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A hungrier, wealthier, choosier, smarter, riskier world: five challenges for Australian agriculturePosted: August 20, 2015 Filed under: Farming and Food, Feature Articles, News | Tags: agriculture, food security, megatrends Leave a comment
Sandra Eady, CSIRO and Stefan Hajkowicz, CSIRO
You don't need a crystal ball to know Australia's rural industries will face significant change at global, national and local levels over the coming decades. This will create opportunities and challenges for small and large farms, and will affect rural lifestyles, agricultural landscapes and Australia's society and economy.
In a new report, we describe this future through a series of interlinked "megatrends" set to hit Australia over the coming 20 years. As we describe below, each prompts some serious questions (or "conversation-starters", as we have termed them) for Australian farmers. We don't yet know the answers, but we do know they will be crucial for how the industry fares in the future.
The world will get hungrier
We know that the world is going to require more food as populations grow – about 70% more by 2050, according to the United Nations. This will come primarily from increasing yields, along with some expansion of agricultural land.
The target is achievable but should not be taken for granted. There are competing uses of land for biofuels and urbanisation; in some places land is degrading; and we don't have good predictions yet of the effect of climate change on agriculture. As a significant exporter of food, Australia has a vital role to play in supplying world food markets and buffering supply shocks.
We are well positioned — both in terms of geography and comparative advantage — to supply overseas markets. And while Australia can't hope to feed Asia or the world, with astute R&D investment it can increase production and exports. How well we step up to that challenge depends largely on our ability to maintain a price competitive position and continue to improve yields. So the key questions are:
Will farms be able to scale up production and performance to meet this challenge?
What is a sensible investment in innovation, and how should it be funded?
The world will get wealthier
Some 1.02 billion people will move out of poverty and into the middle classes in the developing Asia region alone by 2040. Along with wealth comes the ability to diversify food choices – wealthier households will consume more meat, dairy and vegetable oils.
This presents an opportunity for Australian rural industries to identify new food types and connect to new markets. A diversified rural export base is likely to be more resilient to supply-and-demand shocks in markets.
Is Australia better off focusing on commodity markets that have provided solid export earnings, or should it be working hard to respond to the demand for a more diverse range of boutique, luxury and niche food and fibre goods?
Does Australia have the infrastructure and the persistence to get a wider range of desirable agricultural products into Asian markets competitively?
Customers will get pickier
The consumer of the future will be increasingly able and motivated to choose food and fibre products with certain characteristics. This has impacts both within and beyond the farm gate. Information technology will increasingly enable the consumer to access, share and validate information about products along the whole supply chain from farm to fork.
Health is likely to become a particularly prominent driver of food choice and consumption patterns – be that from a desire for food safety or to help prevent chronic disease. Many people's lives are being cut short by poor diets, and at current trajectories government budgets could become crippled by unsustainable growth in healthcare expenditure.
The issues of environment, provenance and ethics will also play a vital role. The consumer of the future will have greater expectations for these qualities in the food and fibre products they choose to buy. Consumers will be "information-empowered" and rural industries stand to gain or lose market share based on this increase in consumers' knowledge.
In the face of soaring diet-related health costs, will governments increase control of the components of food and diets?
How does agriculture in Australia build and safeguard its clean, green reputation?
Technologies will transform farm life
Advances in digital technology, genetics and materials science will change the way food and fibre products are created and transported.
Many plant productivity breakthroughs will be from gene technology. Big data systems and digital technologies will bring better risk-management approaches to Australian agriculture; weather and yields will be much more predictable and farmers will have sophisticated tools to assist with decision making.
Knowledge about land use and framing practices will increasingly move into the public domain as remote monitoring, be it from drones or satellites, makes available new data in a highly interconnected world. Business and capital models will change with the introduction of "disruptive" technologies such as peer-to-peer lending.
Will market perceptions hold back Australian agriculture by restricting access to advanced technologies being used by our major competitors?
How will farmers manage a higher level of scrutiny of their operations?
The rollercoaster of risks will get bumpier
Risk is an ever-present characteristic of Australian agriculture. However, the coming decades will see changes in the global climate, environmental systems and the world economy which will create new and potentially deeper risks for farmers.
Australian agriculture has shown a strong capacity to adapt and respond to risks in the past. But as trade globalises and we rely more on imported inputs such as fertiliser and fuel, the risk of supply chain shocks increases.
More international trade and passenger travel brings greater biosecurity risks. Climate change impacts are not well understood, and the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions will set up competing land uses for both biofuels and carbon storage.
Do we understand the likely implications of a global price on carbon of US$50-100 per tonne?
Is the agriculture sector at risk of complacency and underinvestment when it comes to risk management?
Overall, there is a bright future for Australian agriculture, laden with deep and diverse opportunity. The future outlined above will be a challenge for some producers and industries but an opportunity for others. The effectiveness with which Australian agriculture captures these opportunities and avoids the risks will largely come down to innovation.
Through centuries past, repeated innovation has allowed Australian farmers to expand into new land areas, develop water resources and increase crop and pasture yields. As we look to the decades ahead, innovation becomes ever more important. In a world of exponential growth in both technology and global trade, it's about working smarter, not just harder.
Sandra Eady is Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Agriculture at CSIRO and Stefan Hajkowicz is Leader – CSIRO Futures at CSIRO
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
A tale of three mosquitoes: how a warming world could spread diseasePosted: July 23, 2015 Filed under: Biosecurity, Feature Articles, News | Tags: climate change, diseases, mosquitoes 3 Comments
Changing wildlife: this article is part of a series looking at how key species such as bees, insects and fish respond to environmental change, and what this means for the rest of the planet.
As the world warms, animals and plants will shift their ranges to keep pace with their favoured climate. While the changing distributions of species can tell us how climate change is affecting the natural world, it may also have a direct impact on us.
One good example is the disease carried by insects.
Those small, familiar flies called mosquitoes are responsible for much human suffering around the globe because of their ability to transmit diseases.
Mosquitoes transmit a number of viruses, such as Dengue, Ross River Virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus and the local variant of the West Nile Virus known as Kunjin.
Could climate change cause these diseases to spread? While this an extremely important health question, the answer is far from simple.
Complicated life cycle
The life cycle of mosquitoes and its viral parasites is particularly complicated.
Only adult females consume blood, and the immature stages (larvae) live in fresh or brackish water, filtering out small organic particles.
The virus undergoes certain parts of its lifecycle inside particular mosquito organs, but also requires other organs in the vertebrate host to complete its life cycle. And to get into a vertebrate, such as us, it relies on a hungry blood-sucking insect.
These viruses always have other hosts besides humans, which may include native and domestic animals. The pathway that these viruses take to infect humans is often via our domestic animals, which are also bitten by the same mosquitoes that feed on us.
In addition, rates of virus transmission to humans is also affected by the human built environment, and also human behaviour.
Because mosquitoes breed in water, changes in rainfall patterns are likely to change the distribution and abundance of mosquitoes, and therefore could affect disease transmission.
Australian climate is characterised by its variability, however we have experienced a general trend towards increased spring and summer monsoonal rain across northern Australia, and decreased late autumn and winter rainfall in the south.
Flooding rains
Kunjin virus is mainly transmitted by a small mosquito called Culex annulirostris, the common banded mosquito, in Australia. We are lucky because human infection rarely causes disease, even though Kunjin and the common-banded mosquito are widespread in Australia.
Kunjin's close relative, the US strain of West Nile Virus is much more virulent, causing more human disease. These viruses are well known for their ability to mutate quickly, so they are always keeping medical authorities on their toes.
Higher than average rainfall and flooding in eastern Australia in the second half of 2010 and 2011 provided ideal conditions for breeding common banded mosquitoes, and in 2011 a dangerous strain of Kunjin appeared that caused acute encephalitis (swelling of the brain) in horses. This disease has only been detected in one human, however this mosquito feeds on both humans and horses.
This new virulent strain of Kunjin also appeared in new areas east of the Great Dividing Range, suggesting other unknown changes in transmission.
As temperatures increase, mosquito activity will begin earlier in the season and reach higher levels of abundance sooner, and maintain higher populations longer. These factors will all probably tend to increase the rate of transmission of Kunjin to both humans and animals.
Drying out
While flooding may have helped spread Kunjin, drought may have helped another mosquito-borne virus.
It would be simple to assume that drought would reduce mosquito populations by reducing the larval habitat (water), and thereby reduce the incidence of mosquito-borne disease in Australia.
However, this is not necessarily the case. Another Australian mosquito, Aedes notoscriptus, the striped mosquito, is responsible for transmitting Ross River and Barmah Forest Virus in Australia.
The striped mosquito is unusual in comparison to its cousins because it breeds in small containers of water, such as tree holes in natural environments. The main carrier of Dengue in Australia, Aedes aegypti, shares this habit.
These small container habitats abound in Australia's urban backyard, with water features, water and food bowls for pets, and various toys providing such breeding places.
With the drought, Australians became much more water wise, and installed various water storage devices in their gardens, ranging from buckets left out in a storm, to professionally installed rain tanks. All these are potential habitat for the striped mosquito to breed.
In this case drought has caused an increase in the abundance of a mosquito virus carrier because of a change in human behaviour.
The return of Dengue?
Dengue fever is transmitted in Australia by the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The mosquito is restricted to Queensland, and Dengue fever transmission is restricted to coastal northern Queensland.
Recent modelling predicts that moderate climate change would extend the Dengue risk zone to Brisbane, exposing much larger human populations to risk.
However, before the 1930s, Dengue fever transmission was known south almost to Sydney, and Aedes aegypti was known throughout mainland Australia except the deserts.
Both the mosquito, and the disease, have retreated to Queensland since then, and we don't know why. What is clear is that we don't really understand what controls the distribution of Aedes aegypti or Dengue in Australia, but given the contraction of the disease in historical time, it is unlikely that a warming climate will produce a simple response in the insect or the disease.
Australian insects will be affected by climate change, but simple predictions based on increasing average temperatures and changing rainfall patterns miss the important effects of complex biological interactions.
In addition, we are only just beginning to use models that are sophisticated enough to consider how insects might evolve under changing climate.
Investing in a deeper understanding of these complex biological webs, and their outcomes for human society, will result in great returns. Our predictions of the future state of Australian plants and animals will become more accurate and we will also improve human health and manage our biodiversity more sustainably into the future.
David Yeates is Director of the Australian National Insect Collection at CSIRO.
This article was originally published on The Conversation.
Read the original article.
How the right diet can control diabetes and reduce its massive economic costsPosted: July 15, 2015 Filed under: Feature Articles, Health and Wellbeing | Tags: diabetes, diet 6 Comments
Chris Proud, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute; Grant Brinkworth, CSIRO, and Manny Noakes, CSIRO
More than 350 million people worldwide suffer from type 2 diabetes. The condition is already rampant in several Western countries and numbers are now rising fast in emerging economies, such as India and China. But the right kind of dietary changes could dramatically reduce the impact of the illness on both patients and economies.
Alongside the impact of the disease and its associated complications on the lives of patients and their families, diabetes' cost to health-care systems is huge. In Australia, for example, the total economic impact of type 2 diabetes is estimated at A$10.3 billion, while in the United States it is likely to exceed US$174 billion.
There are many ways to beat diabetes or reduce its impact; the key is making changes to your diet and lifestyle that you then follow for life. Indeed, lifestyle modification – eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly – is the cornerstone of any effective diabetes-management plan.
More than sugar
For decades now, the general recommendation has been for everyone to cultivate a high-unrefined-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. More recently, reducing sugar intake, even though it is one of the most popular carbohydrates, has been receiving a lot of attention. But a healthy eating plan for diabetes is not just about cutting out sugar. And scientific opinion is now turning in favour of lower carbohydrate diets – for everyone.
While excessive sugar will no doubt increase blood sugar levels, especially if you're having sweetened drinks, any source of carbohydrate will have the same effect. This includes anything that contains flour, rice or pasta, as well as fruit and potato.
Carbohydrate foods with a low glycaemic index (GI), such as oats and legumes, on the other hand, will dampen down the blood sugar response. That's why careful carbohydrate selection is now recommended for everyone, especially people who have type 2 diabetes.
New data from high-quality nutrition research now strongly suggests that restricting carbohydrates even further, while moderately increasing protein and unsaturated fat intake, may have further benefits for controlling type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of complications.
What we did and found
Based on these ideas, our research teams have been studying the effects of a "Mediterranean" diet – which has low carbohydrate, high protein and includes a lot of vegetables, nuts, lean meats and healthy fats – in combination with an exercise plan. We wanted to see how much we could improve the health of people with type 2 diabetes.
We assigned 115 adults with type 2 diabetes to one of two weight-loss programs. One group followed a very low-carbohydrate and high-protein diet for 24 weeks. The other had a higher carbohydrate, but still low GI, diet.
Early results have been ground-breaking; our diet is better at improving diabetes control compared to traditional weight-loss diets. But its most striking benefit is that it reduces the amount of medication someone with diabetes has to take by half. This reduction was three times greater than for people who followed the lifestyle program that incorporates a traditional high-carbohydrate diet plan.
Our very low-carbohydrate diet also improved blood cholesterol profile by increasing the levels of good (HDL) cholesterol and decreasing triglyceride (blood fat) levels to a greater extent than the traditional high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. Both diets achieved similar reductions in bad (LDL) cholesterol levels – often a concern with some low-carbohydrate diets.
There's more
Variation of blood glucose levels through the day is emerging as a strong independent risk factor for diabetes complications. In our study, the very low-carbohydrate diet was also more effective in reducing the number and levels of blood glucose variations over a 24-hour period.
In 2008-09, of the estimated A$1,507 million spent on the health care of diabetes in Australia, A$490 million was spent on diabetes-related medications. Our findings suggest that, by implementing a lifestyle program incorporating a healthy low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-unsaturated-fat diet at a national level, the country could save up to A$250 million annually through reductions in diabetes-related medication alone.
This does not even account for any additional cost savings that could be generated from the marked improvements in diabetes control and patients' well-being. It is these costs – related to the complications of diabetes and patients' ability to contribute to the economy – that account for most of the economic impact of type 2 diabetes.
Our research shows evidence from the latest nutrition science can guide dietary approaches to tackling one of the most serious global health challenges of this century.
Chris Proud is Theme Leader, Nutrition and Metabolism at South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute.
Grant Brinkworth is Senior Research Scientist in Human Nutrition at CSIRO.
Manny Noakes is Professor of Nutrition & Research Director for the Food and Nutrition Flagship at CSIRO.
This article was originally published on The Conversation.
Read the original article.
The Showdown: Total Wellbeing and the 5:2 DietPosted: June 10, 2015 Filed under: Farming and Food, Feature Articles, Health and Wellbeing, Health Bites, News | Tags: 5:2, diet, dieting, fasting, total wellbeing diet, TWD 5 Comments
This blog was originally published on the Total Wellbeing Diet website.
Fans of intermittent fasting programs – think the 5:2 diet – often find they have success with weight loss, so today we are taking a look at the pros and cons of this kind of diet.
While fasting technically refers to not consuming any food or liquid at all, intermittent 'fasting' diets, like the 5:2 diet, do involve very minimal calorific intake on the fasting days – we're talking around 2000 kilojoules all day, compared to the daily recommended intake of around 10,000 for men and 8,700 for women. These diets run on the premise that you fast for 2 days of the week and consume as many kilojoules as you like on the non-fasting days.
While 5:2 is the most popular configuration, others find they have more success following a 4:3 or 6:1 ratio of non-fasting to fasting days.
The surprising news is, studies are suggesting these diets are successful in achieving weight loss. Even more surprising, Dr Manny Noakes, Research Director of our Food and Nutrition Flagship, says research is revealing people don't eat more than they usually would on the non-fasting days – which was what many experts expected to see.
The research is still limited, but Dr Noakes says animal studies have been optimistic. Some of these animal studies have shown intermittent fasting can fend off illnesses including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders and may improve insulin sensitivity.
Dr Noakes says she herself would not discourage someone following such a diet that was seeing success, though she cautions there is still a lot to learn before it gets the seal of approval.
"If people who are overweight have struggled to lose weight following other diets, and they find this works for them, then that is great. Weight loss, particularly belly fat, has many health benefits – visceral fat is involved in disrupting blood-sugar regulation and is associated with high cholesterol levels. It's also a risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease."
On the flipside, Dr Noakes says what we don't yet know about intermittent fasting is what these diets mean for long term health.
If the person is simply losing weight because they are effectively cutting a lot of kilojoules from their weekly intake, but they are still eating poorly, then I'd have to argue they still need to address their eating habits for longer term health gain.
She says while restricting your kilojoule intake is a guaranteed way to lose weight, cutting back indiscriminately can lead to an unbalanced, unhealthy diet, and recommends a more balanced approach. "It's important not to cut key food groups including dairy, grains and cereals – you'll be missing out on some important nutrients essential for good health."
To summarise the pros and cons:
- Loss of body fat/ weight for overweight people is of health benefit in general.
- Early research shows contrary to what scientists expected to see, people do not consume more kilojoules on the non-fasting days.
- Intermittent fasting diets seem to be as effective as calorie restricted diets for weight loss.
- There is early research to suggest it is effective in curbing cravings.
- It provides an easier weight loss plan than standard kilojoule restricting diets – there is no weighing or 'forbidden' foods to worry about – on the fasting day, the limited calories will be accounted for very quickly and there are no restrictions on non-fasting days.
- Fasting diets don't change the way you eat – there is no evidence at this stage that suggests people eat healthier food than they did prior to starting the diet. While maintaining a healthy body weight is important for good health; a nutritious diet offers important vitamin and minerals.
- There is limited research on the long term effectiveness – or any long term health issues related to intermittent fasting.
- This lack of research means we don't know who the diet works for and who it might not – for example, what medications or illnesses it may interact badly with.
- Unlike diets that make healthy lifestyle changes – like the Total Wellbeing Diet – fasting diets do not provide advice on how to eat for optimal health, in a way that is sustainable in the long run.
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Big Data is useful, but we need to protect your privacy tooPosted: May 11, 2015 Filed under: Feature Articles, ICT, Tech-know | Tags: big data, data collection, privacy 1 Comment
These days, massive volumes of data about us are collected from censuses and surveys, computers and mobile devices, as well as scanning machines and sensors of many kinds. But this data can also reveal personal and sensitive information about us, raising some serious privacy concerns.
Data are routinely collected when we shop, use public transport, visit our GP or access government services in person or online. There's also data from using our smart phones and fitness monitoring devices.
These data are generally collected for a purpose, called the "primary purpose". For example, having purchased goods delivered, catching a bus from home to work, having a health check, obtaining a Medicare refund, navigating or searching our local area, as well as logging our fitness regime.
But in addition to being used for such primary purposes, many data are stored and used for other purposes, called "secondary purposes". This includes research to help inform decision-making and debate within government and the community.
For example, data from Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and hospitals can be used to identify potential adverse drug reactions much faster than is currently possible.
What about privacy?
But these data can also reveal highly sensitive information about us, such as about our preferences, behaviours, friends and whether we have a disease or not.
Given the rapid change in the volume and nature of data in the digital age, it is timely to ask whether the existing ethics frameworks for the secondary use of such data are still adequate. Do they address the right ethical issues associated with research using the data? In particular, how will an individual's privacy be protected?
There have been two important responses to these issues. A group of researchers, supported by the University of Melbourne and the Carlton Connect Initiative, explored these issues through workshops, desk research and many consultations.
They produced the Guidelines for the Ethical Use of Digital Data in Human Research. It's a work in progress, requiring ongoing practice and revision, rather than a definitive set of prescriptions.
A team at CSIRO and the Sax Institute also addressed the deeper ethical issue of protecting privacy in the secondary use of health data. This work will be developed into Guidelines for Confidentiality Protection in Public Health Research Results.
Ethical issues for digital data
In the first of the guidelines, five key categories of ethical issues are identified as highly relevant to digital data and require additional consideration when using digital data.
- Consent: making sure that participants can make informed decisions about their participation in the research
- Privacy and confidentiality: privacy is the control that individuals have over who can access their personal information. Confidentiality is the principle that only authorised persons should have access to information
- Ownership and authorship: who has responsibility for the data, and at what point does the individual give up their right to control their personal data?
- Data sharing – assessing the social benefits of research: data matching and re-use of data from one source or research project in another
- Governance and custodianship: oversight and implementation of the management, organisation, access and preservation of digital data.
The voluntary guidelines were developed to help people conducting research and to assist ethics committees to assess research involving digital data.
Without such guidelines, there is a risk that new ethical issues involving digital data will not adequately be considered and managed by researchers and ethics committees.
Privacy risks from the data
Traditionally, the data custodians responsible for granting access to data sets have sought to protect people's confidentiality by only providing access to approved researchers. They also restricted the detail of the data released, such as replacing age or date of birth by month or year of birth.
More recently, data custodians are increasingly being asked for highly flexible access to more and more details about individual persons from an expanded range of data collections.
Custodians are responding by developing a new flexible range of access modes or mechanisms, including remote analysis systems and virtual data centres.
Under remote analysis, a researcher does not have access to any of the data but submits queries and receives analysis results through a secure webpage.
A virtual data centre is less restrictive than a remote analysis system. It enables researchers to interact directly with data, submit queries and receive results through a secure interface.
But the results of statistical analysis as released by a virtual data centre may still reveal personal information. For example, if a result such as an average is computed on a very small number of people then it is probably very close to the value for each of those people.
By following such voluntary guidelines, researchers can maintain confidentiality while ensuring that society can benefit from their work.
The rapid technological advances in our society are creating more and more data archives of many different types. It's vital that we continue to assess the ethical and privacy risks from secondary use of this data if researchers are to reap the potential benefits from access to the information.
Christine O'Keefe is Research Director · Digital Productivity at CSIRO.
This article was originally published on The Conversation.
Read the original article.
Bright Spark saves lives: finding order in the chaos of bushfiresPosted: May 5, 2015 Filed under: Environment, Feature Articles, News | Tags: bushfire, bushfires, fire science, firefighting, simulation, software, summer Leave a comment
James Hilton, CSIRO; Andrew Sullivan, CSIRO; Mahesh Prakash, CSIRO, and Ryan Fraser, CSIRO
Bushfires are highly chaotic natural events, dangerous to people and homes in their path and even more dangerous to those brave enough to fight them.
Australia is all-too-familiar with tragedy caused by bushfire, with days such as Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday ingrained into public and personal memories. The costs in a bad bushfire season can run into billions of dollars, although nothing can truly account for the lives and communities affected by these events.
Bushfires are hard to predict for two reasons. No-one can be sure where or when they will start, although well-educated guesses can be made.
Weather conditions conducive to the outbreak of bushfires are well known and serve to prompt total fire bans to reduce the chance of accidental ignitions. Unfortunately, some of the most frequent causes – lightning strikes and arson – are inherently unpredictable.
Once a bushfire has started it is also difficult to predict precisely where it will go.
While all bushfires do follow well understood physical laws, fine scale variations in factors such as the weather, topography and distribution of fuel mean that a bushfire may appear to behave erratically.
Sudden shifts in the wind direction may cause a quiescent flank to burst to life, creating a new wider fire front. A single tree next to a road or river may enable the fire to jump across an otherwise impassable barrier.
Fighting and controlling fires is a major difficulty for emergency services due to this level of uncertainty. Even deciding the best evacuation routes in uncertain fire conditions can be challenging.
Studying bushfire behaviour
This apparent unpredictability has not deterred fire scientists. Since the early part of the last century these scientists have been carefully studying the behaviour and spread of fires in different conditions.
The results have been collected and tabulated into mathematical formulae to predict how fast a fire will spread. These have been used in Australia for many years for early warning and planning purposes.
But the speed of a fire depends on a wide range of factors. These range from large scale effects, such as the weather or slope of the land, to the small scale, such as whether the fire is burning through leaf litter or grass. The resulting mathematical calculations are complicated, as all of these factors must be included.
Fire science, like many other science disciplines, has benefited from the recent growth in computer processing and data storage. These advances mean meteorological models can now give weather forecasts at very fine scales.
Improvements in computer algorithms have led to newer, more powerful, models to represent spreading fires. Growth in data storage has allowed the creation of detailed maps of terrain and vegetation.
Spark: a new insight into bushfire spread simulation
Fire spread simulation is an intersection of a number of disciplines including ecology, geography, physics, meteorology, mathematics and computer science. When simulating fires, each of these must work together.
To do this most effectively, a new way to bring all of these parts together was needed. This led to the creation of a new software system called Spark.
Spark is a bushfire prediction framework containing all the parts needed to process fine-scale weather and fuel data, run advanced fire simulations and depict the results. The system will be released today at the Australia New Zealand Disaster Management Conference on the Gold Coast.
The parts that make up Spark can also be connected together in whichever way best suits the user. This also has the advantage that as new models come along, the older parts in the system can simply be replaced.
The system enables scientists from multiple disciplines to collaborate. Currently, fire scientists are working to improve fire behaviour models, computer scientists are building new ways to simulate perimeter propagation and software engineers are developing the system on the latest computational hardware.
Spark has been built with the uncertainty of fire behaviour foremost in mind. For predictions of ongoing fires, multiple different cases can be run for slightly different weather forecasts.
The system contains statistical components that allow the results to be combined into maps of the likelihood of when the fire is going to arrive at a given location.
Other current research involves improving fire predictions by using a range of conditions, some likely and others very unlikely.
These predictions can be combined with real-world measurements of the fire using a statistical method to feed back into the model. This allows the model to respond to changing conditions, including highly unlikely events, providing better predictions of future fire behaviour.
Bringing the latest fire science to the fireground
The collaborative approach behind Spark means that services and agencies using the system will benefit from the latest advances in fire science.
The system can be fully customised and can be integrated with existing systems. Spark can also be built into any number of applications, such as evacuation planning or fire regime tools.
Spark can also be used for land management and planning, fire mitigation analysis, real-time fire prediction, risk analysis or reconstruction and analysis of fire events.
James Hilton is Research scientist at CSIRO.
Andrew Sullivan is Research Team Leader, Bushfire Behaviour and Risks at CSIRO.
Mahesh Prakash is Principal Research Scientist, Fluid Dynamics at CSIRO.
Ryan Fraser is Research Manager at CSIRO.
This article was originally published on The Conversation.
Read the original article.
The smell of rain: how our scientists invented a new wordPosted: March 31, 2015 Filed under: Feature Articles, Manufacturing and Minerals, News, Random Stuff, Things we like | Tags: Joy Bear, petrichor, smell of rain 8 Comments
By Howard Poynton, CSIRO
Australia's CSIRO has come up with some pretty amazing inventions over the past 86 years of research, from polymer banknotes to insect repellent and the world-changing Wi-Fi. But we can also lay claim to something a little more esoteric – we actually invented a whole new word.
And no, we're not talking about one of these new-fangled internet words like "YOLO", "selfie" or "totes".
The word is "petrichor", and it's used to describe the distinct scent of rain in the air. Or, to be more precise, it's the name of an oil that's released from the earth into the air before rain begins to fall.
This heady smell of oncoming wet weather is something most Australians would be familiar with – in fact, some scientists now suggest that humans inherited an affection for the smell from ancestors who relied on rainy weather for their survival.
Even the word itself has ancient origins. It's derived from the Greek "petra" (stone) and "ichor" which, in Greek mythology, is the ethereal blood of the gods.
But the story behind its scientific discovery is a lesser known tale. So, how is it that we came to find this heavenly blood in the stone?
Nature of Argillaceous Odour might be a mouthful, but this was the name of the paper published in the Nature journal of March 7, 1964, by CSIRO scientists Isabel (Joy) Bear and Richard Thomas, that first described petrichor.
Thomas had for years been trying to identify the cause for what was a long-known and widespread phenomena. As the paper opened:
That many natural dry clays and soils evolve a peculiar and characteristic odour when breathed on, or moistened with water, is recognised by all the earlier text books of mineralogy.
The odour was particularly prevalent in arid regions and was widely recognised and associated with the first rains after a period of drought. The paper went on to say:
There is some evidence that drought-stricken cattle respond in a restless matter to this "smell of rain".
The smell had actually been described already by a small perfumery industry operating out of India, which had successfully captured and absorbed the scent in sandalwood oil. They called it "matti ka attar" or "earth perfume". But its source was still unknown to science.
Joy and Richard, working at what was then our Division of Mineral Chemistry in Melbourne, were determined to identify and describe its origin.
By steam distilling rocks that had been exposed to warm, dry conditions in the open, they discovered a yellowish oil – trapped in rocks and soil but released by moisture – that was responsible for the smell.
The diverse nature of the host materials has led us to propose the name "petrichor" for this apparently unique odour which can be regarded as an "ichor" or "tenuous essence" derived from rock or stone.
The oil itself was thus named petrichor — the blood of the stone.
Bring on the humidity
The smell itself comes about when increased humidity – a pre-cursor to rain – fills the pores of stones (rocks, soil, etc) with tiny amounts of water.
While it's only a minuscule amount, it is enough to flush the oil from the stone and release petrichor into the air. This is further accelerated when actual rain arrives and makes contact with the earth, spreading the scent into the wind.
According to the Nature Paper:
In general, materials in which silica or various metallic silicates predominated were outstanding in their capacity to yield the odour. It was also noted that the odour could be obtained from freshly ignited materials rich in iron oxide, with or without silica.
It's a beautiful sequence of events, but one that may be hard to visualise.
Thankfully, in a testament to the ongoing scientific fascination with this finding, a team of scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have just this year released a super slow motion video of the petrichor process in motion.
Using high-speed cameras, the researchers observed that when a raindrop hits a porous surface, it traps tiny air bubbles at the point of contact. As in a glass of champagne, the bubbles then shoot upward, ultimately bursting from the drop in a fizz of aerosols.
The team was also able to predict the amount of aerosols released, based on the velocity of the raindrop and the permeability of the contact surface which may explain how certain soil-based diseases spread.
Lasting legacy
There's a small body of research and literature on petrichor that's fascinating in its own right, including Thomas and Bear's subsequent paper Petrichor and Plant Growth a year after they first named the smell.
So what happened to Joy Bear and Richard Thomas?
Richard had actually retired from CSIRO in 1961 when he was First Chief of the Division of Minerals Chemistry. He died in 1974, aged 73.
Joy, aged 88, a true innovator and pioneer in her field, retired from CSIRO only in January this year, after a career spanning more than 70 years.
The joint discovery of petrichor was just part of a truly remarkable and inspiring career which culminated in 1986, with Joy's appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia for services to science.
We are thankful to both for the lasting legacy on giving a name to the smell of rain and to Joy for the role model she has been to so many women in science.
This is part of a series on CSIRO Inventions.
This article was originally published on The Conversation.
Read the original article.


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Gateway National Recreation Space is a 26,000 acre recreation space positioned in the coronary heart of the New York metropolitan space. Staten Island: Beach Recreation: Nice Kills Park offers a seasonal swimming seaside, with a Beach Middle and Lifeguards on duty from 10 AM to five:forty five PM every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Many of those historic sites are properly preserved and supply interesting glimpses of the previous.
Description: Built in 1879, this historic dwelling was once at the heart of a 250-acre farm. Explore President Jimmy Carter's boyhood farm (Jimmy Carter National Historic Website), go shopping and pattern peanut butter treats. Contributions right this moment will probably be utilized towards future membership benefits when the historic structures are restored and functioning as backcountry huts.
From proper are, Kalem Leonard, outdoor recreation planner; Kyle Sullivan, public affairs specialist and geologist Stephanie Carter. The positioning can be developed into a passive park with trails, picnic groves, historic interpretative signs and a playground.
The previous Cherokee Capital will come alive with various residing historical past demonstrations together with arts, music, crafts, dances, blacksmith, spinning and weaving and tours of the historic grounds and buildings of outdated New Echota. Among the ' Workers Cottages' from Sinton Highway and Clark Lane and other buildings in the space of historic significance could additionally be part of this cluster west of the existing church with it is vital historic cemetery.
Stays from the root cellar have been saved throughout park building and historic signage affords guests attention-grabbing insight into an period that spanned the early 1900?s. In 1967, your entire house was moved throughout Springfield Avenue to its present website.

subset: commoncrawl


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It's officially been a month since my first virtual book launch for Ella's Greatest Adventures: Peace at the Dental Office!
I remembered feeling kind of overwhelmed, nervous, yet excited to finally share my book but before I talk about my feelings, what's a book launch?
A book launch is an event where the book is presented to the public for the first time , either traditionally at a venue or digitally.
I chose to launch on Facebook live mostly because of timing and less preparation that was needed to set up. So that morning I met my friends outside of my apartment's clubhouse and immediately after speaking we ended up moving around furniture to quickly set up.
Minutes before going live as we were eating icees and praying for a successful launch , I began to read over my notes. Clicked 'live' and no one was online. I waited..refreshed page..waited..refreshed page and couldn't see anyone still lol.
At first I was using Ella's Greatest Adventures Facebook page to go live (a page that did not have much traffic to begin with smh) and that's when my friends suggested I used my regular account, so yayy for friends! It worked!
Everyone started popping in and I was nervous! You would think because I was sitting behind a screen I would be comfortable but I still visualized being in a physical room with people coming in and out during my presentation. Eventually I was comfortable because I realized the ones that were watching were people that I knew.
This was a big step for me because it's easier for me to express myself on paper without using my actual voice. Also the fact that I do not like 'live videos', ughh!
In spite of my feelings, Ella's story was told, family & friends rocked, and I faced my fears of doing my first book launch!
** check out Ella's Site by clicking HERE


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I've been learning some things about the creative process recently. And it has to do with limitations. Or the lack of them.
Here's my thought: only place boundaries on yourself for specific creative reasons, not to fit a certain genre or to be the artist others expect you to be.
I did that in my earlier music-making days. And my music suffered for it.
I was a "folk" musician so I would only use "real" instruments (no keyboards, only pianos; no drum machines, only live drums; no electric guitar, only acoustic).
I think I was actually condescending about it.
I limited my options just to fit a pre-determined box of a genre, making music that people expected a folk artist to make. But genres change and evolve, so why try to fit the definition of today's "folk" music?
Think about it — "pop music" literally means the popular music of the day. Popular music changes over time (I mean, The Beatles were pop in their day). And any change within a genre happens because of artists who don't try to fit into any of the current boxes, artists who stretch the boundaries.
Basically, I don't like genre labels.
So from now on, I don't want to have any genre boundaries in my head. I want to just record everything I hear. And if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. But at least I tried.
I think this will help me make better music — music I'm more proud of. I think it will end up being way more meaningful to me.
All this to say, don't limit yourself unless it's for a specific creative reason, to see what you can do with less.
Otherwise, let every idea out then sort through the good and the bad later.
A great app that has helped me organize my creative process is Evernote. I literally do all of my songwriting on it.
And you can use my referral link to get a free month of a Premium account (although the Free account is awesome too…I use it).


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556 pages | 10 B/W Illus.
Case Studies in Crisis Communication: International Perspectives on Hits and Misses was created to fill the gap for a much-needed textbook in case studies in crisis communication from international perspectives. The events of September 11, 2001, other major world crises, and the ongoing macroeconomic challenges of financial institutions, justify the need for this book. While existing textbooks on the subject focus on U.S. corporate cases, they may not appeal equally to students and practitioners in other countries, hence the need to analyze cases from the United States and from other world regions.
The variety and the international focus of the cases, be they environmental, health or management successes or failures, makes this book more appealing to a wider audience. These cases examine socio-cultural issues associated with responding to a variety of crises.
Part 1: Theoretical Approaches to and Socio-Cultural Perspectives in Crisis Communication Cornelius B. Pratt Part 2: The Phases of Crisis Communication Amiso M. George Part 3: Case Studies Africa Egypt Social Media Stoke a Political Revolution in Egypt Olugbenga C. Ayeni Kenya Wooing Tourists Back After A Civil Strife: The Kenyan Example Bitrus P. Gwamna Nigeria Crisis in Nigeria's Banking and Financial Industry: Government Actions Reassure Skittish, Jittery Publics Wole Adamolekun Kunle Ogedengbe and Cornelius B. Pratt South Africa Hotspot: South Durban Basin, South Africa-The ENGEN Oil Refinery Explosion Chris Skinner Asia China China's Sanlu's Infant Formula Proves Fatal Weidan Cao China & France Olympic Torch Protests in France, Reactions in China: Carrefour Learns About International Crises W. Timothy Coombs India Corporate Fraud in India: Satyam in the Spotlight Monika Vij Japan (Disaster) A Triple Disaster in One Fell Swoop: Rethinking Crisis Communication in Japan After March 11 Isaac A. Blankson, Sorin Nastasia and Min Liu Japan (Toyota) Delays, Denials, Recalls and Apologies: Fixing the Dent in Toyota's Image Amiso M. George Thailand Bringing the Government Down': Managing Thailand's Political Crisis Cornelius B. Pratt and Ronald Lee Carr Australia Victoria Burning: Confronting The 2009 Catastrophic Bushfires in Australia Christopher Galloway and Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo Europe England 'Climategate': UK Climate Researchers' Emails Casts Doubt on Scientific Support for Global Warming Doug A. Newsom Eurozone Eurovision 2010: A Security Breach Endangers Europe's Largest TV Show Alfonso González-Herrero France An Exceptional Fraud at Société Générale Thierry Libaert Germany The Love Parade In Duisburg: Lessons From A Tragic Blame Game Andreas Schwarz Russia Turnaround in Russia: Crisis Communication Campaign During the 2008 War in South Ossetia Alexander G. Nikolaev Middle East Iran Iran's Twitter Revolution' from a Publics Relations Standpoint Chiara Valentini and Dean Kruckeberg Lebanon Risk Perception and Change Management: Strategic Efforts to Restore Lebanon's Tourism Sector Ali Kanso, Joseph Ajami and Abdul Karim Sinno North America Mexico Rosarito Beach: Mediated Reality and the Rebranding of a Mexican Border City Robert Brown USA No Walruses in the Gulf: BP's Need for Effective Issues Management Ashli Quesinberry Stokes South America Chile The 2010 Chilean Mining Accident: The Triumph of Transparency and Calm Leadership Emmanuel C. Alozie Colombia 'Nothing Will be the Same; Everything Will be Better': Floods in Colombia's Atlantico State Jaime S. Gomez and Soledad Leal Tying it All Together: Social Media and Revolution Crisis and Kairos: Social Media Activists Exploit Timing to Support Anti-Government Protests Jacqueline Lambiase


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Children are so delicate. The events they encountered, or things they heard and believed in their childhood even though sometimes it isn't true, can stay deep in their minds. A lot of adults have their impressions (or sometimes wrong impressions) in their subconscious and they are fighting because they are afraid to take a step forward. In the children's sessions I would like to clean up wrong images of their lives and would like to support them that they can regain happiness and trust in their lives.
- Anger
- Fear
- Sense of guilt
- Sorrow


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USA: Tech companies take action to address racism & domestic hate groups
Tech companies have taken several actions in recent months to address the use of the internet to promote hate speech and racism. Following violence by white nationalists at a rally in Charlottesville, both GoDaddy and Google revoked the internet domain registration of neo-Nazi website Daily Stormer. In advance of the rally, Airbnb had canceled a number of accounts and bookings associated with the alt-right event, citing the company's request that its users sign a commitment to "accept people regardless of their race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age" as its rationale. "We asked all members of the Airbnb to affirmatively sign on to this commitment," the company said in its statement. "When through our background check processes or from input of our community we identify and determine that there are those who would be pursuing behavior on the platform that would be antithetical to the Airbnb Community Commitment, we seek to take appropriate action including, as in this case, removing them from the platform." [refers to Airbnb, Alphabet, Discord, Facebook, GoDaddy, GoFundMe, Google, Patreon, PayPal, Tucows, Twilio, Twitter]Get RSS feed of these results
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Tech Companies in Crosshairs on White Supremacy and Free Speech
Author: Diversity Inc
The neo-Nazi website Daily Stormer had its internet domain registration revoked twice in less than 24 hours in the wake of the weekend violence in Charlottesville, Va., part of a broad move by the tech industry in recent months to take a stronger hand in policing online hate-speech and incitements to violence... Both [GoDaddy & Google] said the site that helped organize the violent weekend rally in Virginia had violated their terms of service... Internet companies have increasingly found themselves in the crosshairs over hate speech and other volatile social issues, with politicians and others calling on them to do more to police their networks while civil libertarians worry about the firms suppressing free speech... Facebook confirmed on Monday that it took down the event page that was used to promote and organize the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville... "Facebook does not allow hate speech or praise of terrorist acts or hate crimes, and we are actively removing any posts that glorify the horrendous act committed in Charlottesville," the company said in a statement... Canadian internet company Tucows Inc stopped hiding the domain registration information of Andrew Anglin, the founder of Daily Stormer..."They are inciting violence," said Michael Goldstein, vice president for sales and marketing at Tucows. "It's a dangerous site and people should know who it is coming from."
- Related stories: USA: Tech companies take action against domestic hate groups
Tech companies turn on Daily Stormer and the 'alt-right' after Charlottesville
Author: Julia Carrie Wong, The Guardian
The internet has long been fertile ground for extremists looking to congregate and recruit. But while big internet companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Google have taken seriously the task of combatting Islamist terrorist groups such as Isis and al-Qaida, domestic hate groups have continued to flourish online. Events in Charlottesville, however, seem to be inspiring at least some companies to reconsider their willingness to host the online activities of white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and other members of the so-called "alt-right"... Video game chat application Discord [has] announced that it was shutting down a server and several accounts "associated with the events in Charlottesville", including the AltRight server, which was affiliated with prominent white nationalist Richard Spencer and his website. "We unequivocally condemn white supremacy, neonazism, or any other group, term, ideology that is based on these beliefs," Discord chief marketing officer Eros Resmini said in a statement. "We will continue to be aggressive to ensure that Discord exists for the community we set out to support – gamers."... Other internet companies took action before Charlottesville to crack down on right-wing hate groups. Airbnb barred people from using its service to book rooms in order to attend the rally. Payment processing platforms such as PayPal and Patreon have banned a number of far right figures from using their platforms to raise money.
- Related stories: USA: Tech companies take action against domestic hate groups
PayPal, GoFundMe & Patreon ban people associated with the alt-right
Author: Blake Montgomery, BuzzFeed
"PayPal, GoFundMe, And Patreon Banned A Bunch Of People Associated With The Alt-Right. Here's Why." 2 Aug 2017
Prominent members of the so-called alt-right and other right-wing movements often rely on crowdfunding platforms and online payment processors to fund their causes (and sometimes even their bail), but lately they've been having trouble accessing the money donated by their supporters. Over the past five months, PayPal has banned or hobbled the accounts of several prominent people and groups that promote far-right politics. Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, Patreon, and YouCaring have also cut fundraisers for alt-right–associated causes and people... PayPal told BuzzFeed News that it does not "allow [its] services to be used for activities that promote hate, violence or racial intolerance. Achieving the balance between protecting the ideals of tolerance, diversity and respect for people of all backgrounds and upholding the values of free expression and open dialogue can be difficult, but we do our best to achieve it."
- Related stories: USA: Tech companies take action against domestic hate groups


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When it comes to the Old Hickory Furniture Company, we must say—rugged has never looked quite so refined.
Named in tribute to Andrew Jackson and his "Old Hickory" moniker, the Old Hickory Furniture Company first set up shop in an abandoned Indiana church in 1892. Crafted of hickory trunks that are boiled until bendable, Old Hickory Furniture Company pieces feature a craftsman aesthetic that is similar to that of Gustav Stickley. Their appearance has long made them covetable by cabin owners and prestigious hotel lodges, alike, and in fact, in 1906 the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone was furnished exclusively with Old Hickory chairs.


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Since horses are a big part of my life, and their care is a priority to me, I often look for ways to make chores a lot easier. In the mornings, I normally hit the snooze several times and don't get out of bed the first time the alarm goes off so my day's often start out in a rush. Not much fun, but I make it work most mornings.
On New Year's Eve we got a snow storm. This time it was pretty snow that fell from the sky with minimal wind and ended up being about five or six inches in places. Most often in Western Kansas, our snow doesn't fall, it comes horizontally, blown by cold, gusty North winds. This time too it was bitterly cold, but not quite as bad because of the lax winds. However, single digit temps made feeding horses a bigger chore than it really was, plus with the snow on the ground it just made doing chores cumbersome and take longer.
First you had to bundle up like you were in the Arctic (Ok, not true but I despise the cold). In regular weather a Carhartt coat and heavy sweat pants (shorts in summer) and tennis shoes comprise my feeding attire. During this week of cold and snow, I donned the Carhartt, bib coveralls and snow boots.
Then you had to chop ice. I don't mind chopping ice in a big tank. One that has some size to it and there's no fear of puncturing it or breaking it when the axe hits the ice. Plus, when its zero degrees out any liquid freezes where it falls. That could be your face, your eyelashes or coat. By the end of the second day my horse's tubs were frozen solid and no amount of chopping could clear out enough room for a bucket full of fresh water. I finally resorted to a small plastic tub that wouldn't be a total loss if I broke it and it could easily be picked up and dumped out. In the last two days it has gotten warm enough during the days where the ice bricks/blocks have melted a little. Last night I was able to dump the big ice cubes out and fill the tubs with clean water. Success! I got my coat and gloves wet and my hands were cold, but NO MORE ICE! I was pretty excited.
However on my walk back to the house my excitement over the victory against the ice was dampened some by the fact that I realized ice-free horse tubs made me happy. Really? In my 34 years on this earth, that's something that makes me happy? I guess I've gotten simple, but it works!


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Road safety professional activities 2018
Many road safety professionals spent time engaging with the public during Road Safety Week, helping to protect those on two wheels, and offering free advice and checks for drivers. Thank you to everyone who helped spread our life-saving messages during the Week! You can read more in our evaluation report.
Aaron Handoll, a military professional driving instructor, ran multiple sessions at an international school to talk to the children about road safety. He was able to engage with a diverse range of children from different backgrounds and nationalities. With Brake's free online resources, he was able to communicate road safety messages in an interactive way. The children found the animations especially useful, which were used across several classes, from ages seven to 11. The children all enjoyed and engaged with the sessions, which sparked questions and discussions between the groups.
Belfast Harbour Police officers attended local businesses and the local college, where they distributed leaflets and reflective arm bands and lights for cyclists. To successfully deliver important Bike Smart messages throughout RSW, they worked in partnership with other road safety professionals including Sustrans, Department for Infrastructure and Road Safety Partnership. The feedback from businesses was positive and staff found the sessions informative. There is a large cycling community in the harbour estate and Belfast Harbour Police found RSW was an excellent way to engage with them. Officers also stopped vehicles, ran speed checks, spoke to drivers and checked their tyre treads and lights were working properly.
Crews from across Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service ran various campaigns using our free resources and selfie handlebars. At Runcorn Community Fire Station firefighters delivered information to the communities of Halton. The team ran a road safety poster competition with five local schools to win helmets, sets of lights and a bike. Crews used the children's creative side to design an egg which went through the egg crash helmet simulator to highlight the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bike. They also talked to the children about the importance of wearing bright or reflective clothing so they could be seen in the dark and making sure their bikes were healthy and well maintained.
Cleveland Fire Brigade has supported Brake during RSW for many years. The brigade worked with local authority road safety officers and Cleveland & Durham Police Specialist Operations to visit colleges and advise those on two wheels about the importance of being Bike Smart. They used virtual reality goggles so the students could see, first-hand, the consequences of a road crash. They also used a 'close pass mat' to illustrate the safe distance to pass a cyclist. It was a busy RSW for Cleveland Fire Brigade and their partners, and by the end of the Week the team had engaged around 1,600 students through 20 virtual reality sessions, 12 multi-agency Learn & Live presentations and two extrication displays to demonstrate how they respond on the scene of a crash. They believe Road Safety Week provides an excellent focus that helps bring everyone together to work collaboratively for road safety.
Humberside Fire & Rescue Service crews went in to schools, colleges and the local prison on each day of RSW to run sessions using virtual reality headsets. The fire service performed a crash re-enactment at the Defence School of Transport and conducted roadside checks in partnership with Humberside Police. They also ran a pop-up event at a local shopping centre to raise awareness with the community and engaged their social media followers by promoting RSW online.
The Road Policing Unit of Lancashire Constabulary worked in their community to inform people of important messages about how to be Bike Smart. They distributed flyers and leaflets and demonstrated the distance that drivers should be passing cyclists safely. They also talked to 1,800 college students about the consequences of driving dangerously and the aftermath of road crashes, which are attended by the unit. Motorcycle riders from the force's motor driving school also posed with our selfie handlebars to show their support for Bike Smart through social media.
Lancashire Road Safety Partnership ran their #SaveYourSkin campaign during RSW, aimed at young riders to ensure they wear the right protective gear while on the road. The partnership worked in schools giving assemblies and bike workshops. There was an incredible response from their partners using the selfie handlebars across the week in schools and at community events. They also raised awareness on social media to ensure Brake's important messages and statistics and sponsored a giant banner to be displayed in their community.
London Fire Brigade ran a week of RSW activities including an awareness day, educational activities in schools, a public event raising awarness through local media and took part in Brake's Virtual Cycle.
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service promoted Bike Smart through its focus on safe overtaking distances. Harrogate Fire Station used the 'Close Pass Mat' at local supermarkets to show people the safest distance to pass those on two wheels - at least 150cm. They received positive responses, engaging with lots of people in the community and look forward to taking part again in 2019.
Northamptonshire Police supported the Week with a series of enforcement and community engagement events. Chief Constable Nick Adderley joined the road safety teams across Northamptonshire in promoting the Bike Smart message, picture right. They used Brake's infographics and messaging to raise awareness through social media. There were lots of online activity as well as an enforcement event in the community.
Shiny Side Up is a road safety team based in the East Midlands who campaign to reduce the number of fatal and serious casualties suffered by motorcyclists. Their officers organised road safety events, went out on patrol and gave out resources to help improve motorcyclists' visibility. Their events received lots of support including from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Thames Valley Police, Bracknell station, had a great team effort during RSW to cover as many activities as they could. Officers ran a speed awareness poster competition and held various road safety assemblies at local schools. Every day during the Week, they ran speed checks and a speed watch programme with local volunteers. A road safety display was set up in the local supermarket to engage with residents and spread the Bike Smart message.
West Yorkshire Police neighbourhood police teams worked with their local schools to talk about being Bike Smart and run speeding workshops. They visited Lindley Methodist church to engage with older road users and Birchencliffe Pre-School and Reinwood Junior School in Huddersfield to engage children, their parents and families, as well as local councillors.


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This Woodlands TX neighborhood has over 2000 residencies. At the same time, the East Shore neighborhood also has a wonderful mix of shops, parks, walking paths, beautiful parks, and much more. You are also going to want to note that living here makes it easy to get to the Town Center. This massive downtown sprawl is a great hub for dining, shopping, and other items of interest. The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion are a few more of the options for fun that you will be able to enjoy. The Woodlands Waterway is also worth noting.
Beyond leisure, the homes for sale in East Shore offer a fantastic place in which to take up residence. Homes start in the 700,000 range. You can find a number of properties that are a million dollars or more.
Located in the beautiful, convenient Woodlands TX area, the homes for sale in East Shore neighborhood offer a marvelous, diverse range of possibilities. This can be owed to the fact that the East Shore neighborhood has worked with a number of different builders. The end result is that this neighborhood features a number of different homes that combine older architectural styles with modern ideas.
You are left with a neighborhood that in certain regards, is quite different from some of the other options that are available to you throughout the Woodlands and beyond. Greek revival homes, Charleston homes, French Eclectic homes, and Southern French Colonial are just a few of the possibilities that are available to you. East Shore is a standout in a great many ways. In other regards, it is a neighborhood that still creates a wonderful feeling of belonging to a community that will care about you. It is also a neighborhood that makes it easy to connect with great schools, parks, dining, shopping, sports, employment, higher education, Houston, and so much more.
Like to see more options?
Get a custom list of more homes for sale in East Shore
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East Shore | Top Rated Realtor
About East Shore Neighborhood
In terms of education, East Shore residents have the Conroe ISD to assist them. There are a number of different options within this school district, but all of the schools are very highly regarded. You can also find services such as police, hospitals, mail, and everything else you might need in a neighborhood. At the same time, you will also be able to enjoy an easy commute to Houston, a number of golf courses, outdoor features and opportunities, and much more.


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20 Mar 2019
Irene Forte joins GWS advisory board
BY Lauren Heath-Jones
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has appointed Irene Forte to its advisory board.
Forte, who is the daughter of British hotelier Sir Rocco Forte, currently serves as the wellness director for Rocco Forte Hotels and is responsible for overseeing the company's wellness strategy and offerings across the 14 hotels in the company's portfolio.
As part of the advisory board, she will enable the GWS to target millennials, the wellness industry's 'powerhouse demographic', by offering insight into the next generation of wellness and the millennial mindset.
A successful entrepreneur in her own right, Forte has recently launched her own skincare line – Irene Forte Skincare – which has been dubbed "beauty with a conscience" and consists of handmade and sustainably-packaged products featuring organic ingredients from the Forte's organic farm in Sicily.
In 2015 she was granted government funding to develop a careers app, called Map My Career, aimed at attracting and retaining a younger, more tech-savvy workforce to the hospitality industry, and in 2016 she won the 2016 Rising Star Shine Award and an Acorn '30 under 30' award.
In addition, Forte has spoken at the GWS on two occasions, in 2016 and 2018, with her keynote, entitled: "Millenials: Spoiled for Choice and Very Stressed - How to Attract this Next Generation of Traveler" one of the most downloaded in the summit's history.
Susie Ellis, chair and CEO of GWS, said: "It's with great pleasure that I welcome Irene to our board. We're a conference devoted to the business of wellness, and she will bring invaluable expertise to help ensure that our organisation reflects the very future of this industry: millennials and even younger generations."
"With millennials representing the first 'wellness generation' - and as the age demographic that will have the highest spending power by 2025 - Irene will help us stay relevant and keep evolving toward the next generation wellness consumer," Ellis added.
Forte said: "I immediately fell in love with the spirit of the Global Wellness Summit when I attended my first almost four years ago. With its mission of industry collaboration, this international gathering has been shaping the future of the US$4.2tn (€3.7tn, £3.2tn) wellness industry for 13 years. I'm delighted to be part of such a worthy and important community and event."
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People bid farewell to Wu Bin, a bus driver who ignored fatal injuries caused by flying metal debris to make sure that 24 passengers he was transporting were safe. A memorial service was held for him at Hangzhou Funeral Home in Zhejiang province on Tuesday. Li Zhong / for China Daily
Zhong Guanghong can't remember the last time he saw such a huge throng of people mourn for the loss of a city resident.
Among the thousands of people who attended driver Wu Bin's memorial service on Tuesday, Zhong found that many souls felt the same as him and were touched by the heroism of Wu, who died after first protecting his passengers.
But Zhong still didn't expect so many residents to step out during the early morning of a working day to say a final farewell to the brave driver.
"Wu represents the highest level of morality, like a star sparkling in the galaxy above our heads," said Zhong, 67, an award-winning city volunteer in Hangzhou.
Bus driver Wu, 48, has been hailed across the country as a model of morality and has gained a number of heavyweight honors for his heroic deed last week.
On May 29, after he was struck and critically wounded by a flying metal fragment while driving his bus on a highway, he still managed to bring the bus to a halt on the roadside and make sure all 24 passengers escaped unharmed.
On Tuesday, his sister Wu Bingxin called him the pride of the family, and said the family will be encouraged by his spirit when going on with their lives.
"Although I lost a brother, 24 families were kept intact and a traffic accident that could have resulted in heavier casualties was avoided," the woman said in her address during Tuesday's service in Hangzhou Funeral Home. "With his life lost for the happiness of 24 or even more families, we thought it is the greatest thing he did at the last moment of his ordinary life."
Shao Zhanwei, mayor of Hangzhou, said Wu's spirit to risk his own life to save others should be widely promoted.
"The passing of Wu means we lose a good employee, colleague and brother and his family loses a model husband, father and son," he said in his address at Tuesday's service. "We mourn for the loss of a good comrade, meanwhile feeling extremely proud to have had such a model resident in Hangzhou."
His colleagues also recollected episodes involving Wu, an ordinary driver with the Hangzhou Long-distance Transport Group who they said fulfilled all the obligations of a bus driver for the past 10 years.
"He was an introverted man and was not good at social networking," said colleague Chen Yibo, calling Wu a responsible and kindhearted man.
He said he couldn't forget the attentiveness of Wu, who diligently carried out routine checks on vehicles each time they were driven.
"He didn't utter a word, until he made sure every tiny nut was tightly screwed."
Wu's strong endurance also came from his good driving habits and physical exercise, which allowed him to bear great pain during the unexpected disaster, families said.
Families and friends also recalled that Wu was one of the first to volunteer for relief work after a frost disaster in Hangzhou in 2008. "He faithfully completed his job."
A number of honors have been granted to the driver with the latest endorsement of the title of "revolutionary martyr" on Wu.
But bloggers had mixed reactions to the huge cash award, at least 500,000 yuan ($79,000), and a downtown apartment granted to Wu's family by the bus company and a government-backed foundation.
"Huge awards should be granted to heroes like him," said Hong Dama on Sina Weibo. "It's a positive signal to the public that we need warmth and devotion in this society, rather than indifference."
But another disagreed on Tuesday, saying that "material rewards make all the honors fade, and it makes me think of the numerous unknown heroes never granted honors or rewards".
Traffic police have called the incident a pure accident.
With the help of auto experts, police have determined that the 3.5-kilogram piece of metal causing the accident was part of a brake hub that fell off from another vehicle.
Promising a thorough investigation, police said they have checked about 20 videos recorded by surveillance cameras at toll stations, service areas and highways by Monday evening. Nine vehicles have a high possibility of being linked to the accident, while more than 3,000 autos have been screened, police said in a statement.
More police officers are being sent to other areas of the country for investigation.


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Directed by: R. Balki
I have never heard or seen Amitabh like that and it was a remarkable transformation. The makeup was a little strange, yes, but he genuinely looked as if he had progeria and everything about him was altered along with his prosthetics. His walk, his arms, his voice(!), the movements of his head were all so perfectly aligned with the character or Auro that you stopped seeing Amitabh and started seeing only Auro. It was a true testament to the depth and ability that Amitabh has as an actor that he was able to so completely disappear in this role.
Much like his father Abhishek gave a fantastic performance as well. He had sensitivity, care, compassion and love just oozing out of him in every scene (well, except for when he sticks it too the media…but…) so much that I just felt for him. His pain was my pain, his joy, mine…etc. It was just a treat to watch him.
Vidya Balan (whom I've only ever seen in Salaam-e-Ishq) also wowed me, but her character got on my nerves every once and a while. She was almost too concerned with not being the thing that ruined Amol's life that it got in the way of her and her son's happiness and in itself was a hiccup that she was so afraid to become.
Jaya Bachchan read the opening titles, sitting regally in a exquisite sari. She really has to be the most beautiful person in the world.
There were a lot of homey touches in the film, like Auro's very teenage writing on his door and walls (i.e. "Knock, or I will "knock" your head off!) posters of bands, awkward tween crushes and preteen temper tantrums won over with a new XBox, I like those kind of additions to films; they make the experience more real and more familiar.
I feel like I'm Romanticizing this film, and I am, because there were some moments in the beginning and middle were I just wasn't on board for the story line and I thought the flow was strange and there were a few stories that were just loose ends; but I was so touched by everything else, that all my complaints seemed to have vanished from my memory.


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The final installment of Amendmentos, the sugar-coated voter's guide, covers Amendments 47, 49 and 54 (the anti-union amendments) and Referendum O. These measures should not be taken with a grain of salt. Each was placed on the ballot by sweet-talking politickers who think that getting your vote is as easy as stealing candy from a baby. It's really more like Trick-or-Treat. Inspect each amendment for hidden razor blades before deciding when to bite. -- Kenny Be


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Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4 SMALL-SIZE Right-Handed
This is the same mouse as the VM4R Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4 with all specifications being the same except the actual size of the mouse.
After years of hearing that the Vertical Mouse is a little too big for some, Evoluent has made the VM4 in a smaller size. This new version (VM4S) is about 10% smaller. At its longest and widest points it measures 4 1/8" long, 3.25" wide, and 3" high.
The SMALL Evoluent mouse is also available in a Wireless Model.
Maximum Hand Size:
The Evoluent VerticalMouse 4 Small is for hands less than about 7 inches or 178 mm long from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist crease. To see if the VM4S fits you, download a full-size pdf of this drawing, print it and put your hand on it. If your hand is the same size or smaller than the drawing, VM4S may fit you better than the regular VM4R.
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Melissa Hill is currently working as the MWTGA Project Associate with a focus on marketing and public relations.
Melissa received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Northeastern University and is currently pursing a master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Northeastern University. Melissa, who's had the opportunity to work in several positions within the Tribe's operations before moving over to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Gaming Authority, was able to get her feet wet in the marketing and public relations field as a member of the Tribe's Communications Team. In her current role as MWTGA Project Associate she's been able to take the foundation in marketing she gained from the Communications Team and bring it over to her new position.


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Along with the Dynamic Glass, Dynamic Valve and Dynamic Tank these blocks make up the multi-block that is the Dynamic Tank, a Fluid storage structure that can hold a single type of fluid, unlike Railcraft Tanks however they have no size constraints in configuration similar to Xycraft Tanks, as such the tank can be placed in a 6x4x5 configuration, however it still have a minimum limit that it has to be 3x3x3 and max of 12x12x12 anythin in between is still accepted as a multiblock however. Also as the name implies this acts as the frame and structure of the Dynamic Tank it self.
Do you need a wiki for your Minecraft mod/gaming wiki? We'll host it for free! Contact us.
Join Techworld - an amazing custom modpack server.


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Last Chance
A few times a year we offer clearance prices* on discontinued items** to make room on our shelves for all the new products. Products on clearance are listed below and are available at Manitoba Liquor Mart while quantities last. Locate your nearest Liquor Mart and hurry in before it's all gone!
Visit this page regularly to find out when the next clearance sale is starting.
*All prices subject to GST and PST.
**Products available while quantities last.
There are currently no products on Clearance, please check back soon.


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Bastide 2017 Minervois red
15 January 2018
39,00€ – 273,00€
Bastide 2016 Minervois red
Bottle price : 6,50 euros
The listening trickle spread from bottle neck ; The purplish iridescent ion of the bastide, herald the wine times. It's young, close to the fruit, it is the wine of instants. The accomplice companion of the culinary improvisations which plays with its tannins already absorbed parsleyed with wild plums aromas.
Its vivid insolence will take part to a modest light-meal and also to generous friendly meals. It's the wine with which we recreate allegorical meals of the saved harvests.
Terroir : Mountain area in High-Minervois. South/South-West exposed plots. Between 200 and 350m of altitude. Rocky uplands – clay-limestone. 10 to 50 years vines. Maximum yield of 40hL/Ha.
Grapes : Carrignan, Grenache. And a little touch of Syrah !
Vinification : Manual harvest, destemmed, traditionnal maceration 20 to 30 days.
Tasting : Its colour is pale red, brilliant with light purple shades. The nose reminds the Carrignan from which come this wine, fruity, it is also in mouth where fresh red fruits dominates, associated with a refreshing acidity. A perfect wine for all occasions, aperitives or meals.Fiche descriptive
Additional information
|Box 6bt
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7


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A thug involved in a gang attack which claimed a Preston teenager's life has had his jail time increased after mounting a hopeless appeal.
Dad-of-one Jon-Jo Highton, 18, was fatally stabbed in August 2014 in St Stephen's Road, Deepdale, Preston.
He was attacked after a gang of men, wielding a sword, an axe and a knife, piled out of a car and laid into him.
One of six men convicted of the murder was Joshua Barry Bore, 22, of Morris Road, Ribbleton. He was handed a life sentence, with a minimum of 21 years to be served, at Preston Crown Court in June 2015.
At London's Appeal Court this week, Bore asked Lady Justice Rafferty for permission to challenge his conviction. But the judge, sitting with Mr Justice Turner and Sir David Calvert, threw out his complaints as waste of time.
The judges took the rare step of ordering Bore to serve an extra 42 days behind bars before he can apply for parole.
Bore argued he ought not to have been in the frame for the murder, as he had remained in the vehicle during the attack.
Prosecutors said he must have known that the armed attackers intended to kill or seriously harm Jon-jo.
Bore argued today that the trial judge misdirected jurors on the 'joint enterprise' issue.
But Lady Justice Rafferty said: "The jury had to be sure that the fatal act was within the scope of a joint enterprise.
"No reasonable jury would have reached a different decision, even if the direction sought was given."
Ordering Bore to serve an extra 42 days, she said his "unmeritorious" appeal had caused a "conspicuous waste of judicial time".


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Promotional Items, Corporate Apparel, Imprinted Pens, & more.
The Cutter & Buck Executive Roller Ball is a cap-off roller ball pen. The Executive Roller Ball has an ebony black bottom barrel with a mirrored finish chrome upper barrel. The custom roller ball has the signature Cutter & Buck middle ring and chrome accents. Includes a premium black German roller ball ink cartridge comes with the pen. This is packaged in a lovely 2 piece gift box, creating a lovely holiday gift for clients or work anniversary gift for employees.
© 2018 Promo Managers LLC. All Rights Reserved. | Sitemap | About Us


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- SPIRAL ISLAND PENDANT LIGHT DIMENSIONS: 10" Height x 11" Width x 35" Length (Canopy: 4.7"W x 8.3"L), Weight: 28.6 LBS
- LIGHT: 9-40 Watt G9 Base Xenon Lights, Bulbs Included, 360 Total Watts
- Image is not direct representation of product
- UL Listed for Indoor Locations. TO CLEAN: Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe your shade. If necessary, you may use a white cloth dampened with a mild solution of soapy water to gently wash the shade. Rinse thoroughly with a white cloth dipped in clean water.
- FINISH: Polished Chrome, MATERIAL: Crystal, SHADE: Lead - Glass
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Manufacturer's 1 Year Limited Warranty. 90 day Returns or Exchanges to Del Mar Fans & Lighting.
The Spiral Collection features curled metal tubing that shines like diamonds radiating in the sun. Strands of high quality K9 crystal beads add to the opulence of the fixture offering a distinct sparkle visible whether off or on.
The ET2 E23146-10PC Spiral collection Pendant Lighting in Polished Chrome uses Xenon light output and brings Modern style. This item is 10"H x 11"W x 35"L. The wattage is 40. The ET2 E23146-10PC requires 9 bulbs (included). Additional Information: Shade-Lead - Glass.


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For the first time in a while, I have the entirety of next week off of both school and work (minus one tiny little assignment I'm going to try and finish early). My plans for the week are entirely bookish: I'm planning on completely reorganizing all of my books, including doing a massive unhaul (so look out for a post on that!), and getting a lot of reading done. My final project (which is actually due Sunday) has been killing both the time I have to read and my motivation for reading lately, so I have a lot of partially read books happening at the moment. Anyway, here are the books I am hoping to read/finish in the next week or so:
- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. Since I own all of Bardugo's published novels, I thought it would probably be a good idea to start reading them. I got really into this one, and then put it on hold to read Morning Star, so I'm hoping to finish it in the next week. Because I really want to read Six of Crows, but I want to finish the Grisha trilogy first.
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker. I started the audiobook for this one because it's the February pick for Our Shared Shelf book club. This is one of those books I've been putting off for a long time, but I have to say, I love it! It's brilliant! I've got about four hours of listening left, and I can't wait to see what happens. (If you want to read this book, I would highly recommend the audiobook, read by Walker herself. It's excellent!)
- Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I've had this book for so long, but finally decided to pick it up because the movie is coming out soon. I'm trying really hard not to start it before I finish the pervious four books on this list, though.
- Boy Snow Bird by Helen Oyeyemi. This is my February pick for the Reading New England Challenge (this month's theme is fiction), and, sadly, February is almost over. So I need to read this soon! (I'm not going to freak out if I don't finish it in February, but I'm going to try.)
I was really overambitious this month, especially since the final project for my editing class is due this week. That said, if I do manage to finish these four books, I would also really like to read Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard and A Gathering of Shadows by V. E. Schwab, and hopefully get some reading done in both A Brief History of Time and War and Peace, which are my long-term reading projects.
Let me know what you're planning on reading this week!


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2 X Sound Proof Walls in 1970 Terrace
We were asked to sound proof a spare bedroom as it was unbearable! The next door neighbour played his drums in the lounge which was adjacent to the garage wall that backed onto the bedroom wall. The bedroom wall & Garage wall was Sound Proofed using Acoustic metal stud, Acoustic mineral wool and 2 layers of 15mm sound board and sealed with acoustic mastic then plastered to a float flat finish. The bedroom needed extra walls plastering and the coveing were renewed together with the skirting board.
You have made our UNLIVEABLE ROOM, LIVEABLE!!!
Victorian Maisonette
A large 2 bed victorian maisonette which had problems with Airborn & Impact noise in their main bedroom created by neighbours upstairs who had sanded floor boards.
- Erected Scaffolding across the whole of the floor to enable a safe working height was achieved.
- The existing ceiling was taken down and found no insulation between the joist.
- The ceiling was insulated with acoustic mineral wool (100mm)
- Resilient bars were installed at 400mm centres onto the existing joist.
- Two layers of 15mm sound boards were installed and overlapped at all joints and sealed at all connecting surfaces. (The older houses never tend to have straight walls so this is an important part of the installation to make sure no leakage, it also helps with flanking).
- The sound proof ceiling was then plastered to a float flat finish ready for painting.
Another happy customer who was delighted with a great Day & nights sleep (Junior doctors)
Sound Proof Ceiling – Self contained appt in Bath
- Plastered to a float flat finish
- Double boarded with 15mm sound board(db)
- Used resilient bar on existing joist at 400mm centres.
- Sound proof ceiling using resilient bars and Cellecta Fibrefon Micro 50 acoustic insulation
Nick was excellent. He turned up as arranged to view the job, and provided a very quick, thorough and professional quotation which was priced as expected. Upon acceptance, he again arrived to carry out the work as planned. He was very efficient, tidy, and professional. A good tradesman, and also very pleasant in character. I've been in the building trade all my life. I would have no hesitation in recommending Nick to anyoneMr Chris F - Limpley Stoke


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What Padding to Use to Replace Cushions on Dining Room Chairs?
Whether your dining room chairs are vintage or fairly new, the padding in the chairs may need to be updated and replaced to provide a springy, plush seat. Depending on the look and feel you are after, there are a variety of cushioning solutions available to replace the padding on your chairs, and the process is relatively uncomplicated and simple.
Premade Chair Cushion Insert
If your dining chairs are of a relatively standard size and shape and you want a uniform look with fairly little work, purchase a series of premade chair cushion inserts. These inserts are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to fit most common styles of dining chairs. Inexpensive versions are available in foam that provides a comfortable, springy seat. More plush and luxurious varieties are also available combining foam and other fibers with down feathers and down feather alternatives. These inserts slips neatly into your fabric cushion covers.
If your dining chairs are uniquely shaped or an odd size, consider having upholstery foam custom cut to size for each chair cushion. This can usually be done in specialty fabric and upholstery shops. You can do it yourself with a handsaw or electric knife. Measure the fabric covers and take careful measurements before cutting. For optimum results, use upholstery foam no less that 1 ½ -inches thick to provide a cushy, comfortable seat.
Square Pillow Insert
Many dining room chairs have a square seat and the existing, worn padding can easily be replaced with inexpensive boxed square pillow forms. If the existing seat cushions aren't this shape, you may need to make or purchase new fabric covers to fit these pillow forms. However, once you make or purchase the new covers, you can quickly and inexpensively replace the inner pillow cushions as often as you need by picking up new pillow forms at your local craft or sewing shop.
If your existing covers are in good shape and the padding within them is sagging just a bit, you can extend the life of your seat cushions by wrapping the inner padding with layers of thick batting. Remove the inner padding from the fabric cover and wrap the padding with batting at least three to four times or until they have attained the level of cushioning you desire. Place them back in their fabric cover.


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These rioting going on right now all over the country is so scary and saddening. Not only is it affecting innocent people and cities and businesses but it's also being caused by mostly teenagers and it's being copied all throughout the other cities around the country and there is just not point in copying violence and causing them especially if it affects innocent people.
So please guys, pray for London and the other cities affected.


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This week, our spy snapper has scooped the next-generation Corvette C8 testing in snow along with a couple of ZR1 prototypes. It's all the more interesting as some of the pictures show the upcoming mid-engine C8 running side by side with the current generation ZR1, giving us a chance to compare them visually.
The C8 is expected to be launched sometime next year as a 2019 model since the current version is still relatively new, having been introduced in 2014. While there were rumours earlier that the C7 will be mid-engine, that didn't happen. Although camouflaged, you can see that the prototype caught testing is mid-engined, with a wide rear end and distinctly Corvette-ish roofline, and short front end.
Although there's been no confirmation yet, we expect the 6.2-litre LT5 V8 to be behind the driver and likely to be shown off through a glass door. But one thing is certain, with all these changes, the C8 is going to be the priciest Corvette model ever.


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The island is visitable with organised guided tours, which depart at fixed times from various ports on the lake with private boat transfers. You can consult all our times and prices on this page.
There is a guided tour of the gardens and also a few rooms inside the villa. We also offer a welcome drink and olive oil tasting and a short tour of the natural park.
No, as the island is private and still inhabited, it can only be visited with a guided tour and there is only one return journey after the tour.
The tour takes about 2 hours and includes a welcome drink. The exact timings depend on the amount of guests and lake conditions for the boat crossing, which is why no return journey time is given on our timetable. The boat ride from Barbarano, Gardone, Salò, Manerba, San Felice del Benaco and Portese takes about 15 minutes each way. From Maderno the boat ride takes 25 minutes each way. While from Garda, Bardolino, Torri del Benaco and Sirmione there is an approximately 30 minute boat journey.
The visit will take place even in case of rain. It is only cancelled in case of high winds or strong thunderstorms that render the boat crossing unsafe. In case of rain you will need to come equipped with raincoats and umbrellas for the tour of the gardens.
Yes, it is necessary to book in advance, there are limited spaces on the boats. The quickest and easiest way to book is on this website, click on the yellow link above for "guided tours booking" and on the calendar select the desired date and time. Once you have filled in your details you will receive a confirmation email. This can be printed and shown before getting onto the boat.
We accept Visa or Mastercard payments on our website. Please contact us at email@example.com
The tickets are non-refundable. If for any reason you cannot make the excursion, the tickets can be transfered to another date until the end of October.
The guided tour is always in Italian, English and German.
Yes, it is permitted to take photographs and film the garden and outside of the villa. It is forbidded to do so inside the rooms of the house.
On prior request it is possible to bring dogs on the tour, there is a small supplement of € 3. There are large Maremmano sheepdog on the island, so if your dog is aggressive or agitated towards other dogs it would be wiser not to. Dogs must be kept on their leads at all times and are not allowed inside the house, unless they are small enough to be carried.
The boat drivers are happy to assist any guests in embarking and disembarking the boat.
During the tour there are three sets of stairs, two in the gardens connecting the terraces and one inside the villa. The tour moves at a slow pace so this shouldn't be a problem for guests who have trouble walking. If we are informed in time of such requirements, we can organise a golf cart driven by one of the staff to accompany guests who cannot manage the stairs to the refreshments area (it is not possible to have a golf car for the guided tour). This does mean that some of the gardens will not be visited (but they can be viewed from above from the terrace of the villa).There are wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
The tour is not suitable for anyone in heavy duty motorized wheelchairs, due to difficulties accessing the boat and transporting the wheelchair on the island.
No, you must come with our organised boat transfers. It is possible to visit with your own boat if you book a private tour. Please contact us at email@example.com if you are interested in a private tour.
Yes, for groups we organise private tours at different and flexible times with private transfers. Please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com to request availability and prices.
Yes, you can also book a private and exclusive visit of the island. Please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com to request availability and prices.