Adored Ukrainian actress Oksana Shvets has been killed in a Russian rocket assault on a private structure in Kyiv, as per the Young Theater where she was important for the company. She died at the age of 67.
Shvets worked in theater and film for quite a long time and her endeavors collected probably Ukraine’s most elevated honor, the title of which generally interprets as “Respected Artist of Ukraine” – it is additionally some of the time inartfully communicated in English as “Merited Artist.”
Regardless, the honor is just offered to those among the nation’s most achieved performing craftsmen.
In its announcement, the Young Theater expressed “unreparable grief” at Shvets’ passing, before describing how the actress died.
“During the rocket shelling of a residential building in Kyiv,” the statement reads, “a well-deserved artist of Ukraine Oksana Shvets was killed.”


Keaton Linen Shorts
Hand wash cold separately, do not bleach, do not wring or twist, hang to dry, iron low heat if necessary, or dry clean
Fabric may shrink 5%-7% in length after first wash (follow wash/dry care instructions), low heat iron is recommended to stretch out some of the shrinkage and keep the fabric looking beautiful.
Textured Linen: 80% Viscose 20% Linen
Fitted. Model is wearing a Size S.
Model: Height: 5' 9.5" Bust: 34" Waist: 24.5" Hips: 36"


Bunty Aur Babli is one of the evergreen movies and one of the most praised movies made by Yash Raj Films. It discharged in 2005 and now, Yash Raj Films has at long last chosen to make the continuation with the first cast that included Abhishek Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji. Presently, we likewise hear that Amitabh Bachchan will repeat his job in the film.
#Saif Ali KhanWHOA! Saif Ali Khan to assume a crucial job in Bunty Aur Babli spin-off
Notwithstanding, talk factories have it that Saif Ali Khan may be restricted in to assume a significant job in this romantic comedy. While Saif has a couple of activities arranged, there have been no affirmations from the creators’ end with respect to this news. His job in Sacred Games 2 was praised by the crowd and they just can hardly wait to see a greater amount of him.
Photographs: Saif Ali Khan and Taimur Ali Khan spotted at the gymPhotos: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and others lashed out at the airportJawaani JaanemanPhotos: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Vicky Kaushal and others spoke harshly to the airportPhotos: Saif Ali Khan and Bhushan Kumar at Ajay Devgn’s housePhotos: Sara Ali Khan, Ibrahim Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore spotted at Saif Ali Khan’s houseSaif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan raged at Rujuta Diwekar’s office for Facebook live eventLaal Kaptaan
The continuation of Bunty Aur Babli is coordinated by Shaad Ali who likewise coordinated the principal portion. On the work front, Saif Ali Khan will next be seen in Laal Kaptaan, Tanaaji, Bhoot Police, and Jawaani Jaaneman. He will likewise be assuming the lead job in Ali Abbas Zafar’s web arrangement titled Tandav.


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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- As a math and science teacher, Mike McDowell uses technology every day. But this technology is different. A high-tech camera allows a person to create virtual reality and McDowell used the device to create a tour of Jefferson Middle School in Winston-Salem. He captured 1000 scans all over the building and it took about 30 hours.
It’s a great way to attract new students and help them feel more comfortable with the building before ever stepping foot inside.
“You could be in Arkansas, thinking about moving to Winston-Salem, and you want to tour the school,” said Mike McDowell. “You don’t have to get on a plane or drive, you just pull up the computer or log on with your phone.”
McDowell used a teacher grant from the Winston-Salem Foundation to train on this technology with John McBride of Looking Glass.
“In the next five years, this whole virtual reality space and augmented reality space or mixed reality space is going to be a $200 billion market,” McBride said.
McBride believes virtual reality tours are just the beginning for schools.
“There`s a paradigm shift in how these kids are going to learn it and how they absorb it, and we need to learn from them,” he said.
According to him, schools will be able to take their students all over the world—and to outerspace—without ever leaving the classroom.
“This is how kids are going to learn about the human body, Mars, about being in an Egyptian tomb they`ve never been in,” McBride said.
Assistant Principal Daniel Bryant says it`s exciting to be at the forefront of the technology, thanks to McDowell`s grant from the Winston-Salem Foundation.
“Whatever the professional development is, it puts teachers in a better place to be successful and have their students learn more efficiently,” Bryant said.
Starting next week, teachers can apply for the 2017 Teacher Grants on the Winston-Salem Foundation’s website.
There’s a Teacher Grant information session at the Foundation’s office at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11 and another one at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19.
Applications are due February 9th.

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Soil depletion is an increasingly common issue that silently threatens the vitality of our gardens and planters. Over time, the continuous cultivation and extraction of resources from the soil strip it of its essential nutrients, leading to what is often referred to as “tired soil.” This condition not only hampers plant growth but can also lead to weaker resistance against diseases and pests, making the rejuvenation of soil an essential practice for any gardener.
Enter worm castings, nature’s own remedy for the weary earth. These are not just any ordinary soil amendment; they’re a powerhouse of nutrients and beneficial microbes. Think of worm castings as a revitalizing spa treatment for your garden’s soil, offering a natural, effective way to amend tired soil and bring back its lost vigor. This introduction will set the stage for a deep dive into understanding soil depletion, the miraculous benefits of worm castings, and practical tips on how to introduce this natural elixir into your gardening routine to ensure your plants thrive.
- Soil Depletion is a critical issue that affects plant health by stripping essential nutrients from the soil, leading to “tired soil.”
- Worm Castings offer a natural, effective solution to amend tired soil, enhancing its structure, aeration, and moisture retention while adding back essential nutrients.
- Benefits for Plants include improved growth, root development, and disease resistance, thanks to the rich composition of worm castings.
- Sourcing Worm Castings can be done through stores, online, local farms, or DIY methods, with considerations for organic vs. non-organic options.
- Incorporating Worm Castings into your soil involves determining the right amount, mixing techniques, and special considerations for different plant types.
- Maintenance involves long-term strategies and the timing for reapplication of worm castings to maintain soil health.
- Case Studies highlight real-life success stories of gardens revitalized by worm castings, offering compelling before and after comparisons.
Understanding Soil Depletion
What is Soil Depletion?
Soil depletion occurs when the vital nutrients and organic matter that plants rely on for growth are gradually eroded or leached away. This degradation can happen for several reasons, including over-farming, lack of crop rotation, and the continuous use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The result is a soil that lacks the necessary components to support healthy plant life, often leading to stunted growth, lower yields, and increased susceptibility to diseases.
Common Signs of Tired Soil
Identifying tired soil is the first step towards rejuvenation. Common indicators include poor plant growth, discolored or weak foliage, reduced yields, and a noticeable decrease in the soil’s ability to retain water. A compacted, hard texture and the absence of earthworm activity can also signal soil that’s in desperate need of amendment. Recognizing these signs early on can help gardeners take the necessary steps to restore soil health before it significantly impacts plant life.
The Benefits of Worm Castings
Composition and Benefits
Worm castings are essentially earthworm waste. However, what passes through the worm is a nutrient-rich, highly beneficial material that acts as a slow-release fertilizer for plants. These castings are teeming with beneficial microbes, enzymes, and minerals that are crucial for plant growth. Their structure helps to aerate the soil, improving its texture and water-holding capacity, which is vital for root development and plant health.
Enhancing Soil Structure and Nutrient Content
One of the most significant advantages of worm castings is their ability to improve soil structure. They introduce organic matter back into the soil, which enhances aeration, moisture retention, and drainage. This organic matter also provides a steady supply of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in a form that’s easily accessible to plants. The presence of these nutrients, along with the beneficial microbes found in worm castings, helps to stimulate plant growth and resilience against diseases.
How to Source Worm Castings
Finding high-quality worm castings is essential for achieving the best results in your garden. They can be sourced from gardening stores, online platforms, or local farms that specialize in organic products. When choosing worm castings, it’s crucial to consider whether they are organic, as this ensures they are free from chemicals and other harmful substances. For those interested in a more hands-on approach, DIY methods for producing worm castings at home can be a rewarding and sustainable option, providing a continuous supply of this valuable soil amendment.
Incorporating Worm Castings into Tired Soil
Determining the Right Amount
The amount of worm castings needed can vary depending on the soil’s condition and the specific needs of your plants. A general guideline is to mix a handful of castings into the soil around each plant or incorporate about a ¼ inch layer into the topsoil of garden beds. This ensures that the soil is enriched evenly, providing an optimal environment for plant growth.
Techniques for Mixing
When incorporating worm castings into garden beds, containers, or existing landscapes, it’s important to mix them thoroughly with the native soil. This can be done by gently turning the soil and castings together with a shovel or garden fork, ensuring the castings are distributed evenly. For container gardening, mixing castings with potting soil before planting can provide a nutrient-rich base for your plants.
Different types of plants have varying nutrient and soil requirements. Vegetables, for instance, may benefit from a higher concentration of worm castings to support their rapid growth and high nutrient demand. In contrast, flowers and ornamental plants may require less. It’s also important to consider the specific needs of trees and shrubs, as they may benefit from a deeper incorporation of castings into the soil to reach their root systems effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Amending Soil with Worm Castings
Assessing Your Soil
Before amending your soil with worm castings, it’s crucial to assess its current state. This can be done through visual inspection, looking for signs of soil depletion, or more thorough methods such as soil testing. Understanding your soil’s needs will help you determine the right amount of worm castings to use and identify any additional amendments that may be required.
Clearing the area of weeds, debris, and any other obstacles is essential for effective soil amendment. This preparation ensures that the worm castings can be incorporated directly into the soil without any barriers, allowing for immediate interaction with the plant roots and soil microbes.
Applying worm castings can be done in various ways, depending on the garden’s layout and the specific needs of your plants. For garden beds, evenly spreading a layer of castings over the surface before mixing it into the topsoil is effective. For individual plants or containers, adding a scoop of castings to the planting hole or mixing it with the potting soil can provide a direct nutrient boost.
Thoroughly incorporating the worm castings into the soil is crucial for maximizing their benefits. This can be done by turning the soil and castings together, ensuring an even distribution. For larger areas, using a tiller or garden fork can help mix the castings more deeply into the soil, promoting better root development and soil structure.
After applying and mixing the worm castings, watering the area is essential to activate their benefits. Moisture helps to release the nutrients from the castings and encourages the growth of beneficial microbes, which play a key role in improving soil health and plant growth. Ensuring proper moisture levels also helps to establish a conducive environment for the ongoing benefits of worm castings.
Maintaining Soil Health with Worm Castings
Long-term soil health is a crucial aspect of gardening that can be supported through the regular application of worm castings. Depending on the specific needs of your garden, reapplying worm castings at the start of each growing season or after harvesting can help maintain soil vitality. Additionally, monitoring soil health through periodic assessments can guide the frequency and timing of worm casting applications, ensuring that your soil remains rich in nutrients and supportive of plant life.
Case Studies and Success Stories
The transformative power of worm castings is best illustrated through real-life examples of gardens that have been revitalized through their use. From home vegetable gardens to larger agricultural projects, the before and after comparisons are often stark, showcasing significant improvements in plant health, yield, and soil condition. These success stories serve as a testament to the effectiveness of worm castings as a natural solution for amending tired soil and promoting sustainable gardening practices.
Addressing soil depletion is a critical step in ensuring the health and vitality of our gardens. Worm castings emerge as a natural, effective solution for amending tired soil, offering a wealth of benefits that extend beyond mere nutrient supplementation. Their ability to improve soil structure, enhance moisture retention, and introduce beneficial microbes makes them an invaluable asset for any gardener looking to revitalize their soil.
As we reflect on the insights shared in this article, it’s clear that the journey towards healthier soil is not only about the amendments we choose but also about adopting sustainable practices that support the long-term vitality of our gardens. I encourage you to consider worm castings as part of your gardening toolkit and to share your experiences or questions about using this remarkable soil amendment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, the benefits of worm castings are within reach, promising a greener, more vibrant garden that thrives season after season.
What are worm castings? Worm castings are the end product of the earthworm’s digestion process, consisting of highly nutrient-rich, organic material that benefits soil and plants.
How often should I apply worm castings to my garden? The frequency of application can vary depending on your garden’s specific needs, but generally, adding worm castings at the beginning of the growing season and after harvesting is beneficial.
Can worm castings replace chemical fertilizers? Yes, worm castings can be an effective natural alternative to chemical fertilizers, offering a range of nutrients and benefits without the risks associated with synthetic inputs.
Are worm castings safe for all types of plants? Worm castings are safe and beneficial for a wide range of plants, including vegetables, flowers, trees, and shrubs, thanks to their gentle, natural composition.
How do I make my own worm castings? Producing your own worm castings involves setting up a worm bin, feeding the worms organic waste, and harvesting the castings once they’ve processed the material.


By George Lindsry (Birmingham)
Thr modern implement for writing with a fluid is a very different thing to the pen of former times–the stylus and the calamus of the ancients, for example, which were used chiefly on the prepared bark of trees, palm leaves, or the papyrus of the Egyptians. Quill pens, still affected by a few old-fashioned penmen, only came into general use after the introduction of modern writing paper, and were made in immense quantities from goose feathers, now utilized for other purposes in connection with the industrial arts. The English name "pen" is from the Latin penna, a feather.
During the last century many experiments were made to improve the quill pen, the great defect of which was found to be its constant liability to injury from mere ordinary use, and the trouble of frequent mending; moreover, even the most skilful maker could not ensure uniformity of quality, and any variation in this respect affected the writer's work. These efforts were chiefly directed to fitting small metal, or even ruby points, to the nib of the quill pen, but the fineness and delicacy of the operation were so great, that but very little success attended the experiments. The quill, however, is not altogether discarded. A pen formed of the goose quill, in the shape of a steel-pen nib, is at the present time extensively made in Paris, and commonly used in England and the Colonies. The outer wing quills make the best pens of this kind, and some writers prefer them as a medium between the old style of quill pen and the steel pen. Ingenious machinery is used to manipulate the material to advantage: a machine with guides and a small circular saw, having very fine teeth, slits the quill, the concave halves of which are afterwards pressed, pointed, and slit under dies, in the same mode as steel pens. No waste is permitted, the plume or feather portion of the quill being utilized in the manufacture of children's shuttlecocks, or dyed and used by the makers of artificial flowers, &c.
The steel pen is of comparatively modern invention. At the beginning of this century pens began to be made wholly of metal; they consisted of a barrel of very thin steel, and the nibs were cut and slit so as to resemble the quill pen as closely as possible. The real inventor of the " knitting needle of civilization," as the steel pen has been not inaptly designated, has yet to be discovered. One of the earliest attempts to make a steel pen is attributed to William Gadbury, a mathematical instrument maker, who, for his own personal use, constructed a somewhat clumsy article from the mainspring of a watch, out of which the two separate halves or nibs were formed, and these being brought together were secured by a small ring or band of metal. Another amateur, Daniel Fellows, of Sedgley, Staffordshire, is said to have been one of the early metal pen makers, and a similar honour is likewise claimed for a Sheffield artisan, whose name, either from jealousy or forgetfulness, has not been recorded. The early history of steel pens is involved in obscurity, but reasoning from probabilities, I should say that Birmingham may fairly claim that the steel pen was first perfected by one of her manufacturers.
A great scientist and theologian, Dr. Joseph Priestley, was long resident in Birmingham, for whose personal use a split-ring maker named Harrison made a steel pen, with which the doctor wrote some of his famous polemical essays. It was rather rudely fashioned out of a piece of steel formed into a tube, the lower part being filed away into the shape of a pen, and the parts where the tube joined being left as the "split." Years afterwards one of the men associated with Harrison in his split-ring business–Mason by name– successfully embarked in the trade of pen making, and the same manufacturer (now Sir Josiah Mason), after realizing an immense fortune, which he has set apart to the founding of special educational and charitable institutions in the Midland metropolis, has just (January, 1876) retired from one of the largest pen factories in the world, which will henceforth be carried on under a limited liability company.
The name of Gillott deserves to occupy a foremost place in connection with steel pens, for by his own individual skill and enterprise was the first great impulse given to the trade. The early metallic pens were of very indifferent quality, and exceedingly dear. Pens which sold at from 6s. to 8s. per gross, forty years ago, are now procurable for about half the number of pence, while wages have improved, owing to the mechanical facilities of production. The chief fault of the first pens of metal was their hardness, which produced a disagreeable scratching of the paper. As early as 1820, Mr. Joseph Gillott, who dealt in the metal pens then made, hit upon an improvement, which, by removing this great defect, gave a stimulus to the manufacture, and caused it to be developed to an extent truly marvellous. This improvement consisted in making three slits instead of the single one formerly used, and by this means much greater softness and flexibility were acquired.
At the time when Mr. Gillott commenced operations, much of the beautiful machinery now in use had yet to be invented, and was subsequently invented, and for the most part perfected by himself. There were no such things as the "slip" pen, which now constitutes the staple of the trade–the thin piece of metal "raised" from the flat. Gillott adapted the press to the making of pens; he saw that this would enable him to dispense with most of the slow and laborious operations of pen making; that it would be possible to cut out the blanks, slit them, bend the metal, stamp the maker's name, and thus, by mechanical means, render production at once rapid and certain. The metal had to be prepared by annealing, pickling, and rolling for the action of the press; special dies had to be made for each size of pen, and for each operation of stamping to which the " blanks" had to be submitted; presses of improved construction–quick, light, easily worked, and yet strong enough to strike a sharp, firm blow–had to be made. And when these difficulties were overcome, there remained others not less formidable–such as hardening and tempering the metal after quitting the press, rendering the newly-made pens flexible, so as to write easily, cleaning and polishing them without injuring their fineness, and coating them with some kind of varnish, so as to render them more presentable to the eye.
This was the work which our great modern pen maker set himself to do; and with much ingenuity and unflagging perseverance he accomplished it. By degrees the press was adapted to the cutting, slitting, bending, and marking processes; machinery was devised for cleaning and polishing the pens; and experiments were made with the different qualities of steel, and the various ways of preparing it for use. At last Mr. Gillott attained the degree of excellence which has become inseparably associated with his name; and the trade ultimately reached the importance, perfection, and extent which characterize it at the present day.
Next to Mr. Gillott, perhaps, no one has done more to popularize the metallic pen than the well-known promoter of the "Perryian System of Education," Mr. James Perry. The characteristic of the "Perryian" pens was to give to the steel pen the elasticity which so closely approximates to the quill pen. Mr. Perry, with characteristic energy, almost forced the steel pen into use, when there were strong and deep-rooted prejudices against it. Commencing the manufacture himself in London, about 1824, Perry patented several varieties known as "Perryian Pens." It is stated on competent authority, that he used the best Sheffield "ribbon" steel, rolled out of wire, for which he paid 1s. per lb.; that he paid as much as 5s. per pen to the first person whom he employed to make his pens, and for years afterwards the price given to his workmen was 36s. per gross. Since the year 1828 Perry was supplied with pens of first-class quality by a Birmingham maker (Josiah Mason) who was content for many years to obscure his own name under the mark of "Perry and Co."
There are from twelve to twenty manufacturers of steel pens in Birmingham, which is now the headquarters of the trade, some of them comparatively small firms; indeed the larger houses, whose products are in repute in nearly every market at home and abroad, may be counted on the fingers of one hand. These are Joseph Gillott and Sons; Perry and Co., Limited (embracing the late firms of Sir Josiah Mason, and A. Somerville and Co.); John Mitchell; William Mitchell; and M. Turner and Co. The varieties of pens made by these manufacturers may be numbered by thousands, being of every size, shape, and finish. In some instances a single manufacturer has two or three thousand distinctive "marks" made for different buyers, who require their own names or devices impressed on the pens.
The steel of which the pens are made is of Sheffield manufacture, a large proportion of it being supplied by Messrs. Jessop. It is cast steel of the best quality, made from Swedish iron, so as to secure in its granular structure peculiar density and compactness. These sheets are rolled in Birmingham, and, as a rule, on the same premises where they are to be worked up; they measure originally about 4 feet 6 inches long by 18 inches wide, and are afterwards clipped across into short lengths from 1Â¾ to 4Â½ inches wide.
These strips are first of all packed in cast metal boxes, and placed in a muflle or furnace, where the mass is heated to a white heat. This is called annealing, a process which fits the metal for further treatment on its way to the pen maker. After twelve hours of this roasting, the strips are cooled and then placed in revolving barrels, where, by the friction of metallic particles, the scales caused by the annealing, and the rough edges are removed. The strips are next immersed for some hours in a " pickle" composed of dilute sulphuric acid, which clears away the scale and imparts an even surface to the metal.
The steel is now ready for the rolling mill. The rollers consist of metal cylinders revolving upon each other. A man and boy attend at each pair of rolls, the first introducing the strip of steel between the opposing surfaces, and the boy pulling it out considerably attenuated. From the first pair of rolls it passes through several others, until, having been reduced in thickness to about the 1/160th part of an inch, it assumes the requisite tenuity. Such is the degree of pressure employed, that the steel in passing through becomes hotter than it is sometimes convenient for unpractised hands to touch. At this stage the strip of steel is precisely the thickness of a pen, is quite flexible, and has increased in length from 18 inches to 4 feet 6 inches.
The first process of manufacture now begins, and before the series of operations have been gone through, some fifteen or sixteen distinct processes have to be completed. The strip is carried to the cutting-out room, where the pen first assumes form and shape. Here a number of women and girls are seated at benches, cutting out, by the aid of fly-presses, the future pen from the ribbon of steel before them. This is done with groat rapidity, the average product of an expert hand being 200 gross, or 28,800 pens per day. Two pens are cut out of the width of the steel, the broad part to form the tube, if it is to be a barrel pen, and the points so cutting into each other, as to leave the least possible amount of waste.
The "blanks" are next taken to be pierced. The flat blanks are placed separately on a steel die, and, by a half circular action of a lever turning an upright screw, a fine tool is pressed upon the steel, and forms the delicate centre perforation and the side slits which give flexibility to the pen. All this time the metal is in its natural state of elasticity. It is necessary, however, that it should be rendered softer, and for this purpose the pens are again placed in the muffle to be further annealed.
Then comes the marking. On each side and down the middle of the room, a number of young women are seated at work, each of whom, while using her hands to properly adjust the pen and hold it in its place, moves by the action of the foot a lever actuated by treadle and wheel, and this marks the pen. When it leaves the hand of the operator, the back of the pen is stamped with the name of a retail dealer at home or abroad, a national emblem, an heraldic device, or the representation of some notability, foreign or domestic, according to the fashion of the day. The rapidity of this process is nearly equal to that of cutting out the blanks, each workwoman marking many thousands of pens in a day.
Up to this time the pen is flat. It has next to be "raised " into the half-cylindrical form in which we see the finished pen. The flat pen is placed in a groove, and a convex tool made to descend upon it, forcing it into the groove, by means of which it is bent into the required shape.
As a rule, the value of the pen depends very much upon the perfection of the slit. Those who can remember the difficulty experienced in getting a perfect slit in a quill pen, can understand how much less easy it is to prevent the gaping of a metallic substance. The first preparatory process, after the pens leave the raising room, is to return them once more to the muffle, into which they are introduced in small iron boxes with lids, and heated to a white heat. They are then drawn out and suddenly plunged into a large tank of oil, where, by the chemical action of the liquid on the steel, the pens attain a degree of brittleness that makes them crumble to pieces when pressed between the fingers. The oil adhering to the metal is subsequently removed by agitation in circular barrels made of tin. The brittleness has next to be corrected by a process of tempering. This is done by placing the pens in a cylindrical vessel, open at one end, and turned over a fire, somewhat like a domestic coffee roaster. The action of the heat gradually changes the colour of the pens, first from a dull grey to a pale straw colour, next to a brown or bronze, and then to blue–the latter betokening the highest degree of elasticity.
The pens are still rough, being covered more or less with small metallic particles. To remove this roughness they are placed in large tin cans, with sand, pounded crucible, or some similar substance. These cans are made to revolve by steam power, until, by rubbing against each other, the pens are cleared from roughness, and are brightened to the colour of polished steel.
Another set of processes now begins–those of grinding and slitting, also performed by young women. The nib is ground by picking up each pen with a pair of pliers, and applying it with a single touch to a rapidly-revolving wheel coated with emery, first lengthwise and then across the nib. This does for the pen the same service that the scraping of a quill with the penknife would do in the case of a quill pen, i. e. weakening certain parts to ensure uniform elasticity.
Next comes the slitting, which is done with the press. In these presses the descending screw has an exactly corresponding chisel cutter, which passes down with precise accuracy, by which movement the slit is made and the pen is completed.
There is yet something more to be done before the manufactured goods are ready for the warehouse–viz., the colouring the pens brown or blue. This is effected by placing them in a metal cylinder, which is revolved over a charcoal stove at a proper heat, and removing them the instant the desired tint is imparted. Brilliancy of surface is then given by immersing the pens in a solution of shell-lac dissolved in naphtha, and after drying, they are ready to go to the hands of the workwomen, whose duty it is to examine the work, throw out the pens which are defective, and count the remainder ready for the packers. The presses, tools, and other appliances required in the pen trade are numerous and varied. In all well regulated establishments, all these tools are made and repaired by special workmen on the premises.
On reaching the warehouse, the pens are packed in neat little boxes, each containing one gross. These boxes are usually made in another part of the manufactory, by a very simple but ingenious process. Successive layers of paper are pasted on to an oblong block of wood, and when the proper thickness is obtained, the outside ornamental layer having been added, the block is pressed on each of its sides with a sliding movement against a cutter of exactly the depth of the paper material, which is thus divided into box and lid, and the imprisoned mould set free. A glazed paper lining for the sides, made in a similar way, and exactly fitting the interior, is slipped into the box, forming a shoulder for the lid, and it is then finished.
Pen-sticks or pen-holders are made by steam power, actuating a number of machines constructed for the purpose. Most of the large manufacturers of steel pens make their own pen-holders; others, in a smaller way, buy them ready made. The trees or logs of cedar, or other suitable wood, having been sawn into boards, and again slit into thin square lengths, the rounding is managed by a machine in which a tube receives the end of each length, which, as it is drawn through to the other side, is subject to the paring of a couple of revolving blades. After this the material falls out at the other end perfectly cylindrical, although rather rough. The roughness is obviated by another similar machine, and a bundle of the long rods is then carried to a large mahogany slab, through a slit in which is seen about a third part of the disc of a circular saw. The rods are laid flat upon the table, and brought against a gauge which regulates the length; they are then pushed towards the saw and cut into sticks, a dozen or so at a time. These plain sticks have yet to receive the spiral pattern so much in vogue, to have the end which receives the holder reduced in size, and the other end rounded. These operations, when applied to the commoner descriptions of pen-holders, are not effected by cutting, but by pressing; and one machine suffices for the purpose. They are placed, about fifty at a time, in a receiver, and disappear one by one into a lower chamber, where the work is completed by dies, after which the sticks make their appearance in rapid succession through a tube, and fall into a box beneath. They are afterwards polished and varnished. The metal ends for the reception of the pen nibs are put on by hand.
Gold pens are extensively made in Birmingham, and as they resist the corrosive action of the ink, they are exceedingly durable ; their durability is also greatly increased by the ingenious process of soldering on to the points of the nib minute particles of iridium, which, from their extreme hardness, resist wear for many years. Pens are also made in silver, zinc, amalgamated alloys, incorrodible platina, &c. Mr. W. E. Wiley, of the Albert Works, is the largest maker of gold pens in Birmingham. When the business of gold pen making was introduced as a local industry by Mr. Wiley thirty years ago, the retail price of such pens was a guinea each. The first of Wiley's gold pens were retailed at 5s. each, and now enormous quantities of gold pens are sold as low as a shilling each. This is owing to the adoption of improved machinery and appliances in the manufacture. At the time when gold pens were first produced by Messrs. Mordan, of London, and for many years afterwards, the usual method of slitting the pens was with the aid of diamond dust–a very costly process, since its uncertainty, by occasionally cutting wide gaps in the pens, caused no little waste of material. To remedy this, Wiley introduced a system of cutting the slit by means of emery on revolving copper cutters, which has been practised ever since. This so cheapened the production, as to enable a good quality gold pen to be sold retail at 5s., for which a guinea was formerly demanded.
The same firm afterwards introduced a German silver, or white metal pen, known as the "Perryian Bed Ink Pen," which still has an enormous sale. At these works Messrs. Wiley make pen and pencil cases in gold, silver, aluminium, gold, ivory, and vulcanite, in all patterns, shapes, and sizes, and varying in price, from half-a-crown a gross for common articles, up to the most ornate and costly that can be imagined. Some ten or dozen years ago the proprietor commenced the employment of female labour in his works, and with so much success that he has now upwards of three hundred girls trained to the work of making pencil-cases. The machinery has been specially adapted to this new order of things, and as the'pencil-cases are all produced here on the interchangeable principle, the facilities of production are enormously increased. That these means to an end have solved a difficult problem, may be gleaned from the fact, that the weekly output of finished work at this establishment exceeds the possible production of all the pencil-case makers in the kingdom under the former system. Messrs. Wiley's works are now carried, on by Messrs. Perry and Co., Limited, with Mr. Wiley as managing director.
Source: British Manufacturing Industries - Volume 3 - G. Phillips Bevan - 1876


text:
The Technicolor Kingdom is a My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic fanfiction by Miracle Spectrum. The story follows Garion, a depressed, cynical man who is desperately searching for a meaning in life, and Aaron, his tired roommate who is angry and bored with life.
On July 3rd, 2015, Garion, sick of always being stressed, goes to a nearby firework stand to buy a few fireworks for the 4th of July. However almost all of the fireworks are gone, except for a few minor ones and a small, blue, cylindered firework. Acting recklessly, Garion buys the firework for an unnaturally high price.
When his roommate, Aaron finds out about his recklessness, the two get into a argument that soon rises into a full blown physical conflict.
Suddenly in a bright flash,the two find the outside of their door leads to Equestria. Now the two must learn to adapt in this new colorful world, all the while learning more about themselves.
This fanfic provides examples of:
- Combat Pragmatist: Aaron, who is fond of sucker punching and throwing things at others
- Crapsack World: The human world, according to the the two main characters
- Dogged Nice Guy: Garion, who only wants to live happily.
- Everything Trying to Kill You: Aaron manages to encounter everything from snakes to giant spiders to Timberwolves to the Queen of the freaking Changlings when he wanders through the forest.
- Fish out of Water: To say Aaron has a harder time adjusting to the pony world than Garion would be an understatement.
- Idiot Ball: Garion, who spends everything he and Aaron had on a single firework.
- Arguably Aaron, for leaving the bright and colorful Ponyville for the dark Everfree forest.
- I Just Want to Be Special: The story begins with Garion lamenting about his boring and horrible life and how he wishes to live to his fullest potential.
- Jerkass: Aaron is constantly getting mad at everything, hitting Garion and yelling for no reason.
- Macguffin: The firework Garion bought.
- Shout-Out: So many...
- The description of the character's new bodies sound similar to the art style of Dan VS
- Aaron and Garion each make a reference to Narnia.
- Garion calls Aaron out for acting like Solid Snake.
- When Garion calls them My Little Ponies, Aaron calls him out and references the previous three generations.
- Aaron calls Equestria Strawberry Shortcake Land.
- Aaron would rather be stuck in the Pokémon world.
- According to Pinkie, Aaron's stomach is burning red.
- Aaron sings the English version of Marukaite Chikyuu to himself.
- Wham Line: Given to Aaron by Applejack:Applejack: Those weren't branches you were climbing through...Aaron closed his mouth in confusionApplejack: ...those were the legs of their mother.
- Too Dumb to Live: Aaron enthusiastically charges into the darkness of the woods of an unknown land, only a few chapters after he warned Garion to be careful of the bright and colorful ponies.
- Troll: The story itself references trolling as one of Aaron's defining traits.
- Wrong Genre Savvy: Aaron initially believes the ponies are all evil.

domain: literature


US 6173514 B1
A solid and unitary plastic block which has a textured strip thereon. A self-adhesive transparent tape may be pressed over the textured strip, with air escaping entrapment behind the tape via depressions in the textured strip. Slots on the end of the textured strip provide a termination for the tape ends.
1. A name badge comprising a solid and unitary block forming an all-plastic plate having front and back surfaces with a textured strip area on said front surface of said unitary block which is normally exposed to view, said textured area being in a restricted field having dimensions corresponding to dimensions of a transparent tape, said textured area having communicating depressions therein for enabling air to escape through said depressions, a transparent tape having graphic material thereon which is viewed through a front surface of said tape, a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back of said tape, said air escaping through said depressions as said pressure-sensitive adhesive as pressed over said textured surface, and said back surface of said unitary all-plastic plate being exposed to view.
2. The name badge of claim 1 wherein said texture comprises two fields of spaced parallel score lines, the score lines in said two fields crossing each other.
3. The name badge of claim 2 wherein said score lines form an angle in the range of about 30°-60° taken with respect to a width of said badge.
4. The name badge of claim 1 and means for displaying a graphic design on said badge.
5. The name badge of claim 4 wherein said means for displaying a graphic design is a depressed window shaped to receive a sticker carrying said design.
6. The name badge of claim 1 and means for attaching a finding to said badge.
7. The name badge of claim 6 wherein said means for attaching said finding comprises a plurality of posts formed on a back of said name plate, and said finding comprises a separate plate having openings which fit over said posts.
8. The name badge of claim 1 wherein said textured area is an elongated strip extending across a width on a surface of said name badge, said strip terminating on opposite ends of said width in slots extending through said name badge, and a spatial relationship between said transparent tape and said slots being such that ends of said tape may pass through said slots and be secured to a back of said name badge while the graphics material is pressed onto said textured strip.
9. A name badge comprising a solid and unitary block forming an all-plastic plate having a textured area on a front surface of said unitary block which is normally exposed to view, said textured area having communicating depressions therein for enabling air to escape through said depressions, a transparent tape having graphic material thereon which is viewed through a front of said tape, a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back of said tape, said tape having dimensions which fit said textured area, said air escaping through said depressions as said pressure-sensitive adhesive as pressed over said textured surface, said textured area being in a restricted field comprising an elongated stripe extended across a width of said front surface, said stripe terminating on opposite ends of said width in slots extending through said name badge, a spatial relationship between said transparent tape and said slots being such that ends of said tape may pass through said slots and be secured to a back of said name badge while the graphics material is pressed onto said textured strip, and a release paper secured to the adhesive on the back of said tape, a space between a pair of score lines on said release paper being at locations coinciding with said width of said stripe whereby said release paper between said score lines may be removed so that said tape with said graphics may be adhered to said elongated textured stripe while the release paper may remain at the ends of said transparent tape in order to provide tabs for insertion through said slots.
10. The name badge of claim 9 and recessed portions on the back of said name badge to receive the tab ends of said transparent tape after the release paper has been peeled away from the tab ends of said tape.
11. A system for displaying graphic material on a solid and unitary block of plastic, said system comprising a textured stripe on a display side of said solid and unitary plastic block, a thin strip of transparent self-adhesive tape having dimensions which fit onto said textured stripe, said texture comprising communicating depressions which enable air to escape from between said tape and said textured stripe, means for applying graphic material to the side of said transparent tape having said self-adhesive thereon whereby said graphic material is visible through said tape, means for applying a finding to said solid and unitary plastic block, and means for providing release paper on tab ends of said transparent tape in order to provide tabs for assisting said tape to pass through said slots.
12. The system of claim 11 and recesses on the back of said solid and unitary plastic block for receiving said tab ends of said tape after said release paper is removed therefrom.
This invention relates to do-it-yourself name badges and more particularly to low cost, all plastic name badges, having a professionally, custom-made appearance.
The term “Name Badge” is used herein to cover all similar devices, such as: plaques, labels, signs, luggage tags, place cards, or the like. The term “textured strip” is used herein for convenience of expression; however, it should be understood that the textured field need not be a strip, but may have any convenient shape. The term “solid and unitary block” is intended to mean a block of plastic, such as one which might be formed by injection molding and which is free of such embellishments as surface films or the like.
Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,538 and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/135,675, filed Oct. 13, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,435, and assigned to the assignee of this invention, for a similar name badge. The two above-identified U.S. patents disclosed a name badge and a kit for making the name badge. The closest known prior art was cited among the references listed in those two patents.
Briefly, these two patents provide very elegant name badges which have an appearance of gold, silver, or the like. The company or person who employs the badges make them by using a small printer which prints graphics on the adhesive side of a transparent, preferably mylar, pressure adhesive tape, somewhat similar to the tape sold under the well-known trademark “SCOTCH”. One of the several printers (a “P-printer”) that is now available is, perhaps, similar to a small typewriter and is manufactured by the Brother Company. Another and similar printer may be plugged into a printer port of a personal computer. One can imagine that, with the current rate of personal computer development, such a printer may soon produce currently unimaginable graphics.
The person who makes the badge described in the two above-identified patents buys blank plastic plates with accessories similar to those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,940,864; 4,047,996; 4,267,224; 4,125,655; 4,459,772; and 4,497,248. Each of the purchased badges has a textured surface which prevents an entrapment of air between the transparent tape and the corresponding surface of the purchased plastic badges. The badges described in the above cited two patents have enjoyed great commercial success; however, they are relatively expensive so that they are not feasible for use by, say, attendees at a party or convention, or employees of a fast food restaurant, who often stay for only a few days, weeks, or so.
Therefore, an object of the invention is to extend the principles of the textured badges described in the two above-identified patents into such a low-cost category that they become available for almost any use of name badges. In this connection, an object is to provide the described badges at such a low cost that they may be sold in bags at neighborhood stores such as office product, grocery, drug, convenience, variety stores, and the like.
Another object of this invention is to provide new and improved do-it-yourself means for and methods of making name tags, badges, wall plaques, place cards, and the like, at a very low cost. Here an object is to provide beneficial, high-quality graphics with an almost foolproof system that almost anyone can use in order to produce near-perfect results with little or no special training.
In keeping with an aspect of the invention, blank all-plastic name badge (or the like) panels may be made with a textured strip providing air escape channels on the plastic surface. The channels are provided at very low cost by an injection molding process, where it is possible to provide very accurate surface depressions at no added costs after the molds are made. Logos or similar graphics may be made available by providing hot stamped graphic decals, or self-adhesive labels mounted on a release paper. The only thing required of the user is to have access to a printer which is able to print graphics on the adhesive side of a self-adhering transparent tape.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a plastic bag containing a plurality of the inventive all-plastic name plates, in a form which may be sold in neighborhood stores;
FIG. 2 is a plan view which shows the inventive name badge plate in its simplest form;
FIG. 3 is an end view taken along line 3—3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the inventive name badge plate with a first location for displaying a logo or other graphic location;
FIGS. 5 and 6 are a cross section and an end view taken at lines 5—5 and 6—6, respectively, of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the inventive name badge plate, similar to FIG. 4, but with the graphic display location at a different position on the name badge;
FIGS. 8-10 are cross sections and an end view taken at lines 8—8, 9—9 and 10—10, respectively, in FIG. 7;
FIG. 11 is another plan view of the inventive name badge plate, again similar to FIGS. 4 and 7, but with two locations for graphic display;
FIG. 12 schematically illustrates an example of one way to provide special graphic material for use at the graphic locations in FIGS. 4, 7, 11;
FIG. 13 is a side elevation showing a combination of the inventive name badge plate and a selected one of many findings for the name badge;
FIG. 14 is a plan view of the back of the embodiment of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 shows an exemplary way of mounting the transparent tape on an all-plastic name badge plate;
FIG. 16 is a knife which may be used to trim the transparent tape after it is mounted on an all-plastic name badge plate of any of the FIGS. 2, 4, 7, 8, 15, or 17;
FIG. 17 shows an all-plastic name badge plate having slots which facilitate an attachment of the tape to the name badge;
FIG. 18 is a cross section taken along line 18—18 of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a plan view of the back of transparent tape that may be used with the plastic name badge of FIG. 17;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a printer which is used to make the transparent tape; and
FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a tape printed by the printer of FIG. 20, which may be applied to any one of the plastic name plates of FIGS. 2, 4, 7, 8, 15 or 17.
FIGS. 20, 21 are taken from U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,538.
FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, a plastic bag 20 containing any suitable number of the inventive plastic name badges, tags, or the like (22) as described hereinafter. The bag may be displayed in any suitable manner at the point of purchase, as by being hung on a rack by a hole formed in a tag end 24. The point of this figure is that the name badges will have such a low cost that they may be sold in any suitable store, such as office products, catalog, neighborhood grocery stores or the like. Of course, the reference to a “plastic bag” is given only for convenience of description. The badges may be packaged in any convenient way—or sold loose, for that matter.
FIGS. 1-12 show the invention in somewhat a step-by-step manner which illustrates how the all-plastic badges may be designed, while FIGS. 13-19 show how the badge may be assembled.
More particularly, FIG. 2 shows an all-plastic name plate 26 which may be used to display a finished graphic product in any of many different ways. It could have a pin back for attachment to a lapel, a stand back for setting on a desk, a hanger for hanging on the wall, or any other suitable means for support and display. The plastic plate 26 may have any suitable surface, such as a metallic appearance, or a colored or other surface treatment.
A textured field of any convenient design, here shown as an elongated strip 28 is formed across at least part of the surface of the plastic plate 26 which is normally exposed to view and in the area where the transparent, preferably mylar, tape 27 (FIG. 3) bearing the graphics is to be secured. Without the texture, at least some air would almost certainly be entrapped and distributed under the transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive mylar tape bearing the graphics. There would then be unsightly air bubbles. Even the casual observer, seeing the bubble, would realize that the graphics are little more than a strip of transparent pressure-sensitive tape applied over the surface of the plastic badge.
The textured strip allows air to escape entrapment from under the transparent strip as it is pressed down upon the plate tape. Once the air escapes, the surfaces of the transparent tape and plastic plate may be pressed into such intimate contact that the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape cannot be detected by a normal viewing of the product. The result is that the observer is not aware that he is looking at anything more than the plate 22. If the surface of the plastic plate has a metalized surfaced, gold for example, the total plate would appear to be a gold plate.
The plastic badge is preferably made of any suitable plastic material by an injection molding process. The surface of the textured strip has communicating passageways for allowing the air to escape from under the transparent tape. In a preferred embodiment, cited here by way of example, the texture comprises crossed and spaced parallel lines about 64th of an inch deep and about a 16th of an inch apart. The angle A of the crossed lines is here shown as being in the order of about 30°-60° taken relative to the width dimension of the badge; however, that is not a critical dimension. Other angles may also be used.
Another way of producing a suitable texture is to use an acid to etch the mold in the area of the textured strip. More particularly, first the mold cavity is polished to a mirror finish; then, a tool and die maker's handbook is consulted in order to find a texture having a suitable depth and appearance. From this handbook an acid bath is selected which will cause a randomly-indented surface with communicating depressions which allow air to pass out from under the transparent tape.
The opposite sides 30, 32 of the textured strip 28 have ridges which both serve as a guide for applying the tape to the textured strip and conceal the opposite edges of the tape by, in effect, placing the tape into abutment with the vertical edges of the sides.
In FIG. 4, the all-plastic badge has a depressed window 34 which is of a size and shape that exactly fits a sticker, decal, or the like, which may be placed in the window in order to provide a logo, descriptive title, or the like. The window may also have a textured surface to facilitate an escape of air if the sticker is a thin film which might entrap air.
As shown in FIG. 6, any suitable finding 36 may be provided, depending upon how the all-plastic badge may be displayed. As here shown, a pin back is attached in any suitable manner such as by cement, being molded into the plastic, staked, or heat-sealed in place.
FIG. 7 differs from FIG. 4 in that the window 38 for receiving the sticker, decal, or the like, is on the end of the badge. People may prefer the embodiment of FIG. 4 or FIG. 7 depending upon whether their logo is vertical or horizontal. The textured strip terminates at 40 in a dead end. This may be desired by some people who find it easiest to center and mount the transparent tape over the textured strip 28 by beginning at the dead end 40. Others may prefer the arrangement of FIGS. 2, 4 where the textured strip 28 bleeds to the opposite edges of the badge.
In FIG. 11, there are two windows 42, 44 for receiving a logo, descriptive stickers or decals, or the like.
FIG. 12 shows a release paper 45 with self-adhesive labels 46-52 on it. It is thought that such labels will be relatively sturdy material, such as paper or plastic which will not entrap air. If the labels might entrap air, the underlying badge surface will be textured. If the labels are packaged in the bag 20 (FIG. 1), they will include generic titles such as labels 48-52, which list Manager, Waiter, Hostess, or the like. The “logo” labels 46 may also be generic, such as geometric, patriotic, religious, etc., designs.
The bag 20 may also include a suitable card, such as a return post card, or the like, which a person may return with his logo. The manufacturer will respond by having the logo printed on stickers or decals 46. Or, the postcard could request the manufacturer to hot stamp the badge and deboss the logo therein as shown at 53 (FIG. 15).
FIGS. 13 and 14 show one way of placing a back plate on the all-plastic badge. The back of badge 26 has stakes 54, 56, 58, 60 for receiving corresponding sockets, such as 62, 64 on a finding backing plate 66. The backing plate includes any suitable finding such as pin back 68, tab for insertion into a pocket, clip, or the like. The stakes 54-60 fit into the sockets such as 62, 64 where they may be secured in any suitable manner. For example, badge 26 and backing plate 66 may be cemented together, heat-sealed, or joined by a self-adhesive layer when a suitable release paper 22 is removed. Depending upon the plastic used, friction alone may be enough to join the badge 26 and backing plate 66.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show a way which may be used to apply the transparent tape to any of the name badges. In FIG. 15, the textured strip 28 has two dead ends at 74, 76. The transparent tape is placed over and in contact with the textured strip 28. The ends of the transparent tape extend beyond the textured strip 28. Therefore, a knife 78 (FIG. 16) is used to trim the transparent tape at the ends 74, 76 of the textured strip. Then, the selvage extending beyond ends 76, 76 is peeled away and discarded.
In FIGS. 17, 18, the textured strip 28 ends in two slots 80, 82 so that the ends of the transparent tape may be inserted through the slots, pulled around the back of the all-plastic badge 26 and pressed down into recesses 84, 86. The knife 78 may be used to cut off the ends of the transparent tape at the ends of recesses 84, 86. Again, the selvage is then discarded.
FIG. 19 shows the release paper 88 at the back of the transparent tape 89. The printer creates score lines 90, 92 near the end of the release paper. Therefore, by peeling the release paper off the center section 94, the pressure-sensitive, self-adhesive tape exposed by the peeled section 94 may be pressed over the textured strip 28. The remaining release paper 96, 98 forms two tabs on opposite ends of the tape, which facilitates the insertion of the tape ends into and through the slots 80, 82. Once the tabs are free at the back of the all-plastic badge 26, the release paper 96, 98 is pulled off and the transparent tape is pressed into recesses 84, 86.
FIG. 20 shows a commercial printer 100 which is available to the person who buys the all-plastic badges. If that person makes many badges (such as at a church, school, or convention center, for example), he may own the printer. If the badges are purchased through, say a party-time supply store, it may own the printer. Other people may already own the printer which is basically a label maker.
The printer 100 may take many different forms; however, one example of a suitable printer which produces excellent results is a Brother “P-Touch” printer. This printer has a conventionally-arranged typewriter keyboard 102 which may be used to enter any suitable alpha-numerical characters. A cassette 104 in the printer contains three spools 106, 108, 110, respectively, carrying a transparent mylar tape, a double-sided adhesive tape, and a release tape. During printing, these three tapes are assembled within the printer. The printer 100 prints alpha-numerical characters 112 (FIG. 21) on the back of the mylar tape 114, attaches a double-sided adhesive tape 116 over the printing and onto the back of mylar tape 114, and then places release paper 118 over the adhesive tape 116. Then, the printed length of the assembled printed tape is ejected from the printer and cut off. A score line (not shown in FIG. 21) may be formed in the release paper to facilitate a peeling of the release paper 118 from the adhesive tape 116.
The printer contains firmware which generates different graphics. For example, one cassette may generate Roman letters, another may generate old English letters, and yet another could generate Greek letters, mathematical, and scientific symbols, or the like. The user may select any suitable ones of these character generator cassettes, as he sees fit.
Once the release paper 118 is removed, the tape 114/116 is pressed on over the textured strip 26, with the otherwise entrapped air escaping through the communicating passageways formed by the texture. The edges 30, 32 help align the tape during the process of attaching it to the name badge. If the window (FIG. 4), for example, is provided, a suitable sticker or decal (FIG. 12) is placed in it. Also, the printer 100 may have a cassette which prints out a suitable picture of a flower, teddy bear, a patriotic or religious symbol, or the like, depending upon the graphics in the cassette that is used.
Those who are skilled in the art will readily perceive how to modify the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are to be construed to cover all equivalent structures which fall within the true scope and spirit of the invention.


The redesigned 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has hit a regulatory snag that is going to push back its availability.
The new E300 model was supposed to be on sale by June, but Mercedes is still waiting on permission to sell the car from U.S. regulators. “We’re pushing and working very hard with the authorities to get certification. The cars are on U.S. soil,” Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Dietmar Exler told Automotive News.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review
It isn’t clear whether it is the Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) or both that are holding up the launch of these vehicles. Mercedes now expects to launch to the new E-Class at the end of July.
Since the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, regulators in the U.S. have been taking longer to certify new models, in some cases tripling the length of time.
[Source: Automotive News]
Discuss this story at our Mercedes Forum


text:
Due to the fact that a there are a ton of folks along with a typical rose design, there are actually additionally an increasing volume from people that wish rose tattoos yet likewise intend to reveal from their originality and also get a different layout to just what every person else possesses.
Find affordable high end tattoo designs.
Sparrows are actually also an incredibly popular tattoo design, particularly amongst girls and also you will on a regular basis find them done work in to the exact same tattoo as roses or even flowers.
Heart tattoos may symbolize a person's affection for someone else, an individual's affection permanently and also humanity, and even a person's expect finding affection.
Tattoo design creates based upon this theme can reveal the flower in complete blossom or even as a weed that is about to bloom, or maybe as a lot of flowers.
Helped along by recognition from the Nautical Superstar, this is actually a tattoo design that is more and more popular amongst cool and trendy and youthful physical body art fanatics which take pleasure in harkening back to the origins of tattooing.
While traditionally folks would link all the designs on their upper arms right into even more from a sleeve design, that is actually coming to be significantly preferred to obtain bunches of smaller concepts up your upper arms that are not always linked through anything.
The chosen flower petals should have allegorical definitions and also if you truly wish one thing like that should pick a lotus, rose, sunflower or a proverb tattoo layout.
It is actually not uncommon for guys to choose an Angel tattoo design when a person near to them has actually perished.
You can additionally tattoo the heartbeat of a familied member to show all of them that your lives will definitely regularly be actually hooked up as well as your love will definitely last forever.
This is much better to select a one-of-a-kind and authentic design compared to a mass market style - "flash" is made by exceptional performers then marketed to tattoo design artists around the country and worldwide.
Get the best tattoo ideas.
Tattoos can easily appear definitely awesome, offered a bunch of notion has actually entered choosing your style, and derived precisely on the understanding that this is actually a long-lasting marking on your body system.
Angel Tattoos for Girls as well as Angel Tattoos for Women are a well-known choice for the fairer sex as Angels could be actually pointed out to represent beauty and also elegance.
Anchor tattoo designs are actually often linked with the brawny arms from sailors; having said that, not all people featuring these tattoo designs reside a quality of life mixed-up.
Whether you select your tattoo design motivation off a top ten checklist or go for a personalized made item, you can create your design a lot more relevant by conveying your special uniqueness within the physical body from the tattoo.
Often less is more with designs, and you just should possess a style like this to have that alternative and also attractive look that a lot of individuals and also women are actually going for nowadays.
Conventional tattoos are often outlined in black and after that filled out with black shading or various other different colors combined with dark ink.
Gemstones are actually yet another popular tattoo concept and we like exactly how comprehensive this is.
As well as our company are actually influenced through all of them as well, utilizing tattoo typefaces as well as or looking at other motivating design designs.
Angel designs that function as remembrances are some from the best prominent concepts picked by guys especially since they symbolize a personal they enjoyed instead of some sort of legendary being or even tip.
Feel me, there are great deals of design layouts in this particular globe, and you can easily discover easily one best tattoo design for you.
Helping you get your hands on high quality tat designs in the following areas: 40481

domain: artistic


text:
On this page you will find Celebrations Take Cake, Home Baking Association live forum resources. The forum was held April 6th, 2022 and featured Chef Eleonora Lahud. Chef Eleonora provided techniques for success with icings, buttercreams and meringues. In addition, Elizabeth Hagan introduced the 2021 HBA Educator Award lesson Bearthday Cakes Around the World.
Celebrations Take Cake Resources
Official Cake Forum Resource Guide
Includes Chef Eleonora’s reference Recipes, reference materials about flour and sugar, how-to sweetener guides, information about baking in glass, and so much more!
Chef Eleonora Presentation (PDF)
Elizabeth Hagan and Sharon Davis Presentations (PDF)
Bearthday Celebrations Worksheet and Recipes Handout

domain: library


text:
A Mooresville woman was arrested on a prostitution charge after an undercover investigation.
A Johnson County Sheriff’s Office investigator found an online advertisement for sexual activities for $150 to $220. The detective began texting and calling the woman to set up a meeting, according to the report.
On Monday, the detective and Morgan Chasity Craig, 24, agreed to meet for sex at a Johnson County home for a price of $240, the report said.
When Craig got the money and began to take off her clothes, the detective told her he was an officer and she was arrested, the report said.
Police also arrested a man who had driven Craig to the home, Timothy Allen Coffee, 31, Fillmore. Police said Coffee had warrants out of Hendricks, Morgan and Johnson counties for charges of failure to appear in court and violating probation.
Craig, 1675 E. State Road 42, was taken to the Johnson County jail and held on $1,000 bond.
Coffee, 9345 E. County Road 525S, was held at the jail without bond.

domain: law


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Neil Poxon moved from Scotland to Ohio in 2012 to become CEO of the water and oilfield services startup Produced Water Absorbents Inc., or PWA.
Shortly thereafter, Poxon has since moved to Houston to lead the "rebranded" ProSep Inc. after PWA bought out its assets late last year for $9.2 million.
Although Canadian-based ProSep had operated a Houston office for more than a decade, Poxon said the company was failing financially. PWA was planning to move to Houston anyway, he said, so the acquisition and rebranding made sense, including making the once-public ProSep a private company.
"There was no real reason with the right leadership the company couldn't be turned around," Poxon said. "We're kind of back with a bang."
The new ProSec now has a Houston headquarters, 60 local employees and growing and two new facilities totaling 28,000 square feet at Northwest Place Industrial Park on Bingle Road. The plan is to be fully moved in during June and to hire another 15 people or so by the end of the year, Poxon said.
ProSep also has a separate fabrication facility in Houston, as well as Scotland and Malaysia offices.
"We're absolutely committed to our base here in Houston," Poxon said. "We've employed a heap of people here. We want people to know there is a lot of money being invested in this new company."
The new company is focused on providing water separation technologies to the oil and gas sector, as well as equipment leasing and rentals, and new "after-sales support," he said.
The acquisition was financed by PWA's investment backers, led by Norway-based Energy Ventures and New York-based Harris & Harris.
Stay up to date on Texas energy news with the Energy Inc. news ticker , bringing you by-the-minute coverage from the Texas Business Journals.

domain: economics


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October 15, 2019
AD COUNCIL MINUTES
Chairperson Tom Duggan called the meeting to order on October 15, 2019. Present were Tom Duggan, Betty Holling, Don Yale, Sandy Yale, Larry Weaver, Betty Weaver, Diane Cain, Keacha Portanova, Kim Palmer, Kelsey Fernandez, Brenda Fredrickson, Kenna Yarbrough, Dominick Portanova, Selwyn Edwards, Carol Donahue, Kent Gregg, and Lisa Bridenburg.
Devotion: Tom Duggan gave an opening devotion.
Minutes: A motion was made by Brenda Fredrickson, seconded by Don Yale and passed that the minutes of the September meeting be approved as corrected.
Youth: Dominick Portanova reported that Youth Sunday went very well and thanked Kelsey for her great planning. Everyone else commented that the youth had done a great job. The group will be talking about how they can give back to the church at their meeting next week.
Finance: Brenda Fredrickson reported that we are currently $16,000 in the black for the current year. We are currently $16,000 under budget for facilities. Brenda asked that committee chairs let her know what they would like their budgets to be for 2020.
We were reminded to review the written reports submitted by Michele, Worship and Trustees.
Trustees: Larry Weaver reported:
-The cross in front of the office wing was painted by Kent Gregg.
-The downstairs kitchen faucet has been fixed.
-The faucet in the women’s restroom has been rebuilt.
-The north parking lot will be resurfaced & restriped for approximately $22,000.
-Kent Gregg moved, seconded by Sandy Yale and passed that we finish phase 2 of the landscaping
-The trash is not being picked up often enough. Possible solutions are to get fewer donuts each week and to find out how much weekly pickup would be..
SPR: There was a discussion about the possibility of shortening office hours.
The survey on the columbarium is ready and will be emailed out soon.
Trunk or Treat is scheduled for October 24 in the parking lot. Members are being asked to either decorate their trunks or donate candy. The area will be taped off for safety.
Tom Duggan reported that Rev. Michele Kaminsky asked that we review the strategic plan from the minutes of the September meeting and that, for security, we need better physical control of the groups using the church
Kelsey Fernandez: Kelsey thanked everyone for their support on Youth Sunday. The youth will be observing gratitude Sunday on October 24 by supplying extra food for coffee hour, then they will go outside to help with Trunk or Treat. The youth are discussing ways they can give back to the church.
Spaghetti Dinner and Auction: Sandy Yale reported that the spaghetti dinner went well and all the leftovers were sold. We made approximately $1,600 profit. Don Yale reported that we made approximately $11,000 on the auction. Due to the fact that attendance was down this year, there was a discussion about possibly doing something different for a fund raiser next year.
Church Directory: Kent Gregg discussed the directory update. He will submit a request for payment for the app for the directory and get the subscription started.
Marketing: Kim Palmer reported that Nancy Cassidy is updating the welcome brochure and we have a new wedding planner brochure. The brochures look much nicer if printed at a printer’s than on the church printer. Kim suggested that the next time we get a church printer perhaps we should look at one that would print color better. Kim requested that someone bring the new welcome banner into the building after the Sunday services. Kelsey Fernandez will have the youth bring it in. Kim is signing contracts for OLLA to use the building for a yoga class and also for occasional sessions in the sanctuary in the spring. They will provide their own building supervisor who will open the building, stay for the session and lock up.
There was a discussion about possibly providing a way for people to donate online for memorials.
Nominations: Selwyn Edwards reported that the committee is making good progress on nominations for next year. She asked that anyone who has a recommendation for a committee member talk to her about it.
The next meeting will be charge conference on November 24 from 1-4pm. Michele may contact us if she needs anything before then. The December meeting will be December 17. Selwyn Edwards will do a devotion and closing prayer.
Tom Duggan gave a closing prayer.
Betty Holling, Secretary


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So far 2016 is shaping up to be yet another record year for used vehicle values and CPO sales.
The market is flush with off-lease vehicles that are coming back to dealerships. This trend was noticeable last year and now will be even more pronounced since 27.1% more cars were sold via three-year leases in 2013 compared with 2012.
These young off-lease cars are pushing the average used car age down; in 2015 the average used car sold at a dealership was only 4.4 years old. (In 2014, 2013 and 2012 the average was 4.6 years old.)
In 2015, 55 percent of used cars sold at dealerships were three years old or younger. We expect this percentage to grow in 2016.
Only five segments are expected to make up 66% of the lease returns in 2016. Interestingly, some of the less popular segments in today?s market were the most popular leased vehicles in 2013: midsize cars, compact cars and entry luxury cars (first, second and fourth in lease volume for 2013, respectively).
On the other hand, the very desirable compact crossover SUVs and midsize crossover SUVs ranked third and fifth in lease volume in 2013. For all of 2016, fuel costs have been projected to remain stable around the current low level. This will give consumers who are on the fence about buying a truck or SUV further reason to purchase in these segments, fueling demand and increasing values.
Many off-lease cars are being sold through Certified Pre-Owned programs, which list for an average of about $1500 more per car than a traditional used car. The high volume of CPOs in the market mix is helping to boost the industry average used car transaction price.
In 2015 the average used car sold for a record of $18,552 and we anticipate that the average will remain high in 2016 due to the CPO trend mentioned above and consumer interest in more expensive vehicles including trucks and SUVs.
To help compensate for these increasing transaction prices (especially for trucks and SUVs) the term lengths will undoubtedly increase as most used car buyers prefer to make loan payments of less than $400 per month.
Used car bargain hunters may benefit from another market trend: much near-new inventory is coming from car rental agencies whose vehicles are generally in service for a year or two and then dropped back into the marketplace. Rental agencies purchased about 1.8 million units in each of the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, and increased their purchases to about two million units in 2015.
Most former rentals are concentrated within the segments of midsize car, compact car, subcompact car and large car, and are often distinctly different in terms of content and mileage from off-lease or consumer trade-ins.
Based on the influx of this inventory and the expectation of low gas prices, Edmunds predicts that average prices will continue to fall for these segments.
Note to Dealers: Trade-Ins are Down, but Some Are Worth Chasing
In 2015, only 47.6% of new car sales involved a trade in (down from the recent high of 49.7% in 2012 and 48.3% in 2011.) The trend of new car shoppers keeping their older car is consistent with data from other strong economic periods like in 2005 when trade-ins only occurred in 39.3% of new car sales and in in 2006 when trade-ins only occurred in 39.9% of new car sales. Our research shows that when shoppers feel good about the economy, many tend to consider keeping an older car -- perhaps passing it along to another family member -- rather than squeezing every penny out of it to put toward a new car.
Why does this matter for dealers? Not all trade-ins are created equal in today's market. Some are worth pursuing in hopes that shoppers can be convinced to part with them. Edmunds.com has identified five used car segments that today have average selling prices that are significantly higher than in recent years. Here are some segments, their average selling prices in 2015 and the increase over 2014.
These segments are very popular with shoppers right now because of low gas prices, and fuel costs are not expected to rise in 2016 so this trend is likely to become more pronounced through 2016.
Conversely, there are some segments that haven?t seen price increases or aren?t experiencing nearly as much lift in pricing. Here are some examples of trade-ins that may not be worth a dealer's effort in the current marketplace.
Dealers who use Edmunds? MyAppraise tool have fast and easy access to all the critical information about a trade-in even before a car shopper comes onto the lot. The shopper simply enters his or her vehicle's VIN into the tool and answers a few simple questions about its condition, then will be prompted to take pictures of the vehicles to give dealers the ability to verify the vehicle's condition and provide a more accurate estimate. The responses, photos and customer-contact information are delivered to dealers who can then respond with a specific quote via mobile text messaging. About 500,000 people use the Edmunds site every month to appraise their vehicles, and this number is expected to rise in the coming year.
Some valuable used vehicles are easier to find than others. Lease returns are making up a huge volume of used cars in the marketplace today. The most popular leased segments three years ago and their recent average sales price by model year are:
On the other hand, these popular leased segments are not bringing quite as much value when sold off-lease.
For those less lucrative segments, it may be especially worthwhile for dealers to certify them as CPO cars, or, if their mileage and condition render them ineligible, sell them through Edmunds.com's Used+ program which provides many of the peace-of-mind elements of CPO including roadside assistance and extended warranty supplied by Edmunds.com through a third party. The Used+ program also provides a free gas card with every purchase.
Here's the difference in average list price and average miles for CPO vs. non-CPO:


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Yggdrasil Tree of Life Knot Pendant Bronze05-328-10
A beautiful pendant with the Tree of Life, made of bronze!
The Tree of Life is probably the most well-known and versatile symbol of Nordic mythology. With roots digging down to all the world and a crown stretching toward the sky, it is not only a beautiful pendant, it is also a symbol of great significance.
Perfect as a gift for your boyfriend, or of course for yourself!
The pendant is approx. 1.8cm in diameter. The hole through the chain must be 4mm large and all chains of 4mm or below fit this pendant.
We also recommend
Yggdrasil Tree of Life Pendant Yra 925s Sterling Silver

domain: design


Clemson University students will celebrate the life of Sam Cadden and raise money for construction of the Samuel J. Cadden Chapel this weekend at the second annual “Samapalooza.” Events include the Cadden Classic Golf Tournament, social time at the Study Hall rooftop and a concert and silent auction at the Esso Club.
Clemson senior Horace Priester is laying the foundation for his career with the production of "The Letters That Guided Us." Priester entered the 30-minute film in the College Television Awards, Student Academy Awards and other film festivals. He hopes the film inspires new course offerings in the department of communication studies.
Clemson University’s Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) units will hold a joint ceremony to commission six second lieutenants at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Tillman Hall auditorium.
The kindness of Clemson University students was on full display last week as volunteers for Clemson Hope, a student-led nonprofit, wrapped more than 1,100 Christmas presents to deliver to two local elementary schools. It was part of their Adopt-A-Classroom campaign to bring cheer to children who may not receive gifts this holiday season.
By nearly every statistical measure, Elisa Anne Aldrich enjoyed a successful freshman year in 2015–16 as a member of the indoor and beach volleyball teams at Florida Gulf Coast University. The 5-foot-10 middle blocker was fifth on the indoor team with 56 blocks and led all Eagles players with 1.06 blocks per set. She followed […]
The annual Lighting of the Gardens will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Clemson University’s Carillon Garden.
The future has arrived in room 308 of the Watt Family Innovation Center. The room, known as the Clemson Immersive Space, is a hub for students and faculty interested in experimenting with virtual reality.
TAPS, Clemson University’s yearbook since 1908, will print its final edition at the end of the 2017–18 academic year. Following a steady decline in yearbook sales, the student media group decided to move to a quarterly interest magazine beginning in the fall of 2018.
A brotherhood like no other was on display Saturday as veterans who now are students at Clemson University visited their brothers- and sisters-in-arms at the Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson to deliver 220 hand-made care packages and, more importantly, share some time with those who fought before them.
The Clemson University Office of Inclusion and Equity is taking a holistic approach to carrying out the goals and objectives outlined in the ClemsonForward strategic plan to embrace and promote an inclusive environment for higher learning. Chief Diversity Officer Lee Gill and Executive Vice President and Provost Robert Jones co-chair the Clemson University Council on Diversity and Inclusion (CUCDI).
Clemson University will hold its annual Solid Green Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in cleaning up litter following Homecoming activities on Clemson’s main campus.
Nick Lang of Clemson University Campus Activities and Events was named 2017 recipient of the Carol Eden-Epps Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the South Carolina College Personnel Association. The award recognizes outstanding contributions and potential in the field of student affairs by a graduate student. Lang is a second-year graduate student from Arab, Alabama, working toward a master’s degree in counselor education with a focus on student affairs in higher education. Lang is a graduate assistant for student organizations and clubs with Campus Activities and Events.
It’s the song that "shakes the Southland." It’s the song that shakes Death Valley as members of an orange sea triumphantly thrust their fists in the air while spelling out “Clemson.” It’s “Tiger Rag.” The 2017 football season marks the 75th anniversary of the use of the tune as the official Clemson fight song.
Clemson University marine scientists and students are leading efforts to solicit help for the hurricane-impacted Florida Keys and Caribbean.
The annual Tigerama Pep Rally Friday will kick off the Clemson University Homecoming weekend festivities with a growl and a bang. The event, produced entirely by students, will take place in Death Valley. It will also be live-streamed online at http://bit.ly/CULIVE.


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Carroll County Conservation is now accepting reservations for their annual Minnesota Avian Adventure. For the last six years, the Carroll and Sac County Conservation Boards have teamed up to take around 30 people to the Sax-Zim Bog for a multi-day trip into the frozen north. Naturalist, Matt Wetrich, says the nearly 100 square mile nature preserve is one of the most beautiful places in the country that gives participants the chance to see wildlife not seen anywhere else.
If sounds like too much information process, he says not to worry. The trip is designed to accommodate all skill and interest levels. According to Wetrich, all participants will need to do is enjoy the experience.
The trip’s cost ranges from $475 to $690 per person, depending on lodging preferences. Wetrich says it is a great deal for this type of excursion.
This year’s trip departs on Friday, Feb. 7 and returns Monday, Feb. 10. Registration is requested by Monday, Jan. 6 to ensure enough time for hotel and transportation arrangements. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Wetrich using the contact points included with this story on our website.
Swan Lake Conservation Education Center

domain: travel


text:
Your search criteria narrowed your results to College of Law. Below is some additional contact information which may be useful.
College of Law
|Dean||Kevin K. Washburn|
|Location||280 BLB (Boyd Law Building )|
As a general rule, students not admitted to the College of Law are not permitted to register for law courses. Exceptions may be made for graduate students in other colleges and in exceptional circumstances for undergraduate students. Contact Associate Dean Carin Crain in the College of Law for further information.
Course Title is
Contract Drafting Boot Camp
This course has specific requirements view
Aug 14, 2023 - Aug 18, 2023
Instructors: Andrew Crouse (Primary Instructor)
Restricted to Law students.
Students are not permitted to enroll in both this course and LAW:9874 Principles of Contract Drafting at any time during their degree program; only one of the two courses may be taken and enrolling in one course precludes taking the other at any time. Students earn 1 experiential unit. Students will complete their contracts by the Monday following the end of the course.more
12 of 12 enrolled


Mel Bay The Murphy Method Beginning Banjo Volume 2 DVD
Item is available as a recurring order
To automatically re-order this item before you run out, select the recurring order option during checkout.
Build on what you learned in Volume 1. More advanced tunes teach the harder basic licks. We move up the neck to play several tunes. No Tab. Includes Foggy Mountain Breakdown (high break), Lonesome Road Blues, Old Joe Clark, Salt Creek, and Fireball Mail. (1 hour 45 minutes)
Things You Will Get:
|Model||Beginning Banjo Vol 2|


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MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Special forces of the Central Military District (CVD) and the armed forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan took part in a joint tactical-special exercise in the mountains of the Western Tien Shan.
Practical actions were carried out in the Mountain Training Center “Chimgan Tract” at an altitude of 2 thousand meters. On behalf of the Russian side, two groups of a special purpose brigade of the Central Military District, stationed in the Samara region, were involved in the training.
The servicemen of the two countries carried out reconnaissance and search operations in mountainous terrain, worked out the device of ambushes on the routes of the mock enemy, performed a set of firing missions from small arms using devices for silent shooting.
The event was held in accordance with the plan for international military cooperation.
Earlier, the commander of the Central Military District, Colonel-General Alexander Lapin, said that during the summer training period, nine joint international exercises will be held on the territory of Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The main event of joint training of troops will be the anti-terrorist exercise Peace Mission 2021.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and / or sentence structure not be perfect.

domain: geography


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22 JAN 20 Check out our WW1 King & Country items at reduced prices in Bargains category.
JJCLUB2016A Armoured car officer
John Jenkins JJCLUB-2016ACaptain Randall Bond, Wheels Across the Desert
In 1915, Egypt was the centre of the war effort in the near East. Units would strike westwards into the Sahara desert to deal with dissident tribes who were goaded into action by the Turks, or were sent northwards into Gaza to confront the Turkish army itself. The Sennussi were a warlike Arab religious sect encouraged by the Turks to tie down as many British troops as possible. Model T Ford cars, escorted by Rolls- Royce armoured cars were used to patrol the desert, and to launch daring raids against the Sennussi.
The most important British armoured car of the first World War was undoubtedly the Rolls-Royce. In terms of the numbers built, effective design and all round quality it was unequalled, and is now taken to typify the vintage armoured car.
The Hedjaz Armoured Car Section, was an unit of three Rolls Royce armoured cars, which operated alongside the irregular forces inspired and guided by T.E Lawrence. This unit also acted independently and mounted long range raids, such as the succesful raid against the Amman railway bridge in September 1918.
The armoured cars earned Lawrence’s respect for their reliability and effectiveness, and in his “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” he mentions that “a Rolls in the desert was above rubies”.
2016 will be the tenth anniversary of JJDesigns. As a small thank you to those who have supported, encouraged, collected and contributed to the success of JJDesigns, over the last ten years, I have dedicated this year’s Membership figures to a few of the collectors who I have had the pleasure to get to know. I apologize to the many that I have not been able to include, but please be assured that I am extremely thankful and grateful to everyone, without whom I would not have been given the opportunity to produce and develop my work over the last ten years. -- John Jenkins

domain: history


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By Simon Mallinson on November 3rd, 2016
Global commercial real estate investment fell 15% year-over-year in Q3’16, the new edition of Global Capital Trends shows. For the first nine months of 2016, total global volume fell 11% versus the same period in 2015. Of the regions, EMEA was the worst performer for the quarter and for 2016 so far.
Part of the slowdown can be attributed to global cross-border capital flows, down 32% compared with the first nine months of 2015. Cross-border investors have remained active net buyers but at lower levels than previous periods. In the Asia Pacific Capital Trends report we note that cross-border flows increased as a share of total investment volume; however, this reflects the decrease in total purchases by domestic investors.
China outperformed in Asia Pacific, recording a 28% YOY increase in direct real estate transactions in Q3’16. With now one-fifth of the overall activity in the region it has overtaken Australia as the second most active Asia Pacific market. While overall volumes in Asia Pacific were boosted by a string of large portfolio deals in China and Japan, concerns about political, economic and financial risks are still challenging investment decisions.
The Americas as a whole was boosted by strength in Canada – up 17% YOY in the quarter. Investment volume in the U.S. was flat in Q3’16 compared with 2015. In EMEA, the three largest investment markets – the U.K., Germany and France – all saw volumes decline, with the U.K. and France down about 50% in Q3’16.
London has fallen further down the ranking of global top markets. From a #3 spot at midyear London is now at #4 behind New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Nine of the top ten global markets recorded shrinking volume for the first nine months of 2016 – London’s was the sharpest decline at 56%.
Looking ahead we can already predict that Q4’16 volumes will look weak in comparison with the exceptionally robust activity recorded in Q4’15. But despite that, 2016 will be a strong year compared with historical averages.
If you are a current RCA subscriber log into your account to download the Q3’16 reports.


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Capitol Family Mediation Windsor
Capitol Family Mediation Windsor is a dedicated team of professional Family Mediators. We specialize in supporting families in Windsor to navigate separation and resolve issues related to children and finances. Our expert mediators are here to assist you in finding amicable solutions and promoting healthy family dynamics.
Capitol Family Mediation Windsor
When families face conflicts, it can be emotionally stressful, confusing, and difficult to know how to resolve the issues. Amidst the chaos, solutions may seem out of reach. Family mediation offers a solution to this situation that many families find beneficial. At Capitol Family Mediation Windsor, we understand the importance of providing a safe space for families to engage in productive conversations and resolve any disputes. We are experts in family mediation and have built a strong reputation.
Services Offered by Capitol Family Mediation Windsor
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation services is an alternative dispute resolution process that involves a neutral third party who helps parties in a dispute reach an agreement. Mediation is particularly useful in family conflicts such as divorce or separation, child custody, and property division. Rather than going to court, parties can engage in an open and constructive dialogue to work towards a mutually beneficial resolution.
The Benefits of Using Capitol Family Mediation
Capitol Family Mediation services are a professional mediation service that provides a supportive and confidential environment. They will help you to navigate through your family conflict and find a peaceful and reasonable resolution. Capitol Family Mediation services provides a non-judgmental and unbiased service that is focused on creating sustainable solutions for your family. Their services are affordable, and they offer flexible meeting times to fit around your schedule.
The Mediation Process at Capitol Family Mediation Windsor
The mediation process at Capitol Family Mediation services are a simple and efficient process that starts with a consultation to better understand your needs and concerns. Next, the mediator will facilitate discussions with the involved parties to identify the issues at hand, discuss future arrangements and work towards an agreement. Finally, the mediator will draft a binding agreement that will be submitted to the court. Capitol Family Mediation services will support you through the entire mediation process until your issue is resolved.
Advantages of Choosing Capitol Family Mediation Windsor
Capitol Family Mediation Windsor Can Help
Capitol Family Mediation Windsor provides a safe and supportive environment for families to communicate and come to amicable solutions. Our service is confidential, flexible, cost-effective, and focuses on providing solutions that are tailored to our clients’ specific situations. We aim to provide a resolution that not only saves you time and money but also helps you maintain good relationships within your family. Mediation is less stressful than going to court. With our expertise, Capitol Mediation is the ultimate solution for your family’s conflict resolution needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!


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Budget projections at public school districts, already a guessing game, were scrambled once again this week following Gov. Jerry Brown’s decision to suspended negotiations with Republican legislators. The breakdown in negotiations, which would have provided for a June referendum to allow California voters to decide whether to extending current tax rates, transformed the districts’ worst-case scenarios into impending reality.
With state funding cuts potentially reaching twice the totals suggested by earlier projections when June tax extensions were still possible, school officials say they are preparing for drastic changes in the way they approach public education.
Gary Mortimer, a financial consultant with Burbank Unified, said the change could severely challenge educators.
“Burbank has been able to be really responsive to the needs of children and offer a very good education,” said Mortimer, himself a product of Burbank schools. “I think with the budget cuts looming like they could, it is going to have an effect on the district’s ability to maintain a high level of education.”