Commonsense & Wonder: Illegal immigration and crime

The Obama administration released illegal immigrants who went on to commit more crimes, including charges of 19 murders, 3 attempted murders and 142 sex crimes, the House Judiciary Committee said in a report Tuesday.

All told, the nearly 47,000 illegal immigrants the administration was notified of but declined to deport between 2008 and 2011 under its Secure Communities program had a recidivism rate of 16 percent, the committee said.

They were just part of the nearly 160,000 immigrants ? most of them here legally ? who were flagged by Secure Communities during the three year period but who were either not eligible to be deported or who the administration decided to release. Those immigrants went on to be charged in nearly 60,000 more crimes, according to the committee and the Congressional Research Service, which issued a report on the matter.

The findings stem from the Obama administration's Secure Communities program, which was designed to identify immigrants who run afoul of the law and who the administration decides it wants to deport.

While hundreds of thousands have been sent back home under the program, 159,286 were not put in deportation proceedings during the period under review, CRS said.

About three quarters of those weren't eligible for deportation because they were legal immigrants and their criminal records didn't rise to the level of deportation, though nearly a quarter could have been deported, CRS said.

Those who could have been deported but were released later went on to commit the 19 murders, 3 attempted murders and 142 sex crimes, the Judiciary Committee said.

"The Obama administration could have prevented these senseless crimes by enforcing our immigration laws," committee Chairman Lamar Smith said. "But President Obama continues to further his anti-enforcement agenda while innocent Americans suffer the consequences. His unwillingness to enforce immigration laws puts our communities at risk and costs American lives."

Mr. Smith requested the CRS report, which used data he had subpoenaed from the Homeland Security Department.

The department didn't immediately return a request for comment Tuesday morning.

Secure Communities has come under fire from both sides of the aisle.

Many Democrats say it casts its net too wide, which means illegal immigrants who have committed relatively minor offenses could be deported. But Republicans, led by Mr. Smith, say the administration is actually being too picky in those it chooses to deport, which results in criminals being released back onto the streets to commit more crimes.

In one of the cases, the committee said, an illegal immigrant named Evin Adonis Ortiz was identified by Secure Communities but released, and later went on to be charged in the killing of California man. According to the Los Angeles Daily News, police said Ortiz and two others robbed a 68-year-old grandfather and then killed his grandson when he tried to chase the bandits down.

The Obama administration has set records for deportations, removing about 400,000 aliens a year. But it has dramatically altered the composition of those being deported, shifting attention away from rank-and-file illegal immigrants and towards those who already have criminal records or who have repeatedly broken immigration laws.

In June President Obama announced yet another policy that shields most illegal immigrants age 30 and under from deportation. That policy won't fully take effect until the middle of August, but it has already had an effect on those being deported.

Through June 16, 51 percent of those being deported had criminal records. But in the month after that, the percentage jumped to 57 percent ? a record high rate.

Source: http://commonsensewonder.blogspot.com/2012/07/illegal-immigration-and-crime.html

old dominion insync the duchess the duchess spice mike starr ufc 141 fight card

Valuable Tips on Sports Betting Online | Press Releases World ...

Betting in sports is an activity that has been going on for thousands of years. If it was for the purpose of recreation earlier, it has taken the form of a business today. People interested in sports have always got the kick and excitement predicting the result or outcome of a match or the performance of an individual player in team sport. Sportwetten gives an opportunity to all those who feel they have a knack of making correct predictions.

?

?

Sport betting is a multibillion dollar industry today

It was horse racing that led to the development of structured sports betting in the initial periods. The electric atmosphere created by fast moving horses and their jockeys made people enthusiastic and they made their choices of winners in their excitement, placing bets in the process.? However, with passage of time, sportwetten spread to most of the sports and today a person interested in placing a bet in sports can choose from a wide variety of sports and sporting events. Sportwetten is today organized on a huge scale with internet providing this activity a big boost in terms of reach and exposure.

?

The advent of internet has made it much easier for people as scores of websites have sprung up allowing people to place bets on different sporting events sitting in the comfort of their homes. All a person has to do is to join any of these sportsbooks as a member and he is instantly shown the betting odds of all the sporting events being covered by the company. Sportwetten is a leisure activity that can bring in a lot of fun and excitement provided a person places his bets not on the basis of his whims but after careful analysis of the past results and the current form of the players and teams.

?

Some important tips to not ruin yourself financially

One important thing to remember while indulging in sports betting online is to remain within your limits all the time. Remember, if the betting odds are high, you stand to make a lot of money but at the same time you are also made to take a higher risk on the outcome. This means that one should always make small bets on results having high betting odds. An important rule in sports betting online to ensure you do not get ruined financially is to keep in mind the amount of money at your disposal. Never place bets with someone else?s money thinking you would return easily after winning.

?

If you think you have deep knowledge about a particular sport or a few sports, it is better to stick to these few sports only while indulging in sports betting online and not try your hands at all sports. It takes a lot of research and analysis to be successful in sports betting online and you cannot have that much time to invest in a number of sports. Keep your emotions and greed under check and learn to quit while you are winning.

?

?

To learn more about making money through sports betting online or sportwetten click on the links.

Source: http://www.pressreleasesworld.com/valuable-tips-on-sports-betting-online/

weather gina carano at last al green burger king delivery etta james at last john king

Ballast Water Management ? Angola, Africa, Rules

Angola, Africa, maritime authority draws attention of masters to its ballast water management requirements

All vessels coming from outside Angola must follow Angolan Executive Decree 12-05, article 10 regarding ballast water management. It appears to the Angolan authority that the relevant information has not been passed on to ships' master.

The decree states that Operators must ensure that vessels and/or installations originating fromoutside the country and operating under their responsibility follow Angolan Executive Decree 12-05, Article 10 regarding ballast water management as follows:

A) Have the means recommended by the international maritime organisation
for managing ballast water, namely the following as applicable:

i. a ballast water management plan as an integral part of the operational
plan for the installation;
ii. a record book in which the following are recorded:
1. The coordinates of the loading/discharge points, the quantity of
water loaded/discharged, the capacity of the tanks as well as the date of
operations and the duration of the discharge.
2. The location of the sampling points.
3. The date when sediments were last cleaned.
4. The names of the persons responsible for implementing the ballast water
management plan and of the person responsible for the records

B) Proceed, immediately after loading, to treating the ballast water with the minimum quantity of biocide needed to eliminate micro-organisms;

C) Proceed with exchanging ballast water at a distance of over 100 nautical miles from the Angolan coast.

?

?

?

Source: http://www.marinelink.com/news/management-ballast-angola346606.aspx

nitrous oxide rihanna thug life tattoo chuck pagano arizona governor seal team 6 patrick witt leprosy

Oregon Dressage Society News and Announcements ? ODS Biz ...

?

Cheval Amour is going to be a vendor at the 2012?Dressage?at?Lake Oswego Hunt show this coming weekend (August 3-5)! ? Please come introduce yourself and see our new clothing line including planet-conscious?COATS, VESTS and SHIRTS perfect for the equestrian.

?

Can?t make it to the show? ?We are an online store and offer FREE ground shipping!

?

Learn more about us at: ??www.ChevalAmour.com

?

Join our discussion on Facebook: ?https://www.facebook.com/ChevalAmourInc

?

Sincerely,

Lisa Simmons

Founder

Eugene, Oregon

?

**Lisa Simmons dba Cheval Amour is a current ODS Business Member.? In return for paying higher dues, ODS Business Members are permitted to send 1 broadcast e-mail per quarter.? Please contact the ODS Office for details.

###

Source: http://www.oregondressage.com/news/2012/ods-biz-member-msg-cheval-amour-will-be-at-2012-dressage-at-lake-oswego-hunt/

cedric benson playoff schedule charles addams pinewood derby cars republican debate tonight tinker tailor soldier spy rich forever rick ross

The Signs And Symptoms Of Long-term Irresponsible Drinking And ...

Alcoholic drinks is a legal substance that?s easily abused. Like smoking cigarettes, alcohol addiction will take time and readiness to overcome. Dealing with alcoholism is like killing yourself to keep on living. Alcoholics during the later stage of abuse feel linked to the substance they are dependent on.

Profuse sweating, anxiety, uncontrollable shaking and also at times nauseated, if thats all those feelings each time you get up each morning and before you even consider getting something for breakfast ? that?s a serious case of alcoholism you?ve got there. Alcohol among the most mistreated substances on the globe and factors can vary how people get hooked. It becomes a habit and turn into chronic alcoholism though the effects are almost exactly the same. Many abuser of alcohol begins to develop dependency also it will take its turn on the later stage of alcoholism.

Alcohol consumption does not seem to be problems if taken-in moderately and occasionally. Alcohol consumption can even decrease the possibility of cardiovascular disease but excessive might cause you more than a heart issue. Small intakes of alcohol before meal facilitate good appetite and digestion but abuse can arrest your appetite and can cause liver and kidney disease.

When it?s time that you would produce a way to get a drink even without having occasions and also without company, you could be vulnerable to getting addicted to alcohol. Getting anxious when you are incapable of drink throughout the day is another manifestation of dependency that may produce your inadequacy at work or lose your temper. You might regain function if you are able to down a bottle or two however, you would wind up not happy with just two.

Worst effects in your own life of alcohol dependency happens when you will not be able to go to work because of being too drunk to get out from bed. Becoming disrespectful and aggressive to others frequently occurs when being intoxicate. You can find yourself hiding and keeping liquors in which you often visit make sure that you have something to grab if you needed to drink.

You have to do something regarding this matter, you may not think it is alarming but to others, it does. If someone provides you with help, do not waste time in accepting the offer. If there?s nobody to help you, look for groups that focus on alcoholhelp or seek professional help if you?re ready for it. Remember that recovery usually takes time, but at the very least you made the initial step towards it.

Alcohol along with other beverages and food may be beneficial and harmless if the intake is regulated. Too much of something is bad, alcohol or not alcohol, that is for certain.

Source: http://www.essentialmexicanrecipes.com/blog/2012/07/30/the-signs-and-symptoms-of-long-term-irresponsible-drinking-and-dependency/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-signs-and-symptoms-of-long-term-irresponsible-drinking-and-dependency

49ers vs giants giants vs 49ers san francisco 49ers san francisco 49ers sf 49ers joe paterno died 49ers game

Enbridge races to clean up Wisconsin oil spill, restart line

GRAND MARSH, Wisconsin (Reuters) - Canada's Enbridge Inc. on Sunday raced to repair a major pipeline that spilled more than 1,000 barrels of oil in a Wisconsin field, provoking fresh ire from Washington over the latest in a series of leaks.

The spill on Friday -- almost two years to the day after a ruptured Enbridge line fouled part of the Kalamazoo River in Michigan -- has forced the closure of a major conduit for Canadian light crude shipments to U.S. refiners and threatens to further damage the reputation of a company that launched a more than $3 billion expansion program just two months ago.

Enbridge said it intended to begin repairs to Line 14 late on Saturday after making "excellent progress" in clean-up, allowing for visual inspection of the line. But it still did not know what had caused the incident and provided no estimate on when the 318,000 barrels-per-day Line 14 would resume service.

An official with the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) said two inspectors were at the site on Sunday, and that all of the pooled oil had been cleaned up.

"The line has been uncovered to begin removing the failed section and send it to a metallurgical lab for examination," PHMSA spokesman Damon Hill said.

Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are also on site, Enbridge said in a statement.

An image of the area posted on Enbridge's website showed a patch of damp, blackened earth near a stand of trees about one-third the size of a football field. It found some oil on two small farm ponds, but said they did not connect to moving waterways and that drinking wells did not seem to be affected.

Although the spill appeared to be relatively small and quickly contained, it comes at a delicate time for Enbridge, which suffered another leak in Alberta, Canada, a month ago and endured a scathing report from U.S. safety regulators over its handling of the Michigan incident in 2010, with employees likened to the "Keystone Kops" for their bungled response.

"Enbridge is fast becoming to the Midwest what BP was to the Gulf of Mexico, posing troubling risks to the environment," U.S. Representative Ed Markey, the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement.

"The company must be forthcoming about this entire incident, and deserves a top-to-bottom review of their safety culture, procedures and standards," said Markey, an outspoken critic of increasing imports of Canada's heavy oil sands crude.

Canada is the largest source of foreign crude for the United States, supplying over 2.4 million bpd of the more than 8.3 million bpd of imported by the nation on average in July. Enbridge's lines, the world's largest crude oil pipeline system, carry the lion's share of those shipments.

Just two months ago, Enbridge kicked off one of the most sweeping expansions in its history, announcing a multibillion-dollar series of projects aimed at moving western Canada and North Dakota oil to Eastern refineries and eliminating costly bottlenecks in the U.S. Midwest.

Line 14 is a 24-inch diameter pipe that was installed in 1998, making it a relatively new line. Enbridge said it had been inspected twice in the past five years.

BULGING STOCKS

Analysts said that the move, which comes as oil inventories in the Midwest hit record highs, may have a limited impact on crude oil futures when trading opens in Asia.

"I think that the pipeline (outage) is more likely to have a greater company impact that it will on the oil (futures) market -- I think that global growth and geopolitics will be more important than the pipeline," said Jason Schenker, president of Prestige Economics LLC in Austin, Texas.

U.S. and global oil prices have been balancing the risks of a large-scale disruption in Iranian crude against the struggling world economy this year. A surge in production from North Dakota and Canada has built up inventories in the U.S. Midwest due to a shortfall of capacity to move the oil into the Gulf Coast refining region.

Schenker said the impact of the Enbridge disruption on Chicago refineries will depend largely on how much crude they have stockpiled as well as the length of the outage. Total Midwest crude inventories have hit a record high over 110 million barrels over the past two months, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

TWO LANDOWNERS, ONE HOUSE 'COVERED'

In most cases, smaller pipeline leaks can be repaired quickly, although regulators may require significant work if they find any cause for alarm. Following the leak in Michigan two years ago -- which spilled roughly 15 times more oil than the Wisconsin leak if initial estimates of the Friday incident prove correct -- one line was shut for more than two months.

Enbridge said two landowners had been affected and that one family had been relocated for their safety and comfort, but that most of the spill was restricted to the pipeline right-of-way. It kept its estimate of the spill at around 1,200 barrels -- about as much as would fit in six very large oil tanker trucks.

"The house right next to where the pipeline broke got covered with oil," said Patrick Swadish, who lives about a mile northwest of the spill site in a rural area of mostly farmland, some 80 miles north of the college town of Madison.

Oil trucks, Enbridge vehicles and about a dozen crews were working in the area, which had been cordoned off by sheriff deputies. Local law enforcement officials said they had been told it may take up to 30 days to clean the area.

Enbridge also said it had briefly shut down two larger adjacent lines -- the 400,000 bpd Line 61 and the 670,000 bpd Line 6A -- but both were pumping again within a day. Together with Line 14, they form the backbone of Lakehead, a 2.5 million bpd network that is the main route for Canadian exports.

Another line, the 180,000 bpd Line 13, which carries diluents from Chicago to Edmonton, Alberta, would be restarted once it was confirmed the release had not had an impact on it, it said.

PREVIOUS SPILLS

Just weeks ago, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board blasted Enbridge's handling of the July 2010 rupture of its Line 6B near Marshall, Michigan, which led to more than 20,000 barrels of crude leaking into the Kalamazoo River.

The NTSB said it found a complete breakdown of company safety measures, and that Enbridge employees performed like "Keystone Kops" trying to contain it. The rupture went undetected for 17 hours.

U.S. pipeline regulators fined it $3.7 million for the spill, their largest ever penalty.

The incidents, plus the most recent spill in Alberta, have caused furor just as the company seeks approval for its C$6 billion Northern Gateway pipeline to Canada's West Coast amid staunch opposition from environmental groups and native communities that warn against oil spills.

(Additional reporting by Timothy Gardner and Russ Blinch in Washington; Jeff Jones in Calgary; Writing by Jonathan Leff and Matthew Robinson; Editing by Anthony Boadle and Maureen Bavdek)

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Check for restrictions at: http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp

Source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/48384974?__source=RSS*tag*&par=RSS

barney frank barney frank rob gronkowski kim richards robert hegyes mary louise parker mary louise parker

Dwarkadelhi Blog ? Reduce Your Heavy snoring With Ideas That ...

Previous Post: Explanations Why The Phone Is All Hype &nbsp Next Post: Helpful Tips To Complete To Eliminate Heavy snoring

Handful of situations are far more exasperating than attempting to get an effective night?s relax when an individual is heavy snoring loudly only ? out of your ears. Luckily, there are numerous things which can be done to quit heavy snoring. Keep reading for some helpful details that you can use to stop snoring?your own personal or even your partner?s.

Decrease your heavy snoring by lifting your system when you rest. To get this done, just use pillows to boost your upper body and lift your your bed publish with prevents. Getting to sleep within a horizontal approach can placed strain about the body?s respiratory tract, resulting in snoring loudly when you inhale your sleep at night. Raising the body eliminates this added stress and makes it much simpler so that you can breathe in, therefore getting rid of snoring loudly.

If the area you sleep in is too dried out, it might be wise to buy a warm air humidifier. As soon as the atmosphere is simply too free of moisture, congestion can take place within your neck and nose, and will even make them swell. The congestion and puffiness make it more difficult to inhale and results in one to snore loudly. A warm air humidifier can eliminate this issue.

If you are postponing stop smoking due to concerns about excess weight, never ever worry. Understand that it might consider approximately seventy-five pounds of excess weight into the future close to the health hazards linked to typical tobacco use. Should you be worried about putting on weight, consider exchanging your cigarette behavior using a health and fitness center regular membership, alternatively.

An contra?snoring oral cavity guard might help you sleeping better when you are concerned by snoring loudly. A doctor or dentist can supply you with a comfortably fitted oral cavity item that can keep your teeth with each other, thus avoiding the muscles with your jaw bone from comforting excessive, that is almost certainly bringing about your heavy snoring.

When you usually end up loud snoring through the night, avoid consuming alcohol. Alcoholic drinks can reduce the central nervous system, as a result triggering every one of the muscle tissue inside your neck to get caught in a comfortable express. Your mouth muscles will chill out way too, improving any loud snoring troubles. Only consume moderately, if at all, and you will probably avoid this problem.

If heavy snoring can be a continuous evening struggle for you, you might like to consider purchasing an air humidifier to add humidity back into the atmosphere and ease the dryness inside your tonsils, making it simpler to inhale and exhale. A simple approach would be to basically manage hot water and keep your skin over the sink to inhale the heavy steam, quickly before you go to sleep. This may open up your airways as well as, moisturize your neck and nose oral cavaties.

Use nasal pieces to help you sleep at night. Nasal strips expand the nostrils to help ventilation, which lowers loud snoring. This will likely let not simply you to sleep properly, nevertheless, you also won?t be unsettling your family as you slumber. Purchase company-brand nasal pieces at your neighborhood food market and use them before going to sleep.

As previously mentioned, heavy snoring is really a deafening and noisy situation that a great many people need to handle. Loud snoring might not simply be a sound although, it could let you know some thing relating to your wellness. Utilizing the over ideas to get the triggers and ways to deal with snoring loudly could help every person rest slightly much better.

wordpress blog posts

Posted in Health 17 hours, 57 minutes ago at 6:22 am. Add a comment

Source: http://blog.dwarkadelhi.com/?p=43268

pope joan pope joan paul pierce strawberry festival knicks strikeforce tate vs rousey ciaa

Ltc Tour Europe Tourist Attractions During The Rajasthan Tours

By: My Holidays LTC Tour Europe, Singapore LTC Tour, LTC Portblair Tour

LTC Tour Europe you will be able to shop for Bhutanese handmade artifacts and textiles. During the tour, you will get to see many monasteries and the mini zoo. Make sure you are appropriately dressed for the monastery. When you arrive in Paro you will be greeted by the beautiful sight of the Himalayas. Your Bhutan holiday will include a pleasant hike to Taktshang Monastery. The valleys of Punakh and Gangtey are civilized with cultivation and well populated region in Bhutan. Travel among valleys is easier now with the highway and development of roads. Your Bhutan tour will take you to recent and old fortresses and monuments built by kings and queens of the valley. Punakha is also the place of the residence of the monastery order during winter. You can have a nice picnic on the banks of the Punak chhu before returning to the hotel.

LTC Tour Europe is very important to book your holiday well in advance. This will ensure you get confirmed booking no matter where you go in India. If you think a visit to Bhutan is not enough, try the north India golden triangle as well. This way you get to see more than one region of this vast country. Most importantly, ask for your Bhutan holiday itinerary. You must have a list of hotels and numbers with you at all time. Ensure that your trip is packed with sightseeing, treks and hikes as well as some adventure. An all round tour will include a visit to the river valleys of Paro and Wang Chhu. Bhutan is the perfect place for a couple or the annual family vacation. It is a beautiful land very close to perfect paradise. A Bhutan holiday will take you to a picturesque land of the thunder dragon.

LTC Tour Europe is dotted with plenty of Buddhist monasteries and temples. The locals are peace loving. A Bhutan tour will include trips to the city of Thimpu and Gangtey. The luxurious open spaces are welcoming for anyone who comes from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visit punakha which is the confluence of two rivers. Here you can opt to spend the night in the comfortable hotel. Ensure you are provided with an English speaking guide to take you to the best places possible and show you the true Bhutan. Bhutan has only one city which runs an airport. This in itself shows how slow paced and calm this country is. If you are looking for calm and uninterrupted vacationing, then travel to Bhutan which is the right place to visit to get away. A very interesting place to visit is Paro.

LTC Tour Europe monastery which has now been restored or take a drive to Chela La Pass. All in all savour the beauty of the outdoors by foot. A Bhutan holiday is best experienced through long treks and excursions. Make sure you are well equipped for the outdoors in the right kind of clothing and shoes. Bookings online for your Bhutan holiday are quick and save you the hassle of running back and forth to your travel agent. You can get discounted rates on larger family groups or honeymoon packages. If you have something specific in mind remember to tell you online agent so that they can set it up for you. While booking feel free to ask for hotel details, travel details and important information pertaining to your travel to Bhutan. It is important to make all queries before you make the final booking.

---

About the Author:

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

|

• How To Relax By: Graeme Smith | Jul 28th 2012 - It seems to be universally accepted that we all live incredibly busy lives these days and that is can sometimes be difficult to switch off. With this in mind, this article gives you a few ideas as to how best to relax for a while.
Tags: hot air balloon ride, balloon flight, family fun, flying, entertainment...
• Off The Disney Path By: Robert Nickel | Jul 28th 2012 - Everyone knows that Orlando, Florida is the home of Disney World and Universal Studios, but what if you've done that already? Are there other attractions to see in the big city? Of course there are; here are a few things to see that are most certainly not Disney-fie ...
Tags: Orlando, Florida, Tupperware, Disney World, Balloons...
• Food To Try When Visiting Peru By: Terry Philips | Jul 28th 2012 - One of the highlights of travelling anywhere is tasting the various foods and drinks that are specialties of each particular country or region. Not only is this just plain fun as well as delicious, it is also a great way to learn something about the people that live ...
Tags: luxury peru tours, peru luxury tours, luxury peru travel, peru luxury travel, machu picchu luxury tours...
• Food To Try When Visiting Argentina By: Terry Philips | Jul 28th 2012 - One of the highlights of travelling anywhere is tasting the various foods and drinks that are specialties of each particular country or region. Not only is this just plain fun as well as delicious, it is also a great way to learn something about the people that live ...
Tags: patagonia argentina tours, patagonia adventures, argentina adventure travel, argentina expeditions, argentina tour packages...
• Smart Tips For Las Vegas By: Robert Nickel | Jul 28th 2012 - It is easy to be dumb in Las Vegas. All you have to do is disregard all logical thought, ignore warning signs and wear lots of polyester. Forget the vacation budget, in fact just pretend your annual salary is somewhere in the realm of Donald Trump or Bill Gates. Let ...
Tags: Las Vegas, the strip, gaming, slot machine, slot clubs...
• Book Your Tour Vacation From A Discount Travel Website By: Lisa Steinway | Jul 28th 2012 - When you are looking for a tour, the first place to check is online discount travel sites. On these sites, you will be able to compare deals from many travel providers, and know that you are getting the best price available.
Tags: all inclusive vacations deals, top tours Canada, Canada tours, travel, offers...
• Fantastic Vacations With Tucan Travel By: Tracy Narvaez | Jul 28th 2012 - Vacation packages of all sorts are available for individuals as well as groups. They also provide stimulating Expedition Cruises for those seeking adventure. There are over 470 different choices of all types and to various amazing destinations from which to pick. Lo ...
Tags: Tucan Travel, Travel, Vacation
• Booking A Holiday With Air Canada Vacations By: Lisa Steinway | Jul 28th 2012 - Air Canada is Canada's oldest and largest commercial carrier. With its extensive reach and long experience of serving travelers, you can be sure that booking a holiday with Air Canada Vacations will bring an exciting and memorable holiday. Air Canada flies to the en ...
Tags: cheap flights, find cheap flights, Air Canada vacations, book air canada vacations, travel...
• Embracing North India By: Gets holidays | Jul 28th 2012 - India is the land of versatility and in this versatile soil, there is something or the other for everyone. The land is blessed with snow capped mountains, the golden beaches, dry sand dunes or deserts, the pristine emerald backwaters and the beautiful water bodies. ...
Tags: india tour, delhi tour
• Helpful Packing Hints For Shippers By: Christine Richard | Jul 28th 2012 - When you are shipping a small or a large item across town, across the state, across the country or across the globe, it is absolutely essential that you are careful in getting your item packed carefully so it can be delivered in one piece.
Tags: Shipping Hazardous Materials, Shipping Personal Effects, Air Freight Services

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

• ArticleSnatch Authors:
• For Publishers:
• For Everyone:
• Our Sites:

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Ltc-Tour-Europe-Tourist-Attractions-During-The-Rajasthan-Tours/4067830

iditarod nfl free agents 2012 encyclopedia brittanica nfl free agency jonbenet ramsey jason campbell doobie brothers

Has Malawi become a homosexuality nation? DPP concerns over ...

By Democratic Progressive Party

July 27, 2012 ????? 39 Comments

?Email This Post

?>

Background

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) wishes to register our profound concern over recent pronouncements made by some eminent personalities regarding Malawi?s position on gay, lesbian, and same sex relationships. Specifically, we wish to raise our serious misgivings on this issue taking into account applause recently made in the United States of America (USA) congratulating Mrs. Joyce Banda ?for taking strides to embrace HIV positive persons and sexual minorities, including homosexuals?. The fight against HIV and AIDS has been there for many years now and reached its peak during the previous administration where the HIV prevalence rate was tremendously reduced to about 12 percent. The recent applause can therefore only be made in light of the homosexuality drive and not very much from the perspective of curbing HIV and AIDS.

One source of the applause is musician Sir Elton John who explicitly made such congratulatory remarks at the AIDS 2012 Conference in Washington DC, USA. The congratulatory pronouncements made towards Malawi were captured in the?Nation?of 25th?July 2012 (p.3), and were also monitored on Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS).

Sir Elton John is gay and openly confesses to be a homosexual. The DPP would like to get confirmation about the basis for such applause made on Malawi at international forums. The nation and the people of Malawi have the right to know if the current administration of Her Excellency Mrs. Joyce Banda is indeed taking steps and making decisions that majority of Malawians are not aware of.

Malawians need to know if the congratulatory pronouncements being poured on Malawi are a sign of concrete commitment that Malawi has made in accepting homosexuality in the country. On a related note, the DPP looks back to Her Excellency Mrs. Joyce Banda?s recent State of The Nation Address which outlined a number of laws that will be repealed under her administration. One of the laws is within the Penal Code and it outlaws same sex marriages and homosexual relationships in this country.

?Repeal of Homosexuality Laws

Her Excellency Mrs. Banda made a commitment through the State of The Nation Address that her administration will repeal this law. Implicitly, the new administration is taking steps to push for a legal framework that turns Malawi into a pro-gay and homosexual nation. The DPP is deeply concerned with such steps that are happening outside the views of the people. DPP suggests that any repeal or amendment to such laws should take into account the voices of the people, and Malawians should be the ultimate decision makers on whether this country should open up to same sex relationships, gay marriages and similar affairs.

The DPP believes that Malawians would wish to make references to their cultural and religious values as part of the processes of arriving at the final decision. In simple and straight forward terms, the DPP strongly urges the current administration to come in the open and declare their position on same sex marriages. It is unfortunate and unfair if the leadership under the current administration is spreading pro-gay statements outside of Malawi when the State President has traveled abroad, or in closed boardroom discussions with non-Malawian institutions. If Sir Elton John?s congratulatory statements to Malawi are made based on a homosexuality position that the current administration is propagating, the DPP calls upon Her Excellency Mrs. Joyce Banda to urgently give the same information to Malawians at an open forum within the country instead of making such pronouncements abroad.

Call for an Open Debate on Gay Rights and Homosexuality

The DPP further wishes to challenge the current administration of Mrs. Joyce Banda to a nationwide consensus building process on gay rights issues and homosexuality matters. As has already been pointed out, these are highly controversial and can be divisive issues. The nationwide consultation process would help to diffuse any tension and mitigate against any conflict that may arise around this subject matter. The DPP believes that all persons are equal under the laws. Similarly, gays, lesbians, homosexuals and similar sexual minority groups are, first and foremost, human beings. DPP believes that by virtue of them being human beings, they must have access to equal protection under the law on human rights that are universally agreed as human rights.

However, where the DPP wishes nationwide consensus is on the question: Is the right to engage into same sex and homosexual relationships a human right? Additionally: Is Malawi and the current administration under pressure to allow homosexuality from the international community in exchange for aid? Ultimately, the nationwide consensus building should tackle the question: Are all Malawians ready to accept homosexuality? DPP believes that the voices of the people and citizens should be heard on this matter. DPP recommends that those who are for the idea of allowing homosexuality in Malawi should be given a platform to be heard, and those who are not for the idea should also be given an equal opportunity and right to be heard.

Conclusion

The DPP strongly advises the current administration against taking a careless approach on ?minority rights? issues. We call upon Her Excellency Mrs. Joyce Banda to tread carefully on homosexuality issues and carefully weigh foreign interests against the interests of Malawians. While we appreciate that homosexuals are first and foremost human beings with equal rights like the right to life, right to education, right to economic activity, and others which should be guaranteed and protected, it is however too premature and careless to behave as if all Malawians have accepted the notion of homosexuality, gay marriage, lesbianism and same sex relationships. As a nation, we should not introduce strange notions under the pretext of fighting HIV and AIDS.

Let the people?s voice be heard on this matter. Chiefs should be heard, religious leaders should be heard, academics should be heard, civil societies should add their voice, and ultimately, the voices of the voiceless and ordinary Malawians should also be heard. Finally, DPP wishes to emphasize that while Malawi budgets need external donor support, homosexuality issues and decisions will affect the whole nation and should therefore not be made in board rooms or with the narrow intention of appeasing donors for aid. The current administration should not sacrifice the broader interests of all Malawians for the love of silver in form of donor money but should engage in open minded dialogue with development partners that will preserve and protect the interests of all Malawians.

*Issued by Wakuda Kamanga, Secretary General of DPP

Tags: DPP, homosexuality, human rights, Joyce Banda

Source: http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/07/27/has-malawi-become-a-homosexuality-nation-dpp-concerns-over-recent-statement/

greg smith catamount mike dantoni bulls heat goldman sachs brandon carr knicks coach

Roger Federer's Olympics love story

LONDON ? The Olympic Games forever changed tennis legend Roger Federer's life, long before he finally won a gold medal in Beijing four years ago.

Federer, who holds the all-time record of 17 Grand Slam titles and took the Olympic doubles crown in 2008, is a hot favorite going into the tennis men's singles held on the iconic courts of Wimbledon. For the Swiss master, however, it is the effect the Olympics has had on his personal life that makes the Games so important to him. It was at a lunch table in the Athletes' Village in Sydney in 2000 that he met Slovakian tennis player Mirka Vavrinec, who would become his wife and now the mother of his twin baby daughters.

"It is one of the most special events in the world, in sports, in life, anything," Federer said. "It is a special thing to be part of and if you can be fortunate enough to win a medal or even a gold medal it means everything.

"But it is extra special for me, of course, because of what it means to how my life has gone."

Vavrinec's career on the court ended in 2002 after she suffered a debilitating foot injury that refused to properly heal. Since then she has been Federer's constant companion, while also handling his public-relations matters.

Federer has regularly attributed much of his success to the stability of his relationship with his wife. He's remained at the top of his profession for nearly a decade.

"It has always been a nice thing for us and our relationship to think about the time we met and the fact that it took place at an Olympics," Federer said. "It is pretty cool that it is the time when we were introduced, and obviously now we have been together a long time and have a family and share our lives and all the experiences.

"It doesn't make you want to win it more because you always want to win. That is why you play tennis, because you love the sport and try to be the best you can at it. But it just makes the whole experiences enjoyable. When I think of the Olympics I only think of good things. I think of what a great event it is and what it has done for me and my career, and changed my personal life, too."

Federer carried the Switzerland flag at the Opening Ceremony in Athens in 2004 and again in Beijing. As his country's most high-profile and successful athlete he was offered the opportunity to do it again, but politely declined. Instead, the honor went to Federer's doubles partner, Stanislas Wawrinka.

"I felt it was important to give someone else a chance," Federer said. "I told Switzerland they should choose someone else and they then chose my partner Stan. I think that's a great honor for him because I couldn't have won Olympic gold without him and everyone knows that."

Related Olympic video from the Yahoo! Sports network:

More Olympic coverage from the Yahoo! Sports network:
? What to watch for: Olympics first weekend
? Lolo Jones shows Tyson Chandler way too big for Olympic village beds
? Photos: Royals greet Olympic torch in England

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/olympics--roger-federer-owes-olympics-for-introduction-to-his-wife.html

gabrielle union merle haggard ladainian tomlinson mark wahlberg pipa keystone xl sopa bill

FLOST, aka FUCKLOAD OF SCOTCH TAPE - Film Monthly

Independent filmmaker Julian Grant?s latest ultra-ultra low budget feature film is called FLOST, which translates to?FuckLoad Of Scotch Tape. It is a story of a young man?s descent into his own personal hell, and the mistakes he made to get there. Julian calls the film a ?musical Neo-Noir drama where a patsy is set up to take the fall for a kidnapping that leads to murder.? The project is true to the indie ethos in that it is spare; everything is stripped down to its essence. This is stripped-to-the-bone storytelling at its best.

Julian based the idea for FLOST?on the writings of pup-fiction writer Jedidiah Ayres, whose works include the compilation noir ?D*CKED: Dark Fiction Inspired By Dick Cheney.? Ayres is one of the unsung heroes of contemporary neo-noir, a literary throwback to a time which seemed simpler ? when a strong right hook and a bottle of rot gut could help keep the nightmares at arm?s length. FLOST has successfully tapped into that genre with his film; the pulp influence is there in every dark, gritty frame as well as in each artist?s performance. FLOST recalls that simpler time with a hard-edged truth; someone is always waiting to fuck with you.

Mixed with the music of Kevin Quain, FLOST?s score not only feeds the pent-up fury in these desperate characters, but provides an added dimension to their mania. The words to the songs are often mouthed by the main character, ?Benji,? which might be a little confusing at first. But stick with it and you will see how the effect grows on you.

And speaking of actors, each individual turns in a strong performance. It is obvious just how much each was invested in the film. Graham Jenkins? ?Benji? provides the spine to the story; all other characters and plot elements grow from him. He is on screen, and I?m just guessing here, probably 80% of the time, and we never grow tired of his presence. His conflict becomes ours, as we watch his confusion become realization. Additional actors include?Louie Lawless,?Hannah Phelps,?Bobby Rafferty,?Holland Noel,??James Munson,?Shannon Edwards, and Brian Shaw as ?Mr. Kent.?

Julian Grant wrote, directed, shot, and acted as sound recorder for the film. Essentially the core of the ?on-set production crew. How?s that for indie? Here?s what he has to say about his own personal history. ?For twenty years I made low-budget TV movies, mini-series and straight-to-video projects that were all at the request of the distributors or network.? I was a gun-for-hire for Lionsgate, HBO, Lifetime, Syfy and more ? and you basically have to follow the party line and produce movies in keeping with their mandate.? It?s a market driven machine and I was able to make good-looking pictures at a reasonable rate.? When I became a college professor, I was determined to return to my roots as a way of showing my own students how to do it for cheap.? My goal has always been to demystify the filmmaking process and with the advances in digital technology, home editing and the support of the college, I can pretty much well make anything I can afford to produce.? I know Julian to be a true independent, a believer in the art of film. FLOST expresses this independent spirit beautifully.

You can read more about Julian Grant and his work at his website, juliangrant.com. And find out much more about the superb independent feature FLOST by clicking here. There is also a comic book version of the film. You can find out more about that here.

Source: http://www.filmmonthly.com/film/indie/flost-aka-fuckload-of-scotch-tape

joe pa dead laura dekker stephen colbert south carolina seal seal and heidi klum drew peterson untouchable herman cain south carolina

The Hanover Helps Agent Partners Tackle The Amateur Sports And ...

WORCESTER, Mass., July 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ ??With the Summer Olympic Games expected to boost participation in organized, amateur sports as well as fitness activities, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (THG), is helping independent agents tackle this large and steadily growing market.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120404/NE82147LOGO)

Through Sports & Fitness Advantage, The Hanover?s agent partners can offer amateur sports and fitness-related businesses and organizations a broad, customizable line of industry-specific products as well as specialized loss control and claims services to provide complete and specialized protection.

The distinctive offering is available to agents through The Hanover?s local middle market underwriters and small niche underwriters. It is one of the many industry-specific products and services within the company?s Middle Market Advantage portfolio, which covers dozens of niches and segments. The Hanover?s expertise helps agents capitalize on opportunities in specialized industries, creating more value for its agencies and their customers.

?We are dedicated to continuing to grow our innovative suite of industry capabilities to meet the needs of our partners, who increasingly are becoming more specialized,? said Jack Roche, president, business insurance. ?With this in mind, we are pleased to offer a comprehensive program that meets the unique needs of the amateur sports and fitness industry?which is one of the fastest growing segments of our economy.?

The program is available for a broad range of organizations and businesses, including:

• Amateur Sports, such as teams and leagues, tournaments and events, complexes, coaches and officials
• Sports and Recreation Instruction, such as youth sports camps and clinics, dance schools and coaches clinics
• Fitness and Recreation Sports Centers, such as health clubs, tennis clubs, aerobic studios and yoga and pilates studios

The total solution provides customized coverage for commercial property, general liability, auto, umbrella, employment practices liability, emergency event management, professional liability and green buildings. Other highlights of The Hanover?s Sports & Fitness Advantage include:

Emergency Event Management?includes broad coverage to respond to emergencies such as actual or attempted acts of violence. Coverage includes income lost as well as public relations expenses, and post-event expenses such as medical treatment and victim counseling

Property Broadening Endorsement?includes 55 separate coverages, such as denial of access to an insured?s premises, eCommerce and money and securities loss. The blanket limit also automatically includes six important coverages: accounts receivable; consequential loss of stock; electronic data processing equipment; fine arts; personal effects; and outdoor property

General Liability Broadening Endorsement?provides additional coverage that many Sports & Fitness organizations need, such as for subcontracted employees such as instructors, massage therapists, trainers and financial sponsors

Data Breach Coverage?offers protection to cover cost of complying with legal obligations to notify victims of data breach and to provide them with credit monitoring services

In addition to a customizable suite of coverages, The Hanover also can provide specialized loss control assessments to mitigate risks unique to the amateur sports and fitness industry, such as safety issues with a facility and concerns over equipment. The loss control experts can help customers develop workplace violence training programs and disaster preparedness/business continuity plans, and also offer customized training in abuse and molestation, professional boundaries and employee screening. Through a business partnership, they are also able to offer customers discounted employee background checks.

?Our agency has over 25 years of experience providing insurance to the fitness industry,? said Ken McKay, vice president, InterWest Insurance Services, Inc. ?We choose The Hanover for our clients because the company listens, adapts and responds with innovative products to meet our clients? always-changing needs. After working with another carrier for 10 years, we met with The Hanover and discovered a whole new level of partnership?a real commitment to work and grow together over the long term. I?d strongly recommend The Hanover to any agent who wants to build a deep partnership with a winning carrier.?

Agents interested in more details on The Hanover?s middle market capabilities, including Sports & Fitness Advantage, should contact a local Hanover branch office, which can be found at www.hanover.com.

About The Hanover
Founded in 1852, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (THG) is proud to be celebrating 160 years of delivering on its promises to its agent partners and their customers. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to businesses, individuals, and families through a select group of agents and brokers, and is ranked among the top 25 property and casualty companies in the United States.

Based in Worcester, Mass., The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, also based in Worcester, Citizens Insurance Company of America, headquartered in Howell, Michigan, Chaucer Holdings PLC, based in London, and their affiliates. Through Chaucer, the company underwrites business at Lloyd?s of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes, including property, marine and aviation, energy, U.K. motor and casualty. For more information, please visit www.hanover.com.

CONTACT:

Paul Mormack
Public Relations
pmormack@hanover.com?
(508) 855-4861

Source: http://www.gymrat-fitness.com/the-hanover-helps-agent-partners-tackle-the-amateur-sports-and-fitness-industry

joran van der sloot honey badger critics choice awards 2012 colbert president huntingtons disease rob the firm

Chamber of Commerce Runs Ads Against King (Taegan Goddard's Political Wire)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories Stories, RSS and RSS Feed via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/238341658?client_source=feed&format=rss

joe the plumber lra lra eric johnson eric johnson big east tournament ashley olsen

self improvement - How To Quickly Develop An Attractive Personality

If there's one thing that can help you out in every single aspect of life, it's having an attractive personality. Unlike your looks, which you're pretty much stuck with, you can develop your personality. And most people would readily agree that while looks are important, it's personality that really matters. In this article, you'll learn some proven tips that will help you develop an attractive personality that will make life much, much easier.

The first thing to do is think of somebody to model. This can be a real person you know, a real person you don't know, or even a character from a book or a movie. You can even put together several personality traits from several different people. Just don't get your brain from somebody named "Abby Normal."

One thing that has a dramatic impact on your personality is your voice. If your voice is high and squeaky, like Mickey Mouse, you won't ever be elected president. On the other hand, if you sound like the Dark Knight, you wouldn't make a very good kindergarten teacher. Make sure to model your voice to be congruent with the personality you're trying to create.

It's one thing to wish to change, but it's quite different to actually making the changes. It can feel very uncomfortable changing the way you walk and talk, so it may take some getting used to. But the more you practice these new behaviors, the more quickly they'll become who you are. Just dedicate yourself to making them happen, rather than vaguely wishing they'll happen on their own.

A powerful way to affect immediate change is to alter the way you dress. These make a quick impression on people. It's easy to change your personality when people are treating you differently.

One way to help you change your persona is to engage in different activities. Try different sports, hobbies, or other activities that people with your desired personality would engage in.

Another great way to change your personality is to hang out with different people. Obviously, if you are trying to become known as a intelligent, forward thinking genius, you shouldn't spend time in the sports bar every weekend. Maybe hanging out with the chess club is a better alternative.

You see, it really easy to change your personality. Just figure out the person you want to be, and start doing things they'd do. Talk they way you imagine them talking, and act the way you imagine them acting. You'll be a completely new person in no time.

If you'd like to take advantage of some powerful mind control techniques to powerfully improve your life, then head on over to the self improvement site today. You'll find some powerfully effective tools to help you get whatever you want out of life.

Keywords: self improvement,self development,NLP,hypnosis,persuasion,self help tools,mind control

This article has been viewed 25 time(s).

It is a violation of our terms and conditions for writers to submit material which they did not write and claim it as their own. If this article infringes on your copyrights, you MUST either call us at 706-866-2295 or send proof of infringement along with the offending article's title, URL, and writer name to

IdeaMarketers.com
Attn: Marnie Pehrson - Copyright Concern
514 Old Hickory Ln
Ringgold GA 30736 USA
If you email us or use our problem submission form, we CANNOT guarantee we'll receive your notice!

Source: http://www.ideamarketers.com/?articleid=3433030

wimbledon ray allen Savages Home Run Derby 2012 San Diego fireworks steve nash july 4th

Aesop's Fable unlocks how we think

Public release date: 25-Jul-2012
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Genevieve Maul
communications@admin.cam.ac.uk
44-012-233-32300
University of Cambridge

Cambridge scientists have used an age-old fable to help illustrate how we think differently to other animals.

Lucy Cheke, a PhD student at the University of Cambridge's Department of Experimental Psychology expanded Aesop's fable into three tasks of varying complexity and compared the performance of Eurasian Jays with local school children.

The task that set the children apart from the Jays involved a mechanism which was counter-intuitive as it was hidden under an opaque surface. Neither the birds nor the children were able to learn how the mechanism worked, but the children were able to learn how to get the reward, whereas the birds were not.

The results of the study illustrate that children learn about cause and effect in the physical world in a different way to birds. While the Jay's appear to take account of the mechanism involved in the task, the children are more driven by simple cause-effect relationships.

Lucy Cheke said, "This makes sense because it is children's job to learn about new cause and effect relationships without being limited by ideas of what is or is not possible. The children were able to learn what to do to get the reward even if the chain-of-events was apparently impossible. Essentially, they were able to ignore the fact that it shouldn't be happening to concentrate on the fact that it was happening. The birds however, found it much harder to learn what was happening because they were put off by the fact that it shouldn't be happening."

The tasks were a variation of Aesop's fable that consisted of using a tube of water containing an out-of-reach prize. The subjects were required to use objects to displace the water so that the prize could be reached.

The first task involved two tubes, one filled with a prize amongst sawdust while the other tube contained a prize floating out of reach in water. The subject was presented with objects and was to choose which tube with which to drop the objects into: the sawdust or the water. Dropping objects into the tube containing sawdust obviously did not raise the level of the prize, whereas dropping the objects into the tube containing water created displacement and raised the prize within the reach of the subject.

The second task involved only one tube of water with a floating prize, but the subject was given a choice of what type of object to drop into the tube: an object that floats or another that sinks.

The final task presented the subject with an apparatus that consisted of one u-shaped tube with a wide arm and one narrow arm, and one single straight tube. These were imbedded in an opaque base so that the joining of the U-tube was hidden and the apparatus appeared to consist of two identical wide tubes with a narrow tube between them. Both the u-tube and the straight tube were filled with water such that the level was equal between them. The prize was inside the narrow arm of the u-tube, too narrow for the subject to insert an object to create displacement. Therefore, the subject was forced to pick one of the wider tubes on either side. If they picked the Wide arm of the u-tube, then the level of the prize would rise, but if they picked the single tube, it would not. Because the join of the u-tube was hidden, it appeared to the subjects as if dropping an item in one tube caused the level of water in a different tube to rise: which is impossible.

The birds were unable to complete this task, whereas the children performed at the same level as in the previous tasks, easily determining which tube raised the level of the water through trial and error.

Lucy added, "The Aesops fable paradigm provides an incredibly useful means by which to compare cause-effect learning with understanding of underlying mechanisms, i.e. folk physics. We are planning on extending this paradigm to really try to understand what's going on in the heads of adults, children and animals when they deal with problems in the physical world."

Lucy continued, "We would like to thank the staff, children and parents at Godmanchester community primary school for taking part in the study".

###

The study entitled: How do Children solve Aesop's Fable? Is published today (July 25th) in PLoS ONE.

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00p0116

For additional information, please contact:
University of Cambridge Communications Office
communications@admin.cam.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1223 332 300

---

[ | E-mail | Share ]

?

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Public release date: 25-Jul-2012
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Genevieve Maul
communications@admin.cam.ac.uk
44-012-233-32300
University of Cambridge

Cambridge scientists have used an age-old fable to help illustrate how we think differently to other animals.

Lucy Cheke, a PhD student at the University of Cambridge's Department of Experimental Psychology expanded Aesop's fable into three tasks of varying complexity and compared the performance of Eurasian Jays with local school children.

The task that set the children apart from the Jays involved a mechanism which was counter-intuitive as it was hidden under an opaque surface. Neither the birds nor the children were able to learn how the mechanism worked, but the children were able to learn how to get the reward, whereas the birds were not.

The results of the study illustrate that children learn about cause and effect in the physical world in a different way to birds. While the Jay's appear to take account of the mechanism involved in the task, the children are more driven by simple cause-effect relationships.

Lucy Cheke said, "This makes sense because it is children's job to learn about new cause and effect relationships without being limited by ideas of what is or is not possible. The children were able to learn what to do to get the reward even if the chain-of-events was apparently impossible. Essentially, they were able to ignore the fact that it shouldn't be happening to concentrate on the fact that it was happening. The birds however, found it much harder to learn what was happening because they were put off by the fact that it shouldn't be happening."

The tasks were a variation of Aesop's fable that consisted of using a tube of water containing an out-of-reach prize. The subjects were required to use objects to displace the water so that the prize could be reached.

The first task involved two tubes, one filled with a prize amongst sawdust while the other tube contained a prize floating out of reach in water. The subject was presented with objects and was to choose which tube with which to drop the objects into: the sawdust or the water. Dropping objects into the tube containing sawdust obviously did not raise the level of the prize, whereas dropping the objects into the tube containing water created displacement and raised the prize within the reach of the subject.

The second task involved only one tube of water with a floating prize, but the subject was given a choice of what type of object to drop into the tube: an object that floats or another that sinks.

The final task presented the subject with an apparatus that consisted of one u-shaped tube with a wide arm and one narrow arm, and one single straight tube. These were imbedded in an opaque base so that the joining of the U-tube was hidden and the apparatus appeared to consist of two identical wide tubes with a narrow tube between them. Both the u-tube and the straight tube were filled with water such that the level was equal between them. The prize was inside the narrow arm of the u-tube, too narrow for the subject to insert an object to create displacement. Therefore, the subject was forced to pick one of the wider tubes on either side. If they picked the Wide arm of the u-tube, then the level of the prize would rise, but if they picked the single tube, it would not. Because the join of the u-tube was hidden, it appeared to the subjects as if dropping an item in one tube caused the level of water in a different tube to rise: which is impossible.

The birds were unable to complete this task, whereas the children performed at the same level as in the previous tasks, easily determining which tube raised the level of the water through trial and error.

Lucy added, "The Aesops fable paradigm provides an incredibly useful means by which to compare cause-effect learning with understanding of underlying mechanisms, i.e. folk physics. We are planning on extending this paradigm to really try to understand what's going on in the heads of adults, children and animals when they deal with problems in the physical world."

Lucy continued, "We would like to thank the staff, children and parents at Godmanchester community primary school for taking part in the study".

###

The study entitled: How do Children solve Aesop's Fable? Is published today (July 25th) in PLoS ONE.

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00p0116

For additional information, please contact:
University of Cambridge Communications Office
communications@admin.cam.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1223 332 300

---

[ | E-mail | Share ]

?

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-07/uoc-afu072512.php

dystonia tourettes gonzaga rosie o donnell soda bread recipe vanderbilt evan mathis

NYSUT says special-ed bill would violate federal law | The Hall ...

Posted by: Gary Stern - Posted in Federal law, Free and appropriate public education, Least Restrictive Environment, Special education placements on Jul 26, 2012

NYSUT, the state?s largest teachers union, has joined the growing call for Gov. Cuomo to veto a bill that would amend the criteria for the placement of special-education students.

The much-discussed bill would require that school districts consider a disabled student?s home and family environment when deciding where that student could be best educated. It would be easier for families to request that their child be placed in a private school?at public expense?rather than a public school.

In a letter to Cuomo?s counsel, NYSUT?s director of legislation, Stephen Allinger, fleshes out one of the most common reasons given by those opposing the bill: that it would contradict federal law. He writes:

?By introducing contradictory non-educational criteria in special education placement decisions by school districts, this legislation violates federal policy governing Free and Appropriate Public Education entitlement under P.L. 94-142, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.? That policy requires school districts to place children with special needs in a ?Least Restrictive Environment? (LRE) appropriate for a child?s educational needs.? Under federal law, LRE requires mainstreaming children with a disability with their non-disabled peers in a public setting to the maximum extent possible, which applies to both non-academic and academic programs.?

He later writes:

?Clearly, federal laws and regulations do not include ?home environment? as a permissible category for consideration of special education placement.

The legislation would create another obligation for school districts to consider when providing for a free appropriate public education for eligible students, potentially increasing expensive due process hearings. Furthermore, school districts are under considerable financial stress due to years of budget austerity and cannot afford the considerable expense of increased private placements when placements exist in a public setting appropriate to a child?s educational needs.?

For Orthodox Jewish groups that promoted the bill (and to Catholic groups that support it) the term ?least restrictive environment? means something very different: a more comfortable environment with people of similar beliefs and/or lifestyles. But it?s up to Cuomo to determine whether this definition can jibe with federal law.

Cuomo got the bill on Friday and has 10 days, not counting Sundays, to veto or sign it. Sounds like a Wednesday deadline.

?

?

?Print This Post | ?Email This Post

Leave a comment using your facebook account

Source: http://education.lohudblogs.com/2012/07/26/nysut-says-special-ed-bill-would-violate-federal-law/

elon musk al sharpton fox mole manson bubba watson recent earthquakes lollapalooza

The Cascade Effect: 12 Tips for DIY PR

The DIY craze has been around for years.? Thanks to the cable television, the Internet and the whole "information at your finger tips" you can learn to do most anything from changing your oil to renovating your bathroom. Personally, I love it.? Taking on a task normally I would pay for feels like so much of a personal accomplishment, however, my cobbler and plumber will always get my business.

In recent years, the DIY movement has become even more prevalent due to the economy.? This means that small businesses are taking on even more tasks on top of running their business just to save money, but are aware that they must keep moving forward. So, you're letting your "fingers do the typing" in order to learn and accomplish.

When a business wants to take on DIY PR it is REALLY important that they don?t overwhelm themselves.? Sure, there are a number of media you want to be in but I teach, in my workshops and classes, the following to busy entrepreneurs who have a lot on their plates already:

1. Differentiation: The first step before any marketing should be implemented is to truly differentiate yourself from competition and within the industry.? How can you be different and stand out?? If you're the same as the next, chances are good you will get overlooked.
2. Stay focused on your primary audience: If you want retailers/distributors go to the industry trades, if you want consumers sort out those that specifically target your audience (you have to be realistic here).
3. Follow media: If you want to be in a certain publication, know that publication or blog.? Read it, follow it and locate the right person to speak to. ?You have to know who you?re pitching.? A sports writer isn?t going to do a pet product feature.? You have to make sure you have the right contact, know what they right on and more importantly that the publication/blog even covers your industry.
4. Make your story timely: This is important.? Don?t tell media about your product/service, tell them the WHY of how you started your business.? The ?WH?s? are important.? What problem does it solve and back it up with facts/statistics, and if at all possible, tie it in with a broader trend story happening in the US or the industry?
5. Include visuals with a short introductory pitch:? Start your email with a concise and short pitch ? a paragraph or two short ones at most ? and you can include your press release below it with a visual.? If you have a product, a picture, if you have a short video, that?s great too.? NEVER send attachments.? Always copy and paste with low res graphics.? If they want more, they?ll ask for it. ?Sometimes seeing the product can make all the difference in understanding what it is.
6. Offer a free trial:? If you have an online service, give media the opportunity to test it for themselves so they can write a review from their own experience, or send a sample in the mail with a press kit on CD.? But?.don?t put yourself in a position of giving away too much product.
7. Set up an online press room:? This is one of the BEST things you can do.? With so many media, and freelancers, out surfing the web for story ideas, you want to give them everything they need to write a story or include your company.? Make sure you have your press release, company backgrounder, product fact sheets, tip sheets (if possible for expert positioning) and approved, high res graphics all of which can be easily downloaded from your site.? Most importantly, make sure your contact information is on the press release and the online press room so they know who to contact should they want an interview or have trouble downloading information.
8. Do PR in phases: ?Make a list of all of the media you?d like to be in.? Take the top 25 you want the most and go after those first.? Then the next 25 and so on.? This really reduces the stress and feeling of being overwhelmed by so many opportunities.? Some companies could have a list of 200 or more!
9. Follow up is KEY!? Just because you send a press release out doesn?t mean media/bloggers are going to drop everything to do your story right then and there.? They have their own things to work on.? You have to practice the delicate art of following up (not stalking).? This means following up once a week until you?ve done so two-three times after initially pitching them.? Then move on.? You can always pick up that list and follow up again in 30 days or so.? And don?t be afraid to pick up the phone and call, although most media prefer an initial email pitch first.
10. Always make time to respond to media: If someone calls for an interview or shows interest, do to you need to respond to them right away and insure you get them what they need.? Often times media run on tight deadlines and that could mean a phone interview within the hour.? Make yourself available, otherwise, they will find someone else who will.
11. Say thank you: One of the best things you can do to build a relationship with a journalist or blogger is to thank them for their review/story or opportunity to be interviewed.? It goes a long way.
12. Spread that love on social media:? You were included in a story in Entrepreneur?? Be sure to Tweet and @ them with a big thanks.? It helps both of you build reputation and further a relationship.

Source: http://cascadeeffect.blogspot.com/2012/07/12-tips-for-diy-pr.html

greta van susteren tony parker the five year engagement chris kreider correspondents dinner 2012 white house correspondents dinner 2012 whcd