (tetras, pacus, piranhas, etc.) is tied to the material composition of their prey. Specifically, how the strength and performance of fish skulls and teeth relate to the toughness of their chosen food. Using micro-computed tomography scanning (micro-CT) of museum specimens and a material testing station we will (1) quantify shape change in the feeding apparatus of Amazonian characiform fishes, (2) build computational models of how skulls perform while biting, and (3) determine the material properties of a vast variety of tropical fruits, seeds, and nuts. Students will learn: (A) how to use CT scanning and morphometric methods to quantify functional differences in skeletal and soft tissue anatomy; (B) how to build computational engineering models of fish skeletons; (C) the basics of materials science and biomechanical testing using a mechanical loading frame; and (D) how to examine the evolution of traits using phylogenetic comparative methods. This research is in collaboration with international researchers from the George Washington University, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, and the Royal Ontario Museum. Past students have presented their research at international meetings of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) and several exceptional students are coauthors on publications published in the Royal Society, Anatomical Record, and elsewhere.
The ochre star (Pisaster ochraceus) is an important predator in the rocky intertidal, eating a wide variety of prey across many trophic levels (e.g. barnacles, chitons, snails, etc). Our understanding of P. ochraceus as a keystone predator originated from the strong trophic link between mussels and P. ochraceus, which was apparent when the stars were removed from a mussel-dominated system. P. ochraceus is abundant even on coastlines that do not support mussel populations, however, most of the research exploring the top-down control P. ochraceus exerts has taken place on the western coast of the US where mussel beds tend to dominate the upper intertidal zone. What happens when this top predator is removed from a system in which mussels are not present? In this project, we will explore prey community assemblage in the absence of P. ochraceus in the San Juan Islands, which do not support large populations of mussels. These interactions will be tested through the use of plot clearing and exclusion cages to manipulate prey and predator composition in the field. These experiments are amenable to comparisons across tidal heights (lower intertidal vs higher intertidal exclusions), a temporal scale (summer data vs previously collected spring data), or sites (long term sites vs a new site). Additional surveys of P. ochraceus populations via snorkeling (cold water!) are optional but available to those interested, with limited gear available to lend. Although this is part of a larger project, it will easily accommodate the student’s interests and ideas.
Fishes display an incredible variety of mechanisms and morphologies to capture prey. I am interested in the selective pressures that shape these feeding structures: how can some fish capture elusive prey, while others can filter tiny particles out of the water? My research evaluates why fish mouths look the way they do, from their gills to their teeth. The shape of feeding structures is often the result of a compromise between function and selection. By looking at how teeth resist breaking during puncture or why the gill arches are shaped the way they are, I can answer questions about how function influences shape. For instance, in order to puncture a prey item, teeth must do two big things: pierce through the tissue, and bring that tissue into the mouth without breaking. This seems like an easy task, but each problem has a different functional solution. Slender and sharp teeth are excellent for puncturing, but more prone to breaking than wider teeth; which can’t puncture as well. Moreover, the way we currently describe teeth only focuses on shape and misses a great deal of the variation. Utilizing 3D CT scans, modeling, and morphological characters of shape and position we can evaluate what functions (load, stress, replacement, etc.) enforce particular tooth shapes. I am also interested in how the microstructure and material properties of teeth play a role in how well they deflect stress regardless of shape. Using histology, material testing, and modeling we can see how similarly shaped teeth may be built to resist different forces. Filter feeding fishes also have to capture and swallow prey, but they face problems of an entirely different scale: their food is vanishingly small. How do you set up the initial flow to even be able to eat such small prey? Rather than their teeth, filter feeders have modified parts of their gill arches, specifically their gill rakers (bony protrusions that extend off the arches) that manipulate the flow of water to capture tiny particles. Looking at the shape and spacing of the gill rakers and arches, my research investigates how important flow control is in the mouth and what controls this flow field. This project utilizes CT scanning and large databases to explore an underused axis of variation, highlighting large-scale trends in gill raker and arch diversity.
Seagrasses are critical biological engineers in that they can transform two-dimensional, muddy habitats into three-dimensional, complex meadows that support entire food webs – ranging from tiny crustaceans to fishes to people. They also enhance important ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and shoreline stabilization. Global seagrass populations, however, are in decline due to a multitude of stressors. One such stressor is seagrass wasting disease, which is caused by a protist slime mold called Labyrinthula. Although we are learning more about what might promote increased wasting disease (e.g. higher temperatures), we do not understand the physiological responses that underlie the interaction between a seagrass host and the disease. It can be reasoned that combating the disease incurs an energetic cost (carbon reserves), which is supported by the energetics associated with the identified plant characteristics that correlate to disease (see Groner et al. 2016). In this REU experience, we will work together to run an experiment that aims to quantify carbon reserves (i.e. sugars and starches) in seagrasses that are infected with wasting disease and in disease-free plants. If logistics allow, we will also incorporate a temperature treatment in the experiment because temperature is a leading driver in both carbon metabolism and quantified disease load. This work will be an important contribution in better understanding the line between physiological resilience in seagrasses versus disease outbreak.
Groner M.L., Burge C.A., Kim C.J., Rees E., Van Alstyne K.L., Yang S., Wyllie-Echeverria S., and Harvell C.D. (2016) Plant characteristics associated with widespread variation in eelgrass wasting disease. Diseases of aquatic organisms, 118(2), 159-168.
Skates (relatives to stingrays), exemplify an intriguing organism to study as they exhibit multiple modes of locomotion. Skates use their large pectoral fins to swim and glide through the water column in order to feed, they are also known to “walk” along the seafloor using their pelvic fins. Skates are benthic dwellers, and generally remain close to the seafloor, one of the ways they avoid predators is by burying into the sand, but how exactly do they do this? Do they wiggle their entire body to throw sand on top of themselves, similar to other benthic fishes? Or do they use a different functional approach to achieve a similar result? Using video recordings of skate burial we can then analyze their behaviors and thereby describe the biomechanics that dictate burying in big skates (Raja binoculata). Once we understand how skates bury we can test to see how the size of sand grains changes their burying behavior. Changing the effective grain size is a proxy for different habitats and allows us to look carefully at the ecology and burying preferences of the big skate. Another behavior that has been observed in skates is spy-hopping. Spy-hopping has been documented in many marine organisms, including sharks and flatfishes, but is most commonly seen in dolphins and whales, where one’s head is elevated above the water line. Spy-hopping and burying are both characteristic behaviors that have been observed in skates, yet the mechanical functions of these actions have yet to be quantified. Through this work I hope we will be able to evaluate the differences in skate burial compared to other fishes and how skates spy-hop. These studies ultimately are an evaluation of modified locomotion presented by the unique anatomy of the fins in skates.
Many fish have evolved mechanisms to rapidly bury their bodies in the sand — a behavior that allows them to evade potential predators and ambush prey. At Friday Harbor Labs, students will study the mechanism of burial with a focus on anatomy and fundamental physical principles. What body movements enable fish to move their bodies into a solid-like substrate? What substrates (mud, sand, cobble) can fish exploit for burial? How does the relationship between fish and substrate change as fish change in overall body size? How do fish with different body shapes produce burial behaviors? In the summer of 2019, we will investigate these questions using two experimental organisms with very different body shapes: English Sole (a flatfish) and the Pacific Staghorn Sculpin (see Figure). Students will use a variety of experimental methods to address these questions, including: habitat preference studies, video analysis of behavior, experimental manipulation of substrate size, and modeling of organism-substrate interactions. While working on the project, students will be trained in a wide range of techniques, including high-speed videography, CT scanning, and physical-model building. At the end of the project, students will be encouraged to present their research as a poster or oral presentation at the annual meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology in January 2020.
Pacific Staghorn Sculpin use the head and tail fin in repeated cycles of dorsal-ventral oscillation (red arrows indicate upward movement, yellow arrows indicate downward movement) to bury in the sand.
Predation is a key factor that drives evolution and shapes ecosystems. It affects the prey’s fitness directly, by reducing survival. Body armor is one of the most commonly found strategies in nature to face the threat of a predatory attack. It has evolved in multiple species and generally comes with a trade-off between defense and maneuverability. Investigating body armor is of special interest because it tells us a lot about the organism’s ecology and environment. Is it under high predatory pressure? What kind of predatory threats does it have to thwart? Addressing such questions helps us understand the predator-prey relationships this organism encounters and how these might be stabilized in terms of population fluctuations.
In fishes, a vast variety of body armor is found, ranging from none at all, e.g. most ocean-living eels (Anguilliformes), through fish that are partially armored, e.g. some stickleback species (Gasterosteidae), to heavily armored fish like some poacher species (Agonidae). The poacher body armor is composed of heavy bony scales and varies among species. Although the variety in poachers’ skeletal, cranial and postcranial morphological traits has been studied to some degree, little is known about the postcranial scales and their function as body armor. The scales are ‘typical concentric layered fish scales’ but are augmented with trabeculae (small bony beams) which build a bony network on the scales’ surface, and in some species converge into a spine on the dorsal scales.
In this summer project we aim to determine the trade-off between body armor and maneuverability in poachers. Students joining me in this project during summer 2019 will work using biomechanical methods in order to evaluate the body armor’s material properties. Students will also use imaging methods (e.g. microCT and SEM) to determine the morphological characteristics that limits maneuverability. Thus, basic skills in biomechanics and (3D) imaging as well as (3D) image analysis will be obtained during this project.
12. How are echinoderm larvae responding to environmental changes in the Salish Sea?
The recent IPCC report predicts that due to increased ice melt and precipitation, the salinity of surface waters in the Pacific will decrease. There are more than 15 rivers emptying into the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest including the Fraser River, the second largest in the region. Wind direction and strong tidal currents determine the River’s effects in the San Juan Islands. Data collected in surface waters by the FHL weather station to the south of the Fraser River has revealed an increase in the amplitude and frequency of low salinity waters into the area during the spring and summer months. Unfortunately, this coincides with the reproductive season of many marine invertebrates including many echinoderms with planktotrophic larval development e.g. the sand dollar Dendraster excentricus and the seastar Pisaster ochraceus. Depending on food availability and physical conditions, larvae can remain in the plankton for between 20 – 228 days. Larvae may thus be exposed to very low salinity surface waters for a considerable length of time. Recent studies in my lab indicate differences in morphology (George and Walker 2007 and Pia, et al. 2012), vertical distribution (Bashevkin et al. 2016), particle capture (Navarro et al. in prep), and proteins expressed by larvae exposed to multiple low salinity events during development. During the summer of 2019, REU students and I will use a variety of echinoderm larvae to continue research on their swimming behavior in haloclines and particle capture under different environmental conditions. Larvae from each species will be exposed to high temperatures (15-18°C), temperatures typical of the San Juan Islands (11-13°C), low (20-25‰) and high (30‰) salinities characteristic of the region. Results from this study will give us a better understanding of the response of echinoderm larvae to environmental changes in the Salish Sea.
13. Chasing Molgula tails: the molecular basis of the evolution of larval tail loss in tailless ascidians.
Tailless ascidians have evolved several times independently within the molgulid ascidians. We will spend the summer exploring the molecular basis of the loss of taillessness, examining gene expression in embryos through in situ hybridization. We have three different genes in a gene complex that have been implicated in being responsible for tail loss, manx, bobcat and NA-14. We will look for the gene complex in Ciona and Boltenia, or in other Molgulids, such as Molgula pacifica. We will have the opportunity to publish the changes in the promoter regions between each gene as a molecular evolution paper and the gene expression as an EvoDevo paper.
Sea anemones and corals are dominant space competitors in the benthic environment, frequently excluding other species forming monocultures. In this project, we will explore the patterns of distribution of anemones around the San Juan Islands and the processes that lead to these patterns. Projects will include lab and field work determining the impacts of abiotic and biotic interactions on survival of the local anemones and corals. Some specific projects include transplanting anemones from one depth to another via SCUBA or snorkel to explore distribution patterns, examining the benefits and costs of sea anemone aggregations in lab through predation experiments, or caging out predators in the subtidal. Subtidal experiments involving SCUBA may be possible for a student already certified by an AAUS member institution as an AAUS scientific diver.


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Starmobile unveils one of its cheapest tablets, the Starmobile Engage 7 3G+, for the masses as an early treat for the holiday season. The tablet is another iteration of the popular Engage line from the local manufacturer. This 7-incher sports a MediaTek MT8382 Chipset clocked at 1.3GHz ARM Cortex A7 quad-core CPU.
Digging inside the SoC, you'll also find the Mali-400 MP2 GPU and a gigabyte of RAM. On paper, it seems that the tablet is good enough to deliver a good performance in playing games and doing graphic-intensive tasks.
However, the downside in the feature set is the battery which is only rated at 3000 mAh. This limits the running time to a maximum of 6 hours away from the wall outlet.
The device also sports 8GB internal storage with microSD support of up to 32GB. There’s also an 8MP camera with BSI sensor and LED flash. The 2MP selfie camera is also up for your video calling needs. Connectivity-wise, both SIM slots support 3G connectivity for mobile internet.
dont buy this product the battery of 7 engage 3g+ is 1000mAh instead of 3000mAh.. not worth the money.If you open the product they will say its void of warranty but the fact is battery is not really 3000mAh as labeled but 1000mAh only.
have it checked by DTI if you wanted to prove that this is really a bad product.


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One of the hot electric car stories of the week is that Apple may be working on an electric car of its own. A lot of sites have been eagerly reporting on this, but with little integration of comments from different sources and sites. I know I’d love to see it happen as much as the next Apple & electric car fan, but it’s hard to believe. That said, the anonymous sources tipping people off seem to be pretty convinced it is indeed a car Apple is working on, and there have been a number of sources… but all anonymous.
So… yeah, anonymous + vague. Nonetheless, there’s also word that Apple has been trying to poach Tesla engineers with $250,000 signing bonuses and 60% pay increases… (with just limited success). Furthermore, one of the huge things Tesla has done is make its cars much more heavily based on software than other cars on the road. Updates — and even recalls! — occur virtually just as they do on your iPhone, iPad, computer, etc. With Apple’s expertise and influence in this space, it could potentially bring a good offering to market.
Also, a lot have been wondering, how far can Apple really go with new iPhones, iPads, and computers? Sure, it’s a great market, but people seem less and less impressed with the improvements that come out every 2–3 years. How far can it go, especially with Samsung and others closing in on the premium tech giant? Getting into the electric car business… now, that’s something that could lead to a lot more growth for the most valuable company in the world.
Back to the rumors, there are more pieces to the story that have been popping up.
Some outlets report that Apple has “several hundred” people working to design a car codenamed Titan. “Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly green-lighted the project almost a year ago, and company executives have already begun to meet with potential contract manufacturers, including Canadian firm Magna Steyr. Apple iPod and iPhone designer Steve Zadesky, formerly of Ford, is said to be running the project,” Apple Insider reports.
“The team — which has its own development facility away from the main Infinite Loop campus — could eventually swell to some 1,000 employees, and Zadesky has been given free reign to pull talent from any existing Apple group. Zadesky’s group is reportedly researching ‘robotics, metals and materials consistent with automobile manufacturing.’ ” Johann Jungwirth, formerly the head of Mercedes-Benz R&D, is reportedly one such person working on Titan.
From another source who travels in more rarified circles than yours truly, I also learned that a lot of people at the top in Silicon Valley consider it a given that Apple is working on a car. This is circumstantial, at best, but if you’re going to crowd-source wisdom, you could do a lot worse than polling the C-suite.
When coupled with everything I’ve learned since, I’m personally closer to 100 percent.
It seems almost impossible for someone to discuss Apply potentially developing a car without bringing in Tesla, and the wide assumption seems to be that the car would be electric. The thing so many forget when they talk about a newcomer competing with Tesla, however, is that it will take many years for the newcomer to get to mass production, while Tesla is already there… after starting out approximately a decade ago. Central reports that Apple is working on something of the car variety also indicate that if the product ever gets to market (definitely still an “if”), it’s several years out.
Apple is apparently behind some vans equipped with strange-looking “tentacles” attached to their roofs (which are using LiDAR modules). Again, there’s a lot of speculation about these, but it seems most likely they are simply used for mapping purposes. But who knows, maybe Apple is following Google and Tesla into the self-driving electric car realm.
But the thing is, the anonymous source who talked to the Financial Times is leaning toward something bigger (literally): “Three months ago I would have said it was CarPlay,” the source was quoted as saying by the Financial Times. “Today I think it’s a car,” the person said.
Although the information was hearsay that came via a former Tesla engineer who heard it from a current engineer, it was clear that Tesla was taking this very seriously. My understanding is that significant raises were given to keep employees from jumping ship (nowhere near what Apple was offering). My source also offered a bit of snark: the employees that did leave for Apple were not Tesla’s best talent.
Back on topic: My sense is that Apple is only interested in producing a high-end, Apple-branded car that integrates iOS, not something they will be building from the bottom up.


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Hand carders are used in pairs to prepare fiber or to blend fiber types. Lightweight and easy to carry they produce small rolags ready for spinning. These smaller, lightweight carders with comfortable round handle. Notes: Product packaging maybe labeled "mini" or "small" but the same carder.
Note: Price is for a set of carders.

industry_corpus2: Petrochemicals


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"It's part of me, it's the air I breathe."
Estes Valley resident and visual artist Debbie Brazill cannot describe her life without art, it is integral part of who she is. Her father, Alton Timothy Timm, was a musician who knew Ray Price.
"Later in life, my dad had a lot of physical problems," Brazill explained. "But he would get up every day and play the guitar for us for a couple of hours." Her brothers played in bands — one of them in a Country Western band for which she described herself as a "groupie" because she loved to dance.
"Painting, music, and dance — I can't not do those things," she said. "God put it in me, and it was just always there."
It was there when she was three and put on a ballet performance for her family every night before bed. It was there when she met her husband, John Paul, at one of her brother's performances when he asked her to dance. It was there when she attended college for a year at Oklahoma State University to study art (unfortunately, her parents couldn't afford to keep her in school). Along with her strong faith in God and love for her family, these things are what make Brazill the person — and artist —she is.
Today, Brazill paints in her home studio 10 miles south of Estes Park.
"My mother and grandmother were very accomplished oil painters. The house was always filled with paintings and art work given to family and friends. I think they had a tremendous influence on me very early in life as I grew up painting and crafting with all the women in the family.
"After we moved to Colorado 18 years ago, I have been smitten with this gorgeous state," she said. "There are so many beautiful things to paint when you have art in your soul."
Painting from photographs, her subjects mainly depict her glorious surroundings in the Rocky Mountains in which she spends a lot of time hiking.
She and John Paul raised four children who all attended Estes Park schools: JP (John Paul, Jr,), Rachel, Chelsea and Christopher. They have several grandchildren, too, and feel blessed all their children live in Colorado (Chelsea still resides at home and works at an Estes Park bank).
Currently, John Paul is tackling a major reconstruction of the family home.
"My husband's creativity comes out in remodeling our kitchen," Brazill quipped, while explaining how everyone in her life has been driven by the urge to create.
"This desire to express myself in these areas is very strong," she said. "Knowing that we are all created in the image of God, it makes sense that we would have a desire to create."
She's taken several classes with local artists and is always working to improve her craft. Brazill feels a strong drive to share her passion and would like to see more opportunities for everyone to explore their creative inclinations.
"Even if it doesn't come out the way you think it should, it is so fulfilling just to express yourself," she said. "To encourage people in the community to step out and experiment, maybe it would be fun to have a 'Great Paint Out' in the park or by the lake.
"Stations could be set up for different mediums to play around with, and all kinds of crafts that you wouldn't ordinarily have exposure to. Things that come to mind might be mixing mediums on paper and on other unconventional surfaces, such as tile, ceramic, wood, metal, and creative projects like Bonsai Tree shaping, flower arranging, or planting bulbs in a coffee table size rock garden."
The joy and tranquility that Brazill experiences with her art is something she thinks everyone should experience.
"I like to encourage people to have fun creating something, anything, just for the joy of it," she said.


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HOME | Dock & Dime Reclaimed Wood Co.
Dock & Dime creates your dream, wood furnishings. Each piece is skillfully handcrafted by master woodworker, Randall, in his Burnaby shop using reclaimed, "up-cycled" and local materials. Randy takes pride in incorporating the style, sizing, design and colour themes desired by each of Dock & Dime's clients, customizing each piece of beautiful wood furniture for the client's living space. Our process embraces the character of the wood and Randy chooses pieces that feature unique grain patterns, knots, burls, live edges, nail holes, saw marks, divots and other beautiful imperfections to share the story and the character of the wood. Dock & Dime believes custom home and office furnishings can be affordable to any household.
Contact Randy today to add a custom, rustic, modern charm to your life!
Dock & Dime Reclaimed Wood Co.
Copyright © 2018 Dock & Dime Reclaimed Wood Co. - All Rights Reserved.

industry_corpus2: Manufacturing


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As most readers will remember, the IHRA had long standing prohibitions on employment discrimination "on the basis of pregnancy" (775 ILCS 5/2-102(H) and (I)). It is also well known that pregnancy by itself does not qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, therefore, an employer does not need to provide any reasonable accommodation to a woman based solely on her pregnancy. These facts raise questions in the mind of the author as to why Governor Quinn and the Illinois State Legislature are in such a rush to provide these modifications. It is even more curious since the Supreme Court will hear in the fall term the case of Young v. United Parcel Service, Inc., which will provide needed guidance on pregnancy and disability issues.
Regardless of the above facts, the IHRA has now been amended to provide not only the pregnancy protections previously under the Act, but also an entire new section (775 ILCS 5/2-102(J)) that requires what are called "reasonable accommodations."
More frequent or longer rest breaks.
Private non-bathroom space for breastfeeding and related activities such as pumping milk.
Modification or adjustment of equipment.
Temporary transfer to less strenuous or hazardous position.
Light duty or part-time modified work schedule.
Leave necessitated by pregnancy, childbirth or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.
If, in fact, leave is afforded as some form of reasonable accommodation, the employee must be guaranteed to be reinstated to her original position or to an equivalent position with pay seniority, retirement, and fringe benefits. It is quite probable that based on the "medical conditions" that this type of leave for pregnancy could extend beyond what is required under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the twelve (12) week limitations.
Employers may require medical documentation from the healthcare provider with regard to the need for a reasonable accommodation and employers must engage in the interactive process with the involved employee with regard to providing the proposed accommodations.
Obviously, this law, since it will apply to all employers having one (1) or more employees, will have a major impact on work conditions and day-to-day actions taken in any employment setting. How this law will square with any future Supreme Court decision is anyone's guess, but I am quite certain that the "legal skills" of Quinn, Madigan, and Cullerton are not on the same level as the "Supremes." Regardless, the wise employer will begin the analysis to deal with this legislation because any Supreme Court decision, at its earliest, is some time in the latter part of calendar 2015.


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> But maybe 9/10 of the Google hits are discussions like this one.
It's easy enough to look and see, isn't it?
and is recognized in mainstream dictionaries.
the language, describing a particular type of swindler.
I know people who are frauds. As far as I know, none of them are swindlers.


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I used to weigh 460 pounds and felt hopeless, like I had no more dreams. I weigh half of that now. I could no longer walk and was bedridden in a room with a tv for longer than I can remember. Diet after diet left me bigger and bigger with less hope as I failed each time and regained even more than I lost. My disabilities of having degenerative disease, herniated disks, pinched nerve bundles, slipped disks, knees needing replaced, and fibromyalgia made me miserable and made it very daunting to exercise or even move.
My doctors recommended weight loss surgery, but in the classes I discovered the post operative patients were still hungry. They wanted to eat when they were emotional, celebrating, and when things tasted or smelled good. They were just like me. So why would I have my stomach cut open to be where I already was? It was stomach surgery not brain surgery. I needed to fix my head. But how?
It literally took me 7 years to take off 230 pounds. If I had had someone to teach me the things I know now, I would have arrived at my goal much quicker. I learned that diets are temporary and therefore yield temporary results. So, I started creating a new program for myself, step by step.
Are you ready to experience something different? Some new thoughts? A mindset makeover? You have to think in a new way in order to behave in a new way, so let’s get started!


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The United States and China are the two largest energy consumers and carbon emitters. The study will focus on ways that the two countries can both commercialize technologies and make them available to the masses. The research teams will also assess the resources and capacity for various large-scale forms of alternative energy in each country.
The study is slated to begin on November 12th with a report scheduled to be released 18 months later. This is only the latest of Google’s investments into alternative energy, electric vehicles, and other technology advancements to fight climate change.
Photo Credit: Carlos Luna on Flickr under Creative Commons license.
Alex Felsinger is primarily concerned with animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and environmental justice. As a freelance writer in San Francisco, he leads a deliberately simplistic and thrifty lifestyle, yet still can’t help gawking at the newest green gadgets and zero-emission concept cars.

industry_corpus2: Power & Energy


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Help bring a war criminal to justice.
Sanguine Barrows — Bring King Ranser's spymaster to justice for atrocities.
The Ring of Daggers has tracked down a war criminal named Gerard Althen, who once served as King Ranser's spymaster. He's hiding somewhere in Sanguine Barrows and I've agreed to find him and bring him out.
This page was last modified on 16 November 2017, at 21:20.