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At South Island Bus and Coach Hire we offer some of the most diverse range of buses available for hire anywhere. From mid-range 20-seater minibuses to higher load 40-seater buses and 50+ seater coaches– We have them all! You and your group will travel in air-conditioned luxury .
We pride ourselves on the dependable service we offer to our clients. That's because our fleet is well kept and well maintained. Our fleet is not just subjected to regularly scheduled maintenance and road-worthiness tests, but our maintenance staff will even perform additional service and pre-emptive checks as and when needed. All of this is designed to ensure your safety and offer the dependable service that our clients have come to expect from us.
A trip on one of our buses is designed to deliver the utmost in safe and stress-free travel!

subset: commoncrawl


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Empowering access
Empowering access
We worked with a state healthcare system to modernize its system creating faster and more accurate application processing.
The State of Hawaii selected KPMG in the US to modernize its systems.
Helping the State of Hawaii to modernize systems for medical assistance programs.
Enactment of the new healthcare reform law in the US, the Affordable Care Act, created a range of new obligations for states in the US to provide access to healthcare in accordance with provisions of the new legislation.
The State of Hawaii selected KPMG in the US to modernize its systems to enable faster and more accurate processing for the increasing numbers applying for its medical assistance programs. Hawaii set an aggressive timeline for the project – with a plan to complete in nine months a scope that might have previously taken 24 months or more.
"The key to meeting all of Hawaii's requirements, as well as the timeline, was approaching the project as a business integrator, not just a technology provider," said Craig Grivette, KPMG engagement lead for the Hawaii project.
Collaborating closely with Hawaii's dedicated staff, a fully integrated system was designed and implemented, providing online interfaces, automating program eligibility policies, managing millions of pages of documents and automating client correspondence.
"We built the solution in a private cloud architecture that our KPMG team runs for the client, while Hawaii officials and staff access and manage their eligibility business functions," added Grivette.
"Our number one priority is the health and welfare of our residents," said Patricia McManaman, Director for the State of Hawaii's Department of Human Services. "The modernization project has reduced the processing time from many weeks to a few days or less, and helped ensure that hundreds of thousands of applicants are getting the correct medical assistance. Throughout our engagement, the KPMG team has demonstrated keen insight into our business processes and worked under tight timelines to deliver a robust system for Hawaii's Medicaid beneficiaries."
With the success of the medical assistance eligibility system, Hawaii intends to expand the project to upgrade processes for all of its entitlement programs, including financial, nutritional and general assistance.
Connect with us
- Find office locations kpmg.findOfficeLocations
- kpmg.emailUs
- Social media @ KPMG kpmg.socialMedia


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A deal on the rules that govern the Paris climate accord appeared within grasp Saturday, as officials from almost 200 countries worked to bridge remaining differences after two weeks of U.N. talks in Poland.
The 2015 Paris Agreement was a landmark moment in international diplomacy, bringing together governments with vastly different views to tackle the common threat of global warming. But while the accord set a headline target of keeping average global temperatures from rising by more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) — or 1.5 C (2.7 F) if possible — much of the fine print was left unfinished.
The meeting in Poland's southern city of Katowice was meant to finalize how countries report their emissions of greenhouses gases — a key factor in man-made climate change — and the efforts they're taking to reduce them. Poor countries also wanted assurances on financial support to help them cut emissions, adapt to inevitable changes such as sea level rise and pay for damage that's already happened.
"We've come a long way," Canada's environment minister, Catherine McKenna, told The Associated Press ahead of a planned plenary meeting Saturday afternoon. "There's been really late negotiations, there's been big group negotiations, there's been shuttle diplomacy all through the night, and now we are coming to the wire."
WATCH: B.C. reveals plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2040
One major sticking point during the talks was how to create a functioning market in carbon credits. Economists believe an international trading system could be an effective way to drive down emissions and raise large amounts of money for measures to curb global warming.
"We want billions to flow into trillions. And I'm someone who believes that it's not just about national governments," McKenna said. "Ultimately the market is going to play a huge role in the cleaner solutions that we need, supporting countries and being efficient and how we do this."
Emerging economies such as Brazil have pushed back against rich countries' demands to cancel piles of carbon credits still lingering from a system set up under the 1997 Kyoto accord.
"There are still a range of possible outcomes and Brazil continues to work constructively with other parties to find a workable pathway forward," said the country's chief negotiator, Antonio Marcondes.
The talks in Poland took place against a backdrop of increasing concern among scientists that global warming is proceeding faster than governments are responding to it.
A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that while it's possible to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees F) by the end of the century compared to pre-industrial times, this will require a dramatic overhaul of the global economy including a shift away from fossil fuels.
Alarmed by efforts to include this in the final text of the meeting, the U.S., Russia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait blocked endorsement of the report mid-way through the talks, prompting uproar from vulnerable countries and environmental groups.
While some officials questioned the format of the meeting, which has grown to a huge event with tens of thousands of participants, the head of Greenpeace International, Jennifer Morgan, stressed how important it was to bring all countries of the world together on the issue.
"We need a multilateral process especially for the poorest and smallest countries that don't go to G-20," she said, referring to the Group of 20 major and emerging economies that met recently in Argentina. "But the lack of ambition by some rich countries, like the European Union, is worrying, especially as we are staring the 1.5 report in the face."
Frank Jordans, The Associated Press


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3.6: Disorders That Can Compromise Health
- Page ID
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- Interpret why certain disorders and diseases, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome compromise overall health.
When nutrients and energy are in short supply, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems do not function properly. Unbalanced diets can cause diseases and, conversely, certain illnesses and diseases can cause an inadequate intake and absorption of nutrients, simulating the health consequences of an unbalanced diet. Overeating high-fat foods and nutrient-poor foods can lead to obesity and exacerbate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Many diseases and illnesses, such as celiac disease, interfere with the body getting its nutritional requirements. A host of other conditions and illnesses, such as food allergies, cancer, stomach ulcers, Crohn's disease, and kidney and liver disease, also can impair the process of digestion and/or negatively affect nutrient balance and decrease overall health.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a persistent form of acid reflux that occurs more than two times per week. Acid reflux occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach leak backward into the esophagus and cause irritation. It is estimated that GERD affects 25 to 35 percent of the US population. An analysis of several studies published in the August 2005 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine concludes that GERD is much more prevalent in people who are obese.Hampel, H. MD, PhD, N. S. Abraham, MD, MSc(Epi) and H. B. El-Serag, MD, MPH. "Meta-Analysis: Obesity and the Risk for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Its Complications." Ann Intern Med 143, no. 3 (2005): 199–211. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16061918 While the links between obesity and GERD are not completely known, they likely include that excess body fat puts pressure on the stomach, overeating increases pressure in the stomach, and fatty foods are triggers for GERD symptoms. The most common GERD symptom is heartburn, but people with GERD may also experience regurgitation (flow of the stomach's acidic contents into the mouth), frequent coughing, and trouble swallowing. Approximately 35 percent of children born in the United States have GERD. In babies the symptoms are more difficult to distinguish from what babies do normally. The symptoms are spitting up more than normal, incessant crying, refusal to eat, burping, and coughing. Most babies outgrow GERD before their first birthday but a small percentage do not.
Heartburn is a burning sensation that radiates throughout the chest. © Shutterstock
Additional Facts about GERD
There are other causative factors of GERD that may be separate from or intertwined with obesity. The sphincter that separates the stomach's internal contents from the esophagus often does not function properly and acidic gastric contents seep upward. Sometimes the peristaltic contractions of the esophagus are also sluggish and compromise the clearance of acidic contents. In addition to having an unbalanced, high-fat diet, some people with GERD are sensitive to particular foods—chocolate, garlic, spicy foods, fried foods, and tomato-based foods—which worsen symptoms. Drinks containing alcohol or caffeine may also worsen GERD symptoms. GERD is diagnosed most often by a history of the frequency of recurring symptoms. A more proper diagnosis can be made when a doctor inserts a small device into the lower esophagus that measures the acidity of the contents during one's daily activities. Sometimes a doctor may use an endoscope, which is a long tube with a camera at the end, to view the tissue in the esophagus. About 50 percent of people with GERD have inflamed tissues in the esophagus. A condition known as Barrett's esophagus may develop over time in some people who have GERD. Barrett's esophagus refers to a structural difference in the tissue of the esophagus, which is caused by recurrent tissue damage. It occurs in 5 to 15 percent of patients diagnosed with GERD and less than 1 percent of these patients may develop cancer of the esophagus, a highly lethal cancer.
The first approach to GERD treatment is dietary and lifestyle modifications. Suggestions are to reduce weight if you are overweight or obese, avoid foods that worsen GERD symptoms, eat smaller meals, stop smoking, and remain upright for at least three hours after a meal. There is some evidence that sleeping on a bed with the head raised at least six inches helps lessen the symptoms of GERD. People with GERD may not take in the nutrients they need because of the pain and discomfort associated with eating. As a result, GERD can be caused by an unbalanced diet and its symptoms can lead to a worsening of nutrient inadequacy, a viscious cycle that further compromises health. Many medications are available to treat GERD, including antacids, histamine2 (H2) blockers, and proton-pump inhibitors. Some evidence from scientific studies indicates that medications used to treat GERD may accentuate certain nutrient deficiencies, namely zinc and magnesium. When these treatment approaches do not work surgery is an option. The most common surgery involves reinforcing the sphincter that serves as a barrier between the stomach and esophagus.
Irritable Bowel Syndome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by muscle spasms in the colon that result in abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea. Interestingly, IBS produces no permanent structural damage to the large intestine as often happens to patients who have Crohn's disease or inflammatory bowel disease. It is estimated that one in five Americans displays symptoms of IBS. The disorder is more prevalent in women than men. Two primary factors that contribute to IBS are an unbalanced diet and stress. There is no specific test to diagnose IBS, but other conditions that have similar symptoms (such as celiac disease) must be ruled out. This involves stool tests, blood tests, and having a colonoscopy (which involves the insertion of a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end through the anus so the doctor can see the colon tissues).
Symptoms of IBS significantly decrease a person's quality of life as they are present for at least twelve consecutive or nonconsecutive weeks in a year. Large meals and foods high in fat and added sugars, or those that contain wheat, rye, barley, peppermint, and chocolate intensify or bring about symptoms of IBS. Additionally, beverages containing caffeine or alcohol may worsen IBS. Stress and depression compound the severity and frequency of IBS symptoms. As with GERD, the first treatment approaches for IBS are diet and lifestyle modifications. People with IBS are often told to keep a daily food journal to help identify and eliminate foods that cause the most problems. Other recommendations are to eat slower, add more fiber to the diet, drink more water, and to exercise. There are some medications (many of which can be purchased over-the-counter) to treat IBS and the resulting diarrhea or constipation. Sometimes antidepressants and drugs to relax the colon are prescribed.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting between 0.5 and 1.0 percent of Americans—that is, one in every one- to two-hundred people. It is caused by an abnormal immune reaction of small intestine cells to a type of protein, called gluten. Gluten forms in the presence of water and is composed of two protein parts, glutenin and gliadin. Glutenin and gliadin are found in grains that are commonly used to make bread, such as wheat, rye, and barley. When bread is made, yeast eats the flour and makes a waste product, carbon dioxide, which forms bubbles in the dough. As the dough is kneaded, gluten forms and stretches. The carbon dioxide gas bubbles infiltrate the stretchy gluten, giving bread its porosity and tenderness. For those who are sensitive to gluten, it is good to know that corn, millet, buckwheat, and oats do not contain the proteins that make gluten. However, some people who have celiac disease also may have a response to products containing oats. This is most likely the result of cross-contamination of grains during harvest, storage, packaging, and processing.
Celiac disease is most common in people of European descent and is rare in people of African American, Japanese, and Chinese descent. It is much more prevalent in women and in people with Type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, and Down and Turner syndromes. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include pale, fatty, loose stools, gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain, weight loss and, in children, a failure to grow and thrive. The symptoms can appear in infancy or much later in life, even by age seventy. Celiac disease is not always diagnosed because the symptoms may be mild. A large number of people have what is referred to as "silent" or "latent" celiac disease (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)).
Celiac disease diagnosis requires a blood test and a biopsy of the small intestine. Because celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, antibodies produced by white blood cells circulate in the body and can be detected in the blood. When gluten-containing foods are consumed the antibodies attack cells lining the small intestine leading to a destruction of the small villi projections. This tissue damage can be detected with a biopsy, a procedure that removes a portion of tissue from the damaged organ. Villi destruction is what causes many of the symptoms of celiac disease. The destruction of the absorptive surface of the small intestine also results in the malabsorption of nutrients, so that while people with this disease may eat enough, nutrients do not make it to the bloodstream because absorption is reduced. The effects of nutrient malabsorption are most apparent in children and the elderly as they are especially susceptible to nutrient deficiencies. Over time these nutrient deficiencies can cause health problems. Poor absorption of iron and folic acid can cause anemia, which is a decrease in red blood cells. Anemia impairs oxygen transport to all cells in the body. Calcium and vitamin D deficiences can lead to osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become brittle.
If you think you or someone close to you may have celiac disease, do not despair; it is a very treatable disease. Once diagnosed, a person follows a gluten-free diet for life. This requires dedication and careful detective work to seek out foods with hidden gluten, but some stores carry gluten-free foods. After eliminating gluten from the diet, the tissues of the small intestine rapidly repair themselves and heal in less than six months.
Food Allergies
Paying attention to the way individuals react to various foods is essential in determining what foods may specifically affect a person adversely. Food allergies are one of the many ways in which different body make-ups affect nutritional concerns. Although an estimated twelve million Americans have food allergies, there are likely many more people who say they have food allergies than actually do. This is because food sensitization is different from a medically-determined food allergy. When someone has a food allergy, the immune system mistakenly attacks a certain kind of food (usually the protein component of a food), such as peanuts, as if it were a threat and IgE antibodies are produced. Doctors sometimes test for food allergies by using skin-prick tests or blood tests to look for the presence of IgE antibodies. However, these types of tests are not always reliable as they can sometimes yield a false positive result. By far, the most valuable tests for determining a food allergy is the Double Blind Placebo Controlled Food Challenge (DBPCFC), which involves administering the food orally and then denoting the signs and symptoms of the allergic response.
Many people with food allergies experience skin rashes after eating an allergenic food. © Shutterstock
Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after a person has eaten a food to which they are allergic. These symptoms can range from the annoying to the potentially fatal, and include:
- A tingling mouth
- Swelling tongue and/or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Drop in blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- Death
There are no clear treatments for food allergies. Epinephrine is sometimes used to control severe reactions, and individuals with known and dangerous allergies may get prescriptions for self-injectable devices. The only certain way to avoid allergic reactions to food is to avoid the foods that cause them. Beyond avoidance, this can mean reading food labels carefully, or even calling manufacturers for product information.
Ninety percent of food allergies are caused by these eight foods:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Wheat
- Soy
The prevalence of food allergies is a complex and growing problem. In response to this situation, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) collaborated with thirty-four professional organizations, federal agencies, and patient-advocacy groups to develop a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and managing food allergies and treating acute food allergy reactions. The guide defines various food allergies, allergens, and reactions, provides comprehensive information on the prevalence of different food allergies, tracks the history of food allergies, and reviews medical management techniques for people with food allergies.
Key Takeaways
- Unbalanced diets can cause diseases and, conversely, certain disorders and diseases can cause an inadequate intake and absorption of nutrients simulating the health consequences of an unbalanced diet.
- Unbalanced, high-fat diets can exacerbate the symptoms of GERD and IBS.
- Celiac disease and anorexia can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which compromise functioning of the organ systems and decrease health.
- Food allergies affect roughly twelve million Americans, with symptoms that range from mild to deadly. Proper diagnosis leads to better management of food allergies and sensitivities.
Discussion Starter
- The next time you visit the grocery store, be a "gluten detective" and use the ingredients list to identify all the foods you might normally purchase that contain gluten. Discuss how you can use food labels to avoid products containing gluten.


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Africa faces skyrocketing costs of climate change, projected to reach $440 billion
Africa contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions but bears a disproportionate brunt of climate change's devastating effects. A recent report by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) stresses that the continent is becoming a hotspot for climate-induced crises affecting food security, ecosystems, and economies. In turn, these strains exacerbate displacement, migration, and conflict over dwindling resources.
The rate of climate change-related temperature increase across Africa has surged in recent decades, resulting in more severe weather and climate-related hazards. The financial support for climate adaptation in the continent remains woefully inadequate, highlighting an urgent need for targeted investment.
In 2022 alone, weather, climate, and water-related hazards impacted more than 110 million people and caused over $8.5 billion in economic damage across the African continent. Moreover, roughly 5,000 fatalities were reported, mainly due to drought and flooding. However, the actual numbers are suspected to be higher owing to under-reporting.
The report identifies significant gaps in weather observation and early warning services across Africa. The chasm between what's needed and the services available remains expansive, signaling an urgent need for action. The revelations came during the Africa Climate Summit, coinciding with the release of the Early Warnings For All in Africa Action Plan.
Agriculture is central to Africa's economy, employing more than half of the labor force. Yet, climate change has driven down agricultural productivity by 34% since 1961. Coupled with this decline, food imports are predicted to triple, rising from $35 billion to $110 billion by 2025.
Projected loss and damage costs in Africa due to climate change could soar to between $290 billion and $440 billion, based on the extent of global warming. The impact of these costs will depend on various factors, including global mitigation efforts and local investment in climate adaptation.
Finally, the depletion of natural resources due to climate change could escalate conflicts over land, water, and pastures. The report indicates a rising trend in farmer-herder conflicts due to increasing land pressure, particularly in sub-Saharan countries.
The multi-agency report is a collaborative effort, drawing input from the African Union Commission, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, and specialized United Nations agencies, among others.


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Estremera Nova, Bunyola, Illes Balears, Spain htttp://www.cuinessolars.jimdo.com
Marc Ayats Plana has been working on TLUD stoves and improved low thermal mass ovens. This TLUD powered low thermal mass oven was inspired by the Anderson's Recho Rocket Oven, and uses a Champion style TLUD heating stove to power the low thermal mass earth oven.
For Marc's excellent writ-up download the pdf TLUD-OVEN Description
These are some quick notes:
He has made some changes to the TLUD style oven
- Increased primary air draft, which can apport enough oxigen to burn the charcoal generated during the gasification process and continue giving heat to the oven. Now the primary air enters around the lower perimeter of the reactor, instead of having a single inlet tube like in the original model.
- Increased the length of the riser, which also sustains the diffuser. This extra extension allows the complete combustion of gases gasification to completely remove the visible smoke in the oven.
- TLUD Reactor. Diameter: 20cm. Total length: 30cm. Fuel Height: 20cm
- TLUD Outskirt. Diameter: 22cm. Diameter central hole: 10cm. Total length: 25cm
- TLUD Riser and diffuser. Diameter: 12 cm. Total length: 30cm. Diffuser: granite piece 2cm thick and 15cm diameter
- Fuel load: 3.38Kg pellets
The Low Thermal Mass oven is based on the Haiti Rocket oven http://www.rechoroket.com
To see more pictures of the TLUD oven and the process of construction go to:
In the Oven Temperature graph, you can see the complete temperature profile. Marc did a side by side comparison of both a 20cm reactor TLUD and a smaller TLUD, with 12,5cm reactor.
"Note: the temperatures refers to the inside side of the wall oven, half way between the baking surface and the top hole. Note2: the temperatures were taken by a temperature datalogger and a type K probe."
Marc's Notes and TLUD size comparison are copied here:
Notes about 20cm TLUD test


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Sat, Nov 16
|Spookeasy Lounge
SpookEasy Ghost Tours Adult Tour 21+
Explore the Eerie Secret's of Ybor's Historic District in this Spooky Historic Ghost Tour! 21+
Time & Location
64 more dates
Nov 16, 2024, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Spookeasy Lounge, 1909 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33605, USA
About the event
Welcome to SpookEasy Tours in the captivating hostoric District of Ybor, where rich history and ghostly legends intertwine. Join us for an unforgettable evening of spine chilling stories, paranormal encounters and mysterious happenings. Prepare to be enthralled as we delve into the supernatural side if this vibrant neighborhood, with SpookEasy Lounge as our haunted home base. Are you ready to uncover the chilling tales that lurk beneath the surface? 21+
This ticket is for one person. No Refunds. 21+
$35.00+$0.88 service fee
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First lets share an understanding that I am not referring to marijuana, or cannabis used for recreational uses. While Hemp is in the same plant species as "marijuana" is NOT the same plant as marijuana, it's scientific name is "cannabis sativa l."
For thousands of years hemp was used to make dozens of commercial products like paper, rope, canvas, and textiles. In fact, the very name "canvas" comes from the Dutch word meaning cannabis, which is marijuana. That's correct, real canvas is made from Hemp!
Many years ago hemp/marijuana was unjustly banned. However, hemp has recently been rediscoverd as a plant that has enormous environmental, economic, and commercial potential. What follows are some fascinating facts about hemp/marijuana – facts that will shock most people:
The potential of hemp for paper production is enormous. According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, one acre of hemp can produce 4 times more paper than one acre of trees! All types of paper products can be produced from hemp: newsprint, computer paper, stationary, cardboard, envelopes, toilet paper, even tampons.
Paper production from hemp would eliminate the need to chop down BILLIONS of trees! MILLIONS of acres of forests and huge areas of wildlife habitat could be preserved.
Trees must grow for 20 to 50 years after planting before they can be harvested for commercial use. Within 4 months after it is planted, hemp grows 10 to 20 feet tall and it is ready for harvesting! Hemp can be grown on most farmland throughout the U.S., where forests require large tracts of land available in few locations. Substituting hemp for trees would save forests and wildlife habitats and would eliminate erosion of topsoil due to logging. Reduction of topsoil erosion would also reduce pollution of lakes/rivers/streams.
Fewer caustic and toxic chemicals are used to make paper from hemp than are used to make paper from trees – LESS POLLUTION!
Hemp can also be substituted for cotton to make textiles. Hemp fiber is 10 times stronger than cotton and can be used to make all types of clothing. Cotton grows only in warm climates and requires enormous amounts of water. Hemp requires little water and grows in all 50 states! There are now many stores in the U.S. that sell hemp-derived products such as clothing, paper, cheese, soap, ice cream, cosmetics, and hemp oil. Demand for these products – not even in existence in 1992 – is growing rapidly.
Hemp naturally repels weed growth and hemp has few insect enemies. Few insect enemies and no weed problems means hemp requires NO HERBICIDES and FEW or NO PESTICIDES!
Cotton requires enormous pesticide use. 50% of all pesticides used in the U.S. are used on cotton. Substituting hemp for cotton would drastically reduce pesticide usage!
Hemp produces twice as much fiber per acre as cotton! An area of land only 25 miles by 25 miles square (the size of a typical U.S. county) planted with hemp can produce enough fiber in one year to make 100 MILLION pair of denim jeans! A wide variety of clothing made from 100% hemp (pants, denim jeans, jackets, shoes, dresses, shorts, hats) is now available.
Building materials that substitute for wood can be made from hemp. These wood-like building materials are stronger than wood and can be manufactured cheaper than wood from trees. Using these hemp- derived building materials would reduce building costs and save even more trees!
Hemp seeds are a source of nutritious high-protien oil that can be used for human and animal consumption. Hemp oil is NOT intoxicating. Extracting protein from hemp is less expensive than extracting protein from soybeans. Hemp protein can be processed and flavored in any way soybean protein can. Hemp oil can also be used to make highly nutritious tofu, butter, cheese, salad oils, and other foods. Hemp oil can also be used to produce paint, varnish, ink, lubricating oils, and plastic susbstitues. Because 50% of the weight of a mature hemp plant is seeds, hemp could become a significant source for these products.
Most hemp-derived products are NONTOXIC, BIODEGRADABLE, and RENEWABLE!
Unlike virtually all hemp substitutes, growing hemp requires very little effort and very few resources. Most substitutes for hemp (sisal, kenaf, sugar cane) grow in limited geographical areas and none have the paper/fiber potential of hemp. Hemp can be grown in all 50 states!
Unlike many crops, hemp puts little strain on the soil and requires only moderate amounts of fertilizer. Less fertilizer use results in less runoff into waterways and groundwater; therefore, less water pollution.
Hemp produces more biomass than any plant that can be grown in the U.S. This biomass can be converted to fuel in the form of clean-burning alcohol, or no-sulphur man-made coal. Hemp has more potential as a clean and renewable energy source than any crop on earth! It is estimated that if hemp was widely grown in the U.S. for fuel/energy, it could supply 100% of all U.S. energy needs!
Marijuana has dozens of proven medicinal uses. Marijuana is more effective, less toxic, and less expensive than alternative synthetic medicines currently used. A recent poll revealed that over 50% of U.S. physicians would prescribe marijuana to their patients if it was legally available. People who suffer from arthritis, AIDS, rheumatism, leukimia, multiple sclerosis, cancer, glauocoma, and other ailments can benefit from marijuana as medicine. But because of our insane marijuana laws, people in need of this medicine are denied it. Marijuana is classified by the U.S. government as a dangerous drug with no medicinal value, a classification that is absolutely ludicrous! Marijuana is widely accepted by the medical community as having numerous proven medicinal uses – it is NOT a dangerous drug.
Hemp for rope, lubricating oil, shoe material, and other materials was in such short supply during World War II that the U.S. government temporarily re-legalized hemp so U.S. farmers could grow it for the war effort. Hemp helped us win World War II! Hemp was a common crop that was grown legally in the U.S. for commercial use until 1937.
Hemp was NOT banned because it was a harmful drug. Hemp was banned because it was a competitive threat to the wood products industry and newly developed synthetic fibers that were patentable, and therefore more profitable than hemp. Corporations that profited from the demise of hemp propagated a smear campaign against hemp by claiming that marijuana use was a major drug problem (it was not) and that marijuana use caused people to become extremely violent – another falsehood. Unfortunately, these false claims went unchallenged and Congress outlawed hemp in 1937. Unfortunately, millions of Americans still believe the lies spread about marijuana/hemp.
On the eve of marijuana prohibition in the U.S., two articles about hemp appeared in major U.S. magazines. They were:
"The Most Profitable And Desireable Crop That Can Be Grown" From: Mechanical Engineering, February 26, 1937
"New Billion Dollar Crop" From: Popular Mechanics, February 1938
These articles reveal that hemp was on the verge of becoming a super crop because of new hemp processing technologies that were recently developed. Unfortunately, the potential of hemp was never reaped because of marijuana prohibition.
Hemp is legally grown for commercial use throughout much of Europe, India, China, Russia, Ukraine. In 1994 the Canadian government approved one experimental hemp field – its first legal hemp crop in 40 years. In 1995, there will be 11 government-approved hemp fields in Canada! If the U.S. does not legalize hemp for commercial use, a significant economic and environmental opportunity will be lost; the benefits will be reaped only by our economic competitors.
>Literally millions of wild hemp plants grow throughout the entire Midwest today. Wild hemp, like hemp grown for commercial use, is USELESS as an intoxicant. It makes no sense to ban growing a plant that has enormous economic and environmental potential, grows naturally by the millions, and is impossible to exterminate. But yet, our draconian drug laws state that one acre of hemp grown on a person's property can result in the owner being sentenced to DEATH! That's correct, the DEATH PENALTY exists for growing one acre of nonintoxicating weeds!
U.S. Presidents and founding fathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp, used hemp products, and were hemp advocates. Today's political leaders–as well as the public that favors marijuana prohibition–would treat George Washington and Thomas Jefferson with disdain, brand them criminals, and throw them in prison!
"Make the most of the hemp seed, sow it everywhere." – George Washington, first president of the U.S. and hemp advocate.
This document is in the public domain.


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Put a day aside to explore Otago Peninsula, where eco-experiences range from penguin and fur seal colonies to the toe-tingling cliffs of The Chasm and Lovers Leap.
Flanking the southern edge of Dunedin's extensive harbour, Otago Peninsula is high and rugged on the ocean side; warm and sheltered on the harbour side. Volcanic in origin, the peninsula is part of the crater wall of a large, long-extinct volcano.
As a scenic drive, Otago Peninsula is spectacular. Beginning at Vauxhall, you can follow the coastal road past small settlements and beaches to Taiaroa Head, where there's an albatross colony. Other attractions near Taiaroa Head include the fur seals at Pilots Beach and sea lions on Te Rauone Beach.
The southern side of Otago Peninsula is high and rugged. Walking tracks lead to cliff lookouts, beaches, penguin nesting areas and seal colonies. At Victory Beach there's a Egyptian-looking rock formation known locally as "The Pyramids"; at Allans Beach you might see yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions.
From Portobello you can return to Dunedin via Highcliff Road, which winds along the ridge of the peninsula. Take a detour down Sandy Mount Road to find The Chasm and Lovers Leap; you can also walk to see three historic lime kilns that were in use from the 1860s until 1938. Sealpoint Road, another detour, leads to Seal Point and the track to Sandfly Bay (named for sand flying off the giant dunes rather than biting insects). Larnach Castle is also accessed from Highcliff Road.


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In about a week and a half, Field Guide to Cookies: How to Identify and Bake Virtually Every Cookie Imaginable will be officially released. I know I've mentioned that it's already begun showing up in bookstores, but just like people have birthdays, so should books! So we're sticking to the November 19th date, and I'm so excited to see the culmination of a year-long project!
I took a look back at what I wrote about Dessert First when I began it, over two years ago. In one paragraph I had written,
"I had started Dessert First as a way to combine several of my interests: baking, photography, and writing. Now it had become a springboard for me to share with world how I feel about the beauty and joy of food."
At the beginning, when I was still figuring my way about the Internet and the myriad mysteries of blogging, when all I ever intended was to document all the things I'd made in the kitchen so I wouldn't forget what I'd done, I never dreamed of how far Dessert First would take me, all the wonderful people around the world I'd meet, and all the opportunities it would afford me. I believe that right around when I started blogging, was when the first, trailblazing wave of food bloggers like Clotilde and Pim, Heidi and Molly, were starting to make the great leap from blogging as a hobby to food as a career, and to me their successes seemed a faraway, amazing goal that I might one day be able to aspire to myself. That I managed to land a cookbook of my very own in just two short years is something I still pinch myself about daily.
This has been an astonishing learning experience for me, and not the least lesson I've learned is that if you really love what you do and you keep at it, good things will come to you. It may take a lot of hard work, but anyone who has the dedication and energy to create and run a blog, I believe already possesses the qualities to be successful in many other endeavors. I learned so much doing this book, but I also realized that in many ways writing Dessert First was great practice for "the real thing": I knew what it was like to produce creative output on a regular basis; I knew about testing and writing recipes in a clear fashion; I knew about styling and photographing food attractively; I knew about working online with people I may have never met in person, corresponding and collaborating with others towards a common goal. Blogs are really such a great thing; I'm sure that's just repeating the obvious to all you other bloggers reading this, but I hope you all realize as well what a powerful platform it can be, both for yourself and for your life goals. I'm so happy that I started Dessert First, not because it helped me get a book deal, but because it also helped me improve myself in so many ways.
So! There's so much to share about Field Guide to Cookies, but I thought instead of having me just blab on about it, it would be much more fun to hear what other voices have to say about it. To that end, I've organized the official Field Guide to Cookies Blog Tour, starting tomorrow, Nov. 11th, and running through November 21th.
I enlisted nine of my favorite baking bloggers to review my cookbook and give their thoughts on it. These are some of my best friends in the blogosphere, as well as the creators of some of the loveliest and most accomplished blogs out there, and I'm very, very grateful and excited that they all agreed to do this!
Here's the schedule:
Nov. 11th – Jen of use real butter
Nov. 12th – Ari of Baking and Books
Nov. 13th – Sara of Ms. Adventures in Italy
Nov. 14th – Ivonne of Cream Puffs in Venice
Nov. 17th – Helen of Tartelette
Nov. 18th – Veronica of Veronica's Test Kitchen
Nov. 19th – Aran of Cannelle et Vanille
Nov. 20th – Bea of La Tartine Gourmande
Nov. 21st – Peabody of Culinary Concoctions by Peabody
Isn't it exciting? So many gorgeous blogs with talented bakers to visit. I can't wait for tomorrow!
I'd like to also take this chance to thank some of the many people who helped me on this book: Mindy, my publisher at Quirk Books who gave me the chance to write this cookbook; Margaret, my editor who tirelessly worked with a nervous first-time author to perfect the manuscript; Caroline, my pastry chef, who lent me invaluable advice and was an expert recipe tester – she's the most generous person I know, inside the kitchen and out; Robyn, my pastry school classmate and fellow co-worker who also contributed her time, kitchen, and encouragement to the book; Renee, who did double duty as a recipe tester and as my guide to the wild world of publishing; and Monica, who tested recipes and was also my fab hostess in New York when I traveled there.
The full acknowledgements are in the back of the book – I don't want to drag out this post by reproducing the whole thing, but I did also want to mention Mike, my super fantabulous boyfriend who probably didn't realize when I took on the book that he had agreed to long nights with me hunched over the computer, or cookie dough all over the kitchen, or panic attacks when I didn't think I could finish. He never, ever complained, and supported me unwaveringly throughout the whole journey. I love my boyfriend!
Also, I want to thank Mary Risley, owner of Tante Marie's Cooking School, where I did the professional pastry program. Mary generously agreed to host my book release party this Saturday, Nov. 15th. The current class of pastry students will be making cookies from my book, and we'll be having a little celebration!
I really wish I could have all of you faithful readers come, and what I'd like to do is extend an invitation to the book release party to the first 10 people who respond. Simply leave a comment to this post saying you'd like to attend; the first 10 people to do so will be added to the guest list. This party is in San Francisco this Saturday, so be sure you can make it to the city!
For those who can't make it, don't despair: I'll be having a giveaway of my book later during the blog tour. I also hope you can visit all the blog tour hosts and get a bigger taste of Field Guide to Cookies!
Please be on the lookout for book at all major booksellers, or you can order online. Thanks so much again for all your love and support. I'll see you all tomorrow at Jen's use real butter!


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Package iam provides the client and types for making API requests to AWS Identity and Access Management.
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a web service for securely controlling access to Amazon Web Services services. With IAM, you can centrally manage users, security credentials such as access keys, and permissions that control which Amazon Web Services resources users and applications can access. For more information about IAM, see Identity and Access Management (IAM) (http://aws.amazon.com/iam/) and the Identity and Access Management User Guide (https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/).
See https://docs.aws.amazon.com/goto/WebAPI/iam-2010-05-08 for more information on this service.
See iam package documentation for more information. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/sdk-for-go/api/service/iam/
To contact AWS Identity and Access Management with the SDK use the New function to create a new service client. With that client you can make API requests to the service. These clients are safe to use concurrently.
See the SDK's documentation for more information on how to use the SDK. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/sdk-for-go/api/
See aws.Config documentation for more information on configuring SDK clients. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/sdk-for-go/api/aws/#Config
See the AWS Identity and Access Management client IAM for more information on creating client for this service. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/sdk-for-go/api/service/iam/#New
The stub package, iamiface, can be used to provide alternative implementations of service clients, such as mocking the client for testing.


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I haven't used any patterned paper - just stamped myself- for this card and all my embellishments are handmade which is the "Get creative" challenge at The Shabby Tearoom - even the lace is handmade - by me when I was 12 (!) - using a lace making pillow like the one below. Had to include another pic to show that my lacemaking skills have improved since, but I just didn't want to sit down at tie up and hide all those loose ends 0-: for this card!!! It is also a Valentine's card for Mark's Finest paper.
Stamps are from; Waltzing Mouse, Gel-a-tins, Skipping Stones and Prickley Pears.


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Hey All!
Less than 24 hours left on the Deskcade Kickstarter! So excited!!!
On a related note, I picked up a Steam Controller to see what the hype was about. It's cool, but what's really neat is that it can be a keyboard, mouse, or gamepad at the same time, depending on the game. Whats not cool is it requires steam to be running to set that.
ynsta (Staney Marcel) is writing some code to make it run locally under Linux without the steam driver. The github repo is here: https://github.com/ynsta/steamcontroller
I've forked it (https://github.com/ssilverm/steamcontroller) and I'm going to see if I can get it running as just a joypad for now. It can currently run on the Raspberry Pi, and I can see the buttons being detected and get the feedback. It's just not being passed into a uinput item yet. Soon 😀
Also, I'm trying to get the bootsplash to work again in Raspbian Jessie. Jessie introduces Systemd, which takes over for init.d. Currently the bootsplash runs later in the startup, so by the time omxplayer starts, the login screen is about a second away from showing up. I'm working on that too.
Here's my current steps:
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/bootsplash.service
Insert this:
After=sysinit.target local-fs.target
ExecStart=/usr/bin/omxplayer /home/pi/PiPLAY.mov
Then run:
sudo systemctl enable bootsplash.service
and reboot.
You should now get a bootsplash on startup, but it may be running to late. I'm going to try and fix that.
Have a good weekend all!


text: Good News Translation The Arrest of Jesus(Matthew 26.47-56; Mark 14.43-50; Luke 22.47-53)1After Jesus had said this prayer, he left with his disciples and went across Kidron Brook. There was a garden in that place, and Jesus and his disciples went in. 2Judas, the traitor, knew where it was, because many times Jesus had met there with his disciples. 3So Judas went to the garden, taking with him a group of Roman soldiers, and some Temple guards sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees; they were armed and carried lanterns and torches. 4Jesus knew everything that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward and asked them, "Who is it you are looking for?" 5"Jesus of Nazareth," they answered. "I am he," he said. Judas, the traitor, was standing there with them. 6When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they moved back and fell to the ground. 7Again Jesus asked them, "Who is it you are looking for?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they said. 8"I have already told you that I am he," Jesus said. "If, then, you are looking for me, let these others go." ( 9He said this so that what he had said might come true: "Father, I have not lost even one of those you gave me.") 10Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the High Priest's slave, cutting off his right ear. The name of the slave was Malchus. 11 Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back in its place! Do you think that I will not drink the cup of suffering which my Father has given me?" Jesus before Annas12Then the Roman soldiers with their commanding officer and the Jewish guards arrested Jesus, tied him up, 13and took him first to Annas. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was High Priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jewish authorities that it was better that one man should die for all the people. Peter Denies Jesus(Matthew 26.69,70; Mark 14.66-68; Luke 22.55-57)15Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That other disciple was well known to the High Priest, so he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the High Priest's house, 16while Peter stayed outside by the gate. Then the other disciple went back out, spoke to the girl at the gate, and brought Peter inside. 17The girl at the gate said to Peter, "Aren't you also one of the disciples of that man?" "No, I am not," answered Peter. 18It was cold, so the servants and guards had built a charcoal fire and were standing around it, warming themselves. So Peter went over and stood with them, warming himself. The High Priest Questions Jesus(Matthew 26.59-66; Mark 14.55-64; Luke 22.66-71)19The High Priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20Jesus answered, "I have always spoken publicly to everyone; all my teaching was done in the synagogues and in the Temple, where all the people come together. I have never said anything in secret. 21Why, then, do you question me? Question the people who heard me. Ask them what I told them—they know what I said." 22When Jesus said this, one of the guards there slapped him and said, "How dare you talk like that to the High Priest!" 23Jesus answered him, "If I have said anything wrong, tell everyone here what it was. But if I am right in what I have said, why do you hit me?" 24Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to Caiaphas the High Priest. Peter Denies Jesus Again(Matthew 26.71-75; Mark 14.69-72; Luke 22.58-62)25Peter was still standing there keeping himself warm. So the others said to him, "Aren't you also one of the disciples of that man?" But Peter denied it. "No, I am not," he said. 26One of the High Priest's slaves, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, spoke up. "Didn't I see you with him in the garden?" he asked. 27Again Peter said "No"—and at once a rooster crowed. Jesus before Pilate(Matthew 27.1,2,11-14; Mark 15.1-5; Luke 23.1-5)28Early in the morning Jesus was taken from Caiaphas' house to the governor's palace. The Jewish authorities did not go inside the palace, for they wanted to keep themselves ritually clean, in order to be able to eat the Passover meal. 29So Pilate went outside to them and asked, "What do you accuse this man of?" 30Their answer was, "We would not have brought him to you if he had not committed a crime." 31Pilate said to them, "Then you yourselves take him and try him according to your own law." They replied, "We are not allowed to put anyone to death." ( 32 This happened in order to make come true what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he would die.) 33Pilate went back into the palace and called Jesus. "Are you the king of the Jews?" he asked him. 34Jesus answered, "Does this question come from you or have others told you about me?" 35Pilate replied, "Do you think I am a Jew? It was your own people and the chief priests who handed you over to me. What have you done?" 36Jesus said, "My kingdom does not belong to this world; if my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities. No, my kingdom does not belong here!" 37So Pilate asked him, "Are you a king, then?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth. Whoever belongs to the truth listens to me." 38"And what is truth?" Pilate asked. Jesus Is Sentenced to Death(Matthew 27.15-31; Mark 15.6-20; Luke 23.13-25)Then Pilate went back outside to the people and said to them, "I cannot find any reason to condemn him. 39But according to the custom you have, I always set free a prisoner for you during the Passover. Do you want me to set free for you the king of the Jews?" 40They answered him with a shout, "No, not him! We want Barabbas!" (Barabbas was a bandit.) Good News Translation® (Today's English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Bible text from the Good News Translation (GNT) is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by American Bible Society, 101 North Independence Mall East, Floor 8, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2155 (www.americanbible.org). Learn more at www.gnt.bible . Discover .BIBLE resources for your ministry at www.get.bible/gnt Bible Hub |


text:
Listen to this audio recording, based on the Word of GOD, now!
Scriptures Referenced
John 14:17 Amplified Bible (AMP)
17 the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart]
because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because
He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.
2 Corinthians 4:4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
4 among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds
of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating
light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
James 4:13-15 Amplified Bible (AMP)
13 Come now [and pay attention to this], you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go
to such and such a city, and spend a year there and carry on our business and make a profit."
14 [a]Yet you do not know [the least thing] [b]about what may happen in your life tomorrow.
[What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or
a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then
vanishes [into thin air].
15 Instead [c]you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and we will do this or that."
Mark 16:17 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
James 1:22 New King James Version (NKJV)
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
James 4:6 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
6 But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says,
but gives grace to the humble."
2 Corinthians 13:5 Amplified Bible (AMP)
5 Examine and test and evaluat
and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves
Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience]
that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected?
Galatians 6:3 New King James Version (NKJV)
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
1 Corinthians 8:2 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
2 Those who think they know something do not yet know anything as they should.
Luke 10:26-28 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?"
27 He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
28 And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live."


text:
Coordinated by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), GEA was led by some of the world's leading energy experts in research, academia, business, industry and policy, representing both the developed and the developing world. GEA is the first ever fully integrated energy assessment that analyzes energy challenges, opportunities and strategies, for developing, industrialized and emerging economies. It is supported by government and non-governmental organizations, the United Nations Systems, and the private sector.
The Assessment was subjected to rigorous and independent analysis and review.
The GEA final report was launched during Rio+20, and is currently available for purchase. A copy of the GEA Summary Document is available online. Click here to your order your copy from Cambridge University Press now!
The GEA provides policy-relevant analysis and guidance to governments and intergovernmental organizations, decision-support material to the commercial sector (energy service companies, investors and others), and analysis relevant to academic institutions. It provides technical guidance for implementing measures aimed at mitigating climate change and sustainable consumption of resources, for example the GEA:
Please use the following reference for this report:
GEA, 2012: Global Energy Assessment - Toward a Sustainable Future, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria.
Export Citation (RIS Format)
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International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
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Phone: (+43 2236) 807 0 Fax:(+43 2236) 71 313


text:
The pink wine that got a bad rap for years has become synonymous with summer. Rosé is fashionable, complex and fresh. Even Brad and Angelina are in the rosé business. But why now?
For years, pink or blush wines were sweet — too sweet for serious wine drinkers. And the drier French varieties were an afterthought: Once the juice for a red wine was pressed and concentrated, the leftover juice was drunk primarily by folks along the Mediterranean as a light beverage during warmer months.
"When it was getting warmer in southern France, we couldn't drink big, tannic wines," said Bobby Kacher, a premium French wine importer based in Washington, D.C., who works with growers in France. "We drank according to how we were dressed." But the technology, Kacher said, was not there to make a refined product.
During the 1990s, growers in Provence, where most rosé comes from, started getting serious about making a rosé that was good and would sell. They began designating vineyards to grow grapes specifically to make rosé. French growers also invested in refrigeration and stainless steel tanks, as the fermentation for rosé wines takes place at cooler temperatures.
Kacher, who invested in the early technology introduced in France, said growers also invested in a separate press for making rosé. "We were trying to make something explosively fresh," he said.
Kacher first started importing rosé to the U.S. in the late '90s and met with some resistance. When people saw pink, they thought zinfandel — not a sophisticated option. Since then, the pink wine's reputation has seen some ups and downs, but now, "It's cool to sit in your garden and have a perfect bottle of pink to start your meal," Kacher said. And, he added, it's a great substitute for beer.
"I've been waiting years for people to discover how great rosés are," said Chris Phelps, winemaker for Swanson Vineyards, which produces rosé in Napa Valley.
Well, they are now. According to the French customs agency and the Provence Wine Council, exports of rosé wine to the U.S. from Provence climbed 40 percent in volume in 2013.
As we've reported, the U.S. recently surpassed France as the world's top wine consumer. But France is still way ahead when it comes to rosé: In 2012 it led with 36 percent of consumption worldwide, followed by the U.S. at 13 percent, according to Vins de Provence, an association of Provence wine producers.
Though the U.S., Argentina, South Africa, Russia and Chile and other countries are producing rosé, France dominates production, too.
MacArthur Beverages, which has been selling fine wines and spirits in Washington, D.C., since the 1950s, has more than 50 different rosés in stock this year, compared with only a handful just a few years ago.
It has been hard to get people's heads around dry rosé, says Michael Cooperman, education manager for Napa Valley Vintners, explaining the wine's long road to acceptance. But, along with improved winemaking methods, its popularity also can be attributed to its affordability — you can find a good bottle for $20 or less. In fact, the average price per bottle of rosé increased from $15.38 in 2011 to just $16.38 by 2013.
When you're looking at all those bottles, you'll notice that some rosés are deeper pink and others lighter. This is an indication of how long the juice of the grape was in contact with the grape skin during the winemaking process. Once the grapes are crushed, the juice has "skin contact" with the grape skin for a brief time, sometimes as little as a day, depending on what color and aroma the winemaker is trying to achieve. The juice is then separated. The darker the rosé, the longer the juice has had contact with the grape skin.
Beautiful color and technical attributes aside, rosés come in handy when outfitting a dinner party with a light, tasty beverage. Cooperman said rosés have a nice acidity no matter the grape variety, and match well with white meat, and both sweet and savory foods. They don't have a lot of tannin and typically no oak, which makes them versatile. "It's not a big, impactful wine," Cooperman added.
So, where do you start? It's simple: Kacher recommended picking a 2013 label and drinking it very cold.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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Hydraulics manufacturers work to reduce noise
April 20, 1998
Park Ridge, IL--When it comes to hydraulic noise, engineers around the globe agree on one simple fact: Hydraulic noise comes from hydraulic pumps--right?
Wrong. Although thousands of engineers believe otherwise, the fact is that the loudest hydraulic noise is rarely generated by the pump. "Customers often think it's the pump," explains Paul Baumgartner, a Vickers applications engineer. "But when you give them a replacement pump, they usually find that the noise level hasn't changed. That's when they realize that the pump is not the problem."
Baumgartner says he recently fielded a call from a customer who was understandably frustrated over the noise emanating from his hydraulic system. The customer blamed his hydraulic pump, saying that it was five decibels (db(A)) too loud.
When Baumgartner and other Vickers engineers examined the pump, however, they found no problem. Instead, they traced the noise to a different locale: a bolt on the side of the hydraulic system's reservoir had been over-tightened, thus damaging the isolation material beneath it. Result: The reservoir resonated like a drum. "By tightening or loosening the bolt, we could produce almost any sound we wanted," he recalls.
For Baumgartner, such experiences are all too common. But their existence serves to point out one of the realities in the battle against hydraulic noise: Hydraulic noise sources are many and varied.
Quieter products. At one time, the popular image of the noisy pump held some truth. But in recent years, hydraulic pump manufacturers have taken pains to reduce noise levels. The reason: Industry now demands it.
Some automakers, for example, have taken the lead in noise reduction efforts by standardizing noise levels at certain plants. Maximum noise levels at those plants typically range from 75-80 db(A) at full flow and full pressure. Some plants also call for reduction in maximum motor operating speeds--from 1,800 to 1,200 rpm.
OSHA's maximum permissible exposure limit for noise is 90 decibels, measured as an 8-hour, time-weighted average. OSHA also requires a hearing conservation program if workers are subjected to a noise level that equals or exceeds 85 db(A) for more than 8 hours daily as a time-weighted average.
To meet the demand for reduced noise, pump manufacturers have made their new products downright stealthy. Parker Hannifin, for example, recently introduced the PFVI, a vane pump with a hydraulically balanced rotor and vane assembly, which cuts noise. Last fall, Parker also rolled out the PVP-100 axial piston pump, another product aimed at reducing noise for industrial customers. Similarly, Commercial Intertech, Youngstown, OH, has rolled out the Ultra PowerMax Stealth, a gear pump that operates on the principle that a low amplitude pressure ripple will significantly reduce system noise and vibration. The firm's engineers say that the pump has reduced noise levels from 3-11 db(A) in tests.
One of the most profound changes in noise reduction technology, however, is still the Integrated Motor-Pump from Vickers. The Integrated Motor-Pump dramatically reduces noise by eliminating the cooling fan from pump-motor assembly. Instead of air cooling, the Integrated Motor-Pump employs hydraulic oil cooling. As a result, Vickers engineers were able to surround the unit in a sound shroud without concern for reduced air flow.
Introduced in 1994, the Integrated Motor-Pump has made in-roads at theme parks and in factories around the world. Nuova Plastic Metal, Chiampo, Italy, recently incorporated the Integrated Motor-Pump in its Dynamika Series of plastic injection molding machines, resulting in noise reductions of 70%, the company says. The reason for the dramatic change, Nuova engineers say, is that the unit's electric motors used to be located outside the machine, whereas the motor-pump can now be placed internally. For workers, they say, the results are dramatic. "In the average plastics processing plant, normal conversations were almost impossible because of the noise," notes Merrick Adelstein of Nuova. "But when we run this machine at exhibits, we have no problem talking to customers."
Structure-borne noise common. Reduction in pump and motor noise, however, hasn't eliminated the problem of noise in general. The reason is that any part of a hydraulic system can start buzzing, whining, or banging, given the proper conditions. "The pump-motor is the source of energy, and everything else you hear is the result of it," explains Paul Smith, manager of industrial applications engineering for Vickers.
As a result, hydraulic noise levels of 85-90 db(A) are still commonplace. And that's significant, when you consider that noise levels double for each increase of 3 db(A).
Still, hydraulics industry engineers insist that high noise levels shouldn't be the norm. Much of today's noise is structure-borne and can be easily minimized, they say. To accomplish that, they offer a series of common sense design recommendations for any hydraulic system. Those include:
- Isolate manifolds.
- Use rubber grommets between the manifolds and frames.
- Isolate pump-motor assemblies from reservoirs by employing isolation mounts or shock mounts.
- Use cast iron motors.
- Operate motors at lower rpms and use larger pumps to compensate.
- Wherever possible, use rubber hose instead of steel tubing.
- Employ elastomeric or polymer-type clamps for hoses.
- Don't use metal on metal.
- Don't undersize pumps.
Engineers explain the rationale behind some of these recommendations. "When you rigidly mount a manifold to a frame, you make the whole frame vibrate," explains Jennifer Hoey, an engineer for Parker Hannifin's Hydraulic Pump/Motor Division, Ostego, MI. "If you use isolation, much of the noise disappears."
"The more rigid the plumbing, the more opportunity there is to transmit vibration and noise through your system," explains Scott Kane, technical services manager for Parker Hannifin's Fluid Connectors Group.
"If you undersize your pump, it will whine when it tries to supply the flow you need," Kane says.
Industry engineers say that it's important for users to remember that most noise is simply a byproduct of the resistance to flow. As a result, much of that noise is structural, rather than component-borne. "None of the components are inherently responsible for the noise that's produced," notes Brian Burgess, product manager for fixed displacement products for Parker Hannifin. "Most noise is the result of work being done in the hydraulic circuit."
Do you have a noise problem?
If the measured noise level exceeds your motor and pump's db(A) rating plus 3 decibels, there's a strong probability you have structure-borne noise.
Pump up the volume
TYPICAL SOUND LEVELSdb(A)
Jet aircraft140
Elevated train120
Subway train110
Noisy industrial plant100
Noisy office80
Average street noise70
Typical office noise60
School classroom40
- Noise output levels for pumps may be higher or lower, depending on the pump's horsepower, operating environment, and amount of structure-born noise.
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Let's start with the basics: Stepan Bandera was born in 1909 in what is now western Ukraine. In 1959, the Soviet Union's KGB poisoned Bandera with cyanide and he died in Munich, West Germany.
Between those two dates, black and white quickly fades to gray.
In western Ukraine, many see him as a freedom fighter who battled domination by the Soviet Union and other European powers before and during World War II. They see themselves as the heirs to Bandera's struggle.
In eastern Ukraine, Bandera has entirely different connotations. Pro-Russian separatists see him as an ally of Hitler, a fascist who was responsible for killing tens of thousands.
This is no dusty, historical debate. His name has been on Ukrainian lips since political turmoil began shaking the country last winter. More than a half-century after his death, he is one of the most important and divisive characters in Ukraine's current drama.
"Everybody knows Bandera took the side of fascist Germany during World War II," said a musician named Valery, when asked about Bandera in the eastern city of Donetsk.
So which was he: Freedom fighter or fascist? Hero or villain?
"There are few topics in contemporary European modern history which are so divisive and [contentious] as the status of Stepan Bandera," says historian Per Rudling of the University of Lund in Sweden.
In the 1930s, Bandera fought for Ukrainian independence. Ukrainian lands were divided between huge, powerful neighbors. Germany, Poland and the Soviet Union all saw Ukraine as a useful tool.
"The only way to change this order would be a total overhaul of the entire European security order," says Rudling. "And there, of course, the Germans would be the catalyst for this."
So Bandera's group did pledge allegiance to Hitler's Nazi Germany. Bandera said he wanted ideological and ethnic purity for Ukraine. The Germans ultimately turned against Bandera and arrested him.
Bandera's Order of Ukrainian Nationalists also did some violent things in pursuit of sovereignty. Jews and Polish people were massacred.
"The fight was violent. It was killing, gruesome killings, against all the perceived enemies," says political scientist Gulnaz Sharafutdinova of King's College London. "There were strong powers around that little part of Ukraine, western Ukraine, so it was a really hard fight."
Many of these details have only come out recently, since the KGB, the CIA and others have declassified records. The question is whether a person who's involved in the death of tens of thousands of people can also be a political hero.
"Heroes are written in the aftermath and retrospectively, and a lot of the inconvenient facts are usually written off," says Sharafutdinova. "History is written by the winners, right?"
In 2010, Ukraine's government officially recognized Bandera as a national hero, a move that was condemned by the European Parliament among others. The next year, a new government annulled that award after a domestic and international outcry.
Meanwhile, Russia's propaganda machine has worked for the past half-century to portray Bandera as an unvarnished villain.
At the U.N. Security Council in March, Russia's U.N. envoy Vitaly Churkin gave a speech all about the Ukrainian nationalist.
"It is deeply disturbing that the followers of Bandera are openly marching these days in Ukraine," Churkin said, "displaying his portraits and fascist insignia, and are wielding considerable political power in Kiev."
Even Bandera's descendents are part of this fight. His grandson lives in Canada and declined an interview request but pointed me to a blog post he'd written about "Bandera-bashing." In the post, Bandera's daughter says the family name "has been allowed to be maligned and slandered publicly."
During Stepan Bandera's life, the Ukrainian nationalist became a sort of political football. Imprisoned, released and ultimately killed by the huge global powers that saw him as a useful tool at various times. Now that Ukraine is in upheaval again, his legacy is being subjected to the same tug-of-war.
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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The County offers a unique opportunity to enjoy natural California beauty and nature, or music, arts and culture - from the waters of the Delta to the vast vineyards, San Joaquin County has it all. The region boasts some of the finest opportunities in the state for boating, fishing, camping, history-gathering, or just plain fun in the sun. For those times when a change of pace is desired, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park are all within 90 minutes of San Joaquin County.
San Joaquin County is one of the most agriculturally rich regions in California. Twenty-four thousand acres of farmland are dedicated to the production of asparagus. Wine grapes are also a leading crop in the county and wineries and vineyards have sprung up from Stockton to Lodi. Lodi was named Wine Enthusiasts Wine Region of the Year in 2015.
The regional arts and culture scene offers treasures such as the Haggin Museum, San Joaquin County Historical Museum, and the Children's Museum of Stockton. The Stockton Symphony, San Joaquin County Ballet, Bob Hope Theater, and Stockton Civic Center are popular venues for entertainment.
San Joaquin County also has a robust educational environment. The County's 17 school districts provide families with a wide array of choices for their children's educational development. The University of the Pacific, California State University, Stanislaus - Stockton Center, Humphreys College and School of Law, National University and San Joaquin Delta Community College offer a variety of choices for advanced education.
Homes and apartments are plentiful and the median home price in the San Joaquin County is affordable compared to other nearby areas. Convenient, comfortable housing is available in most sections of the County. New homes abound in both the south and north area; historic homes are found primarily in central Stockton and downtown Lodi.
One of the richest benefits offered to County employees is the opportunity to be a public servant and provide essential services to the constituents of San Joaquin County. Employees are proud that their hard work makes a difference in the community and receive great satisfaction that there is a link between their service and the betterment of the quality of life in San Joaquin County.
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There are many opportunities for career progression within San Joaquin County in the fields of accounting, clerical support, dispatching, medical records, hospital patient registration, social services, eligibility work, social service case management, public safety, and many other areas. Visit our website to see classification descriptions of positions and to seek information about County departments.
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There has been much speculation over the Beckham brood's decision to relocate to London from LA, with many putting it down to David's next sporting move after his contract with football team LA Galaxy expired. But it seems that the relocation may be more to do with matriarch Victoria's dedication to her London-based fashion label. The fashion designer was keen to be closer to her brand's headquarters in the capital's Battersea, according to a source that revealed all to Radar Online. "Victoria couldn't handle managing her lucrative fashion line from Los Angeles any more because it's based in London," they said.
Apparently being "often up in the middle of the night having conference calls with her staff across the Pond" became a bit too much. Last year, the mum-of-four admitted that she was finding juggling her transatlantic responsibilities trying, with the time difference often leaving her exhausted. "I have a lot on my plate," she said. "I'm not going to lie about it, I'm tired. I'm really tired. I'm basically just like any woman who's working and has lots of children – it's tough." She continued: "I'm not getting much sleep at all. Harper's not sleeping that great, and I've been taking Skype business calls throughout the night too because of the collections. I'm up with the baby as all mums are and I wouldn't have it any other way. There's not a team of people doing it for me." David and Victoria are said to have taken their three sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz out of school half way through the academic year. And while they are pleased with their decision, they are taking time to readjust to life in Britain.
"David's main role right now is supporting Victoria in getting the family settled back into life in London," the source continued. "They are happy to be back. "David is reportedly pondering his next career move, which may involve taking part-ownership of a professional team. The family are said to be renting a lavish £20 million property in South London from Touker Suleyman, boss of fashion chains Ghost and Hawes & Curtis. They scoured the capital looking for a potential new home including in upmarket areas including Mayfair, Clapham and Holland Park but opted to rent property for the next 12 months in Kensington rather than buy, until David's next move is certain. After announcing in November he was leaving LA Galaxy, the 37-year-old sportsman has been linked to clubs in in the UK, France and China, though nothing has been decided yet. One thing's for certain, retirement is out of the question. "I said I wanted to continue playing as long as possible. So we'll see what age I finish at," he said in an interview last year. "I love the game, so I want to continue playing it."


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Brittney Corrigan is the author of the poetry collections Navigation, 40 Weeks, and most recently, Breaking, a chapbook responding to events in the news over the past several years. Daughters, a series of persona poems in the voices of daughters of various characters from folklore, mythology, and popular culture, is forthcoming from Airlie Press in September, 2021. Corrigan was raised in Colorado and has lived in Portland, Oregon for the past three decades, where she is an alumna and employee of Reed College. She is currently at work on her first short story collection and on a collection of poems about climate change and the Anthropocene age.
Brittney's poem, "Whale Fall", originally published in Thalia:
The ocean's innumerable tiny mouths await the muffled impact like baby birds. Sediment clouds up at the deadened settling, and the flesh is set upon. How the weight of loss can be beautiful in its opening. Luminous worms undulate like party streamers as isopods and lobsters arrive to feast. This body holds an ecosystem unto itself: species found nowhere else but here, cleaved to the sunken remains. Sleeper sharks move in slow and gentle, ease the messy carcass to gleaming bones. And then, how the skeletal rafters of grief fuzz and bloom. How sometimes the coldest depths allow for such measured undoing. All the while hungry lives swarm and spread, come to stay. Limpets attach to the unhidden core. Sorrow in its abundance crushes, cycles, feeds. How the body rests, rich in what sustains.
Brittney's poem, "Iteration", originally published in Feral:
after the Aldabra rail One flightless bird evolves twice, before and after extinction. Collective bodies remember what it is to feel safe. You remember this, too. Before the world came lapping. A coral atoll—lagoon brimming with black-tipped sharks, no people—flourishes. Giant tortoises wander between turquoise worlds of sea and sky. The birds have no reason to fly away. A body with no enemies simplifies. There was a time when you didn't need wings. Nothing is wasted. The birds push their long, ruddy necks through the coastal grass. Nothing chases them down. There was a time when you never looked behind you. The first time the ocean takes the island, every species on it goes extinct. A mass drowning. Thousands of years later, the water recedes. Fossils and sand surface; flora blooms. The bird's white-throated cousins land on the shores. There was a time when your throat was open to the sky. The bird evolves again. Again relinquishes its wings. Again has no enemies. Again is a singular kind of being. You can do this, too. Sharks circle but can't cross land. Bodies remold. Bodies wingless. Bones tell stories. Versions of stories. You recolonize your body. What it is to survive.
Brittney's poem, "Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit", originally published in The Wild Word:
The night a neighbor girl knocks on our door, baby rabbit in the bowl of her hands, I place it in a darkened box of straw, know it won't make it to morning. My grandmother's tradition for the first day of each month: stand at the edge of the bed upon waking, make a wish, yell Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit! and jump. Tiny rabbit body in my palm, soft and cold and still. Rabbit sitting on the moon, pestling herbs for the gods. A chant of white or grey rabbits to ward off smoke. The Black Rabbit of Inlé: his taking of this small life, his taking of my grandmother when I was still small. I must give this little un-rabbit back to the ground. Oh, to be so frightened that your heart cannot go on. But first, I must wake my young child. On this first of the month, I ease tangles separate through my hands. Sense something quivering just beneath what's real as I leave the room. From down the hall, I hear the bedframe sigh. Little undone heart cupped in my hands. Little voice shouting a herd of rabbits onto the floorboards. I hop from foot to foot as they run past.
The following is an interview conducted on April 28, 2021, by Superstition Review's Poetry Editor, Carolina Quintero. It is in regards to Brittney's works, writing process, and inspirations.
Carolina Quintero: Hello, Brittney! Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview with me. I really enjoyed reading your poetry. You have such a passion for animals and our environment and you put their importance into beautiful words. I also thought it was really striking and genius how you connect animal life to human life…Your writing frequently involves animals and the environment. What experiences or special interests have driven you to center your writing around this topic?
Brittney Corrigan: I've been drawn to animals and the natural world since I was a small child. I grew up in the gorgeous landscape of Colorado where my family spent a lot of time in the mountains and generally outdoors. And when I wasn't playing outside or surrounded by a zoo's worth of pets, I was watching episodes of Wild Kingdom. For years I wanted to become a marine biologist, drawn to the ocean and its creatures from my land-locked home. Though I've always felt connected with and protective of the environment, living in Oregon for the past three decades—with its wild coasts, wild animals, and wildfires—has strengthened that affinity and resolve. As the realities of climate change have made their way into my consciousness over the years—from my founding of an "environmental action club" in high school in the 1980s, to my love for the flora and fauna of the place where I live, to raising up my children in a world fraught with natural disasters and extinctions—I wanted to move toward action to preserve this planet and the life forms with which we share it, beginning with bringing awareness to these issues through my writing.
CQ: Your poems carry thorough knowledge about animals and ecosystems. What inspires you to learn about this?
BC: Voracious curiosity! I subscribe to countless email newsletters that showcase all things weird, wild, and wonderful (such as Atlas Obscura and National Geographic), and I love listening to podcasts of that ilk, as well (such as RadioLab and Ologies). I keep a running document of links to articles and oddities I find particularly fascinating that I come back to time and again to mine ideas for my work. In both my science-oriented poetry and my short fiction, the research is one of my favorite parts of the writing process. I love diving headlong into educating myself about a place or a species that I haven't encountered before or that I just want to learn more about. In a high school English class, my teacher once presented me with a quote by Henry James: "Be one of the people on whom nothing is lost!" I carry that desire to notice, explore, and elucidate the world around me into my writing life.
CQ: What advocacy do you hope your poems will achieve? What audience do you hope your poems will reach?
BC: By bringing the plight of various ecosystems and species into my work, I hope to make what can seem like an overwhelming problem to tackle both particular and personal. I think if folks feel connected to the natural world and its creatures in specific, tangible ways, they will want to help and make change in small, meaningful ways. I hope that my poems reach folks of many interests, backgrounds, and generations and move them to learn more, and to do more, to combat climate change, extinction, and the effects of our current Anthropocene age.
CQ: What are your poetic influences as of late?
BC: My current favorite poets are Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Ada Limón, Ross Gay, Natalie Diaz, and Camille Dungy. I'm also enjoying reading essays on topics of extinction and the natural world by writers such as Michelle Nijhuis, Alison Hawthorne Deming, Elena Passarello, Linda Hogan, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs.
CQ: What advice would you give to young writers?
BC: I would say start with what you know and move outward toward your passions and ideas or topics you want to find out more about. First write for yourself, and then, when you are ready to share your writing with others, find your people. Seek out your fellow writers and readers with whom to share your work. Find a group of folks you trust and can share your roughest drafts with, and also find the mentors whose feedback will help your writing become stronger. And don't be afraid to write outside of the boundaries you've been taught or the parameters you've been given. Break the rules and bust the genres open.
CQ: What are you currently working on in your writing?
BC: I recently completed a manuscript of poems about climate change, extinction, and the Anthropocene age. I'm now exploring those same topics in my first collection of short stories. As to poetry, I think science, ecology, and the natural world will always find their way into my work. I'm not sure exactly what's next, but I've no doubt it will reveal itself to me, like bright animal eyes blinking out of the dark.


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- Smith's Bible Dictionary
- Easton's Bible Dictionary
- Nave's Topical Bible.
« Camp | Camphire | Cana » |
(Heb. copher), mentioned in Cant. 1:14 (R.V., "henna-flowers"); 4:13 (R.V., "henna"), is the al-henna of the Arabs, a native of Egypt, producing clusters of small white and yellow odoriferous flowers, whence is made the Oleum Cyprineum. From its leaves is made the peculiar auburn dye with which Eastern women stain their nails and the palms of their hands. It is found only at Engedi, on the shore of the Dead Sea. It is known to botanists by the name Lawsonia alba or inermis, a kind of privet, which grows 6 or 8 feet high. The margin of the Authorized Version of the passages above referred to has "or cypress," not with reference to the conifer so called, but to the circumstance that one of the most highly appreciated species of this plant grew in the island of Cyprus.
« Camp | Camphire | Cana » |