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Filed Under (Activism, Sharks, Special Events, Summer Sharktakular 2010, conservation) by Alexa & Cindy on 25-07-2010

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 ”SHARKS…what? No way! I HATE sharks and I don’t want to know anything more about them!”

That is just the response I got from Pat, over three years ago. Today, Pat is one of my most avid Shark Finatics.

“We fear what we don’t know.” It so holds true with the world of sharks.

At one time or another, we fall prey to media sensationalism. We have become accustomed to the reports of injuries or death related to auto accidents, disease, and so forth. But, when a shark is implicated, you can almost hear the gasps. Thank you, “JAWS,” your impact will never be forgotten!

Do we continue to fall into our comfort zone of being deathly afraid of these amazing creatures or do we take the time to get the facts?

Shark Finatics! students show their stuff.

The Shark Finatics decided it would be way more beneficial to get the facts. We have spent a few years researching and learning as much as we can about the world of sharks. They have been here for over four hundred million years. How can we even begin to process that information? Through periods of extinction, when other species died out, the mighty shark remained.

Having to evolve very little, this incredible predator has managed to survive. But, is his time on this planet starting to run out?

Sharks play an essential role in our marine ecosystem. They are here for a reason and we need to ensure their continued existence.

The Shark Finatics believe it begins with education.

Our motto is “Learning, Teaching, Saving.” We are committed to learning all we can about sharks and then take every opportunity to teach others.

We have found that most people we talk to know nothing about shark finning. If enough people learn about this horrific practice and get angry, then maybe they will begin to take action. It is easy to be sympathetic towards the abused puppy or kitten. They’re warm and fuzzy. Sharks, meanwhile, are busy disputing their undeserved reputation as beach-clearing man-eathers. It is up to each of us to take the time to discover how truly magnificent sharks are.

Kids, look at what Alexa, as well as the Shark Finatics, are doing. They recognize the importance of nature’s gifts and are investing much time and energy into making a difference.

You can do the same. Form groups or clubs and gather information. There is so much available at your fingertips. Get involved with a conservation organization. They all love when children show their concern. Teach your classmates and friends…get them excited.

After all, you will be growing up in this world and right now, this world needs a lot of help.

It is such a great feeling to know that you are doing something to ensure a healthy planet.

Sharks need you and they need you now. And who knows, maybe you can be as lucky as the Shark Finatics and become an Ocean Hero. I believe Alexa is well on her way to becoming one!

~Robin Culler

Robin Culler with her Shark Finatics!

 Oceana’s 2010 Junior Ocean Hero award winner Robin Culler needs almost nothing written about her here, as we’re sure that 95% of you know who she is. If not, now you do.

 She teaches at Green Chimneys, a New York school that utilizes animal-assisted therapy to support emotionally impaired children, K-12, in their learning careers. It all started for Robin when she picked up a little book on sharks in the classroom one day because she didn’t have a lesson prepared. The rest is now a piece of Sharktakular history…lucky sharks! And lucky us, for having Robin and the Finatics as O4E friends.

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MEGApage-turners: sharks in popular fiction

Filed Under (Sharks, Summer Sharktakular 2010, conservation) by Alexa & Cindy on 25-07-2010

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 What would a Sharktakular be without a MEGALODON lurking around?

Today, we hear from NY Times best-selling science fiction author Steve Alten, who penned the wildly successful MEG series, starring a giant prehistoric shark called a Megalodon. His thoughts need no paraphrasing:

As the author of the MEG series, centered around Carcharodon megalodon, I am often asked how I came to write the first novel. As a teen, I loved reading about shark attack stories and found there was always a blurb about the Great White shark’s monstrous cousin. In each of the four MEG novels, I try to weave ocean science into the story.

With only about 5% of the oceans having been explored, and less than 1% of the abyss, much of what lies below the surface remains a mystery. What we do know, however, is that, if our species is to survive we must protect our oceans and its inhabitants…especially the sharks.

Sharks serve an important role in the oceans’ ecology, and Megdalon aside, most have no interest in humans.

Sadly, each year, industry butchers sharks by the tens of thousands, slicing off their fins for shark fin soup, then tossing the wounded fish back into the sea to die. Yes, the world has bigger problems to deal with, but protecting the shark population is a positive step in protecting our own future.

What better way to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Jaws than to take a stance against this senseless killing.

~Steve Alten

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The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Shark Conservation

Filed Under (Activism, Sharks, Special Events, Summer Sharktakular 2010, conservation) by Alexa & Cindy on 25-07-2010

Tagged Under : , , ,

  All week long during the Sharktakular, we’ve heard guest posters encourage us to educate ourselves and those around us about sharks and shark conservation by forming groups, joining groups, and getting out there ourselves and making a difference. But we aren’t all ”.orgs” with nonprofit, government-recognized status, so how can we really help?

Sonja Fordham, president of the newly formed, non-governmental initiative Shark Advocates International,  joins the Sharktakular to tell us yes, we can and illuminates the important role of the non-govermental organization in shark conservation today.

Sonja Fordham: I’ve been working in shark conservation for nearly 20 years and I have never seen a time when more conservation-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were involved in the issue. This terrific development should give us all hope that the tide is turning and many more sharks will get the protections they need before it’s too late.

The NGOs I consider as “conservation minded” actually represent a range of perspectives including protection, sustainable fisheries, non-consumptive use, research, social equity, and animal welfare. As a result of these various core aims as well as differing skills, priorities and reach, these groups play a variety of roles in the development of shark fishing and trade rules.

I see this diversity as a strength of the shark conservation movement, in that together we cover many bases and bring many voices to the table. Of course, when groups representing all these perspectives agree, it can be particularly powerful.

Most of the NGOs engaged in shark conservation aim to promote healthy shark populations and stop overfishing and waste of sharks. Many also oppose inhumane treatment of sharks, certain fishing gear types or products, and/or shark fishing altogether.

Together, these groups generally serve to speak for the sharks and the public interest, educate the public and policy makers, balance short-term economic interests, bridge the gap between science and policy, and promote research. In terms of activities, NGO representatives might meet with government officials, provide testimony on proposed management actions, alert others to opportunities to influence such measures, issue reports and articles, generate media attention, serve on advisory panels, take legal action, hold rallies, and/or disrupt fishing operations or negotiations.

My new organization, Shark Advocates International, was established as a project of The Ocean Foundation to advance science-based national and international shark conservation policies. We specialize in translating scientific advice into fishing and trade limits through active participation in shark management debates and processes.

Long-term “in the trenches” experience helps us in our efforts to defend existing shark safeguards and promote positive changes. Most of our advocacy work is done in a collaborative way, mainly by forming coalitions of NGOs and scientists to take a common stand on a shark management issue and then making timely appeals to government on behalf of those interests.

The growing NGO interest in sharks is resulting in heightened sensitivity to the issue within governments and increased acceptance by more traditional stakeholders, as well as new and improved shark conservation policies. At the same time, NGOs remain outnumbered in the shark fisheries management arena and our battle is still an uphill one. In too many cases, time is running out.

I find great promise in on-line forums such as this one which are breaking new ground and uniting the diverse array of people who want to see sharks better protected. I am hopeful that together we can focus and enhance the influence of the NGO community with respect to shark conservation decisions and, in turn, build a brighter future for these valuable yet vulnerable animals.

We welcome your assistance with our cause.

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Cheerleading is now a sport in Texas

This is a real thing.

Cheerleading will finally get its tryout from the University Interscholastic League.

After a hearty debate and a failed first vote, the UIL Legislative Council approved a one-year pilot program to hold a league-sanctioned cheerleading competition for the 2015-16 school year.

Crowning state champions in each of the state’s six classifications, the “Game Day Cheer” competition will be the first cheerleading event in the league’s history.

“As big as cheerleading is in Texas, I feel like a lot of people will gravitate to this,” Highland Park cheerleading coach Jason McMahan said. “Not only because it’s new, but also because it gives them an opportunity to showcase their athletes and their abilities vs. just their home crowd seeing them on the sidelines.”

Passage of the proposal wasn’t easy.

After squeaking through the UIL’s Standing Committee on Policy on Tuesday, the concept faced similar skepticism and criticism from many on the full council on Wednesday.

Normally, the league moves at a glacial level, with a proposal waiting six months between approval from a subcommittee to a final vote. The cheerleading concept, however, was fast-tracked — with league staff asking for its approval less than a day after moving out of committee, in an attempt to get the event launched for the upcoming school year.

Many of the 32-member council didn’t like the speed of that process, with only seven members — including Duncanville ISD Superintendent Alfred Ray and Katy ISD’s Alton Frailey — initially voting in favor of the pilot program.

“The main reason that I can support this is that we can keep our kids involved and we can keep them safe,” said Frailey, the former DeSoto superintendent.

Richardson ISD Superintendent Kay Waggoner originally voted against the proposal, concerned with the readiness of districts to pay for additional expenses and provide oversight to another activity.

Only when implementation of the pilot was pushed back to the 2015-16 school year did the program gain approval.

“I think the folks around this table were concerned on how it would affect their budget on such short notice, and how it might affect their student body because of other activities that they’ve signed up for,” Breithaupt said. “To give more detail as we move forward, so that they can share it with people they represent, I think that’s fair.”

An earlier story has some of the background on this.

“It’s a controversial topic — it just is,” UIL executive director Charles Breithaupt said. “I’m just interested in doing what’s best for an activity that’s kind of been ignored, to be honest with you. Give them a state championship for all the things that they do.”

Game Day Cheer would differ from a competitive cheerleading event, Breithaupt said. The elements of the UIL contest would mimick what cheerleaders do during a pep rally or on the sidelines, without the high-flying tosses and difficult gymnastics found in competitive cheer.

In a 2012-13 National Federation of State High School Associations survey, 32 states held girls’ “competitive spirit squad” competitions, with 116,508 students participating nationwide, the ninth-most popular girls’ athletic activity.

Bringing cheerleading under the umbrella of the UIL has gained momentum over the last 18 months. In a letter to the UIL in January 2012, the Texas Medical Association asked the league for oversight of cheerleading, saying it would “be a bold move to ensure we have a state system focused on injury prevention under consistent, evidence-based safety guidelines.” As a result, the league’s medical advisory committee recommended in April 2013 that cheerleading be included in the list of activities that abide by the UIL’s safety and health regulations.

A former football coach and athletic director, Breithaupt said his opinion evolved from that point.

“If we are going to make them comply with all the other standards, to me it just makes sense,” Breithaupt said. “It’d be like, for example, if we said, ‘OK, we don’t sanction lacrosse, but we are going to require you to follow all of our rules.’”

You may be shaking your head about this, but the UIL is just following the official recommendation of the American Medical Association.

The American Medical Association adopted a policy declaring cheerleading a sport at its annual meetings Monday, weighing in on a long-lasting debate with a solid reason in mind: giving cheerleading “sport” status at high schools across the country would make it safer by increasing training and safety measures to protect its participants.

Cheerleading, according to the AMA and other independent researchers, is the leader in catastrophic injuries in female athletes, and considering it a sport would help increase training and awareness among coaches, parents, and cheerleaders themselves, the AMA said.

“These girls are flipping 10, 20 feet in the air,” Dr. Samantha Rosman said at the meeting, according to the Associated Press. “We need to stand up for what is right for our patients and demand they get the same protection as their football colleagues.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics designated cheerleading a sport two years ago, and 35 states and Washington D.C. have declared it a sport at the high school level. The AMA policy means that it will push remaining states and sports bodies to adopt the designation.

You can now add Texas to the list of adopters. As that article above noted, concussions are a big issue in cheerleading, and unlike in other sports, the risk is even higher in practice than at games. One of the effects of the UIL declaring it a sport is that practices can now be regulated in the same way as other sports. Hopefully, that will help reduce the injury risk.

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20 Adorable Ways to Use Wine Barrels for Your Country Wedding

For couples who are not into formal, modern affairs, country rustic wedding theme will be a great choice, which offers an opportunity to inject the newlywed’s personality into the country themed ceremony and reception, and they can also be expressed by the decoration elements. So today we’re talking about one of the hottest decoration elements-wine barrels, perfect for a winery country wedding.

wine barrel and chalkboard sign for wedding ceremony decoration ideas

Erica Mae Photography via Wedding Chicks

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Melissa Schollaert

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Matt Edge Photography

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Wedding Events Design

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Rachel May Photography

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Cute DIY Projects

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Lowe Photos

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wine barrels inspired country wedding decoration ideas

Perfect 35 Centerpieces for 2017 Wedding Ideas

As an important part of your big day, centerpieces set the tone for an entire wedding event, for instance, we choose lanterns for vintage weddings, mason jars for rustic theme, and some gorgeous fancy tall designs for elegant fairy tale style. Here we got some gorgeous popular wedding centerpieces for to match with different wedding themes. Check and see which is your favorite styles.

Tall Wedding Centerpieces

tall wedding centerpieces with floral for 2017

Photo Credits: Z Media Photography| Melvin Gilbert Photography via Belle The Magazine| Weddings by Nicola & Glen|Wed Luxe

Wedding Centerpieces with Candles

romantic wedding centerpieces with candles for 2017 trends

Photo Credits: Deer Pearl Flowers|Hi Miss Puff| Ever After Guide|Oh Best Day Ever

2017 Trending Greenery Centerpieces

2017 trending greenery wedding centerpiece ideas

Photo Credits: Rock My Wedding|Wedding Forward|Apartment Therapy|Mod Wedding|Wedding Chicks

Centerpieces with Lanterns

vintage wedding centerpieces with lanterns

Country Rustic Themes

country rustic wedding centerpiece ideas with wood

See Credits Here

Best 8 Infographics to Help You with Your Wedding Planning

What we love about wedding planning infographics are the cool new ideas that keep us on our toes throughout the process. From the commonly asked questions for wedding venues down to the foods you should avoid just before the wedding, we have you covered with these super helpful tips from the professionals. Take a look, and get inspired!

#1.Monthly Wedding To-do List

wedding timeline checklist for planning

Credits and Downloads Here

#2.When Choosing Your Wedding Venue

questions about wedding venues ideas

Wedding Party

#3.When Not Sure about Wedding Photography

how to choose wedding photography ideas

Wedding Party

#4.When Not Sure about Wedding Bouquets

how to choose wedding bouquets for your wedding planning

Mod Wedding

#5.When Planning Your Tablescape

wedding tablescape setting ideas for planning

Once Wed

#6.How to Choose Wedding Cakes

how to choose wedding cakes when planning your big day

#7.Should I Invite Them to the Wedding

wedding guests checklist for wedding planning ideas

Wedding Forward

#8.Guide to Address Wedding Invitations

guide to address wedding invitations

Mod Wedding

20 Perfect Wedding Cakes for 2017 Trends

Towering tiers of white fondant will probably never go out of style. Also, less-than-classic confections have earned their place on the wedding dessert table and we couldn’t be more excited to take a bite out of this yummy trend. Nowadays, more and more couples are hungry for a big day treat that’s more reflective of their personal, unique style cakes. These stunning wedding cakes are crazy-cool and dripping with personality, thanks to geometric detailing, moody dark hues, metallic flourishes, and florals. Check out these gorgeous wedding cakes and let me know which is your cup of tea.

buttercream wedding cakes with flowers

Rachel Whyte Photography via Style Me Pretty

chic rustic white and green wedding cakes for 2017 trends

From The Daisies via Junebug Weddings

ivory wedding cakes with detailed lace and flowers modern metallic silver and white wedding cakes

Cake by Nicole Via cakebynicole.com|Cakes 2 Cupcakes via Mod Wedding

fall flowers inspired wedding cakes for 2017

Taylor Cole Photography via Wedding Chicks

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Deer Pearl Flowers

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Krista A. Jones Photography and Design

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K. Stone Photography via Brides|Amilia Photography via The Perfect Palette

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Alisa Ferris

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Mercedes Morgan Photography via Mod Wedding|Katherine O’Brien Photography via ModWedding

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Alisa Ferris

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Maria Lamb

shades of blue geode wedding cakes for 2017 trends

Kristen Joy Photography

unique white and green wedding cakes for winter wedding ideas

LV Imagery via Ruffled

2017 trending stunning wedding cakes for wedding ideas

Amelia Sposa Wedding Dresses 2017 Collection

If you think the previous collections by this Italian label are impossibly beautiful to begin with, Amelia Sposa’s 2017 Royal Blue bridal collection will bowl you over yet again! This season, the wedding dresses get even more exquisitely detailed, with lavish crystals, sequins, metallic threads and beads further enhancing the intricate embroideries and laces that adorn each look. To Know more about Amelia Sposa, here’s the story.

“In 1983 la Signora Amelia was just 20, she was a young seamstress with a passion for design and tailoring. It was then, when she left her beloved city in the South of Italy, Potenza, and started to work, drawing and making beautiful wedding dresses for some of the Italian fashion brands. Amelia always tried to give to each dress realized the freshness of the youth, the love for life, the joy, the happiness, which every woman should feel in such a day so significant and unforgettable. The brightness. For more than 30 years Amelia has been working with this aim, to make each bride a bride full of brightness through the dress she is wearing the wedding day.

And it’s with the same state of mind that after many years, the daughter and the son of Amelia, Giulia e Michele wanted to take over this experience, creating a new brand and a new company with an ancient heart and the usual aim: to make a bride happy. Obviously the company’s name is “Amelia” , and la Signora Amelia herself still full of energy, checks out every day the work of her small but competitive team of designers and tailors who try to offer worldwide dresses full of grace and brightness just like should be the woman who is going to wear them.”-Amelia Sposa

off the shoulder mermaid wedding dress from Amelia Sposa 2017

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All images are from Amelia Sposa. For more details, please visit their website.

20 Amazing Wedding Engagement Rings for 2017 Trends

Getting engaged is such an exciting time in life, and your special ring is something that you will wear forever. One of a kind and once in a lifetime, engagement rings is special kind of jewelry. Hand crafted, halo, vintage or rose gold – shopping for an engagement ring can be a little overwhelming. We have the advice and inspiration to help you. Wedding ring sets provide uniform look while nontraditional designs can be with a totally different metal or style. There are no specific rules for choosing the perfect engagement ring, you must listen your heart and hopefully a hint from you future MRS. There are so many different types of ring to choose from, so if you need some inspiration before you drop those hints to your special someone, look no further. Whatever your tastes and personality, your perfect ring exists. I hope these perfect engagement ring ideas inspire you to make a right choice.

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20 Perfect Centerpieces for Romantic Winter Wedding Ideas

While summer and fall brides seem to get most of the attention on wedding planning, there are really thousands ways to create a dreamy wedding in the winter than you can image. From snowy kisses to candlelit and cinnamon scented rooms and warming hot chocolate bars, winter wedding ideas are truly some of our favorites. What we have today is the winter wedding centerpieces.

20 perfect winter wedding centerpiece ideas

For those of you brides planning a winter wedding, let me know your theme in the comment!

all white winter tall wedding centerpieces

Photo by Catherine Mead Photography via Belle the Magazine

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Via Deer Pearl Flowers|Happy Wedd

baby's breath inspired winter wedding centerpieces

via Tulle & Chantilly

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via Wedding Forward

classic wedding centerpieces for winter wedding ideas

Photo by Ely Fair Photography via Style Me Pretty

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Via Domino

Christmas treeinspired winter wedding centerpieces tall

Via Tulle & Chantilly

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via Colin Cowie Weddings

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Photo by Danielle Nowak

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via Wedding Bells

PineCones and candles inspired winter wedding centerpieces

Photo by Needle and Thread via Mod Wedding

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Photo by Kenan From Les Loups via Style Me Pretty

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Photo by Agaton Strom via Mod Wedding

16 Inspired Ideas for a Whimsical Forest Wedding

Have you ever thought about a wedding in the forest? It’s very IN now and one of the biggest wedding trends for the year 2017. J Imaging a forest ceremony with thousands of paper cranes dancing in the breeze above, gorgeous lights hang from the trees, charming nature beauty all round, and so many happy tears from the groom and bride, and father of the bride, and basically everyone who was there, the forest, music and the setting just brought out all the greatest emotions and feelings. One of my friends is planning her forest themed wedding and I’m so excited about it. If you’re also interested in a forest wedding, go ahead and check on these inspiring wedding ideas.
1. Paper cranes for ceremony decoration and tree trunks for seating. (Photo by Carolien & Ben via Southbound Bride)

paper cranes decoration ideas for forest wedding
2. Hanging tree lights with illuminated jars. (via Steven Michael Photography)

2017 trending hanging tree lights wedding decoration ideas
3. Dancing in the forest with thousands of lights up. (via tumblr)

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4. Set the basic tone with this woodland wedding invitation. (via Oh So Beautiful Paper)

woodland unique laser cut wedding invitations for forest wedding ideas
5. DIY backdrops and lanterns decorated aisle look just perfect. (Photo by Clean Plate Pictures via Style Me Pretty)

diy forest wedding ceremony ideas with lantern aisle
6. We love naked wedding cakes decorated with succulents. (Photo by Destiny Dawn Photography via Wedding Chicks)

naked wedding cakes decorated with succulents
7. This fairytale wedding ceremony really rocks. (Photo by Twig & Olive Photography via Bajan Wed )

fairytale wedding ceremony ideas for 2017 trends
8. This creative menu idea definitely turns a menu into a keepsake. (via Paula O’Hara Photography)

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9. Who doesn’t love the centerpiece settings? (Photo by Darya Elfutina via Junebug Weddings )

wedding centerpiece ideas with tree stumps for forest weddings
10. Serve your guests with these yummy cupcakes. (via Wedding Wire)

desert buffet ideas for a forest woodland wedding
11. Another ceremony decoration ideas with forest trees behind. (via the Overwhelmed Bride)

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12. This is what we call sweet. (Marta Locklear Photography via Bridal Musings)

dogs at weddings ideas for 2017 trends
13. Give your bridesmaids a touch of the woodland look with these beautiful bouquets. (Photo by Bethany Small Photography via Wedding Chicks)

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14. It’s so cool to put rings in this nature box. (via Pinterest)

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15. Great idea with family photos for a forest wedding. (Photo by Green Autumn Photography via The Bride’s Cafe)

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16. Spread the love with unique wedding favors. (via Happy Wedd)

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top 16 forest wedding ideas for 2017 trends

30 Totally Breathtaking Garden Wedding Ideas for 2017 Trends

Garden themed wedding will be a good choice when considering your big day in the year 2017, with so many types of decorations and flowers. No matter you arrange your own garden or hire a bigger place, nature will be the best backdrops for such a special occasion. Neutral or pastel color palette, rustic or barn style, just go with your heart and natural will give you an unforgettable day. I’ve rounded up some amazing ideas here and hope it will be easier for you to choose the style you want among thousands of garden wedding decorations LOL.

top 30 brilliant garden themed wedding ideas for 2017 trends

  • Wedding Invitations

garden themed wedding invitations for 2017 trends

From top to bottom:Invitations By Dawn|ETSY|Minted via Bridal Musings|Starfish Studios via Ruffled|Natasja Kremers via Style Me Pretty|

  • Decorations for Ceremony

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Photo by Charise via Wedding Chicks|Photo by Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay via Colin Cowie Weddings|Photo by Xavier Navarro Photography via Tulle & Chantilly|Leah Vis Photography via Style Me Pretty|Magnolia Rouge

  • Food & Drinks Serving

food and drinks serving ideas for garden wedding trends 2017

Dear Pearl Flowers|Photo by Jessica Lynn Studios via Wedding Chicks|Colin Cowie Weddings|Festival Brides

  • Decoration Ideas for Reception

garden themed wedding chair decoration ideas for 2017

Photo by Erin Hearts Court via Style Me Pretty|Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design via Style Me Pretty|photo by joy marie photography via Emmaline Bride|Photo by Andrew Billington via Boho Weddings

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Photo by Koman Photography via Mod Wedding|Brit|Photo By Steve Steinhardt via The Knot

  • Wedding Favor Ideas

garden themed unique wedding favor ideas 2017

All from Pinterest

20 Romantic Wedding Ideas with Candles

Nothing evokes romance quite like flickering candlelight, which is why candles are such a fitting choice for wedding décor. Though candles are frequently found in centerpieces to offer a candlelit-dinner experience, there are a multitude of options for a bride to keep in mind when considering the aesthetic of her wedding. The soft glow of candles can add warmth to any ceremony or reception, creating the romantic ambiance so many couples desire on their wedding days. With so many different kinds and colors of candles available – not to mention vessels to hold them in – there is no shortage of decor possibilities.

great 20 romantic wedding ideas with candles

romantic candle wedding ideas for aisles

via Colin Cowie Weddings

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Photo by Lindsay Hite of Readyluck via Brides

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Happy Wedd

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Photo by Un Lieu Sur Terre via Bridal Musings

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Photo by Love Katie + Sarah via Nouba

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Photo by Paper Antler

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Colin Cowie Weddings

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Photo by Allison Reisz Photography via Style Me Pretty

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Wedding Forward

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Deer Pearl Flowers

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Hi Miss Puff

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Wedding Forward

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Photo by J. Messer Photography

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Deer Pearl Flowers

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RICE, RHODA C - Gallia County, Ohio | RHODA C RICE - Ohio Gravestone Photos

Rhoda C RICE

Gravel Hill -- Cheshire Twp. Cemetery
Gallia County,

Charles E Rice
1850 - 1945

Rhoda C Rice
1851 - 1912

Contributed on 2/17/10 by WAAnderson
Email This Contributor

Record #: 119286

Thank you for visiting the Ohio Gravestone Photo Project

On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Ohio, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this geneology archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.

Submitted: 2/17/10 • Approved: 2/18/10 • Last Updated: 8/13/15 • R119286-G119285-S3

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HOLCOMB, ADRAH - Gallia County, Ohio | ADRAH HOLCOMB - Ohio Gravestone Photos

Vinton Memorial Park -- Huntington Twp. Cemetery
Gallia County,

Adrah Holcomb 1904--1999

Contributed on 2/12/09 by vlcrosebud
Email This Contributor

Record #: 86038

Thank you for visiting the Ohio Gravestone Photo Project

On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Ohio, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this geneology archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.

Submitted: 2/12/09 • Approved: 2/13/09 • Last Updated: 8/13/15 • R86038-G0-S3

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Tires & Tire Accessories. Most tires from the factory are not designed for off-road use. Thats why we offer off-road tires that are not only designed to get your further down the trail, but also designed to take the abuse as well. Tires designed for off-road use typically include a heavier duty sidewall, specifically designed tread that are self-cleaning, and available in larger sizes for lifted applications. While some off-road tires are designed to be used off-road only, we also offer tires designed to be on the road as well as off. Pick up a set of tires and get yourself further down the trail! If you wish to shop tires other than Pit Bull, be sure to check out our sister site at We also sell a wide assortment of inflators, deflators, repair kits and more!

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Lil Uzi Vert – Ready Set Go (VLone)

Lil Uzi Vert Shares A New Song “Ready Set Go (VLone)”

Followers of Lil Uzi Vert will know that his favorite clothing brand is VLone. the Philly rapper‘s latest song “Ready Set Go (VLone)” has a hook that’s all about his love for the brand. But the rest of the DP Beats-produced track focuses on Uzi’s work ethic, cheating girlfriends, and outrunning the competition.

Stream and Enjoy Below

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South Berwick's Business Block

Part of South Berwick Historic District, this business block is also part of the South Berwick Village District on the National Register of Historic Places. With their awnings and granite hitching posts, the shops of the new business block opened to great fanfare in 1871, on the site where a dozen businesses and homes were destroyed in a fire the summer before. In newspaper ads, the connected row of new stores advertised products “such as to make the mouth water and the eyes glitter” -- tin stoves and leather boots, cornmeal and fine jewelry, ladies’ hats and croup syrup. Over the years, the Central Square stores at the Corner have offered South Berwick shoppers products from baby bottles to coffins. With the coming of Hollywood pictures in the 20th century, there was even a movie theater. For more than 130 years the block at The Corner has been an icon of South Berwick village, and is now a cornerstone of the South Berwick Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    Located at the junction of Main and Portland Streets, two ancient roads from the Salmon Falls River landings in the south to Berwick in the north and Portland in the east, the site has attracted commerce since the 1700s.

The fire of July 1870 had destroyed South Berwick’s main assembly space, so the new building also featured two upstairs halls. Residents formed a Newichawanick Hall Association to create a large upstairs community center in the middle of the block; it sported all kinds of entertainment and became known in recent times as the Wadleigh Gardens Ballroom. It contains Mercy Street Studio photography today.

Read about Newichawanick Hall

The Masons’ fraternal order also built a new, 75 square foot upstairs Masonic hall at the south end of the block (shown towards the left of the photo below); this upper story was demolished in the mid-1900s.

The Business Block has been host to a variety of establishments through the years.

Explore former businesses of the Business Block...

From The York County Atlas of 1872:

18-N.W. Kendall Stationer
17- Chas. E. Whitehead Tailor
16- Geo. W. Brookings Photo & Sewing Machine
15- C. J. Tyler Jewelry Store
14- Chas. Maloy, Boots and Shoes
13- Chas. E. Hobbs, Grocer
12- Rebecca Smith Millinery Store
11- S. W. Ricker Fancy Goods
10- C. C. Merrill Shoe Store
9- Union Store
8-J. P. Davis Stoves & Tinware
7-E. R. McIntire Hardware Store
6-8 Masonic Hall Block      6-N. Hanson, Druggist

(This page was revised in January 2010.)

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Cupcake Set

'For the Love of Cupcakes' for real!! :)

So here's my own cupcakes. I made them by myself. Hope you like it.
For now they are just decorative object but in the future I'll make them as edible food if that option is available. I promise.
Anyway, these are good for parties like Birthday party, Wedding party or just regular party. Also good for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I also included some designs for Valentine just in case you need it.

In total I made 5 new mesh:
1 Cupcake with Topper with 30 designs included, recolorable 3 channels
1 Cupcake with Cherry with 33 designs included, recolorable 3 channels
1 Cupcake without Cherry, recolorable 3 channels
1 Cupcake Stand as coffee table with 18 slots, recolorable 3 channels
1 Cupcake Stand as decor object only, recolorable 3 channels (need OMSP if you want to make it looks like in pics. You can get it here)

I made these with the latest patch (1.26) so don't download/install them if you don't have Pets EP or the patch.
Both format (Sims3pack and Package) are in download file. Just install the one you like.
Please let me know what you think about these cupcakes! :)

Have a blast this weekend guys!

  1. I want to eat a cupcake lol Thank you, this is cute and well made!

  2. Goodness these are beautiful! Thank you! :)

  3. Please, PLEASE do more things like this!! I love food deco, especially little cakes but I find it so hard to find them! And if you could have the chance to turn them into edible food, PLEASE DO IT I WOULD LOVE YOU FOREVER <3

  4. It is so cute and sweet and nice! I love it!!!
    All your creations are beautyful, but this is so....I want more! Thank you !

  5. OH MY GOD THESE ARE A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Now I love you more than ever, Newone! <33333

    And I agree wholeheartedly with the other anon: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make more cute clutter like this!

  6. These look delicious haha. It would be cool if you could make them edible! Keep up the good work

  7. ohhh..i love the cupcakes and all your creations..thank you very much^^

  8. oh how cute..i realy like your cupcakes.. looks so yummi..thanks for sharing

  9. Thanks you all so much for your wonderful comments!!
    I read them and I'm really happy you guys like the cupcakes. I hope you have fun decorate your house with these! :)
    As for the request, I'll try to make more cute food in the future.
    Again thank you for the comments! <333

  10. OMG, these are awesome, cute, & pretty!!
    I LOVE food deco, poolside deco, & bathroom deco most - so this is much appreciated!
    Thank you!!

  11. These are too cute. I used a few for an editorial in SF Magazine. It will be in the next issue :)

  12. @Terryfamily aka lpvinyl21
    I'm really glad you like it :)
    Enjoy and you're welcome!

    It makes me happy when people like the stuff I made. Please enjoy!
    And I'll try to make more cute food clutter in the future.
    You're welcome!!

    Aww, thank you so much for using my cupcakes for the magazine next issue!
    I so cannot wait to see it. Looking forward to it!
    And you guys did amazing job with SF Magazine. Thumbs up!! :)

  13. Sorry I only have a tumblr//simspiration -- THANK YOU!!!!!! These are soooooooo perfect. You seriously know what sims should have.

  14. @Anon
    You're welcome! :)
    And no problem at all if you only have tumblr.

    @Louma 37
    You're welcome! I'm happy you like it! <3

  15. i dont know why... but i cant us the "cupcake table" i can put the cupcakes on it but i cant put it on any desk... do only i have the problem?... sooo sadm i just loooove your cupcake set thank you for sharing ♥

  16. @Anon
    (Sorry for the late reply)

    You cannot put the cupcake table on top of the desk or other table cause it's a table. So the only way you can do it is use OMSP. But you still can put the cupcakes on the cupcake table.
    Please give it a try and see how it works for you :)

  17. please please can somebody teach me how to put the cupcakes on that stand? i can't put it together? i can't put stuff closer together, is it even possible? help! anyway thank you for sharing your stuff!

  18. where can we download the OMSP?

  19. Hey NewOne! Sandy from Around the Sims 3 found a way to make edible eats! Hopefully you can convert your tasty looking cupcakes for eating and fully enjoying!

  20. Where do you buy the cupcake stands? I've been looking everywhere!

    1. They're included in download file along with the cupcakes. Yes, I made those cupcake stands. It was stated in the post above.

  21. Where do you buy the cupcake stands? please someone reply :)

    1. Ditto. They're included in download file, I made them.

    2. Where is the cupcake stands? I downloaded and it's not there/

  22. I mean where do you buy it in the buy mode in sims 3

    1. Duh, you should have told me that earlier! ;)
      You can find it in Miscellaneous Decor category. The thumbnail is small so don't scroll down fast when you look for it. Good luck! ;)

  23. hey i love this. but i need help cause every time i download this it always download as a word document instead a sims3 package and i dont know why. so can you please help me

    1. I download the file and extract it and it cointains Sims3Pack and Package, no word document like you said.
      Can you please try again? Make sure you download it from the Mediafire link.
      Hope this helps.

  24. Thank you!!! These cupcakes are beautifully made!! <3

Say hello and leave a message to me! ♥


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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Leash Laws for Unicorns and the PA Voter ID law

May we suggest that the Pennsylvania legislature now tackle unicorn leash laws, since they have so adequately addressed non-existent voter impersonation in the Commonwealth. And, perhaps they can spend millions of dollars of taxpayer money looking for unicorns to leash.

The lack of empirical evidence of in person voter fraud didn't stop the Republicans in the Pennsylvania legislature from passing a voter ID bill in March, so why should the lack of empirical proof of the existence of unicorns stop them from passing unicorn leash laws.

The Loch Ness Monster

Some may say this is an unfair comparison, but cases of in person voter fraud in Pennsylvania are just as rare as unicorns.  Study after study has shown that in-person voter fraud simply does not exist, but like the existence of unicorns and the Loch Ness monster, there are people out there who will swear on a stack of bibles that it does exist

All of this would be quite humorous if it didn't infringe on the right of over a million of Pennsylvania to vote, including almost 500,000 senior citizens, and one third of members of Pennsylvania's Voter Hall of Fame (those who have cast ballots in 50 consecutive general elections.) It is also quite disheartening that Judge Robert Simpson has failed to throw out this misguided law.

Voter Suppression

The PA voter ID law was passed for one reason and one reason only:  It was passed in an attempt to suppress Democratic votes.  Republican controlled legislatures across the country have been passing voter ID laws for the very same reason.  It is pure fantasy and illusion to believe that millions, thousands, hundreds, or even one illegal alien is or are trudging down to polling places to vote, of course that doesn't stop Buzz and I hearing that from our conservative friends.

Since when did it become acceptable and even fashionable to stop legal voters from voting.  If we turn one legitimate voter away from the polls because of some imagined in-person voter fraud, that is a tragedy.

Our simple solution

Here's a simple solution.  Get inexpensive digital cameras and issue them to every judge of election.  When a voter comes in to vote, take their picture and have them sign a simple affidavit attesting that they are who they say they are.  And for all those Draconian Republicans out there, make the penalty for falsifying the affidavit punishable by a mandatory ten years in jail.  Now you won't suppress any voter and you truly will solve non-existent in person voter ID fraud.

After all, think about it.  If someone really wanted to commit in person voter ID fraud, don't you think they'd have the ability to make a fake ID

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This product is no longer available.

Personalized Baby Feet Necklace with Birthstone

Personalized Baby Feet Necklace with Birthstone

Those little toes will only stay tiny for so long. Help a loving mom cherish her little ones, whether inscribing a name and birthdate or personalizing two names. Choose a birthstone to finish this cute custom-made gift.

This product is no longer listed on by this retailer.  Check the Similar Gifts section above to find other gifts that may be suitable.

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Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Peace Necklace

Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Peace Necklace

Let her show the world that peace is the only option with this stunning necklace. Beautifully cast in sleek sterling silver, the necklace flaunts the word "Peace" which holds a peace symbol encrusted with CZ gems. More

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    Personalized Gifts for you & your sweetheart! Fast shipping included!

  • Best Sellers - Best Gifts

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    The Best Selling Jewelry and Watches Gift Ideas. and its logo are trademarks of Registry Online, Inc. © 1997-2017, Registry Online, Inc.


text:
Home Software Playtech Caribbean Poker

Caribbean Poker

by Playtech

Rating: 2 / 5 (21 ratings)
  • Currently 2/5 Stars.
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Playtech Caribbean Poker - Game Review

Caribbean Poker is a fairly new variation of blackjack, currently only available online at Playtech Casinos. You can also find this new exciting card game at a few land based casinos in Vegas.

The Playtech rules for Caribbean Poker are pretty close to the house rules for the game at most land based casinos, with a few notable changes.

In the Playtech version of the game, six decks of cards are used rather than the usual eight in Vegas casinos. The dealer does not peek in the Playtech version, whereas in a land based casino, the dealer would peek with an ace or ten card showing. The player is limited to just one split playing at a Playtech Casino.

House Odds - 5.22%

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County commissioners hold our future health in hand

Jud Hanson

Posted: Saturday, June 05, 2004

I am writing to voice my support for a stricter smoking ban in Clarke County. I think such a ban is long overdue.

There are many out there who will say this is a violation of our personal rights. I recall one such person even suggesting the regulation of carbohydrate intake might be next. I submit there is one major difference between smoking and carbohydrates - second-hand smoke has been proven to yield harmful effects to those close to the smoker. On the other hand, I know of no evidence proving that being near someone who eats a lot of carbs is inherently harmful.

I think the first goal of the commissioners in passing a smoking ordinance should be providing for the greater good, namely public health. That being said, I suggest an ordinance that allows businesses making the bulk of their revenue from alcohol to be exempt from the smoking ban. After all, there won't be any kids going into the 40 Watt Club. However, places such as Longhorn Steakhouse should be entirely smoke free because it is a family restaurant and therefore not frequented by the heavy drinking crowd.

Bottom line: The future health of everyone in Clarke County rests in the hands of the commissioners. I hope they make the right choice.

Jud Hanson

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Defense in arson trial questions investigation

Posted: Friday, October 01, 2004

The lawyer for a Prince Avenue Christian School student accused of deliberately setting two fires at an Athens church painted a picture of a police investigation bungled by inexperienced investigators as testimony ended Thursday in the teen's arson trial in Clarke County Juvenile Court.

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A verdict for the 16-year-old defendant could come today in the trial, which began Monday.

Lawyers for the prosecution and defense are scheduled to make their closing arguments this morning. Then, Juvenile Court Judge James McDonald, who is both judge and jury in the case, must render his decision on whether the Athens teen is guilty of setting two fires Feb. 9, 2003, at Prince Avenue Baptist Church, 595 Prince Ave., as church members and workers were beginning to arrive for Sunday services.

Police focused on the teen as a suspect from the day of the fires, Senior Police Officer Justin Gregory, an investigator on the case, testified Thursday.

The boy, then 15, had come to church early with his father, who attended an early-morning adult Sunday School class. The teen told church officials and police he saw someone leaving the scene of one of the fires, describing a white man in his 20s or 30s, wearing a leather jacket, torn jeans and a spike hairdo. The teen said he had gone to the Wallace House on the church campus to look for a Bible workbook he used in a Bible studies class just before the fires broke out.

The fires caused an estimated $1.2 million in damage in the Wallace House, a frame residence converted to classrooms, and the church's main educational building. Both buildings are used by the church-affiliated Prince Avenue Christian School, where the teen was a freshman.

But defense lawyer Ed Tolley has sought to show that police ignored another potential suspect, a man named Bobby Lamar Stephens now charged with arson in an unrelated October 2003 fire at his house near Winterville. Stephens was at the church less than an hour after the first fire alarms sounded, and the church's insurance carrier paid the man's company, Jolan Enterprises, some $22,000 for covering burned-out roofs with tarps and for other fire reconstruction work. The insurance carrier abruptly canceled the contract with the company after church officials learned the company did not have proper insurance, a church official testified Wednesday.

One defense witness, former Oconee County Sheriff's Department Deputy Jim Cole, said he raised concerns about Stephens' company with church officials within a day of the fire after he recognized some of Stephens' workers.

"It was like visiting day at the county jail," Cole said. "It alarmed me. My wife was attending school there. My children were attending school there. It was frightening."

But Gregory, who investigated the arson for the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, said Thursday he did not learn about Stephens' work at the church until more than a year after the fires. Gregory said he tried to interview Stephens after a church official called police to say he had read an Athens Banner-Herald article about Stephens' arrest on the Oglethorpe County arson charge in February 2004, but Stephens refused, Gregory said.

"He was defensive and indicated to me he wanted to invoke his right to an attorney," Gregory said.

Gregory, who was responsible for coordinating the reports and evidence generated by dozens of officers and investigators working the case, said he had no training in arson investigation, and that the Prince Avenue case was his first arson investigation.

Gregory said he suggested more than once obtaining help from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, but it was not done.

Sgt. David Leedahl, supervisor of the police department's forensics unit, testified that a fingerprint found on a yogurt container in a trash can in the same building as one of the fires matched the teen's prints. A fingerprint from one of the church's outside doors also matched the defendant, though police failed to note which one of the church's 14 outside doors the print was taken from, Leedahl said under cross-examination.

Leedahl said police collected 49 fingerprints from doors and objects in and around the crime scene, matching some of them to church employees who worked in the fire areas. The defendant was the only student whose prints were compared, he said.

Police were unable to find a match for most of the prints, including 15 that were sent to a statewide database containing nearly 3 million fingerprint records, he said.

The prosecution has also sought to cast doubt on the boy's story of a man with spiked hair, bringing more than a dozen witnesses who said they were in the area at the time of the fires. None said they saw anyone with spiked hair, but several said they saw the defendant.

One defense witness contradicted that, however. Linda Johnson, general manager of the Krystal restaurant at 1085 Prince Ave., said the restaurant had a customer with spiked hair the morning of the fire, though she couldn't say what he was wearing. She said she gave police a videotape from a camera that monitors the restaurant, which is about five blocks from the church.

Tolley also brought several witnesses to testify to the defendant's good character before resting his case shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday.

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Doing Business in 2005: Removing Obstacles to Growth Ebook

Publication: The World Bank
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Doing Business in 2005: Removing Obstacles to Growth is the second in a series of annual reports investigating the scope and manner of regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. New quantitative indicators on business regulations and their enforcement can be compared across 145 countries-from Albania to Zimbabwe-and over time. The previous report, Doing Business in 2004: Understanding Regulation, presented indicators in five main topics: starting a business, hiring and firing workers, enforcing contracts, getting credit and closing a business. Doing Business in 2005 updates these measures and adds another two sets: registering property and protecting investors. The indicators are used to analyze economic and social outcomes, such as productivity, investment, informality, corruption, unemployment, and poverty, and identify what reforms have worked, where and why. In Doing Business in 2005, you will also find answers to such questions as: Which are the Top 10 reformer countries since last year? Which are the Top 20 economies for doing business? As well as which countries implemented more harmful regulations? Doing Business is a comprehensive resource that no investor, policymaker, or economic advisor should be without.

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Doing Business in 2005: Removing Obstacles to Growth


text:
Approximate Bayesian computation using indirect inference

Christopher C. Drovandi, Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane 4001, Australia.

Summary.  We present a novel approach for developing summary statistics for use in approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) algorithms by using indirect inference. ABC methods are useful for posterior inference in the presence of an intractable likelihood function. In the indirect inference approach to ABC the parameters of an auxiliary model fitted to the data become the summary statistics. Although applicable to any ABC technique, we embed this approach within a sequential Monte Carlo algorithm that is completely adaptive and requires very little tuning. This methodological development was motivated by an application involving data on macroparasite population evolution modelled by a trivariate stochastic process for which there is no tractable likelihood function. The auxiliary model here is based on a beta–binomial distribution. The main objective of the analysis is to determine which parameters of the stochastic model are estimable from the observed data on mature parasite worms.


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344 F2d 775 Graham v. Triangle Publications Inc

344 F.2d 775

John J. GRAHAM and Warren H. Graham, Appellants,
TRIANGLE PUBLICATIONS, INC. (counterclaimants) (Appellee),
v. John J. GRAHAM et al. (counter-defendants), and
Delaware Valley Newsdealers'

No. 15090.

United States Court of Appeals Third Circuit.

Argued April 9, 1965.
Decided April 26, 1965.

Richard C. Bull, White & Williams, Philadelphia, Pa. (W. Wilson White and Michael H. Malin, Philadelphia, Pa., on the brief), for appellants.

William T. Coleman, Jr., Dilworth, Paxson, Kalish, Kohn & Dilks, Philadelphia, Pa. (Harold E. Kohn, David H. Marion, Philadelphia, Pa., on the brief), for appellee.

Before GANEY and FREEDMAN, Circuit Judges, and KIRKPATRICK, District judge.

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Plaintiffs, home delivery carriers, brought this antitrust action to enjoin the defendant, Triangle Publications, Inc., from refusing to sell and deliver the Philadelphia Inquirer to them and to recover treble damages. Defendant counterclaimed against the plaintiffs and a number of other suburban newsdealers and a newsdealer's association, whom they joined, claiming that they conspired to fix the resale price of the Inquirer in violation of the antitrust law.

On plaintiffs' application for a preliminary injunction a number of questions were presented to the court below. Was the defendant's alleged refusal to deal with the plaintiffs or others who violated the fixed retail dealer price of the Inquirer a unilateral refusal to deal or was it a subject of agreement with other dealers? What is the effect of the McGuire Act (15 U.S.C. 45) and the Pennsylvania Fair Trade Act (Act of June 5, 1935, P.L. 266, 1, as amended, 73 P.S. 7) on such practices? What meaning is to be given in the present circumstances to the provisions of these statutes limiting their coverage to products in 'free and open competition with commodities of the same general class produced or distributed by others' (15 U.S.C. 45; see also 73 P.S. 7) in the light of the construction which they have received by the Federal and Pennsylvania courts? See especially Gillette Co. v. Master, 408 Pa. 202, 212-213, 182 A.2d 734 (1962); Gulf Oil Corp. v. Mays, 401 Pa. 413, 418, 164 A.2d 656 (1960); Schering Corp. v. Martin Wholesale Distributors, Inc., 212 F.Supp. 325 (E.D.Pa. 1962).

In the present preliminary stage of the controversy we shall refrain from expressing any opinion on the merits of these questions. For what is before us is an appeal from the refusal of the District Judge to grant a preliminary injunction. In such circumstances our review is limited to the determination whether the court below abused its discretion. Industrial Electronics Corp. v. Cline, 330 F.2d 480, 483 (3 Cir. 1964); Joseph Bancroft & Sons Co. v. Shelley Knitting Mills, Inc., 268 F.2d 269, 573 (3 Cir. 1959).

No clear showing has been made to us of such an imminent threat of irreparable damage that it may be said that the refusal of the court below to grant a preliminary injunction amounted to an abuse of discretion. For it is clear that any loss the plaintiffs may suffer during the pendency of the proceedings is readily ascertainable. Indeed, the record indicates that such loss is a matter of simple arithmetical calculation based upon the number of newspaper sold and the profit per sale. This is not a case of the claimed destruction of a business enterprise containing such speculative elements that they are not susceptible to ready ascertainment in damages.

We do not, of course, here determine any questions of damages as they may be presented to the court below for final decision, just as we express no opinion on the legal issues presented to the court below. We hold merely that the has not been shown such an imminent danger of irreparable harm that the court below committed an abuse of discretion in refusing to award a preliminary injunction pending final hearing.


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518 F2d 860 National Labor Relations Board v. Empire Corporation

518 F.2d 860

89 L.R.R.M. (BNA) 2674, 77 Lab.Cas. P 10,935

No. 74-2179.

United States Court of Appeals,
Sixth Circuit.

June 18, 1975.

Elliott Moore, Deputy Associate Gen. Counsel, David S. Fishback, N. L. R. B., Washington, D. C., Bernard Levine, Director, Region 8, N. L. R. B., Cleveland, Ohio, for petitioner.

Harvey B. Rector, Gregory Paul Rector, Rector & Associates, Roy E. Browne, Hershey & Browne, Akron, Ohio, for respondent.

Before WEICK, EDWARDS and PECK, Circuit Judges.

JOHN W. PECK, Circuit Judge.

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This case is before the court upon the application of the National Labor Relations Board for enforcement of its order issued against Empire Corporation (hereinafter "the Company") on July 30, 1974. The Board's order requires the Company to cease and desist from the unfair labor practices found and from "in any other manner" interfering with its employees in the exercise of rights guaranteed in Section 7 of the Act. Affirmatively, the Company is ordered to bargain upon request with the Union,1 execute any agreement reached, offer immediate and full reinstatement with back pay to employee Linda Cosavage as well as to twenty-five unfair labor practice strikers illegally discharged, and to post appropriate notices. The Board's decision and order are reported at 212 N.L.R.B. No. 81.

Summarized, the record discloses that the Retail Clerks Union began an organizational effort among the 68 employees at the Company's Akron, Ohio, plastic products manufacturing facility in mid-July of 1973. The Company responded to the unionization campaign by engaging in a variety of what have been found to be unfair labor practices including coercive questioning of union adherents, threats of loss of benefits and discharge, surveillance of union meetings, and promises of pay increases depending upon the employees' refusal to support the Union. These activities culminated in the July 26th firing of employee Linda Cosavage, one of the leading union supporters, allegedly for throwing water upon a co-worker.

Cosavage's discharge led to a midnight confrontation between the chief Union organizer, George Hennigin, and Company president Robert Andrews, in the Company parking lot. Hennigin, having determined that the Union had obtained 35 (a majority of one) signed authorization cards, asked Andrews to reinstate Cosavage and to recognize the Union. Andrews' only response was to place his fingers in his ears and begin walking away. When Hennigin followed him loudly repeating his demands for reinstatement and recognition, Andrews turned and twice sprayed Hennigin in the face with chemical mace. Hennigin retaliated by kicking Andrews in the stomach. Following the mace-kick incident, the Union called a strike which the Board ultimately found to have been an unfair labor practice strike. The Company intensified its efforts to undermine the Union during the strike. After two weeks the 25 workers participating in the strike made an unconditional offer to go back to work, but the Company rejected the offer and informed the strikers that they had been discharged for failure to report to work.

The administrative judge determined that the Company had committed 17 separate unfair labor practices forbidden by Section 8(a)(1) & (3) of the Act. He also found that the Union had obtained a card majority and that a lawful recognition demand had been made upon the Company. Despite the urging of the general counsel, however, he held that the Company was not obliged to recognize the Union. Specifically addressing the application of N.L.R.B. v. Gissel Packing Co., 395 U.S. 575, 89 S.Ct. 1918, 23 L.Ed.2d 547 (1969), he stated that "a fair election (could) be had" and that the Company's "unfair labor practices (would) not influence . . . voting at an election conducted by the Board."

Upon review, the Board concluded that the evidence disclosed a number of additional unfair labor practices not enumerated by the administrative judge. Further, unlike the administrative judge, the Board found that "(the Company's) entire course of conduct was so flagrant and coercive in nature as to require that a bargaining order be issued."2 The Company challenges both the Board's findings with reference to § 8(a)(1) & (3) violations, and its determination that the Company is required to bargain with the Union.

Although the Company is able to cite a certain amount of contradictory testimony, a thorough review of the record shows substantial evidence that it engaged in the various unfair labor practices found by the Board, and accordingly, the attack on the findings must fail. National Labor Relations Act, § 10(e), 29 U.S.C. § 160(e); Universal Camera Corp. v. N.L.R.B., 340 U.S. 474, 71 S.Ct. 456, 95 L.Ed. 456 (1951); N.L.R.B. v. S. E. Nichols of Ohio, Inc., 472 F.2d 1228 (6th Cir. 1973). Similarly, we find that the Board acted within its discretion in entering the cease and desist and reinstatement with back pay provisions of the order. J. P. Stevens & Co. v. N.L.R.B., 461 F.2d 490 (4th Cir. 1972).

The more difficult question presented, however, is whether the Board was warranted in ordering the Company to recognize the Union on the basis of the card majority. In N.L.R.B. v. Gissel Packing Co., 395 U.S. 575, 89 S.Ct. 1918, 23 L.Ed.2d 547 (1969), the Supreme Court held "that an employer who engages in 'unfair' labor practices 'likely to destroy the union's majority and seriously impede the election' may not insist that before it bargains the union get a secret ballot election." Linden Lumber Division, Summer & Co. v. N.L.R.B., 419 U.S. 301, 95 S.Ct. 429, 431, 42 L.Ed.2d 465 (1974), citing N.L.R.B. v. Gissel, supra. Gissel, like the case at bar, involved interference by an employer's unfair labor practices and a card majority demand for recognition. The Company urges that the present case can be distinguished on three grounds: (1) unlike the union in Gissel the Retail Clerks Union obtained but a "bare majority" of authorization cards in the unit; (2) in the present case the administrative judge and the Board did not agree as to the need for a bargaining order; and (3) four of the employees who signed the cards indicated that Union representatives misled them and misrepresented the purpose of the authorization cards.

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Dealing with these contentions in reverse order, we note that the administrative judge ruled all 35 cards valid despite the Company's attempt to prove improper inducement in four specific instances.

"Although Respondent has attacked some of the foregoing cards as invalid on the ground that they were improperly obtained, I find . . . that those who signed said few cards were not induced to do so by improper solicitations. It follows that I find all 35 cards are valid, and they amount to a majority of those composing the unit aforesaid."

This finding of validity is supported by substantial evidence and we find the Company's contention in this regard unpersuasive.

This court may consider the fact that the Board reached a different result than the administrative judge, N.L.R.B. v. Industrial Towel & Uniform Service, 473 F.2d 1258 (6th Cir. 1973), but the crucial question continues to be whether the Board's determination was based upon substantial record evidence. Furthermore, ". . . the determination of whether unfair labor practices are of such a nature as to warrant the issuance of a bargaining order is for the Board and not the courts." MCP Restaurant Corp. v. N.L.R.B.,481 F.2d 75, 79 (2d Cir. 1973). In view of the nature and large number of unfair labor practices found herein we cannot say that the Board's determination that a fair election could not be held was unwarranted.

Returning to the Company's initial contention, we consider whether the percentage of the card majority is a critical factor. In Gissel and companion cases, the card majorities were as follows: Gissel Packing Co. 31 of 47 unit members; Heck's Inc. 14 of 26 and 21 of 38 unit members; General Steel 120 of 207 unit members. The percentages range from 53% to 65% in Gissel as compared with 51% in the case before us. We further note that bargaining orders have been approved in at least two other cases where the majority hinged on a single card. Self-Reliance Ukrainian Am. Co-op Ass'n v. N.L.R.B., 461 F.2d 33 (7th Cir. 1972) (7 of 13 unit members signed cards); and N.L.R.B. v. Kostel Corp., 440 F.2d 347 (7th Cir. 1971) (2 of 3 unit members signed cards).3 The Company has failed to cite any authority to support its argument, and in view of the above observations, we conclude that the percentage of the card majority is not a pivotal factor. The important consideration, as pointed out by the Supreme Court in Linden Lumber, supra, is the employer's destruction of the laboratory conditions necessary for a fair representation election. That factor is present here and we find the Board's order to bargain well taken.

The petition for enforcement is granted in full.

Retail Clerks International Association, Local 698, AFL-CIO (hereinafter "the Union")

"The Administrative Law Judge . . . concluded that a bargaining order was unwarranted as a fair election could be had 'because nearly all the card signers were in the court room during the trial as witnesses for the General Counsel and, judging from their friendly relation with and representation by the Union, I believe that Respondent's unfair labor practices will not influence their voting at an election conducted by the Board.' . . . Not only was Respondent's prestrike activity more serious and widespread than described by the Administrative Law Judge, but its entire course of conduct was so flagrant and coercive in nature as to require that a bargaining order be issued. Thus, the Respondent violated Section 8(a)(1) and (3) by unlawfully interrogating employees, assaulting a union representative who was requesting recognition, engaging in surveillance and giving the impression of engaging in surveillance, soliciting employees to engage in surveillance, promising wage increases and other economic benefits, threatening to discharge employees and discharging an employee for engaging in union or other protected activity, discriminatorily denying an employee a transfer from one job to another, threatening employee's husband to discourage her union or other protected activity, and unlawfully discharging 25 employees who were engaged in an unfair labor practice strike. . . . Respondent, rather than bargain with the Union, engaged in a series of unfair labor practices to undermine the Union's majority status. These violations were not in any sense minimal but are such as to strike at the very heart of the employees' Section 7 rights and the Union's representative capacity with widespread and persistent effects. We find that the coercive effects of the Respondent's unlawful acts cannot be eliminated by the traditional remedies, and were of a nature as to make a fair election doubtful, if not impossible. Under these circumstances, the purposes of the Act can best be effectuated by reliance on the employees' desires for union representation as expressed by their signed authorization cards rather than on the results of an election conducted in an employer-contaminated atmosphere. Accordingly, we find a bargaining order should issue to remedy the violations of Section 8(a)(1) and (3)."

It is clear that the Board may, where it finds egregious unfair labor practices, enter a bargaining order even though the union is unable to demonstrate that it represents a majority. J. P. Stevens & Co. v. N.L.R.B., 441 F.2d 514 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 404 U.S. 830, 92 S.Ct. 69, 30 L.Ed.2d 59 (1971); N.L.R.B. v. Lou De Young's Market Basket, Inc., 430 F.2d 912 (6th Cir. 1970)