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U.S. Embassy Staff march in support of ending violence
Making a stand and joining efforts in celebrating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign 2011 in Samoa, the Chargé d’Affaires Chad Berbert and staff of U.S. Embassy Apia joined more than 300 members of government ministries, diplomatic corps, international organizations and civil society groups in a march parade on November 25. The parade on Beach Road Apia transcended from the Police Headquarter to the Government Building at Matagialalua, where the marchers were met by the Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi.
Let’s End the Cycle of Violence
Chad J. Berbert
Chargé d’Affaires
U.S. Embassy Apia, Samoa
Violence against women and girls touches Samoa just as it does other nations. Gender-based violence is a global pandemic that cuts across all borders - ethnicity, race, socio-economic status, and religion. It can threaten women and girls at any point in their life- from female feticide and inadequate access to education and nutrition to child marriage, incest, and so-called "honor" killings. It can take the form of dowry -related murder or domestic violence, rape (including spousal rape), sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking in persons, or the neglect and ostracism of widows. One in three women around the world will experience some form of gender-based violence in her lifetime. In some countries that number is as high as 70 percent.
This year, we once again mark "16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence." It is clear that the international community must offer up more than words to answer the call to free women and girls from violence. Whether it happens behind closed doors or as a public tactic of intimidation, whether down the street or on distant shores, violence against women and girls damages us all - men and women alike.
We must stand up to the impunity that too often leaves the egregious perpetrators unaccountable for their crimes. We must redress the low status of women and girls around the world that renders them undervalued and vulnerable. Further, we must support the inclusion of men and boys in addressing and preventing violence and changing gender attitudes. We must increase accountability and commitment by community and government leaders on this issue, and we must highlight and promote effective programs that are already successfully at work.
These 16 Days are a sobering reminder that gender-based violence cannot be treated as solely a women's issue - it is a profound challenge for the entire world. Gender-based violence is not just an affront to human rights and dignity – it adversely impacts the welfare of our communities. When women and girls are abused, businesses close, incomes shrink, families go hungry, and children grow up internalizing behavior that perpetuates the cycle of violence. There is no end to the economic and detrimental social and health costs that come along with this brutality.
This damage is passed on to the rest of the community as judicial, health and security services are strained. Violence effectively acts as a cancer on societies, causing enormous upheaval in the progress of social and economic development. Physical violence vastly increases women's risk for a range of serious conditions, including reproductive health problems, miscarriages, and sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV. There are also strong linkages to maternal mortality, as well as poor child health, and morbidity.
The Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development has initiated various awareness programs such as the Gender Based Violence Project and the Mothers and Daughters Project. In civil society there have been tremendous contributions from NGO groups such as Samoa Victims Support Group, Mapusaga o Aiga, Pan Pacific South East Asian Women Association (PPSEAWA) of Samoa, and Faataua le Ola to name a few. These groups have worked tirelessly to bring to light gender violence issues and to help educate the public, prevent abuse, and break the cycle of violence.
These 16 days offer an opportunity to renew the commitment to free women and girls from the nightmare of violence. Countries cannot progress when half their populations are marginalized and mistreated, and subjected to discrimination. When women and girls are accorded their rights and afforded equal opportunities in education, healthcare, employment, and political participation, they lift up their families, their communities, and their nations – and act as agents of change.
As Secretary Clinton recently noted, "Investing in the potential of the world's women and girls is one of the surest ways to achieve global economic progress, political stability, and greater prosperity for women – and men - the world over."
Let’s make the investment. Let’s end the cycle of violence, not just for these 16 days but for our future.
More photos of Toronto Fire Services' vehicles at the 2009 St. Patrick's Day parade.
Support 7 truck.
I'm afraid Toronto's fire engines are quite aged and the city government is too poor to replace the fleet.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Chris Richey, a medic with the Army Reserve’s 399th Combat Support Hospital, observes Malawi Defense Force medics during a field training exercise testing their combat lifesaver skills as part of Medreach 11 in Lilongwe, Malawi, May 12, 2011.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jesse Houk
Army Sgt. 1st Class Chris Richey knows a lot about battlefield medicine. With three deployments -- one to Kosovo and two to Iraq -- and more than 400 combat convoy missions under his belt, he’s learned a thing or two about combat casualty care.
During his most recent deployment, as part of the troop surge in Iraq from 2007 to 2008, he shared what he’s learned as a military transition team advisor to Iraqi security force medics.
So when Richey, a training noncommissioned officer with the Army Reserve’s 399th Combat Support Hospital, arrived here to train Malawian defense forces during Medreach 11, the Malawi soldiers were all ears.
“It gave me a lot of credibility,” Richey said as he sat alongside his students preparing for a field training exercise that would put some of the lessons imparted during the past 10 days to the test.
Medreach 11 is a U.S. Army Africa-run exercise designed to enhance U.S. and Malawian military medical capabilities and enhance the two militaries’ ability to work together during a humanitarian emergency or other crisis.
In addition to humanitarian and civic assistance outreach projects, a major emphasis during the exercise was on training: in the classroom, in training lanes and ultimately, during a field training exercise.
The Malawians shared with their American counterparts insights into how they identify and treat tropical diseases and HIV, and were anxious to hear about a variety of U.S. treatment techniques. But what they most wanted to tap into was the wealth of experience the U.S. military has developed over the past decade in providing combat medicine and trauma care. It’s of particular interest now that Malawi has deployed a battalion of about 850 soldiers to support a U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Ivory Coast.
The U.S. military has learned many lessons about field medicine during the past 10 years of war, particularly the importance of combat lifesavers who provide that first critical “golden hour” care to wounded troops, Col. Marcus De Oliveira, U.S. Army Africa chief of staff, said.
In addition to incorporating these lessons into its own operations, the U.S. military shares them with partners, such as Malawi, that may need to draw on them during peacekeeping or other operations, he said.
Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Alfred Chitsa Banda, director of the Malawi Defense Force’s medical service, said he hopes to develop combat lifesaver expertise among his own troops based on the U.S. example. So in support of that request, medical teams from the 399th Combat Support Hospital conducted a variety of instruction during Medreach 11, much of it focusing on combat lifesaver instruction.
The 399th instructors applied the “crawl, walk, run” approach to the training, explained Army Sgt. 1st Class Joleen Millette, the 399th’s NCO in charge of plans and operations. Classroom instruction advanced to hands-on practical exercises, as the Malawian medics practiced triaging casualties and moving them -- with a litter, if one was available, and if not, using a belt, sling or fellow soldier to help.
Lanes training culminated the training, with a litter-carry course set up on an obstacle course at the Kamuzu Barracks complex. The Malawian medics carried casualties through five different stations on the course, taking turns so each soldier got to lead the team.
“We made it stressful for them, but I think they loved it, from what they told us,” Millette said. “And we loved doing it, too. The way I see this, we’re paying it forward, teaching them what we have learned from our own experience.”
Millette said the unit’s combat deployments brought credibility and value to the training. “We have been there,” she said, citing her own deployment to Contingency Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq, from June 2006 to October 2007. “We have touched it and we have seen it and we have been there.”
Yesterday’s field-training exercise put the Malawian troops’ skills to the test in a realistic combat scenario. As a convoy advanced down the roadway, the second vehicle was hit by a simulated improvised explosive device, followed by an ambush. The troops quickly dismounted to suppress the ambush, then established security as soldiers exercised their new combat lifesaver skills on the casualties.
The “casualties” were moulaged to reflect their wounds. One soldier was “killed” during the attack. One suffered a gunshot wound to the neck, and another had a sucking chest wound. Two had less-threatening injuries: a leg fracture and bruises.
With red smoke still choking the ground, litter teams rushed in to triage the wounded and transport them to advanced-level care at a field hospital configured in a tent at the barracks compound.
“What you just saw was care under fire,” Army Maj. Jack Twomey, a 399th Combat Support Hospital nurse, told international observers attending the demonstration. It’s a time of quick decision-making for troops on the ground, he explained. A tourniquet applied to stop bleeding or an airway cleared to restore breathing can make the difference between life and death.
“It was good training,” Malawian Staff Sgt. George Matubwa said after the exercise. “We learned how to react to an ambush, both medically and tactically, and how to get the casualties and move them to advanced care.”
As the field hospital team went to work on the casualties, Malawi Defense Force Maj. Edward Mandala, the senior clinical officer, reflected on the increased confidence his soldiers showed in applying life-saving skills and moving casualties from the point of injury.
In addition to getting a refresher on their basic skills, the 399th classes had introduced them to new ones such as how to operate in a biological environment or conduct a mass casualty evacuation, he said.
Richey, who accompanied the Malawian soldiers through the field training exercise, gave their performance a thumbs up. “I love it when good training all comes together,” he said.
Citing his own experience, Richey said the training the Malawian soldiers received during Medreach 11 will provide a foundation for them to draw on when and if it’s needed.
“No scenario is ever the same,” he said. “You train from A to Z. Then, when you actually get in there, that training kicks in. As you are sizing up the scene, it all comes to you.”
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
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Pacific National's NR107 leads brand new build 9407 and NR2 as they cruise through Spotswood on 6AM5 intermodal from the Adelaide Freight Terminal to the Melbourne Freight Terminal
Operational Contract Support Joint Exercise 2016 provides training across the spectrum of OCS readiness from requirements and development of warfighter staff integration and synchronization through contract execution supporting the Joint Force Commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder/Released)
August 17, 2012
Minneapolis, Minnesota
A few people gathered in Minneapolis to support the feminist punk band Pussy Riot who were sentenced to 2 years in prison for "hooliganism" after recording a performance without permission in a Russian Orthodox church. The group's trademark look is a colored balaclava. There were only a few people here, but there were events at over 50 cities around the world for Global Pussy Riot Day.
Free Pussy Riot
2012-08-17 This content is provided under the terms of the Creative Commons public license, which among other things means you are free share, copy, distribute, transmit, remix and adapt this if you attribute it to Fibonacci Blue.
U.S. Embassy Staff march in support of ending violence
Making a stand and joining efforts in celebrating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign 2011 in Samoa, the Chargé d’Affaires Chad Berbert and staff of U.S. Embassy Apia joined more than 300 members of government ministries, diplomatic corps, international organizations and civil society groups in a march parade on November 25. The parade on Beach Road Apia transcended from the Police Headquarter to the Government Building at Matagialalua, where the marchers were met by the Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi.
Let’s End the Cycle of Violence
Chad J. Berbert
Chargé d’Affaires
U.S. Embassy Apia, Samoa
Violence against women and girls touches Samoa just as it does other nations. Gender-based violence is a global pandemic that cuts across all borders - ethnicity, race, socio-economic status, and religion. It can threaten women and girls at any point in their life- from female feticide and inadequate access to education and nutrition to child marriage, incest, and so-called "honor" killings. It can take the form of dowry -related murder or domestic violence, rape (including spousal rape), sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking in persons, or the neglect and ostracism of widows. One in three women around the world will experience some form of gender-based violence in her lifetime. In some countries that number is as high as 70 percent.
This year, we once again mark "16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence." It is clear that the international community must offer up more than words to answer the call to free women and girls from violence. Whether it happens behind closed doors or as a public tactic of intimidation, whether down the street or on distant shores, violence against women and girls damages us all - men and women alike.
We must stand up to the impunity that too often leaves the egregious perpetrators unaccountable for their crimes. We must redress the low status of women and girls around the world that renders them undervalued and vulnerable. Further, we must support the inclusion of men and boys in addressing and preventing violence and changing gender attitudes. We must increase accountability and commitment by community and government leaders on this issue, and we must highlight and promote effective programs that are already successfully at work.
These 16 Days are a sobering reminder that gender-based violence cannot be treated as solely a women's issue - it is a profound challenge for the entire world. Gender-based violence is not just an affront to human rights and dignity – it adversely impacts the welfare of our communities. When women and girls are abused, businesses close, incomes shrink, families go hungry, and children grow up internalizing behavior that perpetuates the cycle of violence. There is no end to the economic and detrimental social and health costs that come along with this brutality.
This damage is passed on to the rest of the community as judicial, health and security services are strained. Violence effectively acts as a cancer on societies, causing enormous upheaval in the progress of social and economic development. Physical violence vastly increases women's risk for a range of serious conditions, including reproductive health problems, miscarriages, and sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV. There are also strong linkages to maternal mortality, as well as poor child health, and morbidity.
The Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development has initiated various awareness programs such as the Gender Based Violence Project and the Mothers and Daughters Project. In civil society there have been tremendous contributions from NGO groups such as Samoa Victims Support Group, Mapusaga o Aiga, Pan Pacific South East Asian Women Association (PPSEAWA) of Samoa, and Faataua le Ola to name a few. These groups have worked tirelessly to bring to light gender violence issues and to help educate the public, prevent abuse, and break the cycle of violence.
These 16 days offer an opportunity to renew the commitment to free women and girls from the nightmare of violence. Countries cannot progress when half their populations are marginalized and mistreated, and subjected to discrimination. When women and girls are accorded their rights and afforded equal opportunities in education, healthcare, employment, and political participation, they lift up their families, their communities, and their nations – and act as agents of change.
As Secretary Clinton recently noted, "Investing in the potential of the world's women and girls is one of the surest ways to achieve global economic progress, political stability, and greater prosperity for women – and men - the world over."
Let’s make the investment. Let’s end the cycle of violence, not just for these 16 days but for our future.
The Support car from the video-game Mega Man Legends, an old favorite of mine. It was used as a means to quickly travel across Kattelox Island and also served as a place to repair/upgrade your items.
Plusieurs photos des ces supports extrémité nord du coté est montrent des atteintes importantes par la corrosion.
Ici on se questionne si ce ne serait pas là des amorces de fissures sur le rebord de la plaque. Celle ci montre à cet endroit beaucoup de dommage. Ce n'est pas là une pièce majeure, mais la situation semble se répéter sur les supports voisins. Puisque l'on a changé beaucoup des étrésillons la plaque aurait pu en plus subir des déformations. 31072016-IMG_5228ws
Flying support on the Mt. MacLean fire near Lillooet in 2009.
This helicopter was reported destroyed recently. The pilot made an emergency landing due to an engine chip light. During the two minute cool down, the engine came apart causing a fire which consumed the entire machine.
Gathering in Belgrade in the memory of the people killed during the attack of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo
Kerry & Ginny Dennehy, thank you for your support. I consider it a honour to dedicate our Mental Health Game to your late son Kelty.
We appreciate all you do for youth Mental Health.
Sincerely
Myles Mattila
Founder and Director
MindRight for Athletes Society
Enough is Enough - Youth Depression, Suicide Prevention
The Kelty Story by Kerry Dennehy
Teenage suicide and depression obviously has a dramatic effect on families, friends and communities. Ginny and Kerry Dennehy, Kelty's parents, are devoted to sharing their experiences with others to help educate and thereby reduce the tragedy of teenage suicide. Kerry shares his son's poignant story with courage and hope...
A small granite tablet in a quiet corner of the Whistler Cemetery marks the last resting place of our son. It reads, "Our Beautiful Boy", Kelty Patrick Dennehy, Nov. 23/83 - Mar 02/01. We were proud to have him in the same row with some of Whistler's early pioneers and legends, Myrtle Philip, Jean Tapley and Dave Murray, giving evidence to the fact that some souls live to a ripe old age and some are taken well before their time.
Kelty suffered from depression, which cast a cloud over his life that proved to be unmanageable. Kelty's friends, family, doctors and psychologists were never able to access, understand or manage his depression. Depression is a disease so insidious that only those who have suffered its depths can describe the loss of self, the loss of hope, and the blackness that snuffs out every ray of light.
Why depression strikes and manifests itself in certain individuals is largely a mystery. Studies indicated that Kelty fit a certain stereotype - a stereotype that most would be surprised to find was high risk for suicide.
Early childhood and youth painted the picture of a fairly typical boy who was average in school, loved sports and got along well with his peers. Kelty seemed to be a well-adjusted all around, likable kid, accepting the bumps and grinds of everyday living. My wife and I are from big, close families and we tried to give him all the love and attention we enjoyed in our own families. We played roles in coaching and supporting his soccer, baseball and hockey teams.
Kelty's first quantum leap into cultural shock came when he insisted that he enroll in Saskatchewan's Notre Dame College. Notre Dame is a private Jesuit school known for its high standards of academics and sports. At first Kelty had trouble adjusting and raised a fuss about coming home. Towards the end of the year he finally settled in and produced good showings on his report card and on the ice with the bantam hockey team.
The Kelty Story by Kerry Dennehy
Game Hosted by Myles Mattila
Kelty returned home to a summer job as a golf cart attendant at the Chateau Whistler Golf Course. That summer he announced he would like to return to Whistler Secondary School for grade 11. He certainly had developed maturity at Notre Dame, a place where he learned his position in the hierarchy quickly, a place where he cleaned dorms and washed pots, a place where attendance at church and Christian Studies was mandatory.
All seemed to be going smoothly and we took our family on a cruise through the Panama Canal. It was there that Kelty suffered from a paranoia anxiety attack. Having never had an indication of anything like this before, we were just as shocked and distressed as he was. Kelty lay low for a couple of days and with the help of the resident priest and the ship's doctor was able to function again well enough to finish the cruise. That year he went on to complete Grade 11 with top marks and graduation honors.
Several times we asked Kelty if he had any recurring incidents. He preferred to downplay it but admitted that he feared the anxiety attack might return.
He had a terrific winter with his many friends, snow boarding, playing Midget hockey, partying and driving our cars - in a responsible way. That summer he again returned to his summer job at the Chateau Whistler where he had the opportunity to hone his promising golf game.
Surprisingly, he announced that he wished to return to Notre Dame for Grade 12. He said he wanted to rekindle the bonds with his classmates and achieve some of the academic goals that would send him off to Bishop's University. He knew Bishop's had high standards so Kelty progressed from an average student to what some would call an over achiever. His nickname at Notre Dame was "crazy" because he would get up so early to study. As well, he represented Notre Dame on the school golf team, playing in the Saskatchewan Provincials. Knowing he would never make the NHL, Kelty settled for assistant captain on the Notre Dame junior "C" team and traveled throughout the province enjoying both the game and the camaraderie.
The Kelty Story by Kerry Dennehy
At Christmas we took a vacation in Mexico that the whole family enjoyed. The first indication that Kelty's problems were reoccurring was as he was preparing to return to Notre Dame. He had done well at school, except in Math, which he was planning to repeat. Almost as soon as he returned, his mood changed. He became anxious about things in general, worrying about school, his mother's job, his father's well being, his grandfather, his sister and his uncle's bout with cancer. His anxiety led to lack of sleep, then a lack of focus, as he seemed to spiral down into depression. We encouraged him to open up to his house parent, his peers, and his religion. We set him up with a counselor and had him checked by a doctor.
Nothing seemed to help as he spiraled downward. He pleaded with us to come out and be with him. The pleading turned to begging as the phone calls, often mixed with tears and despondency, were increased to 3 and 4 times a day. We finally agreed that I would go out for a weekend.
I greeted him, realizing how much he needed me. We holed up in a motel room and went over his despondency. Here is my son - big, strong, beautiful hockey player and leader, fine student, good looking and charismatic, a kid who loves humor and goofing around with friends - weeping on my shoulder in a motel room in Regina, asking me what's wrong with him. Why can't he just be his normal self? Why can't he sleep or concentrate? Why was this black dog called depression so relentlessly attacking him? I was devastated and tried my best to accept what he said and to lead him out of harm's way. We prayed together, made up workbooks and a diary to help him objectify the situation. We went to the best restaurants, laughed when we could, and I treated him to some new hockey gear... anything that he wanted. When the time came for me to return to Vancouver it felt more like abandonment. As soon as I arrived home he was on the telephone to my wife, asking to come home - at least for a visit
The Kelty Story by Kerry Dennehy
We tried reasoning but realized from Kelty's tone of voice that he was very desperate. So we decided that my wife, Ginny, would make the trip to Notre Dame. She went through many of the same things I did. By that time, Kelty was on antidepressants, which we were told, would take several weeks to take effect. Ginny reluctantly left Kelty, soon followed by his relentless calls to return home.
Kelty was desperate in his attempts to stop the downward spiral of depression, so we agreed to a five-day trial return home. Back in Whistler, he seemed calmer but exhausted. We were told to encourage exercise and his many friendships, so he spent the next few days snow boarding surrounded by his Whistler chums (male and female). The five days soon ended and he pleaded for us to let him stay. He said, "I just need to be in a safe place." In fact he broke down in the car one day and said "Dad, I don't know what is wrong with me. I just want to be a normal kid like I was before. Dad, hide the guns. I am not kidding. Hide the guns. Dad you have to let me stay. I can't go back."
I too broke down, knowing he was in such serious trouble that we had to have him close to us. I agreed to keep him here. I made him promise me that he would be safe if he stayed home. I promised him that he would get better with the antidepressants and the love and nurturing provided by his family and friends. Neither of us kept our promise.
I hung a cross in the place where Kelty took his life, and I often look up at it and ask "Why"? I think of what could have been. I think of his pain and suffering. The only way he could think to end the pain was to end his life. His defenses were so low - his resistance none.
Our beautiful daughter Riley wanted to continue her brother's tradition and asked to go to Notre Dame for grade 10. She has just returned for Thanksgiving, five days early. All the girls did. They were sent home because a depressed classmate took her own life in the dormitory washroom. Teenage suicide has reached epidemic proportions.
We have to help save some of these young lives.
Afghan refugees who supported Canada’s mission in Afghanistan board buses after arriving in Canada at Toronto Pearson International Airport on August 13, 2021.
Please credit: Cpl Rachael Allen, Canadian Forces Combat Camera, Canadian Armed Forces Photo
~
Des réfugiés afghans qui ont soutenu la mission du Canada en Afghanistan montent à bord d’autobus après leur arrivée au Canada, à l’aéroport international Pearson de Toronto, le 13 août 2021.
Photo : Cpl Rachael Allen, Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes, Forces armées canadiennes
stoneledge farms CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Local Farming Week Twenty: Mizuna, Potatoes, Cabbage, Parsley, Collards, Radish, Celeriac, Pop Corn, Garlic,
Gourds
TAO generally supports orphans & vulnerable children by training their carers to create agri-businesses. At times we also support capital projects, such as this project to build demonstration housing in central and western Uganda. Houses with corrugated iron roofs from which water was collected into ferro-concrete water tanks were built for around 50 households, a number of them – such as this one, actually headed up by orphans.
In all, 600 households were supported to improve their farming, 230 received ferro-concrete water tanks and TAO worked with the remaining participating families to help them generate and save farming income to fund their own houses and water tanks.
Find out more about our work at www.trustforafricasorphans.org.uk.
View our 21 photos in celebration of our 21st anniversary.
Joint Forces Training Base home to energy-efficient headquarters
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. -- Soldiers, family members and civilians of the 79th Sustainment Support Command will soon have a new headquarters, organizational maintenance area and acres of parking at the Joint Forces Training Base here. The work is all part of a nearly $25 million project managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District.
Andy Stevens of Retrofit Services Company from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., was onsite Sept. 12 putting the finishing touches on the computerized building management system that will control the state-of-the-art energy efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for the headquarters building. The system uses multiple condensers and is nearly 30 percent more efficient than systems of just five years ago.
"This one [building zone] is calling for one stage cool, fans on, temperature is 72 [degrees] in the zone and the set point is 72, so it's doing just fine," said Stevens. "You can change your occupancy status at any time, emergency override it, shut it down and we do have the chemical alert push-buttons that will close all dampers inside and out."
The alert buttons are located throughout the facility and once activated because of an attack or a release of hazardous chemicals, no air is allowed in or out of the building to protect the occupants, according to Maj. Phillip Oster, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District's Santa Ana Resident Office deputy who oversees the project.
To reduce construction costs and increase future savings, the project is using eco-friendly features, like re-cycled material, and in the case of the covered parking lots, they will generate energy with a photovoltaic system. The contract partner's quality assurance manager for the project explained the feature.
"At peak, they produce 375 KVA [kilovolt-amps]," said Edward Desmond, Cox Construction of Vista, Calif. "In theory, it's enough power to offset the footprint of the Army Reserve Center building."
While not designated a net-zero facility, the extensive use of energy efficient materials during construction will enable the photovoltaic system to actually return power to the Los Alamitos grid, off-setting the operating costs of other buildings on the base, according to Desmond.
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated the use of "low flush" urinals in government facilities. This project takes it a step further with water-free urinals. The USACE Engineer Research and Development Center estimates that they pay for themselves in six-months to three years and the cost savings don't end there. All new Army construction is designed to satisfy the Silver-level standards of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system, in accordance with the U.S. Green Building Council guidance.
According Oster, the project is in the "punch list" stage with safety officials, contractors and District project delivery teams making final inspections before furniture is installed and the customer takes possession of the ARC in October.
Operational Contract Support Joint Exercise 2016 provides training across the spectrum of OCS readiness from requirements and development of warfighter staff integration and synchronization through contract execution supporting the Joint Force Commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder/Released)
✹ To see a view of the complete box - including the lid - click here.
This box is one of 20 different boxes for sale by auction on eBay in support of survivors of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan. Click here to visit / to return to the eBay listing [Item number: 120728893154]. The auction for this item closes on Friday the 3rd of June 2011 at 01:50 a.m. British Summer Time (UTC + 1).
✹ Click here to see a thumbnail overview of all the boxes, or watch a Slideshow of all the boxes.
Proceeds of the auction - after eBay and PayPal fees have been deducted - will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
✹ To see a larger, more detailed, view of this picture click on the small magnifying glass icon at the top right of the picture, then click on "View all sizes", then click on "Original" - which displays the largest and best quality image.
About the Japanese Red Cross Society
The Japanese Red Cross are one of three major fundraising organisaitions based in Japan (the other two being the Japanese broadcaster NHK and the Red Feather Central Community Chest of Japan - originally a post World War II re-building organisation). You can download two english language reports relating to the disaster from the Japanese Red Cross website:
Operations Update No.1 - 13th April 2011 [.pdf file, retrieved 17th May 2011]
Operations Update No.2 - 6th May 2011 [.pdf file, retrieved 17th May 2011]
Over two months on, the needs of many of the survivors remain desperately basic. There has been an increased incidence of pneumonia and associated fatalities. As well as helping with practical and medical requirements, the Japanese Red Cross Society are helping people deal with "Shell Shock" / Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and further developing services to address these issues.
Perhaps most impressively, they helped quickly set up a management structure to co-ordinate help from all the major fundraisers, a committee including academics and representatives from the 15 most badly affected prefectures [local governments]. The pre-existing local Red Cross chapters [branches] are helping with governance.
Although Japan has a large economy, and domestically the japanese have been hugely generous towards aid efforts, like everywhere else, many people of course are not personally rich. There is still epic upheaval. Much of welfare is normally provided by family and community, a system that breaks down when whole barrios are fragmented and diminished. Services like adoption and fostering, for example - normally always done by relatives - are having to be developed. A planning policy of building schools on higher ground saved many children, but even after encouraging teachers back out of retirement, there is still a shortage of experienced teachers. Japan is mostly mountains and sea, with very little spare land suitable for building, and so - while rebuilding takes place - temporary accommodation has had to be built on land normally reserved for other activities, for example on school playgrounds.
If you enjoy shopping in support of the Japanese Red Cross Society, you might also like Tomodachi Calling, a cafepress web store / shop (recommend by a fellow flickrer schmid91, who helped document the aftermath of the tsunami in Ishinomaki Myagi prefecture).
Japan based english language online newspapers
About the decorative hexagonal origami gift box
The box is made up from 12 square origami papers - 6 for the lid and 6 for the base. No cutting, glue or adhesive tape is used.
Although Japan has a long tradition of paper folding, the design of the box is modern, by Tomoko Fuse 布施 知子, who is a renown unit origami designer and artist. Unit origami is a method of building up models using pre-folded components or units.
If you are an accurate and consistent paper folder, but are new to unit origami, and you would like to make your own box, I would recommend her book "Origami Boxes: Moribana Style" [# ISBN-10: 0870408216 - # ISBN-13: 978-0870408212] as an excellent introduction. Connecting the units together can be a bit fiddly at first, and the book also includes designs for more simple square and triangular boxes, which give the opportunity to practice and develop the skills needed for doing the final assembly.
(Until Asimo gets a bit more nimble fingered, the box is unlikely to flood the market anytime soon...)
If you get the bug, she has also created and written about very much more complex models. "Unit Origami: Multidimensional Transformations" [ISBN-10: 0870408526 - ISBN-13: 978-0870408526] is considered a classic text on the subject.
Paper making was a traditional supplemental business of farmers in Japan during the winter. The very cold water during that season enabled the fibres in the pulp to be soaked without becoming subject to decay, and some also argue that cold shrinks the fibres, creating a finer, crisper paper.
When Helene was in the hospital for the first time in July, a great friend of hers brought in a home made set of lungs containing images of some of her good friends
Husky is a new protected support vehicle, providing commanders with a highly mobile and flexible load carrying vehicle.
This has been designed for a range of Afghanistan missions, including transporting food, water and ammunition, and acting as a command vehicle at headquarters.
Some vehicles will be fitted out as protected ambulances.
Equipped with a machine gun, Husky will join its sister vehicles Wolfhound and Coyote as part of the £350m Tactical Support Vehicle programme.
This image is available for non-commercial, high resolution download at www.defenceimages.mod.uk subject to terms and conditions. Search for image number 45151142.jpg
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Photographer: Andrew Linnett
Image 45151142.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk
National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from New Hampshire, New Jersey, and several other states prepare to be deputized by Lamont J. Ruffin, chief deputy U.S. marshal for Washington, D.C., in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., Jan. 16, 2021. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from several states have traveled to Washington to provide support to federal and district authorities leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Whitney Hughes)
The business side of the Rt. 4 bridge over Quechee Gorge, in Vermont... "The Green State".
(Most cameras get pointed DOWN here, to the river 165 feet below.)
Members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District’s Forward Engineer Support Team – Advance participate in Exercise Arctic Edge April 20-30, 2010, where they assisted with aerial route reconnaissance, bridge assessment and contingency gap crossing expertise. Read more about it at www.army.mil/-news/2010/04/07/36961-europe-engineer-suppo... (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)
Photo Credit: Smithsonian's National Zoo
Shop for the Holidays and Support the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
This holiday season, shop at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for gifts your loved ones will give a hoot, whoop and roar about! Spot a great find for the animal person in your life during your next visit to the Zoo, or shop the online catalogue. By giving a Zoo gift, you become a conservationist—all proceeds support animal care, science and research at the National Zoo.
Adopt a Species
Earlier this year, visitors met Kavi, the National Zoo’s newest—and presently its only—male Sumatran tiger. Kavi arrived in early June and settled nicely into his new home at the Great Cats exhibit, where keepers are introducing him to the Zoo’s young female tiger, Damai. Hopefully, the two will breed and produce cubs this winter!
Celebrate his arrival this holiday season with an Adopt a Species package that supports these fascinating felines. With a donation of $65 or more, your special someone will receive a gift set that includes a cuddly plush tiger, a colorful photo, an adoption certificate and more delivered inside an “animal carrier” box.
There are plenty of other Adopt a Species packages, including a new $50 package that includes a certificate, replica paw print of your adopted species and letter of appreciation. Proceeds from Adopt a Species support animal care, habitat improvement and enrichment at the Zoo. Visit the Zoo’s website to view all 16 Adopt a Species packages.
Learn more: nationalzoo.si.edu/Support/AdoptSpecies/.
For Children
Plush Wolf: $20
Two beautiful gray wolves named Crystal and Coby made their debut over the summer at the National Zoo’s new American Trail exhibit. In celebration of their arrival, the Zoo invites kids of all ages to bring home an animal friend with this soft plush wolf pup. Its distinctive expressions and realistic features make this 16” cuddly arm-full a great friend for any canine fan.
Learn more: nationalzoostore.tamretail.net/NavPage.aspx?navid=1000008.
Animal Purse: $22
Animal prints will always be fashionable! Stay in style with colorful owl and butterfly purses. Made of designer fabric, each purse features working zippers, an inside pocket and a sturdy 10”strap.
Learn more: nationalzoostore.tamretail.net/NavPage.aspx?navid=1000009.
For Your Favorite Zoo Animal
Gift giving is for the birds…and the apes…and the bears! What better way to honor your friends and family than to give a gift in their name while enriching the life of a special animal at the Zoo? Enrichment items encourage animals to use problem-solving skills and help give visitors a glimpse into the natural behaviors of their favorite fauna.
Love to shop? Check out the Enrichment Giving Tree wish list and drop off your gifts at the Zoo’s Visitor Center for the animal care staff to distribute. Prefer shopping from home? Choosing your favorite item is as easy as the click of a mouse in the Zoo’s online store—we’ll deliver your gifts straight to our animals. Can’t decide? Make a donation to the Zoo’s animal enrichment program.
Learn more: nationalzoo.si.edu/Support/MakeDonation/GivingTree.cfm.
Munch Balls, $10
The munch ball’s natural wicker construction makes this chewable toy suitable for any bird. The Zoo’s parrots like this enrichment, especially when filled with delicious grapes and other treats.
“Kabob” Skewer, $15
Keepers spear delicious fresh fruit or vegetables on to the Kabob Skewer and hang them in various places in each exhibit, encouraging the Zoo’s birds to forage as they would in the wild.
Tough Tire, $63
The tough tire is a great enrichment item for many species at the National Zoo. It floats and is strong enough to endure a playful sea lion’s jaws. A version with holes can even make a handy puzzle feeder for elephants and bears.
Bungee Ball, $116
Our great apes and big cats have a ball with the Bungee Ball! Why add a bungee cord to a hanging toy? It offers the Zoo’s animals a new challenge every time they interact with this enrichment and keeps their day-to-day life interesting and exciting.
Ball-inside-ball, $156
The ball-inside-ball is a favorite toy of the Zoo’s bears, primates, and small mammals. Sloth bears are entertained by the challenge of getting the smaller ball out of the larger one, especially when there’s food inside.
Leave a Legacy: Elephant Trails Commemorative Brick
The National Zoo is almost ready to reveal Phase II of Elephant Trails! In spring 2013, this exciting new exhibit will open to the Zoo’s multi-generational herd of Asian elephants, giving them additional space for exercise, shelter and stimulation. Trumpet your support for the Zoo’s elephants by purchasing a 4” X 8” Commemorative Brick. With a gift of $250, a brick will be engraved with your name and/or personalized message, installed in the surrounding walkway and displayed for decades to come. Life-size elephant footprints are available for larger donations. All proceeds support the Zoo’s Asian elephant breeding and research program.
Learn more: nationalzoo.si.edu/Support/AnnualAppeal/ElephantTrek/defa....
Leave a Legacy: Zoo Carousel
This November, National Zoo visitors will delight in the Zoo’s latest attraction: the Conservation Carousel! Opening just in time for ZooLights, the carousel features beloved species such as giant pandas, African lions, and cuttlefish. Adorned with colorful scenery, the top of the carousel highlights some of the world’s most beautiful and majestic birds in flight. Your $500 donation will sponsor a beautiful hand-painted and hand-carved scenery panel, shield or mural. Donors or their honorees will receive recognition on a plaque beneath their figure for 10 years.
Learn more: nationalzoo.si.edu/Support/MakeDonation/carousel.cfm.
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The Beast is fully deboxed, and is standing, supported by a Kaiser stand.
Detailed photos of the newly released Disney Film Collection Beast doll, from the live action Beauty and the Beast (Disney Store, $34.95). He was released on January 16, 2017 online and in stores in the US. He is 13 inches tall, has a molded tail attached to the rear of his pants, has molded hair and horns on his head, has padding in his jacket to make him more robust, has ball jointed elbows, but fixed wrists and has hinge jointed knees. He isn't stable enough free standing, so I put him on a Kaiser stand for the photo session.
Your little feet dangle far from the ground
What love your mother and I have found
So precious and small so innocent and pure
Our love is so strong it almost feels obscure
So until those little feet can stand on their own
Don't be afraid you're not alone