Buon Ferragosto! A popular greeting heard amongst Italians towards the end of summer. Ferragosto, technically August 15, is the official start to the Italian exodus out of the city to the clean, cool air of the mountains or to the sunny, playful costal beaches. It is a scared time, a time to spend with family and friends; to forget about work
The romantic Festival of Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Italy as it is in the United States, however the tradition of Valentine’s Day is a little different in Italy. History of Valentine’s Day in Italy Valentine’s Day was initially celebrated as a Spring Festival in Italy. Celebration for the day was held in the open air. Young people would gather in tree arbors or ornamental gardens
Majolica is glazed pottery often associated with certain regions of Italy, although it also is produced in other parts of the world. The name majolica was derived from Majorca, the port from which majolica originally was traded. Italian majolica and italian ceramics are world renowned because of their master craftsmanship and durability. Italy has a long-standing tradition in the production of ceramics and pottery dating back to the 13th century.
For many, choosing to decorate their home in Italian decor is a lifestyle choice. We love to surround ourselves with the “essence” of Italian life. Family, friends, and that comfortable, lived in feel is what we look for when decorating a home with one of a kind italian pieces. The great thing about changing up the look and feel of
The famous Italian ceramic Rooster Pitcher symbolizes “Good Fortune”. Italian tradition is to give it as a housewarming or wedding gift, to protect from trespassers and dangers. The origin of the “Rooster Pitcher” dates back to the early Renaissance period in the Republic of Florence, Italy. During this time, one of the most powerful and leading landowning families, the Medici’s, held a feast in the nearby village
Welcome to the world of Murano Glass collecting! Murano glass has a lot to offer the collector, a long lineage of artists dating back to the 12th century to the current maestri living and working in Murano, Venice. Where do I Start? One of the best ways to learn about Murano Glass is to visit a collection or search the web,


Viewers once thought:
Film talkies would forever change democracy.
Telephones would invade privacy.
Comic books would turn kids into juvenile delinquents.
Television would create zombies.
Researchers shrug off such predictions, arguing citizens can attend to only so much media in one setting.
Researchers say new media displace old media. For example, television took over for radio in the 1950s when families consumed evening entertainment.
Computer-internet media—Facebook, Twitter and email—have displaced other channels when it comes to reaching people.
Civil disobedience, for example, is fueled by protestors announcing events electronically, thus potentially organizing groups more quickly.
But when it comes to measurable effects, social media fail to demonstrate a large impact on publics.
Media researcher Jonah Berger of the University of Pennsylvania says most ideas don’t catch fire.
Most YouTube videos, for example, rarely go viral.
And efforts to reach mass audiences through social media can be woefully ineffective and expensive.
American advertisers last year plunked down $170 billion for direct marketing, according to The Economist.
(That’s how much we spend on care for Americans with Alzheimer’s, according to The Fiscal Times.)
When it comes to electronic media ploys, sales resulting from ads were a fraction—less than one percent—in fact, one-hundredth of one percent, The Economist reports.
That makes unsolicited ads as welcome as ants at a summer picnic.
M.C. Escher rendering of an ant from http://www.insects.org/ced1/escher02.html


You can click through the pages in this section to get many of the facts and figures you need to make decisions that are right for your organization. You also find links to other sites such as the North Carolina Department of Commerce that can provide invaluable information.
If you don't see what you're looking for here, please contact us at email@example.com. We'd be happy to get you the information you need promptly.
Population estimates are calculated as the number of people living in an area at a specified point in time, which considers natural fluctuations due to: births, deaths, domestic migration and international migration.
Since 2005, ENC has seen a steady increase in the number of people residing in the region. Over this time frame, ENC has grown at a faster rate than the United States, to over 1.4 million residents, adding an average of 15,000 residents per year. Total regional population in 2013 was 1,415,063 with a 2014 projection of 1,441,806.
|2000 Census||2009 Estimate||2014 Projected|
|Age||1990 Census||2000 Census||2009 Estimate||2014 Projected|
|0 to 4||62,291||64,195||74,317||74,596|
|5 to 14||115,117||128,086||135,319||153,973|
|15 to 19||65,319||68,727||70,438||68,696|
|20 to 24||87,733||86,248||84,452||75,918|
|35 to 44||118,027||138,315||124,934||128,237|
|45 to 54||77,011||116,997||134,157||137,205|
|55 to 64||67,677||78,762||111,994||129,523|
|65 to 74||54,850||61,016||71,303||90,332|
|75 to 84||26,442||35,514||43,263||49,644|
|Race||1990 Census||2000 Census||2009 Estimate||2014 Projected|
or Alaska Native
Eastern North Carolina high school students' average scores on the SAT are in line with the state average - and are trending upward.
|County||SAT Scores 2011|
|North Carolina Average||1001|
Since 2000, the region has seen a sharp decrease in the percentage of residents who possess less than a High School diploma, while both those possessing an Associates Degree or Some College and a Bachelor’s Degree or higher have increased. On the state and national level, the most significant growth also occurred in those obtaining a Bachelor's Degree and above.
Per Capita Income (PCI) is the average income received in the past 12 months for every man, woman, and child in a geographic area. Over the past 5 years, ENC has seen a slight decline in PCI, similar to the state and the nation. In 2009 the regional PCI was $21,954 and in 2013 it was $21,085.
Median household income divides the income distribution into two equal parts; one half of the cases fall above and one half fall below the median. All three populations saw an increase from 2003-2013. Over this time period the US saw a 21% increase, NC experienced a 17% increase and ENC a 23% increase.
Travel and Tourism expenditures are calculated using the Travel Economic Impact Model (TEIM) which is a disaggregated model comprised of 16 travel categories, including: lodging, food, retail, public transportation, auto transportation, and amusement/recreation. Over the 10 year period shown in this graph, both the state and region have grown at very similar rates. Although tourist expenditures dropped in 2009, expenditures have risen to $2.9 billion in 2013, compared to $2 billion 10 years ago.


“There aren’t any white horses!” I’d yell at her (and we’d had this argument on more than one occasion).
In hindsight I realise she must have found my stubborn denial and literal interpretation rather amusing.
I’ve always wanted there to be more to reality than what we see on its surface. What lies beneath the ocean is largely a mystery to us unless we own diving gear or can access some sort of submersible. A whole other environment exists there that is hostile to our very being, as land-walking, air-breathing mammals. Seventy percent of the planet’s surface is hostile to us, in fact.
Yet many creation myths speak of our birth in the primordial ocean and I suspect, on a deeper level, we still hear that siren call luring us back. The sea connects all things, is shaped by that which is known and transmits that which is unknown.
Often I’d go for early morning walks with my parents or grandparents, during that wonderful magic hour before the sun was properly up and the rest of the world was awake. Only at these times, with the tide out, would we discover a few of the sea’s secrets: slick, gleaming mermaid’s purses; a delicate paper nautilus, still whole; sea urchins like green buttons; and sea glass polished to smooth teardrops.
The trek fishermen would be bringing in their catch, mostly mullet and a few mackerel and the odd skate, but sometimes stranger fish, like gurnard or cat sharks.
Even now, my daily train journey follows the False Bay coastline for part of the way, and I’m privy to the ocean’s many moods. There are days when I stick my face out the window so I can breathe deeply of that salt-sweet air.
The sea finds me in my dreams; sometimes she is a benign mistress. Other times she is a destructive force. Those who love her are captivated. She flows through our veins and we can never escape her.
I'm proud to announce the line-up for The Sea an anthology of short speculative fiction:
Lola and the Sea Lion by Alex Hughes; Songs of the Sea by Camille Griep; Dead Shark Dawn by Don Webb; Sirens by J.C. Piech; The Setting Sea by Patrick O’Neill; Up She Rises by S.A. Partridge; The Something in the Sea by Amy Lee Burgess; Dredge by Wayne Goodchild; Kajsa’s Curse by Steve Jones; Deeper Creatures by Andrea Jones; A Cruel, Intemperate Sea by Barry King; Canyon by Martin Rose; The Wire Bird by Simon Dewar; My Name is Legion by Diane Awerbuck; Pins and Needles by Benjamin Knox; A Drought of Tears by Rob Porteous; Salt by Toby Bennett; and Choiceless Beach by Anna Reith.
Purchase your copies at Amazon, Kobo, Smashwords and Nook. Print will follow shortly.


October 5, 2005 Innovative air vehicle developer AirScooter has featured in Gizmag previously with its AirScooter II, a vehicle we dubbed, “The Helicopter for the Home.” Things have been moving quickly for the company in recent times, with several patented and patent-pending aeronautical products being developed to employ coaxial rotor technology. These products include a high-performance AirScout 70” Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and an electric powered UAV, both targeted at the commercial and military markets.
The electric E70 is based on the company’s high-performance gasoline engine G70 UAV platform. After the G70 prototype met rigorous flight requirements, five new AirScooter G70s have been assembled using a more powerful engine to increase payload and are being prepped for flight testing and sale. AirScooter UAVs are in the tactical VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) class, positioned between the high-end hobby category and the limited selection of expensive military/commercial UAVs available today. Easily transportable, these robust craft are ideally suited for aerial photography, surveillance, research and a range of homeland security applications.
AirScooter unmanned aerial vehicles feature a rugged patented coaxial flight platform providing outstanding hovering ability, stable flight, precision response and control all in an economical package. Both the G70 and E70 employ a 70-inch coaxial rotor and control system, minimizing the complexity of coaxial systems of the past, but scalable to future craft, smaller or larger in size.
The G70 is powered by a modern 7.5 hp twin engine, weighs about 32 pounds, with a payload of 10 pounds plus and flight duration of about 45 minutes. The E70 employs a battery powered high-end (1500 watts continuous – 3500 watts maximum) cobalt motor, weighs approximately 30 pounds with batteries, has an estimated payload of 5 pounds or more and flight duration of about 8-15 minutes. With no commercial speed controller available to meet the demanding power requirements of the E70, the company sponsored production of a proprietary custom speed controller resulting in one of the largest electric powered VTOL air vehicles to be commercially available. More complete specifications, subject to change as more flight and performance data is obtained, are on our web site at www.airscooter.net.
“Gene Rock, chief UAV engineer, designed AirScooter UAVs to be easily remotely guided or automated by any number of third party computerized flight systems,” said Dwaine Barnes, president of AirScooter Corporation. “We employ computerized engineering in our air vehicle designs allowing more rapid transition from prototype to automated production techniques and making it easier to accommodate a customer’s particular requirements.”
Barnes added, “We are excited about the early product response and look forward to showing more customers the capabilities and advantages of our coaxial control system. We are seeing interest from commercial and government sectors of the market, domestically and overseas. Whether the requirement is for quiet electric performance or long duration gasoline powered flight, we provide a compelling solution for customers dissatisfied with the limitations of high-end hobby craft but unable to justify the high costs of commercial/military UAVs often costing US$100,000 to US$500,000 or more.”
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Labor Issues Inspire Artist Jim Arendt
Denim has particular meaning for Jim Arendt, the featured artist in the College of Southern Maryland's next exhibition, “Selvage,” set to open Feb. 6. Durable and still worn when faded, stained or ripped, denim represents the human condition to Arendt as he uses it in his art to explore how individuals are affected by economic stress.
“When I was young and my family was living through the farm crisis of the early 1980s, I recall my father sitting at the sewing machine patching his Wranglers in the evening after work,” Arendt said. “He was making do – a concept of thrift and pragmatism that dictates you work with the materials at hand. By my early 20s, that memory mixed with the stories of other working people and led me to denim as a possible material that was much closer to the truth of their lives than oil paint.”
The “Selvage” exhibition at CSM will include seven life-size two- and three-dimensional figures by Arendt. It opens Feb. 6 and will run through March 9, and will include an artist lecture by Arendt at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 7 on campus in the Learning Resource Center (LR Building), Room 102.
At the lecture, Arendt said he plans to talk about what inspires his art. “My artwork grows out of the need for me to understand our shifting relationship with labor and work,” he said. “I grew up on a farm outside of Flint, Michigan, birthplace of General Motors and the United Auto Workers Union. Our region underwent a radical shift in economics as the industrial and agrarian economies disappeared or were outsourced to different regions and countries. Famously depicted in Michael Moore's 1989 documentary 'Roger & Me,' Flint suffered through the loss of 80,000 manufacturing jobs from which it has never fully recovered and the city's struggles continues to make headlines today. The resulting impact on the lives of the people I grew up with has left an indelible mark on my outlook on our relationship with work as a concept as I seek to make sense of the narrative that unfolded.
“My work asks viewers to confront the realities of working people's lives,” he said. “Across the country a shift in monetary policy, commodity prices and globalization were rapidly closing the longest period of economic expansion in American History. A disruption to people's traditional livelihoods and economic status has driven the rise of darker and more primal impulses in the past. Now, we confront a period of similar anger and instinct toward protectionism. History has a way of rhyming; here's to hoping we stick the landing.”
Arendt is the director of the Rebecca Randall Bryan Art Gallery and an assistant professor at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. His work has been exhibited internationally in numerous group and solo shows. Recently, Arendt was short-listed for The 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art and received the South Carolina Arts Commission Visual Artist Fellowship. His work was awarded the $50,000 top prize at ArtFields, Best in Show at Hub-Bub Gallery's Emerging Carolina and was included in the 701 Contemporary Center for the Arts 701 CCA Prize 2012. He was awarded Best in Show during Fantastic Fibers at Yeiser Art Center, Paducah, Kentucky, included in Fiberarts International 2013 and 2016 and the 2013 Museum Rijswijk Textile Biennial, Netherlands.
Arendt received his bachelor of fine arts degree from Kendall College of Art & Design and his master of fine arts from the University of South Carolina. He participated in residency programs including The Fields Project in Illinois, Arrowmont's Tactility Forum and has been invited instructor at Penland School of Craft and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.
After “Selvage,” the last exhibition this season at CSM will be the Annual Juried Student Exhibition from April 10 to May 5. Submissions for the student exhibition will be accepted from March 28 to April 1. The jury will select exhibition works April 5.
Both “Selvage” and the Annual Juried Student Exhibitions will be at the Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery at the La Plata Campus Fine Arts Center. The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Artist lectures are usually held Tuesday afternoon and are free and open to the public. Visit www.csmd.edu/community/the-arts/visual-arts/hungerford-gallery/index for more information. For more on Arendt, visit www.jimarendt.com.
CSM Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery: “Selvage.” Feb. 6 ? March 9, College of Southern Maryland, Fine Arts Center, Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Featuring the artwork of Jim Arendt. Arendt will give a lecture at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Learning Resource (LR) Center, Room 102, with a reception immediately following in the gallery. Free and open to the public. The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday. www.csmd.edu/VisualArts.


The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a body that certifies forest management practices, has revoked all certificates granted to the Danzer Group, a multinational logging company, over alleged human rights abuses by one of its former subsidiaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reports Bloomberg.
According to a complaint filed by Greenpeace, the subsidiary, Siforco, provided financial and logistical support to Congolese police and military forces in a May 2011 attack against a community protesting the company’s logging operations. Security forces committed acts of violence, including rape, and destroyed property in the village.
Danzer, which sold Siforco in February 2012, said that Siforco was “forced” to provide support during the attack. It added that the police went to the village to recover equipment stolen from Siforco, according to Bloomberg.
Greenpeace filed its complaint 18 months ago. In a statement issued today, the FSC said it will terminate all of its contracts with Danzer. The “disassociation”, as the termination is known, “is the most severe sanction that FSC can impose”, according to the body.
“Based on the unanimous recommendation of the Complaints Panel, which spent several months analyzing the case, and whose work was also reviewed by a Board Complaints Resolution Committee, the Board of Directors decided that Danzer was in violation of FSC’s Policy for Association,” said Kim Carstensen, Director General of FSC, in a statement. “Our continued association with the Danzer Group clearly puts FSC’s credibility and reputation at risk.”
Greenpeace welcomed the move.
“Greenpeace is pleased the FSC is showing that its Policy for Association has teeth and is not risking its reputation by being associated with the Danzer Group due to its involvement in human rights violations. We find this landmark decision critical for the credibility of the FSC,” said Judy Rodrigues, senior forest campaigner with Greenpeace International. “This case shows that the FSC needs to urgently establish certification safeguards in high risk areas where there are high levels of corruption and where good governance, the rule of law and organized civil society are all lacking.”
According to Bloomberg, the disassociation affects Danzer’s subsidiary Industrie Forestiere de Ouesso (IFO), which has the largest FSC-certified logging operation in the Congo Basin.
The FSC has certified some 154 million hectares (380 million acres) of forests worldwide based on “environmental, economic, and social” criteria. The standard, which is set by membership, has seen a fair share of controversy over the years. Some industry groups view it as too restrictive, while some environmentalists complain the standard is too weak and allows first-time logging of primary forests. Greenpeace, which is an FSC member, says it is trying to strengthen the environmental aspects of the standards from within the body.
(02/11/2013) Two environmental activist groups blasted the World Bank over its reported decision to block a probe into its support of industrial-scale rainforest logging.
(09/06/2012) Demand for timber and paper is contributing to destruction of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests and worsening climate change, argues a new report issued Tuesday by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
(07/19/2012) Industrial logging in primary tropical forests that is both sustainable and profitable is impossible, argues a new study in Bioscience, which finds that the ecology of tropical hardwoods makes logging with truly sustainable practices not only impractical, but completely unprofitable. Given this, the researchers recommend industrial logging subsidies be dropped from the UN’s Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program. The study, which adds to the growing debate about the role of logging in tropical forests, counters recent research making the case that well-managed logging in old-growth rainforests could provide a “middle way” between conservation and outright conversion of forests to monocultures or pasture.
(07/17/2012) For most people “Borneo” conjures up an image of a wild and distant land of rainforests, exotic beasts, and nomadic tribes. But that place increasingly exists only in one’s imagination, for the forests of world’s third largest island have been rapidly and relentlessly logged, burned, and bulldozed in recent decades, leaving only a sliver of its once magnificent forests intact. Flying over Sabah, a Malaysian state that covers about 10 percent of Borneo, the damage is clear. Oil palm plantations have metastasized across the landscape. Where forest remains, it is usually degraded. Rivers flow brown with mud.
(06/26/2012) Greenpeace has launched a consultation process to establish global standards for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) projects.
(01/26/2012) Already on the decline worldwide, big trees face a dire future due to habitat fragmentation, selective harvesting by loggers, exotic invaders, and the effects of climate change, warns an article published this week in New Scientist magazine. Reviewing research from forests around the world, William F. Laurance, an ecologist at James Cook University in Cairns, Australia, provides evidence of decline among the world’s ‘biggest and most magnificent’ trees and details the range of threats they face. He says their demise will have substantial impacts on biodiversity and forest ecology, while worsening climate change.
(01/25/2012) Tropical countries may face a risk of ‘peak timber’ as continued logging of rainforests exceeds the capacity of forests to regenerate timber stocks and substantially increases the risk of outright clearing for agricultural and industrial plantations, argues a trio of scientists writing in the journal Biological Conservation. The implications for climate, biodiversity, and local economies are substantial.
(06/24/2011) Members of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), meeting in Malaysia this week for its General Assembly, will consider various changes to the organization, including a vote on a controversial motion that would open the door—slightly at first—to sustainable-certification of companies that have been involved in recent forest destruction for pulp and paper plantations. Known as Motion 18, the change is especially focusing on forestry in places where recent deforestation has been rampant, such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
(06/02/2010) In the 1980s and 1990s pressure from activist groups led some of the world’s largest forestry products companies and retailers to join forces with environmentalists to form the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a certification standard that aims to reduce the environmental impact of wood and paper production on natural forests. Despite initial skepticism on whether buyers would pay a premium for greener forest products, FSC quickly grew and by 2000 had become a standard in many markets, including Europe and the United States. Companies like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ikea are today strong supporters of the FSC. But the FSC has not been without controversy. In recent years some activists have voiced concern about FSC standards as well as the credibility of auditors that certify timber operations. Among the initiative’s supporters is the Rainforest Action Network (RAN), a group best known for its aggressive protest tactics. RAN says engagement with the FSC is better than the alternative: leaving the timber industry to devise its own sustainability standards.
(11/04/2008) Demand for wood products is ultimately one of the largest drivers of global deforestation through both direct clear-cutting and selective logging, which increases a forest’s vulnerability to fire and subsequent clearing and disturbance by other actors, including hunters, subsistence farmers, land speculators, ranchers and agro-industrial firms. Reducing the detrimental environmental impacts of meeting wood demand is critical to protecting the world’s forests as healthy, productive and resilient ecosystems.


IT IS extremely disturbing to see a Member of Parliament place the blame for school violence squarely on the shoulders of teachers. Such accusations reflect a complete lack of understanding and appreciation for the nuances of schooling and the challenges teachers face on a daily basis.
Those that readily blame teachers only for the problem of school indiscipline and violence might be well advised to spend a day in some of our secondary schools.
There they will encounter students who arrive late, don’t conform to the uniform code, refuse to attend classes, challenge/ignore basic instructions, have no books and materials to engage in classroom activities, walk in and out of classes as they wish, walk out on teachers and school officials when they are being spoken to and even verbally insult school officials.
Teachers spend most of the period simply attempting to get students into the classroom, only to be confronted with verbal conflicts that may erupt into physical fights. If the teacher is lucky to get all settled in the classroom and attempts to teach, phones are whipped out and their use engaged, notwithstanding the school rules.
There are students who belong to gangs and the ensuing gang rivalry is a reality that teachers have to contend with on a daily basis. Students devise extraordinary measures to smuggle illegal items onto the school compound. Ensuing searches may or may not be done with the help of the police because despite calls for police assistance, this may not always be forthcoming.
Some students are before the courts on various charges, having already been exposed to criminal behaviour. Gang/mob culture is propagated in the school compound by virtue of the school location.
When a teacher confronts an individual student, they are immediately surrounded by a group of other students who encourage the offending student to defy the instructions of the teacher or, worse yet, threaten the teacher. They may even dare the teacher to call the police, openly defying instructions to disperse and go to their classrooms.
The new norm of students is to call their “parents,” “friends,” and “associates” onto the school compound if they have issues with other students or teachers. These people then come to the school compound to “deal with” anyone who “interferes” with their children. There are many schools where teachers are fearful for their personal safety and resort to walking the corridors in groups.
Some male students make openly suggestive remarks towards young female teachers. Sometimes students may be engaged in illegal activities and if challenged have been known to threaten teachers with physical harm if reported.
Fights erupt in a classroom for simple issues such as a verbal disagreement between two students or Facebook posts, with the lone teacher being almost helpless. Then there are those students who only attend school for meals and for the social welfare forms to be stamped and signed by the school officials.
These are some of the realities that our teachers and school officials have to contend with on a daily basis in some of our nation’s schools. These students are ill-prepared for environments where rules and structure prevail. They have not been taught limits of behaviour or a sense of self-restraint/regulation, which are requirements for schooling.
Teachers have not been trained or equipped to deal with students who are socialised into such behaviour.
Schools are woefully inadequate to address these social deficits. Lumping large numbers of underachieving children into a school without commensurate support systems overwhelms its capacity to treat with their antisocial behaviour. So before judgment is made, walk in our shoes for a day.


Arreau, Hautes-Pyrénées 1949
Like many African American artists who traveled to France in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, Loïs Mailou Jones was thrilled at the country’s racial tolerance, so different from her reality in the United States. She first went to Paris in 1937, while on sabbatical from Howard University, to study at the Académie Julian. Jones returned regularly and summered in France annually from 1946–1953, often visiting French artist Céline Tabary (1908–1993), a lifelong friend.
Jones rendered Arreau, Hautes-Pyrénées on one of her summer sojourns in southwestern France. Her portrayal of the picturesque village nestled in a valley evokes landscape paintings by Paul Cézanne, a stylistic influence she acknowledged. Jones’s brushstrokes, though loosely applied, define the structure of buildings and topography clearly. The intense contrast of oranges and greens, also reminiscent of Cézanne, lends visual vibrancy to the peaceful scene.
Jones received an award for this work (originally titled Petite Ville-Hautes-Pyrénées) from Washington, D.C.’s Corcoran Gallery of Art in 1949.


the c a l c BOOC we were calling for many years a kind of online-diary in which we were telling what we’re doing and what we don’t. see the links above to see how this looked like in the last versions of calcaxy. when life proposed 2009 very different ways for all of the calcies the online BOOC felt asleep.. no one of us had time to keep it alive and we decided that one day, when time and budget allows it, we’re going to do a print-version. it seems that this day has arrived. or better this year – so in 2016 we – Teresa and me – want to give it a try: set up a crowd-funding request and look for collaborators. the BOOC doesn’t want to be a typical catalogue – piece after piece – but a kind of interweaved-open-source-copyleft-artbook – the artbook we never found. the BOOC wants to show from each project how it did arise, how it was outlined, what were its inspirations and influences, how it was financed and what it provoked or what project came-why-next. that is why we’re also planing to put a central project-map (derived from the c a l c– or pix-cell , now cloud-atlas) in order to make that also visually/spatial/geographical comprehensible and accessible.
– 2nd, the first layout of how i did imagine to index all projects already from the outside. structurally its a 1:1 copy from a children book i’ve seen in Lolas nursery..
– 3rd, two simulations i did using Lolas book.. but its all open again, we might do something more simple..


At the OTC, we treat mainly children birth deformities. We believe that this is because children are surviving the customary scrutiny and there is more awareness that something can be done for these children.
We are seeing gross shortage of legs (micromelia), partial absence of limbs (phocomelia), or total absence of a limb (aplasia). Many are coming with club feet. We are also treating spinal, neck and lower back problems. The causes seem to be in women because of lack of antenatal care and compensatory exercises, other causes are obesity and the custom of carrying heavy loads on the head from youth.
The OTC also treats adults. There are no more new cases of polio, because of the rigorous vaccination program. However, older patients who never came for treatment in their youth because of religious taboos, financial problems, etc, are now asking for assistance and treatment. We are also treating more and more cases of industrial accidents with loss of fingers, hand, arm and even shoulder.
The Orthopedic Training Centre has four departments:
Orthopedic Clinic & Workshop: The Orthopedic Clinic & Workshop was set up in 1965 to diagnose, manufacture and fit the orthopedic appliances needed for the physically challenged of Ghana. Orthopedic shoes, shoe prosthesis, leg braces, artificial legs and arms, splints, etc., are manufactured for the over 6000 patients seen yearly. (Read more >>)
Mobile Orthopedic Unit: As many of the poor do not have to ability to travel to the Centre, in 1965 the Mobile Orthopedic Unit was initiated. The orthopedic services of the OTC have now been extended to 43 contact stations throughout Ghana. These stations include hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, and mission stations, and at times the clinic is held under a tree. (Read more >>)
Children’s Home: The Children’s Home provides a family environment for the children as they begin their therapy and learn how to use their orthopedic appliances. During the months they stay at the centre, they feel acceptance and they receive support from both staff and other children. (Read more >>)
Prosthetics & Orthotics Training College: The newest addition to the OTC is the Prosthetics & Orthotics Training College, which opened its doors to the first class in September 2013. It provides prosthetics and orthotics education and training, combining both concise theoretical and practical sessions. (Read more >>)


Nanjera and Goanar – Why do factories in India want children to work instead of going to school? https://www.concern.net/sites/default/files/media/page/concern_child_labour_resource.pdf
Maddison, Sharhna, Nyamal – How does education help people to have a better future?
Dominic and Nakeesha – How can we help to stop conflict destroying schools?
Emma and Makiala – If UNICEF gave Zimbabwe schools text books, why not other educational resources?
Lachlan and Jimmy – How is war getting in the way of children walking to school?
Arizona and Bella – Why do students drop out of school before Year 12?
Sarah, Kyan, Dylan – Why do some schools not have many resources?
Tyrone and Siya – Why can’t people in Sudan afford education when going to school is supposed to be free?
Tori and Larissa – How can we get teachers to understand us?
Max and Lavender May – Why are teachers regularly absent from schools in Yemen?
Tahlia and Brandon – How do children access education if they live far, far away from a school?
Betty and Isis – How can students in Nigeria learn with only 40% of teachers qualified?
Travis, Deegan, Jimem – Why do some schools not have enough resources like tables and chairs?
Morgan and Tyson – How do Syrian schools access resources for education?
Mackenzie and Mitchell – Why are some countries against children with disabilities going to school?
Mal and Shakayla – Why do some girls have to marry young instead of going to school?
Ayuen and Olivia C – What if we were able to provide transportation to remote areas for all children?
Yewande and Bailey – Why are some girls injured or attacked for going to school?
Tarlee and Olivia G – How can we give resources to schools in War Zones?
Owen and Liam – Why do some schools have no chairs and tables?
Dylan and Kyan – Why do some schools have limited resources?


Investors need to keep in mind that many companies often try to highlight their positive numbers rather than the loopholes involved in respective financial results. But those numbers could involve manipulating the figures, which might lead to fraud by misleading investors. Investors should be cautious enough when they read financial numbers. They should look for more information supporting these data facts. Accounting policies, management history, trend over previous years, economic indicators, macro facts should also be taken into accounts, while analyzing the results. Let us understand this from the following aspects:
GAAP Accounting: Public companies are required to follow generally accepted accounting principles or GAAP in reporting their financial statements. But those rules do not always put a company in best picture and therefore many companies opt for non-GAAP measures to report on their business. There is nothing wrong using these non GAAP measures which could also give investors greater insight into a company’s results by making adjustments that exclude certain amounts that may not be relevant to future operations. On the other hand, when company promotes its results by using non-GAAP measures, then any false figure can result in misleading investors and could give a rosy picture for company’s performance. Therefore, investors must analyze these numbers and must try to take review of numbers with regard to the GAAP accounting, which would reveal the real picture, and help investors in making a right decision.
Cash flow statement is important: Most of the time, investors consider only income statement and the balance sheet while neglecting cash flow statement. On the other hand, one should consider the cash flow statements as it contains critically important analytical data. It is important to note the distinction between being profitable against having positive cash flow transaction. A company bringing cash does not mean it is making profit and vice versa. It is not only the profit figure which matters but what is also important is that the cash is generated from operation and investing outflows. Cash flow statement also aids in understanding how company finances its need at working capital as well as long-term levels. Cash flow statement helps company analyze the actual funding position.
Financial ratios and indicators: Ratios transform the numbers into meaningful relationship to judge company’s financial performance and conditions. The resulting ratios must be viewed over extended period to reflect trends. One should be careful about one size-fits-all syndrome. Evaluation of financial metrics can differ significantly by industry, company size and stage of development. Therefore, the ratio must be analyzed, not just for the reporting year but they also need to see the historical data to find the trend and analyze sudden changes, while dig the fact for more information. Similarly, the same can be used to find trend for future estimates and any sudden change in ratios for future period should call for more explanation. Similarly, attractive returns ratio as compared with peers also help us to find more data for such variation before taking investment decision.
Change in accounting policies: Several times, companies change the accounting policies, like the rate of depreciation, or depreciation method. These inflate the profit numbers and inflate financial statements. Investors should be cautious about such change in accounting policies. The investors should carefully read the auditors’ report as well as notes to the accounts. The qualification made by the auditors should be read carefully. Similarly, thorough understanding of company’s notes is essential to read the financial statements in order to properly evaluate company’s financial condition and performance.
Forward looking statement: There are forward looking statements other than historical statements. Forward looking statements are provided to assist the reader in understanding the company’s financial position. These statements also include results of operations periods as well as comprise information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, while depend upon or refer to future events or conditions. Certain assumptions are made to draw conclusion or making forecast for future in forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that might give possibilities while the expectations might not prove to be accurate. Investors need to be cautious about such statements and look for more supporting data.
The advice given by Kalkine Pty Ltd and provided on this website is general information only and it does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. You should therefore consider whether the advice is appropriate to your investment objectives, financial situation and needs before acting upon it. You should seek advice from a financial adviser, stockbroker or other professional (including taxation and legal advice) as necessary before acting on any advice. Not all investments are appropriate for all people. Kalkine.com.au and associated websites are published by Kalkine Pty Ltd ABN 34 154 808 312 (Australian Financial Services License Number 425376).The information on this website has been prepared from a wide variety of sources, which Kalkine Pty Ltd, to the best of its knowledge and belief, considers accurate. You should make your own enquiries about any investments and we strongly suggest you seek advice before acting upon any recommendation. Kalkine Pty Ltd has made every effort to ensure the reliability of information contained in its newsletters and websites. All information represents our views at the date of publication and may change without notice. To the extent permitted by law, Kalkine Pty Ltd excludes all liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website and any information published (including any indirect or consequential loss, any data loss or data corruption). If the law prohibits this exclusion, Kalkine Pty Ltd hereby limits its liability, to the extent permitted by law to the resupply of services. There may be a product disclosure statement or other offer document for the securities and financial products we write about in Kalkine Reports. You should obtain a copy of the product disclosure statement or offer document before making any decision about whether to acquire the security or product. The link to our Terms & Conditions has been provided please go through them and also have a read of the Financial Services Guide. On the date of publishing this report (mentioned on the website), employees and/or associates of Kalkine Pty Ltd currently hold positions in: BHP, BKY, KCN, PDN, and RIO. These stocks can change any time and readers of the reports should not consider these stocks as advice or recommendations.


Pets: Companions, Stress Relievers, and… Teachers?
April 26 is National Kids and Pets Day, which really tugs at our heartstrings because there’s really nothing cuter than the bond between a child and their animal. Pet ownership in young children has so many benefits – it teaches them empathy, responsibility, strengthens their immune system, and more. It can even help them do better in school.
For a lot of kids, learning to read can be a daunting, overwhelming and, at times, an embarrassing process. During this learning curve, the pressure of reading aloud can cause stress, anxiety, and, worst of all, a disdain for reading – which is such a huge part of their education. If only there were a laid back way to practice reading aloud without the worry of stuttering, stumbling, or hearing rude classmates snicker…
Well, there may just be the perfect neutral, non-judgmental (and adorable!) audience available to them right now: THEIR PET!
That’s right, reading aloud to pets is the purrfect way for kids to practice reading without stress or judgment – not to mention petting an animal releases feel-good hormones and lowers blood pressure. In fact, the idea is so effective, shelters and schools across the country have paired up for kids to come down to the shelter and read to pets – not only does it better socialize their animals but it allows children to improve their reading skills in a comfortable (and cute) environment. In a study performed by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), children reported enjoying reading to animals and had a stronger motivation to continue the activity. If that’s not proof enough, there are even grant programs available for the sole purpose of bringing a pet into the classroom because they have such a pawsitive impact on students. So before shelling out big bucks for a reading tutor, consider stopping by the shelter with a few books or talking with your teacher about a classroom pet!
Do you have a story about a classroom pet, or have a favorite way to celebrate Kids and Pets Day? We’d love to hear (and see!) more on Facebook!


Practicing power “with” children vs. power “over” children can be more of a shift in thinking for adults than actually giving up punishment. We often think it is more about what we do “to” children to make them change their ways (the power over thing again)!
To recap Steps 1 – 3 (in “Encouraging Children to More Positive Behavior”)
- · giving up the idea of trying to control children’s behaviour and focusing on more encouraging methods is the first step in moving children towards more positive behavior.
- · A strong connection with the child is essential in order for any positive change to take place
- · and adults needs to model mutual respect through kindness and firmness.
Implementing some “power with” kids is good next step. Any way that you can involve children in creating routines, problem solving, etc. brings about a shift that invites more cooperation and creates more accountability.
Use Routine Charts to Increase Cooperation and Accountability
One way to practice “power with” children when it comes to routines is to create routine charts WITH them. For example for bedtime routines – sit down and brainstorm all the things that need to be done to get ready for bed i.e. jammies, teeth, etc.
Then take pictures of the child while they are doing each of the routines and post the pictures on a chart of some sort – doesn’t have to be fancy but needs to reflect the child’s participation in it. Even small children can glue and stick the pictures on.
This is very different from you creating the chart for them and imposing each of the steps. When the child has had a part in the creation of the chart, it has more meaning.
The rules are no longer “your” rules but become “their” rules because they have had a part in creating them. The chart becomes an “agreement” and in a sense becomes the boss – rather than you!
This same idea can be used for morning routines or any other routine in which you want to increase the child’s independence.
Next: Problem Solving WITH Children.


See large image here / scroll down to see two more infographics
Two months after the coup d’état in May, Thailand’s 2014 coup-maker set out a plan to reform Thailand’s education system, which is believed to be one of the worst in the region. But instead of improving the quality of educators and other structural problems apparent in the national curriculum, the junta has promoted 12 nationalistic Thai values to the top of the new education reform agenda. This kind of promotion of youth values through schools is not new to Thailand. Under the regime of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram from 1938-1944, ten values for youth were promoted alongside other secular nationalistic values. Throughout Southeast Asia, different versions of national values for youth have been promoted through the education systems of many nations to serve certain development, reform, and political agendas.
With the exception of Brunei, Prachatai has compared the values promoted by the Thai junta to those of the other ASEAN members whose governments have written distinct desirable characters of the youth. The most commonly found values concern unity, development, and political ideologies. The values, to a certain degree, reflect the social, political and economic situation of each country. Moreover, throughout modern history the values are public propaganda directed towards the youth in order to shape and maintain certain ideologies.
Vivid examples of this are the Komsomol, a Soviet Union youth organization and the Hitler Youth, which were established in the 1920s and 1930s. Although, these youth organizations belonged to opposite ends of the political spectrum, the methods by which adolescents were drawn by these organizations to support the extreme left and right political ideologies were similar. To varying degrees, the Southeast Asian countries impose similar models of nationalism on their youth with different youth values.
The 12 national values which have just been invented by the junta aim to foster a sense of nationalism centring around the century-old three pillars of the Thai nation invented by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) – nation, religion, and monarchy. Thailand is the only country where the head of state, the monarchy, is promoted in its national youth values, being highlighted in three of them. Also, the invented 12 traditional Thai values promoted by the Thai junta do not contain many definitive development or academic goals. However, many intangible values, which might have certain political and social implications are promoted by the junta.
- Love for the nation, religions and monarchy
- Honesty, patience and good intentions for the public
- Gratitude to parents, guardians and teachers
- Perseverance in learning
- Conservation of Thai culture
- Morality and sharing with others
- Correct understanding of democracy with the monarch as head of the state
- Discipline and respect for the law and elders
- Awareness in thinking and doing things, and following the guidance of His Majesty the King
- Living by the sufficiency economy philosophy guided by His Majesty the King
- Physical and mental strength against greed
- Concern about the public and national good more than self-interest.
Although it is the only other country in mainland Southeast Asia with a constitutional monarchy, Cambodia youth values, unlike the Thai versions, make no mention of the monarchy, but prioritize technological and scientific development with good morals and social responsibility, highlighted against the backdrop of the country’s bitter history.
- Knowing their personal and national identities
- Importance of knowledge by striving to develop their capabilities
- Sense of responsibility
- Good morals
- Mutual assistance
- Vocational skills
- Science capabilities
- Information technology competency and good attitudes
- Provision of good examples at work and society
- Possessing a deep understanding of social norms and contributing equally to national development
As one of the few socialist states in the region, Vietnam’s youth values heighten the country’s shared identity through national liberation from the colonial past and Ho Chi Minh’s socialist ideology to train the next generation to become civil servants.
- Physical health
- Aesthetic sense
- Loyalty to the ideology of national independence and socialism
- Shaping and cultivation of one’s dignity
- Civil qualifications and competence
- Satisfying the demands of the construction and defence of the fatherland
In parallel with the national slogan of Pancasila, coined during the Guided Democracy period under Sukarno, Indonesia’s youth values aim to unite the most diverse archipelagic country in the region with the rhetoric of democracy, national unity, and humanism.
- Believing in one god
- National unity
- Social justice
With limited literacy and access to education, the semi-military state government of the Union of Myanmar focuses on literacy and development in science and technology as a general theme.
- Being a manual or mental worker well equipped with a basic education, good health and moral character.
- Having the foundations of vocational education for the benefit of the Union of Myanmar.
- Priority to science capable of strengthening and developing the productive forces.
- Priority to arts capable of preserving and developing the culture, fine arts and literature of the state
- Having a firm and sound educational foundation for the pursuance of university education.
As one of the least developed countries in the region, the Lao government imposes their own version of 12 values, largely dealing with national unity, self-reliance, and social commitment to unite a multi-ethnic nation with science and technology reinforced for national development.
- Scientific world view point
- Spirit of patriotism
- Sense of solidarity of all Lao multi-ethnic people and people all over the world
- Recognition of rights, interests, and duties
- Ability to preserve and promote the finest national cultures and traditions
- Consciousness of self-reliance and self-sufficiency
- Ability to combine individual and public interests
- Possession of general, scientific, technological, and vocational knowledge and skills
- Good discipline
- Responsible for jobs and commitments
- Good health, healthy lifestyle, and creative thinking
- Readiness to take part in national development
With a total of 15 descriptive youth values, the Singaporean government includes every dimension of academic foundation in its education agenda to stay economically competitive. However, family and community values and multi-culturalism are also highlighted to foster the national bonds of Singapore’s diverse population.
- Balanced and well-rounded education
- Developing children to their full potential
- Nurturing children to be good citizens conscious of their responsibility towards parents, society, and country
- Help for children to discover their talents and realize their full potential
- Passion for lifelong learning
- Willingness to think in new ways and be creative for inventing new opportunities
- Possessing strength to face future challenges
- Strong bonds towards family, community, and country
- Skills and knowledge, including right values and attitudes to assure livelihood and success
- Learning how to be self-reliant, yet able to work well with others
- Adapting constantly to a rapidly changing world
- Developing a sense of shared identity and destiny
- Being united as one to overcome threats and challenges against the nation
- Knowing one’s own cultural heritage and mother tongue
- Learning to understand and respect the racial, religious, and linguistic differences of fellow citizens
Based on devotion to God (although the term is left inclusive), the Malaysian youth values prioritize economic and intellectual development with nationalistic undertones to unite the nation’s many ethnicities.
- Having essential intellectual, affective and psychomotor skills in a holistic and integrated manner to produce individuals who are intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually balanced and functionally literate based on a devotion to God
- National consciousness through fostering common ideas, values, aspirations and loyalties in order to mould national unity and a national identity in a multi-ethnic society
- Possessing requisite skills for economic and national development
- Moral values to promote personality and aesthetic development as well as the sense of being responsible and disciplined and progressively enabled to contribute effectively towards nation-building
Geared towards a knowledge-based society and national development, the Philippines’ youth values do not say a single word about religious values and morality although most of the country is known for its conservative Catholicism.
- Broad knowledge to enhance capability and quality
- Education foundation to be active and versatile citizens
- Being the manpower for national development
- Leadership for the nation to advance knowledge and advance the quality of human life
- Responding to the changing conditions of the world


If you make winning your master,
You never learn.
If communication is a problem,
You never understand.
For respect is yours to earn
And to listen is discernment in reply
For love is that upon which we rely.
Worrying does not take away the hollow
For there is always still tomorrow.
Life is not a meadow
But you don’t have to live in someone else’s shadow!
Love is the hardest thing to find
If you go through your day,
As if you are blind.
Trust is what we should live by
But what if your life is nothing but a lie?
Why try to impress anyone else
For it is you…yourself…that you should please.
Live at your own pace,
So you save your soul and have peace.
Be happy and learn to smile
For life is a gift we only have for a while.
A Gift for Life; Poetry to encourage, improve and mend hearts. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PQRJ4JK http://www.romaybooks.com Like: http://www.facebook.com/Romay6 Follow: http://www.twitter.com/Romay6 Later!


Product images of Rear-Admiral Sir John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent (1735-1823)
We use a 280gsm fine art paper and premium branded inks to create the perfect reproduction.
Our expertise and use of high-quality materials means that our print colours are independently verified to last between 100 and 200 years.
Read more about our fine art prints.
Manufactured in the UK
All products are printed in the UK, using the latest digital presses and a giclée printmaking process.
We only use premium branded inks, and colours are independently verified to last between 100 and 200 years.
Rear-Admiral Sir John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent (1735-1823)
A full-length portrait to left in admiral's full-dress uniform, 1795-1812, wearing the ribbon and Star of the Bath and the St Vincent medal. Jervis's right hand rests on his sheathed sword in front of him. Behind him is a large gilded table, covered with a red cloth, bearing on the right his hat and telescope and, on the left, an inscribed letter. To the left of this is a chair with a large rolled map leaning against it, and beyond a large terrestrial globe. Through a large window on the left, ships of the British fleet in Lisbon harbour are visible. On the right, a rostral column has been positioned. The portrait was painted in Lisbon during his last sea command in 1806.
- Image reference: BHC3003
- National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London


Preschool children in joint physical custody have fewer psychological symptoms than those who live mostly or only with one parent after a separation, according to new research from Sweden.
In a new study of 3,656 children between the ages of three and five, researchers from Uppsala University, Karolinska Institutet, and the research institute CHESS found that kids living alternately with their parents after a separation show less behavioral problems and psychological symptoms than those living mostly or only with one of the parents.
The practice of joint physical custody — children living alternately and spending approximately the same amount of time in each of their parents’ homes — has increased in recent years and is more common in Sweden than in any other country.
Previous studies have shown that school children and adolescents fare well in joint physical custody. But child experts have claimed it is unsuitable for young children since they are assumed to need continuity and stability in their parent relations. However, few studies of preschool children with joint physical custody have been conducted, the researchers noted.
Based on parents and pre-school teachers estimates, the researchers compared behavioral problems and mental symptoms of 136 children in joint physical custody, 3,369 in nuclear families, 79 living mostly with one parent, and 72 children living only with one parent.
Symptoms were assessed using the popular “Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire” (SDQ), and showed that both preschool teachers and parents indicated children living mostly or only with one parent have more difficulties than those living in joint physical custody or in nuclear families.
In the parental estimates, there were no significant differences between children in nuclear families and joint physical custody, while preschool staff reported fewer symptoms of children in nuclear families.
The study is the first of its kind to show how Swedish children this young fare in joint physical custody, the researchers said. The assessments of children’s health from the preschool staff, in addition to those of the parents, is a considerable strength of the study, they noted.
However, the study design does not show causality, they warned. These interpretations require knowledge of the children’s well-being and symptoms before their parents separated.
Source: Uppsala University


Antipsychotics for Schizophrenia: A Clinical Overview
This video lecture is a brief summary of the most recent literature on the evolving field of pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia (see references and further reading).
In this video I discuss the following topics:
- Psychosis and schizophrenia. Why is psychopathology important for understanding benefits and limitations of antipsychotic therapy.
- The latest findings about effectiveness of first and second generation antipsychotics.
- Pharmacological treatment of cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia.
- Goals of treatment and factors that influence prescribing.
Part 1. Psychopathological considerations: psychosis, domains of schizophrenia and antipsychotics
Video length: 2:11
Part 2. Treating positive, negative and cognitive symptoms: the role of first and second generation antipsychotics
Video length: 2:04
Part 3. Goals of antipsychotic treatment & how adverse effects profiles influence prescribing
Video length: 2:53
References and further reading
Gründer G, Hippius H, Carlsson A. The “atypicality” of antipsychotics: a concept re-examined and re-defined. Nature Rev Drug Disc 8:197-202, 2009.
Schatzberg, AF., Cole, JO, and DeBattista, C. Manual of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 7th ed.American Psychiatric Publishing, 2010.
Janicak, P G., S R. Marder, and M N. Pavuluri. Principles and Practice of Psychopharmacotherapy. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010.
PDF: LAI Antipsychotics
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A community-minded, values-guided bank
Our heritage dates back to 1935, when 24-year-old Harold Webster Smith founded the bank with $25,000 borrowed from family and friends. Then known as First Federal Savings and Loan of Waterbury, Connecticut, our purpose was to help make homeownership a realistic dream for people, and our values centered on putting people first.
Over the years, we have expanded to become a leading regional bank in the Northeast with over $27 billion in assets and 163 banking centers from greater New York City to Boston. Today, we offer the full range of financial services, delivered by close to 3,400 employees.
But while we have grown, our core values have remained unchanged. We still put people first -- acting with responsibility, respect, ethical behavior, citizenship and teamwork. We call these principles The Webster Way. They bring us together, set us apart, and create an unshakeable core that is unique to Webster.
By following The Webster Way, we ensure that we’re living up to our customers and each other.
The Webster Way®
- We take personal responsibility for meeting our customers’ needs.
- We respect the dignity of every individual.
- We earn trust through ethical behavior.
- We give of ourselves in the communities we serve.
- We work together to achieve outstanding results.


One of the reasons for the success and longevity of the relational model is that it is firmly grounded on mathematical principles (of linear algebra and set theory), which are well known and well documented. The (normalized) relational tables are by design organized in such a way as to promote and facilitate manipulation of data to yield meaningful information.
Relational Algebra Secondary Operation Date Notation Select Statement Relational Assignment
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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The Council on Foreign Relations Logo
The WHITE HORSE:
-Revelations 6:2 says “And behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow. A crown was given to him, and he came forth conquering, and to conquer.”
The Phrase VBIQVE:
-A Latin word found on many ancient Roman coins meaning “everywhere.”
-Its English form is UBIQUE – the root word in English for “ubiquitous” which means present, or seeming to be present, everywhere at the same time, omnipresent.
-(Left) The sign of admiration of the sixth degree of the Masonic lodge.
-(Right) Napoleon Bonaparte is also depicted with the same gesture.
It is also very similar to the “Seig Heil” gesture of the Nazis (above). The term means hail victory. Could victory be closely related to conquering as stated in revelations?
The term Fascism was first used by the totalitarian right-wingnationalist regime of Mussolini in Italy (1922–43), and the regimes of the Nazis in Germany and Franco in Spain were also fascist.
Fascist flag of Italy…
Fascism tends to include a belief in the supremacy of one national or ethnic group, a contempt for democracy, an insistence on obedience to a powerful leader, and a strong demagogic approach. The Fascia represent the bundling together of the masses, ruled by the axe head. Funny how it seems to be represented everywhere today.
Located here on the dime…
The pillars of the Lincoln memorial…
And don’t forget that Congress needs some decor…
“Anyone who interprets National Socialism merely as a political movement knows almost nothing about it. It is more than religion; it is the determination to create a new man” Adolf Hitler
– Considered a “Child of Illuminism”
-Hated school & wanted to be an artist and this led him to Vienna where he spent hours in libraries studying astrology, yoga, occultism, hypnotism, Theosophy, mysticism, & religions of the East.
-Admired Hegel & his philosophy (Hegalian Dialect) and after he moved to Germany he spent a lot of time in Bavaria (Adam Weishaupt’s Illuminati location)
-Learned of the Heilige Lance (Holy Spear) at a very young age and became obsessed with the ‘Spear of Destiny’ → (The weapon that was used to pierced the side of Jesus at the crucifixion by a Roman soldier, Gaius Cassius, or Longinus; who used the spear to shorten Jesus’ agony) → He stole what he thought was the spear in 1938 and it was taken to Nuremberg.
-Formed in 1888 by Freemason S.L. Mathers & Dr. Wynn Westcott
-Called their masters the ‘Secret Chiefs’
-Performed rituals of extreme negativity. This allowed vibrational synchronizations (Possessions) with lower fourth dimensional entities.
-Believed in a Vril force
-One of their secret signs was the pointed-arm salute of ‘Heil Hitler’


Type 2 diabetes affects Chinese Americans at an alarming rate. To address this health disparity, research in the area of cultural sensitivity and health literacy provide useful guidelines for creating culturally appropriate health education. In this article, we use discourse analysis to examine a group of locally-available, Chinese and English language diabetes print documents from a surface and deep structure level of culture. First, we compared these documents to research findings about printed health information to determine if and how these documents apply current best practices for health literacy and culturally appropriate health communication. Second, we examined how diabetes as a disease and diabetes management is being constructed. The printed materials addressed surface level culture through the use of Chinese language, pictures, foods and exercises. From a deeper cultural level, the materials constructed diabetes management as a matter of measurement and control that contrasted with previous research suggesting an alternative construction of balance. A nuanced assessment of both surface and deeper levels of culture is essential for creating health education materials that are more culturally appropriate and can lead to increase health literacy and improved health outcomes.
Ho, E.Y., Tran, H., Chesla, C.A. Assessing the Cultural in Culturally Sensitive Printed Patient-Education Materials for Chinese Americans With Type 2 Diabetes. (2015) Health Communication, 30 (1), pp. 39-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2013.835216


Antiviral effect of entecavir in chronic hepatitis B: Influence of prior exposure to nucleos(t)ide analogues
Background & Aims: Entecavir is a potent inhibitor of viral replication in nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients, but data on the efficacy in NA-experienced subjects are limited. Methods: In a multi-center cohort study we investigated 161 chronic hepatitis B patients (34% NA-experienced) treated with entecavir monotherapy. Results: During a median follow-up of 11 (3-23) months, 82 (79%) of 104 NA-naïve patients achieved virologic response (VR), defined as HBV DNA <80 IU/ml, and none of the patients (0%) developed genotypic entecavir-resistance. VR was demonstrated in 31 (54%) of 57 NA-experienced patients during a median follow-up of 12 (3-31) months. Patients with lamivudine-resistant mutations at the start of entecavir monotherapy had a reduced probability of achieving VR compared to lamivudine-naïve patients (HR 0.14; 95% CI 0.04-0.58; p = 0.007). Antiviral efficacy was not decreased by prior treatment with lamivudine when lamivudine-resistance had never developed (HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.43-1.52; p = 0.52). Prior adefovir therapy without development of adefovir-resistance (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.43-1.64; p = 0.61) and presence of adefovir-resistance (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.27-2.71; p = 0.80) did not influence antiviral response to entecavir. Switching to a tenofovir-containing treatment regimen resulted in viral load decline in patients with entecavir-resistance associated mutations. Conclusions: Entecavir proved to be efficacious in NA-naïve patients. The antiviral efficacy of entecavir was not influenced by prior treatment with adefovir or presence of adefovir-resistance. Entecavir should not be used in patients with previous lamivudine-resistance, yet it may still be an option in lamivudine-experienced patients in case lamivudine-resistance never developed.
|Keywords||Adefovir, Antiviral therapy, Entecavir, Hepatitis B, Lamivudine|
|Persistent URL||dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2010.01.012, hdl.handle.net/1765/27769|
|Journal||Journal of Hepatology|
Reijnders, J.G.P, Deterding, K, Petersen, J, Zoulim, F, Santantonio, T, Buti, M, … Janssen, H.L.A. (2010). Antiviral effect of entecavir in chronic hepatitis B: Influence of prior exposure to nucleos(t)ide analogues. Journal of Hepatology, 52(4), 493–500. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2010.01.012


The American Heart Association has awarded a grant to NC State College of Veterinary Medicine’s Ke Cheng for research into repairing damage caused by a heart attack.
The $300,000 Transformational Project Award funds a three-year study from Cheng, the CVM’s professor of regenerative medicine, exploring heart failure’s impact of the reparative ability stem cells, information that can lead to more effective therapies for heart disease.
Research suggests that stem cells release vesicles called exosomes that jump-start reparative activity in the heart, but the effects of heart failure on exosome functions are not well studied.
Cheng’s project aims to detail loss of exosomal function in heart failure samples and determine if modulating a specific RNA molecule can restore exosome reparative function after a heart attack. That molecule, miR-21, plays a large role in the development of heart disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 600,000 people in the United States die every year from heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women. Every year, the CDC says, 735,000 Americans have a heart attack.
Cheng’s lab focuses on translational research in regenerative medicine through stem cells, biomaterials and micro-RNAs. His groundbreaking research at the CVM includes ways to ensure that restorative stem cells find the heart and stay in place and how nanoparticles may help repair damaged heart tissue without the use of donated or patient-derived stem cells.
Cheng, also a professor in NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill’s joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, has led a research team developing synthetic cardiac stem cells. Before arriving at NC State, he directed a lab that conducted the world’s first clinical trial using cardiac stem cells to treat heart attacks.
The grant funds the research project through 2021.
Ke Cheng’s BioTherapeutics Laboratory
This post was originally published in Veterinary Medicine News.


Rachel Lopez on November 21, 2017
HR’s Role in Handling Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment is an issue that plagues much of the American workplace. It’s something that companies should be diligent about preventing and know how to handle in the event that a situation arises. This ultimately falls into HR’s lap.
Addressing it Head On
A recent poll from YouGov found that 23 percent of U.S. adults have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. It’s likely something HR will encounter at some point. One of the first steps for handling this issue is to address it in your company’s policies.
A formal definition eliminates any confusion. The Society for Human Resource Management defines sexual harassment as, “Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently persistent or offensive to unreasonably interfere with an employee’s job performance or create an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.”
Make sure to cover disciplinary actions that will ensue for violating the policies. This could include a loss of benefits, termination or even criminal penalties, depending on the nature of the offense. It’s critical that employees have a firm grasp on what constitutes sexual harassment and understand what type of behaviors are unacceptable.
It’s difficult to stamp out occurrences of sexual harassment completely. Therefore, establish procedures for reporting complaints so that you have thorough documentation. This will be essential for finding a resolution and for protecting your company in the event of litigation.
Specific information to gather includes:
- The name of the complainant and the person accused
- A full description of the incident including the date, location and the names of any potential witnesses
- How the incident has adversely affected the complainant and their ability to perform their job
- Other relevant information integral to understanding the nature of the incident
Keep in mind that this information should be kept confidential at all times and must not be shared with anyone uninvolved with the incident.
It’s also up to HR to create a resolution process. In some cases, this can be done through informal means. Sometimes having a one-on-one discussion with the accused party is sufficient. HR would explain the nature of the offense and explain that the behavior won’t be tolerated. They should listen to the accused individual’s summary of the event to gain a better understanding.
For more serious cases involving criminal behavior, you should notify local authorities so they can launch a formal investigation. In this type of scenario, termination is usually necessary.
Sexual harassment is in direct violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and something that should be taken very seriously. Whether you have a formal HR team or simply a dedicated individual, they will need to take swift action and seek a resolution as quickly as possible. This is essential for protecting your employees and preserving your company’s reputation.


More often than not Nonprofits devote maximum energy and resources to raising funds. Very few of them are able to achieve their funding targets. Creating a base of loyal and engaged donors is crucial for achievement of their development goals and thus fundraising is a topic of immense interest for nonprofits.
Nonprofits continuously look for innovative ways and means of raising funds. While crowdfunding is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of raising funds, you would be surprised to know that there is more than one way of doing this. Plus they can be highly effective depending on how you put them to use.
In the previous article on fundraising, we talked about crowdfunding and its types. In this article, let us look at some more avenues of raising funds.
I. Through Individual Philanthropists
Philanthropic funding from private individuals recorded a sixfold increase in recent years: approximately INR 36,000 crore in 2016, up from approximately INR 6,000 crore in 2011. The number of people who have volunteered their time and money between 2009 and 2015 has also increased, up 2 times and 1.5 times, respectively. (Source: Bain Philanthropy Report 2017)
Individual donations are the most cost-effective way of raising funds. Pro tip: A simple, well-planned email campaign and an attractive webpage can go a long way in attracting donors. But the flip side here is, you don’t know whether they will come back and donate again. One-off donations will certainly cover your immediate expenses but they don’t come handy in planning long-term goals.
Having monthly donors on your patron list will help you plan various programs and development activities for your nonprofit well in advance. Take for example Greenpeace or GiveIndia. They urge their donors to set aside a small monthly or quarterly amount that guarantees a fixed and predictable stream of funds .However this activity needs a dedicated donor acquisition team separate from the operations team to administer, manage and nurture your donors.
II. Through Events
Events are a great way of intimately engaging with your donors. Through events, donors get to be a part of your organisation, interact with your staff and members of your target communities.
There are different types of events which you can engage in to promote your cause and your community.
- Runs and walks where participants pay a certain set amount to enter but also are encouraged to obtain other donations from friends, family, and colleagues. Eg: Pinkathon, The 10k Swacch Bharat Run by Lets Feed India
- Dinners that might include a speaker, live and silent auctions, and other ways to earn money from the event.
- Corporate actives like the Joy of Giving Week that has corporate donors come together and raise money for NGOs in the city.
While events are highly effective, the sheer effort required to set up and manage an event demands a dedicated team of people to monitor it, promote it and indulge in post event campaigns.
III. Through Earned Income
Nonprofits and NGOs are often involved in small scale, cottage industries that provide a means of livelihood to the community that they are working for. Partner with organizers of events that focus on creating an impact by selling products made by indigenous artisans. Mitti, an event in Navi Mumbai, promotes indigenous artisans by displaying and selling their art and crafts. Rangsutra, an apparel brand, is a community owned business of 3000 artisans of which 2,200 are direct shareholders in the company.
This can prove to be an effective way of raising sufficient funds if you are able to make enough sales. Events are one-off and you will have to establish a distribution channel to create a market demand for your products. This will require a sales strategy and a sales team. Tying up with retail stores or e-commerce platforms is crucial to generate revenue and brand recognition.
IV. Through Annual Appeal
Annual appeal is the donation given without any restriction on what it is used for. This type of fundraising generally takes place at the end of the financial year where nonprofits appeal to their donors by sharing their asset development plans for the next year. These funds are utilised for bigger projects like building a library for children, building water tanks in rural areas or starting a new ward for children in a rural hospital.
Thinksharp Foundation, opted for this method of fundraising to build study malls in rural areas.
In this, you can only appeal to your stakeholders to make a donation, but it cannot be a dependable option to raise funds. You may use this method in addition to your major fundraising activities, to raise a part of funds that the other sources couldn’t raise.
Fundraising is an important aspect of every nonprofit, but it is necessary to understand your strengths and limitations before you plan your mode of raising funds. While individual donations cannot be ruled out completely, having a steady group of regular and supportive donors always goes a long way in sustaining your cause.
Cover Image: The Ice Bucket Challenge, sometimes called the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, is an activity involving the dumping of a bucket of ice and water over a person’s head, either by another person or self-administered, to promote awareness of the disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as motor neurone disease and in the US as Lou Gehrig‘s disease) and encourage donations to research.


Have you come to the realization that there are some children who learn differently and one of them lives in your house? Fairly early on in my parenting journey, I realized that my path was not going to be like the paths I saw other people walking. Each year as I learned more and more about my daughter, I realized that our life together was different. Not better, not worse, but simply different. This was evident in many ways, including how she learned best.
The past ten years have been a journey of seeking to understand her unique personality, learning style, strengths, weaknesses, and needs. In the process, I’ve learned so much! And I want to share that information with other parents who are also trying to understand their child.
In this series, we explored the world of children who learn differently. The series included a wide variety of posts from different angles, guest authors, and a variety of perspectives. Some posts are lengthy and meaty. Some are brief. Some are funny. Some are serious. Some reflect my Christian faith. Some focus on homeschooling. Some are for all families regardless of education approach. Some tackle different learning struggles. Some focus on personality issues. But all of them are about successfully parenting children who learn differently.
I hope you find much in this series that will encourage you on your parenting journey! Enjoy!
Choosing a Homeschool Approach – Understand Your Child First!Adjusting Expectations as the Parent of a Gifted ChildRaising and Embracing Your Spirited ChildThe Need for More Margin in Families with Gifted ChildrenWhen People Call Your Child Your IdolMy Child Hates Busy Bags (and Other Gifted Child Realities)Gifted Children Who Don’t Fit Grade Level ParametersParenting and Homeschooling as an IntrovertIdentifying and Understanding the Red Zone with Your Spirited ChildGetting Spirited Children to Sleep and Related ChallengesLiving Simply with a Gifted ChildRaising a Spirited Child and Feeling Like a Bad MotherGifted Children and Transitions5 Tips for Homeschooling a Gifted Child6 Reasons Why We Changed Our Mind and Stopped SpankingParenting, Personality and Learning DifferencesThe Joys of a Gifted ChildHow Understanding Personality Types Can Improve Your Parent-Child RelationshipsAdapting Curriculum to Fit Your Active Child’s NeedsParenting an Introverted ChildResources for Parents of Children Who Learn DifferentlyFrom Chaos to Computer Science – Homeschooling a Very ADHD Son103 Ways to Learn from Experienced HomeschoolersThe Gift of Asperger’sRelationship Homeschooling and Your Differently-Wired ChildDealing with Perfectionism in Our ChildrenEncouragement for Parents of Differently-Wired ChildrenWords of Encouragement for ParentsExperienced Parents of Differently-Wired Kids Share Their Insights


Orginal Publication Date
Explorations in Sights and Sounds
This volume is the long-awaited supplement to Francis Paul Prucha's Bibliographical Guide to the History of Indian-White Relations in the United States, published by the University of Chicago Press in 1977. That work, which contained 9705 items, was complete to 1975. The supplement, with 3400 titles, covers the historical literature made available between 1975 and 1980. Organized into fifteen subject divisions and excellently cross-referenced with a thirty-six page index, the supplement continues the same high quality of Prucha's previous efforts to bring some useable order to the bewildering complexity of American Indian historiography.
Copyright, ©EES, The National Association for Ethnic Studies, 1983


Applied and Environmental Microbiology
The Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) receives organic carbon (OC) of anthropogenic origin, including pesticides, from the atmosphere and/or local sources, and the fate of these compounds in the ice is currently unknown. The ability of supraglacial heterotrophic microbes to mineralize different types of OC is likely a significant factor determining the fate of anthropogenic OC on the ice sheet. Here we determine the potential of the microbial community from the surface of the GrIS to mineralize the widely used herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Surface ice cores were collected and incubated for up to 529 days in microcosms simulating in situ conditions. Mineralization of side chain- and ring-labeled [C-14]2,4-D was measured in the samples, and quantitative PCR targeting the tfdA genes in total DNA extracted from the ice after the experiment was performed. We show that the supraglacial microbial community on the GrIS contains microbes that are capable of degrading 2,4-D and that they are likely present in very low numbers. They can mineralize 2,4-D at a rate of up to 1 nmol per m(2) per day, equivalent to similar to 26 ng C m(-2) day(-1). Thus, the GrIS should not be considered a mere reservoir of all atmospheric contaminants, as it is likely that some deposited compounds will be removed from the system via biodegradation processes before their potential release due to the accelerated melting of the ice sheet.


Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Science--Study and teaching (Middle school)--Standards--Iowa; Science teachers--Training of--Iowa;
A major shift in science education has occurred in the state of Iowa and it involves the adoption of performance expectations from the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) standards. The new curriculum demanded by NGSS will instigate a learning shift for science teachers in Iowa. They must re-format lessons and assessments to encompass their target NGSS standards. This creative component has analyzed six targeted NGSS performance standards and has developed high quality summative authentic assessments correlated to the targeted NGSS standards.
Year of Submission
Master of Arts in Education
Science Education Program
1 PDF file (63 pages)
©2016 Nick Bushkofsky
Bushkofsky, Nick, "Developing authentic summative assessments that correlate to the Next Generation Science Standards for a middle school science classroom" (2016). Graduate Research Papers. 110.


Firstly, thank you very much to Scottish Mum for letting me guest post on her blog.
I wanted to write something relevant to her readers and I wasn’t sure which route to go down. However, I was listening to a debate on a radio show the other day about adoption and the lengthy process it has become and how this in itself is causing more potential trauma to children in care and I thought this seemed a good topic.
According the BAAF statistics, from April 2010 to March 2011, there were 3660 children under the age of 1 in care. Yet, only 60 babies under 1 were adopted in the same period. The average age of a child at adoption is 3 years and 10 months. To me, this seems rather old to have such a massive change of circumstance. They will have started at nursery and be not far off starting school by that age. If children were placed earlier in their lives, surely there would be less risk of them being scarred mentally by the whole process.
Whilst the adoption process is long for prospective adoptive parents, it needs to be, to ensure that the right number of checks have been carried out, and steps taken to prepare those wanting to adopt. However, the court process to get a child into an adoptive family is what seems to hold the process up. The reason for this is that the court puts the mothers needs above that of the baby. Whilst this is reasonable (they might be able to look after their children once they have dealt with issues), what kind of impact is it having on the child? What, I thought, about the babies born to drug users who are unable to look after their baby? Well, it appears that the interest of the mother comes first in these cases too. The courts will keep the baby with the mother (or in foster care) whilst the mother sees if she can ‘get clean’.
Now I may be cynical but, having worked with drug users (and previously covered the topic on my blog here), I have never once met someone addicted to drugs who didn’t put the next hit before everything else in their lives (however much they insist otherwise). So should the interests of these babies not be taken into account? They have potentially already had a rough start in life, like many babies born to drug users, they might have already had to withdraw from the drugs passed to them in the womb by their mother. How many times does a baby or toddler need to be taken into care whilst the mother ‘gets clean’ and is then returned to the mother only to be taken back into care when she falls foul to addiction again?
Research by Drugscope back in 2003 suggested that there were between 250,000 and 350,000 children born to drug misusing parents. With the numbers of drug users rising year on year, the number of children affected is increasing. The only way to stop this, is to offer effective, realistic treatment to the parents.
I am absolutely not advocating snatching babies from drug users as soon as they are born, but maybe the balance needs to sway towards what is best for the baby. The first three years of their lives are so valuable in how they are shaped as individuals and how they judge the world in the future.
@helpfulmum from You”re Not From Round Here


A person can have the great idea, but if that person cannot convince a number of people: the idea dies.
Good ideas do die. Good ideas must have good advocates. Good advocacy and good idea makes an idea live.
Ideas need advocates like humans need oxygen.
The Leader as Communicator
The Leader’s #1 job as a communicator: to discover why people believe the things they do.
Wife says “I don’t like this type of movie.” Husband says “Yes you do.” Wife learns: he is an idiot.
Wife says “I don’t like this type of movie.” Husband says “I understand you don’t like this type of movie. What type of movies do you like? What do they have in common? What do you feel when you see those movies? What do you feel when you watch this movie?”. Wife shares. Husband learns.
Proving to somebody that they are wrong is not…
View original post 206 more words


Air Truck Provides Life-Saving Support for Firefighters
One of the most useful vehicles owned by fire departments nationwide doesn’t pump a gallon of water. Instead, the truck provides clean, breathable air to firefighters, an important commodity to someone charging into a searing building billowing with smoke.
“Firefighting is inherently dangerous and having a reliable supply of clean air allows us to perform in extremely hostile conditions,” said Capt. Ken Kuykendall of the Folsom Fire Department in California’s Central Valley.
Filling and storing the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (S.C.B.A.) firefighters strap to their backs is the primary function of the 76,000-pound behemoth known simply as the “air truck.”
The air truck also serves as a base of operations for rescuing someone trapped in a confined space and stores a variety of tools powered by the vehicle’s massive air compressor. The specialty vehicle has been an integral piece of machinery for one California town.
“We send it out at least once a week and neighboring departments request to use it on a monthly basis,” said Bill Woodward, a firefighter/medic for Folsom Fire Department in Northern California.
The rig sits atop a commercial chassis built by International Trucks in 2009. Specialized equipment was installed by Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton of Wisconsin, which customizes vehicles for fire departments across the country.
The soul of the truck–a 40,000-watt Lima MAC generator–powers the air compressor, remote filling station and an extendable tower with six lights for nighttime operations.
“We can turn night into day,” said Capt. Chad Wilson, who coordinated with Pierce Manufacturing on the specifics of the truck’s design for the Folsom Fire Department.
The truck's 6,000 psi air compressor fills up to four cylinders simultaneously at the firehouse or at an emergency scene. The refill process takes place at the back of a truck in a contraption reminiscent of the “Ghostbusters.”
A hinged door made of half-inch thick steel tilts open to reveal a space for the cylinders. The reinforced compartments provide safety to firefighters and bystanders in case a tank suddenly bursts during charging.
A tank can be filled in a matter of minutes, Woodward said, and firefighters are careful not to rush the process. Compressed air expands once inside the tank, so firefighters perform the process cautiously.
“Rushing to fill up a tank can easily lead to disaster,” Woodward said.
Providing further safeguards is a system of sensors and gauges to monitor the air filling the tanks for carbon monoxide or oil.
“If it senses oil or carbon monoxide going into the tank, it automatically shuts off,” Woodward said.
Both sides of the truck offer anchor points for ropes when firefighters need to rescue someone. Such a feature is more useful than a traditional winch, Woodward said, because of the reduced risk of injuring a trapped person.
The truck includes a 150-foot hose capable of delivering compressed air to tools firefighters need during confined space rescues.
Fast facts about the air truck:
- Vehicle type: 2009 International Truck (chassis); specialized add-ons crafted by Piece Manufacturing
- Vehicle weight: 76,000 pounds
- Specialized equipment: 4,000 watt air compressor and 40,000 watt generator.
Article by Jordan Guinn, a writer for Sensible Driver. Contact Jordan at email@example.com.


Recently, I unrolled an old poster that I’ve kept in various closets since Gerald Ford was President. I remember when I bought it long ago I was impressed by the novelty of how all of the buildings in the Downtown San Francisco area had been drawn into it. If you can zoom in on it close there’s a lot of interesting things to see on the difference between San Francisco today and in 1974. At the lower right near the Ferry Building is the Vaillancourt Fountain in Justin Herman Plaza. Notice that only two buildings of the Embarcadero Center had been built then. The Embarcadero Freeway can be seen. Moving along Market Street from the Ferry Building so many new buildings have gone up in Downtown San Francisco since then. The Bank of America Building and the Transamerica Pyramid, the two tallest buildings back then, can be seen. Union Square was mostly covered by grass. The old Belt Line railroad still ran along the Embarcadero to Fisherman’s Wharf. Major tourist attractions like Coit Tower and Lombard Street are easily found, and to the right of Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 43 with the Balclutha docked to it was still there. Pier 39 had not been turned into a tourist attraction yet.
Turk, Mason and Market Streets after the 1906 Earthquake and Fire:
Sutter Street between Powell and Stockton Streets in the early 1950’s:
Grant Avenue at California Street during World War Two with Old St. Mary’s Church on the right:
Downtown San Francisco during the 1906 Earthquake and Fire:
It always amazes me that Charlie Chaplin stumbled down these exact steps on Alice Street in Oakland one hundred and three years ago in his movie short ‘A Night Out’ from 1915.
California and Powell Streets during the 1950’s:
Grant Avenue at Filbert Street in the 1952 movie ‘The Sniper’:
Humphrey Bogart on Hyde Street at Greenwich in the 1947 film ‘Dark Passage’:
The Cliff House from Sutro Heights in 1949: Actually, you can barely see the famous restaurant from here anymore because of the overgrown trees.
Powell Street at O’Farrell Street during the 1950’s: