Ears Wide Open By Kim Tingley A modern building of cedar, stone, steel and glass, set in a wooded sanctuary, houses the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, N.Y. On a wet morning in August, I visited the office of Mike Webster, the director of the lab’s Macaulay Library, home to one of the most comprehensive collections of natural-sound recordings in the world. Webster is a biologist who studies sexual selection and mating behavior in wild birds, and that includes the question of how their songs evolve. Decoding birdcalls and songs has always been a crucial component of ornithological research, but scientists are also increasingly analyzing the acoustics of many other species as a way to measure their health and that of their habitats. “The Macaulay ‘Library’ is not a real good name,” Webster told me. “A better way of thinking about what we are is as a biological research collection or museum. In most places, you have skins and bones. Specimens … [Read more...] about Listen to the World
Former Mich. lawmaker ‘just wanted to help people’
Mark Hicks The Detroit News Published 11:32 PM EDT Sep 21, 2018 Whether seeking measures in the Michigan legislature or tending to struggling communities abroad, John Kelly worked to improve the lives of others. “He just wanted to help people,” said his wife, Nikki Williams. “It didn’t matter who you were.” Mr. Kelly died Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Lake Orion. He was 69. The Detroit native’s most visible role was serving four terms in the Michigan Senate. Elected in 1978, the Democrat supported measures to help his hometown and was adamant about higher education, friends and relatives recall. That meant speaking up and reaching across the aisle. “When John got up on the floor of the Senate, people listened,” said Joe Schwarz, a former Republican state lawmaker who became a close friend. “He knew the issue and knew it well. He was trying to find a solution to a problem and not do a lecture.” Mr. Kelly’s … [Read more...] about Former Mich. lawmaker ‘just wanted to help people’
Ba Ria-Vung Tau- a magnet for FDI projects
Inside a cable production firm in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province (Photo: VNA) Currently, renowned firms from some 30 countries and territories are landing investment in the province, including reputed names like ACDL, SMC, Nippon, Mitsubishi, Posco, Sumitomo, Itochu and Kyoei Lotte, among others. FDI projects have caused enormous impact on the local socio-economy as they have created jobs for more than 69,000 labourers so far. Also, they are billed as a significant motive for economic shifting towards industrialisation, while making contributions to local gross domestic products (GDP). According to Bui Ngoc Diep, Vice President of the province’s Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, provincial authorities should pay due attention to large tourism projects which are labour intensive and have strong connections with local firms. The provincial Party’s Committee recently issued a resolution on improving the efficiency of investment attraction by 2020. Accordingly, the … [Read more...] about Ba Ria-Vung Tau- a magnet for FDI projects
Vietnam top SEA rankings
Vietnam’s national men’s football team (Photo baohatinh.vn) Vietnam is now No 102 in the world and No 17 in Asia. They are followed by the Philippines (world No 144), Thailand (No 122), Myanmar (No 138) and Indonesia (No 164). In Asia, Iran take the lead with position No 33 in the world (down 1 place), followed by Australia (No 43) and Japan (No 54). Both Belgium and France top the world rankings. Brazil, Croatia and Uruguay are the runners-up./. CPV/VNS … [Read more...] about Vietnam top SEA rankings
Vi wins first runner-up of national costume contest in Manila
It took 2 artisans a month to craft the outfit.Tuan Hai says he uses the latest garment technology to make the three-tailed dress.The highlight of the costume is the headdress, which has a peacock inspired design.The Vietnamese beauty is expected to find further success in the pageant.Miss Asia Pacific International is taking place from September 15th to October 4th.Designed by Tuan Hai, Vi’s dress is inspired by the costumes worn by ancient Vietnamese kings. CPV/VOV … [Read more...] about Vi wins first runner-up of national costume contest in Manila