text:
Purify natural gas by removing toxic and corrosive hydrogen sulfide, creating usable fuel with methods that also produce valuable hydrogen fuel as a by-product; or cut conventional energy requirements for contaminant removal.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a common contaminant in natural gas wells, landfill gases, and other industrial operations. Approximately one-third of U.S. natural gas resources are considered low quality gas, unfit for pipeline shipment. Conventional processes suffer from several technical issues such as chelate loss, solution loss, and complex reactor design – rendering them inefficient. Unlike conventional methods suffering from slow reaction rates, low efficiency, and the need for complex reactors and high costs, new procedures can remove H2S with the bonus of lower energy requirements or profitable by-products like elemental sulfur or hydrogen fuel.
Researchers at UCF have discovered two new closed-loop methods of removing hydrogen sulfide from natural gas (to concentrations of less than 2 ppm), with elemental sulfur as the by-product. Method A produces sulfur and hydrogen gas (a potentially useful fuel), while the production of water in method B enables a lower energy input requirement. Since air is used in method B, a more compact reactor can be fabricated, with lower energy requirements. Both methods provide a high efficiency, low cost, closed-loop technique for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from sour gas. Either can emerge as a more favorable option than the other based on the relative profitability of energy inputs (i.e., electricity) or by-products (i.e., sulfur or hydrogen).
- Operates at ambient temperature
- Easy start up and shut down procedures
- Profitable by-products
- Low energy requirement
- Optionally solar-powered
- Natural gas decontamination

domain: chemistry


text:
Food Shortage 2023: 5 Produce Shortages That May Happenbianca
Table of contents
Another produce shortage is on the way. Here’s the food outlook for 2023.
It seems like shortages have become the new norm. While 2020 brought shortages in everything from toilet paper to lumber, 2021 saw shortages in chicken, semiconductor chips, and prescription medications, and 2022 brought shortages in cream cheese, diesel, and baby formula. 2022 was also a bad year for food shortages — and we’ll likely see more food shortages in 2023.
Here are the top five produce items that may be difficult to find or become more expensive later in the year:
5 Produce Shortages That May Happen In 2023
The war in Ukraine has had widespread impacts on everything from oil to fertilizers. Since Ukraine is one of the leading providers of corn, the world’s corn supply has suffered, and prices have risen. Plus, Argentina, another corn supplier, had a smaller yield.
But that’s not all. According to the USDA, less corn was planted in 2022 than in 2021. Corn growers cut their corn acreage by 4%, meaning they would only plant 89.5 million acres of corn in 2022. As a result, we’re likely to experience a smaller yield, a corn shortage, and higher prices in 2023.
However, chefs can’t go without corn and foods that contain corn, such as cereals and corn syrup. So, it’s time to turn to wholesale food distributors like Riviera Produce. Despite the corn shortage and rising prices, you’ll still be able to find corn at a reasonable price with us because we have strong relationships with various wholesale produce farms and specialty vendors.
The last year hasn’t been kind to many crops, but lettuce has had it particularly bad. Most of the United States’ iceberg and romaine lettuce supply is grown in central California’s warm climate areas. However, in the fall of 2022, lettuce in this region was infected with impatiens necrotic spot virus, an insect-borne virus that damaged over 50% of farmers’ crops. On top of that, the area’s unseasonably high temperatures impacted the lettuce crop, worsening the lettuce shortage.
Between the unusual temperatures and the virus, lettuce inventory has been low, and prices have skyrocketed by 25%. Some people have been forced to take what they can get as they wait for lettuce production to ramp up and the shortage to wind down, but you don’t have to skimp on quality.
You can still serve quality salads and sandwiches if you turn to a wholesale produce supplier like Riviera Produce. Instead of scrambling to substitute ingredients or alter your menu, you can find a steady and reliable supply of lettuce through Riviera Produce!
Last summer, between climate change, a June hailstorm in Mexico, supply chain problems, and rising fertilizer prices due to the war in Ukraine, we saw a major avocado shortage and extremely high prices. While avocado prices have since dropped, there are still a few things we need to be aware of.
First, there is less acreage in California producing avocados today than compared to ten years ago. Additionally, though harvest and demand are strong out of Michoacan, the season has already wrapped up in Jalisco until mid-May. HAB data projects a drop in imports from Mexico, and the cost of harvesting and packing avocadoes has increased. In California, heavy rain and the accompanying mud briefly halted harvesting. We expect to see a medium-sized avocado crop from California this year with a skew to larger sizes and pricing comparable to Mexico.
Though most packers are planning to keep domestic avocados on the West Coast, it’s still possible to obtain avocados on the East Coast — especially if you work with top produce distributor. With help from a wholesale food supplier, you can get your hands on avocados in a timely manner and for a reasonable price, meaning you can overcome the avocado shortage without stressing.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
California is responsible for producing roughly 92% of the broccoli grown in the United States, meaning that the high temperatures and droughts in the region in recent years majorly impacted broccoli availability. Though growers have set up irrigation pumps out west, broccoli and cauliflower yields have been affected by the heat and lack of water and will be part of the vegetable shortage in 2023.
At the same time, the snow and frosts experienced in the UK, France, and Spain severely impacted crops. Unfortunately, we won’t see much relief on that front until the summer harvests in late May and early June.
While broccoli and cauliflower supply will eventually increase and prices will return to normal, you don’t need to completely rearrange your menu in the meantime. Instead, you can find quality cauliflower and broccoli from Riviera Produce. As a wholesale produce supplier, we have everything you need to get through the vegetable shortage of 2023.
The weather in California isn’t just impacting cauliflower and broccoli. It’s also having a major effect on tomato crops and prices. Given that the West Coast produces nearly 90% of our country’s tomatoes and drought has caused farmers to let 40% of their crops die off, it’s hardly surprising that there is a tomato shortage. In fact, California has had the driest three-year stretch in recorded history! Plus, to make matters worse, we’re dealing with steeper fertilizer and fuel prices due to the war in Ukraine and inflation, which have pushed the prices for tomatoes even higher.
However, you can’t just go without tomatoes. Not only are they a popular base ingredient in several dishes and food items, but they’re also delicious on their own and perfect for everything from salads to sandwiches to pasta dishes.
That’s where wholesale food suppliers like Riviera Produce come in. When you work with a produce distributor, you can navigate the tomato shortage and get your hands on affordable, high-quality tomatoes fast.
Quickly Find High-Quality Produce and Overcome the Food Shortage In 2023 With Riviera Produce
The food outlook for 2023 looks rocky. Supplies of everything from corn to tomatoes may be lower than usual, meaning prices will likely be higher. What’s more, the quality of crops may be impacted.
Enter Riviera Produce. Our family-owned and -operated wholesale food distribution business serves New York City, part of New Jersey, and Connecticut and sources produce from local, national, and international farms. We provide food to restaurants and offer speedy delivery, competitive pricing, and quality you can trust.
Start ordering from our online store today to overcome the produce shortages of today and tomorrow!

domain: agronomy


text:
Branding and interior design for an artisan fish & chip shop
"Fillet of Soul reinterprets the iconography and visual language of the British fish & chip shop."
Transforming what was previously a BBQ and bourbon restaurant, Fillet of Soul is a new concept by Bitters n Twisted Venues which adapts an existing fit out and completely transforms it. With a focus on the craft of fish & chips, the brief called for a contemporary take on this familiar genre.
The design works with much of the existing interior, an approach to design that combines frugality with the considered use of existing materials and fittings. The challenge was to create a concept that felt uncompromised within these parameters.
The design takes the familiar visual style of the classic British fish & chip shop and reinterprets it; the blue and white stripes, so often associated with the seaside, have taken over the interior to add geometry and a dynamic sense of space. A large illuminated menu also acts as the primary source of lighting for the space and a stainless steel furniture clad with ceramic tiles provides a utlitarian colour pop.

domain: design


Universal device control
A system and corresponding method for independently controlling a plurality of manufacturer specific devices through a generic interface is disclosed. The system includes a translation layer operative to convert signals from a plurality of nodes into a normalized signal; and a node abstraction layer, operatively coupled to the translation layer, for receiving the normalized signal and to transmit a generic control signal in response to the normalized signal. The node abstraction module includes a generic object model of most types of home automation devices, sensors and actuators, which provides for independent control of the plurality of manufacturer specific devices.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
 The present invention generally relates to home automation technology and, more particularly, to a system and method for universally monitoring and controlling a plurality of devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 Today's modem homes include a plurality of home automation devices that are powered by electricity and function according to their own specific software protocols. Examples of such devices include stoves, motion sensors and thermostats that maintain the temperature of one or more rooms at a selected temperature based on a specific schedule. An example of a combination function is turning lights on/off based on whether there is motion detected in a given room.
 As there may be several manufacturers of each of the aforementioned and additional types of devices, there are many brands of home automaton devices to choose from. Oftentimes, these devices are controlled by proprietary software that is only compatible with devices or brands provided by the same manufacturer. Thus, it is possible for a home, or other structure to have, for example, a thermostat or motion sensor manufactured by manufacturer A in one room and a thermostat or motion sensor manufactured by manufacturer B in a second room thereof. As the devices are manufactured by different manufacturers, they may operate according to different proprietary software. As inter-manufacturer software is often incompatible, the aforementioned devices must be separately monitored and controlled.
 A drawback associated with using a plurality of devices from different manufacturers is that when you add an additional device (or upgrade) to a room of the structure, the proprietary software associated with the device must be added to the larger control mechanism of the structure. For example, if you add a refrigerator manufactured by manufacturer D to a structure having no other devices manufactured by that particular manufacturer, the proprietary software associated with the refrigerator must be added to the control mechanism of the structure. This, oftentimes, requires the control mechanism to be completely overhauled. This is an acute problem when the several devices present in a structure are of a first brand and the newly added device is of a second brand. As the control mechanism is often a custom mechanism, adding an incompatible device will require the control mechanism to be completely redesigned.
 An associated problem with using incompatible devices is that it locks the user into a particular type of device or manufacturer. That may result in a tremendous amount of back end expenditures if the manufacturer goes out of business or leaves the particular device market.
 In addition to the compatibility issues outlined above, being restricted to communicating and controlling devices only through the accompanying proprietary software results in an overall reduction in energy efficiency. For example, if a device such as a refrigerator that uses continuous amounts of electricity malfunctions, it can only be turned off either manually at the source or through the proprietary software. As a result, if the malfunction occurs while no one is monitoring the device, a tremendous amount of electricity may be wasted. In those parts of the world where electricity availability and transmission are limited, wasting electricity on malfunctioning devices can be tremendously burdensome to already limited resources.
 Thus, there is a need for a universal mechanism that is capable of communicating with and controlling a plurality of devices across a plurality of formats and structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a system that allows any operating software to independently interact with any suitable device within a structure using a standard interface. This allows for single entity monitoring and/or control of a plurality of devices, each having its own specific operating parameters or software. In an exemplary embodiment, the system of the present invention is a provided as a software tool, including a generic object model of most types of household devices, sensors and actuators, which provides for independent access and control of the aforementioned devices. Actuator or device control is provided through a standard interface, referred to as a Node Abstraction Layer (NAL). The NAL receives normalized signals from a plurality of different types of devices and transmits signals thereto operative to control each of plurality of devices independently of proprietary software that may be associated therewith.
 A translation layer is coupled to the NAL and is operative to convert device-specific information signals into the normalized signals that are transmitted to the generic object model maintained within the NAL. This model, in turn, sends the normalized signals to any appropriate monitoring or control software. Because the NAL is a generic interface, the monitoring or control software does not perceive the incoming signals as originating from a particular, and potentially, incompatible device. Thus, by using the NAL of the present invention, a single entity can monitor and control the several devices, manufactured by different entities, present within a structure.
 Through modeling of the information provided by the NAL, use or operating patterns can be developed which result in the structure becoming more energy efficient. In similar fashion, by increasing energy efficiency within a structure, overall energy usage efficiency and distribution will be positively effected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
 The present invention and the associated advantages and features provided thereby will become best understood and appreciated upon review of the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the following drawings, where like elements represent like elements, in which:
 FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a structure including a plurality of devices provided by different manufacturers;
 FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the components of a monitoring station maintained within the structure illustrated in FIG. 1;
 FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the monitoring and control system according to the present invention;
 FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the operations performed by the monitoring and control system illustrated in FIG. 3; and
 FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a community interconnected to a system integrator employing the monitoring and control system according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
 An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-5, in conjunction with the monitoring and control of motion sensors within a structure. Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a structure 10 having a plurality of floors 12, 14 and 16. Each of the floors includes a node with at least one electrically powered device coupled thereto. In particular, structure 10 is a three-story house where on the first floor 12 there is maintained a refrigerator 22, an oven 24, a motion sensor 40 and a light source 112, each coupled to a corresponding node. For purposes of illustration and example, each of the electrically powered devices located on the first floor is manufactured by manufacturer A. A door 11 provides a point of ingress/egress to the house 10. Staircase 25 provides a point of access to the second floor 14 of the house 10.
 On the second floor 14 is a control station 30 embodied, in an exemplary embodiment, within a computer, a second motion sensor 42 and a second light source 114. The control station 30, motion sensor 42 and light source 114 are also coupled to their respective nodes. However, in an alternate embodiment, the several devices can be coupled to a single node. The motion sensor 42 for the second floor is manufactured by manufacturer B. Staircase 27 provides access to the third floor 16 of the house 10.
 On the third floor is an entertainment center 34, a third motion sensor 44 and a third light source 116. In the exemplary embodiment, the third motion sensor 44 is manufactured by manufacturer C. As shown, the house 10 includes at least one motion sensor 40-44 on each floor. As is known, the purpose of the motion sensors is to detect movement within the boundary of the particular area being scanned by the motion sensor. The motion sensor provides a beam of radiation, across an area matrix to detect motion. When one of the beams of radiation is broken, the motion sensor detects such break and, based on programming, generates a specified signal. The particular signal generated by each of the individual motion sensors 40-44 is manufacturer dependent, and is based on the proprietary software and/or microcode that is used to control the operation of the motion sensors.
 Compound functions are one type of function initiated by the motion sensors. For example, the motion sensors 40-44 may be coupled to one of the light sources 112-116 and control whether such light sources 112-116 are turned on/off based on the detection of movement within a given area. More specifically, the motion sensors 40-44 may be coupled to a respective one of the light sources 112-116 and correspondingly configured to cause a respective light to turn on if motion is detected within the area. Alternately, if no motion is detected within the monitored area, or if one of the radiation beams is not triggered within a specified time period, the light associated with a given motion sensor is turned off. The turning on/off of the respective light source by the corresponding motion sensor is controlled by the proprietary software of the particular manufacturer.
 As manufacturers compete with one another for market share and product capability, the competing products are generally not compatible with one another. Thus, motion sensor 40 manufactured by manufacturer A will not be compatible with motion sensor 42, manufactured by manufacturer B. Likewise, motion sensor 44 manufactured by manufacturer C will not be compatible with either motion sensors 40 or 42. Thus, in situations where coordination of devices and communication is critical, the plurality of incompatible devices will be of little use as they are not compatible with one another. The ramifications of using incompatible devices can be illustrated in the situation where a monitoring station (e.g. a security provider) is responsible for monitoring a plurality of homes, each having sensors provided by a different manufacturer.
 In the situation, for example, where houses one and two of three, experience an alarm-triggering event, the monitoring station has to be able to communicate with at least two different protocols to detect the event and provide the appropriate response. This is not overly burdensome when there are a small number of houses, and correspondingly small number of detection devices. However, such is not the case when the service provider is responsible for monitoring many, many houses. Having to maintain a database of an unknown number of protocols can quickly overburden the system. The present invention eliminates such burdens by providing a software tool that provides the ability to communicate with and control a plurality of devices independent of the heretofore incompatible protocols associated with competing manufacturers.
 Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is a schematic block diagram of the monitoring and control station 30. As shown, the monitoring and control station 30 is a computing device employing a processor 130. The processor 130 is coupled to an I/O port 132, which in turn is coupled to a plurality of input devices (e.g. keyboard 133, mouse 134 and joy stick 135). The processor 130 is also coupled to a permanent memory 138 and a household specific storage memory module 140 through bus 137; a display buffer 136 through video bus 135; and a connector module 142 via bus 141. The permanent memory 138 may contain, for example, a portion of the operating code that is executed by the processor 130. The connector module 142 is adapted to connect to an outside resource such as, for example, a monitoring/security provider via bus 143. Other components may be connected to the I/O port, and form part of the computer monitoring system 30. The storage memory module 140 stores the monitoring and control software, as executed by the processor 130, of the present invention as will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 3-5.
 Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is a schematic block diagram of the plurality of motion sensors 40-44 of the house 10 and their interconnection (i.e. signals) to the monitoring and control system 200 of the present invention. As discussed above, each of the motion sensors 40-44 is manufactured by a different manufacturer; thus, the motion sensors 40-44 cannot communicate with one another or seamlessly to a third party entity or service as the motion sensors employ incompatible protocols, as presented in Table 1. 1 TABLE 1 Manufacturer ON OFF A (40) 1 0 B (42) TRUE FALSE C (44) MOTION NO MOTION
 More specifically, motion sensor 40 manufactured by manufacturer A employs a protocol where detected motion is represented by a logical “1” signal and no detected motion is represented by a logical “0” signal; motion sensor 42 manufactured by manufacturer B employs a protocol where detected motion is represented by a “TRUE” signal and no detected motion is represented by a “FALSE” signal; and motion sensor 44 manufactured by manufacturer C employs a protocol where detected motion is represented by a “MOTION” signal and no detected motion is represented by a “NO MOTION” signal.
 Each of the motion sensors 40-44, in turn, is coupled to a respective translation layer module 12a-16a that is responsible for converting the manufacturer specific signals as provided in Table 1 to a normalized control signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the translation layer modules 12a-16a of the present invention are implemented as a software module. More specifically, motion sensor 40 is coupled to translation layer module (TLM 1) 12a; motion sensor 42 is coupled to corresponding translation layer module (TLM 2) 14a; and motion sensor 44 is coupled to corresponding translation layer module (TLM 3) 16a. The function of the translation layer 12a-16a is to map the manufacturer specific operating representations (i.e. signals) into a normalized control signal that is transmitted to a Node Abstraction Layer (NAL) 150 for processing. For purposes of illustration and example, the normalized control signal acknowledged by the NAL 150 as representing detected motion is a logical “1” signal; and no detected motion is represented as a logical “0” signal. Each of the translation layer modules 12a-16a may also be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Although illustrated as separate modules that individually pass the normalized signal to the NAL 150, the translation layer modules 12a-16a can be implemented as a single layer, capable of transmitting one or a plurality of normalized signals from the motion sensors 40-44 to the NAL 150.
 The NAL 150 is a software module that contains a generic object model of substantially every type of household device, sensor and actuator. The NAL 150 may also be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. In an exemplary embodiment, the NAL 150 of the present invention contains a generic model that emulates the operation of each of the plurality of motion sensors 40-44 and the differences in the operating characteristics therebetween. The NAL 150 is stored, at least in part, in the home storage memory module 140 of the control station 30 (FIG. 2). Through the NAL 150, any third party or system integration software (i.e. monitoring and control software) can interact with any electrically powered device within a structure using the standard interface 142. Stated another way, the NAL 150 abstracts the attributes of each device, sensor and actuator to a set of normalized attributes such that all components (e.g. motion sensor) of a specific structure can be monitored and controlled through a consistent, generic interface regardless of manufacturer.
 By employing the NAL 150, the universal monitoring and control system 200 of the present invention can be efficiently and easily maintained within a corresponding structure as the intricacies and myriad specifications and protocols associated with the plurality of device manufacturers to communicate and control their respective devices do not have to be maintained or accounted for. In this manner, upgrading the system or adding to or removing a device from a structure becomes straightforward. Instead of having to reconfigure, or even redesign the structure monitoring software to account for the protocols of a new component, as is required in existing technologies, the NAL 150 of the present invention is not altered. The translation layer module 12a-16a interfaced with the new device is modified slightly to account for the new device. Modifying a specific translation layer module 12a-16a is easier and more economical than having to alter or otherwise reconfigure the NAL 150.
 In addition to the relative ease of modifying or updating the monitoring and control system 200 of the present invention, compatibility issues associated with the several device manufacturers are also negated. As the NAL 150 employs a generic, object device model and global interface that receives and sends signals only through the translation layer 12a-16a, manufacturer specific protocols for monitoring and controlling the several devices within the structure are not required. The compatibility issues associated with different manufacturers protocols are overcome. In this manner, the NAL 150 provides for independence between software services and specific manufacturer devices.
 Referring now to FIG. 4, the steps performed by the translation layer 12a-16a and the NAL 150 of the monitoring and control system 200 when monitoring and controlling a plurality of motion sensors will be described. The process begins at step 402 where the translation layer determines whether a signal from a corresponding motion sensor has been received. If no signal has been received, indicating no motion has been detected in the corresponding floor, the translation layer waits for a signal. In an alternate embodiment (shown within dotted lines), if a signal is not received, a predetermined function such as turning off the light source 112-116 on the associated floor is performed. On the other hand, if a signal is received, for example, from motion sensor 44 the manufacturer specific signal (e.g. MOTION) is converted into a normalized signal (i.e. 1) by the translation layer in step 404. The normalized signal is transmitted to the NAL for processing.
 In step 406, the NAL receives the normalized signal and performs the corresponding operation thereon based on the generic operation parameters maintained within the NAL. For example, the operation may be to turn on the associated light source 116 or notify a third party integrator (i.e. security monitoring service) that motion has been detected within the structure. Notifying the third party integrator of receipt of a detected signal from the motion sensor 44 is performed by contacting the same through connector 142 (FIG. 2) via bus 143, which is represented by the dashed box labeled “SI”.
 In the situation where the light source 116 is to be turned on (e.g. activated) upon the motion sensor detecting motion, the generic control signal to initiate such operation is transmitted to the appropriate translation layer for conversion into the manufacturer specific signal in step 408. The manufacturer specific control signal to turn on the light source 116 is transmitted thereto in step 410.
 As illustrated above, the device control system of the present is capable of monitoring and controlling a plurality of otherwise incompatible devices from several manufacturers through a generic interface. By employing a translation layer and an abstraction of device operation, the system of the present invention can control a plurality of devices independent of the particular protocols or nomenclature associated with the manufacturer of the several devices. Thus, the monitoring and control of such devices is decoupled from the proprietary software associated with the manufacturer of such devices. In this fashion, it is possible to transfer the monitoring and control functions of the devices within a structure to a third party service integrator which can bundle such monitoring and control services with other services to provide enhanced capabilities and economies of scale. For example, an electrical utility can act as system integrator for structures in a given area and develop an electricity use model based on the NAL. Such a system is illustrated in FIG. 5.
 As shown in FIG. 5, the system integrator 300 is connected to a plurality of structures 10, 210 and 310 via a network connection 350. The several structures 10, 210 and 310 are coupled to the network connection 350 through their respective connectors 142 (FIG. 2). More specifically, structure 10 is connected to the network connection 350 through line 143; structure 210 is connected to the network connection 350 through line 243; and structure 310 is connected to the network connection 350 through line 343. Each of the transmission lines 143, 243 and 343 carries the signal provided by the corresponding NAL 150 when performing, for example, step 406 as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4.
 In exemplary fashion, if system integrator 300 is an electrical utility, the utility can modify the amount of electricity transmitted to a given structure based on the actual use patterns associated with the structure. In other words, based on the information provided to the utility 300 by the individual structures 10, 210 and 310, electricity use patterns can be developed which may result in the reallocation of electricity between the structures based on consumption; thereby conserving the amount of energy generated and transmitted to a given locale. This will provide for elasticity in electricity pricing based on actual use as unnecessary electricity generation and transmission will be negated. Other services can also be integrated with the monitoring and control software of the present invention. For example, meter reading from remote locations is also possible. In this fashion, structures located in remote or hard to access areas may receive the benefits associated with elastic pricing based on actual use.
 The above detailed description of the present invention and the examples described therein have been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. Although an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise embodiment disclosed, and that various changes and modification to the invention are possible in light of the above teaching. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto.
1. A system, comprising:
- a translation layer operative to convert signals from a plurality of nodes into a normalized signal; and
- a node abstraction layer, operatively coupled to the translation layer, for receiving the normalized signal, and to transmit a generic control signal in response to the normalized signal.
2. The system of claim 1, further including a control station, operative to provide access to the node abstraction layer.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the translation layer further comprises a plurality of translation layer modules, each coupled to a plurality of individual nodes.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of nodes includes at least one electrically powered device coupled thereto.
5. The system of claim 5, wherein each of the at least one electrically powered devices actuates between an on state and an off state.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the associated on state and off state of the at least one electrically powered device corresponds to a specific signal type which is converted into a normalized control signal by the translation layer.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the node abstraction layer provides a generic operating model which emulates the devices coupled to each of the plurality of nodes.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the node abstraction layer can be accessed by an outside resource.
9. A system for controlling a plurality of devices, comprising:
- a plurality of translation layer modules operative to convert a signal from a corresponding node into a normalized signal; and
- a node abstraction layer, coupled to the plurality of translation layer modules, operative to provide a control signal to a respective node, the node abstraction layer including a generic object model which provides the control signal in response to the normalized signal.
10. A method for controlling a plurality of devices, comprising:
- receiving a signal, the signal representing the current state of a device coupled to a corresponding node;
- converting the received signal into a normalized signal;
- generating at least one control signal in response to the normalized signal, the at least one control signal based on a generic object model; and
- transmitting the at least one control signal to the node.
11. The method of step 10, further including:
- receiving a modified control signal from the generic object model and transmitting the modified control to the node.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the transmission of the normalized signal is performed independent of the corresponding node.
13. A device control system, comprising:
- a processor; and
- a memory, coupled to the processor, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
- receive signals from a plurality of nodes, the signals representing a current state of each of the plurality of nodes;
- converting each of the received signals into a corresponding normalized signal based on a generic model maintained in the memory;
- converting the normalized signal into a control signal based in part on the generic model maintained in the memory; and
- transmitting the control signal to at least one of the plurality of nodes to modify the state of the respective node.
14. The device control system of claim 13, further including means for connecting the processor to an outside resource, the outside resource performing a regulatory operation in response to the control signal.
15. The device control system of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of nodes has at least one device coupled thereto, the corresponding control signal operative to control the operation of the at least one device.
International Classification: G05B011/01; G05B013/02;


Most Vulnerable Californians to Benefit from Federal Plan for Smokefree Public Housing
(November 30, 2016) - Sacramento
For more information please contact:
The American Lung Association in California applauds the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its announcement today that will require all public housing agencies to go smokefree. The policy covers residential units as well as common areas. This rule will protect two million Americans across the country from exposure to secondhand smoke in their homes.
“A person’s home should be a safe place, free from the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure. This life-saving announcement will protect our most vulnerable residents – children, the elderly and those with chronic lung illnesses,” said Olivia Diaz-Lapham, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in California. “We have seen so much success with smokefree housing in California and we’re thrilled to see it expand nationwide.”
The American Lung Association in California has worked with public housing authorities in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and dozens more cities to make homes for low-income residents smokefree. Public housing facilities in these cities must be at least 75 percent smokefree and that includes patios and balconies. It’s a critical effort towards improving public health in California.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It can cause or worsen illnesses including lung cancer, respiratory infections and asthma. Asthma has a disproportionate impact on low-income residents living in federally subsidized housing and exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger asthma exacerbations. Children with asthma are especially sensitive and may suffer from more frequent asthma attacks and longer hospitalizations as a result.
“Since there is no way to prevent smoke from travelling between units, the only way to fully protect these vulnerable residents is for multi-unit housing buildings to be 100 percent smokefree,” said Diaz-Lapham. “To help in this process, we stand ready with tools and resources to help more public housing authorities in California go smokefree.”
The Lung Association has created resources to assist property owners and residents with making the move to a smokefree facility, including an online course, fact sheets and policy briefs, which can be found at www.lung.org/smokefreehousing.
In January, the American Lung Association in California will release its annual State of Tobacco Control Report which grades cities on their tobacco control policies. Grading includes, among other things, whether the public housing agency requires smokefree housing. You can see which cities in your area have smokefree public housing at http://www.lung.org/local-content/california/our-initiatives/state-of-tobacco-control/2016/2016-state-of-tobacco-control-county-grades.html.


text:
3 strand Mother of the Bride/Groom Bracelet Cuff
Because Mom's deserve to feel beautiful too! This gorgeous 3 strand cuff bracelet features Swarovski Crystals, Swarovski Pearls, Silver Plated Fireball Rhinestone Beads, & a sturdy sliding lock clasp in silver plate. The heart charm is a flat charm made of anti-tarnish shiny pewter & rhodium with "Mother of the Bride" or "Mother of the Groom" engraved on both sides of the charm.
Free Gift Box with messages shown in photo's is included with every Mother's Gift purchase, or ask about custom messages!
6mm Swarovski Pearls
8mm Swarovski Crystals
8mm Fireball Rhinestone Beads
Average Ladies' Bracelet size will be sent unless otherwise requested. This piece will be between 7.25 and 7.5 inches long. If you need a different size, just contact me and I'm more than happy to do that for you.
This item comes gift wrapped and ready to give! Quotes are standard as pictured unless otherwise requested.
MADE TO ORDER
Please allow 1 to 3 weeks for creation of your handmade item. If you need your order sooner, please contact me for information on expedited shipping options at AliChristineJewelry@live.com.

domain: artistic


text:
Friday, May 17, 2013
An interesting RAW interview
John Higgs recently journeyed from Brighton to London (on the M23 highway, naturally), met up with actress Prunella Gee and returned home with a 1970s interview with Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea. He offered on Twitter to scan it and share it with readers of this blog.
As it turns out, there was no need. The wonderful Robert Anton Wilson fans Web site has the interview. It's a good look at RAW's thinking during the 1970s (he explains what "Osiris is a black god" means). The only disappointment is that Shea kind of disappears for much of the interview. I would have liked more of him, too.
Prunella Gee is a lovely blonde British actress with a long list of credits, but RAW fans will remember her as the actress who portrayed Eris and Mavis in the British stage production of Illuminatus! (She was formerly married to Ken Campbell and they had a daughter, Daisy Eris.) I believe she is now retired from stage, screen and British TV and is a counselor in London.
on May 17, 2013

domain: entertainment


text:
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/4 cup bell pepper - chopped
- 1/2 cup celery - chopped
- 1/2 cup onions - chopped
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup cubed Velveeta cheese
- chopped green onions for garnish
Category : Soups etc|
Rating : 0
Contributor : suz
Fry all onions, celery, and bell pepper in oil until tender. Add ham and saute to release some oils and meld the flavors. Add stock/broth, bay leaf, and basil. Simmer to reduce slightly (20-30 minutes).
Add cream and return to boil to thicken a bit. Slowly add cheese - stirring constantly. Serve immediately.
Garnish with green onion, if desired.

domain: food


Plan would track students from preschool to workforce
- Plan comes at time of growing anxiety about the use of data
- Data would be shared with colleges%2C state agencies
- 44 states synching data between schools%2C colleges%3B 19 have connected workforce data
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- The state Education Department is in the final stages of creating a system to share student data with colleges and a half-dozen other state agencies so that New Yorkers can be tracked from preschool to college to the workforce and, potentially, "throughout their lives."
As education reformers push the power of data analysis, state officials say the new system will let researchers find the keys to student achievement and failure. What does prekindergarten background say about the likelihood of success in high school Advanced Placement classes? How did college students who fail science do in middle school? What are the links between applying for unemployment benefits as an adult and one's educational history?
"The only purpose of this work is to get information that can make our education programs better," said associate education commissioner Ken Wagner, who is leading the initiative. "We want to learn the types of courses that kids do well in that will predict success in college and the workforce."
But this is a time of growing public anxiety about the use and security of data. Many educators and parents have railed against the state's separate plans to send identifiable student data to the privately run inBloom cloud service for storage and controlled public use. Critics say the Education Department's little-known plans to share data with other agencies — known as P-20 — raise all sorts of concerns about how closely government should be following citizens' lives.
"This throws up so many red flags for me as a parent, a tech guy and an educator," said Brian Wasson, a technology training specialist at St. Joseph's College on Long Island who has used his Twitter account to urge that attention be paid to P-20. "As this develops, will they decide to use this data for more than research? I don't buy the rationale for it."
The Education Department has been working on P-20, which refers to the period between prekindergarten and entry into the workforce, since at least 2008. The costs are difficult to separate, but the department has gotten more than $40 million in federal and state grants to expand its data systems.
New York is hardly alone. Forty-four states are synching data between schools and colleges, and 19 have connected workforce data, according to the Data Quality Campaign. The federal government has pushed the development of P-20 systems through Race to the Top, stimulus grants and other programs.
"Data is painting a profile of a student that is richer and more valuable than ever before," Jim Shelton, a U.S. Education Department official who previously worked for the pro-data Gates Foundation, said in a recent call with journalists.
He said government has to ensure that data are used responsibly, but that doing so is a "small price for progress."
The state Education Department already is linking data with the State University of New York, City University of New York and the National Student Clearinghouse, which collects student information from 3,500 colleges and universities. Among the student records being shared are public-school classes, teachers and grades, and college transcripts.
"SUNY has a big focus on ensuring that high school kids are ready when they get to us," SUNY spokesman David Doyle said.
Wagner noted that, for instance, top school districts may say that 95 percent of their graduates go to college, without knowing how many really enroll or graduate.
"They may learn that it's only 80 percent," he said.
By the end of 2015, the department hopes to link with the state departments of Labor, Health and Taxation and Finance, and the offices of Technology and Children and Family Services. Records that could be included range from early childhood programs to job types and salaries, Wagner said.
Wagner said the structure of the P-20 program differs greatly from plans to store vast amounts of student data in a cloud run by inBloom, a nonprofit company.
P-20 will not store much data, he said, but mostly will link data already held by different agencies so that only researchers can study the records. Any data or research that is stored will be held in a data "warehouse" run by a BOCES in Erie County.
At least some of the shared data will include students' names. A 2011 state filing with the federal government also talks about agencies sharing common identification numbers that will "follow individuals throughout their lives."
Critics don't see a need for government agencies to share so much data or to keep students' names on the records. And they are perplexed by the lack of accessible public information about the P-20 program.
"It's the same conversation as with inBloom. Why are they doing this? What's the purpose? Why do they need students' names?" Pleasantville School Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter said. "Do we need to share information about 5-year-olds with colleges? Unbelievable."
Activist Leonie Haimson, who has rallied national opposition to the inBloom project, said there is no way to know how government agencies really will use such long-term data.
"It adds to the suspicion that there is a surveillance state tracking kids," she said. "We're not against research, but there have to be strict controls on who can be trusted with the information."
. Wasson said that the state has made little effort to explain the P-20 program to parents or even school districts and that he can't find answers to basic questions, like how other state agencies might use student records.
"The only information you can find on the Web are internal documents," he said.
Paige Kowalski, director of state policy for the Data Quality Campaign, a nonprofit group funded by the Gates Foundation and others to promote the use of data in education, said states have to be clear and transparent about how their P-20 systems will work.
She said states should have independent governing boards to oversee data sharing and to be accountable. States should use identifiable student data only when necessary, she said.
In New York, the Education Department is overseeing P-20, but other agencies have representatives on a steering committee set up in 2012.
"I very much understand the fears out there," Kowalski said. "You see a lot of confusion without transparency. You have to explain that there are certain things you cannot know unless you follow kids from pre-K to post-secondary education."


DF News Team/Mod
- Nov 7, 2009
- Reaction score
For all you QWERTY lovers out there who have been eyeballing Samsung’s new line of Galaxy S II handsets, we have one more for you to check out. It’s called the Galaxy S Glide, but don’t let the name fool you, this device has more in common with its “II” cousins than you might think.
Besides its “Galaxy S II-ish” styling, the device features a nice 4-row slide-out keyboard, complete with 4-inch Super AMOLED display. Before you think this is just a rehashed Epic 4G, the Galaxy S Glide will also come equipped with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor (Snapdragon?), 8MP rear/1.2MP front facing cameras.
So while this device doesn’t seem to pack enough punch to truly carry the esteemed “II” title, there is definitely enough here to catch your eye. There was no word yet on pricing or availability, but we do know it’s headed to Rogers Canada sometime before the holidays.
SOURCE: Samsung Galaxy S Glide coming to Rogers | MobileSyrup.com


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- Agronomic: sorghum (milo), soybeans
- Crop Production: no-till
- Production Systems: general crop production
Currently farmers are facing difficult challenges with problematic weeds. I have been trying new strategies to manage and control weeds using no-till farming methods. Timing and rotation of crops on an annual basis and the use of applied herbicide has proven effective to work out problematic weeds for the most part. However, over the past 8 years, farmers have seen these weeds become quite resistant with the use of herbicide, especially the in the case of row crops.
Working within the recommendations from my local Co-Op chemical representative and our Crop Quest consultant we have found the need to continually modify the mixtures and ratios of these chemicals. These extra additives and changes make this option quite expensive. The use of these chemical mixtures including Glypohsate was effective but we are seeing many of the problem vegetation such as, Pigweed and Marestail are not being affected and have become Glyphosate resistant. With the presence of 10-14 inch or taller Pigweeds presenting in a row crop of Round-Up™ seed varieties, at the present time, we are finding no real or good option as far as chemical applications that prove effective.
The amount of herbicide mixtures it currently takes to control these weeds in no-till practices and the high cost of these chemicals have become cost prohibitive without real effective results. This is affecting the grower’s profit margin and weighing on no-till feasibility to the point that some farmers are considering or electing to go back to traditional tillage to combat the issue.
Consumers are concerned with the heavy use of herbicides, and we as producers need to show good effort in trying to manage our weeds, yet doing so in a manner that is better accepted by consumers.
I want to design an implement for no-till farmers who plant row crop varieties in thirty-inch rows. This implement will mechanically cut and crush problematic weeds between rows without disturbing the desired ground cover or soil surface of no-till cropland. The implement is also designed with the option to apply herbicide directly to taller weeds or those not directly within the rows with a wicker bar.
The implement is attached to a tractor and pulled by three-point hitch just as you would with a traditional cultivator. Moving through rows killing the weeds.
Instead of shovels cutting the ground, this machine has 7 sets of two, in-line- 18 inch steel rollers. The front is fashioned with blades that roll, knock down and crimp/crush the weeds between the rows. The second roller directly behind is a smooth steel roller that continues crushing weeds in the same space. This smooth roller is set up to apply a light coating of herbicide directly onto the damaged weeds and grasses. A small tank mounted to the top of the machine fashioned with a pump, would apply herbicide through a spray nozzles onto the smooth roller, using far less chemical and water than running a sprayer rig. Wind speeds exceeding 20 mph, often keep the spray rigs out of the field. My machine also has shields below would prevent overspray even in windier conditions.
Taller weeds and those within the rows, but above the crop, I have built a wicker tube that can be adjusted to the height of problem weeds. With the same pass as the rollers, an application of herbicide from the wicker distributes directly onto the weed tip.
This could possibly eliminate 70% of problem weeds with one run through a field. Thus, saving fuel emissions, fuel costs, time and chemical applications costs.
Project objectives from proposal:
- Build an implement to be used to mechanically manage problematic weeds in no-till row crop farming. The implement will destroy weeds by crushing them between the rows, without disturbing or tilling the soil.
- Benefit the environment by using far less (or none for organic farms) expensive and toxic chemicals than are currently used, eliminating the typical herbicide drift from traditional or professional sprayer application, and reducing tractor time (fuel emissions).
- Enable farmers to save money on the cost of expensive herbicides and commercial or professional spray application services.


text:
The Pact of Pasaquine at a Glance
- A useful combo of integrated setting and adventure for Ars Magica second edition.
- Port pieces of the setting into any Mythic Europe saga. Characters, locations, religions, and an enchanted forest are all at your fingertips.
- An interesting adventure about a faerie pact in flux with plenty of ideas to help continue the tale.
Setting and Saga: More about The Pact of Pasaquine
The Pact of Pasaquine is a supplement for Ars Magica second edition with two separate but integrated parts: a setting and a story.
Use the peaceful hamlet of Pasaquine to revitalize your current saga. Pull material from the fully detailed enchanted forest, or transport the denizens of the village into a town of your choosing. With a breadth of information on everyday life, religion, and primal mysteries of the nearby forest, there is plenty of material to draw from in this setting.
Alternately, run the provided adventure in full and use it to start an entirely new saga. In this adventure, the Pact has protected Pasaquine from the prince of the faerie forest for ages. But now the truce is in danger. Can the local covenant help? This fully detailed adventure includes plenty of ideas to keep playing after the plot is concluded.
The Pact of Pasaquine is out of print. It requires Ars Magica second edition to play.
The Pact of Pasaquine: Contents
- Village Overview
- Village Locations
- The Forest
- The Magical Forest
- Story Ideas
- Story Introduction
- The Beginning
- On the Way of Pasaquine
- A Brief Rest
- In the Village
- A Broken House
- The Forest
- Further Stories
- Appendix: Regio
|MSRP:||$12.95 (softcover, out of print), $9.95 (PDF)|
|Atlas Stock #:||AG0812|
|Format:||96 pages, 8.5” x 11”, perfect bound|

domain: hobby


text:
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. Feb. 8, 2024 — Applications are open for the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative’s tenth annual Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit, set for July 15 – 23, 2024.
The Youth Summit brings participants from across Indian Country to the University of Arkansas to spend a week creating lifelong memories and fostering professional and academic skills development. The program has impacted more than 500 Native youth since its inception.
“We began the Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit 10 years ago with the desire to give Native Youth a space explore the vast opportunities within food, agriculture, and nutrition,” said Erin Parker, IFAI executive director. “Graduates of this program are establishing professional careers within Indian Country food and agriculture, launching businesses, taking on leadership roles within their community, and more. We are proud of every past attendee, and IFAI looks forward to the next 10 years investing in and equipping Native youth for success.”
Agricultural policy and production areas covered during Youth Summit include agricultural business and finance, land stewardship and conservation, agricultural law and policy, nutrition and health, and animal science.
“One way we’re celebrating our tenth anniversary is by adding a new track, which is animal science,” said Summer Wilkie, IFAI next generation manager. “Having the five varied tracks allow attendees to dive into their interests.”
Experiences include touring Tribal agricultural operations, interfacing with other youth and industry professionals, preparing an Indigenous and local foods banquet, and more.
“Throughout the week, participants work on a capstone project,” Wilkie said. “The capstone is an opportunity to tie everything together through problem-based learning, applying their knowledge and skills to real-world situations.”
Applications are open to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian youth ages 18-25, including recently graduated high school seniors. All travel and lodging expenses are covered for accepted applicants.
Applications close April 1, 2024. Apply at indigenousfoodandag.com
About the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative:
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) enhances the health and wellness of Tribal communities by advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions. IFAI provides strategic legal analysis, policy research, and educational resources to empower Indian Country through food sovereignty, agriculture, and economic development.
Learn more at indigenousfoodandag.com


text:
Matthew 12:43-45 (NLT)
“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. 45 Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.”
Matthew teaches us how to deal with evil. We must put it out of our lives but when it leaves we can’t leave room for it to return.
EVIL DOESN’T CHANGE. It plays the same way everytime. It doesn’t play fair and it doesn’t play honestly. It’s the same liar it always was. It’s the same coniving deceit it always was. Be careful not to let your improvement convince you that everyone around you has improved like you. Evil doesn’t improve. It just gets even more evil.
IT COMES BACK AROUND. Evil is a Spirit. It can’t exist unless it resides within something. When you put it out it’s going to go around looking for something to settle in. If it can’t find anything it comes back where it came from. If you haven’t closed the door it will get back in except this time it has 7 other unclean spirits tagging alone with it. Now, you’re worse off than you were before.
28 When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes,[g] two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area.
29 They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?”
30 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance.31 So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”
32 “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.
It’s Looking For Somewhere To Live. Isn’t it interesting, evil is always trying to live. Even it knows it’s dead. Anything it gets in changes immediately. That’s why Alcohol is called a Spirit. When you are overly consumed by Alcohol YOU INSTANTLY CHANGE. It’s why drugs are bad for you. They change you and you can’t control the change.
IF YOU DON’T CLOSE THE DOOR YOU’LL JUST LET FLIES IN.
Sometimes we wonder how we stay in the middle of drama. We have the power to elimanate all drama in our life by how we manage our lives. If you entertain drama it will steal all your attention. If you allow drama in then you will have to deal with it. If you go looking for drama you will find it.
Proverbs 11:27 (NIV)
2Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.
The Holy Spirit is your Screen Door. He allows you to see what’s going on around you but He keeps it from getting to you and stops you from getting into it.

domain: literature


text:
Film show: ‘And the nominations are…’ A look at the 2022 Oscar picks
12 February 2022 | 3:17 pm
The 94th Academy Awards have whittled down their selection and announced the nominees for this year's Oscars. Film critic Lisa Nesselson considers the frontrunners and tells us why "The Power of the Dog" and "Dune" are competent, if curious, frontrunners.
28 Sep 2021
From Tom Hanks at Los Angeles' new film museum, via Bali, where we meet a young climate change activist, and Paris for the blockbuster exhibition of the year, Eve Jackson brings you the week's culture news.
19 Oct 2021
Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us about the impressive special effects that recreate the construction of the Eiffel Tower on the big screen, and why she was charmed by central performances from Romain Duris and Emma Mackey in French film "Eiffel".
24 Oct 2021
Taking aim at the press and those who peddle it, “Lost Illusions” sees Honoré de Balzac settling scores within his sprawling multi-volume epic Comédie Humaine.Director Xavier Giannoli has brought 19th century Paris to life for his film adaptation of the novels, with celebrity, advertising and journalism in the crosshairs. Critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why the movie is as topical as it is entertaining.
23 Oct 2021
As the COVID-19 outbreak begins to ease, Africa's premier film festival has returned for the 27th year in Burkina Faso. It's theater halls are crowded with masked attendees keen to see their countries represented on the silver screen. Burkinabe director Boubakar Diallo hopes to take home the festival's top prize.
24 Oct 2021
A woman has died after being shot when US actor and producer Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on a movie set.
26 Oct 2021
After the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, a petition calling for a ban on live firearms on Hollywood film sets has gathered more than 15,000 signatures.
31 Oct 2021
Alec Baldwin has addressed the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins. With his wife Hilaria at his side, he took questions from paparazzi in a tense but courteous exchange.
9 Nov 2021
Disgraced South African Paralympian, Oscar Pistorius, is eligible for release on parole after serving half his sentence for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. ... The sentence was increased in 2015 to 13 years and five months after he was found guilty of murder on appeal.
27 Nov 2021
Dwayne Johnson, the action star whose films pull in big bucks at global box offices, is aiming to entertain viewers in their living rooms with his next movie spectacle, the globe-trotting Netflix heist caper "Red Notice." Johnson stars in the movie with Gal Gadot and Ryan Reynolds about a race to locate and steal three valuable artifacts. The movie will stream on Netflix starting Friday after playing for a week in a limited number of movie theaters. The film ranks among the most expensive ever made by Netflix with a pricetag of roughly $200 million.
14 Nov 2021
Stories of courage, specifically about women, are the theme of a special festival organised this weekend by Amnesty International in Paris. For three days, the curtain will go up on the 12th Cinema and Human Rights Festival. The event invites moviegoers and activists to watch a series of short and longer films and then debate their content. In Perspective, we spoke to coordinator Ievgeniia Sokova.
21 Nov 2021
Céline Dion's life, love and power ballads come to the big screen as "Aline" tops the box office here in France. Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why she was charmed and entertained by Valérie Lemercier's take on Quebec's most famous musical export.
24 Nov 2021
Jon Batiste led nominations on Tuesday for the Grammy Awards with 11 nods, followed by Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, and H.E.R with eight apiece. Batiste and Bieber will compete for the top prize - album of the year - along with pop singer Billie Eilish, R&B artist Doja Cat, singer-songwriter H.E.R, rapper Kanye West, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, newcomer Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and rapper Lil Nas X, organizers said. The Grammys, the highest honors in the music industry, will be handed out at ceremony in Los Angeles on Jan 31.
6 hours ago
Comedian Trevor Noah, host of "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central, on Thursday said he was going to leave the program after hosting it for seven years, indicating he wanted to dedicate more time to stand-up comedy.
6 hours ago
Brocéliande is the largest forest in the western French region of Brittany. Although it covers more than 11,000 hectares, it's best known for being home to the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. With its landscape of moors and deep valleys, the forest is more than a place for rambling.
6 hours ago
Nigeria is celebrating 62 years of independence from British colonial rule. In the 62 years since, it has had a mix of civilian and military leaders—14 individuals with different titles, political ideologies, and philosophies.
6 hours ago
As European leaders were warning of sabotage to the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, Poland and Norway inaugurated a new conduit that will reduce dependence on Russian gas. The move underscores the urgency of EU economies' search for new energy sources.
7 hours ago
The US president is planning to visit Florida after it was hit by what is feared to have been one of the deadliest hurricanes in the state's history. New warnings have been issued as the storm moves north.
8 hours ago
A video circulating on Twitter erroneously suggests that US military bomber jets were seen flying over eastern Germany earlier this week, feeding Russian allegations of US "sabotage" of the Nord Stream pipelines. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.


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Planning a wedding in the beautiful Malvern Hills.
Over the hills the sun is setting, lighting up the tops of the corn fields with bright gold. The green rolling landscape is dotted with trees, silhouetted against the sky. This is one of the most picturesque places in England, and one of the most romantic in which to get married.
There are many considerations when choosing where you want to get married, and an overwhelming number of wedding venues from which to pick. Perhaps Worcestershire holds special meaning for you, or perhaps you simple want somewhere surrounded by nature, a place of unrivalled charm, if so, there are few places better suited. The Malvern Hills area is quite simply, one of the most magical landscapes you will ever encounter.
A little on the Malvern Hills
The largest area of common land in Worcestershire (or the West Midlands in fact) is the range of ancient rocks that make up The Malvern Hills. Between the Severn Valley to the East and the rolling fields of Herefordshire to the West they rise up to their highest point at the Worcestershire Beacon looking out over one of Britain’s most beautiful vistas. On a clear day, with blue sky above, you can see far off the Welsh mountains, the Bristol channel and below the spires of Worcester, Gloucester and Hereford Cathedrals. The wiry windswept grasses of the ridge tops provide perfect walking ground and as the hills fall down into the valleys below you begin to find hawthorn, mountain ash and sycamore as well as ancient woodlands. No wonder then that the Malvern Hills were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by Natural England. Free for everyone to explore and enjoy, the hills are covered in roughly 100 miles of footpaths and bridleways and have been a much loved destination for countless decades. The area is dotted with ‘holy wells,’ the region’s natural springs, which have seen generations come to Worcestershire for the quality of the waters. In fact, in 2002 the Malvern Hills were named the most popular free tourist attraction in the West Midlands in a survey by the Countryside Agency.
Inspired by the Hills
Such natural beauty will inevitably inspire great artistic works, the Malvern Hills however have been the background and soul of a surprising amount of creativity. The great English composer Elgar hailed from Worcestershire and was a great lover of the landscape, as too were the composers Herbert Howells and Ivor Gurney. The poet W.H. Auden spent several years in the Malvern Hills and wrote many of his finest works in the setting. On more of a fantastical note the same landscape was a huge influence on J.R.R. Tolkien who was introduced to the area by C.S. Lewis. Tolkien compared parts of the Malvern Hills to the ‘White Mountains of Gondor’ of his most famous works. The hills contain a whole host of myths and legends as well as the setting for works by the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning and later, “Malvern Hills” by Kazuo Ishiguro.”
Choosing a wedding venue
Always one of the hardest choices in planning your big day. The perfect wedding venue has to many things, a stunning backdrop to your photographs, a romantic retreat for you and your partner, an elegant host to your party, a meaningful place for your ceremony. Quite a tall order all in all. Worcestershire has wedding venues a plenty, so that’s not the problem. It’s finding one to tick all the boxes that can prove the difficulty.
We went exploring for this mystical site. If you are getting married in Worcestershire, you will certainly want to be surrounded by the landscape this part of the world is so famous for, and there are many very beautiful venues throughout the county.
Sites like http://worcestershireweddingshop.co.uk/venues/ can be an enormous help during your search, giving you a great comprehensive list of Worcestershire wedding venues.
However we couldn’t believe our luck when we stumbled onto this dream of a manor. Often called ‘the most picturesque wedding venue in Worcestershire’ Birtsmorton Court near Malvern is one of those rare venues that has it all.
A moated grange, it is surrounded by the most unbelievable countryside, stately gardens, a view of the Malvern Hills. It can host civil ceremonies in its White Garden or Great Hall, but best of all, a short walk through the grounds leads to Birtsmorton’s very own church!
This place, both the venue and the surrounding area just call out, ‘English country wedding’. From the slopes of the Malvern Hills, looking out over the green fields, the rolling land and wooded valleys, it is hard to imagine anywhere more drenched in romance. If you are planning a Worcestershire wedding, then lucky you!
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Rug night blue Pluriel
- Width: 160 cm x Length: 230 cm
- Width : 200 cm x Length : 290 cm
Type of pile :
- Short and dense
Country of manufacture / Product origin :
Edito rugs are easy to maintain. We advise you to vacuum your rug regularly to keep the natural swelling. In case of stains, you can clean the rug with rug powder or a damp cloth. For stubborn stains we recommend professional cleaning.
Quality wool rugs lose their excess fiber during the first two months of use and this disappears gradually. Please note that when vacuuming, do not use a nozzle with a brush.
The rug will be delivered within 5 to 7 working days
Delivery costs in France : free
Delivery costs abroad : variable according to the country
Designer rug ©Edito


McCAD Schematics Plus is a powerful professional CAD software tool that allows the electronic designer to easily create and revise electronic circuit designs (digital and/or analog) directly via a very intuitive Mac interface. It supports both Simple as well as Complex hierarchies. All of the features that a designer would need, from Rubberbanding, Bussing, Rotation, Auto-Packaging and Multi-page Project Management, to automatic Net List, Parts List (BOM) and SPICE reporting, in a variety of interface formats, are included. Schematics also prepares compatible files for use with other McCAD products such as the PCB-ST layout and autorouting packages.
McCAD SchematicsPlus comes with an extensive 60K+ device library as well as an on-line Library Editor which allows the user to create new parts. Many more features.
What's new in McCAD Schematics Plus
Also includes several enhancements to data management structures which increase design flexibilities.
Try our new feature and write a detailed review about McCAD Schematics Plus. All reviews will be posted soon.
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text:
Begonia albopicta 'Rosea'
Kiersten lives in New Orleans, LA and graduated with her masters degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University in 2019.
She has conducted or assisted on research studies covering trees such as the bald cypress, swamp maple, and water tupelo, as well as important marsh grasses including Juncus, Spartina, and Phragmites.
Kiersten is a certified Louisiana Master Naturalist and regularly volunteers with local community gardens and nonprofits to help restore critical ecosystems along the Gulf Coast.
About Begonia albopicta 'Rosea'
There are over 2,000 species of Begonia, and horticulturalists have created even more varities by cultivating all sorts of shapes and colors! They're native to tropical regions around the world, but are now found in homes in cold climates as well. Their taxonomy is far more complex than other plants, with species belonging to different cultivar groups. They contain oxalic acid, so be sure to keep them out of reach in homes with pets or children! ⚠
Begonia albopicta 'Rosea'
How to care for Begonia albopicta 'Rosea'
Begonia albopicta 'Rosea' needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot located in Houston, Texas.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
November 30th, 2022
Sunlight intensity as measured by “net radiation” in Houston is currently low 📉.
The availability of high quality sunlight in your home impacts ability for plants to thrive and is key in determini…
November 29th, 2022
Houston is trending towards lower sunlight intensity!
The amount of sunlight in Houston is expected to decrease by 20.5% over the next 2 weeks to an average of 10.4 megajoules of energy per m2 per…
December 1st, 2022
This month, Houston is getting an average of 9.1 hours of clear sky sunlight per day.
Hours of daylight will decrease by 6.9% over the next two weeks. Your plants will get 10.1 total hours of dayl…
Begonia albopicta 'Rosea' may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth..
Houston, Texas currently has medium levels of sunlight intensity, you can help this plant grow by treating it to ample light ☀.
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Begonia albopicta 'Rosea' after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
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Greg’s plant care information is derived from first-principles biology and physics and supported by peer-reviewed research, academic institutions, and industry experts. We are committed to providing the highest-quality plant care information available, so if you have any concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to email@example.com.

domain: biology


On August 6, 2020, Tao Junyou, Member of the Standing Committee of the Qingtian County Committee and Executive Deputy County Mayor, Zou Chunping, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the County People’s Congress, Xu Xiaofang, Vice Chairman of the County Political Consultative Conference and Director of the County Culture, Sports, Tourism and Sports Bureau, etc., etc. The research work came to the Dongbaoshan Overseas Chinese Cultural Museum Eco-City Planning Museum. During the visit and research, I learned in detail about the overall plan and latest progress of the Dongbaoshan Phase I project.
Yin Aihua, Director of the County Development and Reform Bureau, Ye Shenggui, Deputy Director of the County Housing Acquisition Center, Chen Jianping, Deputy Director of the County Natural Resources and Planning Bureau, Song Xiaofeng, Deputy Director of the County Construction Bureau, Tang Hongbo, Chairman of the County Urban Development Investment Co., Ltd., Xia Wangmin, Director of the Working Committee of the People's Congress of Ounan Street And so on.
At the survey site, Mr. Liu Jianwu, Chairman of Ante Cultural Tourism, accompanied Deputy County Mayor Tao and his party to visit the Dongbao Mountain Overseas Chinese Cultural Museum Eco-City Project Planning Exhibition Hall, and gave a detailed introduction to the overall planning of the project to the leaders present.
The Dongbaoshan Overseas Chinese Cultural Museum Eco-City Project takes "one belt, three cores and two green lungs" as the main line, with the profound cultural history of Qingtian as the background, and the development of ecological economy as the slogan. >Culture, tourism, health care, leisure, and residence are a diversified new city.
The project layout is "one green core, three clusters, two rivers, four belts and six channels", making full use of the geographical advantages and using Dongbao Mountain as a Qingtian green core to radiate the surrounding areas, while preserving the natural ecology Promote the common development of the entire region.
Subsequently, Deputy County Chief Tao and his entourage went to the construction site of the project to conduct on-site inspections of the project. After on-site investigation, a key task assignment meeting was immediately held for the Dongbaoshan Overseas Chinese Cultural Museum Eco-city Project.
The relevant leaders and project leaders at the meeting conducted a comprehensive discussion on the current situation of the project, and all expressed high affirmation and expectations. Immediately afterwards, representatives of various departments made an in-depth and detailed analysis around the key points of the project, and put forward many constructive opinions and suggestions on the project, and at the same time gave clear instructions on the follow-up planning and process.
At the meeting, relevant leaders even said: We must increase the government's attention to the project, include the project in the government, social, and economic development plan, implement the plan, and fully promote the project!
It is hoped that in the near future, the Dongbao Mountain Overseas Chinese Cultural Museum Eco-City can achieve the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, mutual benefit and win-win culture and economy, inheritance and development integration and coexistence, and the exchange and sharing of Chinese and Western cultures, leading the development of the ecological cultural tourism of Qingtian Overseas Chinese Cultural Museum in China , Great prosperity! In the world, engrave the timeless glory of Qingtian!
Project under construction, stay tuned


text:
There weren't many surprises in Central Peninsula races as results trickled in Tuesday night.
District O Senator Peter Micciche held a sizeable lead over the write-in candidates hoping for an upset. As of 10:15 p.m., Micciche had 66% of the vote, with 14 of 17 precints reporting. Overall, he held a lead of 3,142 votes.
In House District 29, Independent candidate Shawn Butler of Hope was trailing late Tuesday behind Republican Ben Carpenter of Nikiski. Carpenter was watching results come in at home with family. He felt good about his standings, leading the race 69% to 30% with just one precinct left to report.
Gary Knopp ran unopposed for reelection to House District 30 and had 94% of the vote late Tuesday.
One potential upset could come from House District 31, where Republican Sarah Vance was leading Democrat incumbent Paul Seaton 59% to 40%.

domain: politics


text:
In 2004, he built his own house with planks, and in eight years, the house has deteriorated very badly and needs some serious repair. Repairing work includes but is not limited to encasing it with bricks and interior decoration.
In this time of year, the construction materials price is at its lowest and purchasing them now will save a considerable amount of money. So he is requesting a loan of 6,800,000 MNT (Mongolian tugriks) to purchase construction materials such as cement, gypsum board, bricks and glass cotton, etc. As a result, the family can live in a comfortable and warm place. Also in cold periods, the family will burn less coal due to a renovated house, and a reduction of coal usage contributes to the efforts against air pollution.
More information about this loan
This loan is part of Credit Mongol's green loan program, which helps clients to purchase products for improving their heating and ventilation systems, reducing pollution and health problems caused by burning coal in the winter.
About Credit MongolCredit Mongol is the largest non-banking financial institution (NBFI) in Mongolia. Its mission is to contribute to the prosperity of Mongolians by providing high-quality, affordable and varied financial services to micro-entrepreneurs and small-to-medium-sized businesses. It prioritizes serving remote, rural populations that have typically lacked access to credit and other financial services. Uniquely, it offers solar panel loans to nomadic herders, most of whom live without electricity.
About Housing Loans
Many poor families cannot afford housing that meets their needs. When you make a housing loan on Kiva, you give people access to flexible capital to obtain or improve their homes. Better housing means better health, sanitation, and even educational outcomes for children. A house can also be much more for entrepreneurs who run businesses out of their homes. In this way, housing and small business loans on Kiva share a common purpose: to alleviate poverty and enable families to enjoy more stable lives.
5View loans »

domain: finance


text:
A Story of Love, Trust & Honor
As Chandlerville prepares for a series of local celebrations in honor of the annual Kentucky Derby in nearby Louisville, Kentucky, chaos ensues threatening to cancel the town's festivities.
Rachel Blakely's (editor of the Chandler County Chronicles), partnership with ex-NYC socialite, AJ Manning crumbles in the midst of their planning for the town's Derby-related activities. AJ is the mayor's wife and Rachel discovers that Fitzgerald Manning, the mayor's father, has close ties to an unidentified conglomerate of farm investors who may be coercing local farmers to sell their land.
Jairo Aquino, aka Blue, a handsomely, mysterious newcomer is trusted by no one and appears to have an investment scheme of his own. Arriving in Chandler County from Miami, Florida, Aquino has decided to put Chandler County on the map. "His plan was air tight. He just had to find a few missing pieces."
Rachel and Blue continue to cross paths until they reach a point of no return where they accept they can no longer ignore the sizzle of their interactions and their constricted heart strings that cause them to question the true nature of their relationship.
Can she trust him? Can he trust her? Can they together find the missing pieces?
A 21st century battle between good and evil.
When Dr. Jared Johnson's research project collapses, so does he. He tosses the funding rejection letter in his office wastebasket and his plans to marry the love of his life out the window.
The last thing he wants to do is return to his home town, Chandlerville, Kentucky. An unexpected call from his grandmother, a lifelong resident of the small town, convinces him that all things indeed happen for a reason and perhaps this is the right time to reestablish his roots and start anew.
When he arrives--single, with no intent to marry, he's shocked to learn that the town has unanimously approved his pastoral appointment to the newly refurbished 100-year-old Baptist church. Despite his divinity training, Jared never intended to pastor a church—not when his specialty is psychological profiling.
As fate would have it, the evil spirits that begin to permeate the town and its good-hearted citizens shortly after his arrival challenge his technical skills, experience and community relationships. To complicate matters, a local angel finds herself in the eye of the storm causing Jared to re-evaluate his past and question his future.
Shelly's Revenge is the name of the Game!
Shelly Stavins is divorced, bitter and vindictive. One bright sunny Friday morning, her attorney husband of ten years pecks her on the cheek, pats her son on the head and leaves for his office. Or so she thinks. Before noon, she answers her door to a smug, navy suit, red tie wearing process server who hands over her official divorce papers. The promised settlement is one no woman in her right mind could refuse. Why fight? Why bother?
Tired of all the speculation and gossip of the husbands' wives' club and bored with a life that no longer resembles the fantasy life style she had grown accustomed to, Shelly opts to move on. Settling in for the long haul, she invests the profit from the sale of her house into a local business and newly built property on the outskirts of Chandlerville, Kentucky.
Running a quaint but charming book store and being a full time single mother does little to soften her heart. But a softened heart is not her goal because 'Shelly's Revenge' is the name of the game.
Player #1: Handsome bestselling author Justin Raye, Chandlerville's author in residence for the summer. Should she consider her childhood heart throb's 'marriage for the kids sake' proposal?
Player #2: Local cop, Carlos Nunes, Chandlerville's hero, the Mayor's best friend and Shelly's obnoxious unofficial body guard. Shelly detests him and his white knight in shining armor come on or does she?
Player #3: A woman with a broken heart.
Winner takes all.
My friend and fellow author, PJ Fiala, and I have created a world situated between Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, named Chandler County. We’ve invited fellow authors whom we admire to join us in Chandler County by writing their own stories. We’ll have two Chandler County releases each year. We launched our first cycle April 11, 2017.
We’re excited for you to read about Chandler County through our stories and hope you love it as much as we do.
~After all, there’s something for everyone in Chandler County~


Sig Sauer P365 XL 9MM NIT 3.7 12+1 XRAY
Get ready for something even BIGGER from SIG! Introducing the P365 XL, featuring an XSeries P365 grip module, and a flat trigger with a 90 degree break. The 3.7" barrel offers increased accurcy, all while retaining concealability. The P365 XL from SIG comes standard with two 12-round magazines. The optics ready slide is compatible with Romeo Zero and RMSc Optics.
# of Mags: 2
Overall Length: 6.6"
Additional Info: Integrated Carry Magwell
Additional Info: Flat Trigger w/90 Degree Break
Additional Info: Optic Ready Slide
Metal Finish Nitron
Action Striker Fire Action
Barrel Length 3.7"
Capacity 12 + 1
Grips Black Polymer
Sights X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights
Bud's Item Number: 415007846
All Buy Now items are subject to availability. If the item is out of stock or otherwise not available the bidder will be contacted and receive a substitution or Budsgunshp.com gift credit for the amount equal to the auction item.
Please allow 7 to 10 business days for shipping.


Environment Analyst’s inaugural Sustainability Consulting Awards recognize and celebrate industry excellence in the sector and applaud those consultancies who have made significant advances in both their own and their clients’ sustainability journeys.
We helped Denver Water protect their water systems by partnering with them to identify and incorporate climate-related risks and opportunities into every aspect of its operations, and to join forces with critical business functions to effectively mainstream strategies for climate risk identification, adaptation, and resilience.
Sustainability M&A of the Year
The acquisition of Golder by WSP in 2021 brought together two highly respected, industry leading and ESG‐driven firms, with diverse and highly complementary skillsets. Significantly boosting WSP’s presence and capabilities in key high‐performing industries, notably environmental, water, energy and resources, and in key geographies including Americas, Australia and Europe. The Golder acquisition augmented our team of Earth & Environment experts from 7,000 to 14,000.
“We are honoured to have taken two top spots in Environment Analyst’s Sustainability Consulting Awards 2022,” said Alexandre L’Heureux, WSP’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This recognition affirms that the combination of our talented people, who are delivering sustainable projects to help our clients meet their business goals, and our well-defined strategies are paving the way towards a greener world."
Click here to view Environment Analyst’s Sustainability Consulting Awards 2022.
As one of the world’s leading professional services firms, WSP exists to future-proof our cities and environment. We provide strategic advisory, engineering, and design services to clients in the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, power, energy, water, mining, and resources sectors. Our 57,500 trusted professionals are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. Sustainability and science permeate our work. WSP derived about half of its $10.3B (CAD) 2021 revenues from clean sources. The Corporation’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: WSP). To find out more, visit wsp.com.


text:
TorontoDana Korre is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist that completed her BFA at OCAD University in 2015. Dana’s body of work consists of three dimensional painting techniques utilizing resin imitations of elements found in the natural world. These artworks showcase different types of layering methods to create illusions of depth and reality.
This year the artist is working on a theme of plastic waste during Covid 19. All the pieces have cut up plastic incorporated in them, promoting the mindset of repurposing material especially considering the environmental consequences of the past year due to the pandemic. Each artwork represents elements of the earth and focuses on the ocean's plastic pollution that has increased significantly because of Covid 19 factors.


text:
The Davis Cup World Group quarter-final between Great Britain and France will take place on grass at The Queen's Club, the Lawn Tennis Association has announced.
The tie will take place between July 17 and 19 and will be the first time Britain has met France in 23 years, with the winners set to face either Australia or Kazakhstan in the semi-finals.
Leon Smith, captain of the GB Davis Cup team, said: "Queen's Club will be a unique and special venue for this quarter-final tie against a very strong French team.
"Our British team have all had very good results as individuals at Queen's Club, in particular Andy Murray having won the event on three occasions.
"The grass courts at Queen's are some of the best in the world and our team will look to use the courts and the passionate home crowd to full advantage."
World number three Murray added: "Queen's will be a perfect venue for our quarter-final match against France.
"I've been playing at Queen's for 10 years now so I feel very at home there as do the rest of the British team, so it's a great choice.
"Fingers crossed it's a memorable summer for British tennis."
The tie begins 26 days after the Aegon Championships warm-up event for Wimbledon, which is held on the grass at Queen's.
British number three James Ward said: "We all think that Queen's is a great choice for Davis Cup.
"Andy has won the tournament three times, I got to the semi-finals a few years ago and the doubles guys have done well there too, so it feels very natural for us to want to play Davis Cup at a venue where we all feel very comfortable."

domain: news


text:
Thursday, May 6, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
The Taxation Law Section's Municipal Tax Practice Group and
State Tax Practice Group will host a joint open meeting on Tuesday,
May 6. The business meeting will begin at 5 p.m. and the guest
speaker at 5:30 p.m. will be Mark DeFrancisco, chief counsel to the
Appellate Tax Board's legal department.
DeFrancisco advises the board on legal, evidentiary and related
issues; reviews and advises on motions heard before the board; and
drafts, edits and approves the board's findings of fact and
reports. With experience in state and local taxation, in both the
public and private sector, DeFrancisco has spoken frequently on
matters relating to Massachusetts taxation at conferences sponsored
by MCLE, Massachusetts Association of Assessing Offices, county
assessors associations, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the
MBA and Boston Bar Association's taxation committees.

domain: law


The ordinary stamping production line is mainly composed of three parts: decoiler/uncoiler, leveling machine and feeder. Each machine plays its different roles and is not related to each other. Each of them reserves buffer space in the middle area. The 3-in-1 feeding line is completely different. It also has a decoiler, a leveling machine and a feeder. However, its three-machine structure is integrated, and three functions are realized on one machine. At present, the 3-in-1 feeder production line has become a trend in the stamping industry. So what is the difference between the two types of stamping production lines?
First, the feeder structure is different, the 3-in-1 feeding line saves more space
The 3-in-1 feeding line combines the three functions of decoiling, leveling and feeding. No matter what kind of material, it is not necessary to reserve the waiting area separately. The occupied space is the size of the machine itself, usually 4-5. meters can be;
However, the combined feeding line, the decoiler, the leveling machine, and the feeder must reserve the waiting interval, and the thicker the material, the longer the feeding step, the larger the required waiting space, especially thick. Plate material stamping often requires a reserve area about 3 meters between the decoiler and the leveling machine, the leveler and the feeder, making the overall production line occupy a large space.
Second, the use of different operating methods
HENLI Machinery 3-in-1 feeding line can be easily completed through the touch screen and the handle, which can automatically realize the functions of feeding, pressing, holding, leveling and feeding, and the operation is extremely simple;
For the combined feeding line, it is necessary to independently introduce, feed, block, operate, and test the three types of machines, which are completely separate operations, and the operation is relatively cumbersome.
Third, different ways of running production and testing
HENLI Machinery 3-in-1 feeding line short-process stamping production line is extremely simple to use, basically only need to be connected to the power supply, point-control operation on the touch screen can complete the testing, you can cooperate with the punch test machine.
For the combined feeding line, it is necessary to manually introduce, feed and test the three types of decoiler, leveling machine and feeder. The use is extremely cumbersome and requires a lot of manpower and material resources. Especially when using wide plates and heavy coil material, simple feeding and feeding processes require multiple people to assist the traction, and often use crowbars to assist, not only easy to injure and easily cause machine damage.
From the above points, it can be seen that the HENLI Machinery 3-in-1 feeding line has more advantages than the traditional combined feeding line, regardless of structural, operational, efficiency, cost and other factors. The 3-in-1 feeding line completely replaces the traditional model, which is why more and more companies in the stamping industry choose 3-in-1 feeding line.