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Program: Great Performances "Pavarotti: A Life in Seven Arias"
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 10
Time: 8 p.m.
When Luciano Pavarotti died in September 2007, the world lost one of the greatest voices in all of music. In celebration of Pavarotti's peerless vocal talent and extraordinary international impact, this performance documentary looks back over his legendary career, utilizing the arias with which he was most closely associated as a narrative framework. From his humble origins in Modena, Italy, "A Life in Seven Arias" follows "The King of the High C"'s meteoric rise, spanning his London debut in La Bohème , his triumph in La Fille du Régiment and his iconic rendition of "Nessun dorma." In addition to a treasure trove of classic Pavarotti performances, also featured are new and archival interviews with many of the tenor's friends and colleagues, including Dame Joan Sutherland, Plàcido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Juan Diego Floréz.


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Attorney General Obtains Preliminary Court Protection of Power Supplied to Californians by Southern California Edison
(LOS ANGELES) – Attorney General Bill Lockyer today obtained a preliminary injunction to allow Southern California Edison to keep its long-term electricity contracts from being canceled and resold by the California Power Exchange, pending a court hearing February 2.
Superior Court Judge David Yaffe granted the preliminary injunction in Los Angeles. The Attorney General asked the court to grant the temporary protection to help preserve the supply of power at current rates for more than 670,000 California homes now served by Southern California Edison. The utility had been facing imminent cancellation of long-term power contracts for failure to make a $215 million payment.
In legal papers filed with the court, the Attorney General argued that preserving the long-term contracts of Southern California Edison was vital to avoid worsening the energy shortage in California, which already has been declared a State of Emergency by Governor Davis.
"The California Power Exchange Corporation's potential auction of long-term energy contracts owned by Southern California Edison may have a severe effect on California's already calamitous electricity situation," the Attorney General stated in the complaint to intervene in support of Southern California Edison. The complaint added that the contract cancellation and resale of power by the California Power Exchange "could potentially worsen the State's energy shortage by (among other things) reducing the availability of electricity to the citizens of the State of California."

subset: commoncrawl


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ESTHERVILLE - Funeral services for Dorothy Loftis, 100, of Fergus Falls, Minn., and formerly Estherville will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, at United Methodist Church in Estherville. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville. Interment will be at East Side Cemetery in Estherville.
She died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at Pioneer Care Center in Fergus Falls.


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|Maud Alice Gadsden nee Swires ca 1917-18
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Natal Photographers: T. Crawford Erwin
3 comments:
- Todd Martini said...
I have a photo of my Grandfather (Harold Cohen Kent) w/ his Mother & Stepfather that was taken in 1905 or 1906 and already has the "The Kan" Studio Durban mark on it. It couldn't have been taken later than that, as my Grandfather and his family left South Africa in June 1906. Here's a scan of the photo:
Hope this helps.
- September 9, 2012 at 2:47 AM
- Todd Martini said...
Found another photo with "The Kan" Studio mark. This one may have been taken even earlier than the previous one:
- September 9, 2012 at 2:56 AM
- Mole said...
Thanks so much for your comments and links. I'm sure you're right about the date of your family group, looking particularly at the lady's outfit - with the ostrich trimmings and that gravity-defying hat. A really splendid photograph. The brown card mount was popular with photographic studios in the early 1900s in Natal.
- September 9, 2012 at 4:19 PM


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State senator and dairy magnate Jim Oberweis says he's ready for a tough race against powerful Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
Oberweis defeated Downers Grove businessman Doug Truax in the Republican primary race for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, and says he's ``looking forward to the battle continuing'' against Durbin.
He says if he wins, he believes Republicans can retake control of the U.S. Senate and ``that will change the direction of this country.''
Oberweis is from the western Chicago suburb of Sugar Grove and his family owns a chain of ice cream stores. He was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2012 and had made previous unsuccessful runs for U.S. Senate and governor.
Truax has never held political office but had support from former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich.


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Fifth Avenue Cinema presents
Dir. George Lucas (1971); 86 min
SUNDAY, April 6 at 3 p.m.
FREE for PSU students, faculty, staff & alumni w/ID.
$3 for all other students & seniors.
$4 General Admission
In a white-on-white future society, bald citizens are known by code numbers and toil in drugged stupor over meaningless tasks while chrome-faced robot policemen herd dissidents convicted of "drug avoidance" into vast white limbo prisons.
THX (Duvall) is puzzled by the awakening of his emotions as he falls in love with his room-mate (Maggie McOmie) — who has ltered his drug intake — and becomes a rebel. Notably adult in theme, structure and approach, its commercial failure doubtless motivated George Lucas's regression through adolescence (American Graffiti) to childhood (Star Wars) in his subsequent films. Neglected on its initial release, this now stands as a classic science fiction movie and one of the most remarkable debuts of the 70s. ~ Empire Online


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Chambers Team Up
ST. MARYS — The collaboration and partnership between the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce and the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce is about to get stronger next year.
The upcoming retirement of current St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce Director Kelly Kill sparked a change in the chamber's leadership structure for 2013. Under the plan, Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce Director Scott Frey agreed to a 12-month consultant relationship with the St. Marys chamber, and chamber board members hired Becky Macwhinney as the assistant chamber director in St. Marys effective Jan. 2. The yearlong agreement should help both chambers serve members while promoting the region to prospective businesses for economic growth.
"We started looking for a new director, and started the interview process," Incoming Chamber Board President Anna Katterhenry told The Evening Leader, noting the chamber has recently been developing and implementing a strategic plan.
"During that time frame, Becky was a person we were looking to be a director and at the same time, Scott Frey had approached us as possibly helping us with this transition. We have some big shoes to fill and we wanted Scott to come in and help with Becky."
Members of both chambers should not see any disruption in service or changes in operation as a result of the new agreement.
"It's a big transition," Katterhenry said. "We had to stop and refocus many times during this transition and Becky was very patient with us. I think we have our groundwork now on how we are going to move forward, and we have two dynamic individuals who are going to be our key people in the chamber."
Frey, who has been director at the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce for a little more than three years, welcomed the opportunity to work with the St. Marys chamber. Frey noted he routinely worked with Kill during his time in New Bremen.
"She taught me a lot about chamber work and helped me build my network," Frey said of Kill.
"It just made sense for me to try and give back a little to St. Marys and the chamber and to offer my help. A lot of our efforts are collaborative and overlap so it just made sense for me to help out."
Frey will maintain his office in New Bremen and Macwhinney will be the full-time person in the St. Marys office.
"They will both be the face of the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce," Katterhenry said. "Scott will be dividing his time."
Frey stressed that members of the Golden Triangle will continue to get the service they have grown accustomed to by being chamber members.
"Nothing for me will change down there," Frey said. "The ideal goal here is with her (Macwhinney) skill set, she can hit the ground running. She has a good network with her work at the Neil Armstrong Museum, she understands nonprofit management — she's going to fit right in and go. That allows me to continue to spend time with what I am doing down at our chamber and still help out up here."
Macwhinney previously served as the director of the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta. She also was involved in the Agricultural and Industrial Heritage Center in Coldwater.
"I am grateful for this type of transition," Macwhinney said.
"Having worked with Kelly on many projects, I know how hard she worked and the time she put in and it's a big job. For the opportunity for me to come in like this, it's going to be a benefit for everyone involved."
The newly minted relationship also should serve to help break down any invisible barriers that exist among the communities of St. Marys and those in the Golden Triangle.
"Folks don't realize how much work we do together," Frey said. "Kelly has been instrumental in my development as a chamber director ... There are several committees, boards of directors and projects we have served on side-by-side over the last three plus years ... The spirit of collaboration is very strong in the chamber world."
Macwhinney, who is from St. Marys, said she is excited about getting back to work in St. Marys.
"Going forward, I want to build on the programs the community has established and Kelly has established," Macwhinney said.
"SummerFest is a huge part of this community and there is a tradition established there, and working with Scott to come up with new programs and new ideas to promote the community and bring people in."
Kill noted she will miss the people involved in the chamber when she retires next week.
"Networking is the biggest thing you do here," Kill said. "I really have enjoyed all facets of it. The networking and the people I worked with are what I will most take away."
Katterhenry noted the new partnership is just the latest step in the implementation of the chamber's strategic plan — a process that has been years in the making. The plan includes putting a focus on maximizing members' benefits as being chamber members, touting the region for economic growth as well as being active in the community.
"I want members to realize that as far as the day-to-day operations, it will be business as usual," Katterhenry said. "More than that, I want them to realize we have developed a strategic plan and we do have a focus. We are here to promote our businesses and community. We want to open our door to networking. We are here to build this community and we want them to be a part of it ... We really just got this started and I will look toward (Frey and Macwhinney) to show great leadership in implementing our plan and getting our volunteers involved."
The partnership also highlights one of the key words in the chamber's official name.
"We have a wonderful community here — and it's not just St. Marys," Katterhenry said. "It's the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce — we've always stuck with putting the 'Area' in the name because we do truly believe in promoting the area because it helps everyone."
An open house for Kill will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 21. The public is invited to attend.


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Jack Youngblood gave it his all. He is baffled by what his legacy has become - the guy who played football with a broken leg - because to him, to keep playing after the injury was a no brainer.
"I've got a license on that story, so that's going to cost you a dollar," said Youngblood.
Youngblood entered the NFL with some pretty large shoes to fill. Deacon Jones had already slated his legacy at left defensive end with Merlin Olsen alongside him at left tackle. The Rams traded Jones the next year and Youngblood filled in, splitting time with Fred Dryer before taking over the full-time role in 1973. In total, he spent the six seasons playing alongside Olsen.
"If there's one thing that came out of those seven years with Merlin, it's every snap," Youngblood said. "He used to say that, 'Every snap.' And I knew exactly what that meant."
Olsen helped teach Youngblood the importance of playing hard each snap and that you have to give all of your effort on each play was a battle.
"Being a rookie, you need lots of guidance," said Youngblood. "You need mentors that can lead you and guide you in the right direction. I was extremely blessed by having been drafted into the Los Angeles Rams. And, who were they? The Fearsome Foursome."
"A lot of people would think that, well, maybe that would be frightening," said Youngblood. "But, I've always thought it was a blessing and a challenge to learn how to play and learn how to play from those guys. And then have the opportunity to play alongside of them. It is a learning and an earning process."
Youngblood was the Rams' first round draft pick in 1971 NFL Draft. He eventually served as the Rams' defensive captain and was voted to the NFL All-Pro team in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, and 1979. He earned All-NFC honors seven times and played in seven straight Pro Bowls following each season from 1973 to 1979.
The honor of serving as a captain for the team was one Youngblood took to heart, so when he broke his leg in the second quarter of the divisional playoffs against Dallas, the only logical next step was to tape it up and finish the game with his teammates.
The Rams did beat Dallas and earned a trip to the Championship game against Tampa, which they won to put them in Super Bowl XIV. The Rams came up short in the big game, losing to Pittsburgh 19-31. Despite the outcome, competing at the highest level in football with a broken leg in two and a half games, will always be the Youngblood legend.
After retirement, the Rams moved from Los Angeles to St. Louis and Youngblood slowly lost connection to the team that he gave so much to. Over the past couple years, the Rams have mended that relationship and it is continuing to flourish.
Youngblood was honored on the field during this season's Monday Night Football match-up with the Seahawks on October 28. While he was in St. Louis, Rams defensive line coach Mike Waufle asked him to come to Rams Park and spend some time in the defensive line meeting room with the current players.
"That's a sacred place and I was truly honored and flattered that he would allow – you don't allow many people into that domain there – that's a very, very special place that only a few have been," said Youngblood. "And then to be asked to talk to them and give them your perspective, that's even a higher level of respect."
Before that trip, Youngblood had made one other important connection with his former team. A couple days before the 2008 NFL Draft, he picked up the phone and called the Rams' personnel department with an important message. Youngblood had been following the draft speculation and a popular storyline was that the Rams were trying to decide between Virginia's
"Like an old, grumpy football player, I called him and said, 'Hey, you better draft that Long boy because the other one will let you down," said Youngblood. "It tickled me when they got Chris."
Youngblood continues to follow Long's career with the Rams, and pays especially close attention to the defensive line.
"I've got blood in the game," said Youngblood. "I've got some past history here that I want to see continue. Merlin and I talked about that before he passed a couple years ago, about how we really wanted to see the legacy of the Fearsome Foursome to continue. It wasn't going to be us, but we really wanted to see some the players to come on and take that attitude, take that perspective of playing the game and continue it along."
The Rams players, coaches, front office staff and fans are thrilled to have Youngblood as a part of their family tradition. His rugged and tough persona continues to be idolized among football enthusiasts on the field and in the stands.
"I'm just proud that the St. Louis fans can remember that far back," said Youngblood. "It's a pleasure and an honor to be recognized as one of the old timers."
Nowadays, Youngblood spends a lot of time working hard on the concussion issue. He has joined in with the NFLPA and the league office in hopes to put a program together to be used in today's locker rooms for preventative measures, as well as continued care for alumni.
"We've allowed this problem to linger way too long and we've lost way too many of our friends and playmates to the issues of multiple traumatic brain injury," said Youngblood.
A very passionate Youngblood said to look for those programs to be announced in the next two months.
In the meantime, welcome back Jack.


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Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has put his outstanding start to the season down to his 'telepathic' partnership with Luis Suarez.
The in-form duo have scored a combined 16 goals for Liverpool so far this season - to help the Reds record an impressive six wins out of their opening nine Premier League games.
Following Sturridge's claims that his partnership with Suarez is down to telepathy, we take a look at the five best Premier League partnerships.
Click through the following pages to see who we have selected and comment in the box below if you disagree with our selection.
Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: https://www.givemesport.com/writeforgms


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Want to remind yourself or a friend about this program? Fill out this simple form and klru will email you a reminder on the day that it will air.
Valley Of The Stygimolochs / Tiny Loves Fish
series: Dinosaur Train
air date: 10/10/13 9:30 AM
Valley of the Stygimolochs - Buddy wonders if he'll grow horns when he gets older, so Mrs. Pteranodon takes him to visit some dinosaurs called Stygimoloch, who have really impressive horns. Tiny Loves Fish - After Mr. Pteranodon teaches the kids his fishing method, Buddy and Tiny work together as a team to catch fish in the Big Pond.
WARNING: Email reminders for this program have already been sent out. Your reminder may not reach the intended address in time for this program's airing.
Back to TV Schedule


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The Institute communicates its scientific and educational information in a number of ways. One major outlet is peer-reviewed publications and reports. Cary Institute staff regularly publish in the best-rated journals in their respective fields.
Export 2 results:Sort by: Author Title [ Type] Year
Filters: Author is Townsend, A. K. [Clear All Filters]
Journal Article
The effects of bird feeders on Lyme disease prevalence and density of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in a residential area of Dutchess County, New York", J. Med. Ent., vol. 40, p. 540-546, 2003., "
Ecological science and sustainability for the 21st Century", Front. Ecol. Environ., vol. 3, p. 4-11, 2005., "


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Yesterday we learned that the abandoned baby found in May at a Union City apartment complex died from a bacterial infection contracted through a prolonged labor. It's probably worth noting that the cause of death for the baby boy found in Newark in 2006 hasn't been determined, said Newark police Sgt. Bill Shaffer, who was the lead detective on the 2006 case.
Also, I swung by the grave site for Matea Esperanza today to see if there had been any new memorials or flowers (or visitors) — but there didn't appear to be. If you're interested in visiting her, she's in the Eternal Life (near the south eastern corner) area of the Chapel of the Chimes cemetery on Mission Boulevard near the fence line.


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- freely available
- re-usable
Sustainability 2013, 5(7), 2944-2959; doi:10.3390/su5072944
Abstract: The principles introduced by the Directive Concerning Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) (currently known as the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU)) are innovative and have raised interests in the framework of the literature debate on environmental regulation. Many articles describe and analyze the application of the Directive in European countries, but only a few articles focus on how the interest for the Directive's principles, including the integrated approach, have reached countries outside the European Union. This paper aims to contribute to this topic, describing the experience of the authors in carrying out an EU-funded project on transferring the IPPC approach and Best Available Techniques (BAT) concepts to three Arab countries, i.e., Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. The paper presents the experience referring to two sectors falling within the scope of the IPPC Directive: the textile and dairy sector. The objectives, methodologies, activities and experiences are described and can be used and valorized to integrate the IPPC approach and BAT concepts in the current environmental legislation of the three countries.
1. Introduction
Considering the wide impact of pollution originating from some industrial processes, the pollution prevention and control approach is a key aspect to point out.
The European Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive is the main European regulation on this aspect. The Directive was emanated for the first time in 1996 (Directive 96/61/EC) [1] and nowadays revised by the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) 75/2010/EC (European Commission [EC], 2010) [2]. The core of this regulation is the integrated and preventative approach to pollution of some industrial processes included in the scope of the Directive [3,4]. One of the main novelties of this regulation is that it authorizes industrial activities through a unique integrated approach [5,6,7]. The integrated approach means that the permit system must consider the whole environmental performance of the plant, covering all environmental aspects. The core of the integrated approach is that each environmental aspect (e.g., air, soil, water, etc.) must be considered and treated in an integrated way. Regulators (environment agency or local authority) should define permit requirements in order to reach a high level of protection for the environment as a whole. The Directive mainly addresses large installations and indicates specific production capacity thresholds [8].
The Best Available Technique is one of the key aspects of the IED [9]. It is defined by the IED as "the most effective and advanced stage in the development of activities and their methods of operation which indicates the practical suitability of particular techniques for providing the basis for emission limit values and other permit conditions designed to prevent and, where that is not practicable, to reduce emissions and the impact on the environment as a whole":
(a) "Techniques" includes both the technology used and the way in which the installation is designed, built, maintained, operated and decommissioned; (b) "available techniques" means those developed on a scale that allows implementation in the relevant industrial sector, under economically and technically viable conditions, taking into consideration the costs and advantages, whether or not the techniques are used or produced inside the Member State in question, as long as they are reasonably accessible to the operator; (c) "best" means most effective in achieving a high general level of protection of the environment as a whole.
The Best Reference Document (BREF) are the reference documents on Best Available Techniques. They are elaborated by the European IPPC Bureau. A BREF represents the tools to meet requirements of the IED [10]. Most of the BREF apply to a specific industrial sector and they contain information on techniques and processes of that sector, emission levels and techniques to consider for determining Best Available Techniques (BAT) and emerging techniques [11].
Since the IED is referred to in the European context, there are many studies in the literature about the effects of this regulation on European sectors and companies [12,13,14,15,16]. Most of these studies focus on BAT [17,18]. Cikankowitz and Laforest [19] state that there is an increasing number of studies on the implementation of this kind of regulation.
On the other hand, in the literature, we can observe some papers related to application of the pollution prevention and control principle outside of the EU borders, but not directly linked to the adaptation of IED. In this framework, there is a paper [20] that deals with some pollution prevention and control initiatives in the Unites States, describing examples of pollution prevention programs developed in the last 20 years, also with reference to a permitting system. Another study [21] focuses on pollution prevention programs adopted in the USA. In particular, the paper finds evidence that the performance of a pollution prevention program, referred to as a USA multinational company, improved after the adoption of a methodology for process improvement. Trucco and Tardini [22] in their study analyzed 134 pollution prevention program projects in many companies and countries. Most of the analyzed projects refer to the USA, but also other countries were analyzed. The main results of the study show that these projects have cost efficiency as the scope and that the environmental management of processes is considered a strategic issue. The study of Chittock and Hughey [23] deals with pollution prevention programs in different countries: the Unites States, Japan, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. The paper represents an international review of adopted programs in these countries in order to make out some characteristics of these kinds of actions. Also, Burke, McComas and Dick [24], in their paper, present pollution prevention initiatives with reference to the Unites States, also, by analyzing some existing studies on this theme.
Analyzing the literature more in depth, in order to identify hypothetical previous experiences aimed to adapt IPPC approaches and principles outside European borders, we found only two previous experiences described in the academic literature and in technical reports. The first is the study of Schollenberger, Treitz and Geldermann [25]. The authors focused on a method for the determination of BAT, considering case studies referring to Chile and China and giving attention to different local conditions. The second is a technical report issued by the National Center for Environmental Innovation of United States Environmental Protection Agency—US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Policy, Economics & Innovation [US EPA] [26]—entitled "In-depth Look at the United Kingdom Integrated Permitting System". The Report describes an assessment of the IPPC system implemented in the UK in order to verify its transferability potential to the US legislative framework. Even though the whole UK context is different from the US one, the aim of the study was to improve the US environmental permitting system, starting from the characteristics of the IED implemented in the UK.
We can state that the IPPC and BAT approach has raised interest also beyond European borders, but these experiences are not so much described in academic literature. In addition, the draft of the new EU Environment Action Programme that is going to be approved by the European Commission during 2013 shows several invites to spread the BAT approach outside Europe.
Our paper aims to contribute to this literature niche, contributing to the larger debate on pollution prevention and environmental regulation. This paper wants to show the empirical results of a research activity focused on BAT for two specific industrial sectors, considering the local context of three African countries.
The paper is organized as follows: In the next section, the method used for the paper is explained. Then, in Section 3, we will outline the characteristics of the case study describing the approach, methods and results achieved. The paper will be closed with some conclusive remarks.
The method adopted is action research. The paper has no proper research question, but aims to bridge the literature gap described.
2. Methods and Results
2.1. Aims and Methods: Case Study Profile
The BAT4MED project analyses the potential impact of the introduction of the IPPC approach in the Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPC) and, more specifically, if and how this can contribute to minimizing the negative impacts associated with the activities from key industrial sectors in the MPC in order to ensure a higher level of environmental protection in the region.
The project aims to help implement the EU Technologies Action Plan by supporting the transfer and uptake of environmental technologies in developing countries. To that aim, the possibilities for and impact of diffusion of the EU IPPC approach to the MPC will be assessed and the implementation of BAT in the national environmental programs will be promoted and supported.
Specific objectives of the project are as follows:
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To identify, assess and select the BAT for pollution prevention and control in key industrial sectors with the highest environmental potential benefit;
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To promote and spread the use of BAT through dissemination activities;
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To assess the possibility and the impact of disseminating the EU IPPC approach to the MPC;
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To achieve these objectives, the project relies on a concise working methodology and structure.
Firstly, the BAT4MED project analyzed the industrial context in the MPC to select the most promising sectors with the highest environmental benefit potential. This preliminary analysis includes a benchmarking exercise of national analysis reports that identify possible synergies and selects those sectors that can ensure the highest global impact in the region for further study. Through an in-depth analysis of the potential transferability of results, the two most promising industrial sectors with the highest environmental potential benefit selected were the textile sector and the food sector, specifically, the dairy sector. Though the industrial and economic situation may vary notably between the different MPCs, the analysis carried out reveals that most of the problems faced by the Mediterranean industries are common to the majority of countries, which will be the key to spread results and ensure their transferability.
Secondly, a methodology for the assessment of available environmentally friendly techniques, so-called candidate BAT, and the selection of BAT was developed. For each target sector, the BAT were selected accordingly, taking into account specific sector and local conditions in the participating MPC. The methodology assesses the candidate BAT at a sector level, with respect to their technical and economic viability and environmental benefit.
The methodology was used to assist the MPCs and the technical working groups (TWGs) in drafting national BAT sector reports. It provides not only a clear and transparent evaluation tool for candidate BAT, but also guidelines on the elaboration of BAT sector reports, e.g., it indicates that the data needs to be used to conduct a BAT analysis. In the future, the methodology will inevitable provide support to policy makers and permit writers, in general, in the selection of BAT.
During the process of writing the methodology and elaborating the BAT sector reports, an Expert Group (EG)—consisting of key experts in the field of IPPC at the European level—was called upon to help guarantee the scientific and technical quality of the project's outcomes. This part of the project is further discussed in paragraph 2.2 on the elaboration of the national BAT sector reports.
Additionally, an analysis of the potential convergence of MPC policies with the EU approach is carried out in order to assess the potential for the future adaptation of the existing MPC, permitting procedures to integrate principles based on the IPPC approach. This stage aims at analyzing and benchmarking policy and legislative frameworks regarding IPPC in the MPC. In particular, the methodological approach for the analysis will help the MPC to collect the information and to ensure the comparability of project results in order to assess the possibility and the impact of diffusing the EU IPPC approach to the MPC and other Mediterranean countries. In addition, the conclusions of this analysis will provide policy recommendations to support the implementation of BAT in the MPC.
Though BAT4MED is tackled from the perspective of the two particular industrial sectors selected (textile and dairy), all tools and methodologies have been designed and implemented in a universal way, allowing the replication of the whole project in other countries and industrial sectors. To this end, particular efforts have been put into the development of each methodology, to ensure its applicability within the context of the project, but also beyond it.
2.2. Elaboration of National BAT Sector Reports.
The primary objective of determining BAT at a sector level is to provide support to policy makers and permit writers. For the elaboration of a BAT report, both a procedure on how to tackle this type of study, as well as a methodology for BAT evaluation is required. Since the concept of BAT and its application in a regulatory framework is mostly known and used in Europe, it is important to perform a consistency check with the situation and practices in the MPCs. A translation of the methods known and applied in Europe is therefore needed.
Generally, when performing a BAT evaluation, expert involvement is of high importance. Therefore, a sector technical working group (TWG) is called together on a regular basis. This TWG should consist of representatives from the sector (from companies or sector associations), public agencies and independent experts. All parties involved should preferably be represented in order for the results to be widely supported. The role of the TWG is to assist in the data collection and to present their view on the criteria to be evaluated in selecting the BAT. In total, three TWG meetings were organized in the course of the BAT4MED project, each focusing on specific parts of the BAT evaluation.
In the first phase of a BAT study, information collection is the focus point. In order to get a clear description and positioning of the sector for what economics and regulations are concerned, different types of information and data are gathered: general sector information, sector-related national and international legislation and sector-specific economic data. The general and economic information on the sector concerns mostly number and size of companies, yearly turnover values and other financial ratios. These data are grouped to assess the financial strength of the sector as a whole. Data on the number and type of suppliers, on the number and type of customers, on the threat of substitute products, the attractiveness of the market for new enterprises and on international competition are obtained, to be gathered in a Porter's Five Forces evaluation to assess the competitiveness of the companies in the sector. All this information can be retrieved either from statistical agencies or reporting (similar to Europe) and/or from sector experts. Legislative information is, then again, mainly gathered from official agencies and is needed to clearly describe the framework in which the sector operates.
In order to come to a selection of BAT, first a list of candidate BAT must be compiled. Candidate BAT are all techniques with potential environmental advantages. Candidate BAT are found in the literature (BREFs, research articles…), observed during plant visits or proposed by sector experts. For each candidate BAT, a number of aspects are to be studied, such as the achieved environmental benefits, cross-media effects, the economics and example plants. More information on the necessary information can be found in the guidance document (2012/119/EU). There is an important role for the TWG in gathering this information, i.e., to clearly indicate the specific local conditions. These local issues, e.g., very low price of water and electricity, might have a decisive influence on the evaluation of candidate BAT.
To evaluate the candidate BAT, a stepwise methodology is followed. In the first step, the technical viability of the candidate BAT is evaluated. A good indicator for the technical viability is the application in the sector or under conditions that are considered relevant for the sector as a whole. A technique only tested on an experimental scale is, in principle, not technically viable. The technique may, when properly applying the appropriate security measures, not lead to an increased risk of fire, explosions or accidents in general and may not influence the quality of the end product. Secondly, the environmental performance of the candidate BAT is evaluated, either qualitatively or quantitatively. Finally, the economic viability (cost feasibility and effectiveness) of the candidate BAT is evaluated. A quantitative approach can supplement or replace a qualitative approach, but is highly dependent on the availability of data on investment and operational costs of the candidate BAT and the environmental effects/benefits. Based on the scoring of these three criteria, the BAT are selected. When only limited data are available and a solely qualitative approach is followed, conclusions are especially subjected to the expert judgment of the TWG members.
2.2.1. Dairy BAT Reports
The dairy sector in the three MPCs is characterized by a large number of very small dairy producers that produce their products in an artisan way. Besides these micro-, traditional dairy processing companies, there are mostly SME's (Small and Medium Enterprises) and only a few large companies (on average > 150 employees). Companies above the IPPC size threshold (quantity of milk received daily is >200 tones, average on an annual basis) are rather rare or even nonexistent. In Egypt, for example, the dairy sector is quite important. It is responsible for about 15.9% of total manpower in Egypt and 9% of all production facilities. In Tunisia, the dairy sector has a strategic role in the food industry. It is responsible for about 8% of production volume and 5% of investments.
The scope of the BAT evaluation includes the production of all dairy products. Only for Tunisia, cheese and milk powder production are not included in the evaluation, due to the lack of data.
The TWGs in each MPCs were composed, taking the importance of diversity in members into account (see the previous section on methodology). For Morocco and Tunisia, this led to a TWG with an almost equal presence of sector representatives (companies, sector federations), independent experts (consultants and university professors) and public administration representatives. For Egypt, however, this was not the case. Only independent experts and one representative of a public administration constituted the TWG.
As was mentioned, data on the competitiveness, investments, turnover, employees, etc., forms an important basis in order to get a clear picture of the sector's financial strength and resilience. This type of information was, however, quite hard to gather, especially when the data had a confidential character. Some information on the financials of companies in the dairy sector was provided in Egypt and Tunisia. However, these data were rather outdated. Expert judgment remained necessary to evaluate the relevance of these numbers. For Morocco, only very limited information was available. Overall, it was clear that this type of information is not reported as transparently as it is done in Europe. The confidential aspect towards competitors is the main obstacle. As far as the legislative framework in the MPCs is concerned, it is clear that this is quite different from the European legislative framework in the sense that emission limit values are general, no sector specific approach is applied and, in many cases, implementation of the legislation and control on compliance is inadequate and, therefore, often ineffective.
The candidate BAT were listed based on the European BAT reference document (BREF), Food, Drink and Milk, the Flemish BAT study for the dairy sector [27] and input from the TWG members in the different MPCs. A list of, respectively, 56, 55 and 56 candidate BAT for the dairy sector in Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco was compiled (Table 1).
|Candidate BAT
|Conditional BAT
|No BAT
The techniques focus on the use of water and energy, the emission (discharge) of waste water and the generation of waste, plus a number of general techniques that are related to the plant level instead of the process level.
Although for each of these techniques, quite a bit of information is already available in the literature, specific information related to the circumstances in the MPCs is important in evaluating the techniques and selecting the BAT. Therefore, the TWG members were asked to provide data on the applicability, the environmental performance, economics (investment and operational costs), driving forces for implementation and example plants in the MPCs. Especially, qualitative aspects were known and made available in the course of the study. Quantitative information on environmental performance and the economics was hardly ever provided or even available to the TWG members.
The information provided by the TWG members on local issues was considered of great importance for the final results of the study. When evaluating the candidate BAT for dairy in the different MPCs, most of the techniques, however, were equally considered BAT or not, independent of the country. For some techniques, the information on local issues did in fact make a difference towards the final conclusions. For example, the use of self-neutralization to reduce the amount of waste water was considered BAT under certain conditions in Morocco, but was not considered BAT in Tunisia. This is due to the fact that the technique is not considered applicable in Tunisia today. No installations have the required pH variation for the technique to properly work. In Morocco, however, there are installations that can apply the technique, and therefore, it is considered BAT. Another example is the use of CHP (combined heat and power). In Egypt, current fuel prices make it hardly impossible for CHP to be economically viable for dairy companies, while in Tunisia, this is currently not the case. Of course, factors, such as fuel prices, vary over time and can make a difference in conclusions when changes occur. This, again, stresses the added value of quantitative information in a BAT evaluation. Economic viability can be evaluated more objectively and price fluctuations can be taken into account to determine the robustness of the BAT conclusion.
Due to the lack of quantitative data, several aspects of a typical BAT study could not be elaborated in detail in the reports. A good example is the final stage of the BAT studies as made in Europe: the setting of BAT-associated emission levels (BAT AELs). In order to make this possible, a clear picture of the environmental performance of the companies and the techniques is necessary. The BAT analysis eventually indicated 54 (Egypt and Tunisia) and 55 techniques (Morocco) to be BAT, however, with a number of techniques being limited in applicability or through economic viability (Table 1).
For example, BAT to minimize waste water in the Egyptian dairy industry is to apply one or a combination of the following four techniques:
- –
Minimizing the use of EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
- –
Provision and use of catchpots over floor drains
- –
Minimize the blowdown of a boiler
- –
Maximize condensate return
Same account for the Moroccan and Tunisian dairy industry.
Overall, the BAT considered as a priority in Egypt were mainly good management practices (e.g., repair leaking valves), monitoring and control (e.g., of water) and energy conservation. For Tunisia, the priorities are mainly the reduction of water and energy consumption and raising good environmental practices to be implemented. The main focus there lies with the preventative measures due to cost constraints. In Morocco, the TWG members indicate good housekeeping, monitoring of water and energy consumption and training and awareness of employees to be top priority.
2.2.2. Textile BAT Reports
In Egypt, the textile and clothing industry plays a crucial role in the economic, social and political context of the country. In particular, the cotton sub-sector is very important in the economy, also for export. The textile and clothing sectors include 4,500 companies and employ around 700,000 direct workers. If indirect employment is considered, that number increases to over one million. In Egypt, there is still a strong presence of public textile companies. There are around 27, and they employ around 100,000 workers. The main textile products are apparel fabrics, terry towels, bed linen, furnishing fabrics, industrial/technical fabrics and non-woven fabrics. Furthermore, in Morocco, the textile sector is one of the most important ones. It plays a strategic role for the Moroccan economy. There are about 200,000 employees, corresponding to 40% of the national industrial employment. Despite a difficult world economic crisis, in 2012 and 2011, the textile exports of Morocco to European countries grew. In Tunisia, the textile sector is the largest one in the country in terms of exports, employment and added value. There are about 2,000 textile companies (with about 10 employees for each); most of them are small and medium enterprises. About 85% of the Tunisian textile companies are producing only for export. Most firms receive foreign direct investments: French companies are the leading foreign investors in the textile and clothing sector in Tunisia, followed by Italian companies.
As described in the previous section, to support the selection of BAT and the elaboration of the reports, a key contribution was made by TWG members. The elaboration of reports aimed to valorize skills and knowledge on textile processes and characteristics of the TWG members and to include them in these documents. In Figure 1, the representativeness of economic and public categories of TWG members is given.
For each of the three MPCs, some specific processes to which the BAT reports focus were selected. The selection was justified by two main reasons: the high environmental relevance of these processes and the large number of companies in each of the three countries that are focused on them. For Egypt, it was decided to focus on all processes for the production of cotton textile products. In particular, techniques belonging to pre-treatment, dyeing, printing, washing, drying, finishing, coating and laminating processes were included in the BAT report. In the case of Morocco, the processes considered were focused on pre-treatment and dyeing. They included all kind of fibers, such as cotton and other natural, artificial and synthetic fibers. Since wool is not a key fiber in the textile processes in Morocco, techniques referred to wool were excluded from the BAT report. In the BAT report of Tunisia, dyeing and finishing processes were considered.
In order to identify the candidate BAT, partners collected information about techniques through the consultation of a wide number of sources. Candidate BAT included in the BAT reports consist in both vertical techniques (e.g., techniques that can be applied only to textile sector) and horizontal techniques (e.g., techniques that can be applied to all IPPC sectors and also to the textile one). In the case of vertical candidate BATs, first of all, partners of the project consulted the European Best Reference Document (BREF) for the textile sector, (EC, 2003). Considering that the issuing date of the current version of BREF is the year 2003, partners know that the main challenge in this sense was to check other sources, where they can find results of recent researches on textile techniques. For this reason, other important considered sources were, for example, the Flemish BAT report for the textile sector (Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO, translated version, 2011); pollution prevention in the textile sector within the Mediterranean Region (Regional Activity Centre for Cleaner Production, CPRAC, 2002); technical reports of EU-funded projects on the textile sector (e.g., Funded through Life Programme); and many scientific and academic articles about technologies and techniques adopted and/or experimented upon in the textile sector.
The candidate BATs that were identified were classified according to specific classes and subclasses. For example, one of the identified classes is "end of pipe techniques" for abatement pollution techniques. Under this class, some subclasses were created (e.g., wastewater or air emissions abatement techniques), grouping the identified techniques through sources consultation. In total, for the textile sector, about 90 vertical candidate BATs were identified in the project.
One of the end of pipe techniques identified through a scientific article was named "removal of disperse dyes from textile wastewater using bio sludge". The technique is characterized by the high adsorption capacity of bio sludge on dyes and organic matter in wastewater, allowing the reduction of some polluting parameters and dyes in wastewater.
All identified candidate BATs have been assessed according to the methodology elaborated earlier on in the project. A key aspect about the evaluation and the assessment of candidate BAT was the bottom-up approach; BAT were identified "on the field", paying attention to local issues and aspects referring to specific conditions and characteristics of each MPC. A sample of textile installations was audited for each of the three countries. Two of the candidate BAT were identified internally to industrial processes of audited companies. One of these two candidate BAT was named "dry bleaching using ozone instead of wet washing using chlorine or hydrogen peroxide". It consists of placing garments in a dry rotary washing machine (that is connected to an ozone generator). The technique is used, for example, to bleach the fabric lightly using ozone instead of wet washing using chlorine (or hydrogen peroxide). This technique does not imply the use of water and chemicals.
Moreover, also, the involvement and the active participation of TWG members guarantee the consideration of local aspects.
The results are presented on the following (Table 2).
|Candidate BAT
|Conditional BAT
|No BAT
The main reasons for which candidate BAT resulted as no BAT are linked with them being not economically or technically viable. In the first case, often, techniques require high investments or additional costs compared to the traditionally used methods, and the payback period related to the savings achievable was not always acceptable. In the second case, a negative assessment of technical viability criteria was related to the fact that some techniques (especially the ones collected from scientific articles) are not yet proven on an industrial scale, but only on a pilot scale. For this reason, this group of techniques can be considered as emerging techniques.
The identified BAT were related mainly to the main important environmental aspects for the textile industry: water consumption and water emissions. To improve water emissions, the techniques involve mainly the substitution of chemicals prioritizing preventive measures instead of end of pipe actions. The identification of BAT related to the substitution of chemical with other more environmental friendly techniques was also one of the topics requested by the textile companies that were involved. Many North-African companies are suppliers of European firms, and there has been increasing attention by the consumer on the health issues linked to textile products.
2.2.3. Discussion on the BAT Sector Reports
When elaborating a BAT sector study, data availability is always a key factor. This is true for Europe when elaborating a BREF, but the same can be concluded when transferring the approach to non-EU countries.
The experiences when drawing up the BAT sector reports shows that data availability, especially quantitative data, on all the aspects involved (financial data on the sector, environmental performance data, investment and operational cost data on techniques, etc.) was hard to come by. This, of course, greatly affects the results and the quality of the results.
When quantitative information on the financial strength and resilience of the sector is missing, it is hard to verify the economic viability of techniques. Of course, to do this, investment and cost information on the different candidate BAT is needed, as well. For most of the candidate BAT in the studies, information from the EU BREFs was used: no specific data were available for the supply of the techniques in the MPC markets. Data on the environmental performance of the sector is of great importance, since this creates the opportunity to identify the reduction potential and cost-effectiveness of the candidate BAT. Furthermore, when the BAT environmental reduction potential is known, BAT AELs can be determined. In the reports now, due to the lack of this type of information, no BAT AELs were determined.
During this phase of the project, the involvement of the TWG members was an important success factor. Although not each TWG had the perfect composition, this was not necessarily problematic for the outcome of the project. Since the principle of BAT and, therefore, the principle and role of a TWG is new in the MPCs, this first experience did indicate how environmental issues are valued amongst the people involved. A clear push towards more environmental awareness in industrial sectors was experienced.
An important factor when trying to raise environmental awareness and involvement in industrial sectors, still, is legislation. Each of the MPCs involved indicated that today, that their environmental legislation is a general one, not making any distinction between different activities when setting Emission Limit Values (ELVs). Besides this aspect, environmental permitting is tackled in a totally different way than is done in Europe. It is clear to say that the legislative approach is thus very different from the IPPC approach that we are trying to transfer to the BAT4MED project. The lack of monitoring and obligated reporting make it very hard to facilitate BAT evaluations: the lack of data is inevitable when monitoring is absent. Monitoring can be seen as one key element when trying to implement the IPPC approach: no monitoring means no available data and, therefore, no possibility to state BAT AELs and set ELVs. No monitoring (and reporting) also means that compliance with stated ELVs is very hard to check and, thus, legislation risks being ineffective.
From the experience of the authors, it is clear that there is still a significant legislative gap to be overcome before the IPPC approach and BAT principle can be transferred for real to the MPCs. In order to determine the real potential for future adaptation of the existing MPC legislative procedures and to permit the integration of the principles based on the IPPC approach, the project included an analysis on this matter.
3. The Valorization of BAT Reports in Mediterranean Partner Country Legislation
The BAT4MED project has assessed the possibility and impact of the establishment of the EU IPPC scheme in the MPCs. One of the fundamental premises of the study that was developed was that the BAT will spread through the interested industrial sector only if this process is feasible and economically sustainable and if it is accompanied and spurred by effective policy measures.
To this end, the BAT4MED project will target the following objectives:
- –
To analyze and benchmark policy and legislative frameworks regarding pollution prevention and control in the MPC;
- –
To provide the MPC with information on the EU IPPC approach based on the IED;
- –
To assess the possibility and the impact of diffusing the EU IPPC approach to other MPCs;
- –
To bring together the previous experience of the EU in pollution prevention and control and the conclusions of the BAT4MED project for providing policy recommendations to support the implementation of BAT in the MPC.
From a scientific point of view, the methodological approach of this study was that grounding on a strong policy analysis of the current legislative framework in each MPC. For this purpose, MPC partners will work on the development of three national analyses of policy and legislative frameworks to support BAT implementation in those countries. On the basis of the results of the national analyses, a comparative analysis of policy and legislative frameworks that support the prevention and control of industrial pollution in the MPC will be carried out. This benchmarking exercise will be the basis of a cross-country analysis that will highlight the most relevant aspects regarding the pollution prevention and control approach both at the EU and in the MPC in order to identify synergies and opportunities for convergence with EU policies. The conclusions drawn from this report will provide a series of policy briefings to foster the implementation of BAT and the mainstreaming of the EU IPPC scheme in the MPC. The integrated approach means that the permits must take into account the whole environmental performance of the installation. The purpose is to ensure a higher level of protection of the environment taken as a whole. Preliminary information gathered in the MPC shows that the permitting procedure is based on environmental impact assessments and not on the integrated approach. Therefore, the current legislative orientation in the MPC should shift to an integrated permitting system that ensures a high level of protection of the environment as a whole.
The permit conditions, including Emission Limit Values (ELVs), must be based on the BAT. BAT conclusions (documents containing information on the emission levels associated with the Best Available Techniques—BATAEL) shall be the reference for setting the permit conditions. Regarding this issue, the legislative framework in the MPCs is quite different from the European legislative framework in the sense that ELVs are general and not associated to BAT. To assist the licensing authorities and companies to determine the BAT that can be the reference to establish the ELV, the BAT4MED project organized an exchange of information between experts from each MPC, sector and environmental organizations, as explained in Section 2. Therefore, permit conditions should be thus set by the competent authorities following this integrated approach, also including ELVs associated to BAT, instead of general limits, allowing, thus, the applicability, when possible, of the flexibility criterion, for which competent authorities may set ELVs that differ from the BATAEL in terms of values, periods of time and reference conditions, so long as it can be demonstrated that the actual emissions do not exceed the BATAEL.
The environmental inspection plans must be drawn up using "risk-based criteria" that evidence the compliance with ELV, taking into account the emissions data available. Although certain monitoring and inspection activities are carried out in the MPC, recorded environmental data are only used to assess the legal environmental compliance, but not to set BAT-associated emission levels, which are, at the same time, the reference for establishing ELV through the permitting procedure. Thus, in order to bridge the existing gap in this regard in the MPC, a risk-based system for the planning of the environmental compliance monitoring (monitoring and obligated reporting) should be implemented not only to meet the legal requirements, but to set BATAEL, which could be, at the same time, the ELV established through the permitting system.
Public participation is key in the decision-making process in order to be informed of its consequences, by having access to permit applications, waste monitoring and reporting, emission data reporting, etc. Given this, it would be necessary to adapt the public information process to the requirements of the EU IPPC scheme by having access to environmental information in a simple way and involving the public in the decision-making process.
These initially identified legislative gaps (in comparison with the EU IPPC scheme) represent a series of challenges for the MPC that will be translated into policy recommendations aiming not only at fostering the implementation of BAT at national scope, but at showing how the MPC can improve their pollution prevention and control scheme by following the EU approach, which has shown effectiveness in minimizing the negative impacts associated with polluting industries from the industrial sector.
4. Conclusions
Transferring the principles from the IPPC approach as we know it in Europe to non-EU countries, like Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, is not straightforward. Through the elaboration of BAT sector reports in the three MPCs, it became clear that there are a number of obstacles when doing so. An important aspect, which created a hindrance in the course of the BAT evaluation, was the lack of available, useful quantitative data. Since obligated reporting of financial and environmental performance is missing and confidentiality issues on this type of information makes companies reluctant to provide it, it is very difficult to obtain the BAT results of quality, as striven for at a European level.
Another important aspect that makes transferring the IPPC approach difficult is the legislative gap, which is seen when comparing the IPPC principles with the current legislation in the MPCs. No sector-specific legislation is used, permitting systems are non-existent and compliance control is lacking. Although this gap seems difficult to bridge in the short-term, one needs to remember that in Europe, also, a significant amount of time passed in implementing and fine-tuning the IED through the identification of the potential, in the later stage of the BAT4MED project; convergence between both approaches might become possible: policy recommendations to support this implementation of BAT may form the roadmap towards convergence. Through a number of dissemination activities, such as national workshops in each MPC and six non-MPCs plus an international final conference, the experiences, conclusions and advice towards policy convergence, obtained in the course of the project, are shared with stakeholders.
Despite this, we retain IPPC as a very well-designed Directive, using Porter's terms [28], an example of environmental regulation that can encourage companies to move toward eco-innovation, becoming better environmental and economic companies. The integrated permitting system, the use of BAT as a flexible mechanism instead of mandatory techniques to impose on companies and the public participation in the permitting process are very well-designed principles worthy of being transferred to other legislative contexts. For this reason, we will continue to monitor the effects of theBAT4MED project in southern Mediterranean countries and the evolution of their environmental legislative framework. At the same time, we invite scholars to further contribute to this field, describing other case studies aimed at transferring the IPPC approach outside of Europe.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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David Bowie
Song title:
Eight Line Poem
Surveys the prairie of your room
The mobile spins to its collision
Clara puts her head between her paws
They've opened shops down West side
Will all the cacti find a home
But the key to the city
Is in the sun that pins
the branches to the sky
Free Lyrics and Midis
David Bowie lyrics
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Cops probe Stamford link in Greenwich shooting
Updated 10:48 pm, Tuesday, October 23, 2012
GREENWICH -- Police believe a Stamford gang rivalry may have spilled over into Greenwich, where investigators are looking into a report of multiple shots fired at two passengers in a car around 11 p.m. Monday.
No one was injured in the incident, which occurred on Indian Field Road just off Interstate 95 near the corner of Osceola Drive in Cos Cob. Police say it was not a random shooting. According to police, the two victims, who are not from Greenwich, were targeted by the shooter.
Stamford police Lt. Diedrich Hohn said the men being shot at late Monday night are Stamford residents who reside on Lawn Avenue, near where three men opened fire in a parking lot Sunday night.
"We believe the two men were targeted because of a rivalry going on in the Custer Street, Lawn Avenue area," he said.
Hohn said he did not want to elaborate further and possibly interfere with the Greenwich investigation. Hohn said Stamford police are working with Greenwich investigators to find the person responsible.
Neighbors on Indian Field Road reported hearing up to six gunshots at 11 p.m. Monday night.
Police closed Indian Field Road near the corner of Osceola Drive for a few hours as they conducted an investigation, neighbors said Tuesday morning. Another road closure was expected Wednesday morning as police continue the investigation.
"My son was in his bedroom in the front of the house and all of the sudden I heard the bang. I'm not sure if it was five or six. Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang and a second delay and I heard a second bang," said Denise Lefton, who lives on Indian Field Road, one house south of Osceola Drive.
Lefton said she has lived in the house for 16 years and she has never heard a sound like that before and was sure it was not a backfiring car, so she called police.
Lefton said police were quickly at the scene looking around.
Another neighbor a few houses north on Indian Field Road also said she heard what sounded like four or five shots, but didn't want to give her name.
The road was reopened shortly after 7 a.m.
Numerous members of the Patrol Division, Detective Division, and Forensics Section were involved in investigating the incident, interviewing the victims, and collecting evidence.
The Greenwich Police Department is also collaborating with several other Connecticut police agencies in seeking to determine if there are connections to other area shootings, police said.


text: cancers Milk Thistle II By mtpr.org • Feb 14, 2014 February 15th, 2014: Milk thistle is both a noxious weed and the tenth best-selling medicinal herb in the U.S. Its role in protecting the liver points to the scope of its potential. Research is ongoing into its ability to protect against prostate and skin cancer, enhance certain cancer drugs, prevent some side effects of chemotherapy, protect against damage from UV light, and more. http://www.floradelaterre.com/


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GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina completed its preparation efforts for the second and final scrimmage of preseason camp with a two-and-a-half-hour workout in shells Friday morning at Hight Field inside the Cliff Moore Practice Facility.
The contest, which will be held at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Saturday morning, will be another critical contest that will help define the depth chart heading into game-plan mode for the season opener against Old Dominion. Following the simulated contest, players will return to the stadium to meet and interact with fans during the 19th Annual Meet The Pirates Night - an event which begins at 5 p.m.
"We had to push through practice following a two-a-day, but I thought everything went well," fourth-year head coach Ruffin McNeill said. "It was a good long team day where we put the guys through situational work. The primary focus was on first down on both sides of the ball and then I added some third down surprises for both groups to see how they would respond."
Friday's workout consisted of three team periods totaling 42 minutes where the Pirates' worked on screens, the run and third-and-long plays. The skill positions spent the first 21 minutes working on the quick game and routes on air, while the offensive and defensive line continued work on pass protection and pass rushing drills.
Saturday's intra-squad scrimmage, which McNeill indicated would span 40 to 50 plays, is closed to the public.
Camp Notes:
In the event of inclement weather during ECU's Meet The Pirates event, all activities will be moved under the north side of the stadium with public access through Gates 7 and 8 ... In addition to inflatable rides, games, hot dogs and free promotional items, McNeill will be joined by his coaching staff and all players for a personalized autograph session from 6-7:30 p.m. ... RB Breon Allen (left leg), DE Randall Anderson (left toe), DE Jeton Beavers (back), DE Justin Dixon (left knee), DB Domonique Lennon (concussion), DB Terrell Richardson (right knee) and Chrishon Rose (left knee) will all be sidelined for the scrimmage because of injuries ... Additionally, Chaz Lowery (left knee) and Pat Green (left leg) are listed as doubtful and questionable, respectively.
Saturday's Scrimmage Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Season Opener: Aug. 31 vs. Old Dominion in Greenville (7:00 p.m.)
Positional Snapshots
Today's "Q&A" format will highlight the Pirates' special teams:
Special Teams/Running Backs Coach Kirk Doll
You've certainly earned a highly-regarded reputation in the special teams business during your career - a critical element of the game which obviously can win and lose many games. What was the origin or background of your desire and interest to specialize in special teams? "You are always looking to better yourself as a coach and help the people you're around on the team. I kind of started out slow with some of my first coaches giving me things to do, so I embraced it on the football field. It taught me about responsibility, which then helped improve my organizational skills not just with regard to special teams, but with the position I was coaching. It has been a great experience. Being on offense and defense, that's what special teams is. It's the first play of offense or the first play of defense, depending on how you want to look at it. So I think a lot of the background that I have helps in terms of technique and fundamentals."
Unlike a year ago, you enter the 2013 season with established veterans at the place-kicking, punting, holding and snapping positions. Is it now just a matter of working on fine-tuning and addressing consistency issues with the kicking game or are there other things you're addressing? "Well it has been a little bit easier. We are all working towards consistency because that is something that place kickers, punters and snappers can all do better. Everything is going to improve because most of the players are familiar with our basic set, so now we can start to expand our special teams scheme. That doesn't mean that we will be in 5,000 formations, but now we can do some different things because of their comfort level. Last year we set the foundation and had success in certain areas, but there are still things that we can improve on and that's what we are working on this fall."
From a return standpoint, Justin Hardy handled the majority of punts and Lance Ray enjoyed early success with kickoffs last year. Are those two in the mix to serve similar roles again this season? If not, who are some other players who have stood out during the spring and camp so far who might be candidates? "Yes, they will both be out there on special teams units. We have a lot of exciting players and there is plenty of competition for those spots. It's a good situation to be in and we can take advantage of both Justin and Lance's skill sets. Some other guys we have run out there this camp have been Breon Allen, Davon Grayson, Isaiah Jones, Quataye Smyre and Danny Webster. All have proven that they can run with the ball and do the things we ask of a punt and kickoff returner. A lot of times it's not the scheme, but the players in the scheme and I am excited with where we are at in that phase of special teams."
Speaking of Hardy and Ray - is there an unpublished code or protocol of sorts in place for the need to protect (i.e. injury risk) key offensive and defensive starters by keeping them off certain special teams squads, especially returners? "Right now both the offensive and defensive players know that they are going to be on special teams, again because it is a part of the offense and defense. We don't try to overload them but we try to give the one area that they can excel in and go from that point and start filling around the edges."
We always hear an awful lot about the kickers, punter and returners, but coverage teams don't quite get the same billing. What are some things you look for to establish a quality coverage plan on both kickoffs and punts? "I thought we did some very good things on kickoff coverage last year, but we had three plays that was really upsetting. Not because of a lack of effort, but the lack of lane integrity. So we are working hard to correct that, not only on kickoff coverage, but punt as well. We started out slow in punt coverage last year but got better as the season went along. Now what I am hoping is the understanding of the scheme will be more aggressive and physical in terms of getting down the field."
It is often said special teams offers younger players a chance to play and get experience. Is that a common practice across the board, and if so, how does it help in the development process? "Every young person is different in terms of how they except a role in college when they come from high school. There are a couple of young men that come from high school that I'm excited about how they have already developed and they are going to be part of special teams. Then there are some that take a little more time because of all the distractions going on at the field. Some of them have never played on special teams before because they were the so-called star of their high school team and that's not what it is here at ECU. The special teams unit is truly a part of our football team."
Junior Place Kicker Warren Harvey
What are your personal and team goals for the 2013 season? "Personally, I just want to improve on my game and do whatever I can to help us win. The team goals are the same and that's to come out and be the best we can and strive towards winning a conference championship and getting a bowl win."
After a 2-of-6 start last year, you finished by converting 13 of your last 14 field goal attempts and earned a place on this year's Lou Groza Award Watch List. Was there a defining moment where you regained your confidence and were in comfort mode? "Honestly I think it was just getting over those first-time jitters. I definitely felt comfortable those first two games and I just wasn't connecting. I think I was able to mentally block all the previous kicks and focus on the one ahead of me. Once I finally got one under my belt I felt like I had a good grip on how things went and just went from there."
What would you list as your most memorable ECU Pirate moment so far? "You know I enjoy them all. But coming out into Dowdy-Ficklen for the first time and out of the tunnel and seeing the Pirate Nation in full force was an unbelievable moment and one that I will always cherish."
Coach Doll has a reputation as one of the top special teams coaches in the country - what are some of the things you've learned from him that has helped in your development? "Taking a practice and treating it like a game. Putting myself and the special teams unit in game-like situations where we can be comfortable and successful."
Can all soccer players become productive football placekickers? Is there a natural connection there? "I believe there is a natural connection, but there are some differences like striking the ball a different way. I think kicking is something that is unique, just like punting, throwing and catching a football."
Senior Punter Trent Tignor
What are your personal and team goals for the 2013 season? "Personally I want to build on what I did last year and help put this team in the best position to win. Athletics director Jeff Compher met with the team a couple of weeks ago and stated that we should be shooting for a BCS Bowl game, and we have all been saying and thinking just that since getting back on campus. But hearing him say that and to know that he believes in us has been a great source of encouragement for the team. I honestly believe that we can accomplish that goal."
How much has former Pirate punter and current staff assistant Ryan Dougherty helped with your development (which now includes inclusion on the Ray Guy Award Watch List) from a "been there, done that" perspective? "Coach Dougherty was actually hired the same week I came to ECU as a freshman, so he has been with me every step of this wonderful journey. He has been very helpful along the way, not just with help in the film room or on the field, but also away from the field. We have gotten really close over the years and he is someone that I turn to for guidance."
What was your most memorable ECU Pirate moment so far? "There are several that come to mind. One that comes to mind is against South Carolina last year, I believe it was my second punt of the game, and I was able to punt the ball over Ace Sanders' head and we pinned them inside the 10-yard line. It was a good confidence builder being that it was my first season punting. Even though I am comfortable punting and confident in my abilities, being able to do it in that atmosphere helped me start out. Another would be the Southern Miss game where we had a couple downed inside the five-yard line. There have also been some not so great moments that were memorable, like when Ace Sanders broke one on us last year and I made the tackle on the sideline. But even from the bad moments, we were able to learn something and improve upon our mistakes."
Much has been said about your standing as a consummate student-athlete. How do you balance your time between football and academics, as well focusing on your future business aspirations? "I think one thing some people may or may not know that the big thing I put emphasis on outside of football is my Christian faith. I'm the President of Fellow Christian Athletes on campus and I am an active member at my church. I think when I have made time for God, He has made time for me to be able to do other things. I trust in Him knowing that He will make the clock work out. There are only so many minutes in the day, but if you are productive with each one of them you can get everything done."
You've also served as an extremely reliable holder since your freshman year. Most are probably curious how one dismisses the fear of getting your fingers kicked under such duress. "Its real simple. If you are holding the ball with your left hand, then your fingers aren't in the way – there is no risk of them getting kicked."


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On Tuesday, "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Charlie White announced that he and his girlfriend of five years, fellow ice skater Tanith Belbin are engaged. "Couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting for the best time in our life! Hashtag she said yes!!!" he wrote on Instagram, along with a photo of Belbin wearing her ring. Here are five things to know about the 29-year-old bride-to-be.
|She's an Ice Dancer Too
Like White, Belbin is an Olympian. She won the silver medal in the 2006 games in Turin with her partner Ben Agosto. However, in 2010, they announced their retirement from competitive skating. "We have accomplished and surpassed so many of our goals, from participating in two Olympic Games to pushing ourselves and developing our skills in this sport we love so much," Belbin said at the time. "We feel we can move on from our competitive careers without regret." She has since had jobs on TV (including a stint on "Skating with the Stars" on ABC) and has worked as a choreographer.
|She Holds Joint Citizenship
In 2005, Belbin, who was born in Canada, gained U.S. citizenship after then-President George W. Bush signed a bill to hasten her naturalization, according to the Associated Press. As a result, she was able to compete for the US in the 2006 Olympic games. "I have lived here for so long, and this was the last piece of the puzzle," Belbin said at the time. "I really feel that I have found my place here. Some of the greatest moments of my life were while I lived here, and now I feel complete."
|She's an Animal Lover
White and Belbin may be engaged, but judging by their photos, both of their hearts belong to their beloved cavachon, DJ.
|She Knows How to Kick Back
Yes, she's an athlete, but according to her Twitter profile, Belbin knows how to kick back and relax. Posting a photo of poutine-soaked French fries, she wrote, "So excited to see poutine on a local menu! Different color curds, but still tastes like a heart attack! #Yum."
|She Once Dated Another 'Dancing with the Stars' Competitor!
In 2007, Belbin was linked to ice skater -- and one-time "Dancing with the Stars" contestant! -- Evan Lysacek, according to People. However, by 2009, she was dating White.


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Heyo and welcome to the first (I think it's the first) Secret Santa project for AF! I'll keep everything short so as not to get a lot of TL;DR's. Essentially, everyone signs up, a different name is randomly given to the each entrant, and you make a set for the other person which'll be given out sometime near Christmas either anonymously, or by you. Remember, just because you get one person doesn't mean they get you as well!
If you don't think anyone knows what's on your gfx wishlist, you can post a small list of things you like so we can know, otherwise expect almost anything from almost anyone!
Sign ups will be open for about 10 days, ending on December 19th, so 5-6 days should be enough time for a set! This is open to everyone on AF, so even if you're not too good at graphics, it's the thought that counts (unless you use Comic Sans, then it's just ruined for everyone)!
So, sign ups are open!
1. Garzhvog/Ellipsis
2. @Sebastian.
3. @blueangel06661
4. @Seung-li
5. @Nineteenth
6. @MaruDashi
7. @PureBeauty
8. @King Tatty
9. @Tintalle
10. @Ultear
11. @illu
12. @Elegance
13. @Uki.
14. @Kallen Kozuki Bella
15. @Kaitou+
16. @Avi-chan
17. @xanifore
More spaces will be added as needed!
PS. I like Nintendo stuff
And I prefer Ellipsis


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Composting for Better Garden Results
Perhaps you are thinking of starting a new garden this coming spring? Seed catalogs are starting to arrive already and how exciting it can be, dreaming of those home grown red tomatoes, peppers and zucchini? But before you order those seeds and way before you put them into the ground your soil is going to need some help! Help? Talk to any seasoned gardener


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BATAVIA – The director of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is warning a proposed $30 million cut in the laboratory's budget could significantly affect its research.
"We will shrink far below our competitors in the rest of the world," Fermilab director Pier Oddone told employees Monday.
President Obama's proposed federal budget cuts Fermilab's budget from $395 million to $365 million, Oddone said. Obama in February submitted his budget request for fiscal year 2013.
Oddone said he knows the constraints of the federal budget. The U.S. Department of Energy operates Fermilab.
"Both the President's budget and whatever budget Congress ultimately agrees to must fit the spending caps established by the Budget Control Act of 2011," Oddone said.
One of Fermilab's main experiments – the Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment – would lose $25 million in federal funding, to a "keep-alive" level of $10 million, Oddone said. He said the experiment would represent a "major leap forward" in neutrino physics.
"We will create a powerful beam of neutrinos at Fermilab and send them 1,300 kilometers through the Earth to the Homestake Mine in South Dakota, where they will be detected and measured," Oddone said.
He said that experiment would set the stage for the United States to establish a world-leading underground physics program. Fermilab also might have to lay off staff because of the budget cuts. Oddone said that every $10 million cut from Fermilab's budget translates into roughly 50 jobs lost.
But Fermilab has no plan for any layoffs at this time, he said.
"We will not announce any moves regarding workforce restructuring until we have understood the best path forward," Oddone said. "It will take at least a couple of months."
U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, R-Winfield, questioned Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu regarding the Obama administration's priorities in scientific research.
"I was deeply disappointed by Secretary Chu's answers regarding President Obama's commitment, or lack thereof, to fundamental science research," Hultgren said in a statement.
Hultgren is a member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee.
"As we proceed through the appropriations process, I will work hard with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to maintain our nation's investment in fundamental scientific research," he said.
Fermilab faces $30 million in federal cuts
BATAVIA – The director of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is warning a proposed $30 million cut in the laboratory's budget could significantly affect its research.