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Since I got back from Massachusetts I have been trying to write fiction for half an hour, every day. I have been running three times a week. I have been spending time with the kids, both of whom obviously need to see more of me. The high-pitched shrieking is a dead giveaway. I’m intuitive like that. Everything but the daily writing is pretty well-established habit. It’s always surprising, though, how the addition of just one more thing throws everything else out of rhythm.
I remember this vividly from the last round of serious riding. David, my instructor, would change the angle of my wrist or the set of my shoulder, and suddenly I wouldn’t be able to sit Noah’s trot any more. Every incremental improvement throws you off the plateau of mere competence and into disorder, before you reach a new and higher plateau.
Not to complain. I greatly enjoyed Emma Bull’s new novel Territory, set in Tombstone, Arizona just before the gunfight at the OK Corral. It had the disadvantage, for a non-American reader, of assuming familiarity with the source material; but this actually worked in my favour, for the same reason I usually enjoy mainstream movies more if I can contrive to miss the first act. It amuses me to fill in the gaps of the exposition, and I get restless if there are no gaps.
Genre writers are much better at this than a lot of the self-regarding hacks over there in lit fic. The best genre writers, like Bull, assume a sky-high level of sophistication among their readers, and by God it moves the plot along. I love having to pay attention. It is the opposite of being pandered to. And when I do find the way into the characters and plot, this is the kind of writing that disappears into itself, so that I’m not reading any more but floating over the character’s right shoulders, seeing what they see. Man, I could take that to the bank. There should be more of it.
J has succumbed to local values to the point of buying a flat-screen TV. My condition for this was the first season of Deadwood, which dovetails beautifully with Bull’s book. I’m always surprised at how late the Wild West was; both Deadwood and Territory are set in the 1870s. I sort of think of it in conjunction with the First Fleet or at least the early Colonials, when I should be thinking of Ned Kelly and the Ashes. Like everyone else I am findng Al Swearengen a spellbinding character, but problematic in terms of my own work. How sheltered am I, that I tend to leave people like that out?
Anyway, back to Territory: it handles magic in a fairly low-key way, but it still wasn’t low-key enough for me. Everyone who critiqued me at Viable Paradise wanted, understandably enough, to draw out the fantastic (fantasy-ish? fantastical. You know what I mean) elements of my story; they were also very good at pointing out all the fantastical stuff that was already there. I do want to keep my comet and my fever-dreams, not for their own sake but because they are so good at illustrating characters.
There’s a good bit in Cory’s review of God’s Mechanics:
I think that our experience of the numinous is both undeniable and entirely biological: the state of spiritual peace is the result of tickling some evolved center of our brain, a bit of neurology that conferred a survival advantage on our ancestors whose numinous hallucinations of a higher order in the universe drove them to catch more antelopes, eat better, and have more babies.
I had lunch with Seth today, and we talked about this in terms of people who are hypersensitive to non-verbal clues being exceptionally good at cold reading, to the point where if they don’t realize what they are doing, they might very easily persuade themselves that they are psychic. This ties into the idea of confabulation as the frontal lobes’ post-facto rationalization of decisions already made by the mammalian or reptilian brains.
I think ideaspace, intuition, magic and our experience of the numinous all live in the pre-verbal parts of our brains. I think it’s what Natalie Goldberg means when she talks about Wild Mind, and what Laura Mixon means when she talks about the beast. I think it’s where muscle memory goes when you’ve re-acquired your balance after your sadistic riding instructor is all done messing you up. I’m looking forward to re-acquiring my balance. Come on, monkey-brain. Talky is in trouble and needs your help!


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This is a few days old but makes for a good discussion. ESPN assembled a panel of experts to rank who have been the best 75 players in NCAA Tournament history. The list includes seven Tar Heels with Tyler Hansbrough the highest ranked UNC player on the list at #25. Here are the UNC representatives from the list.
25. Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Hansbrough was one of the hardest playing players in the history of college basketball. He never took a play off. He ran the floor consistently, pursued every rebound and played through contact. He had an insatiable desire to win and imposed his will on the game every night. He averaged 18.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in his NCAA tournament career, leading North Carolina to a national championship in 2009, as well as a Final Four (2008) and an Elite Eight (2007) appearance. --Seth Greenberg
35. James Worthy, North Carolina
Freshman Michael Jordan hit the famous shot that won Tar Heels coach Dean Smith his first national championship in 1982, but Worthy was the best player on the floor for UNC in its 63-62 win over Georgetown in the national championship game at the Louisiana Superdome. With the Hoyas leading 62-61 with 32 seconds left, Smith called a timeout to set up a play. The play was designed for the ball to be lobbed to Worthy in the paint. If he wasn't open, the ball was to go to Jordan for a jumper. The Hoyas sagged on Worthy, and Jordan hit the winner with 17 seconds to play. Georgetown still had time for another shot, but Fred Brown famously threw the ball into Worthy's hands. Worthy finished with 28 points on 13-for-17 shooting and was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player. -- Mark Schlabach
39. Lennie Rosenbluth, North Carolina
The All-America forward led North Carolina to an undefeated 32-0 season in 1957, scoring 20 points in a three-overtime thriller in which the Tar Heels beat Wilt Chamberlain's Kansas Jayhawks 54-53 to win UNC's first national title. At 6-foot-5, Rosenbluth wouldn't be considered a big man by today's tall standards, but he sure played big, averaging 28 points over five tournament games that season. He still holds multiple Tar Heels records and can still be found today at UNC games, urging the current Tar Heel post players to use the backboard. -- Robbi Pickeral
57. Michael Jordan, North Carolina
Michael Jordan won six NBA titles and five MVP awards, but the greatest player in basketball history often wonders what would have happened if he hadn't have made that shot back in 1982. Jordan was only 19 then, a reserve guard for North Carolina who found himself with the ball in the waning seconds of the NCAA title game against Georgetown. With his team trailing by one point, Jordan rose up from the wing and swished a jumper with 17 ticks remaining. Neither team would score again in UNC's 63-62 victory, meaning Jordan had propelled the Tar Heels to the NCAA title with one flick of the wrist. Jordan -- who won the Wooden Award two years later -- has said the shot was the taking-off point of a career that would be defined by clutch performances and championships. -- Jason King
64. Ty Lawson, North Carolina
Teammate Wayne Ellington was named MOP of the 2009 Final Four, when the Tar Heels won coach Roy Williams a second national title. But UNC might never have made it there without the speedy point guard. After missing three straight games with a toe injury that had the Tar Heel fan base monitoring his every foot twitch, Lawson scored 21 second-half points in his round of 32 return against LSU. He went on to average a team-high 20.8 points with 34 assists, 16 steals and just seven turnovers during that tournament run. He was 12-2 in the NCAA tournament for his career. -- Robbi Pickeral
68. Sean May, North Carolina
May recorded 26 points on 10-for-11 shooting and 10 rebounds in the 2005 NCAA title game to wrap up MOP honors and earn coach Roy Williams his first national title. It was a bounce-back moment for a UNC program that hadn't even made the tournament in in 2002 and 2003 under Matt Doherty, leading to the return of Williams. And it was a historic one for May -- whose father, Scott, was a star forward on Indiana's undefeated 1976 title team. Sean averaged 22.3 points in the NCAA tournament during his title season, leading to his early departure for the pros. -- Robbi Pickeral
69. Sam Perkins, North Carolina
In 1982, the smooth big man was a big piece of one of the most memorable college basketball teams ever assembled, joining James Worthy and Michael Jordan to earn Dean Smith his first national title. Perkins recorded 10 points and seven rebounds in the championship win over Georgetown -- after notching 11 points and eight rebounds against Indiana in the NCAA title game loss the year before. He averaged 15.7 points in leading the Tar Heels to a regional final in 1983. -- Robbi Pickeral
Not much argument with the included players. The two notable names left off the list for UNC were Wayne Ellington and Donald Williams, both Most Oustanding Players for national title teams. In particular, Ellington averaged 15.2 ppg in 15 NCAA games. During the 2009 title run, Ellington averaged 19.1 ppg and went 17-32 from three(53%). Obviously Lawson's 2009 numbers were slightly better and including Ellington becomes an exercise in "who do you take off?" Given Kansas' Mario Chalmers didn't even make the list, it stands to reason there are always going to be worthy players not included in a list of this nature.
That being said, considering only the NCAA Tournament games, is there an argument for Wayne Ellington's inclusion over Michael Jordan?

domain: sports


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Not only did we set out to see Europe in a short time, but also to travel on a shoestring.
First, we dealt with the latter.
No, we did not join a guided tour like in this photo:
But we made our own, and followed the trail of the different locations in the city where the movie was set. Contrary to how it looks in the film, the Von Trapp family home was actually shot in different places in the city.
We hopped from one place to another, but definitely not on and off the bus.
The Mozart experience happened on Christmas eve.
*This is part of a 68-Day Travel Diary called Reflections of a Nearly Thirty. Read the full Reflections Series here.

domain: travel


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- The unique dotted pattern is created by dipping the vase into a glaze with small pigment dots that make all vases slightly different.
- Use the vase with flowers or alone, as a beautiful object in its own right.
- Stoneware, Coloured glaze.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- H 21 cm
Product was made from ceramic stoneware with a slight glossy finish.
SKU: 1044222912011 Category: Accessories

domain: artistic


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Salsa Madre with Basil
- Size – Net WT 11.6 Oz (330g)
- Ingredients: tomato 99,3%, salt, and basil.
- Free shipping
Would you like to receive this product regularly? Learn more about Auto-Reorder.
This basic "mother" sauce is your pasta sauce base. Containing just beautiful Apulian tomatoes, basil, and salt, this sauce is a great foundation for your own tomato sauce recipe.
No additives or preservatives.
Recommendations for use: add to your soffritto of onion or garlic in olive oil and cook for 15-20 minutes. Drain your pasta al-dente and add pasta to the sauce. Toss in a pan while continuing to cook. Add grated cheese and serve.
About Perchè Ci Credo
QUESTIONS & ANSWERSAsk a Question
Is the salsa madre sauce mixed with something else in addition to the Sofrito? Would it only be enough for less than a pound of pasta?
The "salsa madre" (mother sauce in English) is the basis for any other salsa. It only contains tomato sauce, salt, and basil. You may add the soffritto, your choice of vegetables, meat or fish to the sauce. Or just add it to the pasta. It depends on your taste, but this should be enough for at least 1.3 lb of pasta.
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domain: food


Business rates holiday extended to all retailers during COVID-19 pandemic
As the Coronavirus pandemic escalates across the UK and the rest of the world, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has moved to provide financial aid to retailers of all shapes and sizes with emergency fiscal measures relating to business rates.
During Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget 2020 speech, he confirmed some retailers would be made exempt from paying a penny in business rates during the 2020/21 financial year.
This exemption was aimed at supporting the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors; particularly the smallest firms within retail units with a rateable value of below £51,000. These firms would also be made eligible for immediate cash grants up to £25,000, with a view to covering commercial rents during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Less than ten days after Budget 2020, the Chancellor has been forced to act further still in a bid to underpin employers and save tens of thousands of jobs across the country.
Mr Sunak confirmed that the 12-month business rates holiday would be extended to all retailers, giving larger retailers a much-needed boost as well as small and independent retailers.
Local councils will be required to distribute revised business rates bills during the coming days to those who qualify for the exemption, confirming that no business rates will be payable from April onwards.
In addition, the UK government has also expanded various grants to eligible retailers for Small Business Rate Relief from £3,000 to £10,000.
The Chancellor has also provided a minimum of £330 billion to businesses big and small in the form of government-backed loans and guarantees, designed to help retailers and firms in other sectors to cover the cost of salaries, stock, rent and suppliers.
“This is not a time for ideology and orthodoxy, this is a time to be bold, a time for courage,” said Sunak.
“I want to reassure every British citizen this government will give you all the tools you need to get through this.
“That means any business who need access to cash to pay their rent, their salaries, suppliers or purchase stock will be able to access a government-backed loan or credit on attractive terms.
“And if demand is greater than the initial 330 billion I’m making available today, I will go further and provide as much capacity as required. I said whatever it takes, and I meant it.”
The government has also embarked upon an unprecedented step to cover the cost of many private-sector wages for employers. Mr Sunak revealed the government will pay 80% of staff wages for employees furloughed due to the pandemic, up to £2,500 a month.
The Chancellor described these measures as “unprecedented” in the nation’s history but are deemed necessary to ensure the UK economy can return to a semblance of normality once the peak of the pandemic has passed.
Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), labelled the intervention a “landmark” proposal from the government.
“It marks the start of the UK’s economic fightback – an unparalleled joint effort by enterprise and government to help our country emerge from this crisis with the minimum possible damage,” said Fairbairn.


Government of Kerala has published recruitment notice to fill the vacant posts of Coordinator / Field Investigator/ Data Entry Operator in Drugs Control Department. This engagement is purely on contract basis. Students having Bachelors and Graduation Degree are eligible to apply for this recruitment. Selected candidates will get the salary of Rs. 15,000-45,000/- Per Month.
Who is eligible to apply for this post?
Students having Bachelors and Graduation Degree are eligible to apply for this post
How much you can earn from this post?
Selected candidates have brilliant opportunity to earn Rs. 15,000-45,000/- Per Month
Dead line to apply for this post?
Interested and Eligible candidates can apply till 12th March 2019
Further details regarding to this job like: Educational Qualification, Salary, Age Limit, Selection Process etc. are mentioned below. All eligible and interested candidates filling all the qualifying criteria are requested to apply before the last date. Applications submitted after the due date will not be entertained.
Applicants willing to apply for this recruitment must have a look to the details given below:
Drugs Control Department, Government of Kerala Coordinator / Field Investigator/ Data Entry Operator Job Details 2019
Name of Post- Coordinator / Field Investigator/ Data Entry Operator
Name of Organization- Drugs Control Department, Government of Kerala
Last date- 12th March 2019
Total Posts- 05
|Name of Post||No. of Posts||Qualification||Salary||Age Limit|
|Coordinator||01||Bachelors Degree in Pharmacy||Rs. 45,000/-||50 years as on 14/01/2019|
|Field Investigator||02||Bachelors Degree in Pharmacy||Rs. 25,000/-||35 years as on 14/01/2019|
|Data Entry Operator||02||Graduation Degree in science||Rs. 15,000/-||35 years as on 14/01/2019|
How to Apply: Eligible candidates can send their complete applications with detailed CV and all certificates at the address mentioned below till 12th March 2019
Address: At the Member Secretary, Drugs Control – Kerala
Click here for more recruitment of Kerala
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An innovative collaboration between scientists is discovering how, 700 years ago, a mysterious, prehistoric culture overcame its landscape’s harsh constraints. The findings may tell a cautionary tale for today’s Southwest.
There’s more carbon locked up in the high north’s permafrost than the combined total released into the atmosphere by humans. The big melt going on right now in the Arctic could trigger a train of catastrophic events across the world.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has issued voluntary federal guidelines to minimize the impact of wind power facilities on wildlife by approving them in the right places. Audubon is doing its part, too.
A Canadian-based company is bluffing and bullying its way through six states so it can pump the world’s dirtiest oil through a 1,661-mile-long pipeline that crosses some of our most fragile wildlife habitats and lies inside earth’s largest underground reservoir.
Welcome to the new era of “megafires,” which rage with such intensity that no human force can put them out. Their main causes, climate change and fire suppression, are fueling a heated debate about how to stop them.
Maytag’s departure left a small Iowa town’s economy reeling. Today, however, workers are building wind machines instead of washing machines, and validating studies about the enormous potential of green-collar jobs.
With the clock running out in January, the Bush administration, ignoring the concerns of its own scientists and possibly breaking federal law, looks to open a vital stretch of Arctic habitat to offshore oil and gas drilling. So much for saving endangered bears.
Not even a tragic accident could derail two young men’s inspiring project to study one of North America’s least-understood birds. Their groundbreaking research is helping ornithologists understand how to help these birds as a warming climate alters their mountain home.
Right here in North America could lie the answer to our energy needs. But at what cost? Mining the tar sands of Alberta threatens to strip the world’s largest intact forest of its ability to hold carbon and to wipe out the breeding grounds for millions of birds.


Music video by Hinder performing Get Stoned. (C) 2007 Universal Records, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
Hinder is an American rock band from Oklahoma that was formed in 2001 by drummer Cody Hanson, guitarist Joe Garvey, and singer Austin Winkler. The band was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
"Get Stoned" is the debut single of Oklahoma rock band Hinder. It charted at #4 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the United States. It was the iTunes free song of the week in the summer of 2005. It is also the first track from their debut album, Extreme Behavior. The hook of this song consists of a section of the guitar solo from "Born to Be Wild" by the band Steppenwolf, which Hinder later covered. The track also bears a strong resemblance to "Dream On" by Aerosmith, though much heavier than the aforementioned song.
More information on this artist is available in the last.fm tabs below.


Holiday Beach photo SUMMER HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!!!
New Model Black Chassis RH Shuttle Manitou MT1235s
2007 TEREX GENIE GTH3512, Only 2800 hours, 3500kg lift with 12 meter reach, Deutz 4 cylinder Turbo charged engine, Hydrostatic Transmission, 4X4, 4WS, Very good condition throughout, Has just been fully serviced and is ready for work, Must be seen.
2011 BOBCAT T2250, 4WD, 4WS, 2.2 Tonne Lift, 5 Meter reach, Comes with Forks, Bucket and optional Shear Grab, Very compact and Low profile machine, Just been fully serviced, Very Tidy
2007 CASE CX 130 13t Excavator


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Both cannabinoids synthesised naturally (endocannabinoids) and those absorbed from plants like CBD (phytocannabinoids) interact with receptors located throughout our body to help our various systems and processes to maintain balance.
And it would appear that this does include thyroid function.
Scientists have discovered that there are cannabinoid receptors located on the cells on the thyroid gland, as well as within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) which is an area of the brain that sends signals to the thyroid and regulates its activities.
The presence of cannabinoid receptors on the thyroid and in regions of the brain that send signals to the thyroid suggests that CBD and other cannabinoids can influence the health and performance of the gland.
A 2002 study found evidence that CB1 receptors regulate the release of thyroid hormones tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and that administering cannabinoids to subjects can influence their hormonal activity.
So while it remains unclear how CBD’s influence on cannabinoid receptors may impact conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, the presence of cannabinoid receptors in related areas of the body (and their apparent influence on thyroid health and function) suggests that CBD may possibly have therapeutic application for these conditions.

domain: medical


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It is a punning reference to the phrase ‘trip the light fantastic’, which means (per The Phrase Finder)
To dance, especially in an imaginative or 'fantastic' manner.
The phrase seems to arise from the works of Milton, in Comus he wrote, as you have already seen,
Come, knit hands, and beat the ground,
In a light fantastic round.
And in L’Allegro
In-universe the "light fantastic" is an actual, factual thing.
There was no real need for the torches. The Octavo filled the room with a dull, sullen light, which wasn’t strictly light at all but the opposite of light; darkness isn’t the opposite of light, it is simply its absence, and what was radiating from the book was the light that lies on ...
As Aurorar0001 says, Watership Down is a real place name in Hampshire, England. The following comments are meant to shed some light on the origin of this place name.
The second part, Down, is a noun and here has a meaning similar to 'hill'. To quote the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a down is "an undulating usually treeless upland with sparse soil — ...
The light that Pratchett refers to is Octarine.
This is defined in the Discworld books as the eighth colour of the spectrum and the colour of magic. "The Colour Of Magic" itself being a title of another book in the series.
This is fantastic because its existence is part of the Discworld fantasy universe. Pratchett is very fond of such puns and ...
One of the central themes of the story is how the protagonist's daughter closely resembles his wife at a similar age. He begins the story by describing his relationship with his wife, all the way from the beginning to now, particularly dwelling on the sexual parts. This segues naturally into discussing his daughter, whose teenage self he introduces into the ...
Well, the answer is a lot less scandalous than I thought.
Apparently, the reason why the title is different in the U.S. is that another book called The Seven Husband of Evelyn Hugo was being released right around the same time, and publishers wanted the book to not be confused with the very similar title of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. As Stuart ...
I'm wondering if the claim you heard was a conflation of a few things.
I could find two sources online stating that the title of Why Didn't They Ask Evans was something Christie overheard. The first is this IMDB review from 2013, which claims:
The title of the book actually came from a conversation Ms. Christie
overheard coming out of a movie theater, and ...
It's 'The Light(noun) Fantastic(adjective)'
That's how it is used both in Milton:
On the light (noun) fantastic (adjective) toe (verb)
and how this construction is generally rendered in English. Examples:
The Brothers (noun) Grimm (adjective)
The Brothers (noun) Karamazov (adjective)
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean (noun) blue (adjective)
A Tale (noun)...
In an edition published in 1909,
Israel Gollancz simply notes in a gloss to Mamillius's words in Act II, scene 1,
"A sad tale's best for winter", hence the title of the play. - I[srael] G[ollancz]
Many other editors say essentially the same thing.
In addition, Israel Gollancz writes in the preface to the same edition,
The subject of Vega’s poem is the disastrous expedition of Francis Drake against the Spanish colony of Panamá in Central America, where he met his death of dysentery in 1596. ‘Drake’ of course means ‘dragon’, and Vega combined this with ‘tea’, meaning ‘fire-torch’ in Spanish, to produce an image of the English sailor as a fire-breathing dragon:
Como el ...
One example is Icelandic sagas. Two of the most famous such are Egil's Saga and Njal's Saga, bearing personal names. Others, such as Laxdæla saga have place names in their titles.
The examples of the Iliad and Odyssey from another cultural tradition show the same mix: place name and personal name, respectively, in this case.
In classical Greek literature ...
This is quintessential Tolstoy the man, Tolstoy the philosopher. The point is not to judge or second-guess God's actions. He has His own ways, and we can only be sure that He knows everything.
The argument is the same as one of those put forth today against death penalty: wrongful convictions do happen, even in the face of 'hard evidence', and when (if!) ...
Winter afforded plenty of time to sit around and tell each other stories, since there was a lot less work and the weather was inclement. The popular tales were often unrealistic fairy tales or similar stories. It's alerting the audience to expect such a story.
The title is obviously also a homage to, or play on, Rabbit Redux by Updike. The word redux has been more commonly used since its publication.
Wiktionary says this:
The word may have re-entered popular usage in the United States with the 1971 publication of the novel Rabbit Redux by John Updike, although it had previously been used in medicine,...

domain: literature


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Gelatin Gummies | Energizing Snack to Build Collagen
EAT 1-2 HOURS BEFORE TRAINING OR COMPETITION
It's 1-2 hours until you train or compete and this is the time to be eating an energizing snack like the 4P Gelatin Gummies. Not only is it a super easy recipe that is delicious, it has energizers to make sure your muscles are ready to train or compete hard!
LET'S GET COOKING!
(per 8 serving)
1/2 C Gelatin
3 C Vitamin C Rich Juice
8 tsp honey
Bring juice and sugar to a boil.
Add the hot juice to the gelatin and whisk until dissolve
Pour gelatin mixture into molds or an 8” square pan
Place in the fridge to set (about 1 hour)
Cut into 8 pieces
Eat one piece 30-60 minutes before training
TIP FROM ET4P
For athletes who are just practicing their sport, they might get stiff tendons putting them at a risk of injury. We don’t want stiff tendons and that is why functional training is so important. Luckily, you can consume gelatin through your diet before functional training to help build collagen and make ligaments, bones and tendons stronger, and reduce your risk of injury.
Made this recipe? Tell us what you thought!


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The Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF), launched in 1973, is a major international arts festival committed to enriching the cultural life of the city by presenting annually in February and March leading local and international artists in all genres of the performing arts as well as a diverse range of "PLUS" and educational events.
HKAF is a non-profit organisation. Secured government baseline funding for the Festival in 2017 represents roughly 14% of the HK$120 million budget, with another 9% specially provided by the Government for programmes celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the HKSAR. Around 28% of the Festival’s income comes from the box office, and another 32% comes from sponsorships and donations from corporations, individuals, and charitable foundations. It is anticipated that the remaining 17% will come from the Government’s new matching scheme, which matches income generated through private sector sponsorships and donations.
Your generous support will enable the Festival to continue to bring top international artists to Hong Kong, nurture local talents, encourage cultural exchange and provide more quality arts education events for the younger generation.
SponsorshipBecome a partner of the city’s premier arts event
Patron's ClubEnjoy unique privileges provided by the Festival
DonationsBecome a Festival Donor
AdvertisingIncrease your corporate or product brand visibility
FestClubBecome a FestClub Member
45th Anniversary Limited Edition Tea Leaves Gift SetCelebrating the 45th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Arts Festival, we are delighted to present our Limited Edition Tea Leaves Gift Set specially selected by LockCha Tea House Limited, which includes an exclusive Festival Blend of Pu'er with Preserved Tangerine Peel and a selection of four Chinese teas, to enjoy and to share. Click here to find out more and order now!
To place an order, please send the completed order form with crossed cheque to Development Department, Hong Kong Arts Festival Society Ltd, Rm 1205, 12/F, 2 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong. Form can be faxed to (852) 2824 3798 for payment by credit card.
For enquiries, please contact the Development Department by phone at (852) 2828 4910/11/12, by fax at (852) 2824 3798 or by email at email@example.com.


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When Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol, the humble waitress from middle-of-nowhere Texas embodied the rags-to-riches story that has become the hallmark of the reality show.
An obscure but talented singer is plucked from the heartland of America, moves to Hollywood and is launched into pop superstardom. It was Southern single mom Fantasia in Season 3 and Oklahoma farm girl Carrie Underwood a year later.
But that looks unlikely this year.
Season 7, which producers call the most "talented" year ever, is stocked with finalists all too familiar with fame. For some, their stint on Idol is their second or even third shot at the big time.
Before Top 24 finalist Carly Smithson's audition even aired, she became the season's first controversy. Instead of a rap sheet or racy photos, it was the news that the Irish singer released a major-label album in 2001, along with a $2 million marketing campaign, that set the Internet abuzz. While not a household name (her album sold fewer than 400 copies in its first three months), Smithson hardly qualifies as an amateur.
Some Idol fans have explained the trend as an overreaction to Sanjaya Malakar, last year's dud of a singer. But Joe Reid, a managing editor for the Web site Television Without Pity who covers American Idol, isn't fazed by this latest wave of "professional" contestants.
"All through the years, they've had people in bands, with performing experience, with pageant experience," he said. "The difference with Carly Smithson is she's getting all the attention because of the $2 million mark that's on her; that's an eye-catching number."
Reid said that it's performing experience - in whatever venue - that's going to give contestants an advantage, not studio time or dealings with record labels.
"As a viewer, the so-called `ringers' are actually beneficial because you end up with better singers, better performers and more confident performances," he said.
And Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe said Friday that the idea of the show being only for newcomers is a fallacy since the rules simply state that contestants can't currently be under contract with a label.
"Nobody said this is an amateur competition. This is something that people are making up for themselves," he said in a conference call. "It doesn't matter if you've had a professional contract."
But Eric Gehler of Richmond, Va., who runs the fan site idol-ma nia.com, isn't convinced about the experienced contestants.
"If you polled most Americans who watch the show, it's always been about finding that `undiscovered talent,'" he said, "and the current Top 24 is definitely not new."
Reid acknowledges that the professional vs. amateur question is a hot topic on his site's reader forums.
"[The] Idol boards are overflowing with outraged people, but they are every year," he said. "There's always someone `unworthy.'"
But, Reid said: "I have a feeling it's all going to end up coming out on the show anyway. ... Except maybe for Carly, because why would you sell your product as something that's been a failure?"
That would make Gehler feel better about the season.
"If they do reveal the background of the contestants this week, it will give them more credibility," he said.
Pop music critic Rashod D. Ollison and wire reports contributed to this article.

domain: entertainment


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Paparazzi "Sonoran Spiral" Black Bead Tribal Pattern Silver Tone Earrings
Stamped in spiraling patterns, an antiqued silver frame swings from the ear in a dizzying fashion. A dainty black bead is pressed into the center of the frame, adding a colorful finish to the tribal inspired palette. Earring attaches to a standard fishhook fitting.
Sold as one pair of earrings.
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text:
Sweet & Sassy Sugar Nellie
I have a sweet Sugar Nellie image to share with today, from the super talented pen of Krista Smith. This image is from her Simply Sassy range available from Funky Kits. I loved this image called Tiffany, the moment I saw it and have wanted to colour it up for ages. I had no one in mind when I made up this card, which is unusual for me, as I make my cards for friends and family and usually have someone specific in mind when I'm creating. But I just wanted to 'play' and sweetly, my niece had a party to go to and popped in to see me just before going. She still needed to get a card for the party, so I offered her this one and she was delighted to take it, so that was a happy coincidence and I was delighted, that my card found a happy home.
I have coloured this gorgeous image in with my Promarkers and added Stickles glitter glue to the skirt ruffles and hair clip. I had some gorgeous guipure lace in my stash from Wild Orchid Crafts that I thought would suit this layout really well. I love guipure lace, it's my favourite lace, it just adds that little extra 'je ne sais quoi' to a design I think. I also added some blue ribbon which I've had for a long time, I don't recall exactly where I got it from, but I love a little ribbon with my lace. The image mat was cut with a lovely Spellbinders 'Floral Oval' die. It's currently one of my favourites. I think it gives such a pretty finish to an image.
'The Arty Shot'
The papers are Nitwits from a magazine freebie, so I don't know that actual name of the papers, if you do, let me know as I'd love to download them for reprints! They're really lovely. I've used a Whimsy corner die and added a flat back pearl to finish it. Finally I added a couple of lovely heart shaped hat pins tied with pink and white bakers twine and topped with a lovely glass flower, which is from a set my baby sister sent me from America for Christmas. They are from Martha Stewart. I love the pretty hat pins, they're some of my favourite stash to use at the moment and such a bargain at only £1.30 for 30 pins from Wild Orchid Crafts. I edged the image with Angel Pink Memento ink and edged the papers with Summer Sky Memento ink. The sentiment is another freebie from a magazine which I also inked the edges in Angel Pink Memento ink.
A pretty quick and easy card. But I'm really happy with the sweet and simple layout. Most of all, I'm happy with how easy this lovely image was to colour and what a joy! So I hope the wee girlie that ended up with this card, enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed making it.
Thanks for stopping in today. I wish you a fabulous week and hope you'll pop back in again soon. Hugs, Wends x
The Sugar Bowl: #105 ~ Anything Goes with a Sugar Nellie Stamp
I Love Promarkers: #174 ~ Colour Combo - Pink & Blue
Crafts & Me: #138 ~ Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog: Anything Goes
As You Like It Challenge: #5 ~ 3 Favourite Embellishments and Why = 1. Spellbinders Nestabilities - I love all the different shapes available and the way they work so perfectly mixed together. 2. Guipure Lace - I just love this lace, it has such a pretty range of patterns available and they add such a girly pretty touch to a project. 3. Heart Shaped Hat Pins - these are so sweet to finish a card and so incredibly reasonable too!
Thank you for sharing it with us at As You Like It. Good Luck.
Thanks for joining us anti love promarkers and good luck
Thank you very much for joining us this week at the Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog!
I love this......really need to get that Spellbinder, seen it used a lot and I love it.
Hugs, Jane x

domain: design


text:
U. S. Deputy Lawyer General James Cole given a new memo that has professional medical pot dispensary owners concerned. Us president Obama’s Justice Section provides issued a new majadero that is bound to effect typically the 16 clinical marijuana areas.
Previously, Often the Obama administration signaled that it would not work with the Rights Department sources to prosecute medical cannabis patients together with caregivers. U. S. Mouthpiece Attorney Kemudian Ogden supplied a tonto that the Obama government did not want in order to use useful assets to help target marijuana dispensaries in addition to patients if they ended up obeying state legislation.
The particular U. S. Team involving Justice has now solved its position and indicated that will it will prosecute clinical marijuana patients together with dispensaries. This stunning change possesses the medical marijuana people and dispensaries in the upward roar. The minimum amount punishment under the legal system is an important five decades in imprisonment.
Under the previous Dan Ogden memo, marijuana dispensaries prospered. In the state associated with Co, dispensaries opened on a great astonishing rate. Prior to the Ogden memo there have been only 12 marijuana dispensaries inside state of Colorado. As soon as the Ogden mentecato, the number of dispensaries increase to over 800 through the state of Colorado.
Medical medical marijuana individuals and dispensary proprietor happen to be feeling betrayed using us president Obama’s new position to medical cannabis. On the advertising campaign trail in 2008, Obama individually stated that he or she would certainly not use the The legal Division to target professional medical marijuana patients and their particular caregivers as long because they were complying with express legal guidelines. The medical marijuana community is already under attack in addition to in some sort of state of panic.
Marijuana dispensary masters are now with program code red alert. At any time, the federal government came occur and shut them down. They may be organizing with his or her patients to protest and raids the fact that may possibly occur from any kind of federal organizations. These ideas include things like obtaining patients appear during almost any raids along with picket indication to help carry consideration to this new plan. Patients are encouraged to contact their localized advertising, television station, radio stop and to video tape any law enforcement come across.
Will this do any fine? Only South Africa Marijuana will inform but its much better than just staying below the adnger zone and even intending things will change. The particular medical weed movement has brought to fight every phase of the technique together with they are not about to prevent now. They only method to try for you to gain traction is to take this new position to the public.
The dispensary owners are trying to power the federal government out connected with the medicine cabinets of the patients. They face severe outcomes to continue to help serve their patients. Unquestionably, you will have some dispensary owners which will shut down plus close shop. But at this time there will be those that improve to the problem and open and grow their recent operation.
Intended for now dispensary owners are usually informed to keep a minimal profile. That means switch off this neon set leaf’s and cancel the particular newspaper marketing. Good good fortune to the fearless pot dispensary owners the fact that select to stay open.

domain: law


text:
By Cindy Skrzycki
Special to The News
MONTREAL, Quebec – This is not a visit. This is a long-term stay in Canada. It’s more than crossing the Peace Bridge to visit the Chinese food icon, Ming Teh, in Fort Erie.
This is daily life in Montreal, the largest city in Quebec, and I’m a semi-resident working at a Canadian institution, McGill University. Until June, my husband and I are fellows there, teaching at a new graduate program.
This has been, since late August, an immersive dip into one of Canada’s most interesting provinces, and its most distinctive city, places that have been both wrecked and enriched by its differences from the rest of Canada.
Language, nationalism and resentment in the other nine provinces over Quebec’s francophone culture lend a sharp flavor to every aspect of life here: The school system, the food, public policies, community expectations, how people dress and comport themselves, and the official spoken language – French.
Montreal is a gastronomic and cultural display case. There are giant open-air markets with locally grown foods, flowers, pastries, sausages, seafood, cheese and just about anything you would like to put on your table or in your stomach. Cafes and croissants abound.
In just one neighborhood, there are multiples of Greek and Italian restaurants and the remarkably sweet, flat Montreal bagels taken out of an open-hearth oven at St-Viateur Bagel Shop, open 24 hours a day. Orthodox Jews and millennials are regulars.
One of my first Canadian experiences beyond Ontario was a summer trip to Montreal. I was in grade school. My parents mostly wanted to see Saint Joseph's Oratory, a basilica on Mount Royal. It is the largest church in Canada and a reminder that French Quebec once was dominated by the church in ways personal and professional.
Now, throughout the city, there are empty convents, huge beautiful sprawling pieces of property ringed with small windows, each signaling that one nun may have lived in one small room.
Religious observance in Montreal has all but disappeared, in large measure because of a backlash against the near-absolute power wielded by the clergy and because of the way orphaned children and indigenous people were abused. There are lasting scars.
The face of Montreal is language tolerance, though many Americans believe only French is spoken in Montreal. Not so.
Some 21% of Montrealers are trilingual, speaking French, English and a mother tongue, making Montreal Canada’s most trilingual city, according to Statistics Canada. A much higher percent said they have knowledge of French and English. The transition for some is completely fluid.
In fact, it is often hard to get people in the city to speak any French to someone who obviously speaks English. Hence, the salutation, “Bonjour, Hi.”
But in Saint-Sauveur-des-Monts, a charming village only about an hour north of the city, there is an abundance of ski areas, but little English rolls off the tongue. Best to order your poutine in French.
Most Americans think little of and about Canada. When they do, they often are in error. I thought I knew a good bit about Canada and Montreal. I did not.
They would not know there is an urban culture outside of New York City where it is normal to walk everywhere, every day. You can ride a graffiti-free subway system; pedal miles in the city on paved bike paths; and enjoy largely spotless streets.
(Let’s not talk, however, about the dreadful conditions of the city streets. It’s way beyond Buffalo-level potholes.)
Other things Americans might be surprised about: There are guns in Canada and people use them to bad ends. There are divisions about taxes and spending. Quebec passed a law this summer forbidding the wearing of religious garb and headwear. Montreal opposed it before it was passed.
The federal election was held here on Oct. 21, and its results exposed the fissures among Canadians – a dramatic contrast from the soft, gauzy view that Americans cultivate of Canada as a place of order and contentment where everyone gets along.
The electorate gave the young and handsome Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party a minority of seats in Parliament, forcing him to form a government that depends on the support of the New Democratic Party and the Greens, also left leaning. He lost the popular vote.
The opposition Conservative Party made sure everyone knew about Trudeau’s serious missteps, such as an inexplicable stunt of applying blackface and brownface at parties when he was in his late 20s.
Some consider the results a reasonable outcome. The vote sent the message that Trudeau did not perform up to expectations in his first term as prime minister and did not care enough about the concerns of the entire country.
Voters here, by and large, do not expect, condone or get excessively whipped up by candidates’ bad behavior; maybe that’s why it’s not so much in the candidate playbook. Debates are run only in French and then only in English.
The government relentlessly encourages voting during the six-week election period (you heard me right) with ad campaigns on television, Twitter and taking ballots to people who are in the hospital.
Some 66% of registered voters turned out. The tally for Americans voting in the 2016 presidential election was far smaller.
This is a sliver of adopting Montreal for less than a year. Check back later – say during the frigid winter that will soon be here when there is less light and piles of snow. Much like my hometown, Buffalo. The change in weather – and learning what you don’t know – can change your perspective.
Cindy Skrzycki, a Buffalo native, is a former Washington Post reporter and a senior lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh.

domain: geography


We took JD on his first train journey today. The narrow gauge track sees only one train a day, making a 50 minute run to the outskirts of the city before decoupling the engine from the front, re-attaching it to the back and making the return trip. As usual there were more workers than passengers on board and the dozen or so people taking the ride were all parents with small children or train-spotters.
It would be nice to report that JD was rivetted by all this locomotive action but, if I'm honest, after ten minutes or so he found the water bottles far more interesting and preferred running up and down the carriage with the other toddlers to any of the window views! The most fun part of the trip is actually watching all the traffic that gets stopped to let our honking train cross various roads. Some onlookers even managed to exchange friendly waves.
The station master was really friendly and said that the railway was built by the French about 100 years ago. From the look of the station's instrumentation [see below] I would imagine that's right! It's hard to see how it can survive much longer though with Kunming's subway system starting to come online, and the cost of a return ticket for our journey being only 2RMB (20p). They must make a huge loss on running the service, so I think we've been wise to jump aboard when we have, before it gets cancelled for good. And, now that we know the time of the train, we may just make the trip again someday soon.
Past blog entries


|Publication number||US7748393 B2|
|Application number||US 11/447,549|
|Publication date||Jul 6, 2010|
|Filing date||Jun 5, 2006|
|Priority date||Jun 5, 2006|
|Also published as||US7905962, US20070277855|
|Publication number||11447549, 447549, US 7748393 B2, US 7748393B2, US-B2-7748393, US7748393 B2, US7748393B2|
|Original Assignee||Dipanni Helen|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (27), Referenced by (1), Classifications (19), Legal Events (3)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
1. Field of the Present Disclosure
This disclosure relates generally to washing machines and more particularly to a machine for washing produce.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
Faggard et al., U.S. Pat. No. D300,573, discloses a design for a dishwasher. Rich, U.S. 2003/0079761, discloses a hands-free, electrically operated food washing and preparation device having a fluid dispenser, such as a reservoir, a wash compartment, a motor-driven agitator, a removable food basket, and a drain for removing soiled fluid from the device. Also provided is a variety of adaptable food processing attachments for the processing of food. Haslam, U.S. Pat. No. 2,326,356, discloses a vegetable washing device comprising in combination a stationary drum adapted to receive vegetables to be washed, a water spray therein, a rotatable plate in the bottom of the drum for supporting the vegetables, ridges on the plate sloping from high portions near the circumference to low portions near its center, a rotatable brush mounted on a vertical shaft centrally of the drum above the plate, means for rotating the plate and the brush whereby the vegetables will be tumbled inwardly against the rotating brush by the ridges and sprayed during the brushing operation. Suelflow, U.S. Pat. No. 2,412,430, discloses a vegetable washing machine having a casing provided with a support adapted for mounting upon a water tank, comprising stirrups projecting from the side walls of the washing machine casing, horizontally positioned arms slidably mounted in the stirrups, means securing the arms in an adjusted position in the stirrups; jaws at the outer ends of the arms for engagement with one edge of a water tank, and vertically disposed supporting legs adjustably secured to the casing of the washing machine adapted to rest upon the bottom of a water tank. Butter, U.S. Pat. No. 3,066,333, discloses a multi-purpose washer having motor drive means, a main housing having an upper portion defining a tub, a rotatable container for material to be cleaned disposed in the tub and having one member of a rapid fastening means at the lower end thereof, a base for supporting the main housing and the container, a bottom and support plate in the main housing defining the bottom at the lower end of the tub and having the motor drive means secured to the lower side thereof, a drive means housing secured to the bottom of the support plate around the drive means, a plurality of rotatable studs having driving connections below the bottom side with the motor drive means and extending therefrom in sealed condition through the bottom and support plate, one of the studs having a member defining another member of the rapid fastening means adjacent to top side of the bottom and support plate and adjacent the lower end of the container for engagement with the one member and operative to support and rotate the container, and another of the studs being disposed at a lower level than the one of the studs for supporting an exchangeable rotatable upwardly extending material treating device below the lower end of the container. Kelly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,066,334, discloses a vegetable cleaner with an outer casing, a container within the casing for the vegetables to be cleaned, the container having a bottom and a side wall, a drive plate, means mounting the drive plate for rotation horizontally below the container and connectable to be motor driven, a series of conical discs, shafts on which the discs are mounted, means mounting the shafts in the container wall with the discs disposed within the container spaced at intervals facing inward and the shafts projecting outwardly of the container, and wheels on the outward portions of the shafts engaging to be frictionally driven by the drive plate. Reid, U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,051, discloses an apparatus for effectively washing food articles of many different varieties, especially fruits and vegetables, which conveniently can be used as a household appliance. The washing apparatus is comprised of a container for housing the food articles, an agitation system and washing system for removing undesired foreign materials from the surface of the food articles without causing bruising or damage, and a discharge system. Cook, U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,080, discloses an apparatus for tumbling and cleaning articles such as rocks, clams, potatoes, other vegetables and fruits, and the like. The apparatus has a frame with a container mounted for free rotation thereon. The container has perimetric surfaces with numerous openings therethrough for allowing an impinging jet of water or other liquid to wash the articles and carry dirt away. Fins are advantageously provided about the container for engaging the jet of liquid to thereby rotate the container so that articles being cleaned are tumbled therein. Brushing devices are included within the container to aid in removal of soil from the articles as they tumble against the brushes. Jacobson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,241, discloses a device for drying food products such as vegetables by aeration. The device includes a container having a domed cover and housing a network of tubing having a plurality of apertures through which compressed air is discharged for drying food products supported within said container in a mesh basket. The dome-shaped cover enhances air circulation by re-directing upward flowing air back down toward the enclosed food product causing certain foods such as lettuce to tumble in the resulting air stream. A pressure relief valve operates to limit pressure within the container and allow the escape of moisture laden air. In an alternate embodiment water is first allowed to flow through the tubing network and out of the tube apertures for washing the enclosed food product. Rich, U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,257, discloses a hands-free, electrically operated food washing device having a fluid dispenser, such as a reservoir, a wash compartment, a motor-driven agitator, a removable food basket, and a drain for removing soiled fluid from the device. Also provided are controls allowing a user to vary wash cycle parameters. Leblond, U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,590, discloses a device for cleaning and sanitizing objects such as food products, cartridge filter elements and other such objects that could benefit from the advantages of being circumferentially sprayed with a fluid or a cleaning solution or preferably a combination thereof. The present invention comprises an inner and outer housing body, a cover for the housing body, a rotative central member such as a base, axle or shaft, a rotative drive means for selectively rotating the rotative member, intake means to introduce one or more fluids or solutions individually or in combination into the interior of the housing body including a means for further pressurizing and peripherally directing the resulting spray towards a central point in a specific array, a containment means for placement of such items therein, and an outlet means to provide for the removal of fluid from the housing. Talisman, U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,818, discloses a refrigerated automatic fruit and vegetable washer that washes fruits and/or vegetables and stores them in a cool environment after they have been washed. A portable self-contained embodiment has a cabinet that sits on a countertop and contains a water spray system and a thermoelectric cooling system and sits on a kitchen countertop and has water inlet and drain hoses releasably connected to the sink faucet. Another self-contained embodiment fits into a lower storage compartment of a refrigerator and can be removed and placed on the countertop for the washing operation. A built-in cabinet embodiment is permanently installed in the kitchen. A wash-only embodiment is slidably received in the lower portion of a refrigerator in place of the existing vegetable crisper to be cooled by the refrigerator cooling system and is removed therefrom and placed on a countertop for the washing operation. The fruit and vegetable washer may also be built into a refrigerator as an integral component of the refrigerator. Berke et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,654, discloses a sonic fruit and vegetable washer for removing inorganic impurities and pathogens from a variety of raw fruit and vegetables. The sonic fruit and vegetable washer is comprised of a housing, a removable basket, a liquid dispenser, a filter, a sonic generator, a spray head, hydraulic values, electrical controls, a blower, and a heating element. The washer is connected to an existing faucet, and drains into a conventional kitchen sink. During a typical operation, the controls are adjusted for a particular fruit or vegetable, a fruit or vegetable is loaded into the basket, and a small amount of a preservative, cleaning agent, sweetener or vitamin or mineral is added and electrical power is applied. Water enters the washer, is filtered, and one or more wash and rinse cycles are completed. The sonic generator is active during the wash and rinse cycles to remove and flush contaminants from the washer. Thereafter, a drying cycle is completed. Corazza, WO 99/35945, discloses an apparatus for washing vegetable foodstuffs, comprising agitator means for bringing about relative motion between the vegetables immersed in a washing fluid and the washing fluid itself, characterized in that the agitator means comprise a compressed-air generator and a diffuser which diffuses the air in the washing fluid and which can be placed in the fluid beneath the vegetables being treated so that the compressed air bubbling through the fluid brings about the relative motion.
The related art described above discloses produce washers. However, the prior art fails to disclose such a washing machine with a spin dry cycle and which may be selected for high or low pressure water impingement. The present disclosure distinguishes over the prior art providing heretofore unknown advantages as described in the following summary.
This disclosure teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
A fruits and vegetables washing machine providing upper and lower baskets for holding produce and upper, mid, and lower sprayers for directing water to the produce from above and below. The upper basket is motorized to rotate to more evenly clean the produce, while the lower basket can be rolled in and out of the machine to make loading and unloading easier. The force of the spray is adjustable and the rotational speed of the motor is as well to provide for special handling of the produce. An enclosure provides a mounted for rotating about a hinge into a horizontal attitude extending away from the enclosure and thereby forming a support platform for a produce basket. A dual function conduit delivers water and electrical power to a top, central and lower stationary valves, which are fixedly supported by the dual function conduit so as to deliver water from the dual function conduit to central hubs and thereby to pairs of horizontally oriented spray batons. The spray batons each provide plural spray nozzles positioned for directing water jets at an angle suitable for propelling the batons and central hubs in rotational motion about the stationary valves. An upper spray nozzles directs the water jets primarily downwardly, a centrally positioned spray nozzle directs the water jets both upwardly and downwardly, and a lower positioned nozzle directs the water jets primarily upwardly. This provides comprehensive cleaning action within an upper basket mounted on a standoff in an upper space within the enclosure and which is positioned for receiving the water jets from the top and central stationary valves, while a lower basket mounted on plural wheels in a lower space within the enclosure is positioned for receiving the water jets from the medial and lower stationary valves. An ultraviolet emitter is used to sanitize the produce. Several water washing and spin dry cycles are stored in a control device and are selectable by a user.
A primary objective inherent in the above described apparatus and method of use is to provide advantages not taught by the prior art.
Another objective is to provide a produce washer that has a wash cycle and a spin dry cycle.
A further objective is to provide control over water pressure impingement from above and below the produce.
A still further objective is to provide such a machine with slow rotation of the produce during washing, and faster rotation during drying cycles.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the presently described apparatus and method of its use.
Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) is at least one of the best mode embodiments of the present invention In such drawing(s):
The above described drawing figures illustrate the described apparatus and its method of use in at least one of its preferred, best mode embodiment, which is further defined in detail in the following description. Those having ordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations and modifications what is described herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, it must be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as a limitation in the scope of the present apparatus and method of use.
Described now in detail is an apparatus for cleaning produce. The apparatus comprises an enclosure 10 having a door 12 in a frontal panel 14 of the enclosure 10. The door 12 is mounted for rotating about a hinge 16 into a horizontal attitude extending away from the enclosure 10 and thereby forming a support platform as shown in
The spray batons 45 each provide plural spray nozzles 46 positioned for directing water jets 50 at an angle suitable for propelling the batons 45 and central hubs 40 in rotational motion about the stationary valves 30. Developing rotational driving force by water jet directing is well known in the art. As shown in
An upper basket 60 is mounted on a standoff arm 62 in an upper space within the enclosure and is positioned for receiving the water jets 50 from the top 30 and medial 30′ stationary valves, hubs 40, batons 45 and nozzles 46. A lower basket 65 is mounted on plural wheels 66 in a lower space within the enclosure and is positioned for receiving the water jets 50 from the medial 30′ and lower 30″ stationary valves, hubs 40, batons 45 and nozzles 46.
The enclosure 10 provides a floor surface 11 slanted rearwardly in the enclosure and a drain grating 17 positioned rearwardly for receiving water from the floor surface 11, the drain grating directing the water into a drain system 18. The enclosure 10 also provides a pair of opposing ridges 19, one of which is shown in
The standoff 62 terminates with a stationary motor 70, the motor providing a non-round recess 72 for receiving an axle 64 engaged with and extending downwardly from the upper basket 60, the axle engaging the non-round recess 72 for enabling the motor 70 to drive the axle 64 and upper basket 60 in rotational motion for spin-drying produce 80 within the upper basket 60, the motor speed controlled by the controller 90.
In the preferred embodiment, an ultraviolet light emitter 100, a lamp or similar device, is mounted for directing such energy toward the produce 80. In the present disclosure, the emitter 100 is mounted in a ceiling surface 11′ of the enclosure 10 and directs its energy downwardly toward the baskets 60 and 65. Such emitters may be mounted in plural locations within the enclosure 10 so as to more fully cover all areas of the produce 80 in both the upper 60 and the lower 65 baskets. The emitter 100 is provided to kill life pathogens that may still remain on produce after being washed.
As stated, the control 90 is engaged for controlling the valves 30, 30′, 30″, and the motor 70, and it also controls the ultraviolet emitter(s) 100. The control 90 is preferably mounted within the door 12 as shown in
In addition to the upper 60 and lower 65 baskets, a small basket 69 may be used with the present apparatus, as shown in
The method for washing fruits and vegetables using the above described apparatus includes delivering water and electrical power to a motor 70 and the valves 30, 30′, 30″ within the enclosure 10. Such a delivery system (conduit 20) may be a single tube carrying water and a further single tube carrying electrical wires. The delivery system (conduit 20) may also be a pair of tubes mounted coaxially. Clearly, water is conducted to each of the valves, and electrical power is delivered to each of the valves V1-3 and also to the motor 70 and ultraviolet lamp 100. Clearly, control voltages are also delivered to each of these devices to set operating conditions.
Preferably, one of the washing cycles comprises no water flow rate through the upper one of the valves 30 and one of low, medium and high water flow rate in a medial and a lower one of the valves 30′ and 30″ for washing produce 80 in only the lower basket 65.
Preferably, one of the washing cycles comprises a washing step including no water flow rate in the lower one of the valves 30″ and one of low, medium and high water flow rate in a medial and a upper one of the valves 30′ and 30″ with the motor 70 set for low rotational speed, for washing produce in the upper basket 60.
Preferably, one of the washing cycles comprises a dry-off step following the washing step, the dry-off step including zero water flow rate in all valves, and setting the motor to high rotational speed. This step may be followed by a period of time devoted to ultraviolet exposure to assure sanitizing of the produce.
Preferably, one of the washing cycles is a washing step including selected water flow rates in each of the valves and the motor set for low rotational speed, for washing fruits and vegetables in both the upper and lower baskets, followed by a dry-off step establishing zero water flow rate in all valves and a high motor rotational speed. The rotational speed of the motor 70 is set for thorough cleaning of produce by a selected impingement force due to valve flow rate. For instance, if the produce has highly resistant soils on it, the impingement force is set higher and the motor rotation is set lower. If soils are easily removed and/or the produce is easily damaged the rotational rate is set higher and the impingement forces are set lower by lower value flow through. Also, for heavy soils, the cycle time may be increased, while for light soils or merely wishing to rinse the produce, the cycle time is reduces. Preferably, the user has full control of water flow rate at each valve, motor speed rate, ultraviolet lamp cycle time, and overall cycle time.
The enablements described in detail above are considered novel over the prior art of record and are considered critical to the operation of at least one aspect of the apparatus and its method of use and to the achievement of the above described objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification: structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word or words describing the element.
The definitions of the words or drawing elements described herein are meant to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements described and its various embodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim.
Changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what incorporates the essential ideas.
The scope of this description is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that each named inventor believes that the claimed subject matter is what is intended to be patented.
|Cited Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US1703946 *||Aug 4, 1927||Mar 5, 1929||Thomas G Melish||Dishwasher|
|US2326356||Oct 16, 1941||Aug 10, 1943||Fisadco Ltd||Vegetable washing machine|
|US2412430||Jul 16, 1943||Dec 10, 1946||Felins Tying Machine Company||Vegetable washer|
|US2992779 *||Jan 5, 1960||Jul 18, 1961||Lewis A James||Dishwashing machine|
|US3066333||Mar 23, 1960||Dec 4, 1962||Ind Technik M B H Ges||Washing machine|
|US3066334||Jul 13, 1961||Dec 4, 1962||James Kelly Thomas||Vegetable cleaner|
|US3133547 *||Apr 16, 1962||May 19, 1964||Bauknecht Gmbh G||Dish-washer basket drive|
|US3807636 *||May 30, 1972||Apr 30, 1974||Gen Electric||Water-powered dishwasher|
|US3989054 *||Oct 28, 1975||Nov 2, 1976||General Motors Corporation||Dishwasher system|
|US4173051||Jun 26, 1978||Nov 6, 1979||Reid Joyce P||Vegetable washer|
|US4601080||Apr 29, 1985||Jul 22, 1986||Cook Terrence E||Washing apparatus|
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|US5437731 *||Aug 12, 1994||Aug 1, 1995||St. Martin; Marty||Method of washing produce|
|US5501241 *||Oct 27, 1994||Mar 26, 1996||Jacobson; Glenn R.||Vegetable aerating device|
|US5536329 *||May 12, 1995||Jul 16, 1996||St. Martin; Marty||Method for washing produce|
|US5927304 *||Aug 5, 1996||Jul 27, 1999||Wen; Sheree H.||Food article washer|
|US5957155 *||May 13, 1998||Sep 28, 1999||Lovejoy; Thomas A.||Wiring system for electric anti-siphon valves|
|US6508257||Sep 11, 2000||Jan 21, 2003||Sandra S. Rich||Food washing apparatus with rotary agitator and method for washing food|
|US6578590 *||Mar 21, 2001||Jun 17, 2003||Danny Leblond||Rotative cleaning and sanitizing device|
|US6640818||Mar 20, 2003||Nov 4, 2003||Rueben Talisman||Refrigerated automatic fruit and vegetable washer|
|US6871654||Jun 5, 2002||Mar 29, 2005||Berke-Tec, Inc.,||Fruit and vegetable sonic washer and method|
|US20010042557 *||Mar 5, 2001||Nov 22, 2001||Moh Chee Boon||Single chamber dishwashing machine|
|US20030079761||Nov 26, 2002||May 1, 2003||Rich Sandra S.||Apparatus and method for washing and processing food|
|US20040163685 *||Nov 26, 2003||Aug 26, 2004||Roh Hee Seok||Nozzle assembly of dishwasher|
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|CH564937A5 *||Title not available|
|CN1269195A *||Feb 8, 1999||Oct 11, 2000||姚凌||Vegetable, fruit and tableware cleaning machine|
|Citing Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US20090223543 *||Mar 9, 2009||Sep 10, 2009||Joann Herring||Produce cleaning device|
|U.S. Classification||134/111, 134/56.00R, 134/94.1, 134/57.00R, 134/200, 134/25.3, 134/58.00R, 134/198, 134/184|
|International Classification||A47J43/24, B08B9/20, B08B3/00, B08B7/04, A47L15/42|
|Cooperative Classification||A47L15/23, A23N12/02, A47J43/24|
|European Classification||A47J43/24, A23N12/02|
|Feb 14, 2014||REMI||Maintenance fee reminder mailed|
|Jun 23, 2014||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 4
|Jun 23, 2014||SULP||Surcharge for late payment|


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Blood Oxygen Level Dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD fMRI) is a brain mapping technique using deoxyhemoglobin contained in the blood vessels as an endogenous contrast agent to produce functional activation maps[1
Neural activation induces a transient increase in regional oxygen extraction from the blood that is coupled with a much larger increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV). This influx of oxygenated hemoglobin results in a net decrease in regional deoxyhemoglobin concentration. This drop in paramagnetic deoxyhemoglobin concentration leads to an increase in the magnetic relaxation times T2 and T2*. The mapping of eloquent areas is thus obtained by acquiring T2 or T2*-weighted images consecutively while the subject is at rest or performing a task, and detecting the signal increase related to the local reduction of deoxyhemoglobin concentration accompanying the functional activation relative to baseline.
fMRI studies are carried out using a gradient echo sequence with echo planar readout[2
]. This sequence is very sensitive to the static local magnetic field inhomogeneities and therefore is suitable for detection of T2* related signal changes, and at the same time allows scanning of the whole brain within one repetition time (TR) of 2-3 s. The subject performs a cognitive, sensorimotor or visual paradigm inside the bore of the MRI scanner during image acquisition. In a typical clinical fMRI paradigm, a block design is used consisting of 20-30 s blocks (a.k.a., epochs) of rest or control tasks alternating with blocks of active tasks. In this way the subject’s brain activity is usually monitored for a total duration of 200-300 s by acquiring whole brain MR images with a good spatial (typically 3 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm) and temporal resolution (e.g. 2 s). Four dimensional (3D+time) datasets are created where a signal time series is recorded and stored for each voxel. Functional activation maps are obtained by detecting areas of the brain showing a statistically significant signal increase due to the executed active task relative to the resting or control task.
To achieve this goal, a series of processing steps needs to be carried out on the fMRI dataset[3
]. First the raw images are initially time shifted so that all the slices in each whole brain acquisition (volume) that occur in one TR result as if they were acquired at the same time. Then all the volumes are registered to a reference volume to correct for small head motions. A further preprocessing step consists of spatially smoothing each voxel signal time series in order to reduce low and high frequency noise.
At this point a statistical analysis is carried out that aims to determine, voxel by voxel, the “goodness of the fit” of the signal time series to a theoretical hemodynamic response function obtained by convolving the paradigm timing with an impulse response function (Figure ). The “goodness of the fit” can be expressed through several statistical parameters, such as P-value, Z or t score or cross correlation coefficient.
Figure 1 Magnetic resonance signal time series (black line) in an activated voxel. Subject was engaged in a language phonemic task over a time period of 260 s. The red line curve represents the ideal hemodynamic response function the voxel time series was fitted (more ...)
Activation maps are generated choosing a threshold (significance) on the statistical score. The suprathreshold regions are visualized as “hot spots,” often overlaid in color and coregistered on a higher resolution anatomical MR image (Figure ).
Figure 2 Activation (colored voxels) in the Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas in a normal subject performing a phonemic fluency task. The t-score map was thresholded at 4.0 value (P < 0.001) and superimposed on a high resolution T1 weighted (more ...)
The neurobehavioral paradigms used for functional MRI studies can be divided into two categories, block-design and event-related design. Block design paradigms, which are more commonly used clinically, utilize consistent and repeated blocks of stimuli (active task) and rest (control task), often of the same duration.
In the event-related paradigm design single events are used as stimuli instead of epochs of consecutively administered multiple stimuli. Each trial is considered separately as being time locked to the beginning of the stimulus, and signal changes are explored in relation to the onset of the event generated by the trial.
Block design paradigms provide higher sensitivity for detection of statistically significant signal changes between the control and active conditions as well as allow for better patient compliance, and for these reasons are generally preferred for clinical fMRI studies[4
Introduced in the early nineties by Ogawa et al[5
], BOLD fMRI has become an extensively used imaging technique in the neuroscience community.
BOLD fMRI has been applied to the study of a broad spectrum of brain functions from simple motor and visual activities to complex language, memory and emotion and even higher-level reasoning tasks such as abstract mathematical reasoning[6
In the last decade it has made the transition from a purely research imaging technique to a viable clinical technique used primarily for presurgical planning in patients with brain tumors and other resectable brain lesions.


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Selling a business: What you should knowJune 15, 2016 4:08 pm Leave your thoughts
After starting their business, many entrepreneurs may be faced with the prospect of selling it off. Whether this is spurred by a struggle to both own and operate the business in question or simply a move to leverage the company's value and retire, there are no right or wrong reasons to consider selling. However, if you are interested in transferring ownership of a business you started, here is a few facts you should know:
"There are no right or wrong reasons to consider selling."
You don't have to sell it off entirely
If you are feeling torn about completely offloading the product of your hard work, you can opt to sell a portion of the ownership. This essentially means turning a sole proprietorship into a partnership. From there, you can draft a partnership agreement than spells out how much of the business you are selling and what roles and responsibilities are assigned to the various partners.
Keep in mind, as Forbes' Holly Magister says, that investors looking to purchase a business are often looking for a company where there entrepreneur is not an active participant in the day-to-day operations. An owner who wants to remain involved in the business should be prepared to have field bids potentially lower than the company is evaluated at. One solution is to be a non-controlling interest or silent partner in the business.
Buyers may come from within
Many entrepreneurs may find that the best person to take over their enterprise was under their nose all along. A long-time employee may be the perfect candidate to assume ownership given their familiarity with operations and the overall ethic of the business.
Clear your books and settle up
If you are downing in business debt, selling off the company may seem like an attractive option to get out from under it all. But this associated debt can make a sale less likely – or worse, derail a sale during the negotiations or closing stage. Focus on at least consolidating debts and clearing your books as best you can before you start soliciting buyers, and make sure to be totally transparent about any business debts or obligations. Not disclosing debts incurred buy the business can leave you vulnerable to a lawsuit.
Some things are included in the sale, while others aren't
Selling a business is sure to include certain assets – including logos, secret recipes, inventory, possibly a physical location. Other assets – like any patents, copyrights or inventions you used as part of daily operations – may be retained by the rights holder even if the business is sold, resulting in a need to draft a licensing agreement following the completion of the sale. Even if you sell off the company entirely, you may still be owed ongoing profits related to the use of patents or copyright.
To learn more about how to sell or purchase a business, contact The Law Offices of Donald W. Hudspeth, P.C., today.
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domain: finance


The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is optimistic about the Western Cape’s dam storage levels following significant increases due to last week’s persistent rainfall. The hydrological report from June 5th shows a combined average of Western Cape dams at 59.93%, up from 56.95% last week.
Noteworthy Improvements in Dam Storage Levels
The Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS) currently stands at 69.52%, a substantial increase from last week’s 63.44%. The Berg River Catchment has also seen an impressive rise, reaching 76.97% compared to the previous figure of 69.74%.
Increase in Individual Dam Levels
The Theewaterskloof Dam, which supplies 45% of the WCWSS Dams, is at a level of 63.80%, nearing the 66.79% recorded last year. Other dams, such as Wemmershoek, Misverstand, Eikenhof, Bulshoek, Steyttyenskloof, Steenbras Lower, and Roodefontein, have all experienced increases of over 5% this week. No decline of 5% was reported in any Western Cape dams during this period.
Caution Against Complacency
While some dam levels have surpassed their previous year’s levels, Wisane Mavasa, the DWS National spokesperson, warns against complacency. Considerable rainfall is still required to fill certain dams. As the Western Cape enters its winter rainfall season, the Department remains hopeful that predicted precipitation and cut-off lows will contribute to a continued increase in dam levels.
Positive Impact on Groundwater Levels
Mavasa also emphasized the positive impact of downpours on groundwater levels, which supply drinking water, sanitation, and food in certain areas. “We can only presume that the downpours also recharged dam levels, as groundwater’s impact can be seen everywhere despite its invisibility,” Mavasa said.
Responsible Water Usage
The DWS urges all citizens to actively avoid using products that contaminate or degrade the quality of soil and water beneath it and to use groundwater efficiently.
With the Western Cape experiencing a notable increase in dam level storage, it is crucial that both residents and organizations continue to use water resources responsibly. This progress presents a positive step forward in safeguarding water and sanitation services for the entire region. The Department of Water and Sanitation remains committed to monitoring the situation and sharing updates on water and sanitation developments in the Western Cape.


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Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition which effects the emotions of an individual after a traumatic event, and persists by promoting stress and anxiousness throughout the body in everyday life. Seeking PTSD help can often be confusing because of the many sources available, however, the best PTSD help revolves around addressing the core issue which triggered the condition and releasing it. Sources of PTSD help are available to aid a person's journey into a new world of trust and hope. Tackling issues firsthand, rather than trying to ignore them, is what makes most PTSD resources unique and helpful.
Traumatic events can happen throughout life and a person's emotional strength determines whether he or she will be able to handle these issues effectively. Depending on the individual, it is very possible that one traumatic event can create a cascade of negative memories and associations that further traumatize him or her and hinder the ability to live well. When this happens, the individuals are often diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder — a series of stressful emotions after a traumatic event — which usually limits their functioning in the outside world. Traditional PTSD help is usually sought through drug treatment, such as antidepressants, yet these drugs may contain side effects most people would like to avoid.
Although antidepressants can be very helpful in a number of people, they are not the best way to resolve an emotional issue that is the driving force behind PTSD. Successful resources utilize techniques that aid an individual with post-traumatic stress disorder by addressing the cause and then releasing it or making it seem less forceful in the waking world. Traditional counseling through a psychologist is seen as the best method, as it helps an individual sort out his or her emotions and conflicts related to the traumatic event. Counseling also offers an avenue to help express feelings about the event and to find ways to successfully cope with the outside world if faced with an emotional trigger that brings the event to the forefront of consciousness.
Alternative therapies such as hypnotherapy are also known to help create new associations with the traumatic event and lessen the feelings associated with the past occurrences. Many seek PTSD help through hypnosis for a quicker recovery, as opposed to talk therapy or drug therapy, and to help them find ways of relaxing their bodies and minds throughout the day. Recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder is possible through any technique, and it is an understatement to say that none of them require effort or willingness on the part of the patient to help resolve the issue. Perseverance and a desire to heal emotional wounds can drive any method to a successful outcome.

domain: psychology


- Brisbane Bike Bites short film competition
- Old Cleveland Road
- Centenary tour
- At The Gabba
- Smart Urban Futures National Conference
- Tackling the climate crisis
- Bike lanes are good for business!
Brisbane Bike Bites short film competition
There are just a few days left to get your entry in for the Brisbane Bike Bites short film competition! 5 minutes (or less) of bikes + Brisbane.
Finalists will be shown on the big screen at the Schonell Theatre, UQ as part of the Brisbane Bike Film Night. You might also take home some of the $500 prize money thanks to Epic Cycles.
For more info on how to enter, click here.
Old Cleveland Road
We received a response from Minister Mark Bailey MP to our petition about the poor provision for cycling in the $5 million Old Cleveland Road and Gateway on-ramp “upgrade” project:
“For those bike riders wanting to continue westbound along Old Cleveland Road in the existing shoulder, TMR is installing bike lane line marking at the conflict point for the Old Cleveland Road off-ramp. These works include appropriate pavement marking and road signage to warn motorists of the bike lane.”Minister Mark Bailey MP – petition response
As you can see from this video last weekend, the green strip has been painted. But even with the speed reduced to 40kph, it doesn’t feel entirely comfortable to have traffic skimming across in front and behind you. And this was (deliberately) at a quiet time, with almost no heavy vehicle traffic. When the work is finished, the speed limit will revert to 80kph.
“These facilities being delivered are considered fit for purpose in line with the Cycling Infrastructure Policy, which states ‘fit for purpose cycling facilities are cycling facilities designed to attract more people to ride while achieving a value for money outcome’.”
Exactly who is likely to be encourage to ride between the major centres of Capalaba and Carindale on infrastructure like this??
West BUG advise that paint markings now formalise who should give way on the Centenary Cycleway at Figtree Pocket. TMR have installed new path markings to formalise who gives priority as the Fig Tree Pocket Road paths intersect with the main bikeway.
The positive story is how many people are now using this cycleway and its connections thanks to improvements like the Moggill Road overpass and great destinations like Rocks Riverside Park!
In this video, Chris takes you for a closer look at the Sumners Road Interchange (Len Waters Overpass) improvements for active transport, and the part grassroots advocacy played in making it happen:
Saturday proved a perfect morning for a tour of the Centenary suburbs by bike to celebrate the opening of the Centenary Bikeway tunnel at Sumners Road.
The ride was entirely on off road, separated bikeways and shared paths, which makes riding for all ages and abilities not just possible, but enjoyable.
On the way, we discovered the start of a new path connecting Monier Road to the cycleway underneath Seventeen Mile Rocks. This is great news for those (regular) times when the underpass is under water!
At The Gabba
While the Gabba Stadium was in the news this week as a key Olympic venue, should Brisbane be successful in the bid to be the 2032 host, John from Brisbane South BUG was celebrating a little win across the road. Back in August 2019 they published images showing the amount of illegal parking on the footpath on Stanley Street in Woolloongabba. Local councillor, Cr Jonathan Sri promised that a number of parking spaces would be removed and a small garden installed. Finally, that work happened! Hopefully this will result in less illegal parking on the footpath.
The problem with this strip is that Stanley Street is one way and when blocked, outbound cycle traffic can not use the road infrastructure. And not just cycle traffic; the footpath becomes unusable for people with mobility issues operating mobility scooters or wheel chairs. (Really, it shouldn’t be this hard to get basic infrastructure in working order!)
But just when one problem was addressed, another appeared nearby. The Stanley St footpath has been used to store game day bollards for a while now, but recently an electronic message board has been added which has caused a nasty pinch point. A complaint on Monday resulted in the bollards being removed, but the electronic board was moved to a location that is equally as stupid as the one before. It really shouldn’t be up to community members to have to keep begging for the footpaths to be kept clear; an obstruction on the road would be dealt with immediately!
Smart Urban Futures National Conference
This week, Belinda represented us at the Smart Urban Futures National Conference, hosted (online) by Victoria Walks and the Municipal Association of Victoria. There were some interesting speakers, and great break-out discussions. Most of the other attendees seem to be from various local councils (mostly Victorian), but there are also a few community groups such as ourselves and Queensland Walks.
We’ll post more about the conference next week, but one highlight was hearing how Mildura Rural City Council are introducing 40kph speed limits as the default on urban streets, and some of the quick and low-cost traffic calming measures they are installing to support the slower speeds. Interestingly, the council had wanted to move to 30kph—which is international best practice—but could not get approval from state authorities.
“Road safety is often a hard sell to some in the community; believing that a crash will not happen to them. In fact on numbers alone, the likelihood of a Victorian being killed on our roads is 0.00003%. But on the other hand, amenity of the street we live on is highly desirable to people.”
The lesson from their focus groups: people aren’t scared of speed limits like our governments believe they are.
Six years ago when Space for Cycling Brisbane started talking about 30kph speed limits for neighbourhood streets in Brisbane, people claimed we were being extreme. Now it’s good to hear how much support there is within local governments from Torquay to Toowoomba. People who have thought about how to create better places and stronger communities understand the benefits of slower streets and a focus on planning for people rather than cars.
Tackling the Climate Crisis
The UK government’s independent advisory group, the Climate Change Committee, recommends a reduction in miles travelled by car and more travel on transit and a massive increase in walking and cycling. They highlight the huge potential of e-bikes to displace journeys by car.
Almost one quarter of all car journeys are short enough to walk in minutes. “Hopping into cars for such incredibly short distances causes congestion, increases road danger and, by not walking or cycling instead, habitual car use leads to poorer health.”
The benefits of shifting away from car-dependency are massive!
Bike lanes are good for business!
A review of 23 studies from the US and Canada concludes (yet again) that bike lanes are good for business.
“Creating or improving active travel facilities generally has positive or non-significant economic impacts on retail and food service businesses abutting or within a short distance of the facilities.”