text:
I’m Portia. My family includes my husband of (almost) 25 years and our five children. But mostly, you’ll find photos of where we wander and our youngest 2 adventurers, Parker & Piper.
We travel family style, often looking for the best deals while also finding adventure for free. We explore on nature walks through parks, preserves, trails, and conservation areas wherever we go.
Where have we been?
Where are we going?
Sooner or later.


text:
- For Mature Dogs
- Wet Food
Complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs
Specifically formulated for mature dogs from 7+ years. A natural, complete and balanced recipe with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
Leaps & Bounds Mature Chicken Mousse contains real meat as the #1 ingredient, veggies, rice & vitamins and minerals to help support healthy and happy lives.
Nutrition: Typical Analysis
|ME (Metabolizable energy)||80kcal/100g|
Natural protein for muscle development and repair
Provide natural nutrients as part of a balanced diet
Complete & balanced nutrition
Packed with all the essential nutrients including protein, fats, dietary fibre and added vitamins and minerals for active, happy, healthy lives.
Strong Bones & Muscles
Protein from meat along with macro minerals and essential trace elements to help build and maintain healthy bones & muscles.
Includes a selected blend of vitamins & minerals to help support the immune system.
Natural fibre from vegetables to support healthy digestion.
New to Leaps & Bounds?
If feeding Leaps & Bounds for the first time, mix increasing amounts of the new food whilst decreasing the old food over a period of 7 to 10 days.
- Ensure your dog always has fresh clean water.
- Keep refrigerated after opening.
DAY 1 TO 3
25% Leaps and Bounds, 75% existing diet
DAY 4 TO 6
50% Leaps and Bounds, 50% existing diet
DAY 7 TO 9
75% Leaps and Bounds, 25% existing diet
100% Leaps and Bounds
|Dog Weight||Daily Intake|
|5 to 10 kg||1/2 can|
|10 to 25 kg||1 to 2 cans|
|25 to 50 kg||2 to 3 cans|
|Over 50 kg||3+ cans|
The feeding amounts above should be seen as a guide only.
Meat (chicken and/or turkey), vegetables (carrots, potatoes), cereals (including rice), gelling agents, essential vitamins and minerals, natural flavour.

domain: pet


text:
« AnteriorContinuar »
bers of the
wards, that the supervisors of townships, under the general laws of this State, are required to perform in relation to the Levying of assessing of property, and levying taxes for State, county and school purposes; and they shall also issue their warrant to the collector of said city for the collection of such taxes, in the same manner as the supervisors of townships issue warrants to the treasurers of townships for the collection thereof, and for such services they shall receive the same fees as supervisors To be mem are entitled to; they shall also represent their several wards in board of su- the board of supervisors of the county of Branch, and shall be entitled to all the rights, privileges and powers of the members of said board of supervisors. For the purpose of assessing all property equally in the whole city, the said supervisors shall meet jointly at the office of the clerk of said city, at the time required by the statute, for the purpose of reviewing, equalizing and completing their assessments and assessment rolls for each Assessment of the several wards. When such assessment rolls shall be completed, they shall be delivered to the said clerk, who shall immediately proceed to make therefrom a full and complete condensed copy of such assessment rolls, for the use of the common council, which, when certified by them, shall be deemed the city assessment roll for that year. When such copy shall be completed, and within fifteen days after receiving the same, the said clerk shall re-deliver said rolls to the respective supervisors of each ward, to be used for State, county and school purposes.
Powers of justices.
Sec. 27. Any justice of the peace of said city is hereby au. thorized and empowered to inquire of, hear, try and determine, in a summary manner, all the offences which shall be committed within the limits of said city, against any of the by-laws or ordinances which shall be made by the common council in pursuance of the powers granted by this act; to punish the offenders as by the said laws or ordinances shall be prescribed or directed; to award all processes, and take recognizances for the keeping of the peace, for the appearance of the person charged, and upon appeal, and to commit to prison, as occasion
shall lawfully require. In all prosecutions for a violation of Prosecutions, how any of the by-laws or ordinances passed by the said common conducted. council, upon complaint being made upon oath before said justice, setting forth therein the substance of the offence complained of, such justice of the peace shall issue a warrant in the name of the people of the State of Michigan, for the apprehension of the offender, directed to the marshal of the city of Coldwater, or any constable of the county of Branch (except in the case mentioned in the next succeeding section); and such process may be executed by any of said officers anywhere within the county of Branch, and shall be returnable the same as other similar process issued by justices of the peace; that upon bringing the person so charged before said justice of the peace, he shall plead to said complaint, and in case of his refusing to plead thereto, or standing mute, the said justice of the peace shall enter the plea of not guilty for the person so charged; that upon the said complaint and plea a trial shall be had, and upon conviction of said offender, and the imposition of a fine, it shall be the duty of the justice to issue an execution, directed to the marshal of said city, or any constable of said county, commanding him to collect, of the goods and chattels of the person so offending, the amount of such fines, with interest and costs; and for the want of goods and chattels wherewith to Body liable satisfy the same, that he take the body of the defendant and goods and commit him to the common jail of said county, and the sheriff shall safely keep the body of the person so committed until he be discharged by due course of law; and in case where imprisonment alone shall be imposed upon the person so convicted, the said justice shall issue a commitment, directed as aforesaid, commanding his commitment until the expiration of the time for which he shall be sentenced to imprisonment, or until he be discharged by due course of law; and in cases where both fine and imprisonment are imposed upon the person so convicted by the judgment of such justice of the peace, he shall issue the necessary process to carry such judgment into effect, and it Use of comshall be lawful to use the common jail of said county for the granted.
for want of
Right of trial by jury
imprisonment of all persons liable to imprisonment under the by-laws and ordinances of the common council; and all persons committed by any justice for the violation thereof, shall be in the custody of the sheriff of said county, who shall safely keep the persons committed until lawfully discharged, as in other cases: Provided, That the common council may remit any such fine, in whole or in part, if it shall be made to appear that the person so imprisoned is unable to pay the same: Provided further, That all costs and expenses incurred under the provisions of this section, shall be provided for and paid out of the city treasury.
Sec. 28. Whenever any person charged with having violated any of the ordinances of the common council, by which the offender is liable to imprisonment, shall have escaped from the county, or shall reside or be without the limits thereof, any justice of the peace residing in said city, to whom complaint shall be made, shall issue a warrant in the name of the people of the State, directed to the sheriff of any county in this State, commanding him forthwith to bring the body of such person before him, to be dealt with according to law; and every sheriff to whom said warrant shall be delivered for service is hereby required to execute the same, under the penalties which are incurred by law by sheriffs and other officers for neglecting or refusing to execute criminal process.
Sec. 29. In all trials before any justice of the peace, under the provisions of this act, of any person charged with any violation of any by-law or ordinance of the common council, he shall be entitled to a trial by a jury of six persons; and all the proceedings for selecting and summoning such jury, and in the trial of the cause, shall be in conformity, as near as may be, with the mode of proceedings in similar cases before justices of the peace; and in all cases the right of appeal and certiorari from the justices court to the circuit court for said county of Branch, shall be allowed to the parties, and the same recog nizances shall be given as is or may be required by law in appeals from justices courts in similar cases.
Sec. 30. All fines recovered for a violation of any by-law or Fines to be ordinance of said common council shall be paid to the treasurer treasury. of said city, by the officer receiving the same, immediately after the receipt thereof; and any person who shall refuse or neglect to pay the same as aforesaid, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a Penalty for neglect. fine of not less than one hundred dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail not less than three months, nor more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.
Sec. 31. In all suits or proceedings in which the corporation Citizens not incompetent of the city of Coldwater shall be a party, or shall be interested, as witness. no inhabitant of said city shall be deemed incompetent as a witness or juror on account of his interest in the event of such suit or action: Provided, Such interest be such only as he has Proviso. in common with the inhabitants of said city
Sec. 32. The justices of the peace of said city shall file their Justices, oaths of office in the office of the clerk of the county of Branch, and shall have, in addition to the jurisdiction conferred by this act on them, the same jurisdiction, powers and duties conferred Powers. on justices of the peace in townships: Provided, That all ac- Proviso. tions within the jurisdiction of justices of the peace may be commenced and prosecuted in said justice's court, whenever the plaintiffs or defendants, or one of the plaintiffs or defendants, reside in the county of Branch.
Sec. 33. The common council shall have power to assess and Poll tax. collect from every white male inhabitant of said city, over the age of twenty-one years, (except paupers, idiots and lunatics,) a list of whom shall be made by the supervisors at the time of making their annual assessments, an annual capitation or poll tax, not exceeding one dollar, and they may provide by ordinance for the collection of the same: Provided, That such poll tax shall not be levied upon any person who is assessed for one hundred dollars of real or personal estate.
Sec. 34. The common council shall also have power and au
Assessment thority to levy and collect taxes on all real and personal proption of tax's. erty within the limits of said city, by them deemed necessary to defray the expenses thereof, or to carry into effect the powers herein conferred upon them, but not to exceed six-tenths of one per cent. on the valuation thereof, unless authorized by a vote of the tax payers, in the manner following: Whenever the common council shall deem it necessary to raise a greater sum, in any one year, they shall call a public meeting of the tax payers, other than those paying a poll tax, of said city, by giving at least two weeks notice thereof, such notice to be published in the newspapers printed in said city, which notice shall state the time and place of such meeting, and shall specify the objects and purposes for which the money proposed to be raised is to be expended; and when such meeting shall be assembled, in pursuance of such notice, such tax payers, by a viva voce vote, shall determine the amount of money which shall be raised for each object specified in the notice: Provided, That the entire amount of tax levied in any one year shall not exceed one per cent. upon the valuation of the real and personal estate taxable within the limits of said city, exclusive of the poll tax; and said common council shall also have power and authority to make and establish all necessary by-laws and ordinances for the collection of such taxes; and every assessment of tax lawfully imposed by the said common council, on any lands, tenements and hereditaments, or premises whatsoever, Taxes a lien. in said city, shall be and remain a lien on such lands, tenements and hereditaments, from the time of imposing such tax until paid; and the owner or occupant, or parties interested respectively in said real estate, shall be liable, on demand, to pay every such tax to be levied as aforesaid: Provided, Thall all parcels of land of ten acres or more, used exclusively for farming purposes, and not laid out into city lots, shall be assessed as farm lands, at their cash value.
Duty of clerk.
Sec. 35. It shall be the duty of the clerk, under the direction of the common council, whenever the city assessment roll shall have been completed, in each and every year, to assess the

domain: politics


text:
CLEWISTON, Fla. – With the majority of the country enduring below-average temperatures, things on Lake Okeechobee are just starting to heat up. Florida has seen its fair share of cold weather this winter putting the largemouths in a stubborn mood. A sure-fire way for these bass to swing out of their funk is warmer weather. As the 2014 Walmart FLW Tour kicks off on the ‘Big O,’ a recent warming trend could be just what the doctor ordered to see some heavy-hitting weights this week.
The day got started on a slower note than expected when anglers awoke to a hefty fog blanketing the lake. With normal takeoff slated for 7:30 a.m. from Rowland and Mary Ann’s Marina, it wasn’t until 8:45 a.m. that the first boat would ease out of the marina and officially start the season.
Much of the buzz on the docks this morning focused on how many fish will be caught from their bed. While there is no moon phase to move the fish up to spawn this week there is another big factor giving some fish the urge to nest – warm, stable weather.
“Fishing is a whole lot better this year than it was at last year’s (FLW Tour) event,” said local stalwart George Kapiton. “We have had a pretty cold winter for Florida and this warm weather actually has some fish moving up. I fished both the BFL events and the Rayovac (FLW Series) tournament on Okeechobee and there is a huge difference in the fishing because of the warming trend.”
Kapiton believes that anglers will be able to catch fish in all three phases of the spawn – prespawn, spawn and postspawn.
“From what I have seen, you can catch fish just about any way you want,” continued the Inverness, Fla., resident. “I have caught some bigger fish by casting baits this week which tells me the fish are moving up. I have even seen some fish that are real white which also tells me those are new to the area. I think the prespawn fish will play a big role. I fished an area on Sunday and caught zero fish. I made one drift back through that area the other day and had 11 bites. That tells you there are fish pulling in.”
Sharing the same feelings as Kapiton was Chevy pro Dion Hibdon who has plenty of experience on the Big O.
“I think this year you will see people weigh fish from every stage of the spawn,” said Hibdon, who won the Forrest Wood Cup back in 2000. “I have seen some fish on beds but I’m not saying that I want to fish for them. Those spawners are getting so dang tough to deal with because of how much they get bothered and the water clarity isn’t as good, so I plan on sticking with the prespawn and postspawn fish. But don’t get me wrong, I’ll still have a tube tied on up front just in case I stumble across a big girl.”
The water temps have crept into the mid to upper 70s and that has some of the anglers concerned the big fish may not want to commit to spawning – which is similar to what occurred last year.
For those that forgo focusing on bedding bass there is no question that the casting of soft plastic swimbaits and flukes will draw much of the attention this week to put numbers in the boat.
“The casting bite will be a big factor in the top 30 this week,” Kapiton added. “You can catch a lot of fish doing that. It will be those guys that catch their limit casting and then flip for bigger bites that do well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see half dozen bags of fish brought in close to 30 pounds today.
“I don’t normally fish for a $10,000 check but I plan on it this week. You can catch 14 to 16 pounds pretty easy casting around the grass so I think there should be plenty weights around there. Like I said though, it will be about finding those bigger fish with a flipping stick that makes the difference.”
Anglers will take off from Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort located at 920 E. Del Monte Ave. in Clewiston, Fla., at 7:30 a.m. the first two days of competition. On the last two days takeoff will be at the Clewiston Boat Basin at 7:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday’s weigh-ins will be held at Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday’s final weigh-ins will be held at the Walmart located at 1005 W. Sugarland Highway in Clewiston beginning at 4 p.m.
Fans will also be treated to the FLW Outdoors Expo at the Walmart on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. prior to the final weigh-ins. The Expo includes Ranger boat simulators, the opportunity to interact with professional anglers, enjoy interactive games, activities and giveaways provided by sponsors, and fans can learn more about the sport of fishing and other outdoor activities. All activities are free and open to the public. Also on Sunday, country music artist Josh Thompson will perform a free live concert on the Walmart weigh-in stage at 3 p.m.
On the Web
For those who can’t catch the weigh-in action in person, FLWOutdoors.com offers FLW Live, an online application that brings fans real-time weigh-in results, streaming video and audio.
In addition to FLW Live, FLWOutdoors.com is offering real-time updates from the water throughout each day of the Lake Okeechobee event. Simply click on the “On the Water Coverage” banner from either the FLW or FLW Tour home pages.
Sunrise: 7:06 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 69 degrees
Expected high temperature: 76 degrees
Water temperature: 70-77 degrees
Wind: NE at 10 to 15 mph
Maximum humidity: 93 percent
Day’s outlook: partly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon

domain: hobby


text:
Low profile bootie that's boho-chic with a touch of cosmopolitan flair fashioned. Distressed, oiled, nubuck leather with braided buckled straps and a unique ankle profile.
- Leather upper, lining and synthetic sole
- 1 1/4" heel
- Heel zipper
- Padded foot bed with arch support
- Fit tip: Runs true to size

domain: design


text:
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — South Carolina state senators Stephen Goldfinch and Nikki Setzler sent a letter to Gov. Henry McMaster asking for former Adjutant General Bob Livingston to be made head of COVID-19 vaccine logistics.
The letter says the vaccine logistics is too big of a task for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to handle. McMaster blames the hospitals, threatening to use his executive powers to force them to give more vaccines. He says most have administered just two-thirds or less of their doses.
But hospitals are saying they do not have enough vaccines to make all the appointments and they are getting significantly less than they requested. The South Carolina Hospital Association released a statement saying hospitals have administered 69% of the Pfizer doses they’ve received, and that DHEC says all unused doses in the state have been accounted for with appointments.
“It is our belief that it is crucial to enlist the assistance of a person with the experience and logistical knowledge to develop and implement immediately a statewide logistics plan for receipt, distribution, and injection of vaccines received by the state,” the letter says.
The letter calls for McMaster to issue an executive order naming Livingston as the person to handle logistics.

domain: health


The Best Dust Remover Machine For Carpet Ideas. Check out the carpet dust remover machine archives. Dust remover machine for carpet gaining client pleasure is our company's aim without end.
Best pet stain remover machine. Carpet wringing & dehumidifier machines. Diepanzer carpet dust removing machines and more here.
We Are Turkey's Leading Quality Carpet Dust Remover Machines Manufacturer, Supplier In Istanbul, Turkey At Latest Price.
Carpet washing cost and time will increase for this. Manual carpet dusting machine mta 450. ₹ 3.65 lakh/ piece get latest price.
Sorry, We Have Detected Unusual Traffic From Your Network.
The automatic carpet and rug dust removing machines, are designed to fulfill all necessities of small or bigger area rug cleaning companies. Automatic carpet dust remover machine is the first step of carpet washing system. This brushed belt system makes the machine more quiet and efficient.
It Collects The Dust Accumulated On The Bottom.
Diepanzer carpet dust removing machines and more here. With the experience we have gained. The removal of dust and other impurities is a key element of the carpet.
Carpet Wringing & Dehumidifier Machines.
With our machine, you can. Best pet stain remover machine. 6 best pet stain remover.
Buy Carpet Dust Remover From Machine Business Opportunities, Carpet Dust Remover Specifications:
Carpet dust removing machine crf2100fr. Carpet dust remover machine related videos from youtube nick 2021.01.02 09:14:30 the company has rich resources, advanced machinery, experienced workers and excellent services,. Carpet dust remover machine is used in the first stage of rug cleaning.


Purpose: The Program Review process is completed to provide the College with an accurate and current evaluation of the programs of an academic unit and to agree upon intermediate and long-term goals. This review is also meant to be a meaningful exercise for departments to facilitate discussion of past accomplishments, current trends, and to help departments develop realistic plans for the future.
There are 5 distinct parts of the program review process:
- PLANNING FOR THE REVIEW. The Department and the Dean set the specific steps and timeline for completing the review; questions and issues are determined; the Department will submit its plan to the dean by October 15 for review and approval; the plan will then proceed to Academic Affairs for review and approval. Included in the Academic Affairs approval process will be identification of specific issues related to assessment, enrollment management, and other issues that are relevant.
- SELF-STUDY. The Department will complete a self-study with information about past activities and performances as well as specific plans and goals for the next seven years. The self-study must address the needs and interests of the department, its majors, the non-majors it serves, and College strategic themes as well as assessment of student learning, enrollment management issues, the general education program, and effective use of College resources. Included will be goals for the future, a timeline for accomplishing those goals, and follow-up plans for addressing problems identified in the review process. The self-study should be completed by January 20.
- REVIEW OF THE PROGRAM AND SELF-STUDY. An internal and/or external review group will evaluate the program, its self-study, and plans for the future. A report of the review group will be submitted to the department, dean, the director of assessment, and VPAA. Plans for assembling the review group will be part of the planning process, #1 above. The review report will be completed by March 20. The School Dean and a designee of the VPAA will also evaluate the program, its self-study with the plans for the future, and will prepare and submit a report to the VPAA by April 20, with a copy sent also to the FLC Assessment Office.
- In consultation with the department, the reviewer(s), and the VPAA, the Dean will summarize the results of the review and set the departmental agenda for the next several years (goals, problems to address, improvements and advancements desired, timelines for each).
- REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES. The Dean and VPAA will work together to summarize the review activities and prepare a report to the Board of Trustees based on the goal of continuous improvement of our academic programs. At the request of the Trustees, this summary will include the following elements extracted from the departmental review:
- A list of the chair and departmental faculty and staff, including rank/title and how long each has been at Fort Lewis College
- A table showing numbers of departmental majors and departmental graduates for the last reporting period
- Evidence of placement of graduates in graduate and professional programs or employment
- A statement of departmental accomplishments during the review period and problems that need to be addressed
- A description of departmental plans for the future, including assignment of responsibilities and a timeline
- An attachment of course listings for the department
- Degree requirements for all majors and minors in the program
Following is a summary of additional elements included in this review process:
- The Deans will be responsible for organizing the program reviews in their School. All review processes need not be exactly the same; in fact, we are more likely to have meaningful reviews if the process is custom designed for each program/department.
- The program review will address all relevant areas, including service to majors as well as service to non-majors and general college goals. The Department and the Dean will work together to define the program review process and to determine the issues that need to be addressed. They will submit a proposed work plan to the VPAA by November 1 for approval.
- Completion of all work on each program review must be completed by April 20 so that the final report can be presented to the Trustees and the entire process can be completed within a single school year. We should aim for presentation to the Trustees at the May/June meeting.
- Included in each program review will be a critical review of the documentation and the results of the self-study by (a) an objective review group, internal or external and (b) the school dean.
- External reviews will be funded for a limited number of reviews each year depending on the budget available and the justifications given for such expenditures.
- All self-studies must include:
- A list of department faculty, their rank, and length of time at FLC
- Data on students including information on numbers of majors and graduates
- At least three years of data on FTE production
- Honest analysis of program strengths and weaknesses
- Assessment results and evidence that the information is being utilized by the program/department to make needed adjustments
- Directions and goals for the future; evidence of realistic departmental planning
- The department’s contribution to the Fort Lewis General Education Program
- Departmental contribution to the success of Freshman and the retention of students through graduation.
- Other issues as determined by the Dean and the VPAA
- Conversations with the dean and the VPAA need to be built into the process so that this can be a meaningful discussion and not simply a plea for more resources.


SunSpec Alliance and MESA Announce Joint ESNA Workshop for Energy Storage System (ESS) Communications and Smart Grid Standards and Testing
Workshop to be held Tuesday, October 13, 2015: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM,
At Energy Storage North America (ESNA), San Diego Convention Center
San Jose and San Francisco, CA, September 9, 2015 – The SunSpec Alliance (SunSpec) and the MESA Standards Alliance (MESA) are pleased to announce they are co-producing a workshop at Energy Storage North America focused on energy storage system (ESS) communications and smart grid standards and testing implementation, “Implementing and Testing Storage Systems Utilizing Common Standards for Smart Grid Deployment.”
This joint workshop will include a survey of smart grid, energy storage functions and communication standards from California, North America, and around the world. This overview will be followed by presentations on smart grid and ESS testing efforts from EPRI, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), SunSpec, Sandia Labs and the Battery Innovation Center (BIC).
The audience for this workshop includes utility communications and storage staff, project developers, equipment suppliers, software developers, system integrators, service providers and business development professional in the energy storage value chain.
|Workshop Agenda Topic||Speakers|
|Smart grid and ESS communication standards around the world||SunSpec (TJ Keating), Sandia (Jay Johnson), MESA (Frances Cleveland)|
|Smart inverter supplement to UL 1741 and other UL codes & standards relevant to ESS||UL (Tim Zgonena)|
|Duke’s Coalition of the Willing – Applying OpenFMB to ESS||Duke (Thomas Golden)|
|DER smart grid, cyber security and testing from EPRI’s – California CEC CSI4 Project||ERPI (Brian Seal), SunSpec (Tom Tansy)|
|SunSpec Solar Plus Storage Project and Rule 21 test plans – California CEC PON 303 Project||UCSD (Bill Torre), SunSpec (Tom Tansy), UL (Tim Zgonena), plus project partners|
|Battery Innovation Center – Industry focused test facility configuration case study||BIC (Dave Roberts)|
|Q&A/Discussion||Workshop speakers as panelist|
For registration visit the Energy Storage North America registration page here: http://www.esnaexpo.com/attendees/registration
SunSpec Alliance: TJ Keating phone: 650-804-2867 email: [email protected]
MESA Standards Alliance: Darcy Wheeles phone: 415-602-4213 email: [email protected]
The SunSpec Alliance is a trade alliance of developers, manufacturers, operators and service providers, together pursuing open information standards for the distributed energy industry. SunSpec standards address most operational aspects of PV, storage and other distributed energy power plants on the smart grid—including residential, commercial, and utility-scale systems—thus reducing cost, promoting innovation, and accelerating industry growth. Over 70 organizations are members of the SunSpec Alliance, including global leaders from Asia, Europe, and North America. Membership is open to corporations, research organizations, non-profits, and individuals. For more information about the SunSpec Alliance, or to download SunSpec specifications at no charge, please visit www.sunspec.org.
About the MESA Standards Alliance
The MESA (Modular Energy Storage Architecture) Standards Alliance is an industry group whose mission is to accelerate the growth of the energy storage industry through the development of an open, non-proprietary set of specifications and standards for energy storage systems. MESA’s component-based approach to energy storage gives electric utilities more choice, and allows battery, power converter, and software manufacturers to reach more customers and reduce costs.
For more information about MESA, or to join and participate in developing standards for the battery storage industry, visit www.MESAStandards.org.
# # #


text:
The May edition of BEEF gets an A+ in my opinion. From “Editor's Roundup” to the last page, “News Closeout,” you've provided timely information that reflects the challenges the industry is currently facing.
Troy Marshall's article, “The industry isn't changing. It has changed!” (page 12), says it as best as it could be said, and he is on the mark.
Articles such as the “Love Me Tender,” story on Rancher's Reserve (page 27) illustrate how much the consumer drives our industry. It also chronicles the success of a branded program that views the product from pre-harvest sorting to post- harvest tenderness interventions, to a commitment from the retailer to train its personnel. It also proves that, even with the best technology, tenderness starts with producers' animals.
When the Industry Long Range Planning Group devised its five-year plan, we received much of the kind of information in this issue — the importance of being able to stand behind your product, to tell our production story, the importance of branding, and meeting the convenience needs of the customer of tomorrow.
That's why the long-range mission is to mobilize all beef-industry participants to work toward making beef the world's protein choice. Every segment has a role in this industry's success — not working separately but together to produce the best product.
BEEF magazine has always served the industry well and I can only say “thank you” for continuing to keep us informed on the issues.
Paso Robles, CA
What about Mexico's ban?
I really enjoy your publications and comments, but I'm “read out” concerning Japan, South Korea and China's trade machinations. What about the Mexican seedstock market for U.S. beef cattle?
Mexico has a ban in place now lasting 2½ years. It's decimated the purebred industry in the U.S. border areas, and stolen the livelihood of those of us who have worked in this area all our lives.
Not only has the embargo negatively impacted the above-mentioned entities, it's resulted in an inferior product for U.S. feedlots.
Mexico exports well more than 1 million head of feeder cattle to the U.S. annually. Mexico's ban on imports of U.S. breeding stock has deprived Mexican cow-calf folks of the proven, quality genetics needed to produce feeder cattle that can compete favorably in the modern U.S. beef and dairy industries.
Let's put the spotlight on a problem that affects grassroots cattle folks, especially in the Southwest.
Ray Rodriguez, Ph.D.

domain: food


text:
In Turkey, the Islamic credit card is made available to Turkish Islamic banks to satisfy the needs of the Turkish population who want to use Islamic Sharia financial instruments.
In Turkey, the halal credit card is intended to complement the range of Islamic financial products that exist and is offered by Turkish banks to meet the demand of Turkish consumers.
In Turkey, the Islamic credit card offers financing services and financial products competitive with conventional cards but applying Islamic finance.
In Turkey, Islamic credit cards also offer bonus points with discount coupons for purchases related to halal products in addition to the Islamic payment.
QARD El HASSAN CARD BAY AL INAH CARD TAWARRUQ CARD MURABAHA CARD TAKAFUL CARD CASH BACK CARD PREPAID CARD REWARD CARD FOR STUDENT WITH NO FEE WITHOUT INTEREST BAD CREDIT LIBYA QATAR PHILIPPINES UNITED-KINGDOM UNITED-STATES CANADA BANGLADESH NIGERIA TURKEY IRAN EGYPT INDIA CHINA ABU-DHABI BAHRAIN DUBAI INDONESIA MALAYSIA PAKISTAN R.A.K SAUDI-ARABIA SHARJAH IRELAND LIBYA QATAR AUSTRALIA

domain: finance


text: Dale went for a design we did previously for Kell Brook just adapting it for his own style and kit. Dale went for a silver wetlook band with snakeskin leatherette panel with white leatherette main shorts, with silver and red metallic trim. This was a really effective short, and looked fantastic when Dale wore it in the boxing ring under the bright lights. We can make this style in any colour with your own names, fabrics, trims, embroideries etc. Just let us know what you require and I can price for you. Either use the contact us form or give us a call to discuss.


text:
While the thick, tangled carpet can be a nuisance in some cases, it makes the perfect ground cover in others. It’s low maintenance, natural, and beautiful, offering a unique aesthetic to any outside space. It can even handle light foot traffic, making it a suitable substitution for finicky turfgrasses.
But aside from its looks and low-maintenance nature, moss offers numerous environmental benefits, like preventing soil erosion, moisture retention, and supplying nutrients. It’s fairly versatile, growing on soil, tree trunks, and rocks, so it can thrive in almost any condition.
However, when planting moss as a natural ground cover, you’ll need to follow a few key steps and exercise patience while it grows and thickens (arguably the hardest part). Here’s what you need to know about using moss as a natural ground cover.
Benefits of Using Moss as a Ground Cover
If you’re searching for a natural ground cover that offers an array of benefits for your garden, moss might be the perfect solution. Here are a few key benefits of integrating moss as a ground cover:
One of the most notable perks of adding moss as ground cover is that it can aid in retaining soil moisture. Since the moss is able to absorb and retain water as it falls on the soil, either from your garden hose or from the sky, it can help prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.
This can be incredibly beneficial for the surrounding plants, as the moss helps ensure they have access to the water they need to grow and flourish.
Another advantage of moss is its nutrient provisions. Moss absorbs nutrients from the surrounding air and soil as it grows, so it can enrich the soil in the surrounding areas of your garden. In many cases, moss is rich in nutrients essential for healthy plant growth, like nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.
On top of its ample nutrition benefits, moss absorbs harmful toxins and minerals from the soil, essentially acting as a cleaner to ensure the good stuff stays in and the bad stuff comes out.
In addition to retaining water and supplying much-needed nutrients, moss helps prevent erosion in your garden. When Mother Nature releases her fury and sends in heavy rains and whirling winds, the soil in your garden is susceptible to erosion.
Heavy rain can wash away the soil, and gusting winds can blow it out of your garden. When you add moss to the picture, this becomes less of a concern. The moss helps anchor the soil in place, helping to prevent erosion and keep your garden looking beautiful.
All in all, using moss as a ground cover can be an excellent way to enhance the health and beauty of your garden. Its ability to retain moisture, supply nutrients, and prevent erosion makes it an excellent pick for any gardener seeking a natural ground cover for their garden.
Types of Moss for Ground Cover
Like the turfgrasses blanketing your yard, moss comes in a couple of types. It’s essential to choose the correct type for your home based on the job you want it to do and factors specific to your home. Here are three common types of moss that work well as ground cover:
Sheet moss is a go-to pick for ground cover purposes, as it grows rapidly and forms a thick, dense mat. It’s a relatively low-maintenance option, as it’s easy to work with and can be cut to fit almost any shape or size.
Sheet moss thrives in shady, moist areas and is usually found growing on the forest floor under the shade of towering trees. It’s an excellent option for covering large areas and can even be used in place of turfgrass to create a natural-looking lawn.
Also known as bun moss, cushion moss grows in tight clumps, creating a cushion-like appearance (hence the name). This moss prefers moist, shady areas, so you’ll often find it growing on rocks and tree trunks.
It’s an excellent choice for filling in gaps between rocks or outlining a natural-looking pathway. Alternatively, it makes an excellent filler for terrariums and other indoor plant displays.
Rock Cap Moss
Also known as shag moss, rock cap moss grows in thick clumps and boasts a shaggy appearance. Like cushion moss, rock cap moss prefers moist, shady areas and is often found clinging to rocks and tree trunks.
Given its preferred growing areas, rock cap moss makes an excellent choice for covering rocks, walls, and other vertical surfaces. Additionally, it’s a popular pick for creating natural-looking waterfalls or other water features.
Preparing the Ground for Moss
If you decide that moss is the perfect fit for the ground in and around your home and garden, it’s important to start by preparing the area. Like other plants, moss thrives best in specific conditions, so as you prep the area, ensure it meets these preferences.
Clearing the Area
First, it’s crucial to clear the area of rocks, weeds, and other debris. Moss prefers damp, shady areas with limited competition for other plants, so it’s essential to start with a clean slate. Remove any grass or plants that are growing in the area, ensuring you take the roots with the plants.
Level the Soil
Once you remove the plants and their remnants, smooth the soil with a rake to create a level surface. Moss doesn’t have roots, so it doesn’t grow deep into the ground. Instead, it has rhizoids, or small hairlike structures, that anchor the moss to the rocks, tree trunks, or soil.
Since it sits atop the soil, it’s important to create an even surface for the moss to grow on. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a bumpy, uneven mess when the growth fills in.
Adding Organic Matter
Like any plant, moss requires certain nutrients to thrive. It needs nitrogen to grow, which it usually pulls from the soil and substrate or through its water uptake. However, if there isn’t enough nitrogen, the moss won’t thrive.
So, it’s essential to prepare the area for the new moss. A mild, organic fertilizer, like one containing nitrogen from manure, is a good choice. Spread a thin layer of fertilizer over the area and work it into the first few inches of soil with a garden fork or tiller.
Avoid adding too much, as the soil could become too acidic for the moss.
Once your area is prepared, it’s time to plant the moss. Here’s how to do it:
First, you’ll need to buy or harvest the moss. Generally, you can find moss at your local nursery, so this is always an option. Alternatively, you can scout for it in your area and skip the trip to your local nursery.
Look for areas teeming with healthy moss growth, such as shaded areas with ample moisture. Use a garden rake or trowel to carefully lift the moss from the ground. Be gentle handling it, as you don’t want to damage it or tear it apart in the process.
You might find it easier to handle by removing patches of it at a time, as you won’t need to worry about handling an oversized, awkwardly-large chunk of moss.
Once you harvest the moss, bring it back to the prepared area. Avoid leaving the moss in between the two planting locations for too long, as it might not fare well.
Gently set the harvested moss on top of the prepared soil and press it down firmly to ensure good contact. Use a spray bottle to gently mist the area with water and help the moss settle into the soil.
Watering and Fertilizing
After transplanting the moss, regular watering and fertilization are essential. Moss flourishes in moist soil, so ensure you keep the soil well-watered and damp. In addition, add fertilizer periodically to ensure the moss has access to the nutrients it needs to thrive.
When adding fertilizer, follow the instructions on the package carefully to avoid overdoing it.
Remember, moss is a slow-growing plant that needs time to fill in and thrive, so it might be a while before you notice substantial growth. However, with patience and plenty of care, you can cultivate a beautiful, lush, and natural ground cover that demands very little maintenance.
Maintaining Your Moss Ground Cover
As your moss ground cover begins to grow and thicken, it’s essential to follow maintenance procedures to ensure it remains healthy and flourishes. Here are a few key tips for maintaining your moss ground cover:
If you have a blanket of moss covering your lawn, garden, or flowerbed, it’s essential to stay on top of trimming. While you technically don’t need to mow, trim, or cut a moss lawn, you might need to trim it back occasionally to prevent it from encroaching on other plants.
Or, if it becomes too thick, you might need to thin it out a bit. Scissors and garden shears work well for trimming moss, as they provide plenty of control over how much moss you take off.
Weed control is essential in maintaining a pristine expanse of moss. If left unchecked, weeds can quickly take over, battling the moss for its water and nutrients. So, to avoid problems with your moss ground cover, keep weeds in check
If there are only a few scattered weeds, hand-pulling them will do. But if the moss is overrun by weeds, you might want to use a selective weed killer that is safe for moss. Ensure you select the herbicide carefully and use it according to the instructions on the label to avoid damaging your moss.
Alternatively, you can prevent weeds from growing by installing landscape fabric or a layer of mulch.
Dealing with Pests
Like any plant, moss is susceptible to damage due to pests. Slugs, snails, and insects can damage your mossy ground cover, leading to a less-than-desirable result.
To prevent pests from becoming a problem, keep the area around your moss clean and free of debris. You can also employ natural pest control methods, like neem oil or diatomaceous earth. If you decide to use these products, follow the instructions on the label and be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing while handling them.

domain: agronomy


Is an Eco Terra Bed Right For You?
If you’re shopping for a new mattress you might be wondering if an Eco Terra bed is right for you. It all depends on your sleep preferences and financial budget. However, it’s worth considering because it is a higher quality alternative to other mattresses and comes with a the most generous warranty. Learn more about the Eco Terra bed in this review, as well as what others have to say about it.
Eco Terra Mattress Reviews
If you’re looking for a comfortable mattress and don’t want spend a lot of money, you should consider the Eco Terra Mattress. The organic mattress is suitable for couples and is made of natural materials. The mattress could be too firm for people who are lighter. The majority of people have their comfort levels between 5 and 7, but for those who weigh less than 120 pounds, the medium-plush model might be more appealing for you. Review the reviews below to find out more about this mattress.
A good mattress will be able to isolate motion well without creating too excessive bounce, which can cause irritation to your partner. The Eco Terra has both of these qualities, which means you can move about on it without disturbing your partner. It should be comfortable enough that you can rest comfortably in the middle, however, it is firm enough to provide sufficient support for the majority of people. Eco Terra’s latex and coils give it extra bounce. The coils are protected by the cover, which is designed to absorb any movement. Eco Terra’s claims of zero motion transmission make us wonder if that is true.
Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress Review
A recent test of the Eco Terra hybrid latex mattress reveals that it performs well in all aspects. Its overall comfort rating is high and it beats out many of its rivals in terms of temperature neutrality, which is a crucial feature for sleepers who are either warmer or cooler. This is probably due to the Eco Terra Talalay latex, which is far more neutral in temperature than Dunlop latex. The mattress’s construction also permits good airflow which prevents the mattress from overheating or clamminess.
Eco Terra hybrid latex mattress made of 100 percent natural Talalay lax. Talalay latex is certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which means it is free of chemical preservatives. The latex layer gives excellent comfort, resulting in more responsiveness. The mattress’s core is made up of coils that are pocketed to provide bounce and prevent back pain. The mattress’s cover is breathable and thick keeps moisture and heat out.
Eco Terra Mattress Complaints
If you’re considering buying an Eco Terra Mattress but are not sure about its environmental credentials, there’s no reason to fret. Eco Terra has taken the necessary steps to address complaints from customers regarding the polyurethane content of its mattresses. Eco Terra uses 100% natural latex foam and organic Cotton for its mattress cover, even though it isn’t transparent about the material used. You might prefer a medium-firm mattress if you’re looking for a sustainable mattress.
While many reviews about latex mattresses have been negative However, the Eco Terra mattress has several positive aspects. Its latex foam is more breathable than memory foam and has a cooler temperature. The organic cotton cover regulates airflow. The coils inside it push out heat from your body, which means you’ll stay cool throughout the night. Despite its flaws the mattress has been loved by customers and that’s certainly the case with this hybrid latex mattress.
Eco Terra Mattress Reddit
The company behind Eco Terra mattress Eco Terra mattress has received some negative reviews on Reddit but they’re not too worrying. The mattress is made of organic cotton and features a comfort layer made of latex. Eco Terra is available in two sizes. Eco Terra is available in medium and firm firmness and costs approximately $549. The Eco Terra’s price ranges between $649 to $1099 depending on the firmness that you choose. The Eco Terra mattress comes with a 15 year warranty and a 90-night trial unlike other latex hybrid mattresses.
The Eco Terra mattress’s polyurethane content is a major issue. These complaints have been addressed by Eco Terra. This is particularly true if the buyer hasn’t purchased the mattress from an online retailer that has been verified. The law label on the mattress doesn’t include any of the materials that may contain polyurethane. If you’re concerned over the polyurethane content in the mattress, you can ask for an alternative mattress without it.
Eco Terra Mattress Topper
Additionally, you get a mattress protector when you purchase an Eco Terra mattress. The topper comes with a 15-year warranty as do all Eco Terra products. If the topper fails to hold up over time, the company will repair or replace it, depending on your preference. Shipping costs will be your responsibility, but the company will pay the cost of returning the topper.
The mattress itself is firm, but it isn’t too difficult for those who sleep heavier. The medium firmness is perfect for side sleepers because the latex layer gives them plenty of bounce, while the supportive coils on top of the mattress allow you to sink into the bed without feeling uncomfortable. If you weigh more than 130 pounds, you’ll find the medium firm option less beneficial. The Eco Terra mattress comes with a medium-firm mattress topper.
A latex mattress topper is a necessary element of a mattress. To ensure maximum comfort, a mattress topper should be sized to fit your body. It is possible to choose a more firm mattress topper to support your back when you sleep. There are two firmness levels that are available for the Eco Terra mattress: medium and firm. Both will have their benefits but there are also some drawbacks. Eco Terra’s latex layer might not be the best option for those who sleep lightly.
Eco Terra Mattress Topper Review
In this Eco Terra Mattress Topper review, we’ll take a look at the benefits of this latex mattress topper. Natural latex is not contaminated by harmful chemicals and does not emit off-gassing. It does have a light scent, however. It’s typically an appealing vanilla scent that goes away after a few days. It’s easy to maintain. It is available for purchase from several online stores or on the company’s website.
The Eco Terra mattress is a latex-based topper and also has coils. They’re encased in latex, so they’re buoyant, but also denser than the middle coils. While the latex-coil combination can help to stop motion transfer, it is not as solid as traditional innerspring mattresses. This mattress isn’t recommended for sleepers who are light and could be too heavy for those who are heavier.
The Eco Terra mattress topper has an additional benefit: it offers an extremely comfortable level of support. The Eco Terra mattress topper comes in two sizes: medium and firm. Side sleepers will prefer the firm option. Although it isn’t as firm as a medium mattress, it’s still comfortable enough to keep your body cool. It’s also suitable for stomach sleepers, but it’s not as comfortable as a more firm model. The Eco Terra medium-firm model is similar to the standard medium model.
Eco Horizon Terrace Price
Eco World Development Group Bhd will be launching the first phase of homes that are landed in Eco Horizon, Batu Kawan in Penang. The township will include more than 2,300 homes that are landed and 70 acres of commercial space. Its gross development value is estimated to be RM7 billion and will be built over a period of ten years. Phase one, Ashton, will consist of super linked and terraced garden houses. The Eco Horizon township will also include two-story homes. The first phase will be followed by Brydon, Camdon, and Dawson phases.
Eco Horizon is a township with strata land properties with gated strata and a commercial development that is integrated. It is a 300-acre sprawling township that is easily connected to both the North-South Expressway (and the Second Penang Bridge). It is approximately 15 minutes from Nibong Tebal and about 30 minutes from Simpang Ampat. The township is not close to many amenities. As of right now, Eco Horizon has sold about 2,000 units.
Eco Terra Mattress Coupon
To save money on your next mattress purchase, be sure you take advantage of the Eco Terra Mattress Coupon! These beds are available in all sizes , and start at $1049 for a queen-sized. Klarna financing is available to help you buy the bed of your dreams. These coupons are perfect for novice and experienced mattress buyers. They can also be used to save money on shipping costs. The Eco Terra Mattress Coupon is available to buy one of the mattresses for less by clicking the link below.
Eco Terra Beds coupons can only be used once. Some of the promo codes don’t apply to clearance or sale items and have a limited period of validity. While it is unlikely that you’ll discover the promo code that will save you the most money, you can still use the promo code to enjoy a discount on your Eco Terra Beds purchase!


text: I don't find guys in suits attractive” — said no woman ever.Forget everything you thought you knew about tailoring. Barabas men's rhinestone design lapel collar suits are changing the game. The signature original design suit is all about dressing for yourself and no one else - think unexpected fabrics, signature-print linings, and slim fit cuts. The pant is designed to lay a bit lower on the hips and is nicely tapered from the thigh to a bottom opening that captures the modern look every man is looking to achieve. Dressing to impress has never been easier!


text:
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer for men in the United States. Only one class of chemotherapy, called taxanes, is effective against the disease. A study published online on February 15, 2015 in Clinical Cancer Research, researchers have found that a newer member of the taxane family, called cabazitaxel, an FDA-approved drug, has properties that could make it more effective for some patients, a hypothesis currently being tested in clinical trials. Researchers also found a genomic marker that could help physicians identify which patients might benefit most from cabazitaxel. The article was titled, “Novel Actions of Next-Generation Taxanes Benefit Advanced Stages of Prostate Cancer.” "It was surprising to find that cabazitaxel functions differently than docetaxel in killing cancer cells, even though they're both taxanes," says senior author Karen Knudsen, Ph.D., Interim Director of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center and a Professor of Cancer Biology at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. It shows that we may not be taking full advantage of this next-generation taxane in the clinic." For years, docetaxel has been the only effective chemotherapy for men whose cancer was no longer responding to hormone treatments. The next-generation drug in the taxane family, cabazitaxel, was approved in 2010, but only for patients whose cancer no longer responded to hormone therapy or docetaxel treatment. Dr. Knudsen and colleagues explored how cabazitaxel worked, and demonstrated that it might be more effective sooner in treatment than docetaxel.
Login Or Register To Read Full Story

domain: medical


text:
Sell-side analyst recommendations point to a short term price target of $20.73 on the shares of Owens-Illinois, Inc. Tigress Financial restated a "buy" rating on shares of Ford Motor in a research report on Tuesday, June 21st. Ford Motor has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $14.06. "The stock has been suggested as "Buy" from "9" Analysts". Zacks Investment Research downgraded Ford Motor from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating in a research report on Monday, July 18th.
Ford Motor (NYSE:F) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 28th.
The share price indicated up trend from its 200 days moving average of $30.87 with +4.14% and highlighted positive move of +1.23% from 50 days moving average of $31.76. Ford Motor Co.'s (F) is a part of Consumer Goods sector and belongs to Auto Manufacturers - Major industry. USB market capitalization is $74.64B with 65433 employees. The auto manufacturer reported $0.52 EPS for the quarter, missing the Thomson Reuters' consensus estimate of $0.60 by $0.08.
These analysts also forecasted Growth Estimates for the Current Quarter for MO to be 6.7%. Ford Motor had a return on equity of 30.49% and a net margin of 5.35%. The firm's revenue for the quarter was up 5.4% on a year-over-year basis.
While looking at the Stock's Performance, Altria Group, Inc. now shows a Weekly Performance of 0.34%, where Monthly Performance is -3.23%, Quarterly performance is -9.41%, 6 Months performance is 1.69% and yearly performance percentage is 11.94%. Meanwhile, Director LECHLEITER JOHN C Purchased 5,000 shares worth $61000.3, through a transaction dated 2016-08-08. The shares were bought at an average price of $12.26 per share, for a total transaction of $61,300.00.
Many Analysts provided their foresight on Revenue Estimates of Ford Motor Co. where they believe that the company has the potential to earn average revenue of $32.7 Billion for the current quarter. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Sankar S. Nair sold 82,000 shares of Ford Motor stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.11, for a total value of $993,020.00. This insider holds 1,574,789 shares with a market value around $18881720 as of recent close. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. BlackRock Fund Advisors now owns 45,632,847 shares of the auto manufacturer's stock valued at $573,605,000 after buying an additional 1,265,872 shares during the period. The stock had a trading capacity of 7.97M shares. Acrospire Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Ford Motor during the first quarter valued at $104,000. The company traded as low as $12.15 and last traded at $12.16, with a volume of 12,864,753 shares changing hands. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. boosted its stake in Ford Motor by 1.3% in the first quarter. According to their observations and findings, the stock could provide a high EPS of $0.65/share and a Low EPS of $0.42/share. This showed the surprise of -13.3% in the last quarter earnings. Ford Motor Company makes up approx 1.40% of Lau Associates's portfolio. For the reporting quarter, equity analysts expect the stock to deliver $1.44 in earnings per share (EPS). Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Ford Motor by 3.4% in the first quarter. Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp now owns 345,243 shares of the auto manufacturer's stock worth $4,661,000 after buying an additional 18,983 shares during the period.
"While our region is making great strides, we need to do more for Detroit's neighborhoods", said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is a global automotive and mobility company.

domain: news


1 - Overview Of A Cotton Gin
2 - Page 3
3 - Page 4
4 - Page 5
5 - Page 8
6 - Page 6
7 - Page 7
8 - Page 9
9 - Page 10
10 - Page 1
Cotton ginning systems consist of several different types of processing machines and each is designed for specific tasks. Each machine influences several physical properties of the cotton fiber and many of those properties must be measured with complex laboratory instruments. The decision about the use of an individual machine involves a tradeoff, i.e. a cleaning machine will remove foreign material but also removes some valuable cotton and does some damage to the remaining fiber. A computerized process control system can optimize fiber quality by "prescription" processing the cotton.
Process Control System
The first computerized process control system was installed in a small-scale research facility at Stoneville, MS, and used special routing valves to bypass or select any combination of four seed cotton cleaners, two multi-path driers, and three lint cleaners as directed by a computer. The current design uses three color/trash/moisture measurement stations in the gin system: in the feed control or module feeder, immediately behind the gin stand (before the lint cleaning), and after the lint cleaning. Station 1 evaluates seed cotton whereas stations 2 and 3 evaluate lint. The lint moisture, color, and trash measurements are used to predict the value of the cotton after treatment by all combinations of equipment which are available in the gin. Similar installations in six full-scale gins have also been evaluated.
Fiber Improvement by Process Control
Gin Machinery Impact on Fiber Quality
Knowledge of the performance characteristics of gin machinery is the basis for controlling the gin process. W.S. Anthony developed the performance characteristics of each type of gin cleaning machinery and combination of machines in terms of their effect on fiber quality as a function of moisture and trash levels as well as cotton varieties. The study included three moisture levels (4.1, 5.5 and 8.4%), and three trash levels (3.0, 4.1 and 7.8%) based on the Shirley Analyzer visible foreign matter.
Samples were taken before gin processing and at the feeder apron and lint slide to determine the characteristics of the seed cotton as well as the characteristics of the lint cotton. Foreign matter and moisture analyses were performed by the Cotton Testing Laboratory (CTL) at Stoneville. HVI and Smith-Doxey classifications were done by the Agricultural Marketing Service at Greenwood, MS. Neps, seed-coat fragments and short fiber content were determined at the CTL at Stoneville, MS.
The visible and total foreign matter remaining in the ginned lint were a function of the variety, moisture, and machinery treatments. Visible lint foreign matter ranged from 3.9% to 6.2% as moisture increased, and from 2.0% to 7.4% as ginning machinery was changed.
Staple length ranged from 36.0 for the EFGS only to 35.1 for the 3-lint cleaner treatment. All lint cleaner treatments decreased staple length. HVI length corresponded directly with moisture level and was 1.10, 1.11 and 1.12 in. respectively, for the low (4.1%), medium (5.5%), and high (8.4%) moisture levels. No difference existed in length values for the seed cotton cleaners. However, each lint cleaner reduced the length by 0.01 in. Mean lengths, as measured by the Peyer 101, for machinery ranged from 0.86 in. for the three lint cleaner treatment to 0.92 in. for a treatment with no lint cleaners. Mean length decreased from 0.93 in. to 0.87 in. as lint moisture decreased from 8.4% to 4.1%. The short fiber content (fibers less than 0.5 in. in length) by weight increased from 4.6% to 8.7% as moisture decreased from 8.4% to 4.1%. Seed cotton cleaners did not increase the short fiber content but lint cleaners did. Lint cleaners increased the short fiber content to 6.8, 8.8 and 9.6%, respectively, as one, two and three stages of lint cleaning were used.
Length Uniformity and Strength
The uniformity was higher for the high moisture level, 82.8, than for the medium, 82.2, and low, 81.9, moisture levels. The Machinery treatments caused the mean uniformity to vary from 81.4 (three lint cleaners) to 82.8 (extractor-feeder and gin stand (EFGS) only or stick machine with EFGS) with lint cleaners decreasing uniformity about 1.0. Strength means for moisture were 28.0, 28.6 and 29.2 g/tex, respectively, for cotton processed at 4.1, 5.5 and 8.4% fiber moisture.
Seed-coat Fragments and Motes
The number of seed-coat fragments per 3 grams of lint were about 50% higher at the low moisture level than at the two higher levels. Machinery did not significantly influence the number of seed-coat fragments. The weight of seed-coat fragments was significantly influenced by Moisture and Machinery. Means for the high moisture level were significantly higher (33.8 fragments) than for the other two moistures (28.5 fragments). Machinery strongly influenced fragment weight with the seed cotton cleaners having no effect and lint cleaners decreasing the weight dramatically. The number and weight of motes were decreased dramatically by saw-type lint cleaners.
Small entanglements of cotton fibers called neps increase each time that cotton is manipulated. G.J. Mangialardi studied samples of cotton fiber collected in seven locations in a gin system and found that neps were increased from 6 to 16 per 100 in.2 of web by simply removing cotton from the trailer pneumatically. Two stages of lint cleaning increased the number of neps dramatically from 18 to 34. W.S. Anthony reported that neps averaged 13.1 and 6.7 per 100 in.2 of web for lint moisture contents of 4.1% and 8.4%, respectively, a decrease of 49% across all machines. He also reported that neps decreased by 15% and 42%, respectively, when one and two stages of lint cleaning were bypassed.
Length Uniformity and Strength
Seed-coat Fragments and Motes
|<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8  10 Next >>|


text:
I was on the drive from Shillong to Guwahati. A memorable trip of North East part of India was coming to end. I was abuzz with remembered pleasure. But there was something for which I was awaiting long. While I am grumpy traveler, but when it comes to luxury resorts I’m a quailing novice.
Ri-Kyanji was attracting to me. On the route of Shillong to Guwahati, Set against the backdrops of enchanting Khasi hills, Ri Kynjai spread over 45acres of lush greeneries, as I drove up to resort through grove of majestic pine trees, lush paddy fields, small organic tea and vegetable gardens, my first view of unique traditional and hybrid cottages were calling me.
The booking has been already done by me. But it was the first time I was entering towards the massive wooden gates of Ri Kynjai. Resort architecture was looking inspired from the original khasi thatch huts, from the outer sides resorts was reflecting traditional echo centric culture and captivating architecture combined with modern convenience and luxury. After some formalities on 24hours front desk, I took possessions of my 1091sq ft cottage.
Fan cooled cottage was fitted with a sofa seating area, Cable TV and a dressing table. There was a fireplace of hewn granite in bedroom area, a high ceiling lined with red pine walls and flooring and wooden steps which were leading up to a loft. The glass frontage of cottage was giving a spectacular view of private deck, beyond which azure waters of Umiam Lake was sprawling a panoramic view. A sleeping and living area, bathroom, dressing room, and a balcony were enough to think that rooms were spacious and meticulously planned. (To be continued…)

domain: geography


text:
The 1st of april is not quite an appropriate day for being serious, but the "VympelCom" company (brand "Beeline") in collaboration with "Polylog" agency presented new post-pay charge named "Nice Calculation" — in real earnest.
This new charge contain such feature as an extremely low price of outgoing calls to any of the operators — one minute costs 50 copecks. Target group of "Nice calculation' supposed to be young and ambitious managers of the new generation, so-called "yuppie".
Agency "Polylog" was contracted to create a concept of the presentation and do all the organization to carry it out. Agency suggested the non-standard solution: to invite an expert of a very rare specialty — a private finances consultant Vladimir Advenin. During the presentation, after a speech vice-president of "VympelCom" Vladimi Ryabokon' spoke, invited consultant had made an expert judgment of the new charge, and made a short lecture and then consulted some of the journalists on their private finances.
There were 26 newspapermen at the presentation.


text:
States across the country are beginning to take steps in the chance that the Democrats’ health care legislation indeed becomes a reality, so their legislatures already are acting to head off a number of items in the massive 2,700 page bill.
The Boston Globe is reports:
The Virginia Legislature this week is poised to become the first state to pass legislation that says citizens cannot be required to have medical insurance.
If states are allowed to opt out of the mandate, the foundation of Obama’s effort would be undermined, turning the nascent revolt here into one with national implications.
Dozens of other states are considering similar measures, possibly setting the stage for one of the greatest tests of federal power over the states since the civil rights era.
It appears the Obamacare health care bill is causing a resurgence in federalism in various states, and if the bill makes it to President Obama’s desk, it will be interesting to see how soon thereafter mandated health care will need to be defended in a court of law.


Mosin-Nagant Rifles for Sale - Buy Mosin-Nagant Online
At GunBroker.com we're dedicated to providing you with the material you need to make informed decisions about your firearms purchases. Dive into the history of the Mosin-Nagant before you browse our auctions and learn more about this particular rifle's design and heritage.
Fresh off a defeat at the hands of Turks armed with Winchester repeating rifles, the Russian Army decided in the 1880s that it had to modernize its weaponry. Submitted for the consideration of the "Special Commission for the testing of Magazine fed Rifles" were three rifles, including a "3-line" caliber rifle from Sergei Ivanovich Mosin and a 3.5-line design by Léon Nagant.
A combination of both Mosin and Nagant's designs was created for the Russian Army and designated the "3-line rifle, Model 1891." Many exchanges and compromises between the two designs can be seen on Model 1891s. For example, in Mosin's original design the spring was not attached to the base plate and could conceivably be lost during cleaning. Thus, Nagant's more practical design – in which the magazine spring is attached to the base plate – was included. Another swap between Mosin and Nagant's designs is the "interrupter." Nagant's original design lacked an interrupter to keep two cartridges from being loaded simultaneously which caused frequent feed failures. Mosin's interrupter and a different feed mechanism design were thus included on the Model 1891. Later, when the Model 1891 was redesigned to become the M1891/30 the interrupter was changed even more drastically as it was still considered an unreliable piece of the rifle.
The Mosin-Nagant saw heavy use from its creation through World War II during which it was standard issue for Russian troops to use against the Nazi invasion. After WWII the Mosin-Nagant gave way to the SKS and then the AK-47, although it continued to be used in the Eastern bloc for some time. The Mosin-Nagant can still be found on the frontlines of countries given aid by the Soviet Union throughout the 20th century, although most Mosin-Nagants in Western countries were surplus exported from Finland when the Finnish army modernized its weapons in the 1960s.
Explore our auctions to bid on Mosin-Nagant rifles, parts and accessories today. With collectible firearms auctions that change every day you can check back if you don't find what you're looking for right away. Or, sell your own Mosin-Nagant rifle, parts and accessories. Now that you've read its history you can write a great report on your item and how it fits into the Mosin-Nagant story.


text:
IN STOCK Read Review
This gorgeously contrasting Titanium ring set includes two dome style bands with a Non-Tarnishing Sterling Silver Inlay. The men's ring is 6mm Wide with a 2mm Sterling Silver inlay. The women's ring is 4mm Wide with a 1mm Sterling Silver inlay and holds a 3mm round gem in a tension setting. Both rings feature a premium Sandblast Finish. This unique finish really highlights the contrast between the finished titanium and sterling silver colors. **Please Note That we Can't Process an Order Without Ring Sizes and gemstone choice! Be Sure to Contact Us With Ring Sizes and chosen gemstone Or Leave it in the Gift Message!!


DeepCoder: Semi-parametric Variational Autoencoders
Full title: Natural Gradients in Practice: Non-Conjugate Variational Inference in Gaussian Process Models
Human face exhibits an inherent hierarchy in its representations (i.e., holistic facial expressions can be encoded via a set of facial action units (AUs) and their intensity). Variational (deep) auto-encoders (VAE) have shown great results in unsupervised extraction of hierarchical latent representations from large amounts of image data, while being robust to noise and other undesired artifacts. Potentially, this makes VAEs a suitable approach for learning facial features for AU intensity estimation. Yet, most existing VAE-based methods apply classifiers learned separately from the encoded features. By contrast, the non-parametric (probabilistic) approaches, such as Gaussian Processes (GPs), typically outperform their parametric counterparts, but cannot deal easily with large amounts of data. To this end, we propose a novel VAE semi-parametric modeling framework, named DeepCoder, which combines the modeling power of parametric (convolutional) and non-parametric (ordinal GPs) VAEs, for joint learning of (1) latent representations at multiple levels in a task hierarchy, and (2) classification of multiple ordinal outputs. We show on benchmark datasets for AU intensity estimation that the proposed DeepCoder outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches, and related VAEs and deep learning models.


text:
Selecting the perfect engagement ring is a substantial decision that symbolizes the love and dedication shared in between two individuals. Among the myriad of gems offered, black opal sticks out as an exciting and special option for the center rock of your engagement ring. The mesmerizing elegance of a black opal involvement ring is unequaled, making it an ideal option for those looking for an unique and meaningful icon of their relationship.
Black opals are renowned for their deep and rich colors, showing a fascinating play-of-color that varies from vivid blues and eco-friendlies to fiery reds and oranges. This extraordinary gems is sourced mainly from Australia, where the opals are meticulously extracted and crafted into splendid precious jewelry items. The appeal of black opals hinges on their rarity and the strength of their color variations, making each rock an one-of-a-kind work of art.
The significance of a black opal involvement ring exceeds its visual appeal. The importance related to opals includes a layer of indicating to the ring, making it an excellent representation of the special and developing nature of a caring partnership. Opals are thought to improve creativity, interest, and love, making them an exceptional choice for pairs embarking on a long-lasting journey with each other.
When thinking about a black opal interaction ring, it’s crucial to explore the numerous designs available. Whether established in white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold, a black opal engagement ring is certain to make a strong and classic statement.
If you’re looking to match your interaction ring with extra items of fashion jewelry, take into consideration black opal studs or opal stud jewelry. The abundant tones of black opals make them an excellent suit for both laid-back and official occasions.
For those that appreciate the intense appeal of opals however like a various shade scheme, fire opal engagement rings and earrings are excellent alternatives. Whether you pick a fire opal or a black opal, both alternatives offer an unique and personal touch to your precious jewelry collection.
The wind opal, a term that might not be as frequently understood, refers to opals with a lighter, more clear look. The wind opal’s refined and fragile beauty makes it an enchanting choice for those who choose a more underrated yet still captivating gemstone.
Heart-shaped Australian strong opal engagement rings, specifically those set in 14K yellow gold, are an additional elegant option for sharing love and commitment. The heart shape includes a romantic touch to the ring, symbolizing the depth of feeling shared between partners. Australian solid opals, understood for their remarkable quality, create a magnificent focal point that catches attention and admiration. The mix of the heart form and the sparkle of the opal produces an absolutely remarkable and meaningful involvement ring.
In conclusion, picking a black opal as the center rock for your involvement ring is a decision that incorporates aesthetic appeal with profound meaning. The rarity and originality of black opals make them a standout option, ensuring that your interaction ring is as exceptional and special as your partnership. Whether you choose a traditional style or an extra intricate setting, the convenience of black opals allows for countless opportunities. Consider matching your involvement ring with black opal studs or exploring various other opal ranges such as fire opal or the delicate wind opal. Whichever alternative you select, an opal interaction ring is a timeless and meaningful expression of love that will be cherished for a life time.

domain: artistic


text:
Saweetie manifests a collaboration with Rihanna.
While promoting her new single “Closer” on Power 106, the Icy Queen was asked to share her dream collaboration, and she didn’t hesitate to name Rihanna.
“Sure. Top of my wish list,” she said of the pop icon.
However, a collaboration might not happen anytime soon since the mom-to-be has other priorities these days. “Honestly, well, she’s pregnant right now,” Saweetie said.
Saweetie, who starred in a 2018 Super Bowl ad for Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, previously shared her admiration for Rih. “When I think of trailblazers and black girls, I think of Rihanna,” she said Complex. “I think she’s a great role model and she just shows us what’s possible and what we’re capable of.”
As she manifests a collab with Rihanna, Saweetie recently teamed up with HER on “Closer” from her upcoming debut album. pretty female dog music.
“Honestly, I was nervous sending it to him,” she said of her work with the Oscar-winning singer. “I feel like this song, this sound is a different sound for both of us. So the fact that we’ve both worked magic on a new sound that’s going to evolve us as artists, it was something special for me.
She plans to share a “more intimate and vulnerable side of Saweetie” on the album, which is still awaiting a release date.


text:
Mumbai, March 27 -- Not many would know that film-maker-actor Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani are school friends. And, they catch up with their batchmates every week over a football match.
Apparently, they are so passionate about the sport that they don't give these matches a miss, irrespective of their busy work schedules.
"Ritesh and Farhan used to play football in school. And over the years, they have stayed in touch with their group of friends. They play football every Sunday," says a source close to Farhan.
Apparently, the duo has been busy for the last few weeks, but their hectic schedule hasn't interrupted their Sunday plans. "Both of them have been occupied with their upcoming film. Farhan travels extensively for his music concerts too. But, they haven't skipped their weekly game at their school playground. They consider it an opportunity to reunite with their friends," adds the source.
When contacted, Farhan's spokesperson said, "They're very close to their batchmates and they have fun playing football every week."


Riders often talk about "riding range," the maximum distance a motorcycle can travel on a full tank of fuel, and it's a common topic. For riders who like to ride for long distances often and like to go alone in no-man’s land, larger capacity of fuel storage means safer riding.
Here's the media's selection of the "10 Motorcycles with the Longest Range" from today's motorcycle industry, in ascending order, and calculated based on their mpg numbers and fuel capacity, which may have what you need .
Kawasaki Versys 650, maximum riding range of 415 km
If you want a range of more than 400km at a time, you need an adventure motorcycle or a touring motorcycle. Kawasaki's Versys has always been the best value all-around adventure motorcycle, and it's been a huge hit since it was first introduced in 2006. The third-generation version came out in 2015, and not only got a better look, but now also has attractive features like an adjustable windshield, remote preload adjuster, and a 21L capacity fuel tank that can easily do over 400Km The cruising range is not bad for the 650cc class.
Honda CRF1100L Sport, maximum cruising range 440 km
Although Honda began to revive the Africa Twin adventure motorcycle back in the late 1980s, an all-new version was first introduced in 2016, with top-notch off-road capability, a great drive and a DCT transmission that was well-received. In 2020, the new 1100 Adventure Sports has 100bhp performance and greatly improved electronic equipment, while the large 24.8L fuel tank has a fuel consumption performance of 57.6mpg and a maximum cruising range of 440km, which is quite good as a liter-level adventure bike.
Honda CB500X, maximum cruising range 445 km
Honda is equipped with a 471cc twin-cylinder engine CB500 series products, which initially include the CB500F sports car, the CBR500R street car and this CB500X adventure motorcycle. It was first launched in 2013. It is a cost-effective small-displacement model with a maximum horsepower of 47bhp. Fuel tank capacity 17.5L. The CB500X is relatively inexpensive, easy to operate, versatile, and more reliable and durable than most of its competitors. Since the 2019 update, all functions have been upgraded, and the Honda CB500X can still be said to be one of the most versatile, light and comfortable small-displacement expedition models.
BMW K1600GT, maximum cruising range 465 km
BMW K1600, six-cylinder super tourer, deserves its place on the list, with a design that, like any other, seeks both speed and sublime comfort. But it ranks a little lower, only 4th out of 10 motos, and a large fuel tank doesn't always yield a lot of range. In fact, the 26.5L fuel tank is already very amazing, but the impact of the six-cylinder 1649cc engine on fuel consumption can be imagined. Still, the K1600 offers luxury and comfort, as well as surprisingly good handling. Including sat nav, heated handlebars and seats, ESA, etc., the specs are pretty plentiful if you can afford it. And most importantly, it has excellent smoothness and 160bhp.
Yamaha FJR1300, maximum cruising range 480 km
Heavyweight Japanese touring motorcycles, in fact, with the models like Kawasaki's GTR1400 and Honda's ST1300 gone, Yamaha's aging FJR1300 is pretty much the only survivor of its generation. In 2020 "Ultimate Edition" form, the FJR dates back to 2001 and has been extensively updated over the years, including a semi-automatic transmission, electronic suspension and LED lights, as well as an excellent four-axle drive setup, and Good handling. As such, it remains the benchmark for large touring motorcycles, and the range is also good, with a 25L fuel tank providing a riding range of 3480 km.
BMW R1250RT, maximum riding range of 528km
BMW's "King of Touring Motorcycles" rounds out the top five, as the updated 2019 ShiftCam 1250 Edition has a large 25L fuel tank and twin-cylinder; axle-drive boxer engine is also frugal, fuel consumption hitting 59mpg. Impressed with luxury, the RT remains the benchmark wagon, and like most other BMWs, your budget dictates the level of luxury and comfort. Its weather protection and luggage are among the best in the business, and its nimble, friendly powertrain has also proven to be perfect for travel.
Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, maximum riding range of 545 km
You wouldn't necessarily expect Ducati's high-tech, high-performance "adventure sports bike" to be on that list, but the arrival of this 'Enduro' version in 2019 changes all that. It's thought to have more off-road and long-travel capability, putting it in more direct competition with BMW's best-selling GS. It comes with a stiffer chassis, including double-sided swingarm and longer-travel suspension, improved electronics, off-road wire wheels, and the huge 30L fuel tank that matters to us. Combined with its claimed fuel consumption of 51mpg, it could theoretically drive 545km.
KTM 1290 ADV, maximum riding range of 547 km
The KTM 1290 ADV, the biggest competitor to the BMW GS, first launched in 2015 as the flagship of KTM's revitalized adventure motorcycle range, and comes with a massive 30L fuel tank, a combination of hardcore off-road capability and an exciting 160bhp. Its potential range is also up to 547km, and while excellent, its price is also eye-catching, a bit more expensive than the rival GS. In 2017, Super Adventure 'T' appears and coexists with Super Adventure S .
BMW F850GS, maximum riding range of 563 km
The BMW F850GS adventure motorcycle, based on the F800 series that dates back to 2008, evolved into the more powerful F850GS in 2018 with more features. The Adventure version of the car, launched in 2019, is an excellent underrated multi-purpose product, and the 23L fuel tank reaches 563km of cruising range. With 94bhp, the range and comfort are huge compared to similar models. The competitiveness is very outstanding, but it has been left out a lot under the light of GS1200/1250.
BMW R1250GS, maximum cruising range of 633 km
The "King of Long-Distance Tour" BMW GS Adventure was first introduced in 2002. The 'ShiftCam' boxer engine produces 134bhp and comes standard with BMW's latest electronics and TFT screens. If you have a larger budget, you can also get electronic suspension, heated handlebars, quality luggage, and more. In fact, it also includes impressive handling, comfort, and even off-road capability. The oversized 30L fuel tank can drive it nearly 400 miles at a time, taking you around the world with ease. As the king of adventure vehicles, the strength of the R1250GS is beyond doubt.


text: How many of you have seen the classic 1960 film The Time Machine based on the H. G. Wells novel? Well the star of this documentary has and could not get it out of his mind. Not all documentaries are serious, depressing stories of politics gone wrong, disaster or social inequity. Some are fun and this one counts in that latter category. Rob Niosi is an animator but also an amateur craftsman who decides he wants to recreate the time machine from the movie in his basement. He has all the tools he thinks and figures it will take him 2-3 months. Some several years later he is still working on what can only be called work of art. The film follows his efforts to build the various components and the new skills he needs to learn in working with wood, metal, and fabric as his dream comes together. In parallel we follow Ron Mallet a theoretical physicist who lost his father to a heart attack when he was very young. He has, since the age of 8, wanted to build a time machine to travel back and warn his father and hopefully save his life. This dream leads him to become a physicist and to study time and space. He is actually one who believes time travel in some sense is possible and is working on the relation between black holes and their connection to time travel. The two time enthusiasts know each other through the film and come together when Rob Niosi is ready to unveil his machine. The event is a party at Niosi’s home and all the guests are required to dress in Victorian costume. It is wonderful event and the two principles of the movie are charming and interesting. You learn a lot about craftsmanship and physics in a relaxing and entertaining way. Highly recommended if you get a chance to see it.

domain: entertainment


text:
Scanned text contains errors.
of being one of the most learned men of the age ; and his friend Tacitus, the historian, had the same honourable distinction. He was also an orator. In his nineteenth year he began to speak in the forum (Ep. v. 8), and he was frequently employed as an advocate before the court of the Centumviri (Ep, i. ] 8—ix. 23), and before the Roman senate, both on the side of the prosecution, as in the cases of Baebius Massa and Harms Prisons, and for the defence, as in the cases of Julius Bassus and Rums Varenus (Ep. vi. 29).
He filled numerous offices in succession. While a young man he served in Syria, as tribunus mili-tum, and was there a hearer of the stoic Euphrates (Ep. i. 10), and of Artemidorus. He was subsequently quaestor Caesaris, praetor in or about a. d. 93 (Ep. iii. 11), and consul a. d. 100, in which year he wrote his Panegyricus^ which is addressed to Trajamts (Ep. iii. 13). In a. d. 103 he was appointed propraetor of the province Pontica (Ep. x. 77), where he did not stay quite two years. Among his other functions he also discharged that of curator of the channel and the banks of the Tiber (Ep. v. 15, and an inscription in Gruter, p. 454. 3).
Plinius was twice married. His second wife was Calpurnia, the granddaughter of Calpurnius Fabatus, and an accomplished woman : she was considerably younger than her husband, who has recorded her kind attentions to him, and her affection in a letter to her aunt Hispulla (Ep. iv. 19). He had no children by either wife, born alive.
The life of Plinius is chiefly known from his letters. So far as this evidence shows, he was a kind and benevolent man, fond of literary pursuits, and of building on and improving his estates. He was rich, and he spent liberally. He built a temple at Tifernum, at his own cost, and an aedes to Ceres, on his own property. He contributed, or offered to contribute a third of the cost of establishing a school in his patria (probably Co-mum), for the education of the youth there, and he asked his friend Tacitus to look out for teachers (Ep. iv. 13). The dedication of a library at the same place, and the establishment of a fund for the benefit of youths (annuos sumptus in alimenta in-genuorum, Ep. i. 8), are among the instances of his generosity recorded in his letters. He was a kind master to his slaves. His body was feeble, and his health not good. Nothing is known as to the time of his death.
The extant works of Plinius are his Panegyricus and the ten books of his Epistolae. The Panegyricus is a fulsome eulogium on Trajanus, in the exordium of which he addresses the patres conscripti, but in the course of the Panegyricus the emperor himself is addressed in the second person. It is of some small value for the information which it contains about the author himself and his times.
The letters of Plinius, contained in ten books, furnish the chief materials for his life, and also considerable information about his contemporaries. The tenth book consists entirely of letters from Plinius to Trajanus, and from Trajanus to Plinius. The index to Schaefer's edition of Plinius indicates the names of all the persons to whom his extant letters are addressed.
Plinius collected his own letters, as appears from the first letter of the first book, which looks something like a preface to the whole collection. He speaks of collecting others of his letters. It is not an
improbable conjecture that Plinius may have written many of his letters with a view to publication, or that when he was writing some of them, the idea of future publication was in his mind. However they form a very agreeable collection, and make us acquainted with many interesting facts in the life of Plinius and that of his contemporaries.
The letters from Plinius to Trajanus and the emperor's replies are the most valuable part of the collection. The first letter in the tenth book is a letter of congratulation to Trajanus on his accession to the imperial dignity. Other letters contain requests for favours to himself or his friends ; and many of them are on public affairs, on which he consulted the emperor during his government in Asia Minor. The replies of Trajanus are short, and always to the purpose in hand ; for instance, in the matter of the aqueduct of Nicomedia (x. 46,47), and the aqueduct of Sinope (x. 91, 92) ; as to covering over a dirty drain in Amastris, which sent forth a pestilent stench (x. 99) ; on the plan for uniting the lake of Nicomedia to the sea by a canal (x. 50, 51, 69, 70) ; and on the proposal to compel the decuriones to accept loans of the public money, in order that the interest might not be lost: the emperor's notions of justice would not allow him to accede to such a proposal.
The letter on the punishment of the Christians (x. 97), and the emperor's answer (x. 98), have furnished matter for much remark. The fact of a person admitting himself to be a Christian was sufficient for his condemnation ; and the punishment appears to have been death (supplicium mi-natus : perseverantes duci jussi). The Christians, on their examination, admitted nothing further than their practice of meeting on a fixed day before it was light, and singing a hymn to Christ, as God (quasi Deo) ; their oath (whatever Plinius may mean by sacramentum) was not to bind them to any crime, but to avoid theft, robbery, adultery, breach of faith, and denial of a deposit. Two female slaves, who were said to be deaconesses (ministrae), were put to the torture by Plinius, but nothing unfavourable to the Christians could be got out of them: the governor could detect nothing except a perverse and extravagant superstition (superstitionem pravam et immodicam). Hereupon he asked the emperor's advice, for the contagion of the superstition was spreading ; yet he thought that it might be stopped. The Romans had a horror of secret meetings, especially for religious celebrations, and they had experience of their mischief, as in the case of the Bacchanalia (Liv. xxxix. 8). They made no distinction between the Christians and others who congregated contrary to law : nor did they concern themselves about the particular character of any of these unions: the Roman policy was generally opposed to all meetings at irregular times or places (Ep. x. 43). " It is not true," sa}rs Dr. Taylor (Elements of Civil Law, p. 579), " that the primitive Christians held their assemblies in the night to avoid the interruptions of the civil power : but the converse of that proposition is true in the utmost latitude ; viz. that they met with molestations from that quarter, because their assemblies were nocturnal." It remains a question if they would have been permitted to hold their assemblies in the day time ; and it is not clear that they would. This being premised, the emperor's answer is mild and merciful ; more mild than the practice of his governor had been, more

domain: library


Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) lost her bid for reelection Tuesday after receiving only 17% of the vote, placing her third out of all the candidates.
Her tenure was marked by numerous anti-Second Amendment actions, a sharp uptick in crime and her “protection for me, but not for thee” attitude toward her constituency.
Under her leadership, crime has risen 52% since 2022 and over 100% since 2021. When Chicago voters were polled earlier this year about how safe they felt, more than half said “not too safe” (28%) or “not safe” (33%). Only four percent replied they felt “very safe.”
So, what has Mayor Lightfoot done to address crime? She has blamed guns, over and over.
In 2021, after multiple Chicago officers were shot—one fatally—during a routine traffic stop, Lightfoot blamed guns, rather than the criminals who committed the heinous, cold-blooded attack.
In 2020, she claimed a rise in violence was the fault of cities and jurisdictions around Chicago rather than the city she governs.
“We are being inundated with guns from states that have virtually no gun control, no background checks, no ban on assault weapons—that is hurting cities like Chicago,” said Lightfoot
“We have a common enemy: it’s guns & the violence they bring,” tweeted Lightfoot, failing to mention anything about criminals or the fact that Chicago—as well as Illinois—has some of the strictest gun-control laws in the nation.
The soon-to-be-former Chicago mayor also eliminated over 600 vacant jobs from Chicago’s police department rather than filling them—in spite of some describing police staffing as “unsustainably low”—while also enjoying armed security, including “a special police security detail of approximately 71 officers, in addition to the mayor’s existing ‘separate personal bodyguard detail’ of 20 officers.”
“It seems Lightfoot, however, is more interested in scoring political points by promoting anti-gun policies embraced by the far left, rather than considering strategies that will actually help the citizens of her city,” reported the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.
The race to be Chicago’s mayor will now head to a runoff election, which will take place on April 4. The remaining candidates are Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, who received roughly 33% and 20% of the vote, respectively.
So long, Mayor Lightfoot.