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Patriot Coal
This article is part of the Global Energy Monitor coverage of coal and power industry data |
Articles: |
Patriot Coal Corporation is a coal-mining company based in St. Louis, Missouri. The company is a 2007 spin-off of most of the Eastern U.S.A. operations of Peabody Energy.[1] Patriot has 14 mining complexes in Appalachia and the Illinois Basin. The company has 13 active mining complexes in Appalachia and the Illinois Basin, ships to domestic and international electric utilities, and controls approximately 1.9 billion tons of proven and probable coal reserves.[2]
On November 14, 2012 it was announced that Patriot Coal was going to stop all mountaintop removal in Central Appalachia under a historic agreement with Sierra Club, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition and West Virginia Highlands Conservancy.[3]
At the end of first quarter 2011, Patriot Coal said the Company expects to export 25 percent of its total 2011 shipments to meet growing international coal demand in China and India.[4]
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On July 23, 2008, Patriot acquired Magnum Coal Company for $709 million. At the time, Magnum was one of the largest coal producers in Appalachia, with 12 mines mines and 7 processing plants. Magnum had over 600 million tons of proven or probable coal reserves. Lehman Brothers acted as financial advisor to Patriot and Citibank acted as financial advisor to Magnum for the transaction.[5]
In 2010, Patriot sold 30.9 million tons of coal, of which 78% was sold to domestic electricity generators and industrial customers and 22% was sold to domestic and global steel and coke producers.[6]
On February 2, 2012, Patriot announced it had a net loss of $38.3 million in the fourth quarter and $115.5 million for 2011, due to low demand. In response, the company said it was idling its Big Mountain mining complex, and reducing production at its Wells mining complex and Rocklick mining complex (which includes the Harris 1 Mine and the Black Oak Mine), all of which are in southern West Virginia.[7]
2012: Bankruptcy protection filing
Citing lower thermal coal prices, rising costs for environmental liabilities, and canceled customer contracts from a milder winter and growing use of natural gas, Patriot Coal filed for bankruptcy in July 2012, saying coal demand was at a 24-year low. The company's Chapter 11 petition listed $3.57 billion in assets and $3.07 billion in debts. The company arranged for $802 million of financing to continue mining and shipments during the reorganization.[8]
Patriot Coal Mining Operations
Patriot Coal has mining operations in West Virginia and Kentucky, in the Appalachia and Illinois Basin respectively. Patriot uses underground mining and surface mining, including mountaintop removal.[9]
In 2010, 8.26 million of the 24.1 million tons of coal Patriot mined was from strip mining in Appalachia and the eastern Interior (the southern border of Illinois, the western border of Indiana, and the western tip of Kentucky).[10] In its 2010 annual report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Patriot stated that at the end of 2010 it controlled 1.2 billion tons of proven and probable coal reserves in Appalachia, "of which 457 million tons were assigned to current operations."[11]
In the Illinois Basin, Patriot has three complexes located in Union and Henderson counties in western Kentucky which produced 6.6 million tons of coal in 2010.the year ended December 31, 2010. Patriot states that at the end of 2010 it controlled 668 million tons of proven and probable coal reserves in the Illinois Basin, "of which 178 million tons were assigned to current operations."[11] Coal from Patriot's shipped primarily to electricity generators in the Midwestern United States and industrial customers for power generation. [12]
Appalachia/West Virginia Operations, as of the end of 2010, were:[13]
- Big Mountain 16 Mine - part of the Big Mountain mining complex, which also includes two unnamed, contractor-operated underground mines located in southern West Virginia
- Blue Creek No. 1 Mine
- Campbells Creek 7 Mine
- the Corridor G mine complex which include the Job 21 Mine and the Hill Fork Mine
- Federal No. 2 Mine
- Hobet 21 Surface Mine
- Kanawha Eagle Mine
- Logan County Complex is also referred to as the Guyan Mine
- Paint Creek complex, which includes the Samples Mine and Winchester Mine
- Panther Mine
- Patriot Surface Mine
- Rivers Edge Mine
- the Rocklick mine complex, which includes the Harris 1 Mine and the Black Oak Mine
- Stockburg 2 Mine
- Wells
- Wildcat Surface Mine
Illinois Basin/Kentucky Operations:
- Bluegrass mining complex
- Dodge Hill mining complex
- Freedom Mine (KY)
- Highland mining complex, including the Highland 9 Mine
Mines formerly operated by Patriot include the:
Mountaintop removal
Patriot was the second largest producer of coal from mountaintop removal, as of 2010. Patriot mined 7,058,522 tons of coal from mountaintop removal in 2010. About 55% of Patriot's Central Appalachian coal was dug up using mountaintop removal.[14]
In November 2012, Patriot Coal became the first U.S. coal operator to announce they were going to phase out and eventually stop all large-scale mountaintop removal mining. The proposed agreement, which was presented to a federal judge, allows the company to postpone as much as $27 million in expenses into 2014 and beyond. Thus, the likelihood the company can successfully emerge from Chapter 11 protection has improved. The agreement caps the amount of coal that Patriot can mine from surface operations at 6.5 million tons in 2014, falling to 5 million tons in 2017. By January 2018, the amount is limited to no more than 3 million tons a year.[15]
New coal mines
The Gateway Eagle mine in the Rocklick complex and the Workman Branch mine in the Wells complex are both expected to be brought on-line in the second quarter 2011. The Peerless mine in the Kanawha Eagle complex is projected to be operational in early 2012.[16]
Coal exports
At the end of first quarter 2011, Patriot Coal said that total coal exports from the U.S. are on track to reach 100 million tons in 2011, representing a doubling of exports since 2006 and a 25 percent increase over 2010. To meet growing coal demand, Patriot said it is embarking on a multi-year expansion of met coal, with new coal mines and a second continuous miner section beginning production at the Black Oak Mine in 2011.[16]
Patriot, workers, and health care
In 2007 Peabody spun off its union mines and some other operations into Patriot Coal. The spin-off left Patriot with more than $600 million in health care liabilities for over 10,000 Peabody union retirees plus their spouses. The 2012 bankruptcy of Patriot Coal now could impact the workers' health insurance and other benefits. According to UMW President Cecil Roberts, Patriot will use the Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization to try to stop insuring its aging retirees; Roberts said in 2007 that the spin-off "was just a paper trick... Peabody intentionally created this." Miners say that while Patriot is bankrupt, Peabody has a lot of money, with record net profits of $1 billion in 2011.[17]
In May 2013, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kathy A. Surratt-States said that Patriot Coal can can throw out contracts negotiated with the United Mine Workers of America, and move current "retiree health care to the UMWA Retiree Healthcare Trust, which shall be structured as a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association." The ruling specifically approved Patriot's "motion to reject collective bargaining agreements and to modify retiree benefits."[18]
In 2010, Patriot Coal spent $2.15 million on lobbying through the firm American Freedom Innovations, primarily on bills related to greenhouse gas regulations: the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 and the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. Other bills included the Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act (CARE Act), sponsored by Nick Rahall, which would amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to "provide for use of excess funds available under that Act to provide for other benefits,"[19] specifically funding shortfalls in the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Pension Fund.[20]
Political Contributions
Political candidates
In 2010, Patriot Coal made the highest contributions to the following politicians:[21]
- Nick Rahall (D)
- Roy Blunt (R)
- Todd Akin (R)
- Alan Mollohan (D)
Rahall is a staunch opponent of legislation designed to end mountaintop removal mining, saying that a 2010 the bill that would prohibit companies from burying Appalachian streams under mining waste would have passed long ago except that his seniority on several key committees has allowed him to block it.[22] Rahall also voted against the American Clean Energy and Security Act and voted to block the Environmental Protection Agency from reducing greenhouse gases linked to global warming.[23]
Roy Blunt opposes federal cap and trade legislation and supports drilling for oil on the U.S. coastline. On 10 March 2010, Blunt was named by the League of Conservation Voters as one of the "Dirty Dozen" lawmakers who had "consistently sided with Big Oil and other dirty polluters over a cleaner, more sustainable future".[24]
In 2010, the Patriot Coal political action committee (PAC) received $135,873 and spent $94,152. Contributions from this PAC to federal candidates included 45% to Democrats and 55% to Republicans. They also donated to the following political action committees:[25]
- National Mining Association - $10,000
- All America PAC (Affiliate: Evan Bayh (D-Ind)) - $5,000
- NRSC/NRCC Victory Cmte - $5,000
- Blue Dog PAC - $5,000
- Help America's Leaders (Affiliate: Hal Rogers (R-Ky)) - $2,000
Regulatory and legal issues
Safety violations
From 2000 to 2009, Patriot Coal had 2,779 "significant" violations from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, one death on the job, and nearly $9 million in fines. The company had 3,212 workers by the end of 2010.[26]
In 2010, Patriot Coal had 207 health and safety violations for which the company was issued citations by the MSHA, and over $700,000 in fines.[27]
EPA's Mountaintop Removal Permit
On March 2, 2010 the EPA announced that it had granted a Clean Water Act permit for the Hobet 45 mine in Lincoln County, West Virginia after Hobet Mining LLC, a company owned by Patriot Coal, had agreed to additional "significant protections" against environmental impacts. The permit now must be approved by the Army Corps of Engineers. Opponents of the permit, citing groundwater pollution from mountaintop removal projects, stated that, "Enforceable minimum waste management requirements for dry disposal of coal ash in landfills should include siting restrictions, liners, groundwater monitoring, leachate collection, and financial assurance, closure requirements, post-closure care, and corrective action."[28]
West Virginia hearings on Patriot Coal's selenium levels
On September 1, 2010, Patriot Coal was found in contempt of court by Judge Chambers and ordered to clean up selenium pollution at the two mines in West Virginia. Chambers ordered Patriot subsidiary Apogee Coal to install treatment systems and comply with discharge limits by March 1, 2013, and ordered Patriot subsidiary Hobet Mining to submit a selenium treatment plan by Oct. 1, 2010, and comply with pollution limits in its operating permit by May 1, 2013. The coal producer estimates the it will cost $50 million to comply with the judgment, plus $3 million in annual operating costs. Chambers also ordered Patriot to post a $45 million letter of credit to guarantee the treatment systems are installed.[29]
According to Patriot Coal's 2010 10Q report: "The lack of proven technology to meet selenium discharge standards creates uncertainty as to the future costs of water treatment to comply with mining permits."[30]
On January 18, 2012, Patriot Coal agreed to a settlement that will end litigation over selenium pollution from West Virginia mountaintop removal mines. The settlement covers 43 different water pollution outlets at Patriot's Hobet 21 Surface Mine complex along the Boone-Lincoln border, the Samples Mine complex in the Cabin Creek area, and the Ruffner Mine in Logan County. Under the deal, Patriot would treat pollution from the 43 outlets, and its Jupiter Holdings LLC would surrender permits it got from the Army Corps of Engineers in 2007 to build four valley fills at its Jupiter Callisto surface mine in Boone County. The deal also requires Patriot to pay $7.5 million in civil penalties, to be allocated between the federal government and the West Virginia Land Trust for land preservation projects within the Kanawha River and Guyandotte River watersheds.[31]
Citizen Action
In May 2009, six activists were arrested after they chained themselves to a dump truck at a Patriot Coal-owned mine on West Virginia's Kayford Mountain to protest mountaintop removal.[32]
In October 2010, more than 50 people from the groups Mountain Justice and Climate Ground Zero went to Patriot's mine on Kayford Mountain for a non-violent protest, including politicians and long-time mountaintop-removal opponent Ken Hechler and U.S. Senate Mountain Party candidate Jessie Johnson. They planted trees in protest of mountaintop removal coal mining.[33]
In June 2010, concerned citizens rallied in downtown Lexington Kentucky to express their anger at PNC Bank for financing mountaintop removal coal mining. Local activists were joined by members of the group Mountain Justice and residents from mountaintop communities, who spoke out about the direct impacts on their community, health and environment. Since January 2008, PNC has become the number one U.S. financier of mountaintop removal coal mining, providing more than $500 million in loans and bonds to six companies practicing mountaintop removal: Massey Energy, Patriot Coal, Alpha Natural Resources, International Coal Group, Arch Coal and Consol Energy. The six companies are collectively responsible for almost half of all mountaintop removal coal mining in Appalachia.[34] in November 2010 PNC announced that it would no longer fund projects associated with mountaintop removal coal mining. PNC's decision left UBS and GE Capital as the only major banks that support mountaintop removal.[35]
July 2012: 20 arrested after shutting down coal mine in West Virginia
It was reported on July 28, 2012 that 20 protesters associated with the Radical Action for Mountain People's Survival (RAMPS) Campaign, managed to shut down Patriot Coal's Hobet Mine in the US state of West Virginia for approximately three hours on Saturday, July 28, 2012. Most of the activists were charged with trespassing. Bail was set at $25,000 each.[36]
The RAMPS Campaign is calling for an end to strip mining in the Appalachian region because of its health and environmental consequences.[37]
Industry affiliations
Patriot Coal is a member of the:
Key members of the Patriot Coal's Management Team, as of July 2011, include:[39]
- Richard M. Whiting, President and CEO. Total compensation, 2009: $3.14 million[40]
- Charles A. Ebetino, Jr., Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
- Mark N. Schroeder, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Contact Information
Patriot Coal Corporation
12312 Olive Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63141
Phone: (314) 275-3600
Web: http://www.patriotcoal.com
Articles and Resources
- ↑ "Peabody Energy Completes Spin-Off of Patriot Coal Corporation" PR Newswire, November 1, 2007.
- ↑ "Welcome to Patriot Coal" Patriot Coal website, accessed July 2011.
- ↑ "Patriot Coal to Stop Mountaintop Removal Mining" Associated Press, November 16, 2012.
- ↑ "Press release: Patriot Coal Announces Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2011" Patriot Coal website, April 21, 2011.
- ↑ "Patriot Coal to buy Magnum Coal for $709 million" St. Louis Business Journal, April 2, 2008
- ↑ "10-Q: PATRIOT COAL CORP" MarketWatch, May 3, 2011.
- ↑ Taylor Kuykendall, "Patriot Coal cuts production at two W.Va.complexes, idles one" State Journal, Feb 2, 2012.
- ↑ Tiffany Kary and Dawn McCarty, "Patriot Coal Files for Bankruptcy Protection," Bloomberg, July 09, 2012.
- ↑ "How We Mine" Patriot Coal Website, July 2011
- ↑ "Datafinder" Open Source coal, accessed July 2011.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Patriot coal, "10 K", U.S. Securities and Exchange Comission, February 25, 2010, page 4.
- ↑ "Mining Operations: Illinois Basin" Patriot Coal Website, November 2009
- ↑ Patriot coal, "10 K", U.S. Securities and Exchange Comission, February 25, 2010, page 5.
- ↑ Rainforest Action Network and the Sierra Club, "Policy and Practice: 2011 Report Card on Banks and Mountaintop Removal," 2011 Report Card.
- ↑ "Patriot Coal to stop mountaintop removal mining" CNBC, November 15, 2012.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Press release: Patriot Coal Announces Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2011" Patriot Coal website, April 21, 2011.
- ↑ Chuck Stinnett, "UMW chief tells thousands benefits are threatened, Peabody is at fault," Evansville Courier & Press, August 28, 2012.
- ↑ Paul J. Nyden, "Judge gives Patriot Coal OK to cut benefits," Charleston Gazette, May 29, 2013.
- ↑ "Lobbying: Patriot Coal 2010" Opensecrets, accessed July 2011.
- ↑ "Rahall Fights to Protect Coal Mineworker Pension Payments" Congressman Nick Rahall website, June 23, 2010.
- ↑ "Patriot Coal Corp" opensecrets, accessed July 2011.
- ↑ Lillis, Mike (2010-10-17). "Rahall takes sole credit for blocking bill to end mountaintop mining". The Hill. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
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(help) - ↑ Dems join GOP in fight to block EPA climate rules
- ↑ LCV Names Roy Blunt to 2010 Dirty Dozen List, Launches BigOilBlunt.com, League of Conservation Voters
- ↑ "PACs: Patriot Coal Corp" opensecrets, accessed July 2011.
- ↑ "Coal mine deaths, fines and significant violations for the 10 largest coal mine controllers, 2000-2009" InvestigativeReportingWorkshop.org, Nov. 22, 2010.
- ↑ "Mine Safety Disclosure" Addendum to 2010 Patriot 10K report, Edgar Online, accessed July 2011.
- ↑ "EPA Approves Mountaintop Removal Coal Mine" Patrick Crow, WaterWorld.com, March 2, 2010.
- ↑ Jeffrey Tomich, "Patriot Coal found in contempt for selenium discharges" stltoday.com, September 1, 2010.
- ↑ "10-Q: PATRIOT COAL CORP" MarketWatch, May 3, 2011.
- ↑ Ken Ward Jr., "Breaking: Patriot agrees to huge selenium cleanup" Coal tattoo, January 18, 2012.
- ↑ Sue Sturgis, "Activists arrested protesting dangerous coal sludge dam in West Virginia" ISS, May 26, 2009.
- ↑ "Group plants trees in mountaintop-removal protest" Charleston Gazette, October 24, 2010.
- ↑ "Mountain Justice shames PNC Bank's mountaintop removal financing" Mountain Justice, June 7, 2010.
- ↑ "PNC Bank Will No Longer Fund Mountain Top Removal" Brad Johnson, ThinkProgress, November 10, 2010.
- ↑ "Anti-mining protests heat up in West Virginia as evidence of damage builds" Facing South, Sue Sturgis, July 28, 2012.
- ↑ "20 arrested after shutting down coal mine in West Virginia" Mining.com, Frik Els, July 29, 2012.
- ↑ National Mining Association, "NMA Membership", National Mining Association website, accessed July 2011.
- ↑ "Patriot Coal: Management Team" Patriot Coal, accessed July 2011.
- ↑ "Richard M. Whiting" Forbes.com, accessed July 2011.
Related GEM.wiki articles
- Existing U.S. Coal Plants
- West Virginia and coal
- Kentucky and coal
- United States and coal
- Global warming
External Resources
- Patriot Coal 2010 10K Report EDGAR, filed February 2011.
External Articles
Wikipedia also has an article on Patriot Coal. This article may use content from the Wikipedia article under the terms of the GFDL.


text:
How Can Seedless Fruit be Fruitful and Multiply?
If fruit trees grow from seeds, how do you grow seedless fruit? It's not unusual for plants to produce mutant fruit that lacks seeds, but these fruits are usually the end of their line. Naturally occurring hybrids can also make sterile fruit. The varieties that we eat are specifically hybridized to be seedless, like seedless watermelon or bananas, or grafted onto host root stocks, like seedless oranges.
Navel oranges (named for the belly-button shaped indentation in the peel; did everyone else already know this?) were first planted in California in 1872; the New York Times looked back on the fruit's origins in an article from 1902 (pdf).
The fine original seedless orange trees came from Bahia, Brazil, and were imported through the sense of a woman. Mr. Nellie Desmond of Syracuse, N.Y., was visiting her brother in a rubber camp along the Amazon. The natives brought her several seedless oranges, which were a curiosity to her. She inquired whence they came, and found they grew upon a clump of freak orange trees in the neighborhood.
The woman with sense brought some fruit back to the United States, and word got to the Commissioner of Agriculture, who instructed the consulate at Brazil to ship him some trees. A few years later, Mrs. Luther C. Tibbets, who was well-connected, procured three trees from an experimental USDA garden for land her husband was homesteading in what is now downtown Riverside, California. One of the trees was eaten by a cow, but after five years the others bore fruit. "On Jan. 22, 1878, two of the new oranges were cut open and critically tasted by a little company of orange growers at Riverside. A new star of the first magnitude rose that day in the horticultural firmament."
Another star of the first magnitude might well arise from a recent report in PNAS. A mutant seedless sugar apple (Annona squamosa) from Thailand was found to have a genetic disruption that blocks ovule development. Fortuitously, similar mutations have been intensively studied in Arabidopsis, a mustard plant that is the lab rat of botany. Understanding this genetic pathway could lead to seedless sugar apples or soursops. Fruits in this genus "have a meat with a sherbet-like texture and a flavor that has been compared with a mixture of banana and pineapple," the authors write, but huge seeds make these fruits a bit of a chore to eat or process. They also point out that Mark Twain described Annona as "the most delicious fruits known to men."
Has anyone tried these fruits? I'm intrigued—and wouldn't mind fighting through the seeds while the seedless varieties are in development.

subset: commoncrawl


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Speaking of Art and Rivers
Jan 2, 2013 at 3:48 PM 6 Comments
A sunny day like today would be a great time to go see the "log dog"-inspired sculpture by Portland Artist Linda Wysong at the PCC Stormwater Plaza, which we wrote about back in August. This public art is part of the larger SE Clay Green Street project. Construction begins this spring on green street facilities that capture stormwater and provide a green link to the Willamette River. Two more sculptures will be installed as part of the route.
6 Comments
Really ugly and pointless. Why are we spending money on this? There are potholes everywhere.
Why? What is it anyway? Speaking of Art and Rivers indeed.....
Fudgy Pants
It's a target for hipsters to throw their Old Gold cigarette butts at.
Bad Man
Why is the City wasting taxpayer money on this crap? The roads all over Portland are in horrible condition; and we have herds of agressive street beggars all over downtown.
Hey City of Ptld how about sending somebody to come pave my street? I'm over on NE 70th right off of Prescott. Thanks.
Danny Peterson
Yet another misuse of the taxpayers dollars.
Will it ever stop?
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text:
Born: July 23, 1856
Died: August 1, 1920
Achievements: Considered as Father of Indian National Movement;
Founded Deccan Education Society to impart quality education
to India's youth; was a member of the Municipal Council of Pune, Bombay
Legislature, and an elected 'Fellow' of the Bombay University; formed
Home Rule League in 1916 to attain the goal of Swaraj.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak is considered as Father of Indian National
Movement. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a multifaceted personality. He was a
social reformer, freedom fighter, national leader, and a scholar of
Indian history, sanskrit, hinduism, mathematics and astronomy. Bal
Gangadhar Tilak was popularly called as Lokmanya (Beloved of the
people). During freedom struggle, his slogan Swaraj is my
birthright and I shall have it inspired millions of Indians.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born on July 23, 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. He
was a Chitpavan Brahmin by caste. His father Gangadhar Ramachandra Tilak
was a Sanskrit scholar and a famous teacher. Tilak was a brilliant
student and he was very good in mathematics. Since childhood Tilak had
an intolerant attitude towards injustice and he was truthful and
straightforward in nature. He was among India's first generation of
youth to receive a modern, college education.
When Tilak was ten his father was transferred to Pune from Ratnagiri.
This brought sea change in Tilaks life. He joined the
Anglo-Vernacular School in Pune and got education from some of the well
known teachers. Soon after coming to Pune Tilak lost his mother and by
the time he was sixteen he lost his father too. While Tilak was studying
in Matriculation he was married to a 10-year-old girl called Satyabhama.
After passing the Matriculation Examination Tilak joined the Deccan
College. In 1877, Bal Gangadhar Tilak got his B.A. degree with a first
class in mathematics. He continued his studies and got the LL.B. degree
After graduation, Tilak began teaching mathematics in a private school
in Pune and later became a journalist. He became a strong critic of the
Western education system, feeling it demeaning to Indian students and
disrespectful to India's heritage. He came to the conclusion that good
citizens can be moulded only through good education. He believed that
every Indian had to be taught about Indian culture and national ideals.
Along with his classmate Agarkar and great social reformer Vishnushastry
Chiplunkar, Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded Deccan Education Society
to impart quality education to India's youth.
The very next year after the Deccan Education Society was founded,
Tilak started two weeklies, 'Kesari' and 'Mahratta'. 'Kesari' was
Marathi weekly while 'Mahratta' was English weekly. Soon both the
newspapers became very popular. In his newspapers, Tilak highlighted the
plight of Indians. He gave a vivid picture of the people's sufferings
and of actual happenings. Tilak called upon every Indian to fight for
his right. Bal Gangadhar Tilak used fiery language to arouse the
sleeping Indians.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak joined the Indian National
Congress in 1890. He was a member of the Municipal Council of Pune, Bombay
Legislature, and an elected 'Fellow' of the Bombay University. Tilak was
a great social reformer. He issued a call for the banning of child
marriage and welcomed widow remarriage. Through the celebrations of
Ganapati Festival and the birthday of the Shivaji he organized people.
In 1897, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was charged with writing articles
instigating people to rise against the government and to break the laws
and disturb the peace. He was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for one
and a half year. Tilak was released in 1898. After his release, Tilak
launched Swadeshi Movement. Through newspapers and lectures, Tilak
spread the message to each and every village in Maharashtra. A big
'Swadeshi Market' was opened in front of Tilak's house. Meanwhile,
Congress was split into two camps-Moderates and Extremists. Extremists
led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak opposed the moderate faction led by Gopal
Krishna. Extremists were in the favour of self rule while the moderates
thought that time is not yet ripe for such an eventuality. This rift
finally led to a split in the Congress.
Tilak was arrested on the charges of sedition in 1906. After the trial,
Tilak was sentenced to six years of imprisonment in Mandalay (Burma).
Tilak spent his time in prison by reading and writing. He wrote the book
'Gita-Rahasya' while he was in prison. Tilak was released on June 8,
1914. After his release, Bal Gangadhar Tilak tried to bring the two
factions of Congress together. But his efforts did not bear much fruit.
In 1916, Tilak decided to build a separate organization called the 'Home
Rule League'. Its goal was swaraj. Tilak went from village to village,
and explained the aim of his league to the farmers and won their hearts.
He traveled constantly in order to organize the people. While fighting
for peoples cause Bal Gangadhar Tilak died on August 1, 1920.


text:
Abstract films
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Acacia pendula
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Devlet yolu K.K. no. 715-07 (Turkey)
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Embroidery in art
Encephalic photoreceptors
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Ethanol fuel industry
Ethnicity in motion pictures
Etivlik Lake (Alaska)
European tarnished plant bug
Exercise for girls
Family planning--Law and legislation
Family planning services--Utilization
Feathers in art
Female middle school athletes
Ferruginous duck
Ferry terminal parking facilities
Fertility clinics--Utilization
Filmed ballets
Filmed interviews
Filmed shadow shows
Fishes--Collection and preservation--Law and legislation
Fishes--Collection and preservation--Licenses
Fishes--Effect of mining on
Food courts
Foreign workers, Burmese
Foreign workers, Central Asian
Forest biodiversity--Climatic factors
Forest biodiversity--Effect of fires on
Forest resilience
Forest resilience--Climatic factors
Forest site preparation
Foulweather Bluff Preserve (Wash.)
Fraustadt, Battle of, Wschowa, Poland, 1706
French restaurants
Freshwater habitat conservation
Freshwater habitats
Fritillaria camschatscensis
Galer Street (Seattle, Wash.)
Gareloi, Mount (Alaska)
Gaspra (Asteroid)
Gay erotic drama, American
George Washington Memorial Bridge (Seattle, Wash.)
Germplasm resources--Utilization
Gifted Alaska Native children
Gifted Indian children
Goat Marsh Research Natural Area (Wash.)
Göksu River Valley (Antalya İli-Mersin İli, Turkey)
Golf tournament programs
Grassland invertebrates
Great snipe
Gresi language
Gubik Formation (Alaska)
Gulf of Bothnia Coast (Sweden)
Gymnastics for boys
Hard rock minerals
Harney Basin (Or.)
Harney Lake (Or.)
Harney Lake Research Natural Area (Or.)
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harvard University--Buildings--Remodeling for other use
Heathland management
Helicons (Electromagnetism)
Hemichordata, Fossil
Historic industrial sites
Historical reenactments (Motion pictures)
Historical reenactments (Television programs)
Home visits (Education)
Horse Ridge Research Natural Area (Or.)
Housekeeping in art
Hymns, Cebuano
Hypoponera opacior
IBIS (Information retrieval system)
IBM 704 (Computer)
Idaho, Southwestern
Idaho Territory--History
Identity politics in literature
Identity politics in motion pictures
İl yolu K.K. no. 70-50 (Turkey)
Immigrants' writings, Philippine (English)
Improvised explosive devices--Detection
Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Indian comedians
Indian sexual minorities
Indiana Jones television programs
International Migratory Bird Day
International Year of Astronomy, 2009
Internet and bisexual men
Internet and gay men
Introduced vertebrates
Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark (Calif.)
Island Research Natural Area (Or.)
Island scrub jay
Italy--Economic conditions--476-1268
Italy--Social conditions--476-1268
Japanese American women teachers
Japanese restaurants
Jefferson Park (Seattle, Wash.)
Jewish television producers and directors
Jordan Crater Research Natural Area (Or.)
Jornandes (Insects)
Juan de Fuca Eddy
Juan Fernandez petrel
Judeo-French language
Junior high school boys
Junior high school girls
Kalinga literature
Kalinga poetry
Karamazor Mountains (Tajikistan)
King Edward River (W.A.)
Kodiak Archipelago (Alaska)
Komso Bay (Korea)
Korean restaurants
Kwini language
Laboratory organisms
Larsen Ice Shelf (Antarctica)
Leadership in girls
Lenice Lake (Wash.)
Lesser showy stickseed
Lek behavior--Genetic aspects
Limestone Island (N.Z.)
Lindera melissifolia
Lesser white-fronted goose
Lomatium nudicaule
Long-period variables
Loomis Natural Resources Conservation Area (Wash.)
Lost Forest Research Natural Area (Or.)
Maccoa duck
Male athletes
Male junior high school athletes
Male reproductive health
Male reproductive health services
Male white collar workers
Mallard populations
Mamaku Plateau (N.Z.)
Marine ecosystem health
Marine species diversity
McConnell Island (Wash.)
McMurdo Ice Shelf (Antarctica)
Measurement in art
Men's health services
Meteorology on postage stamps
Microdiprion pallipes
Micropogonias furnieri
Micropogonias furnieri fisheries
Middle school athletes
Migratory birds
Migratory fishes
Miller Creek (King County, Wash.)
Miller Creek Watershed (King County, Wash.)
Minute Man National Historical Park (Mass.)
Morristown National Historical Park (N.J.)
Motion picture plays, Bulgarian
Motion picture plays, Cuban
Motion picture plays, Polish
Motion picture plays, Tagalog
Mountain hydrology
Mud Mountain Dam (Wash.)
Murtaugh Lake (Idaho)
Nasal septum
National characteristics, English, in art
National characteristics, French-Canadian
National characteristics, French, in art
National characteristics, Indochinese
National characteristics, Israeli, in literature
National characteristics, Japanese, in literature
National characteristics, Korean, in literature
National characteristics, Latvian
National characteristics, Pakistani
National characteristics, Panjabi
National characteristics, Spartan
National characteristics, Taiwan
National characteristics, Tunisian
National characteristics, Uzbek, in literature
National characteristics, West African
National characteristics, West European
National characteristics, Yakut
National protected areas systems--Gap analysis
National Vegetation Information System (Information retrieval system)
Neovenator salerii
Neskowin Crest Research Natural Area (Or.)
Newborn infants--Growth
NGC 300 (Galaxy)
Nisqually Lake (Wash.)
Non-toxic shot
Norutak Lake (Alaska)
Notranjska (Slovenia)
Novelists, Thai
Ohop Creek (Wash.)
Ohop Valley (Wash.)
Olfactory receptor genes
Olfactory receptors
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (Wash.)
Oracles, Chinese
Oregon Coast Range (Or.)
Organic floriculture
Ozette Lake (Wash.)
Padre Island National Seashore (Tex.)
Paengaroa Mainland Island (N.Z.)
Parasites as biological tags
Parona signata
Patagonian grenadier
Peatland management
Peatland restoration
Pectinochromis lubbocki
Penny newspapers
Pentatricopeptide repeat genes
Photography in wilderness area monitoring
Physical education for girls
Physical fitness for girls
Pink-headed duck
Pitt Island (N.Z.)
Plant protection industry
Playaway (Preloaded audio player)
Pogonias cromis
Pogonias cromis fisheries
Point Wilson Lighthouse (Port Townsend, Wash. : 1879-1914)
Postojna Cave (Slovenia)
Powell Butte Research Natural Area (Or.)
Prešernove nagrade
Ptychodera flava
Pyramid Lake Research Natural Area (Wash.)
Quatse Lake (B.C.)
Quatse River (B.C.)
Quatse River Estuary (B.C.)
Quilts in art
Qustul (Wādī al-Jadīd, Egypt)
Radioactive waste canisters
Rain gardens
Real River (Portugal)
Real River Watershed (Portugal)
Red rock crab
Reflection Lake (King County, Wash.)
Reproductive health services
Resilience (Ecology)
Return migrants
Ribbon seal
River Park Square (Spokane, Wash.)
Rustam (Legendary character)
Rustam (Legendary character) in literature
Salt marsh conservation
Salt marsh restoration
San Francisco Federal Building (San Francisco, Calif.)
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (San Francisco, Calif.)
San Ignacio Lagoon (Mexico)
Sea ducks
Seed dispersal by bats
Seedlings--Diseases and pests
Sequence alignment (Bioinformatics)
Senna (Genus)
Senna obtusifolia
Seriolella porosa
Sertavul Pass (Turkey)
Set dancing
Sexual minority business enterprises
Sexual minority women
Shaviovik River (Alaska)
Snake Ridge (White Pine County, Nev.)
Sociable lapwing
Social problem films
Social satire
Social satire, English
Social satire, Hindi
Social satire, Italian
Soil depth
Soil scarification
Songs, Cebuano
Sorex palustris
Sõrve Peninsula (Estonia)
Sousaphone and electronic music
Southern yellowtail
Speeches, addresses, etc., Vietnamese
Stewart Island shag
Stinking Lake Research Natural Area (Or.)
Strathcona Sound (Nunavut)
Subsurface bacteria
Sucia Island (Wash.)
Sucia Islands (Wash.)
Sulfate-reducing bacteria
Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (India)
Sunset Plaza (Tacoma, Wash.)
Sustainable biodiversity
Synaptic vesicles
Taiga conservation
Taman Negara Loagan Bunut (Sarawak)
Tara gum
Tarpon fisheries
Televised ballets
Television crime shows
Television remakes
Television sequels
Tenalquot Prairie (Wash.)
Thatcher Bay (Wash.)
Thompson Clover Research Natural Area (Wash.)
Three-dimensional printing
Thymidylate synthase
Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road (N.W.T. and Nunavut)
Time-lapse films
Tiwi Islands (N.T.)
Tongariro Northern Circuit (N.Z.)
Travelers' writings, Thai
Trøndersk dialects
Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula (N.W.T.)
Tukuto Lake (Alaska)
Upper Elwha Dam (Wash.)
Ural River Watershed (Russia and Kazakhstan)
Uzbek periodicals
Valley Forge National Historical Park (Pa.)
Venus (Planet)--Volcanoes
Venusian craters
Video installations (Art)
Visual poetry, Egyptian
Waikaremoana, Lake, Watershed (N.Z.)
Waitts Lake (Wash.)
Walker Creek (King County, Wash.)
Walker Creek Watershed (King County, Wash.)
Wallula Gap (Wash.)
Wasp Islands (Wash.)
Wat Sī Chum (Sukhothai, Thailand)
Webster Point (Wash.)
Wenas Creek (Wash.)
Wetland biodiversity
Wetland mapping
Wetland restoration--Monitoring
Wetland surveys
Wheeler Creek Research Natural Area (Or.)
Wheeler Peak (Nev.)
White abalone
Wild animal collecting--Licenses
Window bird strikes
Women poets, Indonesian
Women poets, Scandinavian
Women team handball players
Women's periodicals, Slovenian
Women's Rights National Historical Park (N.Y.)
Yıldız Sarayı (Istanbul, Turkey)
Youngs Bay (Or.)
Youths' writings, Bengali
Zoning officers
Zoological specimens--Collection and preservation--Licenses


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Last month, the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) and the Canadian Acoustical Association (CAA) held the 21st joint meeting of the International Congress on Acoustics (ICA) in Montreal, Canada. This joint congress is one of the major acoustics conferences of 2013, featuring a range of parallel sessions that covered most topics in acoustics. These included, among other things, psycho acoustics, underwater acoustics, transducer modeling, acoustics of musical instruments, nonlinear acoustics, and many more. This year's acoustics conference also featured a poster session and plenary lectures. We were there, and here's what we heard, saw, and said.
A Not-to-Miss Acoustics Conference
As the Technical Product Manger for the Acoustics Module here at COMSOL, this was an event that I simply could not miss. This particular acoustics conference is a good opportunity to get updated on the latest research in many areas of acoustics, but also to see what is being done simulation-wise in many areas. This year, for example, there was a special session on Computational Methods in Transducer Design, Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization.
As I walked around the conference, and listened to presentations in many different areas of acoustics, it was nice to see so many applications using COMSOL Multiphysics. A quick search of the conference proceedings reveals that COMSOL is mentioned in around 30 presentations. The areas of research where it is being used span acoustical oceanography, architectural acoustics, thermoacoustic phenomena, nonlinear acoustics, transducers, noise in hearing aids, the modeling of the speech production, and much more. All the abstracts of the conference can be found in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America volume 133. Links to the conference proceedings will be available on the International Commission for Acoustics homepage.
I was fortunate enough to be invited and hold presentations in two of the sessions (one of which was the aforementioned simulation session). The first talk was about modeling acoustic radiation forces on microparticles — work I have done together with Prof. H. Bruus from The Physics Department at DTU. My second talk was about virtual prototyping of condenser microphones, and this work was done together with E. S. Olsen from Brüel & Kjær Sound and Vibration Measurement A/S. I will go into more detail on both presentations below.
Acoustic Radiation Force on Microparticles in Ultrasonic Standing Waves
My first talk was on "First-principle simulation of the acoustic radiation force on microparticles in ultrasonic standing waves" [1]; a continuation of the work I mentioned in the blog entry on microparticle acoustophoresis. The aim of the work was to make a model that could predict the acoustic radiation force on a microparticle, based on first-principle simulation. Theoretically, acoustic radiation is described by complex, non-linear governing equations sensitive to the detailed boundary conditions, making it hard to obtain quantitative predictions. Here, COMSOL Multiphysics is a very valuable tool as the user has full control over the solved equations as well as the solver sequence. The simulation results are compared to analytical results that exist for spherical particles in the adiabatic case. The current model extends the known analytical results to also include thermal effects, and it includes the analysis of the radiation force exerted on ellipsoidal particles (see figure below).
Streaming velocity amplitude
around an ellipsoid microparticle.
Virtual Prototype of a Condenser Microphone
The second work I presented at the acoustics conference was on "Virtual prototyping of condenser microphones using the finite element method for detailed electric, mechanic, and acoustic characterization" [2]. The aim of this paper was to present a full virtual prototype of a Brüel and Kjær type 4134 microphone that could reproduce all relevant characteristic curves, that is, the sensitivity for different vent configuration, the microphone impedance, and the microphone capacitance. All these were compared to actual measurements and showed very good agreement. The model of a microphone is a true multiphysics application that involves both acoustics, membranes models, and electrostatics. The model can be used to gain insight into the detailed physical processes governing the microphone behavior. In the future, it can be used to optimize existing microphones and help develop new prototypes. Below is an animation that shows the diaphragm displacement for an oblique incident acoustic wave at 25 kHz:
Movement of the microphone diaphragm in a BK type 4134 microphone for an oblique incident
plane wave (the motion is over one period and is highly exaggerated).
Further Reading
- Brüel and Kjaer 4134 Condenser Microphone model in the COMSOL Model Gallery
- Acoustofluidic Multiphysics Problem: Microparticle Acoustophoresis
- ICA-ASA Conference homepage
- Proceedings of the International Congress on Acoustics
- Acoustical Society of America
- Abstract reference 1: M. J. Herring Jensen and H. Bruus, "First-principle simulation of the acoustic radiation force on microparticles in ultrasonic standing waves (A)", J. Acoust. Soc. Am. Volume 133, Issue 5, pp. 3236-3236 (2013)
- Abstract reference 2: M. J. Herring Jensen and E. S. Olsen, "Virtual prototyping of condenser microphones using the finite element method for detailed electric, mechanic, and acoustic characterization (A)", J. Acoust. Soc. Am. Volume 133, Issue 5, pp. 3359-3359 (2013)


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Chocobo In Black
Chocobo In Black
Discuss in the Zam Forums
Hello again!
Fernehalwes here. For this installment of the Developers Blog, we decided to bring you an in-game screenshot of some chocobo barding that Yoshi-P hinted at back during a previous Producer Letter Live. You may recall this preliminary artwork:
Well, the character design team has been busy all month transforming those 2D drawings into actual 3D models. While my trusty partner 'M' lured a lonely designer from his workstation with a wink and some tasty chocolate, I snuck in from behind and snapped this revealing pic:
At this stage in development, the armor still appears to be lacking textures, but if I'm not mistaken, those horns have an uncanny resemblance to the ones found on a certain legendary beast spotted atop a snow-capped peak in a recent FINAL FANTASY XIV trailer. Now what was his name again? Bahoo... Bahi... Behemmmm...my! Would you look at the time!
I'll see you all again soon!
Original Story


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ЕXL looks deeper. Deeper into your business to find smarter solutions and clearer strategies for a better business model. We believe that businesses must look deeper at how they manage their operations and processes to better handle change and sustain growth. Our responsibility, as a dedicated partner, is to take a problem-solving focus, ask the right questions, and create the right solutions to make sure our clients' needs are met.
EXL is business process solutions company. We integrate operations management services, decision analytics and technology platforms to deliver immediate results and long-term business impact. We work as a strategic partner to help our clients simplify and streamline business operations, improve corporate finance, manage compliance, create new channels for growth, and better adapt to change.
Our company is built on value and trust. How we work with our clients is as important as what we do for them. We take client service seriously. Our clients' priorities drive our business focus to ensure their needs are met. We advocate on their behalf. We immerse ourselves in our clients' industries and operations, and whether through hiring from their industries or our intensive, award-winning training programs, we are experts our clients can depend on to solve complex problems. We also challenge the status quo. We look deeper to for alternatives, for creating new tools to drive efficiency or for responding quickly to evolving industry trends.
Serving insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, utilities, travel, transportation and logistics, we deliver solutions from wherever our clients need it. EXL also provides functional services such as finance and accounting, legal support and analytics to even more industries, including professional services, retail, manufacturing and energy. As a result, we've become a dedicated partner to large companies around the world.
When you look deeper, you'll find an operations management and analytics partner with a different kind of approach. When you look deeper, you'll find EXL.


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Alpha Lipoic Acid with Vitamins C & E, 100mg - 120 vcaps
Regular price
inc. VAT
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Supports Glutathione Production
With Vitamins C & E
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is naturally produced in the human body in very small amounts, but it is also available through food sources. ALA is unique because it supports the body's free radical scavenging systems and can function in both water and fat environments. ALA can also recycle the antioxidant Vitamins C and E, thereby extending their activities.


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Doing Business
Business Improvement Facade Renovation Prgm.
Business Improvement Facade Renovation Program
Business Improvement/Facade Renovation Program
The Little Chute Village Board adopted a Design Manual primarily applicable within the Central Business District to create and retain the vision of a heritage destination in downtown Little Chute with an Old World European character.
The purpose of the Design Manual's requirements is to preserve, create, and promote the unique charm, atmosphere, and historical aspects of the community. Attractive building facades support and encourage local business and can have a significant effect on the attractiveness and marketability of a commercial district and the surrounding area.
To encourage business owners to reinvest in downtown Little Chute and other commercial areas within the Village and to financially assist with implementing the requirements of the
Little Chute Design Manual
, the Village of Little Chute has created a Business Improvement/Facade Renovation Financial Assistance Program to assist in the exterior renovations of these otherwise sound and vital properties within the Village.
Response to COVID-19
2015 - 2019 Strategic Plan
Street Special Assessment Policy Review
Business Improvement Facade Renovation Prgm.
Road Projects
Our Lean Story
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If you are interested in exhibiting please fill in the form below and we will be in touch soon with further details.
Thank you for your interest in the event! Your application form has been sent to the exhibition organising committee. We will look at your requirements and get back to you shortly.


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Progressive cavity pumps can provide precise, efficient dispensing for a variety of materials.
Finding the proper meter/mix and dispensing process is essential for the precise application of today's epoxy-, silicone-, and urethane-based adhesives and sealants. Material manufacturers sell their formulations based on the benefits that they provide. They rely on their customers to accurately identify and apply formulations for potting/encapsulation or adhesion to perform a specific function. Customers select the material and manufacturer because of the benefits and capabilities that a specific formulation provides to their end product. In most cases, a customer selects the necessary chemistries for their application, and the materials manufacturer provides the correct formulation for that project.
From a dispensing point of view, the challenge is in supporting the expectations of customers and materials manufacturers—which is where the proper meter/mix/dispensing technology becomes critical. Ideally, systems need to deliver and blend the chemistries according to customer specifications, and should provide a means of delivery so the material is applied according to end user expectations.
Progressive Cavity Pumps
Most systems are engineered to accurately meter plural-
component adhesives and sealants, regardless of viscosity, and feature programmable ratios, dispense volumes, and flow rates. Dispense equipment is traditionally thought of as being configured with piston or metering rod displacement pumps or gear pumps. Both pump styles have been used in the past because of their specific delivery capability. However, both designs suffer from high wear rates when used for pumping moderately to highly filled or abrasive materials.
Progressive cavity (PC) pumps, on the other hand, provide an ideal vehicle for dispensing a variety of materials. Progressive cavity pumps feature an internal helix-shaped rotating element called the rotor and a double-helix-shaped stationary external element called the stator. The interference fit between rotor and stator creates a series of sealed cavities that are continually filled with material at the pump assembly inlet and gently move the material, relatively undisturbed, to the pump outlet. As a result, solid materials that are smaller than the cavity size can be dispensed effectively without damage to the materials or the pump. This makes the PC pump ideal for use with abrasive fillers without undue wear.
The amount of wear is equal to the size, makeup and percentage of filler present in the material over the pump's lifespan. Fillers as fragile as glass micro-balloons or as destructive as sand can be successfully processed in a PC pump.
Ratios drift slightly when wear occurs, but this wear can be compensated for by a simple recalibration of the system. The life of the pump and continued uptime of the system in production is therefore extended. Conversely, if a seal on a piston or metering rod fails, the system is likely to break down and leak materials into the production area.
The consistently accurate precision dispensing of fluid media can be achieved with PC meter pumps, independent of media viscosity. PC pumps exhibit exceptional resistance to abrasive/filled content and chemically aggressive fluids. They are suited to transfer materials such as:
- Abrasive-filled polymers
- Microsphere-filled polymers
- Thixotropic materials
- Most anaerobic adhesives and sealants
- Silicones, epoxies, lubricants and polyurethanes
- Pastes, paints and gels
- Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
- Food products
Suitable for single- or multi-component applications, PC pumps also provide many operational advantages, including constant volume at variable speeds, continuous flow, few moving parts, low maintenance and no cycle time delays for cavity recharge. Specific design features provide additional functional benefits. The cavities taper down toward their ends and overlap with their neighbors, essentially eliminating flow pulsation. No flow meter or check valves are required due to the PC pumps' seal design.
The amount of material, dispense time, flow rate and ratio are all adjustable on a PC pump through a keypad with LCD interface. A microprocessor is programmed, at ratio, to turn the pumps for the selected dispense volume and can save a number of programs with different parameter settings for quick transfer between applications requiring different volumes of material. Highly accurate signal-to-action timing enables consistent deliveries of material. With the machine's shot-size accuracy and range, adjustable flow rate, and consistent ratios, a repeatable process can be introduced into production. The systems should integrate into most commercially available robotic platforms.
The addition of flexible, digitally controlled meter/mix systems, built around a work station format, allows personnel to use the positive displacement pump technology that is ideal for medium- to high-volume dispensing requirements through proprietary microprocessor programming controls. These systems are capable of up to 40 stored dispense programs and offer the lowest maintenance requirements available in the industry, resulting in a lower cost of ownership compared to competitive systems.
Material Pre-Conditioning and Management
Material preparation is crucial for dispensing success. If materials are not conditioned properly, the material is in danger of acquiring air bubbles and inconsistent viscosities, along with settling and separation. Many dispensing problems occur due to poor material handling.
Filler settling, moisture absorption, and material viscosity cause inaccuracy and poor reliability in traditional dispense systems. Often, material handling is the least acknowledged critical aspect of a dispensing system. Material conditioning includes agitation, heating, degassing and desiccant drying.
Agitation is the stirring of the material prior to metering, mixing or dispensing. Agitation can occur continuously, at specific intervals or until the material reaches a specific viscosity level. Materials that incorporate filler require agitation to ensure the fillers do not settle.
If accuracy and repeatability are necessary to a dispensing application, some degree of material heating will most likely be needed. Heating material to a specific temperature ensures a consistent shot each time, removing environmental factors and varying viscosities.
Some materials act adversely when they are not properly degassed or de-aired. If the final product cannot contain any gas or air bubbles, the material must be de-gassed prior to dispensing. Degassing removes bubbles, entrapped air, and gas, and prevents blemishes in the materials.
Desiccant Drying
A desiccant dryer or nitrogen blanket removes and guards against moisture from the dispensed material. The dry air is monitored so the desiccant dryer can be replaced when it reaches its limit. It is possible to easily swap the dryer while maintaining an uninterrupted drying process.
Material Conditioning
A Material Management Unit™ (MMU) can provide the vital material conditioning needed to ensure accurate, reliable and repeatable dispensing. MMUs are specifically designed to address material handling concerns and provide consistent delivery to a meter/mix/dispense system.
One of the principal advantages of an MMU is the ease of material supply exchange. Materials are typically supplied in cans, buckets, barrels or totes. The MMU's design allows the user to swap containers without introducing air into the system. Air in supply lines is a major cause of off-ratio dispensing and shot size inaccuracy. Barrels can be disconnected and replaced without stopping production or requiring a de-airing of the dispense system. MMUs provide several key benefits:
- Full process control reduces manufacturing variables
- Reduces hazardous spills
- Reduces employee exposure to harmful fumes and fluids
- Reduces potential for injury from spills and lifting heavy material packaging
- Continuous process and device feedback
- Reduces variables caused by manual process control
- Reduces energy consumption from unnecessary continuous processing
Additional options that can help to enhance material management include material transfer pumps and progressive cavity transfer pumps. Material transfer pumps use integrated MMUs to easily convey material from one location to another. Exacting accuracy and low shear factors also make progressive cavity transfer pumps ideal for conveying material from one location to the next. PC pumps are designed with efficiency in mind; they use up to 99% of the material in the drum, thereby eliminating waste.
Advanced Capabilities
Ultimately, the performance of a meter/mix/dispense system is a driving factor in the success of any business that is reliant on accurate, controlled dispensing. When considering the options available in meter/mix/dispense systems, the benefits of the advanced capabilities of PC pump technology are clear—especially when combined with the use of a flexible and powerful material management system.
For more information, visit www.fluidresearch.com.
Progressive cavity pump benefits:
• Smooth, pulsation-free delivery of viscous products
• Delivery of filled materials with ease; ideal for shear-sensitive materials
• Reversible; no dripping or stringing
• Easy to disassemble, clean and maintain
• Extremely accurate metered flow
• Gentle on product
• Self-priming reliability


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We hand-selected a number of marble types, predominantly native to China, in an effort to reduce the embodied energy of the collection and celebrate the unique and diverse offerings of the region's stone supply. The glass uppers of the vase collection are hand-blown with a variating wall thickness to create an ephemeral gradation on the smoke offerings.
Care: Handwash.
Square: 4" x 4" Rectangle: 4 x 6-1/2"
Bianco Carrara
Note: A classic white marble with grey veining.
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If you live in the northern hemisphere, summer is quickly coming to an end … but that doesn't mean the party's over. Special Blend, Forum and Foursquare are about to bring the Vacation to you! Just sit back and relax as you marvel at the talents of Pat Moore, Jake Welch, Andreas Wiig, Nic Sauvé, Stevie Bell, and The Youngbloods: Daniel Ek, Cameron Pierce, Niko Cioffi, Austen Sweetin and Alek Oestreng.
Kicking things off this year is the World Premiere on September 28th, taking place on the beach in Huntington Beach, CA, just north of the Huntington Beach Pier. If you happen to be in So Cal, you definitely don't want to miss this beach party! Then, kick it Vacation-style with select riders as the team takes off for the following scheduled stops across North America:
World Premiere: Sept. 28th Huntington Beach, CA – Huntington Beach Pier
Oct. 13th Calgary, AB CAN – Plaza Theater
Oct. 14th Vancouver, BC CAN – Forum Sports Bar
Oct. 15th Portland, OR – Mission Theater
Oct.19th Detroit, MI – Crofoot Ballroom
Oct. 20th Montreal, QC CAN – Boulevard 44
Oct. 20th Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
Oct. 21st Reno, NV – The Freight House District
Oct. 21st Plymouth, NH – The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center
Oct. 22nd Salt Lake City, UT – Complex
Oct. 23rd New York City, NY – The Red Bull Space


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As you all know, I've been reporting on Social Media for a website called Social Axcess. I reported on the iPhone confession app, which allows you to figure out which sins you need to confess, and I got a somewhat heated reply from one of the founders of GSMI, the company that owns the blog. His name is Luke Vince and he felt the need to 'correct' my article, call me myopic, and spell my name without my middle initial. Perhaps it is madness to argue with company higher ups, but I'm afraid I'm terrible at resisting the temptation to get into a good online discussion.
Usually when I see the word correction, I must confess, I think that there has been some sort of editorial or factual error in another article, but it seems that what this actually is is simply a difference of perspective.
His first 'correction', in response to my claim that it's been a rough couple of years for the church, is that the current assaults (really?) by the "new atheist" (his quotes) movement are nothing new, the church is growing in some places, and always emerges stronger from strife. These are non-sequiturs, he is arguing against a point I never made. Regardless of the history of the church or its ability to bounce back, it has been a rough couple of years for it.
The church is shrinking in the West where the majority of its funds come from, and growing in the East, South America and Africa. It is losing members of the priesthood and interest in joining the priesthood, facing a major shortage of priests. It is facing constant negative media pressure because of the sex scandals. I nowhere claimed that the current problems it's facing are the worst in its history or impossible to recover from, but it would be myopic indeed to pretend that they didn't exist.
He also says, in response to my claim that the church is slow to respond to things like changing moral opinions and the AIDS crisis, that it is because the church doesn't succumb to whims or move quickly and that this has served them well. Obviously, we also disagree on whether slowness to respond to current problems is an admirable devotion to tradition or a dangerous resolution to keep its head in the sand. But we don't disagree on the actual fact, which is that the church is slow to change. The glacial response time in condemning nazis, condemning the inquisition, and addressing the complaints of Martin Luther seem to me to show a devotion to slowness that is neither good for the church nor moral.
His final complaint, excuse me, 'correction', is that the confession app doesn't replace any sacraments but rather is an aide to helping Catholics figure out how they've sinned. Nowhere did I say the confession app replaced anything and we agree on the fact that it is a good move for the church, we simply disagree on how laughable it is. I can't imagine belonging to an organization that has so many silly rules that I need assistance in figuring out if I've broken them or not.
Perhaps I am most disappointed, however, that the writer felt the need to personalize his defense as an attack on me but proceeded not to make one point in response to anything I actually wrote.


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Guerrilla gardening takes root in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES (AP) — More than a dozen people, some wearing orange protective gear, pulled rakes and shovels from a dingy shopping cart and started working on a parched patch of land along a busy off-ramp of the Hollywood Freeway.
It was a Saturday night and drivers whooshed past on their way to the Sunset Strip club scene.
But the crew was undeterred, and by the wee hours, they had transformed the blight into bloom with green bushes and an array of colorful flowers.
City workers on overtime? Nope, no budget for that. These were "guerrilla gardeners," a global movement of the grass-roots variety where people seek to beautify empty or overgrown public space, usually under the cover of darkness and without the permission of municipal officials.
"What we're fighting is neglect," said guerrilla gardening guru Richard Reynolds of London, founder of the website guerillagardening.org.
Getting approval to beautify public property can be cumbersome, so guerrilla gardeners in cities worldwide take matters into their own dirt-caked hands.
"We try not to let bureaucracy stand in the way," said accountant Steven Coker, who maintains an unsanctioned garden across from his house near an exit of the Santa Monica Freeway in West Los Angeles.
After starting his garden about 12 years ago, Mr. Coker has tried several times to officially take over its upkeep but to no avail.
Los Angeles Councilman Tom LaBonge said he supports guerrilla gardening as long as people don't present a safety hazard or impede traffic.
"I'm a guerrilla gardener, but I'm mostly just a maintenance guy," Mr. LaBonge said. "I pull weeds when I'm out walking. Everyone is welcome to do it. The city needs help."
Scott Bunnell, who has maintained a guerrilla garden on a median in Long Beach for about 10 years, said he wants to demonstrate that low-maintenance gardens are possible in southern California's arid climate.
"Maybe I can help (show) municipalities, cities and whatnot by using dry, tolerant plants ... that they could make good use of the landscape," he said.
Mr. Reynolds said the modern form of guerrilla gardening started in the 1970s in New York, where the movement has reached its ultimate goal — gardens planted without permission are now maintained by the city's parks and recreation department. He said Montreal is close to sprouting some synergy with guerrilla gardeners.
But most cities, including London and Los Angeles, aren't quite there yet, and so the 27-year-old music and drama teacher who organized the Hollywood Freeway offramp project is intent on staying covert and anonymous — even requiring that his crew use aliases such as his own, "Mr. Stamen," or "Phil O'Dendron."
"If authorities come by, there's no leader," he yelled as his fellow gardeners dispersed over the median. "Nobody knows anybody."
As the gardeners weeded and picked up trash — including a green sleeping bag and some underwear — a few police cruisers drove by, but none stopped.
Gardening on public land without a permit is against the Los Angeles city code, said Cora Jackson-Fossett, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Works.
Violators can be fined and go to jail, she noted.
"It's just in a city of this size, and in any municipality you have, there's rules and regulations, and we need everyone to follow them," Ms. Jackson-Fossett said.
Still, many who guerrilla garden in Los Angeles and elsewhere said they have never faced any serious legal threats. Often times, police or other city workers will stop and ask what the gardeners are doing then move on when they hear the innocent answer, "I'm gardening."
Most guerrilla gardeners don't go to the same lengths as 'Mr. Stamen' to stay anonymous. Some, like Reynolds and Bunnell, have even moved into the sunlight with their work.
Bunnell said he gardens mostly in the early morning hours on his way to work in order to maintain a low profile.
But after getting positive feedback from residents in the area and encouragement from a city official, Bunnell decided to approach the city about a larger garden he has in mind — one that would beautify as well as prevent erosion.
"I've been wanting to do this project for a long time," he said of the mile-long site on a bluff in Long Beach. "I'm hoping that they will just let me do a little area of it just to see how it would work out."
It also seems that Bunnell's attempted collaboration with city officials is becoming less of an exception in the guerrilla gardening world.
James Caviola, an attorney who lives in Seal Beach, started guerrilla gardening about 12 years ago with just one tree in front of his house."My goal was to beautify the neighborhood," he said.
Mr. Caviola said he eventually raised money to help elect tree-friendly council members, and he's now working with the city to put trees on street medians and sidewalk parkways.
He does the work for free with the help of the corporation he created, Trees for Seal Beach.
Caviola said his sanctioned, out-in-the-open gardening no longer qualifies him for guerrilla status — unlike Mr. Stamen, who didn't finish his work on that Saturday night until after 2 a.m.
Mr. Stamen and his guerrilla group have filled about a third of the median with succulents such as grasslike flax, aloe and red, blue, pink and yellow kalanchoes — all donated by members of the group. They plan to finish landscaping the rest of the patch soon.
A sign sticks up from the dirt at the edge of the median closest to Sunset Boulevard.
"Guerrilla Gardening," it reads. "Please water me."


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Antigua and Barbuda
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Antigua and Barbuda is a multiparty, parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 100,000. In parliamentary elections in March 2009, which observers described as generally free and fair, the United Progressive Party (UPP) defeated the ruling Antigua Labour Party (ALP), and Baldwin Spencer was reelected as prime minister. Security forces reported to civilian authorities.
There were human rights problems in some areas, including excessive use of force by police, poor prison conditions, some limits on press freedom, societal discrimination and violence against women, sexual abuse of children, and discrimination against homosexuality.
Section 1 Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom From:
a. Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life
There were no reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings.
b. Disappearance
There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances.
c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
The constitution specifically prohibits such practices, and the authorities generally respected these prohibitions in practice. Nonetheless, there were occasional reports of police brutality, corruption, excessive force, discrimination against persons on basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, and allegations of abuse by prison guards.
In response to several incidents during 2009 involving foreign citizens in which police used excessive force and threats of violence, police received training regarding international conventions and consular access, the latter of which reportedly improved.
In 2008 authorities placed a police officer on administrative leave for the beating of a 17-year-old. The deputy police commissioner promised an investigation, and the officer retired. Although the officer faced criminal charges, he was never prosecuted.
Prison and Detention Center Conditions
Prison conditions were very poor. Her Majesty's Prison, the country's only prison, was overcrowded, did not have toilet facilities, and slop pails were used in all 122 cells. It held 295 convicted prisoners as of December 15.
Prison overcrowding was attributed in part to a law that limits the ability of magistrates to grant bail to those accused of certain offenses. This resulted in an increase in the number of persons held on remand or awaiting trial. Due to space limitations, authorities sometimes held persons on remand together with convicted prisoners.
Seven female prisoners were held in a separate section and were not subject to the same overcrowding problems encountered in the men's prison. Seven juvenile prisoners were held with adult inmates.
Prisoners and detainees had reasonable access to visitors, were permitted religious observances, and had reasonable access to complaint mechanisms and the ability to request inquiry into conditions.
The government investigated and monitored prison conditions and permitted prison visits by independent human rights observers, although no such visits were known to have occurred during the year.
d. Arbitrary Arrest or Detention
The constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, and the government generally observed these prohibitions.
Role of the Police and Security Apparatus
Security forces consist of a police force, the small Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which coordinates law enforcement and prosecutorial action to counter narcotics trafficking. The police force had approximately 750 officers.
The police discipline department, which investigates complaints against the police, is headed by the deputy police commissioner and decides whether an investigation is conducted. The police fall under the prime minister's area of responsibility; the prime minister can call for an independent investigation into an incident as needed.
Arrest Procedures and Treatment While in Detention
The law permits police to arrest without a warrant persons suspected of committing a crime. Criminal defendants have the right to a prompt judicial determination of the legality of their detention. The police must bring detainees before a court within 48 hours of arrest or detention. Criminal detainees were allowed prompt access to counsel and family members. There were cases in which authorities denied foreign national criminal detainees prompt consular access and delayed notification of detention to the foreign government, although training appeared to improve access and notification. In 2009 some foreign national detainees claimed police used excessive force and threats of violence against them while in detention; the government investigated these allegations and found no evidence to support them. The bail system requires those accused of more serious crimes to appeal to the High Court for bail, taking this responsibility away from the lower court magistrates.
e. Denial of Fair Public Trial
The constitution provides for an independent judiciary, and the government generally respected judicial independence in practice.
Trial Procedures
The constitution provides that criminal defendants should receive a fair, open, and public trial, and an independent judiciary generally enforced this right. Trials are by jury. Defendants enjoy a presumption of innocence, have timely access to counsel, may confront or question witnesses, and have the right to appeal. In capital cases only, the government provides legal assistance at public expense to persons without the means to retain a private attorney. Courts often reached verdicts quickly, with some cases coming to conclusion in a matter of days.
Political Prisoners and Detainees
There were no reports of political prisoners or detainees.
Civil Judicial Procedures and Remedies
A court of summary jurisdiction, which sits without a jury, deals with civil cases involving sums of up to EC$1,500 ($550); three magistrate's courts deal with summary offenses and civil cases of not more than EC$500 ($185) in value. Persons may apply to the High Court for redress of alleged violations of their constitutional rights.
f. Arbitrary Interference with Privacy, Family, Home, or Correspondence
The constitution prohibits such actions, and the government generally respected these prohibitions in practice.
Section 2 Respect for Civil Liberties, Including:
a. Freedom of Speech and Press
The constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, but the government respected these rights on a somewhat limited basis. Privately owned print media, including daily and weekly newspapers, were active and offered a range of opinion. Politicians in both parties often filed libel cases against members of the other party.
There was continued tension between the government and ZDK Radio, which is owned by the family of Lester Bird, the former prime minister and leader of the opposition ALP. The ALP claimed that government-operated ABS TV and Radio did not allow fair access to the opposition.
Internet Freedom
There were no government restrictions on access to the Internet or reports that government monitored e-mail or Internet chat rooms. Individuals and groups could engage in the peaceful expression of views via the Internet, including by e-mail. There were 75 Internet users per 100 inhabitants, according to Internet World Statistics.
Academic Freedom and Cultural Events
There were no government restrictions on academic freedom or cultural events.
b. Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association
The constitution provides for freedom of assembly and association, and the government generally respected these rights in practice.
c. Freedom of Religion
For a complete description of religious freedom, see the 2010 International Religious Freedom Report at 2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/irf/rpt/.
d. Freedom of Movement, Internally Displaced Persons, Protection of Refugees, and Stateless Persons
The law provides for freedom of movement within the country, foreign travel, emigration, and repatriation, and the government generally respected these rights in practice.
The law prohibits forced exile, and the government did not use it in practice.
Protection of Refugees
The government has not established a system for providing protection to refugees. The government did not expel or return refugees to a country where their lives or freedom would be threatened on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; however, no such cases arose during the year.
The government did not grant refugee status or asylum during the year. The government cooperated with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other humanitarian organizations in assisting refugees and asylum seekers, but normally the government immediately deported foreigners who could not provide legal documentation.
Section 3 Respect for Political Rights: The Right of Citizens to Change Their Government
The constitution provides citizens with the right to change their government peacefully, and citizens exercised this right in practice through periodic, free, and fair elections held on the basis of universal suffrage.
Elections and Political Participation
In the March 2009 elections the then opposition UPP won nine of 17 seats in the House of Representatives and 50 percent of the popular vote. Members of the Organization of American States observer group reported that the elections were generally free and fair. After the opposition ALP challenged the results of election, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision despite some technical problems in the election process.
Political parties could operate freely without restriction or outside interference.
There were two women in the 19-seat House of Representatives and five women appointed to the 17-seat Senate. The governor general, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and the president of the Senate, all appointed positions, were women. There were two women in the cabinet.
There was one member of a minority in parliament.
Section 4 Official Corruption and Government Transparency
The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, and the government generally implemented these laws effectively. There were isolated reports of government corruption during the year. Both political parties frequently accused the other of corruption, but investigations yielded little or no results.
The Integrity in Public Life Act requires public officials to disclose all income, assets (including those of spouses and children), and personal gifts while in public office. The law established an Integrity Commission, appointed by the governor general, to receive and investigate complaints regarding noncompliance with or contravention of any provisions of this law or the Prevention of Corruption Act. The commission responded to isolated reports of corruption, administered the act, and received the required disclosure reports.
The Freedom of Information Act gives citizens the statutory right to access official documents from public authorities and agencies, and it created a commissioner to oversee the process. In practice citizens found it difficult to obtain documents, possibly due to government funding constraints rather than obstruction.
Section 5 Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Violations of Human Rights
A number of domestic and international human rights groups generally operated without government restriction, investigating and publishing their findings on human rights cases. Government officials were cooperative and responsive to their views.
The government cooperated with international organizations and consulted regularly with UN representatives.
There is an ombudsman, an independent authority appointed by the prime minister, to deal with complaints regarding police and other government officials. However, the office lacked the resources to provide effective oversight for the entire government and did not produce regular reports.
Section 6 Discrimination, Societal Abuses, and Trafficking in Persons
The constitution prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, creed, language, or social status, and the government generally respected these prohibitions in practice.
Rape, including spousal rape, is illegal and carries maximum sentences (rarely imposed) ranging from 10 years' to life imprisonment. It was a pervasive problem, with multiple rapes reported every month. The Directorate of Gender Affairs, part of the Ministry of Labor, Public Administration, and Empowerment, established and publicized a crisis hotline for victims and witnesses to sexual assault, and managed a sexual assault center that coordinates responses to sexual assault. When rape cases are reported to the police, a female police officer accompanies the victim for both questioning and medical examinations at the center. Once the doctor's report is completed, an investigation commences. If a suspect is arrested, he is placed in a line-up and must be identified by the victim face to face, without use of a one-way mirror. There were nine rape cases and 37cases of unlawful sexual intercourse reported, of which four rape cases and 30 unlawful sexual intercourse cases led to prosecution during the year. In situations where the victim did not know her assailant, the cases rarely came to trial.
Violence against women, including spousal abuse, was a problem. The law prohibits and provides penalties for domestic violence, but many women were reluctant to testify against their abusers. The Directorate of Gender Affairs operated a domestic violence program that included training for police officers, magistrates, and judges. The directorate also ran a domestic abuse hotline and worked with a nongovernmental organization (NGO) to provide safe havens for abused women and children. Services for victims of domestic violence included counseling and an advocacy case worker who accompanied the victim to the hospital and police station.
Sexual harassment is illegal, but it was rarely prosecuted. According to the Labor Department, there was a high incidence of sexual harassment incurred by employees in both the private and public sectors. However, only approximately 20 cases were formally reported during the year; the small number was believed to result from concerns about retaliation.
Reproductive rights of women were protected. Couples and individuals had the right to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing, and timing of their children and had the information to do so free from discrimination, coercion, and violence. There was adequate access to contraception. Most pregnant women had at least one antenatal care visit, and most women gave birth in hospitals. A 2008 UNICEF report indicated that skilled attendance at birth was 100 percent and estimated the contraceptive prevalence rate at 53 percent. Incidence of maternal mortality was not available. Women were equally diagnosed and treated for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
Women in society enjoy the same rights as men under the law. However, economic conditions in rural areas tended to limit women to home and family, although some women worked as domestics, in agriculture, or in the large tourism sector. Despite these limitations, women were well represented in the private and public sectors. There was no legislation requiring equal pay for equal work, but women faced no restrictions involving ownership of property. The Directorate of Gender Affairs is charged with promoting the rights of women.
Citizenship is acquired by birth in the country, and all children were registered at birth. Children born to citizen parents abroad can be registered by either of their parents.
Child abuse remained a problem. The press reported regularly on the rape and sexual abuse of children. Adult men having regular sexual relations with young girls was also a problem. According to one regional human rights group, the girls were often the daughters of single mothers with whom the perpetrators also had regular sexual relations.
Statutory rape is illegal; the minimum age for consensual sex is 14. Despite a maximum penalty of 10 years to life, authorities brought charges against few offenders, and those convicted did not serve long jail terms due to lack of witness cooperation. Child pornography is illegal and subject to fines of up to EC$250,000 ($92,500) and 10 years in prison.
The government is not a party to the 1980 Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. For information on international parental child abduction, please see the Department of State's annual report on compliance at http://travel.state.gov/abduction/resources/congressreport/congressreport_4308.html, as well as country specific information at http://travel.state.gov/abduction/country/country_3781.html.
The Jewish community was very small, and there were no reports of anti-Semitic acts.
Trafficking in Persons
For information on trafficking in persons, please see the Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report at 2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip.
Persons with Disabilities
There was no reported discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, or in the provision of other state services. Although the constitution contains antidiscrimination provisions, no specific laws prohibit discrimination against, or mandate accessibility for, persons with disabilities.
Societal Abuses, Discrimination, and Acts of Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Homosexual acts for both sexes are illegal under indecency statues, and some male homosexual acts are also illegal under anal intercourse laws. Indecency statutes carry a maximum penalty of five years, and anal intercourse carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Societal attitudes towards homosexuality impede operation and free association of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) organizations. Some LGBT persons claimed that being openly LGBT would result in discrimination and possible violence. However, there were no reports of actual violence or discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Other Societal Violence or Discrimination
Rastafarians complained of discrimination, especially in hiring and in schools, but the government took no specific action to address such complaints.
Some LGBT persons claimed that homophobia impairs the willingness of HIV-positive persons to obtain treatment; however, there were no reports of violence or discrimination directed toward persons with HIV/AIDS. The Ministry of Health supported local NGO efforts to register human rights complaints and seek assistance related to cases of discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS. The Ministry of Labor encouraged employers to be more sensitive to employees with HIV/AIDS.
Section 7 Worker Rights
a. The Right of Association
Workers have the right to associate freely and to form labor unions. Approximately 60 percent of workers in the formal sector belonged to a union. Unions were free to conduct their activities without government interference. Labor unions formed an important part of the base of both political parties.
The labor code provides for the right to strike, but the Industrial Relations Court may limit this right in a given dispute. Workers who provide essential services (including bus, telephone, port, petroleum, health, and safety workers) must give 21 days' notice of intent to strike. Once either party to a dispute requests court mediation, strikes are prohibited under penalty of imprisonment. Because of the delays caused by mediation and required notice periods, unions often resolved labor disputes before calling a strike. The Industrial Relations Court may issue an injunction against a legal strike when the national interest is threatened or affected.
Labor law prohibits retaliation against strikers, and the government effectively enforced this prohibition.
b. The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively
The law allows labor organizations to organize and bargain collectively without interference, and the government protected this right. The law prohibits antiunion discrimination by employers but does not specifically require reinstatement of workers illegally fired for union activity.
There were no special laws or exemptions from regular labor laws in export processing zones (EPZs). There was one inactive EPZ, with no workers.
c. Prohibition of Forced or Compulsory Labor
The constitution prohibits forced or compulsory labor, including by children. For more information, please see the Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report at 2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip.
d. Prohibition of Child Labor and Minimum Age for Employment
The law stipulates a minimum working age of 16 years, which corresponds with the provisions of the Education Act. In addition persons under 18 years of age must have a medical clearance to work and may not work later than 10 p.m. The Ministry of Labor, which is required by law to conduct periodic inspections of workplaces, effectively enforced this law. The Labor Commissioner's Office also had an inspectorate that investigated child labor.
e. Acceptable Conditions of Work
The labor code provides that the minister of labor may issue orders, which have the force of law, to establish a minimum wage. Tripartite consultations helped set the minimum wage. The minimum wage was EC$7.00 ($2.59) an hour for all categories of labor, which provided a barely adequate standard of living for a worker and family. In practice the great majority of workers earned substantially more than the minimum wage.
The law provides that workers are not required to work more than a 48-hour, six-day workweek, but in practice the standard workweek was 40 hours in five days. Laws provide for overtime work in excess of the standard workweek; excessive or compulsory overtime is not specifically prohibited.
Although the government had not developed occupational health and safety laws or regulations apart from those regarding child labor, the labor code includes provisions regarding occupational safety and health. While not specifically provided for by law, in practice workers could leave a dangerous workplace situation without jeopardy to continued employment.


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Aaron Hernandez Fiancee -- Indicted In Murder Case
Aaron Hernandez Fiancee Indicted In Murder Case
The fiancee of ex New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez ... along with Hernandez's cousin ... were indicted today .. in connection with the Odin Lloyd murder case.
According to the Bristol County, MA D.A.'s Office Shayanna Jenkins -- Aaron's fiancee and baby mama -- was hit with a single count of perjury. No further detail has been provided on her charge.
Tanya Singleton -- Aaron's cousin -- was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Accessory After the Fact. Translation: authorities believe she helped one of Aaron's alleged accomplices get outta dodge ... by buying him a bus ticket to Florida.
That guy, Ernest Wallace, was eventually arrested in FL, and charged with being an accessory to Lloyd's murder.
Singleton has already pled not guilty to a criminal contempt charge -- authorities say she refused to testify before the Grand Jury in the murder case.
Jenkins and Singleton were not arrested ... and they don't have a court date scheduled yet.
Jenkins faces up to 2-and-a-half years in a county jail if convicted on the perjury charge ... but sources close to the situation tell us she would likely only get six months to a year. She could also be hit with a $1,000 fine.
If she goes to jail ... child services would have to make arrangements with Jenkins' family for the care of her child ... since both parents -- Hernandez and Jenkins -- would be behind bars.