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Most musclecars can be heard, sometimes from as much as a block away. It's almost a rite of passage that identifies your car as a musclecar, that it has some horsepower behind it. Sometimes when someone is about to fire up their musclecar, there's another distinct sound that we hear first: the electric fuel pump. Hearing that vibrating sound, the buzzing before the engine comes to life, is an indication that fuel system modifications exist.
That's all great for race cars to ensure that your fuel pump is on – and working; but if you're in a musclecar that you like to cruise with, it's not always the most pleasant sound – especially on long trips. Those who don't care for the sound of an electric in-line fuel pump will often stick with the mechanical pump for that very reason. But if they have converted their carburetor to a throttlebody EFI, like the FAST EZ-EFI on our car, the engine mounted mechanical pump simply won't deliver, and an electric fuel pump is the only option.
Up until now, the in-line fuel pump was one of the only choices for EFI conversions. But FAST has another ace up their sleeve with their new EZ-EFI Universal In-Tank Fuel Pump Kit. We had been driving our musclecar around and attending shows for a few months, and the noisy pump was getting to us. FAST eliminates the noise with their new fuel pump by providing you the ability to mount the pump inside the fuel tank, where it's not only quieter but it's also going to be more efficient and last longer.
Electrical components often generate heat, and an in-line fuel pump is no exception to that. Add to that the temperature of the hot pavement below the car and your in-line pump could be absorbing even more heat, which aids in shortening the life of your fuel pump.
We use an OEM quality pump that has the flow and pressure curve for this application. -Brian Reese
Brain Reese, Vice President of Product and Business Development with the Comp Cams Group said, "We use an OEM quality pump that has the flow and pressure curve for this application." The package is engineered as a comprehensive pump kit that includes everything that's needed, all with one part number. "The kit was designed with the confidence to work properly, while remaining simple and easy to install," he shared with us.
Existing Fuel Tank – Replace Or Convert
With many of the popular musclecars from the 60s and 70s, the only thing that was in the fuel tank was a pick-up tube and a fuel level sender. Not until later years did we see electric fuel pumps inside the fuel tank; and that means that you have a smaller opening in the factory fuel tank to work with.
While the retrofit in-tank pump from FAST is designed to be universal, you will have a couple of things to consider about your fuel tank. You can modify, or you can go with a custom-made tank.
If you have the budget to spend upwards of $1000 for a new fuel tank that was designed for an in-tank pump, that's one way to go. A more cost effective alternative is to modify your existing fuel tank to accept the in-tank pump. Modifying the tank to accept the pump will require some fabrication skills, but it can all be done with simple hand tools.
If your existing fuel tank is old and dirty, this would be a good time to either have it cleaned or to buy a replacement tank. When we installed our EZ-EFI we wanted a new tank to eliminate the possibility of picking up dirt or debris, and for under $200 it was an easy choice to make. We converted to EFI just a couple of months ago, so we're basically working with a fresh fuel tank.
Either way, you will need to drain all of the fuel and remove the tank for this installation. It's never a good idea to work on something like this when there is fuel in the tank; it should go without saying, but we've all seen the stories.
With our tank removed, we located a suitable place to create an access hole, so we could install the pump per the instructions from FAST. Once we established the access location we cut a hole in the top of our tank and fabricated a cover from some extra steel that we had in the shop. From there, we went to work on the installation, making sure to follow the golden rule: measure twice, cut once.
Installing The In-Tank Fuel Pump
The FAST fuel pump kit includes everything needed to complete this installation: the fuel fittings to mount to the tank, the electrical connections, hoses, clamps, the pump, and the fuel sock for the pump. With the access cover fabricated, we began the installation process by marking the locations for the fuel feed and fuel return lines on the tank, making sure that they wouldn't be obstructed by other components like fuel tank straps, or the suspension components.
We also marked a location for the electrical wires from the pump mounted inside the tank. The provided adapter allows the wires to run through the center to connect to power and ground electrical sources, and once the adapter is tightened the electrical wires are completely sealed off.
We acquired a new fuel sender for this installation, it only makes sense to replace a component like this when everything is apart – especially if the sender is decades old. It's also good to to a dry run on the install, test fitting the pump to the pick-up tube. We first tried this outside of the fuel tank to be sure that the pump wouldn't interfere with the fuel level float movement.
With the pump mount location figured, we drilled the three holes in the tank for the fittings, again making sure that nothing will be in the way when we reinstall the tank. It's important to locate the fuel return fitting in a place where the fuel that returns to the tank won't spray directly onto the sending unit. If the fitting points away from the sending unit, it's not necessary to connect a hose to the inside of the tank for the return.
We only inserted the sending unit half-way through the opening so that we could access the tube where we wanted to mount the pump, and we accessed it through the opening that we fabricated. The fitting for the fuel feed line is attached to the tank, and a hose is connected from the fitting inside of the tank to the fuel pump, and the hose is clamped into place.
The plug for the electrical connection is installed on the pump, making note where the positive (+) and negative (-) markings are on the pump. The two wires are then fed through the adapter on the tank, and the fitting is tightened up, sealing off the electrical wires.
With the feed hose connected, the electrical wires run through the adapter and the pump secured to the pick-up tube, we were then able to completely insert the fuel sending unit and secure it with the mounting ring.
On the outside of the tank, we used the included terminals and the weatherproof plugs to connect the fuel pump wires to our electrical system. One wire should be grounded, while the other is connected to an ignition source when the key is in the "on" and the "crank" mode. The FAST EZ-EFI kit included a fuel pump relay and we used that as a source for power to the fuel pump.
We attached the access cover and secured it with fuel safe sealer, and bolted the cover in place. This sealed off the fuel tank, and we gave the sealer a couple of hours to cure before we reinstalled the fuel tank into the car.
With the wires ready to be connected, we reinstalled the fuel tank and connected the electrical connections. We had removed the in-line fuel pump and connected the fuel feed hose to the pump, and then connected our return hose to the fitting on the tank. We refilled the fuel tank, and that completed the installation, taking just a few hours.
Also included in the kit is a fuel pressure regulator that is a must for any return-style fuel system, common with most fuel injection setups. We had already installed the pressure regulator with our prior EZ-EFI install, but the installation is very straight forward.
The mounting location should be in the engine compartment, typically on the fender apron. The adjustable regulator includes a port for a pressure gauge, as well as a vacuum port to help increase fuel pressure at full throttle situations.
We mounted the regulator and ran the fuel delivery line to the throttle body, directly from the fuel tank. The return line is connected to one of the side ports on the regulator, and the return line is connected to the bottom of the regulator and runs back to the fuel tank.
Conclusion: A Quiet Fuel Pump
When we turned the key for the first time, it was clear that the in-tank pump was the way to go. It was quiet, and we didn't miss the vibration that we had heard with the inline pump. We'll save the annoying vibration for the race cars, and cruise in peace with the FAST Universal In-Tank fuel pump kit.
After driving the car for the weeks that followed, we didn't experience any problems whatsoever, including an outing at a local road course where we put the FAST in-tank fuel pump through it's paces. We pushed it hard, and drove the car around the track for two days without any fuel starvation issues or failures.
It's clear that the pump can handle what we threw at it and made it through the weekend – and the three-hour trip home – with flying colors. The combination of the heat from the pump and the pavement made our inline pump fail prematurely. With the new pump mounted inside the tank, it not only runs quieter, but will run much cooler and last much longer. If you've thought about an EFI conversion, or converting to an in-tank pump, check out the FAST web site to see what they have for your musclecar.


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An Eternal Key
My beloved brethren of the priesthood, the Lord Jesus Christ said, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36.) Could we add, "lose his own soul, and his family"?
As I left California, bound for Salt Lake City to receive training and be set apart for a mission in Arizona, I experienced for a moment an alarming feeling. I had lost all of my keys. The keys to the cars, home, business, and Church calling had been left behind. I had the depressing feeling that I no longer had any keys; even my pockets seemed empty.
Then came the exhilarating thought that I still had the most important key of all, a key that I will hold eternally, if I remain worthy. That key, of course, is the patriarchal key with my family.
I became aware of how temporary most other keys are, especially keys that control material things that will one day become victims of moth and rust. Priesthood keys of leadership and other keys of presidency are extremely vital; but for the most part, even they are temporary in nature. Eventually, after faithfully serving, you will then relinquish those keys to someone else.
We will, however, be blessed to continue to hold our patriarchal key. Fathers, you hold the key to accomplish the work stated by several of the prophets as vitally important. President Harold B. Lee said, "The most important work you will ever do will be done within the walls of your own home," and President David O. McKay cautioned that "no other success can compensate for failure in the home."
Many in the world are alarmed, and with some justification, at the plight and deteriorating condition of families. The most powerful thrust toward a resolution of this significant problem would be an honorable father, full of integrity and fidelity, giving righteous leadership to his family. That joyful work and calling is to do whatever is necessary to chart a course for you and your family to unitedly return and live with Heavenly Father.
We likely will not be called upon to endure the great physical hardships suffered by so many of our pioneer forefathers. Ours is a much more sinister and demoralizing challenge. Often this challenge will approach cloaked in confusing masks of misunderstood rights and agency or the enticements and allurements of a misguided world. We daily face the "anything for a thrill" crowd or the "What's in it for me?" society.
The anti-Christ Korihor, in the Book of Mormon, taught a similar type of damaging doctrine when he said, "There could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime." (Alma 30:17.) This rhetoric could blend into much of the accepted doctrine of the world today.
So where is safety? How does a father go about safely guiding his most priceless possession through the reefs and shoals?
Dad, you need to be a hero in your family. They need a hero. They will have strong peer pressure and temptation to adopt the so-called heroes of today who are not worthy of their attention and most certainly not their emulation. The heroes or superstars in the sports and entertainment world, and there are many, frequently become examples of dishonesty, instability, and infidelity. They flagrantly and indifferently flaunt those weaknesses of character and immorality before a doting and accepting world, as Korihor said, "according to the management of the creature." (Alma 30:17.)
Could not, should not, Father become the hero to his family? A father worthy of attention, worthy of emulation? Most certainly, but how?
First of all, a generous amount of your time is required. Not a superficial moment here and there, not the tired and worn-out phrase, "We'll talk about that later," but an honest, generous piece of your day on a continuing basis, even at the sacrifice of things social, things personally entertaining, or even things financially rewarding. All of the money in the world, significant worldly accomplishments which may include the upper rungs of the success ladder, or the personal enjoyment of athletic and sporting activities, will not return you and your family intact to live with Heavenly Father.
President Joseph F. Smith quoted from the Savior, as stated in Mark: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36.) Then President Smith continued, "What would it profit me, though I should go out into the world and win strangers to the fold of God and lose my own children? Oh! God, let me not lose my own. I can not afford to lose mine, whom God has given to me and whom I am responsible for before the Lord, and who are dependent upon me for guidance, for instruction, for proper influence." (Gospel Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1975, p. 462.)
The salvation of our families will require all that we have to save all that we have. So you will make the time commitment. Great! Positive, wonderful benefits will begin to flow to you and your family almost immediately.
So what next? I mentioned fidelity. It is absolutely essential that you set an undeviating course of loyalty and faithfulness to your companion, to whom you have previously made these very commitments and promises. The example of your great love and respect for her, the two of you being as one, will establish a singular guiding strength that your children will desire to follow. Your voices and actions blending together in a united front as you teach and lead your little family will be the trumpet with a certain sound of strength and unity leading to safety. Synonyms of fidelity are allegiance and devotion. They will be critical supports to your foundation of fidelity. "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else." (D&C 42:22.)
Father, one of your greatest resources will be the scriptures. You would not consider making a large investment in a rather complicated and technical piece of equipment, then begin its operation, without an involved study of the handbook of instruction. Further, you would likely reference that handbook often. The handbook of instructions for your somewhat complicated, very sizable investment called family is certainly the original handbook of instruction—that being our beloved scriptures. They are complete with instructions and examples. Often, you will find the answer before the question is asked. Daily research is required. It is also vital to maintain open communication lines with the Fountainhead of all wisdom and truth through your daily family and personal prayers.
Finally, what better resource for direction could we have than a living prophet? A great safety-net can envelop you and your family as you follow the Brethren. How blessed you are, Dad, to have living oracles of God to update you with current instruction to guide your family through modern-day challenges. To not hear, or ignore them, to not understand and heed those instructions would be like beginning a trip across the sea in a small boat without a compass.
Well, that's it, Dad. You must become the family hero, worthy of not only their attention but their emulation. This will require your constant investment of sufficient time, complete emotional and physical fidelity, with unity of purpose between you and your eternal companion. This will require your constant dependency upon the Lord, demonstrated through scripture study and prayer. This will require that you follow the Brethren in every sense of the word—hearing, understanding, and doing. This simple formula will unite and strengthen your beloved family and bring countless blessings from our Father.
May God bless all fathers to righteously obtain and maintain this patriarchal key to the blessing of families throughout the Church. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

subset: commoncrawl


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Here Comes SantaUpdated Dec 11, 2012 by joyton |
Comment #1 Tuesday, December 11, 2012 1:36 PM
This is beautiful with such wonderful reindeer animation. Thanks for this gift at Christmas!!!
Comment #7 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 11:07 AM
What a great job and thank you ! Merry Christmas! !!!
Comment #8 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 3:10 PM
This is, by far, one of the best Christmas dreams that I have seen! Thanks so much for creating it! I give a rating and wish you a Merry Christmas!!
Comment #9 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 6:17 PM
thanks JAKPHAN, And evryone for your sweet comments, Merry Christmas to everyone....
Comment #12 Saturday, December 22, 2012 1:54 AM
I am an American who has lived in Thailand for 25 years and have a Thai family. The children do not know much about Christmas but they all love your Dream. Fantastic and thanks for sharing your excellent efforts with us.
Comment #15 Friday, February 22, 2013 3:18 AM
Awesome animation sweetie, love this dream and thanks bunches for sharing your work.
Comment #17 Sunday, August 11, 2013 3:26 AM
This really is beautiful! Thank you, my kids will love it when I put this up in December.
Comment #18 Friday, November 29, 2013 9:47 AM
Wow, nicely done! It's going up till Christmas.
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ATHENS, Greece (AP) — German carmaker Volkswagen launched a five-year project Wednesday on the small Greek Aegean island of Astypalea to test the adoption of electric vehicles in areas switching to sustainable energy generation.
The 20-million-euro ($24.4 million) initiative will receive financial support from the Greek government. It will offer residents purchasing incentives to swap conventional vehicles for electric cars and scooters, and test ride-share applications and public transport models driven by customer demand instead of using fixed schedules and routes.
"This is very valuable knowledge because what we are going to see on this island in the next five, six, or seven years will probably last in the rest of Europe for 20 years or three decades," Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess said during a presentation on the island.
Volkswagen has stepped up its plans to produce electric vehicles in recent years, in the wake of a major emissions scandal first discovered in the United States. The company eventually admitted installing deceptive software in millions of its diesel vehicles to make emissions appear less harmful when placed on a test machine.
Greece is keen to develop power generation from renewable energy sources on its islands to replace expensive locally produced electricity, mostly using diesel.
The government plans to use wind and solar power for the Astypalea project. Officials said researchers from the Universities of the Aegean in Greece and Strathclyde in Scotland were also participating in the program.


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John 5: my top 5 not-so-guilty pleasures of all time
John 5: my top 5 not-so-guilty pleasures of all time
If you're the kind of guy who likes to sport horror film makeup while peeling off scarifying licks of doom with Rob Zombie, you must be cranking the metal 24/7, right? Not if you're the kind of guy who calls himself John 5. This shred monster doesn't live by headbanging along, not by a long stretch.
"You can't listen to the same thing every day," 5 says. "I mean, come one, would you eat the same food or wear the same clothes every day? That would get boring. You need some variety, certainly in the case with music."
Well-oiled guitar picking from the rural regions of the Southern United States is deep under 5's skin. In act, before he made his name as an axeman for Marilyn Manson, Zombie, and years before his own successful solo career, 5 caught country star k.d. lang's attention and joined her band in the late '90s.
"Country music is so important to me," he says. "It's always funny – with my friends growing up, and even now with some musicians I know, they'll say, 'Ah, country. I don't want to listen to that.' But then I'll start playing it and they'll be knocked out. It's completely different from the metal shred thing. And the guitar playing – you're using all of your fingers. The playing style is night and day."
On the following pages, John 5 runs down his not-so-guilty pleasures – five albums (the number of which is purely coincidental) that he would gladly play for any card-carrying metal maniac any time. "I'm very proud of these records," he says. "They've inspired me a lot. And I bet, if people check them out, they might feel the same way."
Willie Nelson & Family - Honeysuckle Rose Original Soundtrack (1980)
"This was a great movie, and it has unbelievable music by Willie Nelson. I just love Willie Nelson so much. His voice, his guitar playing – he's such a good picker. I've been a huge fan of his for most of my life.
"I discovered the film when it came out on cable. I don't think a lot of people have seen it, but it's worth searching for. The story is fantastic, but of course, I really got into the music. It's one of my favorites, for sure."
Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins - Me & Chet (1972)
"Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins made two albums together. One was called Me & Jerry, the other was called Me & Chet – they would switch their names around. Such good guitar picking on these records. Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins are two of my favorite country guitar players ever.
"I'm actually listing the second record they made as my number two choice. This one has a song called Jerry's breakdown, and it's an incredible instrumental. There's other great ones – Mystery Train, Flying South. The whole album is full of that beautiful Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed style of playing. People should check this out. They'll really get into it."
Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed - Me & Jerry (1970)
"This is the first one they did. It's just as good as Me & Chet. Stumpwater is a brilliant song. Man, there's some unbelievable picking on this album. It absolutely blows me away. Both of the albums they made together inspired me so much. It's a whole different world, that's for sure.
"Jerry Reed was an incredible, incredible picker. I might do a cover of Jerry's Breakdown and some of his other songs to turn people on to him. A lot of people probably know of him from being in Smokey & The Bandit or something, but he was a tremendous guitar player.
"And, of course, he was also in The Waterboy. Just a great talent."
Dixie Chicks - Home (2002)
"I was already a fan of the Dixie Chicks, but this album really did it for me. What I love about it is how organic it sounds. It's kind of a bluegrass record, with some really wonderful songs – extraordinary songs. And my God, the picking on this is unreal. Fast, fast playing. I don't know all the musicians who are on it, but they're amazing.
"Their cover of Fleetwood Mac's Landslide is on here, and they do a brilliant job of it. Top Of The World, Lil' Jack Slade – there's a bunch of good songs on the album. Anybody who doesn't know the Dixie Chicks has to check this out."
Doc Watson - The Best Of Doc Watson 1964 - 1968 (1999)
"The great Doc Watson. He's got so many old classics and has been such an inspiration to me. His version of Tennessee Stud is so amazing.
"You could pick up any Doc Watson and find a lot to like, but the greatest hits is probably the best way to experience him. I got into him around 1996, and man, I just love him. His talent was enormous. He had a beautiful voice, and of course, he could really, really play guitar. And he was blind, too! A mind-blowing talent."


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One of the first challenges after negotiating customs after a long night and morning of travel was to get to the first B&B in Ennis, Gray Gables, while driving on the left hand side of the road. We were fortunate to have good advice, so had rented an automatic transmission auto and Sweetie decided to upgrade to an SUV, so we headed from Shannon airport on the airport access road in a nice KIA vehicle. The first traffic round-about was uncrowded, so it was easy. At the next one I had to remind himself to look to the right, not left, for oncoming traffic and to exit into the left lane despite years of practice going into the right lane. It got easier as time went by, but was still a bit harrowing on some of the narrow roads and byways later in the trip.
There are so many piles of gray rock ruins everywhere. At first you think - I'd better stop at that one! - thinking that it must be rare and important as such ruins are here in California...we are such a relatively YOUNG place! As it turns out, ruins and piles of gray rock are everywhere in the southwest and probably in much of the rest of the country. One of our favorite church ruins was a simple place on the side of a country road and not on any map or guidebook that we are aware of. It was just outside of Reens in County Limerick. The graveyard was still in use, with lots of contemporary headstones, but the church was abandoned. See the shrub gr owning out of the window in the photo. It also had no roof.
Our first stop was Ennis, the main town in County Clare, and a good place to start since it is a short drive north of Shannon Airport and a great place to leave from to explore the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the area on the way to Galway. Mary Keane, the proprietor of Gray Gables, is a wonderful, gracious innkeeper. When we showed up at the dining room for breakfast the day we arrived (obviously suffering from jet lag) but found that it was 8:30 in the evening and not 8:30 in the morning as we had thought, she was amused, but understanding. It stays light for a long time in late May and we had fallen asleep. The late day light looked a lot like early morning light to me. When we discovered our mistake we just went back to bed and slept through until morning! This was our favorite B&B.
We had heard great things about the "Full Irish Breakfast" and were obviously anxious to try it. Looking through photos from the trip I found that I never did take a photo of an Irish breakfast!
The thing to know is that it is a lot of food! You start with a choice of cereals, juice, and often a choice of fruit. After that you get a plate full of eggs (usually poached or fried), some Irish bacon, which is closer to what we think of as Canadian bacon or even ham, a round of black pudding - which I loved - which includes blood in the mixture, a round of a sausage that seems a bit like scrapple, plus sausage links and, often, a broiled tomato. On the side there is toast and brown bread, plus yummy Irish butter. Coffee and tea are offered, and are usually quite good. Some B&Bs also either provide a tea set up for you to enjoy on your own schedule, or some tea when you arrive. As you can see, a full Irish breakfast can fill you up for most of the day. We often skipped lunch, or just had some tea and soup or tea and scones in the late afternoon.
Sweetie and I discovered that we enjoyed the muesli cereal that was always a choice at the B&Bs we stayed in, so today I bought a bag of Bobs Red Mill Muesli cereal to enjoy at home.
The brown bread served was brown soda bread. I enjoyed it a lot, but Sweetie wasn't a fan. When we got back to my Mom's I decided to make some brown soda bread since she had also enjoyed it on her trip to Ireland the year before. As a memento of the trip I had purchased The Ballymaloe Bread Book by Tim Allen. It had a great recipe for brown soda bread. Since my Mom likes hers with caraway seeds and I like mine with raisins, I added those. Turns out that Sweetie likes brown bread that way! So did all of the family visiting over the weekend. This recipe makes a good sized loaf, but it was polished off pretty quickly. It tastes great with some good butter spread over it, even better with a little blackcurrant jam over that, and delicious with some cheddar cheese instead of the butter and jam.
The nice thing about soda bread is that it goes together quickly. I was surprised at the high oven temperature and had never heard of turning the bread over for the last 10 minutes, but it worked like a charm. As with most quick breads, minimal handling is best for a tender loaf. Tim Allen suggested a plastic washing up basin for mixing the dough in. You really need some room to mix it with your hand the way he suggests, so be sure to use a wide bowl. There is one word for this bread - YUM!
Irish Brown Soda Bread – Seedy and Spotted
Based on a recipe from the Ballymaloe Bread Book by Tim Allen
Makes one loaf
2 ½ cups brown wholemeal flour (I used King Arthur Flour's version)
2 ½ cups all-purpose unbleached white flour (plus a little extra for the pan and shaping)
1 rounded teaspoons salt
1 rounded teaspoon baking soda, finely sieved
2 teaspoons caraway seeds
½ cup raisins
About 1 pint buttermilk (I used a little less)
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C)
Mix the flours, salt, baking soda (do sieve it – it really helps it evenly dissolve in the bread dough), caraway seeds and raisins in a large, wide bowl. Set aside.
Prepare a cookie sheet by sprinkling with flour.
Prepare a clean, flat surface by sprinkling with flour.
Pour most of the buttermilk into the middle of the flour mixture. Using your hand with the fingers open and stiff, mix the ingredients in a full circle, drawing in the flour from the sides of the bowl, adding more milk if necessary, until the dough holds together as a soft dough, but not too wet.
Turn the dough out onto the floured work surface. Then wash and dry your hands.
Tidy up the dough by lightly rolling it around with lightly floured hands. Minimal handling of the dough is best. Pat the dough gently into a round about 2 -3 inches high.
Place the dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet. Cut a cross on the top with a sharp knife. Prick it here and there over the top with the point of a knife to release extra steam.
Bake in the preheated over for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and bake for a further 20 -25 minutes. Turn the bread upside down on the baking sheet for the last 10 minutes of baking, then remove from the oven and cool upright on a wire rack. When the bread is cooked, it will sound hallow when tapped.
Wonderful when served with good butter and current jelly.


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J.S.D. candidate Mirakmal Niyazmatov will present and defend his dissertation, "Evidence Obtained By Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment: A New Interpretation in Light of the General Principles of Law," on Monday, November 4 at Notre Dame Law School.
Mr. Niyazmatov earned his Bachelor of Laws from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in 2004 (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) and his LL.M. from Notre Dame Law School's Center for Civil and Human Rights in 2007. He interned at the International Committee of the Red Cross working on the ratification/implementation of the Rome Statute of the ICC and worked as a Human Rights Assistant at the United Nations Development Program in Uzbekistan. After obtaining his LL.M., he interned for six month at the Amnesty International UN Office in New York. Mirakmal's research focuses on freedom of expression, treaty interpretation, implementation of international law norms, definition of torture, and the admissibility of evidence obtained by coercion.
Mr. Niyazmatov is the most recent graduate of the CCHR J.S.D. Program in International Human Rights Law.
Originally published by Kevin Fye at law.nd.edu on October 23, 2013.


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Can any mandolin play my favourite song?
Professional mandolins will often take requests, but you will need to give them plenty of notice. Please also keep in mind that mandolins may ask for an small additional fee to prepare songs that aren't already on their song list. You can view the mandolin's song list on their Encore profile.


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METAIRIE, La. – Saints interim coach Joe Vitt said he had not slept at all after getting back to New Orleans early Monday morning. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said he got only a few hours of rest.
They know they have loads of hard work ahead of them after the Saints' most lopsided loss in four years, 34-14 to Denver on Sunday night.
A year after tying a franchise record with 13 wins in the regular season, New Orleans fell to 2-5 in Vitt's return from his six-game, bounty-related suspension.
"Understand this, it hurts," Vitt said. "But you have to swallow it. It's got to go down."
The one-dimensional Saints learned exactly how bad they were after the Broncos stifled Drew Brees and the passing game. Last in the NFL in rushing, New Orleans is the first team to give up 400 or more yards in seven consecutive games since 1950.
The Saints had nothing to fall back on when Brees struggled, going 22 of 42 for 213 yards. He connected on fewer than half of his passes until three straight completions on a meaningless late touchdown drive.
"This is a team effort," Vitt said. "When the passing game doesn't flourish the way we expect it to around here, we still are going to be held accountable to win games and compete."
They did not even come close in Denver.
Taking advantage of what Vitt said were poor tackling techniques and bad angles, the Broncos ran for 225 yards while Peyton Manning threw for 305. Coming off a bye, Denver surprised the Saints by using two tight ends and two wide receivers on most downs instead of the three-wide receiver look they expected.
Spagnuolo, in his first year with New Orleans, blamed himself for not making a quicker adjustment.
"This is uncharted territory," he said. "I'm not used to this. I've been blessed to be in places where we played pretty good defense. We're not doing that right now, and yet I really can't put my finger on it."
Offensive tackle Zach Strief said he would need more than one finger to identify the reasons for the Saints' rushing problems. New Orleans ran for 51 yards on 17 carries, lowering its NFL-worst average to 72.6 yards. The longest run was an 8-yard gain by Pierre Thomas.
"It's not one thing, it's a lot of things," Strief said. "On plays where the offensive line is blocking well, we might miss a block on the edge or we might miss a hole. On the plays where the edge is blocking well and the running back is hitting the right hole, we're missing a block. There's just a lack of consistency."
The Saints did not even try to run on third down. Brees went 2 of 11 with a sack on third-down passes and converted only one first down, throwing incomplete on third-and-1, third-and-2 and third-and-3.
That inability to move the chains left the Saints vulnerable defense on the field. Jonathan Vilma, in his second game back while appealing his season-long suspension in the Saints bounty scandal, showed his rustiness. He started at an unfamiliar position alongside middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, his replacement.
The Saints' modest two-game winning streak after an 0-4 start ended in emphatic fashion.
"There's a lot of football left," Lofton said. "We've won two games. We just have to get back on that winning streak again. This is tough. None of us have been in this situation. We are just going to keep fighting and keep grinding."
As poorly as they played in Denver, the Saints have not given up on contending for a playoff spot.
"The perception is the more you get beat, the worse you feel about it," Strief said. "We didn't play well on either side of the ball, and it's embarrassing to have a game like that, but having a chance to win a game and having it slip through your fingers is harder to deal with mentally."
Vitt blamed himself for several decisions he made in his first game back from his suspension. He regretted wasting a timeout before a failed fourth-and-2 pass in the first half because the Saints already knew what play they were going to call. He regretted not calling a timeout as Manning ran the clock down for a last-second field goal at the end of the first half. He regretted punting instead of going for it on fourth-and-1 with a 31-7 deficit in the fourth quarter.
"This sport, this industry that we're in, is not like riding a bike," he said. "Listen, I had to learn how to put my headset on last night, how to turn it on and communicate with both sides of the ball and get my feet grounded. So I've got to get better as a coach to give our football team a better chance to win."
NOTES: Vitt said the players would be off until Thursday before having their first practice in preparation for next Monday night's home game with Philadelphia. . Vitt said cornerback Patrick Robinson would start against the Eagles, adding Robinson did not play much in the second half because he got tired.
Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL


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for a hot summer day is the 99 Cent Chef's ceviche with black beans. There are a hundred variations of ceviche and the Chef has tried quite a few - from bland American "Acapulco" chain restaurant style with semi-frozen shrimp; or L.A. San Fernando Valley taco truck "lime cooked" minced fish and onion on a crispy tostada round; to a just-across-the -border scary Tijuana fresh clam ceviche from a local street vendor using "cleaned" clams with juice, chopped onion, lime, and plain ketchup with salsa picante - it's actually quite delicious when chased with a cold Corona.
The Chef hits his local Latin market for most ceviche ingredients. Seafood is expensive so the Chef keeps a lookout for sales on imitation crab, often for 99c or less a pound.
The Chef is a fan of imitation crab or Krab. It is firm and shreds easily. Other Latin market ingredients include: cilantro, tomatoes, cucumber, onion and avocado; all cost well under 99c, although for some reason their canned black beans and tortilla chips are over a dollar - 99c only Stores stock those.
A few years ago the Chef started adding black beans and cucumber to his ceviche; the cucumber brings an extra cool crunch and black beans add extra protein and texture (for a vegetarian version leave out the Krab.) So sharpen your knife and chop up a summer ceviche.
Ingredients (serves 4-6)
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 cups chopped tomato
- 1 cucumber - scoop out seeds and chop
- 1 bunch cilantro chopped
- 15 oz. can black beans - rinse & drain
- About 1 lb. imitation crab - shred lightly by hand
- Juice of 2 limes
- Large avocado or 3 small - chopped
- 1/2 jalapeno chopped (raw or pickled) - optional, add a little at a time to reach desired hotness
- 1 large 99 cent bag tortilla chips
First rinse black beans and drain away any liquid (if the juice from the can remains, it will dull the bright colors and make the ceviche mushy.)
In a large bowl combine beans and chopped veggies (except avocado), and mix well. Add lime juice, then add avocado last, as it tends to get mushy, and mix lightly.
I hope your knife is sharp -- this recipe involves a lot of chopping.
Chill ceviche for an hour, if you can resist dipping in. This is a great patio party dish. Serve with tortilla chips, hot sauce, and ice cold cerveza.


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Hillary Rodham Clinton addresses the 51st Delta Sigma Theta National Convention in Washington. |
The former secretary of state was feted with chants of "Run, Hillary, Run," as she concluded her 30-minute remarks to nearly 14,000 members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, an historic black women's organization celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Clinton, a potential 2016 presidential candidate, said the Supreme Court's decision "struck at the heart" of the landmark law and warned that it could undermine Americans' most fundamental rights.
"Unless Congress acts, you know and I know, more obstacles are on their way," Clinton said, walking freely on stage instead of delivering her speech from a podium. "They're going to make it difficult for poor people, elderly people, working people, minority people to be able to do what we should take for granted."
A divided Supreme Court threw out a key part of the landmark Voting Rights Act in June, stripping the government of its best way to prevent voting bias — the requirement that all or parts of 15 states with a history of discrimination in voting, mostly in the South, get Washington's approval before changing the way they hold elections. The decision has been criticized by civil rights groups who contend it could undermine voting rights in upcoming elections.
"Now the law's future is in real jeopardy and so are the rights of millions of Americans," Clinton said.
Clinton made no mention of any future political plans, saying she intends to promote early childhood development, the rights of women and girls around the globe and economic development in her new role in her family's presidential foundation. In a nod to the sea of women wearing crimson and cream, the organization's colors, Clinton quipped that "in mathematics, delta means change. I think that's pretty fitting."
But her speech emphasized the importance of voting rights for black Americans, who supported Barack Obama in large numbers during their Democratic primary campaign in 2008 and in his re-election last year. Black voters have long supported her husband, President Bill Clinton, and would be a key voting bloc if the former first lady sought the presidency in 2016.
"I want to make sure that in the next election and the next election and the next and every one after that, people line up to vote and they vote regardless of those who may not want to count their vote or acknowledge their right to vote," Mrs. Clinton said.
She cited her work with civil rights leader Dorothy Height, recalled attending a speech by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as a young woman and noted the work of the late Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, a prominent member of the sorority. Clinton said the issue of voting rights resonated after she attended a congressional hearing on the issue with Tubbs Jones in Cleveland following the 2004 elections.
"The idea that in the 21st century African-Americans would wait in line to vote for 10 hours while whites in an affluent precinct next door waited just 10 minutes, or African-Americans would receive fliers telling the wrong time and wrong day to exercise their constitutional rights," Clinton said. "That is not the America we would expect or the America we would want for our children."
Clinton opened her remarks by offering prayers for the family of Trayvon Martin, the Florida teenager who was killed last year, and "with every family who loves someone who is lost to violence." She said the week's developments brought "deep, painful heartache" to many Americans.
"No mother, no father, should ever have to fear for their child walking down a street in the United States of America," Clinton said.
It was her first public comments on the case since George Zimmerman's acquittal in the Martin case. The Justice Department has said it's considering whether federal prosecutors should file criminal civil rights charges after Zimmerman's acquittal.
Obama met with members of the sorority in the Oval Office earlier in the day, including former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman and Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio.


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Aluminum is at the top of the recycling chain due to its infinite recyclability without any degradation in quality. It's also the material of choice for AL Pallet, whose pallets are made of 100 percent recyclable aluminum.
The company's pallets are extremely durable and are ideal for clean rooms. They are also lightweight, fireproof, non-corrosive, repairable, and compliant with ISPM 15 regulation—a perfect fit for the food and beverage sector.
ArrowStream's Inbound Transportation Management (ITM) solution has helped food and beverage distribution companies become more sustainable in their inbound logistics.
ITM establishes collaborative decision-making between Purchasing and Logistics, and connects existing replenishment and transportation management systems into a unique, patented planning layer. The solution allows food and beverage companies to proactively plan the optimal product flow into distribution facilities, increasing truck utilization, and dramatically reducing the miles driven.
On average, companies have been able to reduce inbound transportation miles by 10 percent.
Aspen Logistics, a SmartWay partner, is always looking to exceed the industry standards when it comes to sustainability, both for their operation as well as their customers'.
"We always try to surpass the goals of the companies that we serve, bringing them value by taking on their own green initiatives and improving upon them. Some actions that have been implemented through this focus are setting strict idle limits, energy savings modifications and enforcement, recycling programs, and alternative fuel usage, just to name a few," the company states.
Aspen Logistics has received the Orion Environmental Stewardship Award and has also been recognized by Southern California Edison for the power savings in Salt Lake City, UT and Victorville, CA.
BlueStar Energy
In February, BlueStar Energy Solutions, an independent retail electricity supplier and one of the fastest growing energy suppliers in the U.S., partnered with the Beverage Retailers Alliance of Illinois (BRAI) in an exclusive affiliation to extend savings on electricity supply, renewable energy, and energy efficiency solutions.
Through the exclusive energy supplier affiliation, BRAI members are averaging savings of 20 percent off their electricity supply compared to their current utility rate.
Talk about shortening the supply chain…BrightFarms' take is to build hydroponic greenhouse farms at, or near, the supermarket in order to dramatically shorten the supply chain and simultaneously provide the freshest produce possible to consumers. Each greenhouse has an advanced control system that monitors and records all environmental data, such as water use and temperature.
According to the company, "We are scaling up 'local food,' which is important for many reasons. Local food sustains communities, culturally and financially, and the dramatically shorter produce supply chain is better for people and the planet. We're also demonstrating that there are creative ways to solve the challenges of the long and complex food supply chains that promote accountability and sustainability."
C.R. England continually strives to be more sustainable through testing and implementing aerodynamic equipment, decreasing idle, and finding ways to reduce weight on the tractor and trailer. The company also uses technologies that allow the trucks to run more efficiently. In addition, C.R. England's intermodal fleet is continuing to grow, including its TempStack refrigerated container fleet.
TempStack is a 53-foot temperature-controlled container network. The technology double-stacks two high-volume reefer containers on a railroad flatcar. Each load that travels by rail is one less truck on the road.
Last October, the company also launched a fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles.
Cadec has a long history of helping its customers improve fuel efficiency and eliminate the need for paper by automatically capturing and reporting on data such as driver logs, delivery details, inventory levels, out-of-route mileage, speeding, sudden decelerations, and excessive idling.
Pilgrim's Pride, the second-largest chicken producer in the world, operates a fleet of more than a 1,000 delivery vehicles that clock millions of miles annually. The food producer used Cadec's Enterprise Fleet Management to save approximately $4 million annually due to paper reductions, labor savings, and improved fuel economy.
CaseStack continues to keep its eye on sustainability, from performing energy efficient warehouse upgrades to its Retailer Consolidation Program. The company's solutions are based on a common sense model—reduce waste and maximize efficiency by streamlining processes and consolidating resources.
The company's Green Carrier Matrix is used to rate carriers on various "green" attributes. Each year, the carrier with the best rating is awarded CaseStack's Delivered Green Award.
Cat Lift Trucks is focused on providing energy-efficient products and solutions for the food and beverage industry, including electric lift trucks that offer zero exhaust emissions and low energy consumption.
To assess the energy and cost-saving differences between electric and internal combustion (IC) trucks, Cat Lift Trucks developed a Lift Truck Cost Comparison Tool, which factors in a lift truck's total cost of ownership—acquisition, fuel and maintenance—with return on investment to allow customers to easily identify the most efficient lift truck solution for their material handling application.
In March, Cat Lift Trucks introduced the next generation of mid-sized electric pneumatic tire lift trucks, which were developed to provide businesses with another alternative to LP or diesel forklifts.
CHEP is the global leader in pallet and container services serving many of the world's largest companies. The company issues, collects, conditions, and reissues more than 300 million pallets and containers from a global network of service centers, helping manufacturers and growers transport their products to distributors and retailers.
According to the company, shipping on CHEP instead of industry pooled plastic pallets saved CHEP users 125 million pounds of solid waste, 3.5 trillion BTUs of energy, and 309 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions in 2011.
Deli Express
Deli Express is the number one selling sandwich in convenience stores nationwide, serving 26 states and over 15,000 stores.
The company recently turned to Isuzu NPR Eco-Max diesel-powered trucks to help it reduce its carbon footprint.
According to Gregg Hodgdon, head of operations at Deli Express, "These vehicles are demonstrating nearly 50 percent better fuel economy than the rest of our fleet and are emitting about 700 pounds less carbon dioxide every month." Over a twelve month period, the NPR Eco-Max trucks will emit 4.2 less carbon dioxide.
These results prove that it is possible to improve a fleet's carbon footprint through weight reduction and efficient technologies while still utilizing a traditional fuel source.
In 2009, DSC Logistics launched a company-wide sustainability program, its Sustainability Statement of Purpose. The company's green initiatives are largely influenced by the grocery manufacturing sector, which comprises a substantial portion of DSC's customer base, and the company has even helped its customers make their own operations more sustainable.
For example, DSC worked with one key customer to reconfigure their modular display of cereal boxes to reduce waffle dunnage from every unit, saving them more than 800,000 pounds of dunnage per year, reducing costs and lowering the environmental impact.
DSC is also measuring water, electricity, propane, and gas usage at all of its Logistics Centers, which are used to create summary tools for benchmarking for internal and customer reporting.
Ecologic Brands
Ecologic Brands designs and manufactures sustainable packaging solutions, including a bottle constructed with a molded fiber outer shell made from recycled cardboard boxes and old newspapers, integrated with a thin plastic inner pouch suitable for various categories, include food and beverages.
Two years ago, the company tested a prototype bottle with Straus Family Creamery, and organic California dairy. "A six-week in-store test with non-fat milk at a Whole Foods Market in Oakland, California showed that consumers are ready for molded fiber bottles," says Ecologic Brands. Straus experienced a 72 percent boost in sales for non-fat milk over the previous year and a 21 percent increase in overall sales.
Ecologic's bottle debuted in March 2011 with Seventh Generation's new 4X detergent, which is now among the ten best selling detergents in the natural grocery channel. The bottle is carried in over 7,000 stores across the U.S., including Target and Kroger, and is currently rolling into 500+ stores across Canada.
ECS European Containers NV
ECS is a 45-foot intermodal logistics operator, specializing in transportation between the UK and Ireland and mainland Europe.
The company has been leading a movement to transport frozen vegetables and potatoes between Belgium and Italy by rail instead of road with revolutionary 45-foot Diesel Electric Reefer containers.
A number of the world's leading food companies have lent their support to the strategy, even though rail transport has never been used before for these types of shipments.
In mid-2011, England Logistics joined the EPA's SmartWay program, earning a score of 125—the highest score a logistics company can receive. The company has also pursued measures to improve internal systems that have helped it and its carrier network improve route optimization, decreasing mileage between origin and destination, and reducing fuel consumption.
In addition, through its England Carrier Services divsion, England Logistics offers carriers discounts on energy efficient tires that help produce better gas mileage.
enVista provides supply chain consulting services to a wide range of food and beverage clients. The company's Six Sigma certified consultants implement LEAN supply chain processes that remove supply chain waste from source to consumption. enVista's supply chain network analysis and design projects reduce carbon emissions and transportation costs and unnecessary distribution centers.
Through strategic training, enVista's consultants address all types of supply chain waste for its clients. They regularly work with food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, grocers, and wholesalers to design facilities that require the least energy, design processes that are the most efficient, and recommend systems, services, and solutions that address their business requirements, while supporting green (and LEAN) objectives.
Columbus, Ohio-based FST Logistics participates in several government-sponsored environmental programs, including the EPA's SmartWay and the Green Power Partnership, which requires the company to submit specific data on energy usage and resource consumption.
According to a company executive, "On a more basic level, we have common benchmarks that are very visible to us that have shown some of the changes we have made are making a difference," she said. "For example, our electrical consumption in our warehouses has been reduced by almost half due to the installation of motion-sensor lighting, new quick charge forklifts, and by reinsulating cooler areas."
GENCO ATC continuously displays a commitment to sustainability through its operational excellence and focus on green initiatives. For starters, the company tracks utility usage, water usage, waste, and recycling. Currently, GENCO ATC tracks these metrics through an Intranet page. They also track non-environmental metrics, such as charitable donations and tuition reimbursement.
Within their operations, GENCO ATC has deployed hydrogen fuel cell powered forklifts, upgraded lighting fixtures, reduced material usage and increased its recycling efforts.
Gloucester Terminals
Gloucester Terminals LLC is home to Riverside Renewable Energy, North America's largest rooftop solar array at 9 MWs. The electricity generated by Riverside is used to power Gloucester Terminals' warehouses, which encompass the largest refrigerated capacity of any marine terminal in the U.S.
Through net metering and data capture solutions provided by the manufacturer, Riverside is able to view real time data related to: current kWh produced; pounds of Nitrogen Oxides, Sulfur Oxides, and Carbon Dioxide not release into the atmosphere; as well as acre equivalents of newly planted trees and the number of cars removed from the road for a year.
Gourmet Guru
Gourmet Guru's LEED certified energy efficient building has helped cut its energy and refrigeration costs substantially, enabling the company to add more jobs, source local organic food products, and distribute it efficiently in order to stay true to its mission statement of "Helping make the world a better place to eat, naturally, since 1996."
The company has grown 50 percent since its move to an energy efficient building, and it continues to build its brand as a green company in a highly competitive market.
GreenRoad's mobile and cloud technology helps fleet operators burn less fuel, crash less frequently, and reduce wear and tear on their equipment, ultimately leading to a more eco-friendly and sustainable operation.
The company's customers typically experience reduced crash costs by 50 percent and reduced fuel usage and emissions by up to10 percent. In addition, real time, immediate feedback and coaching helps drivers self-improve and perform their best. Most drivers improve 35 percent on their own, with no manager intervention.
Groom Energy Solutions
Refrigerated and frozen storage facilities are among the most energy intensive structures. Groom Energy has performed energy assessments and implemented projects in over 30 U.S. states and Canada, representing over 750 million cubic feet of storage space. For cold storage facilities, Groom engineers have identified a two step opportunity for energy efficiency—first applying LED lighting, which operate only when occupied, thereby reducing energy and cooling loads, and secondly, adding variable frequency drives to refrigeration systems, which optimize the resulting lower cooling load requirement. This two step process can reduce energy cost by 50 percent or more.
iLogic's software for managing returnable assets (pallets, bins, trays, etc) called masLogic, features a proprietary, state-of-the-art Electronic Asset Settlement algorithm (EAS). The system scans the network of trading partners where assets are being shipped to, and finds opportunities to reduce or eliminate the movement of empty assets.
Every mile traveled to collect and return valuable empty assets to their owners is a huge cost, using labor, fuel, and generating emissions from diesel engines. The Electronic Asset Settlement solution provides its users a true greenhouse gas reduction strategy, and companies using the software technology can benefit from carbon offsets, in addition to the cost savings that real time asset visibility brings to their business.
North Carolina-based solutions provider Inmar approaches sustainability broadly by eliminating waste—regardless of source—in product that goes to landfill, in redundant processes, and in inefficient transportation models that increase carbon footprint and drive up cost.
Last year, the company's remarketing services kept 117 million pounds of grocery and consumer goods out of landfills. Furthermore, Inmar's donation program, operated on behalf of its clients, provided 1.8 million boxes of food product that were used to create 5.5 million meals for the needy in 2011.
"We liquidate approximately 1,500 truckloads of food product each year—lengthening the lifespan of each product and putting less into landfill. In 2011, our calculations show that our sustainability initiatives helped convert 3.4 tons of waste to energy, saving more than 3,880 barrels of oil, generating 2,185 MWh of renewable energy—enough to power 190 homes for one year," says an Inmar spokesperson.
Fifteen of the 25 largest food and beverage companies use INSIGHT with their strategic supply chain designs. INSIGHT's software has the ability to take a comprehensive look at a supply chain and create a plan that minimizes energy usage, lowers carbon emissions, and incorporates waste reclamation.
In addition, the company helps clients who are trying to focus on environmentally safe components and biodegradable packaging find the right materials.
INSIGHT provides the master production planning component for all of Kellogg's North American plants, while the company's custom optimization component is used by Anheuser-Busch to plan all packaging and distribution from breweries to over 900 North American distributors.
The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that over half of the food produced globally is lost, wasted, or discarded as a result of inefficiency in the supply chain. And, a significant portion of that loss is due to poor temperature management and lack of real-time information about the condition and remaining shelf-life of fresh produce.
Intelleflex is addressing this critical problem with solutions that make the temperature collection process automatic and the data available remotely through mobile and cloud-based services.
For example, "Intelleflex RFID readers combined with temperature monitoring tags and a cloud-based data services platform called ZEST provide the ability to collect and seamlessly share pallet-level temperature data within a company or across a supply chain to reduce temperature-related shrink from the farm to fork," says a company spokesman. "Intelleflex has architected a system that leverages cost-effective, reliable ISO Class 3 RFID-based readers and temperature monitoring tags and machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity through cellular and cloud-based services for data aggregation, to deliver the first-ever capability to collect and aggregate product data across the cold chain, resulting in actionable data to ensure higher quality, food safety and ultimately a more sustainable of food supply by maximizing post-harvest yield."
By offering the best of breed in intermodal services, JB Hunt allows for truckload to intermodal conversion in both traditional lanes and less than optimal lanes. The result is a reduced carbon footprint, near-same transit times, and a greatly reduced cost model.
In addition, the company seeks to find "green" solutions that make it a true strategic partner with its clients, encouraging out of the box thinking that drives both positive financial and environmental results—a "double green" benefit.
Kenco recently upgraded lighting at two food-grade facilities in Chattanooga, TN to reduce electricity use by 70 percent. The facilities are managed for a large U.S. coffee and coffee maker manufacturer.
The energy efficient, high-intensity fluorescent lights use light sensors to adjust warehouse lighting, automatically dimming when sunlight pours through the warehouse skylights and increasing light intensity at night and on cloudy days.
The lighting array is estimated to save about 670,000 kWh annually. In addition, the project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 14,000 tons over the fixtures' 20-year lifecycle. This is the air-scrubbing equivalent of a 149-acre forest—or removing 137 cars from the road—according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Layer Saver LLC
Simply put, Layer Saver's product helps shippers achieve cube utilization whether they're transporting by truck, rail, or ocean freight. The recycled metal frames are customizable, strong, can handle irregular shaped cartons, allow for double-stacking, protect against shifting and damage, and are an effective way to optimize shipping and reduce transportation cost and waste.
MTC's installation of a solar system at its Port of Baltimore facility not only makes a positive impact on the environment, but promotes a positive image for both the food and beverage sector and the cold storage industry as well.
The 737 kW solar array supplies 20 percent of the company's power needs. MTC Logistics estimates the project will add significant value to the facility's property value too.
In addition, MTC's system monitoring provides real time information such as 1) CO2 offsets, 2) the number of gallons of gas saved, and 3) the total energy produced and converted into tons of CO saved.
Murphy Warehouse Company
Murphy Warehouse has a number of sustainable achievements in its pocket, but one that stands out is its storm water management initiative.
Over 2,000 cities across the U.S. have enacted storm water fees to meet EPA mandates, and for many logistics campuses with acres of non-impervious surfaces (concrete, building roofs, etc.) the fees can really add up.
In 2007, Murphy Warehouse's 22-acre logistics campus in Minneapolis was hit with an annual storm water fee of $68,000—since that time, the fee has risen 21 percent. In response, the company installed a $580,000 storm water management system to convert the older, 95 percent impervious campus to modern storm water management standards. When the system was completed in 2009, it was so efficient that Murphy Warehouse no longer had to pay the city storm water fee.
Next Generation Logistics has over 24 years of experience in providing supply chain consulting, managed freight services, and TMS software.
The company's FreightMaster TMS builds the most efficient routes to minimize miles and maximize capacity. FreightMaster TMS also manages carriers that participate in the EPA's SmartWay program and makes recommendations based on the Carbon Index Score. The FreightMaster TMS also features powerful analytics that allow users to track, manage, and analyze their carbon footprint.
PECO Pallet
As a North American leader in pallet pooling, PECO Pallet provides a more sustainable shipping platform for grocery and consumer goods manufacturers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The company's wood block pallets are built from responsibly forested U.S. timber and are constantly reused, repaired and recycled. And, no hazardous chemicals are ever used on PECO Pallets.
According to the company, nothing goes to the landfill. "Less than .08 percent of pallets have to be removed from the pallet pool each year. Those pallets that can no longer be reused are recycled into mulch, bark, or animal bedding. Even the nails are removed with magnets and recycled."
Retrotech, Inc. is the exclusive authorized dealer in North America for the ACTIV technology, a high-density storage technology that buffers, sorts, and stages palletized unit loads in exact loading sequence, which among other things, enables more efficient truck loading.
In turn, this reduces truck idling, which is particularly important in the refrigeration/freezer truck industry.
Recently, Retrotech helped LiDestri Foods create a 75,000 square-foot automated warehouse expansion at its Fairport, New York headquarters, essentially consolidating 3 warehouses under one roof.
This helped support corporate sustainability goals by conserving fuel (eliminating the transportation costs of moving product to off-site warehouses), reducing truck emissions (by decreasing truck-wait times), and using cubic space more efficiently.
The ACTIV system also reduces total carbon footprint by decreasing the number of forklift trucks needed to move the same amount of product and reducing lighting, heating and cooling requirements.
Reverse Solutions
For over a year, Reverse Solutions' reclamation provider has been sorting through plastics, (categories 1 through 7), paperboard packaging, plastic wrap from food products such as string cheese, aluminum cans, metal cans, glass containers, cardboard containers, and film wrap from the palletized product to help boost the company's overall sustainability efforts.
Recently, the company embarked on a food composting program as well, in a further step aimed at greening the supply chain—particularly for the end of a product's lifecycle.
RLS Logistics recently retrofitted its New Jersey headquarters with solar power. The 257 kilowatt solar energy system, commissioned in October 2011, will serve to offset the cold storage facility's energy use with clean, renewable power, and will hopefully serve as a showpiece for future projects in an otherwise energy intensive industry
The power produced by the solar energy system is being monitored in real time via an online system, including both financial and environmental impacts.
RLS Logistics has also implemented other energy efficiency measures across all of their facilities, including a contract to retrofit their facility in Pittston, PA with LED lighting.
With most of its freight devoted to temperature-controlled shipments, RWI has established unique initiatives to protect the environment, including "door open" switches that automatically shut off the reefer unit when the door is open.
Recently, RWI began a test program using intermodal trailers to transport lettuce, a very time sensitive, difficult-to-handle commodity. These intermodal trailers have taken trucks off the road reducing emissions and protecting the environment.
Meanwhile, all new trailers RWI places on the road have aerodynamic side skirts to reduce fuel usage and eliminate carbon dioxide. Automatic tire inflation systems have been retrofitted on one-third of RWI's trailers with another one-third targeted for completion this year.
Last year, the company implemented an enterprise-wide transportation management system (TMS) that helped improve route management, fuel efficiency, and equipment utilization.
In 2011, Ryder launched its "Flex-to-Green" lease program, making it easier for companies to incorporate alternative fuel vehicles into their fleets whenever they are ready to do so. Under the program, a company has the option to switch out traditional diesel vehicles with alternative fuel vehicles without having to wait to end the life of the lease.
Earlier this year, the company added tools to its alternative fuels website to help companies evaluate the benefits of cleaner burning vehicles. The tools include an interactive Fuel Cost Savings Calculator that allows customers to compare fuel costs between diesel- and natural gas-powered commercial vehicles based on their businesses driving habits in real time, as well as a Refueling and Maintenance Station app to help customers locate the closest refueling and maintenance locations.
Saddle Creek Logistics Services
This SmartWay transportation partner has made a sizeable investment in compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles for its for-hire fleet. CNG is one of the cleanest-burning alternative fuel options available with near-zero emissions.
Saddle Creek Logistics Services (formerly Saddle Creek Corp.) purchased 40 Freightliner CNG trucks last fall and plans to have 120 in its fleet by 2013. The trucks are based at the 3PL's headquarter campus in Lakeland, Florida and handle deliveries throughout the state and southern Georgia.
The fleet offers a more environmentally-friendly transportation solution for regional shippers and an effective option for supporting their corporate sustainability programs. Aside from reducing the fleet's carbon footprint, vehicles are also significantly quieter, safer, and more cost effective than their diesel counterparts and rely on a renewable, domestic fuel source.
Strive Logistics LLC prides itself on preserving the environment. The company's transportation and logistics services are centered on consolidation, optimal mode selection, and strategic network planning.
According to the company, "Strive performs carrier sign-ups and searches to source SmartWay partnered carriers who can provide consistent equipment for our clients' freight. This system customizes network optimization, targets the level of sustainability each customer is trying to achieve, and automatically creates emissions reduction metrics for both clients and carriers."
UNFI has been a leader within the space in achieving Gold LEED certified buildings in 3 locations (Lancaster, TX; York, PA; and Ridgefield, WA). The company's facility in Ridgefield, WA, completed in December 2007, was the first refrigerated warehouse in the country to be awarded the Gold LEED certificate.
The facility is also powered by 100 percent renewable energy, saving more than 4 million pounds of CO2 from being released into the environment.
Highlights from the company's second and most recent Corporate Sustainability Report include:
• United Natural Foods is on track to reduce its carbon footprint by 5 percent by 2014 and has deployed tracking and monitoring systems to guide it towards achieving that goal.
• Through a reverse auction process, the company has been able to purchase green power for 25 percent of its annual electricity usage in 7 of its facilities that are located in deregulated states. This has reduced 4,190 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.
• In June 2010, United Natural Foods mobilized 65 GenDrive fuel cell powered lift trucks at its Sarasota, FL distribution facility. The lift trucs are powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The project reduced 132 metric tons of CO2—the equivalent of cutting emissions from 35 automobiles annually.
• As part of the company's spirit to "try new things" related to sustainability, it conducted a test of Super Therm, a reflective silver coating applied to the top of refrigerated tractor trailers designed to reflect sunlight and keep the interior cool. UNFI is also testing Eco-Flaps on its fleet, which help reduce road spray for safety and drag for improved fuel consumption.
• In addition to being a SmartWay Partner, United Natural Foods is a founding sponsor of The Non-GMO Project, is a contributor of the Organic Farming Research Foundation, and is a supporter of the Organic Seed Alliance, the Organic Trade Association, and the Food Trade Sustainability Leadership Association.
U.S. Xpress Enterprises is the nation's second-largest privately owned truckload carrier. The company is a SmartWay Transport Partner and was the recipient of a 2009 SmartWay Environmental Excellence Award.
As part of its sustainability efforts, U.S. Xpress reduces fuel consumption through route optimization, new equipment (fuel-efficient tires, aerodynamic mud flaps, fuel-fired bunk heaters for cold weather and temperature-sensitive auto shut-off), and technology.
In addition, U.S. Xpress has gone paperless, using a document scanning system designed to electronically capture trip paperwork from drivers and relay the information back to billing and payroll.
In addition to being a participant in the SmartWay program, in recent years Werner has replaced trucks with more aerodynamic models, installed auxiliary power units, updated engine technology to maximize efficiency, reduced idle time and developed more precise fleet management tools.
Through its commitment to investing in technologies, proactive strategies, and policies that increase fuel efficiency and decrease carbon emissions, Werner has reduced its carbon footprint by almost 150,000 tons in the past three years.


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My husband's cousin Moshe came to visit us last summer. Moshe grew up in Israel and now lives in France. He's part of the Sephardic side of my husband's family, which means he grew up eating lots of terrific Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-style cuisine. He doesn't really like to cook, but when I asked him if he knew any family recipes his eyes lit up.
"There is one dish I know made with dagim (fish). I am not a chef, but this thing I know how to make. My Ima (mother) taught me because it's my favorite." He proceeded to explain the recipe to me, which sounded terrific. After a little coaxing, I convinced him to show me the recipe firsthand. We liked it so much that it is now part of our regular meal rotation.
The original name of this recipe is a Hebrew word that is sort of difficult to pronounce: ktzitzot dagim (pronounced ktzee-tzot dahgeem). I call them fish cakes, because that's in essence what they are– ground fish bound with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices, then fried. My stepdaughter calls them "fish falafel" because they look very similar to fried falafel patties. Whatever you call them, they're super delish, especially when paired with freshly made tahini sauce. I made a batch yesterday when my friend Sandra was here. She added sriracha to hers which gave it an awesome spicy kick. But then, she adds sriracha to pretty much everything. 🙂
Moshe suggested using any kind of mild white fish in this recipe – in Israel, his family uses trout or seabream. I usually use fresh whitefish because it's affordable and the flavor is mild. I think tilapia would probably work well too. I don't recommend using an expensive fish like halibut or seabass, you won't notice a big difference in flavor with the seasonings and breadcrumbs and frying. No need to spend extra on a fancy fish fillet.
These Israeli-Style Fish Cakes are bite-sized, which makes them a fun appetizer or finger food. Kids who swear they won't eat fish will likely change their minds when they try these little patties. The fish flavor becomes quite mild after cooking. The pine nuts add an exotic nutty flavor that really brings the whole dish together. When paired with a soup or salad, it makes an easy and tasty little meal!
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Israeli-Style Fish Cakes
- 1/4 cup pinenuts
- 1 pound boneless skinless fish fillets (white or mild fish like whitefish, trout or tilapia)
- 1/2 cup minced onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste (I usually use about 3/4 tsp)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or more to taste (very spicy)
- 1/3 cup grapeseed or olive oil for frying
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce for dipping (optional) (click here for recipe)
- Pour the pine nuts into a small skillet and toast them over medium heat for 6-8 minutes till golden and fragrant, stirring constantly. They will go from brown to burned very quickly, so keep a close eye on them. When they are golden, pour them immediately into a large mixing bowl and reserve.
- Cut the fish fillet into large chunks and place it into a food processor. Pulse just a few times until the fish chunks are coarsely chopped. Do not overprocess or you'll end up with fish mush-- just a few pulses should do the trick. Alternatively, you can chop the fish into small pieces with a sharp knife.
- Place the chopped fish into the mixing bowl with the pine nuts. Add the onion, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, egg, salt, cumin, and cayenne. Stir till all ingredients are well blended.
- Heat your oil over medium till hot enough for frying. Form 2 tablespoons of fish batter into a small disk and place it into the hot oil. Let it fry till golden on both sides-- if your oil is at the proper temperature, it will take 2-3 minutes per side to become dark golden brown. Start by cooking one fish cake, then taste it after it has cooled slightly. Adjust seasonings in the batter if desired, adding more salt or cayenne if needed (cayenne is very spicy, add with care). Once the batter is seasoned to your liking, continue frying in batches of 4-5 patties at a time.
- Place cooked patties onto a paper towel to drain.
- Serve hot. I like to serve these with tahini sauce for dipping (recipe can be found on my website). It would also pair well with aioli, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or ketchup for the kids. Try it with sriracha if you're in the mood for something spicy.


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Vanadium One Energy Corp (VONE.V)'s RCI Moving Towards Key Level
Date: Jul 02, 2018
Vanadium One Energy Corp (VONE.V) shares are being closely watched as the Rank Correlation Indicator has shown an upward 3 bar near-term trend, indicating that a reversal might be near. If the shares reach the +80 level, this would signify that the shares have entered overbought territory.
The indicator Spearman Rank Correlation Index's (RCI) is a statistical oscillator based on the correlation model provided by the mathematician Charles Spearman. The indicator shows statistical relations between date and price as a correlation without the relationship between the two variables is of affine type. The idea is to find correlation between the ranks of values instead of the values themselves.
Taking a look at some other key indicators, Vanadium One Energy Corp (VONE.V)'s Williams Percent Range or 14 day Williams %R is resting at 0.00. Values can range from 0 to -100. A reading between -80 to -100 may be typically viewed as strong oversold territory. A value between 0 to -20 would represent a strong overbought condition. As a momentum indicator, the Williams R% may be used with other technicals to help define a specific trend.
Vanadium One Energy Corp (VONE.V) presently has a 14-day Commodity Channel Index (CCI) of 93.33. Typically, the CCI oscillates above and below a zero line. Normal oscillations tend to stay in the range of -100 to +100. A CCI reading of +100 may represent overbought conditions, while readings near -100 may indicate oversold territory. Although the CCI indicator was developed for commodities, it has become a popular tool for equity evaluation as well. Checking on another technical indicator, the 14-day RSI is currently sitting at 68.99, the 7-day rests at 84.19, and the 3-day is presently at 98.86 for Vanadium One Energy Corp (VONE.V).


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SEATTLE (AP) — Buster Posey led off the second inning with a solo home run into the second deck of the left field seats, National League hitting leader Melky Cabrera added a two-run shot in the eighth inning, and the San Francisco Giants opened a three-game interleague series with a 4-2 win over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night.
Posey turned on a hanging breaking ball from Seattle starter Jason Vargas (7-6) for his eighth homer of the season, a 386-foot shot that landed in the first row of seats in the second deck above the Giants bullpen. Cabrera's sixth homer of the season didn't have the majestic arc of Posey's, but cleared the fence in left-center field by about a foot as Franklin Gutierrez was unable to chase it down.
Giants' starter Ryan Vogelsong couldn't match the perfection of teammate Matt Cain, but was dominant for seven innings. Vogelsong (6-2) won his sixth straight decision taking a shutout into the eighth inning. He has not lost since May 3 against Miami.
Vogelsong is now 5-0 in his last seven road starts and only once in his last nine starts has he given up more than two earned runs. On Friday night, the only damage the slumping Mariners were able to get off Vogelsong until the eighth inning was a double by Jesus Montero in the second and a double by Miguel Olivo in the third.
Vogelsong struck out six and walked three. He left after giving up a pair of hits to Dustin Ackley and Olivo to start the eighth, snapping a streak of 11 straight batters retired. Reliever Javier Lopez was greeted by a single from pinch-hitter Casper Wells to load the bases. Ichiro Suzuki hit a grounder that bounced off Lopez's glove and to shortstop Joaquin Arias, who got a force out at second base, but Ackley scored on the play. Lopez was replaced by Sergio Romo, who got Franklin Gutierrez to ground out to Pablo Sandoval at third on a ball that probably should have been a double play and allowed Olvio to score. Romo then got Kyle Seager to ground out to end the rally.
Santiago Casilla pitched the ninth for his 18th save in 19 chances.
Prior to the eighth, the closest Seattle had to a rally came in the fourth inning when Vogelsong briefly lost control and started the inning with walks to Seager and Montero. But the rally was over just as quickly as it started. Michael Saunders hit a liner into right-center field that was tracked down by Gregor Blanco and Justin Smoak followed by grounding into an inning ending double play.
Joaquin Arias drove in San Francisco's other run with a sacrifice fly in the fourth that scored Angel Pagan. But there were plenty of other chances for the Giants, who hammered Vargas for 10 hits. It was the most hits allowed this season by Vargas, who had allowed nine hits in his previous two starts. Vargas has lost his last two starts.
Notes: Giants' RHP Tim Lincecum, who grew up in the Seattle suburbs and was a star in college at Washington, will take the Safeco Field mound for the first time on Saturday night trying to stop a personal five-game losing streak. Lincecum has not won since April 28. ... Seattle dropped Ackley to seventh in the batting order for the first time this season. Wedge said he wanted to balance the top of his order and not be so left-handed hitting heavy. ... Giants' 1B Brandon Belt saw his consecutive games with a homer streak end at three.
Posey, Cabrera power Giants past Mariners


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BillboardIn its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends. |
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2Pac adult alternative Age music album Ampex Angeles Apple April Artists & Music Atlantic audience Awards Bad Brains band band's Bayer Bill Billboard 200 Blockbuster Calif cassettes CD-ROM Charlie Minor chart CHOIR classic Continued country music Craig Chaquico Cray D'Onofrio debut director disc Disney Home Video Disney Pictures/Walt Disney distributors Entertainment film format genre Grammy ISSUE DATE jazz Kalvert label listen live Love manager March ment million movie MovieFone music industry music video Nashville Ottmar Liebert Pacer CATS Pearl Jam Peters Pinnacle piracy pirate play promotion radio Records release retail rock Roy Rogers says Scotti Bros sell senior VP single song songwriter sound SoundScan soundtrack star stations Steve studio Suzanne Ciani tape there's ticket Ticketmaster tion titles Top Gospel tour track Tring Warner Bros week Windham Hill York


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Learn how you can create a sustainable writing practice with these easy-to-follow exercises, tips, and guidelines that show you How to be a Writer Who Writes.
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Show, Don't Tell is a Journaling Tool that can help you create more vivid writing in your journal as well as in other writing.


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Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance; they are also a health threat. Some species common in the United States can carry and spread Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, West Nile virus and canine heart worm. The first sign of mosquito activity is usually buzzing from female mosquitoes and their bites.
Where Mosquitoes Breed
Female mosquitoes can lay as many as 100 eggs at a time. They can lay eggs in just a few inches of standing water, making pinpointing breeding sites a challenge. To help homeowners, Orkin Entomologist Ron Harrison, Ph.D., reveals eight places mosquitoes like the most and offers advice on how to help keep them out of your yard.
1. Gutters. If enough debris is left to collect over time, dirty gutters can clog up and create pockets of water perfect for mosquito breeding. Cleaning gutters regularly to make sure water is flowing smoothly can help keep mosquitoes from breeding so close to your home.
2. Toys. They are an often overlooked source of standing water, but toys can collect pockets of water, and just a few inches is enough for a mosquito to raise a family.
3. Flower Pots. Rainwater can collect in saucers under flower pots. If left to sit for days, the water becomes an excellent breeding spot for mosquitoes.
4. Bird Baths. Even though birds eat a variety of insects, standing water in bird baths left unchecked for days at a time can become an oasis for female mosquitoes looking for a place to lay eggs. Inspect and change the water weekly to avoid an infestation.
5. Rain Barrels. If water is used within a few days, it will likely not be enough time to create a mosquito problem, but if water is left standing for multiple days, be prepared to find a hotbed of hungry pests.
6. Plants. Some plants can hold water in their "mouths" and offer mosquitoes enough standing water to lay their eggs. Other shrubbery can serve as a hide-out for grown mosquitoes. In addition to blood, mosquitoes feed on nectar from flowers, so they often hide in shrubbery during the day. Thinning dense shrubbery to increase air flow can help reduce the number of adult mosquitoes in your yard.
7. Tree Cavities. Each year, cavities in tree stumps and trunks are filled with water by rainfall or melting ice and snow, and mosquitoes may choose these holes for breeding. While it can be difficult to remove the standing water, a licensed professional can help identify and treat these areas.
8. Low Points in the Yard. Any areas lower than the rest of your yard may collect and hold standing water. Make note of these areas when patrolling, and be sure to inspect and drain them if necessary.
Take Back Your Yard
It's important to do a weekly inspection of your entire yard to locate and eliminate any standing water. It's also a good idea to encourage your neighbors to do the same so that mosquitoes aren't traveling from their yard to yours. If you've done everything you can to help prevent mosquitoes and are still having problems, you may need a licensed professional.