text:
Knock on Super Wood
Researchers have engineered everyday wood to become stronger and tougher than steel. Is super wood destined to become this century’s favorite material? Photo: Bo Chen, University of Maryland
One constant but overlooked material throughout history has been wood. For thousands of years, wood has been used in construction and in building furniture, tools, and weapons. Although lightweight, abundant, and self-renewing, wood’s reputation has suffered when compared to other materials. In its natural state wood can’t compete with steel when it comes to strength, because although it’s strong along its grains, wood can be brittle in directions perpendicular to the grain. It’s also a rigid material with poor formability compared to metals or plastics, making it difficult to mold into different shapes.
In the 21st century, however, materials are being reconsidered based on their carbon footprints, the amount of carbon emission associated with the material’s manufacture and use. Steel, concrete, and plastic, all have considerable carbon footprints. Wood, on the other hand, is made from carbon drawn from the atmosphere.
“We know carbon emission, or carbon neutralization, is really something the whole world needs to work on,” said Teng Li, Keystone professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland in College Park. “If you are using wood to replace steel, you can reduce the manufacturing cost and have a light carbon footprint.”
Further, wood lasts for a long time, and can essentially trap and store the carbon so it can’t escape into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
Li and his colleagues, who had been busy conducting research on cellulose, a major component of wood, knew that wood had the potential to replace steel in modern uses in everything from construction to vehicles to aerospace. But first, they had to find a way to use what they understood about the properties of wood to make it both more moldable and stronger.
More on Materials: Low-Carbon Concrete Can Fight Global Warming
The team discovered by combining two modification processes they could radically improve wood beyond what we are familiar with. Over the past few years, the team from Maryland has published a series of papers outlining the results of their modification: Hardened wood tough enough to use as nails, sharpened wood that can cut through well-done steak, thin sheets of wood treated to remove opaque compounds and transparent enough to use as a window.
It’s too soon to know whether this engineered super wood will come to replace steel or plastic. The research does show that human ingenuity can take common stuff and make it extraordinary.
Natural wood is composed of a network of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. Unlike many engineering processes where another material, with different properties, is added to create a stronger substance, the researchers in Li’s lab have been taking the opposite approach.
Using chemicals, they dissolve and wash away lignin, which gives wood its rigidity and brownish hue. The process leaves behind a soft and spongy delignified wood that is easily moldable into a desired shape. To go from spongy to hard as steel requires another step. Other labs have tried their hand at re-engineering wood to make it stronger, with only marginal success.
“Traditional approaches of making wood stronger tend to focus on filling the pores with another material or making it more hydrophobic,” said Ping Liu, a professor of nanoengineering and director of the Sustainable Power and Energy Center at the University of California, San Diego, who was not involved with the research. “The residual porosities put a limit on the ultimate strength and hardness.”
Instead of filling in the pores, the Maryland team squashed them. They took samples of the shaped, delignified wood and placed them in a mechanical press for about a day while heating them to 150° F. The mechanical process collapsed the individual cell walls and tightly packed the cellulose fibers, creating strong hydrogen bonds, and crushed any holes or knots.
“The UMD process of partially removing lignin to collapse the pores for compression is unique,” Liu said.
Materials for Manufacturing: 9 Material Discoveries that Could Transform Manufacturing
The resulting densified wood is five times thinner, but 12 times stronger and 10 times tougher than it was before the processing: Try stabbing super wood and you’ll be hard pressed to get the knife in. Conversely, as the team demonstrated in video clips, nails made of super wood can be pounded through multiple boards to hold them together. In another clip, an unassuming knife that looks more at home in a picnic set than a restaurant sliced through a thick slab of beef.
Typically, it’s difficult to achieve both higher tensile strength and increased toughness in a material. But Li and his colleagues found the treated wood to have improved resistance to breaking under tension and better ability to absorb energy without fracturing
“Of outstanding interest is the fact that that wood densification leads to both increased strength and toughness, two properties that usually offset each other,” said Orlando J. Rojas, a professor at Aalto University in Finland, in a press statement.
Despite its strengths, super wood comes with its own weaknesses.
The most obvious of these is wood’s vulnerability to water. Trees continually transport water and nutrition from their roots all the way to their leaves. So natural wood itself works with water all the time. In cut wood, however, as water content increases, strength and stiffness decrease.
“It’s sort of a double-edged sword,” Li said. “You want [it to be] high strength; meanwhile, you want it to be biodegradable. So, this water absorption and liquidation of the material is something far more accommodating to its high mechanical performance.”
One common way to counter water absorption is via a surface coating that has anti-water properties, such as those containing oil. This has been done with furniture, buildings, and hardwood floors for years and could use similar techniques to further protect super wood from moisture, thus getting around a major drawback of this material.
“Wood is particularly appealing as a steel replacement if the exposure to water is not extensive,” said Liu, who also explains that in objects like nails, wood would not suffer the galvanic corrosion that is seen in metals. Further, wood is potentially very easily accepted by consumers, as it’s more easily biodegradable.
Beyond its ability to break down via natural processes, what really are the environmental impacts of super wood? To better understand its carbon footprint, the team compared 3D-molded wood with traditional metal and polymer-based structural materials. Specifically, they calculated the ratio of environmental impact per volume of material to tensile strength and stiffness. The researchers looked at different categories like impact on ecosystem, global warming, fossil fuel usage, and human health, among others.
“The 3D-molded wood shows substantial reductions (59 percent to 99 percent) across all environmental impact categories, even compared with (aluminum) alloy with a high recycled content of 73.9 percent,” the team reported in a 2021 paper published Science. “Additionally, on the basis of the specific tensile strength measured in this study, 3D-molded wood only needs 21 percent to 23 percent of the mass of Al alloy to fulfill the same strength requirements.”
With such results, the case for utilizing the treated wood to replace steel and other carbon-intensive materials seems obvious: Use a material that requires less energy than alternatives and literally grows on trees. And with three trillion mature trees on Earth, there seems to be an abundance of available material.
Editor's Choice: Rebuilding with Recycled Concrete
But what would be the environmental impact of cutting enough trees to replace commercially used steel and plastics with wood? A mature tree absorbs upward of 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year from the atmosphere. Felled trees not only cease to continue absorbing this greenhouse gas but also can start releasing the carbon they’ve been storing into the atmosphere.
The solution to offset any trees cut for super wood, according to Li, is reforestation. Potentially, each tree cut could be replaced by a newly planted sapling, especially one from a fast-growing species like poplar. Additionally, Li believes we need to reassess our value system when it comes to the reasons behind why we cut trees in the first place.
“When people cut trees, [they’re] trying to get the higher value of either the material or the land,” he said. “For example, if they cut the trees for construction of buildings, that generates more value for the land use instead of leaving forest over there. However, if you can get more value, or more potential, from the trees [or] the woods, then people will realize that ‘OK, if I have more trees then these trees will generate more value.’”
Once industry changes its relationship to this low-cost and abundant material, it can use wood in applications such as vehicles, building material, airplanes, and wind turbines—instead of steel, plastics, carbon fiber, or even Kevlar. Li even points to potential use in the aerospace industry.
“Even a single ounce of saving weight will save a lot of energy to fly and launch,” Li said.
Moving to a future made of wood could also reduce the net burden on the environment.
“The current materials all have major environmental impacts: Steel is very energy intensive to make and will eventually rust; plastic is not biodegradable and is a major environmental hazard,” Liu said.
Engineering Materials: Using Muscle to Spin Fiber
Also, strength and toughness are not the only attributes that can be engineered into wood. For instance, tweaking the process laid out by Li and colleagues can create wood that’s transparent while retaining its resistance to transmitting heat. Such material could in theory replace glass while providing better thermal insulation. They reported on this process in a 2019 study published in ACS Nano.
“There is actually still a lot of potential to be explored and so we’ve only scratched the surface of the tip of the iceberg here,” said Li who explains that they are still working to create a material with better performance as they have yet to exhaust the many possibilities of wood. They also need to examine how to scale such a product for manufacturing, while lowering the cost enough so that people are willing to make the switch when it hits the market. Because he says that when people are buying a new product, they typically ask two questions: “Is it better than what we have? And is it cheap enough?”
Like many researchers, Li believes it’s very hard to predict when super wood can get into the market, as his work revolves around the science, not the business aspect, of the invention. For scalability, scientists would have to work with those in the business sector, secure investments and employ marketing tactics—all work that he is willing to take on when the time comes.
“We are excited and enthusiastic to work with other experts to push this really forward,” said Li, who with his team is focused on reducing the manufacturing time. For now, everything they have been doing has been on a lab scale, meaning the processing is still not up to the commercial industrial manufacturing speed.
Outside experts like Liu at UCSD believe that right now, the explanations are largely qualitative and with time the necessary data can help researchers better understand the process.
“The research is well designed, and the selected demonstrations are compelling,” Liu said. “From a scientific perspective, more work can be done to understand why it works in a more quantitative fashion.”
All that work will have to be completed before we enter the Age of Super Wood.
Sara Goudarzi is a science writer based in Brooklyn, N.Y. Her novel, The Almond in the Apricot, was published in February 2022.

domain: chemistry


The Miami Dolphins invested $3 million this season in tailback Knowshon Moreno to boost their 26th-ranked running game. Due to his production last season and experience, Moreno is projected to be the Week 1 starter in Miami.
But former longtime Indianapolis Colts general manager and ESPN analyst Bill Polian is not impressed with the signing. Polian graded Moreno as a “C” free agent.
Here were Polian’s comments on ESPN.com’s free-agent tracker:
“Solid contributor, but not a No. 1 back. I think most of his success from 2013 was a function of the system. His acceleration to the hole is the reason for the speed minus. The rest of his game is good, he just doesn't hit the big plays you need from a No. 1 RB.”
As Polian mentioned, many believe Moreno was a product of Denver Broncos’ system. He was a former first-round bust until future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning arrived in Denver. Those same large running lanes will not be there in Miami.
The Dolphins are expecting Moreno to be their No. 1 option to help third-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas could not get the job done last season. Miami is hoping at least one of those two players will improve their game in a complimentary role.
It was a tough free-agent market for running backs. Moreno is coming off a career year where he rushed for 1,038 yards and 10 touchdowns. But Moreno said he only talked to the Dolphins before signing a one-year contract last week.


text:
by Eve Chenu
Year after year, my husband Tobin and I leave our home in central Austin to enjoy a peculiar form of slow-motion extreme sport: walking in the wilderness with all we need to survive tucked into our backpacks.
We’ve counted blissful days, even weeks, in remote areas of Colorado, Alaska and California, as well as the French Alps, Corsica and the Pyrenees.
Preparation for these trips is intense and involves poring over topographic maps, applying for permits, assembling the necessary camping gear and running up and down the steps at Mount Bonnell to get in shape. Most important, though, is planning the food. Tasty, lightweight, nutritious food makes for happy campers.
As Tobin and I recently prepared for a nine-day backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon, we vowed to steer clear of the commercially freeze-dried dinners we had eaten in the past. Commercial rations offer the convenience of easy preparation, but they’re highly processed, high in sodium and often the flavor is passable at best. Also, my cousin Marc from Paris was joining us for this trip and we wanted to provide food that was special and tasty!
While planning dinners, we kept in mind specific requirements. First, the food needed to be lightweight—every ounce matters if you have to carry it on your back. The food needed to stay fresh—when backpacking for one or two weeks, especially in hot weather conditions, preservation is critical. Meals must be easy to prepare, quick to cook, only require water to reconstitute and be easy to clean up—at the end of a long day of hiking, tired backpackers want to keep it simple. The food shouldn’t require more than one pot and spoon to cook it. We actually travel with two pots, one for water only and one for cooking, but ultra-light backpackers can use a single pot. And, of course, we wanted the food to taste great as well as be nutritious and filling.
While researching a food plan, much of the information I encountered was problematic. Many of the campsite recipes were better suited for car camping or trips lasting only two or three days—not for nine days in the wilderness. Some involved too many steps, required multiple pots or used heavy ingredients, such as canned food, or fresh ingredients that would spoil easily; and many could be best described as mush that would keep a person from starving but not qualify as a recognizable dinner for the discerning palate. Ramen noodles with freeze-dried peas and textured vegetable protein? No, thank you.
Finally, I stumbled upon some excellent information and tips from the Houston-based Hungry Hammock Hanger website, and it opened my eyes to the possibility of food dehydration as a refined art. The only specialized piece of equipment needed was a dehydrator with enough trays and plastic inserts to prevent liquids from falling through the mesh.
Armed with new ideas and techniques, our menu plan eventually evolved into hearty bean burritos with peach salsa and cheddar cheese (first night), pasta with tangy homemade tomato bell-pepper sauce and topped with toasted pine nuts and grated parmesan (three nights), earthy mushroom and bison stroganoff with brown rice and sweet peas (two nights) and satisfying chili-mac made with gluten-free macaroni (two nights). We chose all-natural, organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and every dinner was a huge success. Each even included a delicious cranberry-pistachio white-chocolate biscotti for dessert.
Hit the trail and enjoy these dinners!
Our dehydrator has six trays. We were able to fit all of the servings for each recipe in the dehydrator at one time, per meal, except for the pasta and tomato sauce; we dehydrated them separately and combined them in the ziplock (one bag per dinner) after dehydration. We allocated a weekend to make, dehydrate and pack each recipe, so we started several weeks before the trip; it sounds like a lot, but overall planning for this kind of trip is a long process. Dehydrated food should be shelf-stable at room temperature, but for an abundance of caution, we stored the prepared meals in the freezer until the start of the trip. For cooking in the field, we use a one-burner MSR Dragonfly stove.
- Avoid dehydrating dairy products—leave that to the professionals. Commercially dehydrated milk, cream, eggs, sour cream and butter are available for purchase if a recipe calls for them. Hard, aged cheeses last well without dehydration. Avoid soft cheeses.
- Use lean ground meat rather than chunks of meat. Brown the meat, then rinse it under boiling water before continuing with the recipe. This reduces the fat content, which helps prevent the food from becoming rancid. Fat does not dehydrate.
- Cut vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces so that they rehydrate easily.
- Precook grains and pasta to the desired doneness and add to the recipe mix—creating a one-pot meal that will rehydrate all at once.
- The dehydration process does not noticeably change a food's flavor or texture. If it tastes good in your kitchen, it will taste good in the field.
- Measure portions by volume before dehydrating. A visual estimate of how much you will want to eat is the easiest way to do it—we found that 1½ to 2 cups of food per serving is about right for us. This may vary based on individual appetite. Keep in mind that leftovers are undesirable because they must be packed out.

domain: food


text:
In November, we will be heading to Sydney for the Impact Investing Summit Asia Pacific.
This Summit sits at the beating heart of Asia Pacific’s investment community. Impact investing is fuelling the rapid rise of finance as a force for good. It’s a global trend that the Asia Pacific region has both an opportunity and imperative to understand and embrace.
This is the fourth Impact Investment Summit Asia Pacific set to take place at the InterContinental Sydney 7 and 8th November, with a third Workshop Day hosted by our Summit Workshop partner. We will add details as they are confirmed.

domain: economics


Anti Chop Jam Bolt
anti chop bolt , barrel and lcd board is a most upgrade but gun is good stock , you might need a fast hopper to keep up i've got a egg 2 myself .
very accrate , no chopping with jam bolt , fast and like e-blade
no sticky grips
less upgrades then cocker
stock borad is slow 8 bps ,
the dragunfly is very acccrate and has it's up's and downs for one it only takes cocker lpr's ram's and springs i belive which i aint planning on buying any ways this gun is good stock and gives your money the best of value , with the jam bolt you won't have to worry about chops and you got to shoot one to belive how accrate it is tho alot of ppl put the marker down because of it's name / brand and they really whould rate this gun of how it runs and not by it's name
pick one of the markers up and try it out and see for yourself how this marker shoots i say it's worth everything i put into it and looks great , rating is 10 because of price and how the gun shoots and speed with new board , and it's only getting better with more upgrades and new 04 fly with all cocker parts
i just bought this gun and i am not like into paintball as much as anyoen else i read all the reviews and everyoen said it was good but i tested it out and liked it. My question is that the gun is led so i can buy an lcd and but it on so i can see like how many balls it fired at stuff? i am not too much into upgrades but wanna learn more
hey i just got this gun...havent shot a paintball through it yet...i cocked it back a little too far and the whole gun tightened and the cocking bolt wont cock anymore i i cant get any pressure through it!! PLZ HELP!!!!


text:
Search over 1 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide
Most hotels are fully refundable. Because flexibility matters.
Reviewed on 11 Aug 2020
Reviewed on 29 Aug 2020
Search for Luxury Hotels in Brac Island on Expedia.co.uk. You can easily find your Luxury Hotels in Brac Island using one of the methods below:

domain: travel


text:
How To Get Tested For Std Monterey MA 01245
The History of STDs in Monterey MA
The Sexually Transmitted Disease epidemic is not limited to today’s youth – oh no. Some Sexually transmitted diseases (and their uncomfortable, clinically dubious treatments) date back numerous centuries. Let’s take a look at some of the older ones and the myths about them that caused some pretty unconventional treatments throughout the history of Sexually transmitted diseases:
Herpes in Monterey 01245
Herpes has actually been around given that ancient Greek times – in reality, we owe the Greeks for the name, which approximately suggests “to creep or crawl” – most likely a referral to the spread of skin sores. Although regional STD testing wasn’t offered up until long after the infection was recognized in 1919, early civilisations might see that it was a genuine problem – the Roman emperor Tiberius presented a restriction on kissing at public events to try and suppress the spread. Not much is known about early attempts to treat the illness, however be grateful you weren’t around during the doctor Celsus’ experimental stage: he advocated that the sores be cauterised with a curling iron!
The problem certainly never went away – Shakespeare described herpes as “blister plagues”, suggesting the level of the epidemic. One typical belief at the time was that the disease was triggered by insect bites, which seems like an obvious explanation offered the sores that the sexually transferred illness creates.
Syphilis Monterey MA
Mercury was the remedy of option for syphilis in the middle ages – the understanding of the sexually transmitted illness’s routes and this treatment brought to life the expression: “A night in the arms of Venus causes a life time on Mercury”. This was administered orally or by means of direct contact with the skin, though among the most not likely techniques involved fumigation, where the client was put in a closed box with just their head poking out. Package consisted of mercury and a fire was begun underneath it causing it to vaporise. It wasn’t extremely efficient, but was extremely, very unpleasant. Because Syphilis sores tend to vanish on their own after a while, numerous people thought they were treated by practically any treatment in the STD’s history!
Its absence of effectiveness in the tertiary phase of the Sexually Transmitted Disease led to another illness being used as a treatment: malaria. Penicillin ultimately restricted both these treatments to Sexually Transmitted Disease history.
Gonnorhea Monterey 01245
Prior to the days of regional STD testing, Gonnorhea was typically mistaken for Syphilis, as without a microscope, the two had really similar symptoms and were frequently quiet. Naturally, if you were “detected” with the illness, you remained in for an unfortunate treatment. According to some, the syringes discovered aboard the Mary Rose was created to inject liquid mercury down the urethra of a crew suffering from the illness. By the 19th century, silver nitrate was a commonly utilized drug, later on to be replaced by Protargol. A colloidal silver changed this, and was extensively used till antibiotics concerned the rescue in the 1940s.
So if you believe that regional STD screening and treatment is a painful procedure now, give a thought to the bad folks who had mercury or arsenic treatment all those years ago – and thank God for prescription antibiotics!
Do I Need a Sexually Transmitted Disease Test in Monterey MA?
With millions of new cases of infections every year in the United States, STDs are a risk that everyone requires to understand. While there are thousands of STD screening clinics throughout America providing confidential Sexually Transmitted Disease screening, lots of people still do not understand under what circumstances they should take a test. Here is a list of 5 events when detailed Sexually Transmitted Disease screening is necessary; a few of them are typical sense (after unprotected sex with a complete stranger, for example), however some times it isn’t really so simple …
You have a one night stand in Monterey MA
Even if you participated in safeguarded penetrative sex, you might still be at danger of infection – know that some STDs, such as herpes, can be transferred through foreplay. Of course, if you have actually had unprotected penetrative sex with a stranger, you must highly think about checking out a local STD screening clinic – if you are worried about privacy, a lot of them offer confidential STD screening.
You want to have unprotected sex with a long term partner in Monterey 01245
While the tablet does prevent pregnancy, it provides no defense against Sexually transmitted diseases, and testing is advised for both you and your partner prior to you engage in vulnerable sex. It might not be extremely romantic, but STD screening at the beginning of a brand-new relationship is vital for safe health and peace of mind.
You are pregnant in Monterey MA
Another unusual misconception is that pregnancy offers security versus Sexually transmitted diseases. It does not; more seriously, there are a number of STDs that can cause issues during pregnancy. Some (such as Herpes, HIV and Syphilis) can be handed down to the child as it is born. Comprehensive STD testing is usually standard operating procedure in pre-natal medical care at several points throughout the pregnancy – ask your OBGYN if you need additional information.
You have three or more sexual partners in a single year in Monterey MA
If you have 3 or more sexual partners in one year, it is highly recommended that you undergo comprehensive STD screening, even if you participate in secured sex with all them. It is also advised that all sexually active ladies under the age of 25 should take a Chlamydia test a minimum of as soon as a year, as the illness is extremely typical and rarely shows signs. If you are stressed over your tests appearing in insurance coverage files, many centers provide confidential Sexually Transmitted Disease screening.
You have injected drugs or steroids
While some Sexually transmitted diseases can only be contracted through direct sexual contact, HIV, hepatitis and a number of other Sexually transmitted diseases are transferred through contact with contaminated blood. The threat is specifically high with shared or previously utilized needles, however if you have actually ever injected yourself with drugs or steroids you ought to go to a STD screening center to obtain tested.
The Reality About Sexually Sent Illness in Monterey MA
It is a recognized medical truth that infection can be executed numerous modes of transmission offered to the disease by the orifices and membranes of the body. Usually than not, the least most likely discussed and usually avoided by many individuals understands the truth of a sexually transmitted disease, its mode of entry and ways to handle it. In this age, the prevalence of sexually transmitted illness is at its peak, yet there are still a lot of taboos regarding looking for treatment and finding out about STD signs and getting Sexually Transmitted Disease screening at private STD testing centers and clinics.
A viral, fungal or bacterial infection can be transmitted by means of intimate contact. Naturally there might be several kinds of infection which can be sent via genital contact; the meaning of sexually sent disease is separated to conditions that depend on sexual contact for its transmission and propagation. Venereal disease is a terminology of comparable meaning however is normally related to five normally acknowledged diseases.
STD or Sexually transmitted illness can also be caught non-sexually however for a lot of adult infection cases, the early infection produced by contamination through an intermediary driver such as towels, toilet seats or bathing facilities is practically nonexistent.
The medical meaning of a STD restricts it to a description of more than a cluster of 20 different infections caused by the exchange of exudates, or internal fluids such as blood, semen and through direct bodily contact with afflicted providers of Sexually Transmitted Disease’s.
The beginning of adolescence is an appropriate time where several health danger habits are established and can be a window for direct exposure to a handful of sexually sent infections. Health compromising practices throughout the adolescent phases increase the rate of sexually transferred illness transmission considerably.
Different circumstances such as hazardous sexual relations, alcohol and forbade drugs experimentation are considered normative behavior for adolescents. Obviously these acts result as a health risk and promote the acquisition of sexually transferred illness. This results in several individuals in these demographic exhibiting Sexually Transmitted Disease signs early on and on multiple occasions.
The acquisition of Sexually Transmitted Disease at this normative phase can result in major health effects that alter the reproductive course of a carrier’s life, such as sterility, infertility, neonatal transmission, numerous types of cancer as well as worse, AIDS.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Signs that may be neglected can be any of the following manifestations:
- A teen who experiences bleeding may believe it is an extension of her duration and does rule out Sexually Transmitted Disease screening up until other signs appear such as vaginal burning and unusual genital discharge.
- Teen males may think that a discharge from their penis might be a result of poor health or pre-cum but when accompanied by an unpleasant burning sensation and difficulty in urination ought to be prospect for a consultation.
- Male and Females establish rashes as part of signs associated with a number of Sexually Transmitted Disease’s but are frequently ruled out a market by lots of in the adolescent stage in view of something less serious such as a case of the pox or measles. STD testing ought to be recommended if the prospect has already experienced pox or measles but display “like” symptoms.
The management and prevention of Sexually Transmitted Disease can be summarized in 2 stages. The very first stage includes a devoted information campaign that stretches direction about sexually sent illness and Sexually Transmitted Disease testing on all compasses of the education system in both private and federal government sectors. The second stage is a mindful effort of both possible carriers and their member of the family to remain attuned to health threat behaviors that may promote a Sexually Transmitted Disease infection and acting vigilantly to deal with and handle the illness.
There are numerous extremely qualified and well respected private facilities that advocate confidentiality and discrete management of sexually transmitted diseases specifically for teenagers.Where Do You Get Tested For Stds Monterey MA 01245
Where Do You Get Tested For Stds Tyringham MA 01264
Where Do You Get Tested For Stds Richmond MA 01254
Where Do You Get Tested For Stds Sandisfield MA 01255
Where Do You Get Tested For Stds Ashley Falls MA 01222
Where Do You Get Tested For Stds Otis MA 01253
Where Do You Get Tested For Stds Hinsdale MA 01235
Where Do You Get Tested For Stds Great Barrington MA 01230
Where Do You Get Tested For Stds South Egremont MA 01258
Where Do You Get Tested For Stds Sheffield MA 01257

domain: medical


Scientists grow plants in soil from the moon for the first time
Plants have been grown in soil from the moon for the first time.
The milestone in lunar and space exploration is a first step towards one day growing plants for food and oxygen on the moon or during space missions.
In the new study University of Florida researchers showed the arabidopsis plant – thale cress – can successfully sprout and grow in soil that was collected from the Apollo 11, 12 and 17 missions.
Their study also investigated how plants respond biologically to the moon’s soil, also known as lunar regolith, which is radically different from soil found on Earth.
The research comes as the Artemis Program plans to return humans to the moon.
Rob Ferl, one of the study’s authors and a professor of horticultural sciences in the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), said: “Showing that plants will grow in lunar soil is actually a huge step in that direction of being able to establish ourselves in lunar colonies.”
He added that it was also important to show that lunar soils were not harmful to terrestrial life, and also that terrestrial life could establish itself.
But what do the findings mean in relation to growing food fit for human consumption on the moon?
Anna-Lisa Paul, one of the study’s authors and a research professor of horticultural sciences in UF/IFAS, explained: “So the plants that were responding the most strongly to what we would call oxidative stress responses, those are the ones especially in the Apollo 11 samples, they are the ones that turned purple.
“And that’s the same thing that’s in blueberries and cranberries, and all of those, those dark red and purple fruits that are healthy for humans because of their anti-oxidative properties.
“We definitely don’t know the nutritive value of these plants, but it is likely not to pose any threat to humans – it’s hard to say, but it’s more likely that the chemicals that plants produce in response to stresses are ones that also help human stresses as well.
“So it’s likely to be a more benign or helpful response than the other way around.”
Dr Paul added that while arabidopsis is edible, it is not tasty.
It belongs to the same family as mustard, cauliflower and broccoli, so many of the things learned could translate into the same kind of metabolic strategies and processes “that our good friend broccoli uses”, Dr Paul said.
The researchers set about planting seeds in lunar soil, adding water, nutrients and light, and analysing the growth and results.
But because of the rare nature of the samples, the scientists had just 12 grams – just under three teaspoons – of soil from the moon to work with.
On loan from Nasa, they had applied three times over the course of 11 years for a chance to work with the soil.
And 18 months ago, they were given the samples.
Before then, the samples had been kept in pristine condition so other analysis could be carried out, and releasing them for plant growth experiments would have seen them become unsuitable for other research.
The upcoming Artemis mission will require a better understanding of how to grow plants in space, and so the experiment became more immediately relevant.
The researchers used thimble-sized wells in plastic plates normally used to culture cells, and once each was filled with roughly one gram of lunar soil, it was moistened with a nutrient solution and added a few seeds from the arabidopsis plant.
The plant is well documented in scientific research and its genetic code has been fully mapped.
In order to conduct comparisons, seeds were also planted in soil from Earth that mimics real lunar soil, as well as simulated Martian soils and terrestrial soils from extreme environments.
The researchers were surprised to see that all of the seeds planted in the lunar soils sprouted.
However, just because the plants all grew, this does not mean they did so as normal.
Some of those grown in the lunar soils were smaller, were different colours, grew more slowly or were more varied in size than their counterparts.
These were all physical signs that the plants were working to cope with the chemical and structural make-up of the moon’s soil which has lots of tiny glass fragments containing gases and even metallic irons.
According to the scientists, how plants respond to lunar soil may be linked to where the soil was collected.
For instance, the researchers found that the plants with the most signs of stress were those grown in what lunar geologists call mature lunar soil.
Dr Ferl said: “It’s really good news that plants can grow in the lunar soils.
“This presents to lunar colonists, to lunar scientists, a bunch more options than if they simply failed to grow there.
“But the bottom line is that until it was actually done, nobody knew whether plants, especially plant roots, would be able to interact with the very sharp antagonistic soils the lunar regolith presents.”
Stephen Elardo, an assistant professor of geology at UF, also collaborated on the study published in the Communications Biology journal.


text:
Birmingham contract haulier Contact Transport has gone into administration with 61 employees made redundant. The company appointed administrators from RSM on 20 April and the business is now being wound down. RSM said the company […]
No doubt about it, 2012 was incredibly tough for UK logistics operators. Profits were low, costs were high and obtaining credit to invest remained hard. The double-dip recession we all feared is in danger of […]
Derbyshire-based Surfair Global Logistics has called in the administrators.
Failed container haulier Deben Transport owed unsecured creditors close to £2.4m when it was placed into administration on 13 April, as well as more than £1.4m to HMRC.


Health benefit for unemployed running outA federal subsidy program that helps the unemployed continue health benefits is ending and the number of uninsured is likely to increase.
By: Shamane Mills, Wisconsin Public Radio, Superior Telegram
A federal subsidy program that helps the unemployed continue health benefits is ending and the number of uninsured is likely to increase.
Most Americans get health insurance through work. As joblessness increased, the federal government paid part of the premiums for unemployed people on COBRA. That’s a program that allows people who leave a job to continue their health insurance if they pay for it themselves. Now the nine month federal subsidy program is ending. Families USA Director Ron Pollack predicts more people will go without insurance. He says it “will affect several million people right away and will continue to affect additional people as months go by."
In Wisconsin, options are limited says, Bobby Peterson. He directs ABC for Health, a public interest law firm in Madison that connects people to health care. He notes there’s a waiting list for the state Medicaid plan covering childless adults (the Badgercare Core plan). And a stop-gap measure providing basic insurance is still up in the air. Peterson says if the basic insurance plan, which is still being considered by the legislature, is approved, it wouldn’t be available until sometime in 2010. He says people don’t have a lot of options for affordable health care and with the elimination of COBRA, the number of uninsured will go up.
Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development says the average unemployment check is $1,160. That’s $11 less than the average cost of COBRA premiums for family coverage.


text:
Like a certain current first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt was alternately admired and excoriated. Though loved and respected by many for her tireless championing of minorities and the disadvantaged, she was also despised for, in many people's minds, sticking her nose in places it had no business being.
She was even investigated by the FBI -- her file covers more than 3,000 pages -- and once had a bounty placed on her head by the Ku Klux Klan.
Whether Hillary Rodham Clinton will ever warrant an "American Experience" documentary as loving and laudatory as tonight's "Eleanor Roosevelt," only history can decide. Perhaps it will come down to one question: Did she make a difference?
Writer-director Sue Williams certainly believes Roosevelt did, and not just because she served as her husband's legs during his 12 years in the White House. The Eleanor Roosevelt that emerges tonight is a master politician -- at a time when women were largely excluded from the political process -- who benefited greatly from never holding elected office.
That peculiar combination left her both free to speak her mind and able to play the political game with an expertise that astonished the men who consistently underestimated her.
Born on Oct. 11, 1884, Eleanor was the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt (Franklin, whom she would marry in 1905, was a distant cousin). Awkward and unattractive, she was shunned by her beautiful mother, but doted on by her father, an alcoholic with a penchant for abandoning his family. None of which overly bothered his daughter, who adored him and was shattered by his early death.
In the dashing Franklin, Eleanor thought she had found another man to be her soulmate. "He was young and gay and good-looking," Eleanor said. "I was young and shy and awkward, and thrilled when he asked me to dance."
Her visions of wedded bliss imploded, however, when Eleanor discovered that Franklin had a mistress. Tonight's film is at its most quietly eloquent when describing the affair, illustrating it with a picture of a smiling Eleanor and Franklin wrapped in each other's arms. The realization that she'd never know such joy again must have broken Eleanor's heart, just as it will break the hearts of viewers.
Still, the Roosevelts made for a formidable pair when it came to politics. A rising star in the Democratic Party (he had been its 1920 vice presidential candidate), Franklin's career seemed over when he contracted polio in 1921 and lost the use of his legs.
But Eleanor, whose friendship with many learned women of the time had bolstered her self-confidence and shaped her world-view, helped keep her husband's political ship afloat.
As first lady, she championed both civil rights and economic reform. When singer Marian Anderson was refused use of the DAR's Constitution Hall for a performance, Eleanor resigned from the organization and arranged for Anderson to sing at the Lincoln Memorial. And she continually prodded FDR to do more for the poor, especially after she toured several impoverished sections of Appalachia.
Eleanor's unceasing activism for social reform continues to rankle many conservatives, who will doubtless be disgusted by tonight's depiction of her as a heroic figure. Her trips on behalf of the poor during the 1930s, conservative columnist William Rusher sniffs in a recent interview, was the "political equivalent of the housewife's desire to redecorate."
Eleanor Roosevelt's reputation only grew after FDR's death in 1945; by the time of her own death 17 years later, she had served as the U.S. delegate to the first meeting of the United Nations, chaired the committee that drafted the organization's Universal Declaration of Human Rights and routinely emerged in polls as the most admired woman in the world.
`The American Experience: Eleanor Roosevelt'
When: 9-11: 30 tonight
Where: MPT, Channels 22 and 67

domain: library


Kia And Mass-Market Luxury Cars
Is Anyone Ready To Take Kia For Real As A Luxury Car Option?
But its biggest gain over the first-gen Genesis was the collaboration with Lotus Engineering to improve chassis dynamics. They upgraded the eight-speed transmission, added paddle shifters, a new Drive Mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport) and electronically controlled suspension. They didn’t have to test the Genesis out extensively on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife, but they did. And it shows — when dialed in, the Genesis’ handling is tight, even fun in rear wheel drive form (it’s also Hyundai’s first available AWD). And that’s promising engineering, considering the Genesis is also the largest car in its segment, with the most passenger volume — 5 feet larger than the BMW 5-Series, the previous class leader.
As Audi did with its entry-level A3 this year, both Kia and Hyundai used the Super Bowl to introduce their luxury offerings to America. And as can be expected with the World’s Biggest Marketing Event, Kia went especially big — casting Laurence Fishburne in Morpheus garb warning the audience that the luxury wool has been pulled over their eyes, Matrix-style. Hyundai still dropped top dollar for their spots, but went cute with a “Sixth Sense Dad” highlighting the Genesis’ excellent Automatic Emergency Braking system. Clearly, these guys are going full force to broadcast their message.
Coincidentally, the K900 and Genesis share the same platform (which is also used by the Equus). They share the same V8 powerplant, and now — after Hyundai Motors promoted Kia’s Design Director Peter Schreyer to overarching Chief Design Officer — they share a very talented director of design. They also, most importantly, share a primary goal: to meet the needs of today’s post-recession customer. That is, consumers who are financially profitable, yet wary of spending unnecessary money on frivolous luxury. They want to look good, and they want to enjoy the fruits of their efforts, but are not willing to chase the Benz-driving Joneses just for the sake of country club popularity. This buyer will be their sweet spot.
While at first it may be uncommon for someone who can afford an S-Class to dip into a “value” brand, the K900 and Genesis both open up the world of “luxury” to a whole new strata of consumer. It’s going to take time for either to reach the rarefied German air, however. There’s just no substitute for consistency, perseverance and quality, for which time is the vital component. Maybe in 2014 the idea of Hyundai or Kia being thought of as luxury brands is dubious, but as cars like Hyundai’s awful Excel fade into automotive history (and from the memory banks of a new generation), these brands have a possibility to recast themselves, to carefully sculpt the impression that they will choose to project. It won’t be easy — any slip-up in quality or execution will send all their work tumbling back into the chasm of mediocrity and “value” perception — but if they can avoid those pitfalls and continue to execute well crafted, meticulously engineered, handsomely designed vehicles then the mantle of luxury is theirs to attain.


text:
WINNIPEG - Police arrest a man suspected of robbing several businesses.
On November 28th police were investigating an unrelated incident at about 4:30 am. on Redwood Avenue. While there, they discovered a man with an outstanding warrant and learned that he was a suspect in a number of robberies.
The first robbery took place on October 4th at about 10:20 pm. when the suspect along with two others took a number of bottles of liquor from an outlet on Grant without paying.
Then on October 12th, the suspect went to a non-profit business on Selkirk Avenue and argued with the security staff. He left, but then returned a short time later armed with a stick that he disguised as a gun under his clothing. He struggled with two staff members and managed to take money from the cash drawer, but dropped it while trying to get away.
41 year-old Sheldon Brent Maytwayashing has been charged with robbery, theft under $5,000, use of an imitation weapon while committing an offence and committing a weapon.
Warrants were executed for Fail to Comply with SOIRA and Robbery regarding offences occurring in Lake Manitoba First Nation, Manitoba.
He has been detained.

domain: law


text:
London’s most gay dog unveiled for Pride Parade
15:59 01 July 2011
The search for London’s most fabulous dog is over, with the winner now set to star at this weekend’s Pride Parade celebrations.
Skipper, a Staffordshire bull terrier, beat off 29 rival canines for the title of London’s first-ever Pride Pooch.
Now she will be top dog on the Battersea dogs and cats home float at the event tomorrow, surrounded by dancers.
Judges were impressed by Skipper’s good looks and calm nature, which may come in handy at the high-octane and noisy carnival atmosphere of the Pride festival.
Proud owner Neil Mitchell said: “Skipper’s a fantastic rescue dog. I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her at Battersea, and I’m really proud of her for taking the title of Pride Pooch 2011.
“I’m so excited about seeing her in the Pride Parade this weekend, and I know she’s going to love sitting on the float and lording it over the crowds.”
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Events Officer Richard Chadwick added: “We can’t wait to welcome Skipper onto the Battersea float at Saturday’s parade. She’s a wonderful Staffie and a very worthy winner.
“London’s first Pride Pooch show was a big success and it was great to see so many lovely doggies with their proud owners,” he added.
There was delight for Battersea Dogs and Cats home at Skipper’s win, after the centre cared for her when she arrived as a stray in 2009.

domain: pet


text:
Our team is always seeking the latest news in the field of education. As advocates for a quality education for ALL students, we know we have to stay up-to-date on everything that’s going on in the education spheres of our nation…from the White House to the local public school district, from new legislation to the small acts of bravery and kindness made by a single teacher, from the milestones and celebrations to the hazardous injustices affecting many of our nations students.
Here are the best stories we came across last week…because we believe you should stay up-to-date, too!
NPR explores the extreme contrast in some of the nation’s most segregated school borders. The observe cities from Birmingham to Detroit.
“Birmingham’s district lines weren’t always a story of haves and have nots, at least not this glaring. Most of the affluent districts now bordering the city’s schools were once part of the larger Jefferson County School District. But over the years, they have seceded, using their considerable property tax wealth to create new minidistricts.”
74 Interview: Early Ed Expert Ruby Takanishi on Why K-12 Doesn’t Work Without Pre-K via The 74 Million
The 74 recently sat down with early education expert Ruby Takanishi to discuss why we need to stop advocating for pre-K as a separate add-on program. She also believes the next president should fund a financially stable pre-K system.
“We have gone through a long period of reform, from No Child Left Behind and both the Bush and Obama administrations. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a reaction against that long slog, which has not resulted in promising outcomes for students. Of course, ESSA is likely to reinforce state inequities. I hear little from the two candidates about their education platforms beyond stock phrases.”
In part one of a new NPR series on mental health in schools, they explore the realities and roles of different individuals in the lives of students…from the principal to the parents.
“So in a school classroom of 25 students, five of them may be struggling with the same issues many adults deal with: depression, anxiety, substance abuse. And yet most children — nearly 80 percent — who need mental health services won’t get them. Whether treated or not, the children do go to school. And the problems they face can tie into major problems found in schools: chronic absence, low achievement, disruptive behavior and dropping out.”
Low-income kindergartners are closing the achievement gap, reversing a decades-old trend via The Washington Post
The Washington Post discusses a new study that shows the achievement gap is closing low-income kindergartners and their more affluent peers. Research shows these children are entering school with higher math and reading skills.
“Low-income kindergartners are entering school with stronger math and reading skills, narrowing the academic gap with their affluent peers and reversing a decades-old trend, according to research released Friday. The good news surprised researchers, who had expected to see school-readiness gaps growing — particularly given the broad societal trends of increasing income inequality and economic segregation.“
Did any of these articles particularly speak to you? We would love to know your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below:

domain: news


text:
We were back to our usual numbers, but this Sunday instead of one goalie we had two. This cheered up the guys who could not hit the clangers. Even though we were down in numbers, the game was played at its usual frantic pace.We were only minutes into the first half and our new goalie Ross was soon to come up against Hot Dog, who put a shot past him to open the scoring. Soon after Greg McIntyre scored for the whites. Before the game was over he had scored another three.It was obvious Callys Knee was on the mend with the way he twisted and turned from one end of the ice to the other to put the puck past Jaqui into the net. I think the colours won 7 – 6 . One or two may say otherwise, but they are not the ones typing this letter ? With 15 = £ 150 – ice £117 = £ 33 .
Right guys I had a complaint from the management of the Galleon Centre. Two guys never paid entrance into the centre. When you pay me £ 10 to play. It does not include the entrance fee into the Galleon centre. Everyone pays £ 1, 45 at the turnstile. I covered the cost for this out of my own pocket. That means I will be one whiskey short this Friday !
Still have socks if anyone needs them. £ 8 a pair. See you guys on Sunday. Davie

domain: hobby


See the following figure.
The leased-line link contains the following parts:
Synchronous interface on each peer. Some machines that run Solaris software require you to purchase a synchronous interface card, such as HSI/P, to connect to a leased line. Other machines, such as UltraSPARC® workstations, have built-in synchronous interfaces.
A CSU might be built-in to the DSU, or owned by you, or leased from a provider, depending on your locale. The DSU gives the Solaris machine a standard synchronous serial interface. With Frame Relay, the Frame Relay Access Device (FRAD) performs the serial interface adaptation.


text:
If you’re in search of a holiday that has a colourful and exotic atmosphere then the diverse resort of Christ Church is the perfect choice for you. A large parish located on the southwest coast of Barbados, this lively resort boasts crystal clear waters and silver sands.
Whilst the hotels around Dover Beach are perfect for soaking up the sun, Saint Lawrence Gap is the liveliest area of the resort and has incredible snorkelling opportunities along with a multitude of bars and restaurants.
For the ultimate Caribbean experience try the local cuisine and spend an informal evening at Oistins Fish Fry, where the choice of freshly caught seafood is plentiful. Alternatively, head to the Globe Drive-in and enjoy an American style drive-in movie under the stars. With a year round tropical climate and the ability to experience an authentic taste of island life, Christ Church is one of the most unique resorts in Barbados.

domain: geography


text:
“My dad, he’s a great father, but he’s also been one of my mentors,” she said, recalling the day she learned of her nomination. “I called him and congratulated him, and I was like, ‘Dad, I’m nominated, too.’ He was like, ‘What?!’ And then he was like, ‘I’ve got to call you back’ because he was on the phone. He was like, ‘I need a full moment.'”
For Jasmine, getting to share in the moment with her father has made the nomination all the more special. “The whole reason why I’m even acting in the first place is because of him,” she continued. “He opened my eyes to theater at such a young age, to being an artist, analyzing scripts, and just loving what you do. So to be able to kind of share this moment with him it’s just such a full circle for me. We’re peers now, so I already feel like I’ve won.”
While we await the results of Jasmine’s category, which will be revealed during night four of the 2020 Creative Awards Emmys on Thurs., Sept. 17, get to know the actress a bit better with her responses to our Emmy First-Timers Club questionnaire!

domain: artistic


text:
Did anyone see the photos of the concert?
There were four of the Monty Python guys in tuxes with a long white aprons in front and bare buns in the back.
Ah, George would love that.[:D]
They sang "Sit on My Face" and "The Lumberjack Song".
I am praying for a DVD of that concert.
Billy Preston, Eric, Ravi... and Ringo and Paul too, of course.
Sounds so good.


text:
Newport Beach police will be conducting a DUI checkpoint Saturday at Dover Drive and 16th Street.
From 7:30 p.m. to 3 a.m., police will be stationed on northbound Dover Drive stopping drivers to educate them on the dangers of drinking and driving and to check for drunk or unlicensed drivers.
Police said the checkpoint was selected because its nearby bars and restaurants. The stops are aimed at educating the public and reminding the public of the laws, rather than catching drunk drivers. Police typically use saturation patrols where more officers are patrolling for drunk drivers when they want to make arrests.
Funding for the checkpoint was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety.


Benny Gantz, Israel’s Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, celebrated his birthday by saying l’chaim with local shliach Rabbi Nachum Cohen.
By Anash.org reporter
On Wednesday, Benny Gantz, Israel’s Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, celebrated his birthday simply, joining his local shliach for a l’chaim.
The shliach, Rabbi Nachum Cohen of Rosh Haayin, lives in close proximity to Gantz, and is good friends with the Minister. Gantz attends the Chabad House on Yomim Tovim and special occasions.
Gantz himself is known as a man who has a warm spot for anything connected to Yiddishkeit, and never has a problem being photographed doing a mitzva or even putting on tefillin in public.
As Israel’s Alternate Prime Minister, Gantz will serve as vice prime minister, until October 2021, at which point he will take over Bibi Netanyahu as Prime Minister.


The Pentagon says a U.S. drone strike in northwestern Syria last week killed a senior al-Qaida leader with ties to terrorist groups operating across wide swaths of southwest Asia.
A Pentagon spokesman said Tuesday the strike targeted Egyptian national Abu Afghan al-Masri on November 18, near the town of Sarmada, 50 kilometers west of Aleppo.
"He has been on our radar for some time," said spokesman Peter Cook, who also said al-Masri had direct links to extremists responsible for attacking U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. He further described al-Masri as later joining a Syrian affiliate and said he also plotted attacks on the West.
Meanwhile, monitors in and near the embattled city of Aleppo reported Russia-backed Syrian forces and their Shi'ite Hezbollah allies pushing deeper into opposition-occupied neighborhoods, as they press an offensive to recapture the rebel-held city.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said warplanes and helicopters bombed two key neighborhoods for an eighth straight day. A spokesman placed the death toll at 27 civilians in the past two days from airstrikes and artillery, and warned that casualty figures were near certain to rise.
The observatory has tallied 143 civilian deaths, including 19 children, since the latest government assault began last week.
At the United Nations Monday, U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power said monitors have confirmed nearly 300 people killed in eastern Aleppo in recent days, and said one Syrian volunteer had reported 180 airstrikes on Saturday alone.
"The reality is that the regime [of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad] and Russia are continuing their 'starve, get bombed or surrender' strategy in eastern Aleppo," she said.
Power also scoffed at a two-week Russian bombing lull touted by Moscow earlier this month, calling it a "unilateral" exercise in which the Kremlin failed to coordinate with U.N. relief workers or other organizations trying to get emergency aid to Aleppo's war-ravaged civilians.
'Takes your breath away'
In a separate critique, U.N. special envoy Stephen O'Brien told the U.N. Security Council that Syrian-Russian airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, "most notably hospitals and schools, have become so commonplace it takes your breath away."
Moscow and Damascus have routinely described the fight against rebels in eastern Aleppo as a battle against terrorists, despite the sector's vast civilian population trapped in the city and described by witnesses as largely too fearful to flee.
Both governments have used that characterization to justify the deadly and apparently indiscriminate bombings in eastern Aleppo that began in September.
Western governments and the United Nations have framed the Aleppo onslaught as a vast humanitarian crisis, with diplomats and human rights organizations arguing that both Damascus and Moscow could face future war crimes inquiries for their roles in the destruction of eastern Aleppo.


Why Beaumont Tiles thinks 2017 was housing peak
Home owners spending an average of $20,000 on a full bathroom renovation are helping to drive robust growth at Australia's largest tile retailer, which is importing 100 shipping containers full of tiles each week to keep up with demand.
But Bob Beaumont, executive chairman of Beaumont Tiles, which has 115 retail stores around Australia, said there was a slight cooling in the market and the company wasn't likely to repeat the exceptional 12 per cent growth in sales to $275 million that occurred in 2016-17. It was likely that rate of growth was the high watermark in this housing cycle.
The privately owned group, which generates about 50 per cent of its business from the renovations market and the other half from new home and apartment construction, is a canary in a coalmine for the state of the housing market. Mr Beaumont expects it to remain solid even if interest rates begin to rise this year but said a tapering was occurring in NSW.
"Melbourne is still going gangbusters," Mr Beaumont said.
"We are seeing a slight tapering off in Sydney. Things are certainly coming off the boil a bit."
Beaumont Tiles is the No. 1 player in tile retailing in Australia, and outflanks hardware giant Bunnings, owned by Wesfarmers, which is No. 2.
Mr Beaumont said the company was eyeing further expansion in Australia beyond its network, which includes 30 stores in NSW, 31 in Queensland, 33 in Victoria and Tasmania and 21 in its home state of South Australia. The natural ceiling in Australia was 180 stores, which the company believes it will reach by 2022.
The company is also examining potential expansion offshore, with Malaysia, India, Canada and the United States among locations being looked at. "It's only tyre-kicking at the moment," Mr Beaumont said. It is a big buyer of tiles from National Ceramic Industries Australia in Newcastle but imports most of its titles from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malaysia and China.
The volumes are vast and equate to 100 shipping containers each week. Homeowners were increasing the amounts spent on bathroom renovations. "It's a real fashion statement now. Tiles and bathroom fixtures are just so permanent," he said. "It's not like a new coat of paint".
He said prohibitive stamp duty costs meant homeowners were becoming more reluctant to shift as house prices moved ever higher. "You drop so much by just swapping over," Mr Beaumont said.
"The fees are just horrendous".
Mr Beaumont, who has been in the business for 50 years, said the renovations market was closely aligned to the new housing market. "They actually follow similar cycles," he said. But the cycle in renovations was less volatile.
Beaumont Tiles would be cautious in its overseas expansion plans, and was mindful of the experiences of Wesfarmers, which has booked almost $1 billion of writedowns on its botched expansion into the hardware market in Britain. Mr Beaumont said he expected Wesfarmers would eventually be able to turn the British operations around.
"I think the expectations were way too high for what they could do in a short time frame," he said.


Too Much and Not Enough: Not for Sale! at the Venice Biennale
At the Venice Biennale, the Canadian team tilts at the housing crisis.
TEXT Adele Weder
PHOTOS Maris Mezulis
Any Canadian who agrees to exhibit at the Venice Biennale of Architecture deserves the Order of Canada for sheer pluck. Our mid-century pavilion—a small glass-and-brick nautilus shell punctured by trees—is notoriously difficult to work with. The selected architect-curators receive scant remuneration for weeks of labour, and almost always need to fundraise to cover exorbitant shipping, travel and installation costs. So I’ll start by doffing my hat to this year’s selected team, Architects Against Housing Alienation (AAHA), for choosing the important but quixotic task of addressing the national housing crisis.
Anchored by the University of British Columbia School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, the Venice installation, titled Not For Sale!, is offering up a manifesto of demands and a cornucopia of solutions. The curators are five architecture professors (UBC’s Matthew Soules, Sara Stevens, and Tijana Vujosevic; David Fortin and Adrian Blackwell of Waterloo), and Nisga’a architect Simoogit Saa Bax Patrick Stewart.
Augmenting this contingent are ten organizations teaming with community leaders and activists, who have collaborated on this project with yet more architects from across the country. This latter group includes Susan Fitzgerald Architecture, LGA Architectural Partners, Haeccity Studio Architecture, SOCA (Studio of Contemporary Architecture), L’OEUF Architects, Atelier Big City and many others renowned for innovative social and communal housing design.
So, there is no shortage of brains, talent, design skills, and diversity within this illustrious collective of more than a hundred individual contributors. But it makes for many, many cooks in a very small kitchen. And that overcrowding makes for a hot mess of a project, a dog’s breakfast of good intentions.
Inside the pavilion, it’s quite the graphic riot: upon entering, a visitor is greeted with the 10-point manifesto, and then immersed in a farrago of posters, slogans, publications, blocks of texts, and to-do memes on sticky notes. Marinating in all those words are photographs, charts, some architectural renderings, plans, and a couple of rough models. The pavilion’s actual design transformation is modest, comprising two main features. On the outside: Patrick Stewart’s redefining of the pavilion’s back garden area into a “Land Back” mini-landscape, with Pacific Northwest plant species. On the inside: a stick-frame mezzanine, designed and built to serve as a studio space for UBC and Waterloo students to research and promote the AAHA campaign throughout the spring and fall university semesters.
It looks and feels as though you’re walking through an end-of-year crit session. Actually, in some ways you are, since the students are working on Not For Sale! as their academic project for their study-abroad semester. I admire the practicality of converting that snail of a pavilion into a satellite classroom. But is an overwhelmingly two-dimensional text-and-drawing exhibition an effective means of showcasing the power of architecture for a global audience? There is much to read, and no visitor spending the usual half-hour within the pavilion could absorb more than a small fraction of it.
The ten-point AAHA manifesto calls for the return of crown land back to Indigenous peoples; the building of culturally appropriate Indigenous housing, support services, and on-site manufacturing facilities; reparative architecture for historically exploited racialized communities; a new capital-gains tax earmarked for gentrified neighbourhoods; the conversion of surplus public property into housing; purpose-built communities for unhoused people; incentives for cooperative living and collective home ownership; commitment to repurpose surplus space into housing; “mutual aid” communities of inter-supportive elements; and the establishment of a process to increase the quality of urban environments and accessibility of social housing within them.
That’s the distilled version. The full manifesto text reads as you might expect from group authorship: a rhetorical sprawl that is frequently vague or incomprehensible, with scant mention of architectural design—the most salient value that these and other architects could bring to the housing debate. Here is just the headline, for instance, of manifesto item #10: “We demand a vision and participatory process for housing development that upholds ambient urban ecosystems as a continuously accessible commons necessary for social housing. This process must lead to concrete action to improve the ambient commons.” The AAHA website tables a series of sub-demands for this and other manifesto items. Still, not even the extensive website text offers much in terms of design advocacy, or how they will achieve their demands in the voter-led market economy of Canada.
Since words are the main public offering from the AAHA team, they should render their words as clearly and carefully as they would choose a building’s cladding or design its structural framework. The very term manifesto of demands is jarringly presumptuous for a list of diverse requests compiled by academics with no leverage to enforce such demands. The team will need to persuade voters and policy makers; vagueness and convoluted rambling will not help their cause.
Let’s consider AAHA’s primary demand: “Land Back.” A whopping 89 percent of Canada—almost nine million square kilometres—is crown land, nominally owned by the federal and provincial governments. Within the AAHA group itself, there is no consensus of what “Land Back” means. When I asked some members, they told me it would probably mean the return of a small percentage—perhaps five, ten, fifteen percent of those 8,886,356 square kilometres. To others—especially, and not surprisingly, Indigenous participants—it means exactly what the manifesto states: all crown land back, every square centimetre.
If and when that land and its income-generating resources revert to Indigenous stewardship, the Canadian political economy will transform in a major way. Even if the transformation involves co-ownership, the governments’ power and financial strength will almost certainly diminish. You can support that consequence wholeheartedly as historic justice—a fair and necessary transition—but you cannot then assume that our governments will have the wherewithal to bankroll the manifesto’s funding demands for housing, urban revitalization, and reparation payments.
Simoogit Saa Bax Patrick Stewart recognizes such a major transition cannot happen quickly or easily. “There will have to be discussion and consensus-making,” he told me. “Colonization has taken 500 years to take root, so it will take time to decolonize. If it doesn’t happen in my lifetime, it could happen in the time of my children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren.”
A realistic timeline and invitation to wide-open discussion, though, doesn’t quite align with Adrian Blackwell’s commandeering rhetoric at the Biennale. “Part of that is to grab attention,” responds Stewart. “We’ve been silent for so long; now’s the time to start making noise. I look at Adrian and Matthew as lightning rods, rallying the team.”
“There are ideological differences within and amongst some of the teams, for sure,” allows Soules. “The ambitions of the project are further ahead of where the project itself is right now.” He points out that the UBC and Waterloo students will spend the next two semesters researching and refining these manifesto points into more detailed and sophisticated directives. So perhaps over the next six months and beyond, the AAHA team will reach a consensus on the manifesto details and iron out the kinks. Still, a half-dozen university professors handing their students a prescriptive list of demands is not likely to result in a hard-nosed evaluation of that list.
Curiously, the AAHA team does not mention the effects of short–term rental platforms or predatory lending policies by banks, both of which are major contributors to housing shortages in Canada and elsewhere. Nor does it explore or condemn how the new mobility of global capital has architecturally distorted our housing paradigms. That subject was brilliantly analyzed by Soules himself in his 2021 book Icebergs, Zombies, and the Ultra Thin: Architecture and Capitalism in the 21st Century. I’d surmise that if the entire pavilion was focused on this book alone, it would make for a stronger and clearer manifesto.
“We want to politicize architecture in Canada, where architecture tends to be seen as a service role only,” responds Soules. “Architecture as a discipline and architecture as a political entity can co-exist. Architects can play an active role in challenging the current housing system.”
Architecture is indeed political, not least because “form follows finance,” as architectural historian Carol Willis wrote in her 1995 treatise on skyscrapers. Delving into broader issues beyond form and outside the design profession’s core expertise, however, has its challenges. For instance, when I spoke to some of the core members of the AAHA team, they appeared to be seriously misinformed about the precedents, logistics, feasibility, and drawbacks of a hypothecated tax, the basis for the manifesto’s gentrification-tax demand. That’s hardly surprising, since tax law is not an architect’s day job. They might have presented a far stronger case if they had focused more on the value of architecture—at which they excel.
The Biennale is an excellent place to raise questions, but a lousy place to claim to have answers or moral authority. For many residents of Venice, it’s us—the foreign curators, collaborators, visitors, and journalists—who are the interlopers, the economic colonizers, the sons-of-bitches displacing longstanding residents from their homes through our prolific use of Airbnb and our usurping of their public gardens. They suffer as well as benefit from the economic activity generated by the Biennale and other international attractions, just as Canadians suffer as well as benefit from our own high-octane economy.
So how does one effectively showcase the sociopolitical power of architecture? At this year’s Biennale, no team did it better than the Austrians. Curated by the architecture collective AKT and architect Hermann Czech, their exhibition documents their efforts to transform Austria’s pavilion and the small patch of garden fenced off behind it into a freely accessible public space, via a steel-rod bridge over the Biennale wall. The Austrians’ correspondence progresses hopefully until six weeks before the Biennale opening, when the Venice authorities categorically deny them permission to bridge the wall, and the half-finished structure halts abruptly at the top of its stairway. When you climb up onto the platform and behold the curious passers-by a few metres away, you experience viscerally and directly how the built environment could foster inclusivity and equality, but is often thwarted in achieving these aims.
Meanwhile, a few hundred metres away on the other side of the Biennale wall, you can see, in response to the various international pavilions’ earnestly progressive exhortations, the local view. A pair of wooden park benches is festooned with a two-part graffito scrawled in chalk: AGAINST CULTURE SOLD / IN THE FORM OF INSTITUTIONALIZED ART. That would be us: the invasive foreign architects, activists, and journalists who are—in their eyes—not heroes, just rapacious vendors of culture.
Never mind. For several team members that I spoke with, what happens at the Biennale pavilion is largely beside the point. It’s not the physical installation but the campaign itself that will carry their variegated messages. “We always wanted what we physically did in Venice not to be the main thing,” says Soules. “The creation of this new group is the thing. You’re going to see a whole series of events unfold across Canada during the next three years.”
To be sure, the AAHA team can claim a few significant Biennale accomplishments. They persuaded the Canada Council to allow student work on and at the pavilion for academic credit, which could be a useful precedent for the future, given the Biennale project’s perennial funding struggles. Their workspace mezzanine shows an imaginative design solution to an awkward space, making active student research visible
to the public.
So let’s wish this team well for its ongoing campaign: perhaps those students now at work in Venice will bring a reality check to their professors. It’s important to stir the pot. But in a capitalist democracy, presenting solutions on a platter will prove to be considerably more challenging.
Adele Weder is a contributing editor to Canadian Architect.
CONTRIBUTORS TO NOT FOR SALE! A Better Tent City Waterloo Region; Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia; Alex Wilson, University of Saskatchewan; At Home in the North; Atelier Big City; Bâtir son quartier; Blackwell; Canadian Cohousing Network; Centre d’écologie urbaine de Montréal (CEUM); Comité logement Ville-Marie; CP Planning; David T Fortin Architect Inc.; FBM architecture | interior design | planning; Gentrification Tax Action; Grounded Architecture Inc.; Haeccity Studio Architecture; Idle No More; Interloge; Ipek Türeli, McGill University; Katlia Lafferty, National Indigenous Housing Network; Keele Eglinton Residents; L’OEUF Architecture; Lancelot Coar, University of Manitoba; LGA Architectural Partners; Maison du développement durable; Maison du Savoir et de la Littérature; Navigator Street Outreach Program; Nisga’a Nation; One House Many Nations; Ouri Scott, Urban Arts Architecture Inc.; Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust; Sarah Silva, Hiy’ám’ Housing; Simoogit Saa Bax, Dr. Patrick R. Stewart Architect; SOCA (Studio of Contemporary Architecture); SOLO Architecture; SvN Architects + Planners; Sylvia McAdam, Windsor University; Table de concertation du Faubourg Saint-Laurent; This Should Be Housing; Toronto Tiny Shelters; tuf lab; Xalek/Sekyu Siyam Chief Ian Campbell, Sk–wx–wú7mesh úxwumixw, Squamish Nation.


Swimming Pool Mega Submersible Pump 5000 L/HCODE:
- Swimming Pool Submersible Pump by Mega
- Affordable submersible pump
- Ideal for emptying or reducing your pool water level
- Made for clean water pools only
DELIVERY: We aim to send all products out on a next working day service but all standard deliveries will be within 5 working days
RETURNS: This product can be returned in original packaging, suitable for resale, within 14 days from date of delivery.
Swimming Pool Submersible Pump by Mega
This submersible swimming pool pump works to help you lower or empty your swimming pool of water.
This submersible pump comes with 10 metres of cable and is supplied with a UK plug.


text:
You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.
Have A Question About This Topic?
Most women don’t shy away from the day-to-day financial decisions, but some may be leaving their future to chance.
The earlier you start pursuing financial goals, the better your outcome may be.
Preparing for college means setting goals, staying focused, and tackling a few key milestones along the way.

domain: finance


Sunfire Radiant Heaters Explained
When deciding which SunFire Radiant Heater to go with, there are a few different things that stand out between the SF80, SF120, and the SF150. Choosing the right heater for your application not only helps keep workers safe and warm but can decrease the amount of money you spend on jobsite energy costs. We are here to help explain the differences between each heater so that you make the right choice for your operations.
About SunFire Radiant Heaters
Our heaters are built to last, made with heavy-duty steel and parts. They are perfect for extreme environments like construction sites, auto shops, outdoor events, pole barns, and garages. There is even a feature for you to hook up a mechanical or battery-operated wall thermostat so you can help regulate the temperature for a comfortable environment.
SunFire heaters are proudly built in the USA, in Janesville, WI, and are known for their durability and high-performance. There are three lines of SunFire heaters, the SF80. SF120, and SF150. Each heater has lower noise levels compared to forced air, and provides clean air with a pure, smokeless flame.
The Difference in SunFire Heaters: SF80, SF120, and SF150
To help you decide which heater will fit your operations, we’ve compiled a list of the biggest differences between our three radiant heaters.
When it comes to the size of each heater, the SF80 is the smallest and lightest option between the three. The SF80 is a little over 28 inches high and weighs only 127 lbs. with a full tank. The SF120 is slightly larger, just under 34 inches in height and weighs 219 lbs. with a full tank.
The SF150 on the other hand, is 41 inches in height and can weigh up to 320 lbs. with a full tank. Because these heaters can be heavy, they do come with wheels so you can easily move the heater if needed.
The Sunfire heaters get their name from the BTU/Hour they put out. For example, the SF120 runs on 120,000 BTU/Hour, and the SF150 runs on 150,000 BTU/hour (on high). The SF80 runs on the lowest BTU/hour, at 80,000. Depending on the size of the area you are looking to heat, this may be one of the biggest factors in determining which heater to buy.
If you are looking for a heater that can do both, the SF150 does have a low setting on which it can run, where it will run 130,000 BTU/hour. This gives you the option to use it for both your larger and your smaller jobs.
Each heater has the ability to use diesel or No. 2 fuel to run. For the SF120 and SF80, you also have the option to use kerosene. The SF80 has a run time of approximately 10 hours, and can hold 14.2 gallons.
When running diesel or No. 2 fuel in the SF120, the run time for the machine is 16 hours, and that number increases to 18 hours when using kerosene. The tank on the SF120 will hold 14.2 gallons.
For the SF150, the tank capacity increases to 19 gallons, and the run time of diesel and No. 2 fuel increases to 19 hours on low, and 17 hours on high.
Deciding Which Heater to Purchase
Now that we’ve gone through the differences in each heater, you hopefully have a better understanding of which one will work best. If you are still contemplating your decision, we can help. It’s important to know the size of the job sites you are trying to heat, as that can be one of the biggest determining factors in which heater you go with. For smaller sites, the SF80 or SF120 may do the job. But if you plan on having both small and large job sites, the SF150, with the capability to run low and high, may be a better choice.
If you have questions, you can always contact us to help make the right decision. If you are ready to buy, you can find out where to purchase them here, or find a dealer to help you get going. Whatever you choose, SunFire heaters will help keep you warm.


text:
I have a couple of questions
Are there any Wii games that allow you to play as the Miis stored on your controller? I understand that I can transfer Miis via the controller to another console, but what I am asking is this scenario:
Are there any games that do this? If yes, what are they called?
- I load Miis onto my controller
- I sync to a Wii
- I start playing a game, in the character select I am able to select Miis from my controller
In both Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games and Wii Sports Resort, in the Mii character selection screens, there is a "guest" option with 6 Miis: guests A-F. Is there a way to see the controller Miis here or is it reserved for just these 6 guests?
Thank you in advance

domain: entertainment


The Lumbar mattress is 28cm thick and features a supportive 3,000 pocket spring unit, combined with a superior layer of pressure relieving memory foam that moulds to the body.
Surrounding the pocket springs are layers of high density reflex foam for the ultimate in support with a firm comfort.
The pocket springs work independently from one another, helping to distribute weight evenly and minimise pressure points on the body.
Finished in a premium Tencel 3D knitted fabric with a flat panel finish. The mattress also benefits from side supports to increase the overall sleeping area, a square stitched border to add strength increasing life span, flag stitched handles for easy turning and air vents to allow airflow through the mattress, helping to regulate body temperature and prevent build up of moisture.


text:
My Gerbera cut flowers droop? why?
I have 2 gerbera flowers out of 3 in a bunch which have drooped. What can I do?
Tricks that I have used: use a floral wire inserted into the flower head and wrap remainder of wire around the stem. You can use a pin to prop up the floppy head or cut off the flower heads and float in a bowl.

domain: design


text:
Background & Context
Migration has had limited outcomes at past COPs. Most notably, it featured under the 2010 Cancun Adaptation Framework’s paragraph 14(f):
“14. Invites all Parties to enhance action on adaptation under the Cancun Adaptation Framework, taking into account their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and specific national and regional development priorities, objectives and circumstances, by undertaking, inter alia, the following: … (f ) Measures to enhance understanding, coordination and cooperation with regard to climate change induced displacement, migration and planned relocation, where appropriate, at national, regional and international levels.”
This has helped to facilitate a shift towards seeing “migration as adaptation,” with many international organizations, including IOM, UNHCR, Asian Development Bank, and World Bank, leading the charge.
For a good summary of the process leading up to its inclusion, read Koko Warner’s article “Human Migration and Displacement in the Context of Adaptation to Climate Change: The Cancun Adaptation Framework and Potential for Future Action.”
More recently, loss and damage has gained in popularity and is often seen as a means for restitution and relocation in the face of climate change displacement. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) has been fighting for the inclusion of loss and damage at climate negotiations for many years. They’ve had some small successes, including having loss and damage recognized as a major negotiating article at this year’s COP. In the current draft, Article 5, Option 1 introduces the possibility of setting up a displacement facility for people forced from their homes due to climate change. However, loss and damage suffers from many of the same questions as an international climate mitigation accord: who is to blame, who pays, who enforces?
There are many ways in which migration could be a part of the COP21 conversation. For specific recommendations for the Paris Agreements, take a look at the Advisory Group on Climate Change and Human Mobility’s most recent release.
Relevant Blog Posts
Some of our blog posts have explored the context for climate and migration at COP21 as well. In our most recent post, “What Can and Should We Expect from COP21 on Climate Migration?”, Giovanni Bettini (Lancaster University) argued that migration would fall into political traps at Paris and should not be part of an agreement. Meanwhile, Praxis Labs suggests in their post, “Resilience Against COP21 Disappointment?”, that funding from COP21 members, including through public-private partnerships, that combine humanitarian and development aid in less developed countries can give stakeholders implementing programs with the flexibility to move between DRR, climate change adaptation, and poverty reduction. But the boundaries between these interventions need to be more flexible and negotiated in the specific context of community in order to optimize the programmatic interventions.
Additionally, Anja Lamche followed side events held by UNU, UNHCR, and IOM closely over the last two years. Her latest found that politics and economic costs featured heavily; while last year the focus was on seeing human mobility as chance and choice. Her posts would be worth delving into to see how specific actors embroiled in the climate-migration nexus frame the issue.
Relevant COP21 Side Events
There will be many events linked to climate and migration at COP21, but here are those listed on the UNFCCC website. You can see a full list of event here. Click on the table below to see a larger version.
Share this article


text:
To receive Ilya's analysis directly via email, please SIGN UP HERE
- US Dollar Technical Strategy: Holding Long via Mirror Trader Basket **
- Support: 10627, 10595, 10576
- Resistance:10652, 10677, 10709
The Dow Jones FXCM US Dollar Index is correcting lower after hitting a six-month high having rallied as expected following the appearance of a Bullish Engulfing candle pattern. A daily close below the 38.2% Fibonacci expansion at 10627 exposes the 23.6% level at 10595. Alternatively, a move above the 50% Fib at 10652 opens the door for a challenge of the 61.8% expansion at 10677.
Our long-term US Dollar outlook calls for a broadly stronger US Dollar against its major currency counterparts. With that in mind, we are holding long via theMirror Trader US Dollar currency basket.
Daily Chart - Created Using FXCM Marketscope 2.0
** The Dow Jones FXCM US Dollar Index and the Mirror Trader USD basket are not the same product.


PGA National Turkey Antalya Golf Club has redesigned a hole on its Sultan course by introducing an 80-metre-long lake.
The lake replaces a large bunker on the left of the fairway on the par-four fifth hole on the course, which was originally designed by David Jones. The work was overseen by the club’s general manager Ahmed Cagil.
PGA National Turkey’s director of golf Michael Jones said: “There were two main reasons for redesigning the hole and giving it a new look and strategy. Over the years, the fairway bunker on the left has become too difficult to play from for many people, so replacing it with the lake will not only improve the playability of the hole, but also speed up the pace of play.
“We’re very excited at the changes we’ve made and are sure that they will only add to the experience of playing Turkey’s number one course.”
The club, the first in Turkey with 36 holes and host of the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final in 2012, was renamed from Antalya Golf Club to PGA National Turkey in 2017.


text:
Dr. Stephanie Ho wrote a letter to the Washington Post about the impact Arkansas's medication abortion ban will have on her patients.
On Tuesday, the United States Supreme Court announced that it would not review the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in support of an Arkansas […]
Dr. Stephanie Ho wrote an op-ed in The Advocate about today’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia and the challenges LGBTQ patients face in seeking compassionate and high-quality health care.
Where are you from? I was born in New Jersey to a native Jersey girl and a Taiwanese immigrant. We moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, […]
I was tasked with contacting all of the other OB/GYNs in Arkansas to find a physician who was willing to contract with our abortion care […]


ADDIS ABABA (HAN) May 15.2016. Public Diplomacy & Regional Security News. EDITORIAL. Urban population is growing from time to time. On the average the city population growth is 6 per cent per year. In addition, the rural urban migration contributes a lot for population growth. If people get access to education, health and conducive residential houses they could be economically active citizens. They will be both producers, service providers and consumers. Contrary to this, if they find themselves uneducated, unemployed, slum dwellers and idle they will be tempted to engage in destruction and hooliganism. Planned Residential Houses are the most important component of basic infrastructures helpful for human development.
It is known that for modern and planed urbanization, cities must have municipalities which have an authority to mobilize resources and allocate budgets based on the plan that supports economic growth. In addition to this, the authorities must be accountable to the public and in most cases it is preferable that the authority must be elected by direct vote. In most developing countries, cities’ authorities suffer from shortage of budget. In such cases, governing the city based on master plan will be hard and the provision of services also will be inadequate.
In our case, urban development, historically, was not based on master plan. It was rather, the outcome of rural urban migration and arbitrarily settlement and the current housing problem is rooted to that time. In that imperial era, residential house construction was totally carried out by individuals. As land was owned mostly by individual or citizens, the cost of land transaction was cheap and the price too. However, the land system itself was also a source of arbitrary settlement. In the later decades, particularly in the 1940s, the implementation of city master plan took place. Since then, modern urbanization has flourished. In the Derg era, land was managed based on the socialist principle. Land totally became nationalized and its transaction was banned which in turn hampered residential house construction and the only possible way to construct house was through cooperation. This clearly indicated that how house supply and demand trends were going against each other.
While population exploded house construction was going at a snail’s pace further aggravating shortage of houses. According to studies, currently, more than three million people reside in the city and due to rural-urban migration the population growth is increasing and there is a clear gap between house supply and demand.
In order to fill the gap, the government is vigorously pursuing the house construction task through various schemes. The most known are through public owned condominium construction, real estate development and through the activities of house construction associations.
By now the government, on behalf of the public, is the sole administrator of land. And land is supplied to the market in lease auction system. As there is still gap between supply and demand, land price is very high. Of course, land is both a source of wealth and at the same time it is a component of capital formation. And from land the government derives huge sum of revenue which can be utilized as an input for development, which benefits the public.
However, it is an undeniable fact that, due to scarcity of supply, land is expensive.
This implies that, the land price has its own impact on house rent, services and commodity prices. Thus to minimize the cost, increasing land supply should be taken as a possible way out. The real estate development scheme, owned by the private sector, plays crucial role in supplying residential houses to the market. And the wealthy segment of the society enjoy it, but due to the high standard and high cost, their prices are untouchable to ordinary citizens. Nevertheless, they are a source of revenue to the government and to the nation at large. In addition to that the real estate development has played pivotal role in bolstering the construction sub sector, creating jobs for thousands and strengthening the enhancement of value chain among different sectors. The house construction association had previously played crucial role in providing residential houses to their members. But due to construction input and land cost, they were tardy in seeing completion of the houses and this in turn, creates additional cost to their members. By now getting land through associations has declined and their activities have somewhat screeched to a halt. The public owned construction schemes has a lions share in meeting the residential house demand. Since the beginning of the construction of condominium houses for the last ten years almost 120 thousands houses are delivered to the residents. But as compared to the registered residents the number is insignificant. Though nearly one million people are registered as candidates to receive condominium houses, till now, only 10 per cent of the registered candidates have managed to receive the completed residential houses. Hence, more exertion is needed on the part of the government and other stakeholders to narrow the gap witnessed in housing market. So far, the construction has contributed a lot in beautifying the city, renewing the old residential areas and creating job opportunities for hundreds of thousands. The involvement of thousands contractors, consultants and labourers has breathed life into and added value on the construction industry.
Small-scale enterprises, engaged in metal and wood work, have gained a lot of experience, which could be an asset for their bidding capacity. Local cement industries have also gained a lot from the market created by the construction industry. Crushed stone and other inputs from local sources enjoy market. Value chain is also created. Side by side with this, the condominium construction programmes serves as a catalyst for the strengthening of saving culture in urban centres. As mentioned above, the demand for residential house is one of the best basic needs to human beings. The United Nations Convention with regard to residential house has clearly underlined that access to conducive and affordable house for citizens as fundamental human right. Thus, our house construction should notice such rights. On the other hand, according to the recent World Bank study, urban centres in Ethiopia contribute 23 per cent for job creation and to utilize such resource for the economic growth workers should get residential houses suitable for life. When they get their own house they could save money which can be invested for the future of the country. Inadequate house supply has a drawback on socio-economic progress. Therefore, constructing houses in a speedy pace should be a priority agenda.
In sum, urbanization without sufficient and modern housing gives way for the expansion of slum areas, which are a source of anti-social activities. Hence, to curb the possible danger and to achieve meaningful economic progress, accelerating residential house supply should be strengthened.