This entry was posted in Book Reviews and tagged baby boomer fiction, book review, Julian Barnes, The Sense of an Ending, women's fiction by Lynn Schneider. Bookmark the permalink.
Reading your review, I want to read the book again.
Hoping you will have some time when you will be back from your trip to consider reviewing my novel, starting in the same time period as this work. Not that I would compare my skills as a writer with Julian Barnes, but one has to start somewhere ….
Johanna, I haven't forgotten about our review swap. I will contact you as soon as I get back. The time period was also of interest to me, since my stories take place in the sixties through present. Thanks for commenting!
Your reviews are so thorough. I too give much thought to 'language' of different time era's. Being a woman of the sixties, I do not believe we ever said 'control freak' at that time. It sounds like a very introspective type of a book. Interesting!
June, I just received a comment on this older post and saw that I had not replied to your comment, which is something that I always do. Uh! Thanks for saying my reviews are thorough, I sometimes see the reviews of others and think – that is so good, why didn't I realize that, so I'm glad to hear it.
I did enjoy the trip, except for the pickpocket part.
Hi Lynn, How are you? Thanks for reminding me to read this book. It actually won the Man Booker in the end; the prize is the Commonwealth equivalent of the Pulitzer so it receives lots of attention in Commonwealth countries such as Australia and Canada. My all time favourite (or favorite!) Man Booker winner was The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood.
This really is a wonderfully written novel, as you can probably tell by the excerpts I have included, and these are just an example. I am going to check out your recommendation of The Blind Assassin. Thanks for stopping by, and hope everything is okay in your hemisphere.
I just read this book, based on your review. I liked it a lot, but had the same issues with it that you did. I felt betrayed, since it was simply illogical for Victoria to expect him to "get it," and the letter was out of character. I also thought Adrian's character needed further development. But it was well written and reflective. I admired it sufficiently to take another Barnes book from the library, which I am just starting: Arthur & George.
Nancy, I think in the case of this novel, I accepted a lot of what I considered to be flaws in favor of the beautiful writing. I really did love the internal dialogue of Tony. I think you are right about Adrian, we really didn't know much about him. Let me know about Arthur & George!


text:
Oil service company Solstad seeks creditor talks, shares fall
Nerijus Adomaitis
OSLO (Reuters) - Oil service company Solstad Offshore (SOFF.OL) is seeking negotiations with creditors and other stakeholders to boost liquidity ahead of the slow winter season, the company said on Monday, sending its shares down around 20 percent.
Solstad, with more than 4,000 employees, is one of the world's largest suppliers of specialised vessels to the oil and gas industry as well as offshore wind power developers. It has a fleet of 141 vessels.
Solstad and other oil services companies are trying to bounce back after being hit by oil company spending cutbacks following a slide in oil prices. The company went through a major debt restructuring in 2016-17 and merged with several rivals.
Solstad's second-quarter results in August showed that liquidity continued to shrink during the first six months of 2018. The company said it would look at various options, including vessel sales, entering into joint ventures or further consolidation.
"We were all too optimistic about when the recovery will happen," Chief Executive Lars Peder Solstad told Reuters on Monday.
"2019 will probably be a bit better, but we will need to wait until 2020 or 2021 to see the rates rising to reasonable levels."
Solstad's CEO declined to elaborate on the options under consideration, or to comment further on the liquidity situation. The company reports its third-quarter results on Nov. 6.
In the second quarter, Solstad's cash position fell to 1.37 billion Norwegian crowns ($166.13 million), down from 1.47 billion crowns at the end of March and from 2.4 billion crowns in mid-2017, according to the company's second quarter earnings.
Soldstad's total debt and liabilities stood at 31.1 billion crowns in the second-quarter.
Solstad said in its second-quarter report that it expected to benefit from increased offshore drilling and production activity to a certain extent in 2018, but even more in 2019 and onwards.
"I'm still very positive about the market's recovery, but it's more about the timing," CEO Solstad said on Monday.
Solstad's biggest shareholders are billionaire investors Kjell Inge Roekke and John Fredriksen, who own close to 40 percent of the shares.
Its competitors include U.S.-based Tidewater (TDW.N), which agreed in July to buy a smaller rival GulfMark Offshore Inc GLF.A to expand in the UK North Sea, as well as Oslo-listed Siem Offshore (SIOFF.OL) and DOF (DOF.OL).
($1 = 8.2465 Norwegian crowns)
Editing by Terje Solsvik and Jane Merriman

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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As the conflict in Libya drags on, it is becoming increasingly clear that as with most armed conflicts of the last 100 years, a bombing campaign will not 'succeed' (success in this case being the removal from power of Muammar Qaddafi). Having secured a United Nations resolution for 'all necessary measures' to protect Libyan civilians from their government, NATO began air strikes which had an immediate effect on Qaddafi's forces. Then again, they were easy pickings in Libya's vast deserts, chasing the 'rebel' forces aligned with the National Transitional Council east towards the putative capital of Benghazi. It doesn't take a military genius to work out that once Qaddafi's forces & arms reached population centres such as Tobruk and Misurata, bombing, no matter how surgical, is going to endanger the civilians the planes were sent to protect.
Resolution 1973 is the clearest indication yet that the international community is willing to implement the doctrine of the "Responsibility to Protect". Military intervention is not the beginning of "R2P"; it is the last resort. The responsibility to prevent is crucial. It was clear for weeks before the conflict escalated that Qaddafi would not go willingly. Any hope of negotiating with Qaddafi, or his son, Saif, was doomed by pushing them into a corner. I am not saying that it was feasible or even wise; but Qaddafi rules because he is rat cunning and controls tribes. He is no Mubarak, a 'strongman' whose power was based on more readily understood (to the Western observer) military structures. Libyan society, like much of the region, is based firstly on tribe, family, and blood. The TNC is a collective of Western Libyan tribes. Qaddafi's power is drawn from Sirte, his tribal home, yes; but also from Tripoli. With a population of 2 million in a country of 6 million, with Tripoli goes Libya. At the height of its surge west, the TNC reportedly came close to taking Tripoli (many Western media outlets breathlessly and prematurely reporting Qaddafi's end was nigh). And this is where it all went pear-shaped. While there may have been broad support for getting rid of Qaddafi, he stared them down, fairly frothing at the mouth from a balcony, doing what he does best. Cornered, he blamed everyone from al-Qaeda spiking the Kool-Aid to his old enemies in the West for the uprising. I'm sad to say I called his strategy. Libyans, particularly Tripoli residents, remember the American raids of 1986 after the Berlin nightclub bombing and other outrages. The targeting of his compound killed an infant girl, who Qaddafi claimed was his adopted child. Qaddafi reverted from the prodigal son role he had played to win redemption with the European powers & United States in the wake of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. He galvanised his army, the tribes still paying fealty to their lord and did as he has done for 40 years: fight. As the rebels withdrew, the international community prevaricated. By the time the first planes were in the air, it was all but too late.
The National Transition Council is recognised as the legitimate government of Libya by three Member States of the United Nations – France, Italy & Qatar. For the other 189, it is the opposition, including Britain, Australia and the United States – for all of our huffing and puffing. The Arab League, at first supportive of the no-fly zone, withdrew it almost immediately. The 'Mad Colonel' happily posed for photos with an African Union delegation dispatched to mediate between the warring sides. They were then treated with contempt by the TNC (given the AU's rapprochement with the self-proclaimed 'Lion of Africa', who could blame them?). In the early days of the insurrection, there was the farcical discovery of what appeared to be British Special Forces on the ground. They were rejected, and ejected by the TNC. NATO has not been able to dislodge Qaddafi, and unless there is a change of tactics, they won't be able to. What now? An ignominious choice: to prevent the wholesale slaughter of residents of Eastern Libya – the real and present danger put to the UN under Resolution 1973 – they must do one of two things – negotiate a ceasefire and enter the country with peacekeeping forces, as the UN and French have done most recently in Côte d'Ivoire; or arm the rebels to 'level the playing field'.
There are several problems with both strategies. Firstly, Qaddafi has said he will negotiate along the lines of the plan put to both sides by the AU. The sticking point: the TNC will not entertain any plan which does not remove Qaddafi from power. The risk is the rebels are over-run; already fighting street-by-street in Misurata, Ajdabiya shelled and without effective air support from NATO, this is a real possibility. The pay-off is a true balls-to-the-wall gamble: that the international community will respond by putting boots on the ground. Perhaps that is why, as I write, the US is spinning into overdrive, trying to find an African country to provide an African solution – play host to Qaddafi in exile. God knows where, and at what price? Every effort must be made to strike a compromise. The TNC must understand that the West has no stomach for another war. President Obama would kiss a second term goodbye, and with wars in Iraq & Afghanistan still very much open sores, it is not going to happen, as UK PM David Cameron has today made perfectly clear.
While there are rumblings from the US and Britain about responding to the cries of the TNC and breaking the blanket arms embargo enforced by the UN to arm the rebels, it is, in my opinion, stupid in the extreme. Firstly, NATO Commander Admiral James Stavridis has stated that the Mad Colonel may not be entirely wide of the mark. As veteran BBC correspondent John Simpson reported on 29 March 2011 (www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12901820), intelligence has shown 'flickers' of al-Qaeda and Hezbollah activity. Secondly, the rebel army is far from one. The fighters are undoubtedly committed, but untrained civilians used to shooting semi-automatics at best. NATO (or whichever body broke the embargo) would be arming groups of young men who may in turn seek to inflict terror on those loyal to Qaddafi, whether they are true believers, paid protestors or foreign workers, lured by the promise of the oilfields, and marked as mercenaries. The rebels are already rigging up 'Mad Max'-style adapted light weapons. Thirdly, Libya is subject to an arms embargo. Breaching it is illegal and sets such a reckless precedent that attempts to control the trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW) or respect other embargoes will be laughed at. Finally, Libya's borders are porous. Here is where we really gear up for the frightening prospect of a steady supply of arms flowing through Libya to Tunisia and Algeria on the east; south to its former foe, Chad; or west, to Egypt and Sudan. Do we really want more weapons in these post-conflict zones?
Already, the rebels are claiming to have seized weapons from pro-Qaddafi forces made in Israel, while Qatar is suspected of shipping anti-aircraft guns to the rebels. The matter is further complicated by the fact that the embargo has only been reinforced this year, being lifted in 2004 after pressure from the Italians in particular. According to www.defencetalk.com, Russia had an order book from Libya worth 1.5b euros; official EU data for exports in 2009 show Italy exported weapons worth 205m Euros, followed by France (€143m); Malta (€80m); Germany (€57m); Britain (€53m) and Portugal (€21m). The US was not to be left behind: according to Reuters, representatives of Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Raytheon Co. visited Libya as members of trade delegations. South Africa also saw a piece of the Libyan action: its National Conventional Arms Committee annual report for 2010 showed the country sold R70m in arms last year. Manufacturer Denel has denied sales, but a leaked memo outlined a visit to Libya in April involving the planned sale of artillery systems, missiles, grenade launchers and anti-materiel rifles (www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/SA-sold-R70m-weapons-to-Libya-20110410)
Now, the West is bombing an army it armed, much as it did in Iraq. Reading over the articles of Qaddafi's 'rehabilitation', it seems so long ago; now, those guns are involved in bloody civil conflict. They fall into the hands of the rebels, who shoot back with the same small arms & fire the same light weapons. Mistakes in the name of greed and guns have already been made. Tilting the balance in the conflict by arming the rebels presents moral hazards the world cannot afford to entertain.
« Altern-oPod The Jihadist Pimpernel »
Date : 18 April 2011
Tags: African Union, Arab League, Col Muammar Qaddafi, middle-east, National Transitional Council, NATO, NATO Commander Admiral James Stavridis, President Barack Obama, R2P, Resolutions 1973, Responsibility to Protect, Saif al-Qaddafi, United Nations
Categories : 2011, International Relations, War and Conflict
lukas (21:12:34) :
thank you for the most comprehensive update I have read on the Libyan situation so far.
It highlights many points about the conflict – 2 of which are:
Firstly that the UN continues to show there lack of ability to put a plan in place with no clear objective. Air strikes achieve little with out coordinated ground support – the Rebels are not coordinated……
Secondly it makes good business sense for the owners and shareholders of Weapons OEM's if you can sell arms to a country which then your country of residence starts fighting with. Perfect way to do business really.
2FBS (20:33:15) :
It is like attending an interesting lecture on International Relation. Thanks.


text:
Photos, football for the Dragons on Day 2
By Mason Kelley
SEATTLE – Kasen Williams and Brandon Silvers crammed into a black Honda Civic wearing their full, freshly unveiled Dragons uniforms.
The receiver and the quarterback were on their way to a quick photoshoot before an on-air appearance on Q13 Fox News. The teammates had just finished a team meeting and were talking their way through the terminology they will use on offense this season.
For the Dragons, Wednesday was a moment to begin talking football.
"Day 2 was very similar to Day 1," Williams said. "Meetings, physicals, getting acquainted with the, tapping into a little bit of the playbook, but nothing too much. We just kind of continued the tradition of just being around the guys."
Silvers added, "It's been a lot more football-oriented stuff. The first day we really just got acquainted with everything, doing a lot of off-the-field stuff, getting into some plays today. It's been a lot better day for football."
Now that they've gotten their first peek at the offense, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
"I'm definitely a fan of the playbook," Williams said. "For me, it's just very familiar. I'm used to this offense, so it's easier for me to play fast and hit the ground running."
After a lengthy layoff for both players, the teammates are looking forward to finally being back on the turf for the Dragons' first on-field work Thursday.
"I haven't been able to play football for seven, eight months now, so just getting back into it, we've been grinding a lot this offseason, so it's nice getting back into playbooks, learning new teammates and building a bond with each and every one of them," Silvers said.
But, while the Dragons started to shift their attention to football, Williams and Silvers still had a few more media obligations, starting with a photoshoot at the Fremont Troll and Gas Works Park.
Even on an overcast day, Silvers was impressed by the view.
"I hadn't been north of downtown yet, so it's been really good, great scenery, great view," Silvers said. "It was a good day and I'm excited about being a Dragon."
Williams has been receiving local media interest since his high-school days but, when asked if he's ever been as visible locally, he started to laugh.
"Definitely not, but I love it, though," Williams said. "We're always working. It's either going through plays or snapping photos and being in front of the camera. I definitely appreciate it, because this is the hardest I've worked in a while."
SeattleSeattle DragonsNews


Hire the Best Solar Panel Installers in Cold Spring Harbor, NY on HomeAdvisor. Compare homeowner reviews from 5 Top Cold Spring Harbor Solar Panel For Electric System Installation services.
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Cubicolor is an attractive new colour version of the Shadow Construction game.
The building bricks have to be arranged to match the colour design shown on the chosen illustrated pattern card.
The pattern cards are graded in difficulty to introduce the player gradually to the colourful world of outline construction. As the game progresses, it becomes more difficult to match the building bricks to the surface colours and shapes on the pattern cards.
Game also includes blank pattern cards for the players to create their own designs.
Players have to arrange the building bricks to match to the surface colours and shapes shown on the chosen illustrated pattern card.


text:
Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 72F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..
Clear skies with a few passing clouds. Low 58F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
Rock Bottom Ranch currently provides a home for Director Kelly Tinley, House Mom Jessica Morris and eight residents.
Rock Bottom Ranch graduates three residents Saturday
BY LISA TANG Special to the Herald-Press
Rock Bottom Ranch is inviting the community to celebrate the graduation of three women at 5 p.m. Saturday at Evangelistic Temple in Palestine. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which includes entertainment by the Band Reeves, testimonies from the graduates and a dinner.
Amber Corrigan, of Athens, Marlana Riddles and Kamie King, both of Palestine, are graduating Saturday after being enrolled in the ranch's program for one year. The first graduation occurred in December 2020 for Jessica Morris, who works as House Mom for the ranch's eight residents.
RBR started its nonprofit ministry in 2018 with the goal of helping formerly incarcerated women recover from drug and alcohol addiction and opened its doors to residents in 2019.
The ranch's programs focus on breaking the cycle of addiction, poverty and criminal charges some fall into when they do not have good support systems. The ranch's vocational programs also provide assistance with employment. Both King and Riddles, for example, work at Eilenberger's Bakery.
Director Kelly Tinley said the ranch provides a faith-based curriculum that offers counseling, life skills and social support.
"As a Christian ministry, our goal is to ultimately restore lives that have been broken by addiction," Tinley said. "The change that has taken place in a year's time, it's amazing."
Tinley said the ranch is looking into providing an aftercare program to support graduates' needs.
"We're busier than we thought we'd be," Tinley said. "The ministry is so needed. Addiction is so prevalent."
In addition to graduating, all three women have been able to re-establish relationships with their children and families, and two have plans to marry.
Corrigan said her time at the ranch has strengthened her spiritually and she looks forward to rejoining her children and is planning to marry her fiancé, who recently graduated from a program in Madisonville.
"In November of 2020, I asked Jesus into my heart and found my way to Rock Bottom Ranch where I have gained a very intimate relationship with God," she said. "In this time of drawing closer to God, He has restored me as well as my relationship with my children and my fiancé, Bobby Jo."
"We're doing graduations and then boom, boom, two weddings," Tinley said. "These girls have done so well."
For information about programs and events at Rock Bottom Ranch visit www.rockbottomranch.org or call 903-727-2550.
Kelly Tinley
Amber Corrigan
Bobby Jo


text:
June 25, 2019 July 2, 2019 by Emily
Exciting news for the cities of Orlando and Miami as Virgin Trains USA starts a new project in Florida. An express train that will connect Orlando and Miami in just 3 hours while riders enjoy a fast, clean ride with food and drink service and Wi-Fi.
Virgin Trains broke ground on its station at Orlando International Airport's Intermodal Terminal on June 24th, a project that will be completed by 2022. It will connect existing rail service in South Florida with new tracks in Central Florida, creating a rail line between Orlando and Miami.
The project includes about 170 miles of new track that will be built over the next three years by more than 10,000 construction workers, which Virgin Trains calls the largest private infrastructure project in the nation.
On those new tracks, the train will reach speeds of 125 miles per hour between Cocoa and Orlando.
According to a breaking piece from the Orlando Sentinel, a station at Walt Disney World, as well as a link with SunRail's Meadow Wood station are set to open at about the same time as Virgin Train USA's Orlando airport station. "It's our expectation to get it done and to build out to Disney," Virgin Trains president Patrick Goddard said about the lines. Construction is expected to take between 30 to 36 months. And so you know they're serious, Goddard also mentioned that Virgin Trains signed a letter of intent with Disney last year.
What's particularly attractive about this project is the opportunities it will create for visitors who now can jump on a train in the morning after visiting Orlando attractions like Disney World or Universal Studios and be relaxing on South Beach by the afternoon.
With Miami International Airport being a leader in international visitors, who are used to taking trains in their home countries, and Orlando International Airport leading in domestic visitors to Central Florida's amusement parks, there's a natural synergy for linking the two airports with a train.
Additionally, it will also provide relief for local travelers who will be able to choose whether they want to deal with highway traffic to get from one city to another.
*Image courtesy of Virgin Trains USA
Categories Beaches, Orlando, Theme Parks Tags Davenport, Florida, HolidayInOrlando, Orlando, VacationInOrlando, VacationSoup, whattodo Post navigation


text:
Q: Is there a keyboard shortcut for "Show Hidden Files" in the Finder in El Cap? Related: Hotkey to show hidden files and folders in File Open dialog?
Looks like there was a keyboard shortcut for it. But in 10.11.6 all I get when I press Cmd Shift . is the bonk sound.
Is that keyboard shortcut gone? What's an easy way to get it back?
Note that the shortcut works in file dialogs but not the standard Finder window.
Not a duplicate: the top ranked question on Hotkey to show hidden files and folders in File Open dialog? does not work in El Cap.

A: There's no shortcut.
You could make one, but it would require a Automator action, containing a script, and set up as a Service, & will re-launch the Finder each time it's used. [Mavericks could do it without relaunch but no other OS]
For the number of times I actually use it, I just keep the script accessible instead.
--Toggle Invisibles
set newHiddenVisiblesState to "YES"
try
    set oldHiddenVisiblesState to do shell script "defaults read com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles"
    if oldHiddenVisiblesState is in {"1", "YES"} then
        set newHiddenVisiblesState to "NO"
    end if
end try
do shell script "defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles " & newHiddenVisiblesState & "; killall Finder"

Copy paste to Script Editor & save as an App.
It will toggle visible state each time it's launched.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Man arrested for destroying table in izakaya
Oct. 10, 2022 06:00 am JST Oct. 10, 2022 | 06:15 am JST
Police in Abashiri, Hokkaido, have arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of property damage after he pulled the board from a table top in an izakaya and smashed it.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Hokkaido Broadcasting Co reported. Police said the bar manager called them after the man damaged the table in a fit of anger.
Police said the man, a company employee, had been drinking with a woman at a kotatsu-like table at the time.
Police said the man was drunk when he was arrested. His companion said they had been having an argument when he lost his temper and broke the top off the table.
The man was quoted by police as saying he got fed up with the woman's attitude. Police did not say what the argument was about.
sakurasuki
Oct. 10, 2022 06:58 am JST
The man was quoted by police as saying he got fed up with the woman's attitude.
At least he remember his thing, unlike many other that tend to forget.
virusrex
The woman should use this opportunity to get away from him, this time she got lucky and the table was the only victim, but if she continues her relationship with him next time may not be the same, specially if they are not in public.
14 ( +14 / -0 )
WA4TKG
Funny how this makes it as a National News Headline, ain't it ?
Breaks table, mentally unstable.
Harry_Gatto
virusrexToday 08:06 am JST
Well, the article describes the woman as being his "companion" which could mean anything. Generally speaking, a 46 year old man is unlikely to be in an izakaya at 2:30 am with his wife or regular girlfriend so I suspect a "business" relationship of some kind, but I'm only speculating.
serendipitous1
Another not-so-serious crime day in Japan!
falseflagsteve
Oct. 10, 2022 01:22 pm JST
What a silly thing to do, seems like he cannot control his emotions after consuming alcohol. This negativity often happens in those who become inebriated. Many in Japan are too stressed an unable to maintain a PMA (Positive Mental Attitude), seems like this chap is one of them and now he's found himself in trouble.
My Vinyl
Laguna..do..you..mean..mentally..uns-table?
Thunderbird2
So in other countries they report muggings, murders and violent crimes - meanwhile someone damages a table in an izakaya and it's headline news... really puts things in perspective, doesn't it?
Nuno Teixeira da Cunha
Probably not the most beautiful handcraft dove tail joints table.
Leffe Goldstein
Wish we had this headline in my local newspaper
Aly Rustom
In my years here, seen A LOT of Japanese men get drunk and then get belligerent or violent. They're basically giant Man Babies.
Most staff have had the professionalism and politeness to deescalate the situations with varying successes.
sir_bentley28
sakurasukiOct. 10 06:58 am JST
Hahaha! I was actually looking to the end to see if he would play that card of "I was drunk and I don't remember!"
Groper arrested in Nikko insists he did not grab both breasts, but just one
Manila considers deporting all 4 robbery suspects to Japan at once
Man arrested for breaking glass door at supermarket because 'there was nothing he wanted to buy'


* In Column Right on June 9, Cal Thomas argues that Republicans who criticize Oliver North "dare not speak" their motive, namely that "weak men fear strong men." He calls us spineless for not supporting North's traditional values.
The appalling truth is, too many Republicans have been spineless for remaining silent and not exposing the extent of North's amorality. For it is well documented that North is a narcotics trafficker! In 1990, North was banished for life by our neighbor, Costa Rica, which declared him persona non grata --the most severe non-criminal penalty a government can impose. This was for overseeing an airlift which smuggled cocaine from Costa Rica into the United States. Even though he didn't keep the profits himself, using them instead to get arms for the Contras, North did this at the very time President Reagan and Vice President Bush were leading our nation's "War on Drugs"!
North's deviant behavior in smuggling crack cocaine into our country can never be labeled traditional values, not even by Pat Robertson and the religious right!
* Thomas in praise of Ollie North as a champion of "traditional values" is highly amusing. I suggest to Thomas that truth is one of the most fundamental of traditional values. The record (congressional and otherwise) shows that Ollie has been none too fastidious in implementing this one.
If Thomas thinks we need a strong man to lead us out of our "decadent culture," one who puts ideology in first place, I can remember a couple of 20th-Century dictators who would have met his criteria more than adequately.
* I agree and sympathize with those who have written concerned about the North nomination in Virginia (letters, June 12). My concern relates to an area rarely mentioned in regard to North--the deaths of numerous civilians in Nicaragua.
During the Contra attacks, civilians were raped, tortured and killed--unarmed and noncombatant men, women and children who used to live in the countryside.
Numerous U.S. citizens documented many of these attacks and submitted reports to the U.S. Congress. The lies by those involved in Iran-Contra had dreadful consequences for the people whose families cannot be brought back. The country of Nicaragua continues to suffer the devastating consequences of differing with U.S. political interests.
* The Grand Old Party senior leadership--Dr. Gridlock, Bob Dole; Professor Negative, Newt Gingrich; Saint of Smokers, Jesse Helms; Dan "Under Par" Quayle; Clarence "The Best Man for the Job" (President Bush's direct quote) Thomas, plus the entire cast of sordid Republican characters--welcomes a bright new associate into their most worthy old fold. Comes now the Great Deceiver, Ollie P. North, Sir.
* Doesn't GOP Senate minority leader Bob Dole realize that by backing Oliver North he has neutralized the "character" issue?
* Ollie North is a genuine American hero. We need him in the Senate.
Big deal, North lied to that yuppy Billionaire Liars Club, the Senate. He broke the law to do what was right. That's true morality.
We don't need a bunch of Stepford people blindly following laws that are wrong. We need people who will stand up for righteous principles, even when they thereby face personal insults from the likes of Sen. John Warner (R-Va.).
No despots in history have ever done their dirty deeds unless it was under the color of some law or other. The soldiers who followed the law in World War II Germany killed a lot of people. They were lawful, but they didn't do what was right.
North does what is right.
* Oliver North lying to Congress falls into the same category as someone stealing a truckload of beer from Al Capone.
* With the nomination of convicted felon Oliver North for senator by the Virginian Republican Party, the nomination of radio shock jock Howard Stern for governor by the New York Libertarian Party begins to look like an act of wise statesmanship.
Is North's campaign slogan going to be: "Throw the rascal in?"


Source: This article originally appeared on the Arutz 7 website on July 1, 2018.
Once in a while against my better judgment, I teach a master class on writing. Writing, as we know, is not a perfect science, so there isn't much to teach, except to practice…practice, to borrow the advice on music when someone asked Heifetz for directions to Carnegie Hall. Some say it wasn't Heifetz, but the advice still stands.
For some reason, the best student in my class is Gilda, yes, like the movie, with Glenn Ford, in which Rita Hayworth is so sensational. In class, it's no secret that Gilda is my favorite. She's from Finland. I like that about her, and how she puts in double time on the American language and the craft. Practice…practice, that she does.
She is resolutely serious about writing and for the longest time, she tried fiction, for which I could never give her a good grade. I suggested she try essays – column or blog writing. She handed in an opinion piece. I said it needs work, but it's much better, indeed, with practice, the way to go.
Why, she asked, is the narrative voice so different from the one to the other – from my novels to my columns. In the novel, then, opinions and characterizations vary from one extreme to another, and a wise novelist will let the chips fall where they may. In writing Opinion, the writer is generally restricted to a single point of view.
There's a world of difference between the two, but nearly impossible to explain.
As for opinion prose, no one did it better than Mike Royko, or does it better than Mark Steyn or my teammate at Arutz Sheva, Giulio Meotti.
Almost forgot – Oriana Fallaci, who taught everybody, including this writer, the blood and guts it takes to make art.
Number 1 – Never assume that today's readers have a sense of humor. Those days are gone. So don't even try.
People stopped laughing for the joy of it in 1968. From then on it's been heartbreak hotel. Even Seinfeld now stays close to home...won't go to any college campus.
seriously, they will react angrily and try to skin you alive.
2. The best writers make you uncomfortable. Just now the American Library Association snubbed Laura Ingalls Wilder for failure to meet community values. How odd!
Once a year, the ALA celebrates books that have been banned. Now even they do the Index.
3. Trust your friends to read you, get you, and like you.
4. Nonsense. Writers have no friends. It's dog eat dog.
5. Never read the comments or the reviews. The good ones you won't believe and the bad ones will break your heart.
6. Never write anything unfavorable about Donald Trump. That's a mild caution.
7. Never write anything favorable about Donald Trump. That's a warning. You won't be doing lunch anywhere anymore.
8. On Israel, write about it only as if King David is looking over your shoulder. If Tom Friedman is more your style, then you are both on the wrong side of history.
9. On politics in general, be the cool head in the crowd. Stay neutral and objective and speak for both sides of the argument.
10. Unfortunately, that means neither side will respect you in the morning.
11. Do not let your spouse read your column, if it's only praise you're after. Who needs the grief?
12. Keep in mind – few of us can truly call ourselves writers, but everybody's a critic.


CACHUMA: Heat has continued to impact, but overall the bite on catfish and bass has been fair with flurries of good action, and a few crappie also showing. The trout are very slow, but a few are still being caught by deep trollers fishing near the dam. Top spot for the bass and catfish has been the back end of Cachuma Bay and Harvey's Cove near reeds. Garlic worms and mackerel have been the best for the cats, while plastics and reaction baits are best for the bass. Crappie are best on small jigs on the yellow-green end of the spectrum, mostly in Cachuma Bay. Lots of carp remain up in the shallows. Carp bowfishing permits are available at the entrance gate, and quite a few carp are near the surface. Private boats must be inspected for quagga mussels and face a 30-day dry dock requirement before being allowed to launch. For quagga mussel and the boat launching information, log on here. The marina is open with rental boats available. The boat launch remains open, but boats must get a quagga mussel inspection. Information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: The bass action is still fair to good, with the fish showing on topwater, plastics, nightcrawlers, reaction baits, and live shad, if you can dip them. Not many crappie, but the redear and bluegill bites are fair to good but getting light fishing pressure. Some to a pound in the past week. The trout action has been slow to fair for anglers targeting the rainbows trolling Needlefish near the dam or drifting with nightcrawlers in the same area. DFW trout plants went in this week, two weeks ago, and four weeks ago. Bowfishing is allowed here for carp and the warm weather brought them up to the surface this week. Carp bowfisherman many only shoot from a boat after 8 a.m., and lake staff must approve bows. The final moonlight fishing night of summer will be Aug. 5 this year. Night bass tournaments, the RTF Bass Tour, will be held July 15, July 29, Aug. 12, Aug. 26, and Sept. 16. Call Rich Tauber at 818-439-1154 on the night tournament schedule and entry information. Private boats must be inspected for quagga mussels and face a 35-day dry dock requirement before being allowed to launch. Casitas Lake level is 44 percent of capacity. The Santa Ana boat launch is open. Information: 805-649-2043 or www.casitasboatrentals.com.
CASTAIC: The bluegill bite remains very good in both the upper and lower lakes. Tons of small fish, but some bigger fish to a pound or better on red worms, nightcrawler pieces, crickets, meal worms, and wax worms fished under bobbers. Most are in the coves around structure. All the bass are fair to good now, with the stripers, largemouths, and smallmouths all up chasing shad. The stripers are best on shad-like swimbaits and cranks, either cast or trolled and there are surface boils most mornings. Also a few on blood worms in 40 to 70 feet of water. For the black bass, some action on reaction baits, but plastic worms and nightcrawlers are as good. Trout are slow, with no recent plants and none likely until winter. No Catfish reports. For information call the marina at 661-775-6232 (www.CastaicLake.com) or Tackle Express at 661-251-8700.
PIRU: Fair bite on largemouth and smallmouth bass but the warm weather and dropping water levels has moved the fish into deeper water. The topwater bite has also been good during a narrow window early in the day. Most of the bass are in the one to three-pound range. Bluegill, crappie, and catfish are slow to fair. Best action on bluegill is in four to 12 feet on wax worms or crickets. The launch ramp is open. Rental boats are also available. Information: gatehouse at 805-521-1500 (or at www.camplakepiru.com) or call Tackle Express at 661-251-8700.
PYRAMID: Largemouth bass are fair to good with a lot of fish up chasing baitfish morning and evening, and them moving deeper during the day. The best bite has been on topwater baits early and then reaction baits, plastics and jigs. The striper bite is pretty fair with a lot of fish showing on trolled flies and swim baits, but bait anglers fishing sardines or bloodworms are getting fish, too. Most are one to three pounds now with some bigger. There is a fair catfish bite with the fish moving shallow. Bluegill and redear are fair to good in 10 to 18 feet of water on wax worms and red worms. Trout slow with no recent DFW plants. There is a health warning about eating fish from here (except the rainbow trout). More information at this link. Information: Emigrant Landing entrance booth at 661-295-7155 or Tackle Express at 661-251-8700.
LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTY PARK NEWS: For trout plants, go to the DFW website for any updates and future plants.


Indian River Power LLC has filed a timely and sufficient application for reissuance of its NPDES Permit No. DE0050580 (State Number WPCC 3013D/76) to discharge cooling tower blowdown, screen backwash, industrial wastewater treatment effluent, strainer backwash, and storm water to Island Creek, a tributary to Indian River, and Indian River Bay from its facilities located at 29416 Power Plant Road in Dagsboro, Sussex County, Delaware. The Indian River Generating Station (IRGS) is a coal fired steam electric generating plant. The IRGS began commercial operation in November 1957 and at its peak had four generating units with a combined generating capacity of approximately 771 Megawatts. The older generating units (Units 1, 2, and 3) which employed once through cooling systems were shut down just prior to or during the term of the current permit. Unit 4 is the only steam electric generating unit in operation at the IRGS. Unit 4 utilizes mechanical draft closed cycle cooling (a "closed-cycle recirculating system" per USEPA's 316(b) regulation) for all of its cooling needs. The permittee has identified 11 discharge points at the facility in the permit application. Outfall 027 consists of Unit #4 Cooling Tower Blowdown. Outfall 029 consists of Unit #4 Screen Backwash. Outfall 030 consists of Industrial Wastewater Treatment Effluent. Outfalls 031, 032, 033, 034, 035, 037, 042, and 045 consist of storm water only. All but one of the outfalls discharge directly or via the Discharge Canal and/or Island Creek to the Indian River. The one exception is Outfall 030 which discharges to the Cooling Tower Basin where it is recycled for use in the Unit 4 cooling tower.
Based on a preliminary staff review and application of lawful standards and regulations, the Department proposes to re-issue this permit, subject to certain effluent limitations and conditions. The proposed determinations are tentative. Persons wishing to comment upon or object to the proposed determinations are invited to submit same in writing to the Surface Water Discharges Section of the Division of Water, at the address listed below, no later than 30 days from this notice. All comments received prior to said date will be considered in the formulation of final determinations regarding this application.
A public hearing on the above will NOT be held unless the Secretary of DNREC receives a request by 4:30 pm September 25, 2018, or if the Secretary determines that a public hearing is in the public interest. A request for a hearing shall be in writing and shall state the nature of the issues to be raised at the hearing. It must also show familiarity with the proposal and a reasoned statement of the permit's probable impact.


text:
Kobylany ist ein Dorf im Powiat Biała Podlaska in der polnischen Woiwodschaft Lublin und ist seit Januar 2014 Sitz der Landgemeinde Terespol. Diese hatte bis 2013 ihren Sitz im namensgebenden Terespol, das jedoch der Gemeinde nicht angehörte. Von 1975 bis 1988 gehörte die Ortschaft zur Woiwodschaft Biała Podlaska, die im Zuge einer Verwaltungsreform aufgelöst wurde. Das Dorf hat etwa 500 Einwohner. Kobylany liegt an der Bahnstrecke Warschau–Brest.

Baudenkmale

 Orthodoxe Kirche Opieki Matki Bożej, Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts
 Orthodoxer und katholischer Friedhof des Dorfs
 Fort Koroszczyn, 1910 erbaut.

Weblinks

Ort der Woiwodschaft Lublin
Gmina Terespol

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Tooth Sensitivity Dentist in La Jolla discusses the problem and ways to help prevent it.
So, you're enjoying your favorite flavor of Haagen-Dazs ice cream or See's candy and "#*@!&*#"! You feel a shooting pain that destroys the pleasure of the moment. This tooth sensitivity you have experienced (probably not the first time) has most likely been an unwelcomed diet remedy.
Needless to say, tooth sensitivity is annoying and uncomfortable. Eating and drinking hot, cold, sweet, sour, or hard foods can bring on an alarming sensation, not to mention unattractive facial contortions. While dental sensitivity can be dismissed and ignored, it's a good idea to consider the possible causes.
There are many contributing factors of tooth sensitivity. The structure of a healthy tooth is comprised mostly of dentin, with a covering of enamel (the hard outer layer). In the middle of the tooth is a pulp chamber, housing the nerve and blood vessels that provide sensation and nourishment to the tooth. Within the dentin, there are millions of microscopic channels called dentinal tubules that communicate directly to the nerve. The exposure of these tubules, either from recession of the gums, dental decay, or wear of the enamel, greatly heightens sensitivity. Dentin exposure is a common finding with tooth sensitivity.
result in that familiar electric-like shooting pain. Therefore, it is clear that other factors are involved.
Dental decay, or cavities, eat away at the surface of the tooth, right into the dentin. Typically, a reparative dentin layer is formed in response to a stimulus, such as decay. The result of this is that most dental decay does not create sensitivity, until the decay is very deep. At this point, the nerve might be compromised.
indicate the absence of decay.
Rarely is a patient aware of decay.
The exposure of a tooth's root surface, commonly referred to as gum recession, can have many causative factors.
Chronic Periodontal Disease : The progression of periodontal disease results in the loss of bone and supporting structures. As bone height decreases, gum tissue height is eventually lost, exposing potentially sensitive root surfaces.
Anatomic Predisposition : The part of the jaw in which the teeth sit, is called the alveolar ridge. The width of the ridge is highly variable. In patients with a narrow ridge, gum recession is much more likely. Gum tissue thickness is also variable. Thinner tissues are more prone to recession. In addition to this anatomic predisposition, the width of the ridge and the thickness of tissue typically decrease with age. Patients with recession are more likely to have tooth sensitivity.
Aggressive Brushing : In people with a thin tissue biotype, aggressive brushing can contribute to recession and tooth sensitivity.
Brushing too hard or using abrasive whiteners or toothpastes can gradually cause enamel wear. Preserving dental enamel and dentin is important because it does not regenerate. In those patients with gum recession, it is the abrasion on the exposed root surfaces on that cause the most concern. These root surfaces wear much more easily than enamel. Many patients with this condition experience sensitivity.
Rubbing and grinding the teeth together during sleep is called bruxism. Squeezing the teeth tightly at night is known as clenching. The resulting strain causes change in the dentinal structure, leading to heightened communication of cold and sweets with the nerve. Bruxing and clenching also contribute to gum recession, periodontal disease, and can cause notching of the tooth at the gum line. These phenomena play a huge role in dental hypersensitivity, and the effects are compounded when multiple factors are present. In our experience, bruxism and clenching are the most significant causes of tooth sensitivity.
Fractures may develop through the tooth structure. When pressure is applied to a fractured tooth, signals can be transmitted to the nerve causing a sharp pain. Seeing a dentist to diagnose and treat this problem is very important as these fractures can propagate, leading to the need for root canal treatment or tooth loss.
: Frequent consumption of highly acidic foods or drinks, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, vinegar, and especially carbonated drinks can cause tooth enamel to demineralize and erode away. In addition, some people have more acidic saliva or acid reflux causing their enamel or exposed dentin to chemically dissolve. Eroded teeth are typically more sensitive and are also more susceptible to decay.
: When the nerve of a tooth is compromised by decay or trauma, an infection may occur, which can spread to the surrounding bone. Initially, the tooth might be hypersensitive, and as the problem progresses, a throbbing deep pain may arise. Sensitivity to heat is sometimes indicative of a dental abscess. Diagnosis and treatment by a dentist is imperative.
If you're one of many Americans suffering from tooth pain due to sensitivity, you're not alone. Find out how to manage the condition with our 5 top recommendations.
To prevent worsening of your condition, use enamel-safe toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Be sure to brush daily to ward off dental disease and prevent decay and gum recession. Floss regularly -- once a day is enough to keep bacteria between the teeth in check. Desensitizing toothpastes can also be helpful by helping to fill microscopic channels in exposed dentin.
Fluoride rinses can help manage the pain associated with tooth sensitivity. We will be happy to help with a recommendation specific to your needs. For more advanced cases of sensitivity, you can visit us for a prescription strength formulation.
Enamel can be gradually worn away when exposed to highly-acidic foods and beverages. Remember, the name of the game is keeping as much of your enamel as possible to avoid issues of sensitivity. Keep acidic foods such as vinegar, lemon juice, fruit juices or soda away from the surface of teeth by limiting consumption and rinsing with water afterward. If acid reflux is suspected, it is best advised to consult your physician.
Many people grind their teeth while sleeping and don't know it! Preserve your enamel and reduce the strain on your teeth by wearing a night guard when sleeping. This ensures protection against grinding, clenching and the resulting damage to the surface of the tooth. Although an inexpensive nightguard can be purchased at a drugstore, they're often ineffective and counterproductive. A professionally custom fabricated nightguard can ensure proper fit, comfort, and function.
or call us at 858-459-6224 with any questions or to schedule your consultation.


Our By-Product Separator BPS reduces the accumulation of by-products in vulcanizing equipment. It keeps the line capacity at a high level with high cooling efficiency and minimized cleaning downtime.
The separator is installed to the gas circulation piping rather near the splice box, so that gas can be led at a hot temperature into the separator. The by-product separator consists of a water cooled heat exchanger with the necessary valves and accessories.
The gas flow, which is based on natural convection, is adjusted with a regulating valve so that the gas temperature will be between 50 to 70 °C in the separator. By-products are drained out from the separator through a timer-controlled valve.
The by-product separator is installed in a vertical position to the gas circulation piping near the splice box. The inlet gas temperature should be around 200 °C, which is why the gas circulation before the by-product separator is insulated. The cooling unit in the centre of the equipment can be disconnected for cleaning when necessary, in order to keep the equipment as effective as possible.
The by-product cyclone is a component that is installed in all polluted nitrogen exhaust pipelines that lead from the by-product separator or pockets to the atmosphere. The by-product cyclone has the ability to separate the by-product from dirty nitrogen gas. The by-product is further led to the by-product collecting tank, and clean gas is led to the atmosphere.
In addition, the delivery consists of a dam pipe, which is installed in front of the cyclone to reduce pressure shock, and a hand operated ball valve for safety purposes.
The nitrogen reheater is used in gravitational gas circulation of the by-product separator. There is gas temperature loss in the by-product separator, after which the gas is reheated by the nitrogen reheater before the gas is supplied back into the CV tube, and the gas temperature in the heating section remains the same as before the separator.
The nitrogen reheating system consists of a reheater body with a resistor, piping with its parts, a flexible hose and all necessary valves and instruments.
Water inlet / outlet connection R 1/2"


Konica Minolta Laboratory Europe is eager to share innovative projects and ideas with its network of academic and industrial partners to shape together the workplace of the future.
Konica Minolta Laboratory Europe began its cooperation with Faculty of Informatics of Masaryk University of Brno to develop European and national projects, to support PhD theses in the area of Natural Language Processing, Data Intensive Systems and Human Computer Interactions.
Konica Minolta Inc. joins LoRa Alliance™ to make a further step to securely link the physical and digital worlds in the future workplaces. LoRaWAN™ technology will provide wireless connectivity for the sensor-enabled business process management systems currently being developed by Konica Minolta Laboratory Europe.
Konica Minolta Laboratory Europe is contributing to the development of an overarching integrated conceptual model, its corresponding data model specifications to represent the activities and learning context and environment (aka the 'workplace'), and potentially other data model components needed for AR-enhanced learning activities.
Big Data Value Association (BDVA) is a not–for-profit organisation composed of large and SME industries, and research organizations working with Big Data. Its basic principles are openness, transparency and inclusiveness.
Konica Minolta Laboratory Europe supports a joint research and development activity about real time, low energy, low latency and high bandwidth wireless communication for Smart Glasses equipped with a computational platform unit. Application of novel 5G standards and modelling of performance are part of a jointly funded PhD thesis.
Since September 2017, Konica Minolta Laboratory Europe is part of the Innovation Community of UNISMART Padova Enterprise. With UNISMART, Konica Minolta Laboratory Europe will focus on collaborations for technology transfer and innovation activities.
Konica Minolta Laboratory Europe will collaborate with UNISMART Padova Enterprise to foster the development or technology transfer projects within the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Smart Data Systems and Big Data management.
Since March 2017, Konica Minolta Laboratory Europe and UCL are developing a Distributed Robotics Network of robotic telescopes connected with a centralised management system.
Within the Distributed Robotic Network, each robotic observatory has an intelligence of its own but the coordination of multiple observatories, and the storage of the acquired data is centrally managed. The ultimate goal of Konica Minolta Laboratory Europe is to understand how these distributed intelligent networks of robots function, how they can be optimised, and how similar technologies can be applied to different industry verticals, including manufacturing, healthcare and the workplace of the future.


Now the world's most popular, uniquely designed INDO GERMA remote controlled automatic roller door provides convenience that you can enjoy everyday. The exclusive INDO GERMA orbital drive mechanism provides exceptionally smooth operation.
When fully closed, the standard dual locking system makes almost impossible to open from the outside. The dual locking system consists of horizontal bar locks on the bottom rail. Also available with inside and outside key locking systems for your peace of mind and Steel Bar Padlock (optional extra) Strong interlocking construction resists objects being forced between slats. Offers a visible deterrent to would-be intruders and vandals. Approved by major home insurance groups.
Each piece offers a wide unobstructed transparent vision area of 400mm x 85mm high. It is as clear as glass, yet shatter-proof, with high resistance to impact forces. It is also UV-resistant and will not discolor.
Indo - Germa automatic doors are the doors of choice for giving your customers the very best impression. Indo - Germa automatic doors are a pleasure to use: easy, safe and economical too, greatly reducing your air-conditioning cost.
Glider Gate is an electronic gate opening system that allows you to open and close your gates : factory gates, house gates - single or double leaf - with hand held remote.
Operate the gates from the comfort of your car, giving you easy access, privacy and security.
Fast-acting roll-up doors are commonly used for entrances in temperature-controlled premises and clean rooms to facilitate the passage of materials. The main function of these doors is to close the openings as quickly as possible.
The Indo - Germa fire shutter system was tested in the USA by the Underwriter's Laboratories Inc. in accordance with BS 476 Pt22 and UL 10B and achieved integrity of up to 4 hours. It has been approved for use by the fire authorities of Singapore and Malaysia up to a maximum size of 10.0 wide x 7.0 m high.
The new panel - Glide uses a modern design concept which comprises a number of hinged rigid sections which slide overhead. The door is very lightweight and easy to operate with its track and roller system plus accurate torsion spring balancing. Advanced technology is used in the production of this strong and versatile panel door to provide new levels of performance and style, ultimately enhancing your homes street appeal.


We continue to be grateful to Seattle voters for approving the Seattle Park District in Nov. 2014. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo.
Of all the projects in construction, roof repairs, HVAC maintenance and utility upgrades are unquestionably not exciting, but as any builder knows, this essential infrastructure work creates a safe and sturdy foundation for the flashy projects we ogle over in glossy magazines.
At Woodland Park Zoo, these infrastructure projects are way more than just maintenance. This work is central to the health and comfort of our residents—the 1,200 animals who call this place home— and the humans who care for them.
That's why we continue to be extremely grateful to Seattle voters for passing the Seattle Park District ballot measure nearly two years ago. With major maintenance funding provided by the Park District—about $1.8 million a year—the zoo can tackle a long list of infrastructure projects not uncommon to a park built over 100 years ago.
We'd like to take some time in this season of gratitude to highlight a couple of important—and pretty cool—projects completed in 2016 made possible with Park District funding. Both bodies of work directly serve our animal families, and in one case, help us fulfill our mission to save animals from extinction, proving that not all major maintenance projects include replacing carpet and digging trenches.
Next time you're visiting the zoo, take a closer look at the trees outside in the orangutan exhibit. They must be real… right?
Actually, several of these trees are fabricated by the zoo's incredibly talented exhibits team. By fabricating trees and other exhibit elements, this crew can build structures that specifically meet needs of the animals using them. And from time to time, just like in your yard at home, a refresh is needed.
In spring of 2016, one horizontal and three vertical trees were added to the west side of the orangutan exhibit, designed through close consult between our exhibits and animal management teams. These recently added structures offer new climbing opportunities for the orangutans, and a quiet place for alone time when desired. This type of improvement allows the zoo to continue to provide excellent welfare for these highly intelligent apes. Thanks to Seattle Park District funding for making it possible to create and install these much-used trees.
Turtle species in Asia are facing a crisis of epic proportions, including members of the smaller-bodied Asian box turtle family. All but one of the 12 species of Asian box turtles are listed as threatened or endangered due to international pet trade and use in traditional eastern medicine. The time is now to help these little turtles—and with Park District funding, Woodland Park Zoo is doing just that. Starting this winter, we'll contribute to saving Asian box turtles by launching a breeding program for two species, the Indochinese box turtle and the yellow-margined box turtle.
But first, we needed to renovate a room in our Day Exhibit to create the perfect conditions for these turtles. This 130 sq. ft. temperature-controlled space is all the room the small turtles need to thrive at the zoo, along with the state-of-the-art filtration system we're installing to reduce water usage. The new equipment and reconfiguration of an existing behind-the-scenes area was made possible by Park District funding.
When the first turtle hatchlings appear, we'll surely feel thankful to Seattle voters for helping us save these beautiful little turtles from extinction!
Watch video: Emma the rabbit receives acupuncture and massage therapy.
When we think of aging, we look to our elders to show us how it's done, and here at the zoo there are some furrier examples of aging gracefully.
Getting older can be rough on the body, but with the right health care plan, assistance from geriatric specialists, physical therapy, medication and lifestyle changes, people can enjoy many active, healthy golden years. For decades, humans have known the healing benefits of physical therapy. Today, rehabilitation techniques are emerging as a new standard in best animal care programs in zoos around the country, and Woodland Park Zoo is at the forefront of providing thisspecialized care.
Meet Emma, a 13-year-old English spot rabbit. Emma has enjoyed an illustrious 11-year career as an ambassador animal at Woodland Park Zoo. Emma has been a special presence for many zoo visitors, whether hopping into a birthday party, greeting folks during Bunny Bounce, or just being a sweet, easy-going animal to introduce to a quiet child. Emma's keepers are grateful for her mild-mannered demeanor and patience, and they want to ensure that her retirement is healthy and happy.
Well-cared-for house rabbits typically live 8 to 12 years so, at 13 years old, Emma is geriatric. Like many geriatric patients, Emma is experiencing the aches and pains of getting old, particularly arthritis in her knees. To help relieve the pain, she is under a comprehensive treatment program that includes acupuncture, massage, laser and heat therapies, and joint supplements.
Emma receives laser therapy and massage, often with heat, twice a week and acupuncture two to four times a month at the zoo's veterinary hospital.
Is there anything more adorable than a rabbit massage? We think not.
Emma is in great hands.
In 2012, our senior veterinary technician, Harmony Frazier, became the first licensed veterinary technician in a zoo to become certified as an animal rehabilitation practitioner; she is also licensed as an animal massage therapist and trained as an animal osteoarthritis case manager.
So, how does a rabbit receive massage and acupuncture?
For acupuncture, Emma's keeper Diane brings the rabbit from the Family Farm into the animal health building once a week or so. She arrives in a small crate, much like a pet carrier you would see on an airplane. Emma's crate includes a soft pink blanket (treatment fit for a princess).
As soon as Emma arrives at Animal Health, she is placed on a table with a soft towel and a few toys (such as the teething keys above) nearby. The acupuncture program begins with a light massage from her keeper as the veterinary techs do a quick check on Emma's weight, eyes and ears. During this time, her keepers also update the veterinary team on Emma's appetite and behavior, two indicators of health.
When the team is ready for the treatment to begin, Dr. Darlene starts with one or two very tiny acupuncture needles, which she inserts into Emma's furry forehead first. Emma does not flinch. Seeing acupuncture needles inserted into an aging rabbit is not something you see every day (even when you work at a zoo!), but Emma is used to the routine and appears quite relaxed.
Emma plays with her key chain and pesters her keeper for some more pats while Dr. Darlene continues to place the needles along Emma's back and neck. The tiny pink-tipped needles match Emma's pink blanket; acupuncture has never been cuter.
Emma allows Dr. Darlene to place up to 15 needles into her back, hips, neck and hind legs. The tiny needles are left in for about 15 minutes, then carefully removed. Watching the process, it seems as if Emma is already more relaxed; her little bunny breaths are even and calm. She is the picture of pampered, as she nibbles on her key chain and keeps her eyes on Diane.
Therapeutic laser, hydrotherapy, stretching and massage, and exercise for strength and flexibility for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis are among several techniques being incorporated into the animal health program at the zoo.
Massage therapy sessions are much the same, except that twice a week Harmony visits the Family Farm to perform therapeutic massage and heat therapy on Emma. "It is particularly beneficial for treating age-related changes, such as arthritis, and can help reduce the need or amount of medication required to keep the patient comfortable," explains Harmony.
Harmony performs heat therapy on Emma's hips and back while keeper Diane looks on.
Massage therapy begins with a heat pad, called Green Heat, that is held onto the rabbit's side. Then Harmony uses laser therapy, a portable machine called Thor Photomedicine lite. It looks like a car battery jumper, but it's actually specifically built for mobile heat therapy.
During the massage therapy sessions, Emma melts into relaxation as Harmony massages her back and hips. The massage lasts about 15 minutes, and keeper Diane stays by Emma's side the entire time. As Harmony massages and soothes Emma, Diane keeps Emma entertained. Diane brings along rabbit cookies (biscuit-like treats) and a few of Emma's favorite toys and Emma's ball. The ball is also therapeutic, and when inclined, Emma allows Diane to place her atop the ball (picture the Easter bunny on a large egg) and this helps work the muscles in the rabbit's hind quarters and hips.
A bunny ball, used as part of Emma's therapy, is placed underneath the rabbit. This prompts Emma to stretch her muscles.
The amazing thing about these therapy treatments is the speed at which Emma responds. When Emma first started therapy, she was having really low energy and not able to move around like a normal bunny. Just after a few treatments, keepers and vet staff tell us that Emma was moving around more easily, was more agile and her appetite had improved too. She was also much more engaged with her people.
When Emma isn't at her rehab sessions, you can say hello by visiting her in the zoo's Family Farm. Look under the heat lamp for an extra cozy and pampered old rabbit.
Aww, a very relaxed Emma.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Adult male gorillas are known as silverbacks because of the striking silver hair that grows across their back all the way down to their hips. This is not only a mark of maturity (silver hairs appear around 12 years-old), but a sign that one might be strong and determined enough to protect his troop. In most gorilla troops, the silverback is the center of attention. He is responsible for guarding the troop against outsiders, finding choice feeding sites and playing mediator between the other gorillas in the group. While silver hairs, larger canines and handsome red crowns (in Western lowland gorillas) are all visual characteristics of a mighty silverback, it is the personality and behavior of these males that determine if they will lead.
This is the story of how one such silverback, Leonel, has come into his own as a protector, leader and peacekeeper—in part with a little help from a tiny, adorable baby called Yola.
While the gorilla keepers will tell you this is a story about two very special gorillas, we'd like to point out that it is also a story about an incredibly dedicated team of zoo keepers who are, without a doubt, world-class animal care experts and profoundly compassionate and determined humans. With that, here is gorilla keeper Stephanie Payne-Jacobs with Leo's story.
Leonel, photo by Dennis Dow/Woodland Park Zoo.
Yola successfully stole the show at Woodland Park Zoo this past summer, but the gorilla keepers are convinced that silverback Leo is the real star of the group. Since arriving at WPZ in the winter of 2008, he has become a respected leader in his family group, a position we were uncertain he could occupy upon his initial arrival.
Gorillas are social animals. They benefit from each other's company in the same ways that human families and groups do: they build alliances, provide companionship, create a sense of safety, but most importantly, they learn from one another. This is why it was so important for baby Yola to be around gorillas from birth and why it's wonderful that she was integrated into her group at such a young age.
Leo was not afforded that opportunity. He was the first gorilla born at Gladys Porter Zoo in 1978, a time when the importance of encouraging a parent or surrogate reared infant were not fully understood. For safety concerns, Leo was moved out of his natal group shortly after birth for hand-rearing.
Leo remained a solitary gorilla until age four, at which point he was transferred to the Los Angeles Zoo and introduced to a family group. Unfortunately, Leo never became a comfortable, cohesive member of that group. Records suggest that he seemed to lack the subtle vocal and physical cues that gorillas rely on for communicating with one another. After the LA Zoo, he lived at two other zoos, each with short-term and disruptive attempts at socialization with other gorillas.
When presented with the option of bringing 30 year old Leo to Woodland Park Zoo, the keepers agreed that we were up for the challenge. Not only did we have a large number of females with varying temperaments, offering a variety of companion combinations for Leo, but we also had the space to accommodate such introductions. In addition, we had keepers who were experienced in successfully introducing non-reproductive males to females. It was decided that Leonel would come to Seattle.
Leo's first days at Woodland Park Zoo's gorilla unit were spent adjusting to his new surroundings, his new humans and the new routine. We knew that in order for him to feel comfortable meeting his new gorilla mates, he first had to know and trust the people he worked with. Once he had settled in, the process of introductions took place. These intros took many forms over the following months, as we gave the female gorillas and Leo the opportunity to get to know one another and see who clicked with whom.
The females were always given the choice to join Leo or not. Our job was to observe these introductions closely and note who was choosing to spend time with Leo, how the time was spent, and who was choosing to steer clear.
Nadiri, Yola, Leo and Akenji. Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo.
After a long and careful process, one that operated strictly on gorilla time, Leo, Nadiri and Akenji had finally shown us, through body postures, vocalizations and proximity to one another, that they were in fact, becoming a cohesive group. Leo immediately took to Akenji, who is the more laid back, confident and playful. She was not intimidated by Leo's size and would often engage him in play, or calmly sit near him. Nadiri seemed comfortable as well, but more as the third wheel rather than Leo's first choice of companion.
Over time, as this group became comfortably established, their roles became clear: as the silverback, Leo was the group's (somewhat insouciant) leader, and as Leo's favorite, Akenji became dominant over Nadiri whenever Leo was in the vicinity. When Leo was off resting in the distance, however, the terms of dominance (usually proximity to scattered food and desirable resting spots) between Nadiri and Akenji returned to an even playing field.
Nadiri, Akenji and Leo. Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo.
By 2015, Leo's gorilla group was an established family, but what would happen when Yola arrived?
In October 2015, the zoo was eagerly awaiting the birth of Nadiri's first-born (the father, Vip, lives with another group of females at the zoo).
Nadiri herself was hand-raised for the first nine months and Akenji was hand-raised for the first six months (their mother was unable to care for them), and then there was Leo. We had no idea how any gorillas in the group would react to an infant. Nadiri had been around infants in her natal group and had witnessed maternal behavior, and Akenji had been around youngsters while she was a youngster herself, but it was Leo who was the real wild card. As far as we knew, Leo had never been in close proximity to an infant. His newly found comfort as a group's silverback would once again be tested, as the dynamics were sure to shift once Nadiri had an infant and her protective maternal instincts would give her more reason to impose some dominant behaviors.
After Yola was born in November 2015, the dynamics between Akenji, Leo and Nadiri remained fairly unchanged throughout Yola's first five months, as the baby established a relationship with her mother, Nadiri. This allowed Yola the necessary time to become more mobile and less dependent on her human caretakers. Nadiri's presence in the group had to be somewhat fluid during this time, as separating her from Leo and Akenji for several hours a day was necessary in order to give mother and daughter the time they needed to bond. Being separated and reunited many times throughout the day became a normal part of their routine, but it did keep the group scratching their heads a bit as to what we were up to, and what was ahead.
During the Nadiri and Yola visits, Leo and Akenji would often be observed playing and laughing together, and we were a little concerned that their bonding time might push Nadiri to the outer fringe of the group. She was already the submissive female of the trio, and now she'd have a baby to protect once Yola was integrated.
Little did we know, we had nothing to worry about.
Yola (the little heartbreaker on the left) with mom, Nadiri. Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo.
It didn't take long for keepers to notice that Leo would often situate himself in a place where he could watch Yola. Yola and her human caretaker would sit next to Leo while he was fed or engaged with another keeper, allowing Yola to gain confidence in his proximity. It was during this time that Leo showed further interest in Yola by soliciting touch through the mesh and content grunting ("Hello" in Gorilla) whenever contact was made. Leo was always calm and Yola picked up on this, establishing from the very beginning, a positive and respectful relationship with one another.
Once Nadiri and Yola were spending the evenings together, we began our discussion of whom from the group we should integrate next. Before any observations of the groups reactions to Yola had been made, we had considered Akenji as the a possible first step, as she and Nadiri share a history together, and typically, females create a strong bond to unite them and keep the larger silverback in check, but Leo's behavior towards Yola led us to suspect he may be the better choice (despite his lack of infant experience).
Where Leo's approach to Yola was always positive and calm, Akenji's behavior was just the opposite—she seemed jealous of the baby, often displaying towards Yola, trying to poke her with sticks and threat grunting towards her. Fourteen year-old Akenji, Nadiri's sister, has always been the youngest member of any group she has lived in and just like any baby of any family, she is a bit spoiled. Akenji was having a difficult time being usurped by Yola.
One of our concerns prior to introducing Leo, was Nadiri's extremely relaxed parenting style. While the visits between Nadiri and Yola had been going well—Nadiri always being gentle with Yola—we still had not observed her pick Yola up and carry her. This was acceptable when it was just the two of them, as Yola would just follow Naidiri, but we knew it wouldn't be enough for Yola to just amble after Nadiri once Akenji was added to the mix. We needed to see some protective mama instincts kick in, which had so far been missing from the equation.
In preparation for the physical introduction with Leo, we began by inviting Leo into a shared room with Nadiri and Yola, though separated by wire mesh. This allowed Nadiri to adjust to Leo being allowed access to an area that she and Yola usually had to themselves. As Leo was given access to the back half of a room, Nadiri and Yola were given access to the front half of that room, as well as several adjacent rooms where Nadiri could move away from Leo if she felt uncomfortable. Keepers were beyond excited and close to tears when, after giving Leo access to the back room, Nadiri quickly picked Yola up and carried her out of Leo's sight. It was the first time Nadiri had picked her up, and the keepers could barely contain themselves upon seeing this. Although Leo had been completely calm and appropriate, having him in this new proximity and configuration made Nadiri just cautious enough to exhibit protective instincts towards Yola—proving that she indeed would take care of Yola when faced with an uncertain situation.
The second day, we slowly opened the door and allowed Leo to come into the same space with Nadiri and Yola. Leo was a bit nervous, so he made a very appropriate display past Nadiri and Yola and then went to sit on his favorite bed and observe from there. Nadiri again showed protective behavior by picking Yola up and carrying her from room to room.
After 12 days, Nadiri, Yola and Leo seemed comfortable with one another, respecting personal space, content grunting during transitions, eating near one another, passing closely by one another, and, most importantly, agreeing to participate in the introductions each day. So far, the introduction had not only shown that Nadiri had protective instincts towards Yola, but that Leo might share those instincts as well. For these reasons, we soon felt it was a safe time to bring Akenji into the mix.
Yola testing out her swinging skills. Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo.
It was no surprise that the intros became a bit more animated once Akenji joined. Each morning, after several initial displays, Akenji would sit down a few feet from Nadiri and Yola, occasionally trying to touch Yola and smell her. Whenever Akenji did anything to upset or scare Yola, Leo would immediately reprimand Akenji, and she soon learned she had to behave. Keepers were happily surprised to see Leo immediately show appropriate silverback behavior and stand up for Nadiri and Yola. Nadiri quickly realized that Leo was the silverback protector. It is natural for a new gorilla mom and baby to sit in closer proximity to the silverback, and for the silverback to allow this to occur.
Leo's role as silverback in keeping peace among the group further compliments his transformation into a true member of his own gorilla family.
It has been interesting to watch Leo and Nadiri's natural instincts kick in and sync together. It has also been wonderful to witness Leo and Nadiri's relationship evolve in the presence of Yola. Whereas Nadiri had always been on the periphery of Leo and Akenji's relationship, she now stays in close proximity to Leo. Akenji and Leo still play and enjoy each other's company, but he now recognizes his new role as silverback—protecting Yola.
On Sunday, November 20, Yola will turn one. She is proving to be a well adjusted gorilla, capable of interpreting appropriate gorilla body language and subtle vocalizations. She still steers clear of her auntie Akenji, but we're confident that they will have a wonderful and energetic relationship once Yola is a bit bigger and more confident.
Leo and Yola's relationship couldn't be better. It's not uncharacteristic of silverbacks to be great dads; playing with their kids and even carrying them around from time to time, but Leo's early experiences could have easily hindered his ability to deal well with an infant. Instead, he has proven invaluable to the group's success. Yola really seems to find comfort in his presence, and will play with abandon near him, assured in the fact that she's safe to do so.
It will be interesting to watch Leo and Yola's relationship grow as she gets older. Just last week, as keepers called Leo inside for the night, we were surprised to see him enter from the yard with Yola leading the way. This was a first, as she has always stuck by Nadiri during transitions. Akenji was right behind Leo (as she usually is during this transition) and when Yola saw this, she immediately grabbed onto Leos's leg. Leo allowed this to happen, and let her hitch a ride through the threshold of the door, gently shaking her off once they were inside. Yola didn't appreciate this, especially in such close proximity to Akenji, and screeched, causing mom, Nadiri, to run in and calm her and for Akenji to quickly leave the area, lest it cause an unwanted conflict right before dinner. This timeline of events was a reminder of how far they have all come: Yola was comfortable enough to run to Leo for comfort and safety and Leo allowed her to do so, Nadiri still came when Yola called, and Akenji knew better than to get involved.
We are so thankful for these wonderful gorillas whom we are privileged to know and share our days with, and our hope is that zoo guests feel the same. The gorillas are here to teach us, encourage us and inspire us to care about the importance and beauty of their existence among us in this world. The lives of their wild counterparts depend on this understanding.
The three gorilla groups at Woodland Park Zoo are compelling ambassadors for the critically endangered gorillas in Africa threatened with extinction. Woodland Park Zoo supports conservation efforts for the western lowland gorilla through the MbeliBai Study, one of the zoo's Partners for Wildlife. The study researches the social organization and behaviors of more than 450 lowland gorillas living in the southwest of Nouabale-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo. The data collected enables scientists to assess the vulnerability of populations to habitat threats, providing the groundwork for successful conservation strategies.
Visit Yola, Leo, Nadiri and Akenji at 12:30 p.m. daily and remember to #GrowWithYola to share your favorite memories of this little gorilla and her incredible family.
Do you know Cinnamon? Photo: Rachel Gray/Woodland Park Zoo.
One of the zoo's lowest profile residents just celebrated a milestone birthday: Cinnamon, our springhaas (Pedetes capensis), turned 20. Springhaas in human care are expected to live for typically 13 to 14 years, but our little energizer bunny—as she's lovingly known by her keepers—is still going!
Though she has lived here for 10+ years, Cinnamon and her species are little known. Springhaas are native to southern Africa where there is dry, sandy soil for them to dig burrows. They spend most of the daytime in these burrows and forage for stems, roots and sprouts at night. Springhaas are a type of rodent and resemble rabbits or even tiny kangaroos yet are most closely related to squirrels. They are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to loss of habitat and hunting that stems from the perception that they are pests and damage crops.
Cinnamon has some challenges due to her advanced age, so we monitor her daily to assure her best welfare. Like many of our geriatric residents, she receives anti-inflammatories. Cinnamon takes her medication enthusiastically first thing every morning on a piece of corn on the cob, one of her favorite foods. (Her absolute favorite thing to eat is whole peanuts which she shells herself.) Once she leaves her den and starts exploring, we get a chance to see how she's moving and getting around. Springhaas are nocturnal, meaning she is most active at night, so we also review overnight video of her if we need to keep a closer eye or have questions about her health. Even after 20 years, she's still moving around and doing well.
You may have first seen Cinnamon back when she was a resident of the former Night Exhibit. Since then she's taken up residence in our Adaptations Building where she lives with a colony of flying fox fruit bats. You've no doubt spent plenty of time looking up to see the bats in action, but on your next visit, look down and you might just spot our Cinnamon. If you do, be sure to wish her a happy birthday.


A .NET program can help you create an RSS feed based on a query to Google. You have to be a registered developer at Google to use this program, but the possibilities are rich.
Peter Drayton (http://www.razorsoft.net/) has created a .NET program called google2rss that uses a Google API (http://www.google.com/apis/) query to create an RSS 0.91 feed [Hack #81] with the top 10 hits it finds on Google. You first have to go to the Google API web page to register so that you can get a license key. You cannot perform this hack without getting the license key. You will also need to install Microsoft .NET on your system. You can download .NET from Microsoft's MSDN site, http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframework/technologyinfo/howtoget/, or you can get it from http://www.gotdotnet.com. You'll need to download both the .NET Framework Version 1.1 Redistributable Package (about 24 MB) and the .NET Framework SDK Version 1.1 (about 108 MB).
Download the google2rss software from http://www.razorsoft.net/downloads/google2rss.zip. You can also read background information at http://www.razorsoft.net/weblog/stories/2002/04/13/google2rss.html.


Himalayan Salt Lamp. Tear Drop Design.
There are so many benefits to these beautiful salt crystal lamps.
It's best to leave these lamps on 24 hours a day. If they're in a bedroom it's OK to turn them off during the evening but it's important to put them back on in the morning. Due the the salt, they absorb moisture and can leave a water mark on the table. If you are heading out for a few days and don't want to leave them on then all you need to do is pop the lamp in a plastic bag and it will be protected from the elements.
Himalayan Salt Lamps are mined deep underground from the Himalayan mountains.


Nose surgery, also known as a rhinoplasty, is a common and effective procedure that can change both the size and shape of the nose. There are a number of reasons for undergoing a rhinoplasty, but common ones include; feeling your nose is too big for your face, not matching your facial features, not liking a bump on the bridge, disliking a bulbous tip, or that it's been left looking distorted due to an accident or injury.
Whatever the reason patients choose to undergo a rhinoplasty, it has an exceptional success rate at changing the appearance of the nose and as a result, helping people to feel more confident.
In the majority of cases a rhinoplasty takes around two hours. Performed under a general anaesthetic, incisions are generally made inside the nose in order to avoid scarring on the face. However in some cases, an incision in the skin between the nostrils is required (this procedure is called an 'open rhinoplasty'). Patients may also require small incisions to be made at one, or both sides of the nostrils. These are extremely small, but will leave very fine scars.
All incisions, wherever they may be, will be closed with dissolvable stitches. These disappear on their own after a week or so.
As your nose will have undergone surgery and movement, expect bruising and swelling after the operation. This bruising can also spread to the eyes, but your physician will provide pain relief as required.
A splint may be used to protect the nose after surgery, while dressings can be placed inside each nostril in order to protect the wounds. The dressings will stop you from breathing through your nose but your surgeon will take these out before you go home. The splint will have to stay in place for about a week.
Recovery time from a rhinoplasty varies greatly, but in general, it will be at least two weeks before the bruising fades and a number of months before your nose settles fully. It's important to remember this, as many patients are often shocked at their immediate appearance.
The shape and size of your nose is inherited and will not be fully developed until the age of 16. Therefore it is recommended that if you are looking to undergo a rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, you wait until you are at least 16-years-old.
Prices for rhinoplasty surgery start at £3,000, but can cost anywhere up to £5,000.