text:
Document Type: Research Paper
1 Department of Botany and Microbiology, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2 Department of Botany and Microbiology, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
3 Department of Botany and Microbiology, Science College (Female Center for Scientifi and Medical College), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
1. Background
Nano-biotechnology is considered as one of the mainly vigorous field of research in new material science. Recently, biosynthetic methods employing both biological microorganisms such as bacteria (1) and fungus (2) or plants extract (2, 3), have developed speedily as a trouble-free and feasible choice to obtain nanomaterials alternative to more complex chemical synthetic procedures. The particular distinctiveness like size, allocation and shape give the nanoparticles different properties from the bulk material (4).
Current nanotechnology developments have led to nanomedicine, a new field which includes many diagnostic and therapeutic applications involving nanomaterials and nanodevices (5). Synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extract supplies progression more than chemical and physical method as it is cost helpful, environment safety, simply scaled up for great range production and in this process there is no requirement to use high pressure, power, temperature and poisonous chemicals (6).
The green production of AgNPs requires three main processes, which have to be checked based on green chemistry phenology, include (1) the assortment of solvent medium, (2) the choice of environmentally kind reducing agent, and (3) the choice of safe substances for the steadiness of AgNPs.
Bio reduction of silver and gold ions to yield metal nanoparticles using plant extract (3, 7), Geranium leaf broth (2), Neem leaf broth (8) lemongrass extract (9), Tamarind leaf extract (10) and Aloe vera plant extracts (3) have been reported. Shankar et al. (8) reported on the synthesis of clean spiky nanoparticles of silver and gold by the reduction of Ag+ and Au3+ ions by Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf broth. Most of the reported green synthesis methods using plants took more than 1 hour for the formation of colloidal silver (11, 12).
Nanobiotechnology has enhanced the production of minor AgNPs with little toxic effect to human and more effectiveness alongside bacteria (13-16). Furthermore, nanoparticles are alternative to antibiotics viewing better action against multidrug opposing bacteria and consequently, plant derived nanoparticles proved better to other methods (17-19). The method of the AgNPs antibacterial action is efficiently explained in conditions of their interaction with cell membranes of bacteria by troubling its permeability and respiratory role (20, 21).
2. Objectives
In this study, we used aqueous plant extract of Eruca sativa and Spinacia oleracea leaves for the creation of silver nanoparticles and study their antiseptic activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
3. Materials and Methods
3.1. Plant Material and Synthesis of the Extract
Fresh leaves of (Eruca sativa and Spinacia oleracea) were used to make the extract. 25 g of fresh green leaves were systematically washed with distilled water followed by double distilled water to take away the dust particles and other pollutants. Then the plant substance was chopped into fine slices and taken in a clean 250 mL Erlenmeyer conical flask and 100 mL of germ-free double distilled water was added and incubated on a sand bath at 60 ºC for 30 min to facilitate the formation of aqueous leaf extract. The extract was then filtered using Whitman No. 1 filter paper. The plant extract is used for the synthesis of AgNPs and the extract can be stored at 4 ºC for further use.
3.2. Preparation of 1 mM Silver Nitrate Solution
For the preparation of 1 mM Silver nitrate (AgNO3) 0.02 g of AgNO3 was added to 100 mL of double distilled water. The solution was mixed thoroughly and stored in an amber colored bottle in order to prevent auto oxidation of silver.
3.3. Synthesis of Silver Nano Particles
For the production of 5% plant mediated AgNPs; 5 mL of plant extract was added to 95 mL of 1 mM silver nitrate solution and incubated on a sand bath at 60 ºC for 30 min after that the color change was observed. This indicates the preliminary confirmation for the formation of AgNPs. The brown color formation indicates that the AgNPs were synthesized from the herbs extract and they were centrifuged at 5000 rpm (Hettich EBA20S Portable Centrifuge) for 10 min in order to obtain the pellet which is used for further study.
3.4. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
TEM measurements and photographs were carried out on a JEOL-TEM 1200 EX II Transmission Electron Microscope in the Faculty of science in Alexandria University (Alexandria, Egypt). The sample was dried in order to take the photograph.
3.5. Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometer (EDX) Analysis
AgNPs were cut-off by centrifuging 20 mL of solution in water including AgNPs for 10 min at 15,000 rpm (Hettich EBA20S Portable Centrifuge). The pellets were obtained and dehydrated in oven at 50 ºC to get rid of water. The AgNPs obtained in the powder and was used for EDX investigation. To perform EDX investigation, the leaf extract AgNPs were dehydrated and fall covered on to carbon layer. EDX investigation was then done using electron microscope (SEM) set with EDX.
EDX can be used to confirm the composition and distribution of the nanoparticles through spectrum and elemental mapping by using an EDX spectrometer incorporated into a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) system.
3.6. UV-Visual Observation
UV-Vis absorption spectra were measured using LKB spectrophotometer.
3.7. Microorganisms
The evaluation of antibacterial action was done using various strains. The subsequent microorganisms were used: Streptococcus pneumoniae (Thermo Fisher Scientific, AS Polyvalent 2 R671260, Waltham; USA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Set R670372, Waltham; USA). The microbial cultures were maintained by the Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
3.8. Antibacterial Activity Study
Antiseptic action of the synthesized AgNPs was performed using the agar well diffusion examine process (22). In this technique, disinfected Mueller-Hinton Agar plates were arranged. Pathogenic bacteria used in the current research were widening above the agar plates by sterile cotton wipe down. The plates were allowed to dry and a sterile well-cutter of diameter 5.0 mm was used to bore wells in the agar plates. Subsequently, a 50 µL of the synthesized nanoparticle suspension (mass concentration = 0.02 µg.µL-1) was introduced into wells of the inoculated Mueller-Hinton Agar plates. Another two concentrations 10 and 25 µL of the synthesized Ag-nanoparticles were used and introduced into wells of the Agar. The plates containing the bacterial and AgNPs were stand for 1 hour to allow diffusion to take place and then incubated at 37 ºC for 24 hours, and then observed for indication of zones of inhibition, which show as a clear region around the wells (23). The length of such inhibition zone was calculated using a metre ruler, and the significant value for each type of bacteria was documented and spoken in millimeters.
4. Results
When plant leaf extract was uniformed in aqueous solution of 1 mM AgNO3, the reduction of Ag was measured by UV-Vis spectrum of the process. The reduction of AgNO3 into AgNPs during contact to plant extracts is followed by a slow raise in color progress from clear yellow to brown (Figure 1). The absorption spectra of AgNPs formed, shows the creation of AgNPs with almost 100 % plant reduction of Ag ions as supported by qualitative testing of supernatant after the decontamination of silver nanoparticles by heat (Figure 1).
SEM examination was approved out to recognize the topology, surface morphology and the dimension of the AgNPs, which viewed the production of higher density poly dispersed round AgNPs of different sizes that varied between 4.97-14.4 nm for Eruca sativa and from 2.31-16.07 nm for Spinacia oleracea. The majority of the AgNPs collected and only some of them were spread, as examined under SEM (Figure 2A and B). From the images, the nanoparticles are appearing to be aggregated and the surface of the aggregates is rough. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) was equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The presence of silver was confirmed from the Ag peak obtained from the EDX spectrum as shown in Figure 2C and D.
Examination of AgNPs by Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometer established the existence of elemental indication of the Ag and homogenous distribution of AgNPs (Figure 2C and D). The pointed sign peak of Ag powerfully established the reduction of AgNO3 to AgNPs. The upright axis expresses the number of X-ray counts while the parallel axis shows energy in KeV. Detection lines for the main release energy for Ag were clarified and these communicate with peaks in the spectrum, thus giving affirmation that Ag has been properly recognized and present in the solution. The appearance of some other minute signals may be due to the thin film made on the glass slide taken for the EDX.
The X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) of the formed AgNPs formed by the leaf extract of both Eruca sativa and Spinacia oleracea were additionally established by the distinguished peaks examined in the XRD image (Figure 3). The XRD pattern showed four intense peaks (27.94 º, 32.36 º, 46.36 º and 56.28 º) in the full spectrum of 2Ө value between from 20º to 70º.
Transmission electron micrographs give the closed view of spherical Ag nanoparticle and indicating that they are also spherical (Figure 4). AgNPs were not well estranged from each other in the nanotriangles in the extent range 45-60 nm are covered with minor particles due to the occurrence of small crystal and hexagonal particles of about 10-25 nm in width on the triangular face.
The antibacterial activity for silver nanoparticles was done with gram positive bacterial strains like Streptococcus pneumonia and gram negative bacterial strains such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inhibition zone caused by 50 µL of synthesized silver nanoparticles in Eruca sativa leaves extract was reached to about 2.5 cm for gram positive strains Streptococcus pneumonia and 2.8 cm for Eruca sativa and 3.2 cm for Spinacia oleracea. On the other side a less effect of Ag NPS on negative strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed Figure 5. Lower antibacterial activity was observed for both 10 and 25 µL for gram positive and gram negative bacteria for both plants (Data not shown).
The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University for funding this work through research group no. RGP-VPP 297.
Authors' Contribution:
All authors have participated in the manuscript preparation.
Financial Disclosure:
There is no conflict of interest.
The study is self-funded.
5. Discussion
It is well-known that silver nanoparticles exhibit yellowish brown color in aqueous solution (19). The out looking of the organized samples shows that considerable alter of the color of Eruca sativa and Spinacia oleracea leaves extracts. This examination was extra established by with UV-Vis spectrophotometer as shown in Figure 1. According to our results, it could be confirmed that Eruca sativa and Spinacia oleracea leaves extracts were originate to display the reducing potential in terms of production rate and change to silver nanoparticles.
A little absorption band at 435 nm starts showing in the absorption spectra of the produced sample (0.1 mL sample). This band grew and blue changed from 435 to 495 nm with increasing time. This band related to the absorption by AgNPs in the visible area (380-450 nm) due to the occurrence of exterior Plasmon sensations (24). The raise of the peaks strength shows that the absorption of AgNPs was promoted (16). The symmetric and thin absorption peak indicates the fine size allocation of the AgNPs. The peak change of greatest absorption wavelength clarifies that the dimension of AgNPs decreases with increasing time. Our consideration here that, with prolonged time, the rate of nuclei impulsive rises and a high number of nuclei are created throughout the nucleation rupture. Thus, the amount of ending particles rises, and the variance of particle dimension therefore lowers. This examination obviously indicates the occurrence of reduction of AgNPs using Eruca sativa and Spinacia oleracea leaves extracts.
The characterization of AgNPs by EDX outline evidenced physically powerful signals for Ag atoms as shown in Figure 2. The EDX pattern clearly shows that the Ag nanoparticles are crystalline in nature, which is caused by the reduction of silver ions using Eruca sativa and Spinacia oleracea leaf extracts.
The X-ray diffraction (XRD) has confirmed to be an important study means to show the creation of AgNPs, forming the crystal formation of the as-prepared AgNPs and to estimate the crystalline particle dimension.
The antibacterial activity of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles from leaf extracts of both Eruca sativa and Spinacia oleracea plants was evaluated against S. pneumonia and S. aeruginosa, showing more effective bactericidal activity in opposition to Gram-negative bacteria than gram-positive one. It could be suggested that AgNPs showed effective antibacterial properties owing to their exceptionally big exterior region, which provides superior contact with microorganisms and its interactions with bacteria are and localized on the membrane of the organism. Our results are consistent with Shrivastava et al., (25) who reported that the silver nanoparticles have an antimicrobial effect on S. aureus and E. coli. Similarly, Kim et al. (26) proved bactericidal activities of AgNPs in opposition to E. coli and S. aureus. They suggested that the cause was quantity needy and was more prominent in opposition to Gram-negative organisms than Gram-positive ones.
1. Joerger R, Klaus T, Granqvist C. Biologically Produced Silver–Carbon Composite Materials for Optically Functional Thin‐Film Coatings. Adv Mater. 2000;12(6):407-9.
2. Shankar SS, Ahmad A, Sastry M. Geranium leaf assisted biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. Biotechnol Prog. 2003;19(6):1627-31.
3. Chandran SP, Chaudhary M, Pasricha R, Ahmad A, Sastry M. Synthesis of gold nanotriangles and silver nanoparticles using Aloe vera plant extract. Biotechnol Prog. 2006;22(2):577-83.
4. Gardea-Torresdey J, Parsons J, Gomez E, Peralta-Videa J, Troiani H, Santiago P, et al. Formation and growth of Au nanoparticles inside live alfalfa plants. Nano Letters. 2002;2(4):397-401.
5. Kagan VE, Bayir H, Shvedova AA. Nanomedicine and nanotoxicology: two sides of the same coin. Nanomedicine. 2005;1(4):313-6.
6. Saxena A, Tripathi R, Zafar F, Singh P. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous solution of< i> Ficus benghalensis leaf extract and characterization of their antibacterial activity. Mat Letters. 2012;67(1):91-4.
7. Gardea-Torresdey JL, Rodriguez E, Parsons JG, Peralta-Videa JR, Meitzner G, Cruz-Jimenez G. Use of ICP and XAS to determine the enhancement of gold phytoextraction by Chilopsis linearis using thiocyanate as a complexing agent. Anal Bioanal Chem. 2005;382(2):347-52.
8. Shankar SS, Rai A, Ahmad A, Sastry M. Rapid synthesis of Au, Ag, and bimetallic Au core-Ag shell nanoparticles using Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf broth. J Colloid Interface Sci. 2004;275(2):496-502.
9. Shankar SS, Rai A, Ahmad A, Sastry M. Controlling the optical properties of lemongrass extract synthesized gold nanotriangles and potential application in infrared-absorbing optical coatings. Chem Mat. 2005;17(3):566-72.
10. Ankamwar B, Chaudhary M, Sastry M. Gold nanotriangles biologically synthesized using tamarind leaf extract and potential application in vapor sensing. Met Organ Nano Met Chem. 2005;35(1):19-26.
11. Shreesh KO, Dharamvir SA. Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha): A Promising Remedy for Cardiovascular Diseases. World J Med Sci. 2009;4(2):156-8.
12. Mukunthan K, Elumalai E, Patel TN, Murty VR. Catharanthus roseus: a natural source for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011;1(4):270-4.
13. Malabadi RB, Mulgund GS, Meti NT, Nataraja K, Vijaya Kumar S. Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized by using whole plant extracts of Clitoria ternatea. Res Pharma. 2012;2(4):10-21.
14. Malabadi R, Meti N, Mulgund G, Nataraja K, Kumar S. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles from in vitro derived plants and callus cultures of Costus speciosus (Koen.); Assessment of antibacterial activity. Res Plan Biol. 2012;2(4):32-42.
15. Xia L, Lenaghan SC, Zhang M, Zhang Z, Li Q. Naturally occurring nanoparticles from English ivy: an alternative to metal-based nanoparticles for UV protection. J Nanobiotechnology. 2010;8:12.
16. Zhang M, Liu M, Prest H, Fischer S. Nanoparticles secreted from ivy rootlets for surface climbing. Nano Lett. 2008;8(5):1277-80.
17. Savithramma N, Rao ML, Rukmini K, Suvarnalatha P. Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized by using medicinal plants. International Journal of ChemTech Research. 2011;3(3):1394-402.
18. Savithramma N, Lingarao M, Basha SKM. Antifungal efficacy of silver nanoparticles synthesized from the medicinal plants. Der Pharma Chemica. 2011;3:346-72.
19. Song JY, Kim BS. Rapid biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant leaf extracts. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng. 2009;32(1):79-84.
20. Vankar P, Shukla D. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using lemon leaves extract and its application for antimicrobial finish on fabric. Appl Nanosci. 2012;2(2):163-8.
21. Ghosh S, Patil S, Ahire M, Kitture R, Kale S, Pardesi K, et al. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Dioscorea bulbifera tuber extract and evaluation of its synergistic potential in combination with antimicrobial agents. Int J Nanomedicine. 2012;7:483-96.
22. Perez C, Pauli M, Bazerque P. An antibiotic assay by the agar well diffusion method. Acta Biol Med Exp. 1990;15:113-5.
23. Cheesbrough M. District laboratory practice in tropical countries. Cambridge university press; 2006.
24. Njagi EC, Huang H, Stafford L, Genuino H, Galindo HM, Collins JB, et al. Biosynthesis of iron and silver nanoparticles at room temperature using aqueous sorghum bran extracts. Langmuir. 2011;27(1):264-71.
25. Shrivastava S, Bera T, Roy A, Singh G, Ramachandrarao P, Dash D. Characterization of enhanced antibacterial effects of novel silver nanoparticles. Nanotechnology. 2007;18(22):225103.
26. Kim J, Kuk E, Yu K, Kim J, Park S, Lee H, et al. Antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles. Nanomed: Nanotechnol Biol Med. 2007;3(1):95-101.


text:
Zara Kids Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 Campaign
Purposes of the autumn / winter must was prepared carefully. Every season of course, you will change accordingly. Not just clothes, you also have to set up children's clothes that suit them. Warm clothing, trendy, funny to be liked by the children. That way, kids will love you.
Zara Kids Autumn / Winter 2011/2012 Campaign is riveting and attract many people. Designs clothes that are so exciting, energetic and attractive will captivate the hearts of many people. Children will feel happy if granted one of these Zara design. This time is also designed some clothes and a jacket that will provide warmth in this cold air. By wearing these clothes, the kids will look more trendy and certainly not outdated.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Jour Fixe
Alternating lectures on "The History of the Jews in the (Early) Modern Period."
If not indicated otherwise, the lectures start every Thursday at 5.00 p.m. and will be held in a lecture room of the Juridicum I, Schottenbastei, or at the University Campus Altes AKH (relating to the WT 12/13)
The current program and more information about the lectures and speakers can be found here
Lecture and Credits
Since the current winter term 2012/13 the Jour Fixe lectures are offered as lecture titled "Law, Politics and Culture in the History of the Jews in the (Early) Modern Period" at the SPL 3 / Faculty of Law.
Credits for positive attendance of the lecture can be aquired for the following examination subjects:
- 3.01.5.4 Advanced Historical Competence
- 3.02.02 European and Comparative History of Law
- 3.03.03 Complementary Study Programs (for non-Law studens): Law in a Historical, Social and Philosophical Context
For purpose of general information about the Jour Fixe on the "History of the Jews in the (Early) Modern Period" there is a special mailing list.
Subscribers receive a weekly invitation to the current lecture including a short abstract and CV of the speaker.
To subscribe to this mailing list, please send a short email to the following email-address
Department for Legal and Constitutional History
Research Cluster
Jewish Holy Roman Empire (JHRE)
University Campus
Altes AKH, Court 1.1.2
Spitalgasse 2
A - 1090 Vienna


text:
Agent Brodie baseball jersey vector art Van Wagenen of CAA stopped short of using the word collusion," but said the behavior of owners feels coordinated, rightly or wrongly."
nfl jerseys nike china
Congrats to cheap jerseys China #MattCain on a tremendous @mlb career! One that began game worn mlb jersey guide Jose Discount jersey after a stint right here in Norwich in 2004! @MiLB @SFGiants #ThanksCain
If Stanton had generated a 2017 performance closer to a career-average season for him — say, 27 homers over cheap chinese jerseys mlb 130 games — then Jeter and Co. could've had more public-relations cover to dump his contract, under which Stanton is owed $295 million over the next 10 years. For a team saturated with debt, it would be good baseball business to unload a player who would absorb such an enormous portion of wholesale chinese nfl jerseys the team's annual Garcia jersey budget, even if it means kicking in tens of millions of dollars to offset some of his salary for his next employer. There is more than a reasonable argument that the Marlins need to move Stanton, for the sake of wins and losses over the next decade.
We started the season with a conversation like this in Florida (following the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School), and now we're talking about it in our own city. And it's going to be a different city, and then another city, and then another city. Thoughts and prayers are great; they're not fixing the problem. And until we fix the problem, whether it's guns, whether it's safety, security Braves jersey – I want answers; I don't want to offer any more condolences. Freddie Freeman jersey wholesale I want to find answers.
Braves jersey
matter of faithThe bullpen is far from the only reason the Rockies are in first place in a division that right now might feature the National League's three best teams. The rookie-laden starting rotation has been a revelation, throwing to contact and getting deep into games with leads the resurgent bullpen can protect. Still, the fact that cheap jerseys the pen can protect that lead has a trickle-down effect to the rest of the roster.
He provides a lot behind Astros jersey the plate and a lot when he's at the plate. I still don't think we've got him going yet, Cash said. He's been fine, but we've had the All-Star break and there's a break there, so he hasn't gotten in a good rhythm yet. Hopefully now, we'll get him in a good rhythm.
Dombrowski and Mike Rizzo are two baseball operations heads with cheap china jersey mlb authentic hats the souls of scouts and two of the game's greatest traders (Rizzo tried hard to get Sale, but Dombrowski reeled him in). It would be fun to see their work put against each other.
best cheap jerseys nfl
He had nfl jerseys nike china some other baserunners that he had to pitch around tonight, but I thought best cheap jerseys nfl getting that deep in the game, keeping his pitch count down, I chinese nfl jerseys reviews thought it was one of his better outings we mlb throwback jersey t shirts saw, A's manager Bob Melvin said.
Part of my 'why' is remembering the countless hours of rehab size 4t mlb jersey Cory went through in the hospital. The countless hours of rehab and workouts he still does to get stronger every day. The way he made it known that he wanted to go back to ASU with his boys surrounding him for support.
I cheap baseball jerseys gave him my honesty, Jansen said of what he told Roberts. I feel great. I didn't feel tired at all out there. I tried to help my teammates and pick them up and force a Game 7.
Against Hand, Gennett received a first-pitch slider that cheap mlb jerseys China started inside and tailed men's baseball jerseys ukiah back out over the plate. cheap jerseys from China It was lifted for the third grand slam cheap nfl colts jerseys of his career, and also helped Cincinnati take three of four games from San Diego.
WASHINGTON — Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton continued his tear through the month of August with a solo home run in the first inning, but the Nationals answered quickly, highlighted by third baseman Anthony Rendon, who drove in four runs, to punctuate an 8-3 victory Tuesday night majestic wholesale baseball jerseys at Nationals Park.


text: Medical Spa Special Savings in West Palm Beach, FL Call JoAnn Francis Medical Esthetics for special skin care treatments, gifts and savings. Click here to enter for a chance to win a free IPL Photo Facial. Medical Spa Costs for August Procedures 871 Village Blvd, Suite 603, West Palm Beach, FL. 33409


text:
"It is the cumulative yield of all the plants living on the same piece of land that makes forest gardens productive, not the high yield of individuals." ―
What is forest gardening?
Forest gardening is creating a garden that is deliberately planted to mimic a natural forest ecosystem, except that the species chosen are mainly edible rather than (or as well as) decorative. Some will be chosen for other reasons though – for example firewood, nitrogen fixing or medicines.
"Imagine a garden that needs no weeding, watering, digging or feeding and can be left to look after itself for weeks, even months, on end." – excerpt from Jill Tunstall's article the Garden of the Future? from the Guardian.
So a forest garden is sustainable garden using diverse, perennial edible species, based upon the structure of native woodland, which means that there are layers – from the tops of trees down to the ground, and to the roots under it. Seven layers are generally identified:
- canopy trees – standard large trees
- smaller shade tolerant trees, from dwarf stock, for fruit and nuts
- shrubs and bushes such as currants and gooseberries
- herbaceous layer of perennial herbs and vegetables
- groundcover plants
- underground layer – root crops
- vertical layer of climbers and vines, beans etc, trained to climb up the trees and bushes
Forest gardening is an ancient practice; there is evidence that people (and animals) have consciously shaped the forests in which they lived for millennia.
In tropical Asia, China and Africa, complex forest gardens have existed for thousands of years. In the UK most of the temperate forest was lost a long time ago – cleared for monocultures of grain crops, grazing or felled for building ships and housing.
Forest gardening pioneer Robert Hart visited tropical forest gardens, studied ecology, and then used his knowledge to create the first temperate forest garden in Shropshire in the 1970s. He also wrote the first books on the subject. His work has been the inspiration for the UK forest gardening movement and many people have built upon his work, refining and adding to the theory and practice.
There are now approximately 60 forest gardens (often also called 'home gardens') in the UK. Most of these are less than ten years old and small scale (0.25-2.5 acres).
Robert Hart's forest garden
What are the benefits of forest gardening?
At present most of our food needs are met by giant agri-businesses who use monoculture systems to produce fruit and vegetable crops. These systems are heavily oil and chemical dependent and are slowly eroding and polluting our soils and water courses. Farming may need to change radically quite soon though as oil is used faster than it is discovered.
The benefits of forest garden systems are many:
- resilient, withstanding drought and flooding through well-developed root and mycorrhizal networks
- maintain soil fertility and can be used to reclaim soils that have been polluted
- control soil erosion and water runoff
- provide their own nutrient requirements, through annual leaf fall, the planting of deep-rooting mineral accumulators (e.g. comfrey) and nitrogen-fixing plants and trees such as Eleagnus, alder and clovers, avoiding the need to constantly import materials, or use chemicals
- low maintenance once established
- the food they provide is nutrient rich and diverse, promoting good health
- excellent for wildlife, creating a variety of habitats and attracting beneficial insects
- can prevent or remedy soil salinization and acidification
- utilize sunlight far more effectively than monoculture systems
- attractive, and provide great spaces for play, education and relaxation
A few examples of typical produce from a forest garden:
Trees: apple, pear, cherry plum, quince, mulberry, medlar, peach, chestnut, pine nut, almond, hazelnut, juneberry, strawberry tree, pawpaw, blue bean, persimmon, bladdernut, snowbell tree
Shrubs: currant, Chilean guava, plum, blueberry, wineberry, Oregon grape, almonberry, whortleberry
Perennial vegetables: bamboo (shoots), sea kale, perpetual spinach, perennial broccoli, wild garlic, Babbington leek, good King Henry, fat hen, everlasting onion
Roots: pignut, Jerusalem artichoke, horseradish, earthnut pea, wasabi
Herbs: whole range of herbs for cooking and medicinal use
Climbers: grape, loganberry, tayberry, strawberry grape, kiwi fruit, hop
Fungi: oyster shiitake, lion's mane
Cut and come again salad: sorrel, wild rocket, lambs lettuce, mustard, wrinkled cress
Plus: fuel wood from coppice, basketry materials, dye plants, garden canes and ties
Great introductory video from Permaculture People
What can I do?
- transform an underused part of your garden into a mini forest garden; this could be a marginal piece of land at the bottom of your garden, beside the garage, behind the shed, a shady side of the house or where the children build dens
- or go the whole hog and adapt the entire area around your house into a multi-layered edible paradise
- adapt part of your allotment into a perennial source of food and materials
- transform your lawn, or a part of it, using a tried and tested 'no dig' technique
- add to your design, year on year, as you would with any garden
- if you're going to have a forest garden, it's probably a good idea to tailor your diet to include more of the things that a forest garden can produce. Of course, you can plant some non-perennials in there as well, or just have part of your garden as a forest garden, and another part to grow your onions, salads, potatoes, cabbages and other annuals
- some animals – for example chickens (originally forest birds) – will love scratching around in a forest garden, and will help to control pests, and add manure
- choose plants that are mutually beneficial – that can do things for each other like offer shade, fix nitrogen, attract insect predators, repel pests, drop leaves for mulch and compost, drip water or bring up nutrients with deep roots. This kind of mutually-beneficial group is known as a guild
Getting going – stage one:
- carefully observe your garden, and how it changes through the year
- think about what you, your family, like to eat and how you would like to use your garden
- broaden your knowledge of edible perennials (there are many species most people have never heard of, or realise you can eat)
- attend a forest gardening course
- treat yourself to a book about forest gardening or search the web for information
Getting going – stage two:
- make a base map (plan of existing area, looking at aspect, existing structures/plants, type of soil and elevation)
- create a design (this can be as simple or as complex as you like – but remember that the plants are perennial, and will stay where you put them for a long time)
- gather materials and tools (many of the things needed can be recycled or gathered for free)
- source the plants; this doesn't have to be expensive – you can take cuttings and save/swap seeds, and build up your garden slowly
- make a big pan of soup, get some beers in, invite your friends, and get planting – after that, there shouldn't be much more work other than harvesting
Thanks to Mandy Burton of Redfield
Whilst you're here, why not take a look at the other 30+ plants and growing topics available? And don't forget to visit our main topics page to explore over 200 aspects of low-impact living and our homepage to learn more about why we do what we do.
The specialist(s) below will respond to queries on this topic. Please comment in the box at the bottom of the page.
Chris Evans has been involved with permaculture for over 30 years, both in the UK where he's a partner at Designed Visions, and in Nepal, where he works with the Himalayan Permaculture Centre. Chris was a regular visitor to the original forest garden at Robert Hart's residence in Shropshire, and now teaches his own courses at Applewood Permaculture Centre in north Herefordshire and other venues.
We'd love to hear your comments, tips and advice on this topic, and if you post a query, we'll try to get a specialist in our network to answer it for you.


text:
|Day after Christmas we went to Daleen & Werner, Cezanne fell asleep in the car on the way there.
December 26, 2009
December 25, 2009
Christmas 2009
Home again after the most wonderful vacation. Cold and overcast, but the excitement and anticipation of Christmas made it feel like we had bright blue sunny skies, well almost 😉 We had wrapped all the gifts we had before we left and just needed to place them under the tree, Santa did the rest…
After presents at home we went to Regan & Gillian for our traditional Christmas get together where there were more gifts and lots of good food.
December 23, 2009
Cezanne – Disney – Day 7
Day 7 – Epcot (again)
Our last day and it was a long one, which started with a little bit of a swim. The resort has such a great swimming pool but we were so busy at the parks that we never got a chance to enjoy them so we made a point of it today since the weather was warmer and the sun was out.
We had 2 meal reservations in Epcot, our first was lunch with the Princesses and out second was a late dinner in Paris. The lunch was really the highlight for Cezanne as she got to get autographs ( yes, we bought her an autograph book and pen ) from all the Princesses (Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White and Ariel) at lunch and she got to take pictures with the all as they made their way through the dining hall. This really was a very special lunch and it included a set of photos for free. Disney tip – if you ever go, be sure to make a reservation for lunch with the Princesses at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot !
We strolled around for the rest of the afternoon collecting a few other autographs along the way, including Mulan where Cezanne got some alone 1-on-1 time with the Chinese Princess because she was stationed off the beaten path and was not particularly busy. We spent 15 minutes waiting for Jasmin and Aladin where Cezanne told the PhotoPass Photographer all about our entire vacation which was rewarding because we at least got confirmation that she remembered everything that we had done in the last few days.
We found Santa and Mrs Claus and had our photo taken there too.
Finally out vacation ended with dinner in Paris – our reservation was late and by the time we were seated both kids were asleep. Cezanne missed out on her meal completely but we were able to eat in peace and it was wonderful. We looked back to our month in Paris oh so many years ago… The food was fantastic and did I mention, we got to eat in peace !!
December 22, 2009
Cezanne – Disney – Day 6
Day 6 – Magic Kingdom (again)
|Waiting in line and then meeting Ariel; Too much Disney…
|Sleeping Beauty (aka Aurora) & Cinderella
|Belle ( aka Beauty ); Princess Happiness; Main Street USA at night
December 21, 2009
Cezanne – Disney – Day 5
Day 5 – Hollywood Studios.
Just photos from this day…
Check out Day 4 – I just uploaded and linked in the video I mentioned (02/04/2010)
|Character photos with Frozone; Watching Beauty & the Beast;Having a rest – this is where we lost our UV filter; Happy Cezanne
|Cezanne's "favourite movie" that she has never even seen…Photos with the characters from UP.
|Photos with Little Einsteins, Handy Manny and Lightning McQueen & Mater;The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
December 20, 2009
Cezanne – Disney – Day 4
Today it was Hollywood Studios. We got there late and just in time for the parade so we sat on the curb and had a front row seat. The parade was a "block party" and the dancers stopped in front of us and the one dancer girl picked 2 girls from the crowd, one being Cezanne. Cezanne did go and got into it – they did the YMCA and then some "free dance". I took a little video which I will post <VIDEO>. Another day and so another little friend made. After dinner we found that Mickey and Minnie were dressed up in their Christmas outfits and so we could not pass up the opportunity to take photos with the couple.
December 19, 2009
Cezanne – Disney – Day 3
We really had a lot of fun and by day 3 Cezanne understood how each day would work – she and Etienne had a lot of fun on the bed while getting ready to head off for the day. Day 3 was our first day to the Magic Kingdom. We had a good day with sunny weather and just way too much wonderful Disney magic. Cezanne made another little friend during the day… I think the highlight of the day was our time with Santa. We watched the parade and then headed over to meet the big guy where we got a little one on one time. As the day progressed it got dark and late and eventually we made it to the front of the line at the Dumbo ride. We had waited in line for about 45 minutes and that turned out to be just too long because Cezanne ended up falling asleep just as we climbed into our little elephant. Disney Tip – do not do Dumbo at the end of a long day – not even Dumbo can fight off exhaustion – Goofy bears witness to the proof 😉
December 18, 2009
Cezanne – Disney – Day 2
Day 2 and Cezanne now understood what we were doing. We had not told her about the trip at all and kept it all a surprise. We were not sure if she would remember anything from the trip at the beginning of the year since we only did one day at Disney. Our day started with a late breakfast at the Cape May Cafe, a character breakfast with Mickey Mouse and his pals. Getting to the Cape May Cafe had us head to Universal Studios where we took a boat and we had to do the same trip to get back so by the time we got home everybody needed a nap. After the nap it was quite late so we took on Epcot at night on our second day since it was open late and had an impressive fireworks display.
|Snow White !
|My Family
|Gingerbread !
|Donald Duck
|Minnie Mouse
|Minnie, again
|Duck Pals
|Mommy & Cez
|The Epcot Ball
|Atlas aka Cez
|Bruce ate Cez
|Dory, Cezanne & Marlin
|Nemo !
|Sunhat @ Night
|Our Epcot Family Photo, taken for us by the
Disney PhotoPass folks, and decorated by Dad.
December 17, 2009
Cezanne – Disney – Day 1
Call us crazy, but we ended up at Disney for a second time this year… Well it was not our fault entirely, the special (book 3 nights get 4 free) really made the decision for us and so we did it all again, just this time with 2 kids and not just one !
Now bear with me, I took almost 1000 ( 991 in fact ) in the course of the 8 days we were at Disney and destroyed a UV filter in the process – but more on that when we get to that day.
We also learned a lot from out trip earlier in the year and did things a little different this time. We bought a Disney Vacation, with accommodation at a Disney resort and got the free Magical Express bus to/from the airport. We also took the Disney Dining Plan, which made it really easy at meal times with no need to carry any cash or worry about how much something cost. We did find that we needed to make our dinner (table service) reservations and in many cases had to take what was available, but we got a very good selection and variety including a number of character dining meals which included our first breakfast with Donald Duck and friends at the Tusker House in the Animal Kingdom.
We also learned that if you plan to buy any of the photos Disney take of you while you are there, you may as well have them take lots of photos of you at all the PhotoPass points. When you get home you can select all the photos and even add duplicates with little Disney customizations and get them all on CD with a full release. Most of the time I think our photos were better – probably because I would take 20 of the same pose and they would only take 2 or 3 and the odds were then in my favor of getting a better picture, but they did take a few really nice ones and I'll give credit where due, otherwise assume all the photos are mine.
December 16, 2009
En Route…
With all my leave and a "use it or lose it" policy I had to take 3 weeks off in December. Amongst other things we got a great deal on a little family vacation to…
Here is a hint, these photos were taken at the destination's airport…


text: Starting Conversations: Getting Your Ducks in a Row By Editorial Team · December 3, 2018 SHARE 0 Talking about the end of our life can feel taboo, but the fact is we will all be in that stage of life at some point, and having a plan, or at least making our wishes known, can make a better end of life experience for yourself and your loved ones. Having these discussions can be extremely helpful in identifying what we want, and just as important, what we don't want through the different stages of life. Having trouble getting this conversation started? That's okay! This can be a tricky topic to approach. Try asking yourself or a loved one some of the questions below to get the conversation flowing. Questions to consider: What does quality of life mean to me? Reducing symptoms, being comfortable, living longer with the risk of side effects, being around loved ones, etc… If my time were short, what would a good day look like? Spending time with family and friends, fighting for a cure with my care team, reducing symptoms and being comfortable, etc… What do I need to do to get my affairs in order? Finances, property, relationships, pets, etc… What worries me most about the future? What do I want to happen to my body? Do I want to be an organ donor? If I can't achieve my plan A, what is my plan B? Communication Communication is key in receiving the care you and your loved ones want. Poll Advanced directives Services and legal documents Poll Treatment Curative vs life-sustaining treatment Poll Power of attorney Making decisions Poll Join the conversation! Talking with others about their experience with having similar conversations can also be helpful in approaching this topic. Share your thoughts or read other's thoughts below about starting conversations about advanced directives. Sign up for emails from ParkinsonsDisease.net: Subscribe By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our privacy policy. We never sell or share your email address. Thanks! You're all set! Good news - you're already subscribed! Need help? Let us know at email@example.com. An error occurred. Try again or reach out to firstname.lastname@example.com. An error occurred. Try again or reach out to email@example.com. Comments Join the conversation! Log in or create an account. Poll Recommended Reading Parkinson's Disease—Going Beyond the Tremor by Editorial Team What Parkinson's Isn't: 6 Myths Debunked by Allison Smith Six Tips for Managing "Off Time" by Editorial Team Considering the Emotional Toll of Parkinson's Disease by Brooke Huminski


text:
Jill Stein, Bernie Sanders under fire as Robert Mueller Russian indictments reopen old wounds
The feud over whether Jill Stein and Bernie Sanders helped sink Hillary Clinton's presidential bid re-erupted after the Russian indictment found that the trolling operation tried to boost their 2016 election prospects along with those of Donald Trump.
The indictment of 13 Russian nationals and three entities released Friday found that they were working behind the scenes on behalf of Mr. Sanders during the Democratic presidential primary and Ms. Stein, the Green Party's candidate for president.
"By 2016, Defendants and their co-conspirators used their fictitious online personas to interfere with the 2016 U.S. presidential election," said the 37-page indictment from special counsel Robert Mueller.
"They engaged in operations primarily intended to communicate derogatory information about Hillary Clinton, to denigrate other candidates such as Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, and to support Bernie Sanders and then-candidate Donald Trump," said the document.
Days before the November 2016 election, a Russian-run Instagram account called "Blacktivist" posted the message, "Choose peace and vote for Jill Stein. Trust me, it's not a wasted vote," according to the indictment.
Democratic Coalition co-founder Scott Dworkin responded by calling Ms. Stein a "Russian pawn," while a photo of her at a December 2015 dinner for the Moscow network RT with Russian president Vladimir Putin made the rounds again on social media.
"They were pushing votes, just to give one example, to Jill Stein," said Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta on CBS's "Face the Nation." "Her vote in Michigan, in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin was greater than the gap between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in those states."
He added, "So we can't prove that it did affect the outcome, but it certainly seems likely that it had some impact."
David Axelrod, chief strategist for the Obama presidential campaign, pointed out that Ms. Stein received 50,700 votes in Michigan, a state the Republican Trump won by fewer than 12,000 votes.
"If Russians sought to redirect alienated HRC voters to third parties, as indictment alleges, it was a shrewd ploy," he tweeted.
Ms. Stein and Mr. Sanders both responded in separate statements by condemning the foreign interference in elections, but Ms. Stein didn't help her cause with a Sunday interview with MSNBC's Alex Witt.
The Green Party standard-bearer attempted to deflect questions about whether Russian interference helped her campaign by diverting attention to allegations that the Democratic National Committee rigged the primary in favor of Mrs. Clinton.
"We don't want to miss the forest for the trees. Yes, there was Russian interference, but remember, there was very compelling interference going on by way of media, by way of the DNC did the DNC not rig the primary?" Ms. Stein asked.
She argued that the Mueller indictment only mentioned "one Facebook post," adding, "This doesn't pass the laugh test."
RawStory mocked Ms. Stein after the interview, saying she became "unglued" and "attempted a frantic defense" by citing the DNC and estimates that Mr. Trump received $6 billion in free air time from the networks.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sanders said Sunday that interference by Russian hackers had been reported during the campaign, calling the revelations raised by special counsel Robert Mueller "kind of old news."
"It's what most Americans know," said Mr. Sanders on NBC's "Meet the Press, adding that there were posts on Facebook saying "all kinds of horrible, horrible things about Hillary Clinton."
He also said that his campaign tried to address the interference after he lost the nomination.
"And it turns out that one of our social media guys in San Diego actually went to the Clinton campaign in September and said, 'Something weird is going on. Bernie's not in the campaign, hundreds of these people are now coming on his Facebook site. So I think we already knew that it was an effort to undermine American democracy."
Still, the indictment only fueled resentment among Clinton supporters about Mr. Sanders' impact on the election.
″#BErnieSanders helped this happen," tweeted actress Lisa Ann Walter, referring to the Trump administration.
The indictment said the Russian interference effort began in 2014, well before any of the candidates, including Mr. Trump, entered the 2016 presidential race, and that the amounts spent were relatively miniscule.
"To the extent it mattered, it would have blended into the background and had a cumulative effect over the entirety of the campaign," concludedFiveThirtyEight's Nate Silver.


text:
Alaïa Paris Scented Candle & Laser Cut Photophore
€ 140
A scented candle fitting inside its custom-made metal candle holder featuring the « perforé » motif, which is so emblematic of the brand, to release both delicate flickering shadows and the sensual notes of Alaïa Paris.
View more
Select size
The size shown for this item is the size indicated by the designer on the label.
Please select colour
Please select size
190 g
Candle and Photophore
Olfactory Family :Floral Musky
Candle and Photophore
Olfactory Family :Floral Musky
We provide free pick up for your returns: you have 15 days from delivery to follow our quick and easy return procedure.
For additional information, please consult the Return Policy.
Your orders will be delivered carefully wrapped in soft silk Alaïa paper and signature box.
The perfect packaging for your Alaïa gifts.


text:
Another Snoflinga, this time with Sensation, an angora wool blend. It's such a beautiful grey/lavendar colour, though it may be a little too muted for Sadie's taste. If Sadie had her choice, I would have knit her the EXACT hat that Milo got, yarn and all. She hasn't really been wearing this one, so I may give in. She's not likely to want to match Milo for long, so I better take advantage of her unconditional, absolutely charming love for her little brother.
The Mark of the Angel was quite riveting. The foreboding feeling that something was going to go terribly wrong lasted throughout every chapter. The characters were so well-developed, so real, that I was convinced Saffie was going to let her son slip through her fingers in some way or another. I felt relief every time young Emil lived through another day. Saffie's backstory is terrifying and the historical setting riveting. Although I was anxious for every page I really enjoyed the novel.
For more reading and knitting stories check out today's Yarnalong.


text:
It's terrible watching water build up in your sink and slowly move around the drain. It's even worse when there is no movement at all. A clogged sink. Very inconvenient.
When your drain is clogged, it's tempting to look for a quick fix. Most of us have learned to grab a chemical solution off the store shelf. It seems like magic. Soon, we hear that wonderful gurgling sound that means our drain is fixed.
But is it really?
While those strong chemicals may get rid of the immediate problem, they create other problems. Before you choose a quick solution to your clogged drain, it's important to understand the effects these chemicals can have.
Personal Exposure
Chemical drain cleaner bottles are covered with health warnings. Think about what these cleaners do to clogs. Those are powerful chemicals. You don't want to breathe them in. They are harmful if they touch your skin. In a house with children, they are not something you want left sitting around. Liquids are unsteady. Every time you pour from that bottle, you risk harming yourself or your loved ones.
Pipe Damage
If those chemicals are that harmful to people and to clogs, imagine what they can do to your pipes. Pouring a chemical cleaner down your drain can weaken and damage your pipes. The problem gets worse each time you use them. For a tough clog, the chemicals don't even flush through your pipes. They just sit, affecting the pipe material. What happens if the problem wasn't a simple clog? Now your pipes are filled with toxic liquid and you still have a problem with your drain.
Harming Your Septic System
If you are on a septic system, a strong chemical cleaner can upset the environment of the system. Septic systems depend on a healthy balance of good bacteria. These bacteria help decompose the waste that enters the system. When harsh chemicals are poured into the system, they can kill these good bacteria. The septic system won't work as effectively.
There are safer alternative drain treatments that work effectively on clogs. A professional plumbing service can help you come up with a good treatment plan, so you can maintain long-lasting plumbing and a safe home environment.
A plumbing professional can also help you know what to look for when you see a clog, as not all clogs are created equal. By really getting to know your plumbing system and learning from a professional how it works, you will be able to make better decisions to keep your plumbing working well.


text:
LIMO Luxurious & Sophisticated Watch. What makes you tick?
Appropriately named as LIMO for being luxurious and sophisticated, wearing this fun and fashion forward watch on your wrist is definitely your answer to what makes you tick.
Classy Oval Silver dial and vegan leather belt in 9 exciting colors means you are in for a double treat and a great time!
Did you notice the GOLD WATCH WITH GOLDEN BELT AND SILVER WATCH WITH SILVER BELT?
Order now the time is ticking.
- Quartz Movement.
- Stylish Watch with Metal Bezel.
- Belt is Vegan Leather, adjustable to fit from 6 1/2 to 81/2 inch wrist.
- Select from: Red, Green, Orange, Pink, Blue, White, Black, Silver and Gold.
- Splash and Sweat resistant.
- Made in Japan.
This product usually ships in 2 business days and should be delivered in 10 business days.
Shop worry free! If you're not 100% happy with your purchase, you can return this item within 14 days of receiving it.


text:
Lubbock, Texas – Led by pole vault national champion Kyle Downley, the Mesa men's track and field team posted its best indoor national title meet finish in nine years, tying for eighth place at the NJCAA meet Friday and Saturday. Mesa tied with Western Texas for eighth with 38 points. The women placed 24th.
MCC had the best finish since the 2009-10 season when it was fifth and the second best since a seventh place finish in 2001-02.
Downey cleared 4.95 meters to win MCC's fifth pole vault championship in the last 11 years. Meanwhile, Eric Cochran placed eighth at 4.50 meters in the same event.
T-Bird athletes also took two spots in the weight throw and shot put. Cameron Lewis took third place in the weight at 59-6 ¾ and Nikaeus Hale-Mercer was sixth with a toss of 56-2 ¼. Lewis was fifth in the shot with a distance of 54-8 ¼ and Hale-Mercer sixth at 53-1 ½.
Antwan Ross-Jones grabbed third in the high jump while clearing seven feet.
Luke Jernigan took sixth in the 1000 in 2:34.21.
The 4x800 meter relay team of Tristin Stellmach, Carlos Bugdad Bueno, Jernigan and Idris Konzivenet finished seventh in 7:53.81.
For the women, Justice Angel tied for sixth place in the pole vault at 3.30 meters and the 4x800 meter relay team of Madeline Ambrosio, Alexandra Louis, Kara Dale and Quinn Johnson was seventh in 9:59.66.


text:
Meme Scenery is the sublime result of removing the humans (and cats) from wildly popular internet memes like Star Wars Kid, Afro Ninja, and David After Dentist. What remains are a series of uninhabited environments– documents of ordinary settings minus the characters and actions that rendered them extraordinary. These empty bedrooms, stores and local news environments form the palette of an era. This is the set design manual for 2000s-era period pieces and costume dramas.
via This Is A Race.


text:
Gabrielle Woods
Major: Leisure, Youth and Human Services-Therapeutic Recreation
Major: Leisure Youth and Human Services- Therapeutic Recreation
What is your first memory of being really excited? Eating late night ice-cream with my mom and watching Whose Line is it Anyway
Who is your hero? Jesus Christ!
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? Bible, matches, and a soccer ball
What is the first song that pops up on your favorite Pandora or Spotify station? Fire and the Flood by Vance Joy
Which celebrity are you constantly mistaken for? Shailene Woodley
If a genie gave you three wishes, what would they be? Give my parents a dream vacation, ask for the ability to speak all languages, and world peace
Spectrum Project (www.spectrumproject.org)
Kevin Droe, coordinator
Russell Hall 069
UNI School of Music
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0246
(319) 273-3073


text:
7361 Greenview Road
Cody-Rouge, Detroit, 48228
Commute to Downtown Dearborn
Some errands can be accomplished on foot.
A few nearby public transportation options.
Some bike infrastructure.
7361 Greenview Road has a Walk Score of 61 out of 100. This location is Somewhat Walkable so some errands can be accomplished on foot.
This location is in the Cody-Rouge neighborhood in Detroit. Nearby parks include Stein Playground and Stoepel Park Number 2.
Explore how far you can travel by car, bus, bike and foot from 7361 Greenview Road.
7361 Greenview Road has some transit which means a few nearby public transportation options.
Bus lines:
0.2 mi
0.3 mi
0.3 mi
View all Cody-Rouge apartments on a map.
Search for homes in Detroit or find a Detroit real estate agent who knows walkable neighborhoods. Links will open on our partner site Redfin.com.
7361 Greenview Road is in the Cody-Rouge neighborhood. Cody-Rouge is the 32nd most walkable neighborhood in Detroit with a neighborhood Walk Score of 49.
Moving to Detroit from another city? View our moving to Detroit guide.


text:
Review: Nokia Lumia 800 – Windows Phone 7
[April 11 Update: Fixed a lot of typos. Now I know blogging on the iPad is not a good idea!]
Nokia sent me the Nokia Lumia 800 about a month ago. And I have only one word to describe it: Wow. And that brings me to the end of review. Kthxbye.
I kid.
True to Nokia's roots, the Lumia 800 has excellent built quality. It just feels… premium. But what really blew me away was the operating system. Windows Phone 7 exceeded most of my expectations. In some ways, it is even better than Android Ice Cream Sandwich! (Yes, the Android fan girl just said that. And since I'm an Android fan girl, I obviously think Android is better than iOS.) Before you dismiss me, allow me to explain.
What's Great
Contact Management
I always hold Google Contacts as the epitome of great contact management. With just a simple log in all your contacts will be available on any non-iOS device. Windows takes this further. It imports all your contacts from Google, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc and merges them smartly. It also has a messaging feature that merges good old SMS, Facebook Messenger, Windows Live and Yahoo Messenger. With just a few taps, I know which network my friends are online and I can chat. If they're not online, it'll be sent as an SMS. All is this is baked into the OS, no third party apps to contend with. It's just freaking intelligent, and is perfect when you need to call someone, of course for this you'll need a good data and call plan, as the BSNL full talk time plans for Uttar Pradesh you can get if you're in India.
Beautiful Interface
Okay, this is a bit subjective. I'm probably tired of looking at home screens and ugly lists of apps. So the unified interface on Windows Phone 7 is really a breath of fresh air. Here are some shots compared to my ICS-flavored Nexus S.
Smart Features
There are little things here and that really blow me away. One of these things is the location-aware Nokia Music. It tells me which gigs are available near my house. It's not that useful in a small country like Singapore but I can imagine the possibilities in the larger country like the US or Canada.
The other one is the Windows 7 Connector. I got an OS update notice and I started to panic. I assumed it wouldn't support Mac OS Lion. Wrong! It does. And it even syncs music from iTunes. The file transfer process was almost on par with iOS and much cleaner than Android ICS. Oh and the update went well. Now, all it needs is over the air updates…
Email Rendering
If I were RIM's CEO, I'd lose sleep right now. Not over Android, not over iPhone but over Windows. Being Microsoft, obviously the Outlook integration is the best in the market. It behaves just like a mini Outlook 2010. But what surprised was the free email integration. It renders Gmail better than Gmail on Android! Check out the photo below!
What's Not So Great
The number and quality of apps
Well, as expected of a latecomer to the ecosystem war, the Marketplace does not have much apps and for the apps that exist, the quality isn't quite the Apple standard yet.
One big hole in the Windows ecosystem is a good Google Reader app. I'm hoping the upcoming Nokia Reader will change that.
Internet Explorer is slow
No surprise that as a designer, I really dislike IE. And this dislike has unfortunately extended to mobile Internet Explorer as well. While it render pages quite nicely, it's unbearably slow!
Could use some enterprise-friendly settings
The Nokia Lumia really has the potential to give RIM a run for its money with the amazing Office integration. What will totally bring RIM to its knees would be some good enterprise settings like VPN and proxies. Imagine being to access corporate intranets with this!
This is a great phone, especially given the short time Nokia and Microsoft had to make this. The build quality is top notch. The experience is fast, sleek and nothing short of amazing. However, it's not quite good enough to pull power users from Android or iOS just yet — with issues like a lacking app ecosystem. Let's hope they can fix it by the next few iterations, so that when this Android fan girl is due for the next phone change, I will buy a Windows Phone instead.


text:
Buying a used RV may make a lot of sense for a number of reasons. Used RVs have their good and bad points, but if you know what to look for, buying a used RV can be a great bargain.
First of all, if you are a first time RV buyer, you may not know how well you will actually like owning and operating your own RV. There is a considerable difference in being a guest in an RV as opposed to being an RV owner with responsibility for all the maintenance required. Buying a used RV is a good way to give it a try without spending the maximum amount of cash to find out.
Depreciation is another consideration that proves buying a used RV is a good value in other ways. Depreciation is nearly 30% from the moment you drive a new RV off the dealer's lot, and drops another 5-10% per year after that. That's money wasted that could be re-channeled directly into more vacation fun if you buy a used RV instead.
Whether you are buying a used RV from a dealer or a used RV from a private party, it's important to take your time and go over your potential used RV purchase with a fine tooth comb. A used RV can be a great deal, unless it turns out to need major repairs. Save yourself money and trouble at the outset and thoroughly check out any used RV you are considering buying.