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It's getting to that time of year when we all go in search of a beautiful country pub with a warm fire and good food. That's exactly what The Baiting House wanted to offer its customers when the team there first approached us. The problem? They wanted their identity, signage and menus all to reflect the quality customers could expect from the new refurbishment.
The logo we created was able to get across all the elements on offer at the pub in a simple and contemporary way. Illustrated hops were used along with the date to showcase the pub's history, while the colour ways were warm and inviting. The menus, too, were changed so all elements of the design worked together in harmony.
The new signage and design has immediately refreshed the look and feel of the pub and feedback from customers has been really positive. As the cold creeps in this winter, we've no doubt many people will be making their way to this pub in search of some warmth this year.


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After furnace failures, Richmond families get new lodging
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – A Virginia hotel operator is offering free rooms to dozens of Richmond families dealing with broken heating systems in their public housing apartments.
Shamin Hotels CEO Neil Amin told the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Thursday that the Creighton Court residents who take him up will be given rooms at a hotel about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the complex.
The city's Redevelopment and Housing Authority announced some residents will also be offered vacant public housing units elsewhere in the city.
The housing authority has faced pointed criticism this week after the heating system failures left about 50 families relying on space heaters amid frigid temperatures.
The agency's director said the city is in the process of seeking contractors to make repairs and has to complete a legally required bidding process.

subset: commoncrawl


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'Arena' 2012, Domaine Mosse, Savennières, France
Agnés and René Mosse produce wonderfully characterful Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley, firm followers of an organic and biodynamic philosophy from vineyard to winery. 'Arena' is a single vineyard plot of just 0.45 hectares. A vivacious, energetic wine which reveals apricot and quince, with a mineral core. Chenin Blanc in top gear.


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Well now you do!
It's really cool because you can get free stuff like albums and other apps,for example I got as a welcome gift an EP from Lorde!
A funny version of it is the 12 days of disney app which is the same thing except of the fact that everything is about disney!!!
Have fun while using!!!!


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old water galvanized pipe was used in older homes. The original thought was that it did not rust like traditional black iron pipe. What later was discovered was that it will and did rust from the inside out.
You have seen the pictures of the plaque/cholesterol that builds up in our arteries. Look at these pictures and I'm sure you will agree the pipe looks a lot like the artery pictures.
The oxygen in the water reacts with the iron in the pipe and then POOF, there is a build up. An easy way to identify this problem is turn on a faucet where the water has not run for a while. IF a blast of red water runs out with some loose pieces of rust, there is rust in the pipe.
How bad is this problem? It really depends on how old are the pipes. The older the house, the more deposits will be inside the pipe.
We all depend on good safe clean water for our survival. The rust (iron oxide) is a common problem and not anything to be overly concerned about. The biggest difference is the amount of time it will take you to take a shower, fill up a glass of water or fill your washing machine.
The inside diameter of the galvanized pipe will reduce the flow of water proportional to the size of the blockage. Sounds like an ad for cholesterol medicine doesn't it?
The only method I ever heard of to fix this problem was to replace the galvanized pipe. A chemical cleaner may remove the rust. It may also eat the metal away and then you will have leaks to fix. Or, it may clean out the pipes for a short time just to start rusting again.
Replace the pipes if this is a problem.
A good plumber can manage this without destroying the inside of your house. Expect the cost to be more than your average plumbing job.
Now the choice becomes copper pipe or plastic pipe.
- Discuss the options carefully and do not focus on just the cost.
- Compare the prices of at least three reputable plumbers and see what their guarantee is.
- Then lock one into a time table with time/performance guarantees. I really hate it when a contractor starts a job, then leaves to start another job and treats my job as if it was a part time project. I also have deadlines to have a project finished and if they are not met they cost me money.
Remember, once you find a good plumber, keep his name and tell all your friends about him.


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Take Trove with you on the go!
Incorrect color in three of the four photos. Please see photo #4 for correct coloring. Known for their impeccable quality & style, the oh so popular among collectors, is this amazing Maitland-Smith wingback chair. This large vintage Brown Distressed Leather Wingback Chair is in excellent condition. This chair has been in a formal room that isn't used. Vintage and will only increase in value. The coloring of the photos is not representative of the wood or leather on the chair. It is not orange. The final photo, #4, showing the upper corner of the chair depicts more of an accurate color. 33" deep x 36" wide x 47" tall
Now you can make offers on the web
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You can do this and much more on the mobile app. Give it a try.


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Here's the finished product.
Now let's get started!
First prime your eyes with an eye shadow primer.
Products used
- Too Faced Romantic Palette
- Maybelline The Falsies Flared Mascara
- Urban Decay Primer Potion
- Maybelline Gel Liner
- Maybelline Line Express Pencil Liner
- Random brushes
Disclaimer - The product was not sent to me. I purchased with my own money.


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About Middleburg
Welcome to Middleburg Folk Art Studio! The studio of artist Susan Havens-Morris we create original papier mache and fabric sculptures in a very unique way. Recently transplanted from St. Charles, Illinois to beautiful North Carolina, where we purchased a historic 1880 farm called Nehucky Farm. We hope you enjoy spending time here reading about our life, love of all things old and the art we create.
More art can be found on our site: http://www.MiddleburgFolkArtStudio.com and http://www.Middleburg.etsy.com
3 Responses so far »
I received one of your roosters for Christmas from my son,Dean. I just love your work and hope to get more pieces in the future .Thanks for sharing your talent. JoDell Ricker
Hi Love your work…….what new…..talk to greg today


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Gamorreans are a pig-like alien race from the planet Gamorr in the Outer Rim Territories who serve the Hutts as guards.
Gamorreans were first seen in Return of the Jedi.
Notable Gamorreans
- Gartogg
- Gowski
- Gurnot
- Squeaky
- Thurg
- Jubnuk
Disney Parks
A Gamorrean guard appears as a meetable character during Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
- The Gamorreans resemble some of Maleficent's goons from Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
External Links


text: This is a book that every high schooler should read. It deal with some very difficult topics but I think the discussions it provokes and has within are very important. It has an unusual premise with the reader knowing about the crime and the crime already having happened. This is different than the characters discovering a crime or trying to prevent one. This allows the story to go in a different direction than normal. This is about the aftermath of rape and violence towards women. This shows the significance of it and how it affects not just the person that was affected but also the people around her. I found the story to be slow at first but as the characters got more in depth and the further into the story I got, the better and better it got. As I was getting further into it, I was afraid that there was going to be some annoying love triangles, but the author did not tarnish the story with those. The story felt more about the importance of relationships and they were romantic relationships, yes, but it was a proper and loving one that was not just the lovey-dovey kind that is often portrayed. This felt more real and relatable (even to someone who has never been in a relationship) I also felt that it set up a good model of a relationship showing the depth and respect behind them. The topics that this book discusses are very important and I think that it handles it well. Coupled with the unusual plot line, I would say that this would be a great way to introduce a high schooler into this discussion (it is most definitely not for middle schoolers).


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Most shopping cart back-ends are mighty complicated to configure as soon as you get past the basics. Not WebXcart. We've designed our proprietary e-commerce system to be so easy to use, it's like stocking a shelf of canned corn. And there isn't a function you can imagine that it won't handle. Take a look at some of the "shelves" we've designed.
Error! You must specify a value for the Video ID, Width, Height and Anchor parameters to use this shortcode!


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Pop Shades Wall Mural
Create your design in made to measure formatMade to measure
Product Details
- Available in 2 sizes - L 3.0m (wide) x 2.4m (high) or XL 3.5m (wide) x 2.8m (high)
- Mural supplied in 1 roll of 6 easy to manage 500mm wide strips (7 x 500mm strips for XL)
- Printed on a high quality non-woven wallpaper
- Simply apply 'Paste-the-wall' wallpaper paste to the wall (not supplied) and then hang each strip
- No horizontal joins to line up
- No overlap on joins
- Printed using water based, odourless inks making the mural for use in children's bedrooms and nurseries
- Made in Great Britain
Create a stunning feature wall in any room of your home with the ohpopsi pop shades wall mural. This striking monochrome design cleverly adds impact without the use of colour. Pop shades is a clever way to inject some serious pop art design into your home with a colour palette which will work perfectly with any interior scheme.


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Case #29 consist mostly my favourite colours.. especially the pink shade (strawberry icecream)! yummy as usual! Head over to the site and check it out here ;)
Cute stuff, arent they? Heehee :) I used all of the stated colours for this layout ..
And for the evidences, I used:
- stripes on the handmade flowers
- a little rolled paper at the corner
- the woody feeling paper given by the coordinates
- gave the whole layout a weathered look by distressing the edges with my favourite distress ink colour (vintage photo)
- pocket made from the wood paper with the top 10 and bottle sticking out :)
Lastly, for the testimony, I chose:
- to journal on thin strips about the things they sell in their shop that attracted me
Thanks for looking and feel free to comment!
Have fun!
Supplies used:
Kraft and white cardstock
October afternoon - Sunday Dinner
CSI coordinates #29
Brads from DAISO
American craft thickers
Tim Holtz distress ink pads - spun sugar, peeled paint and vintage photo


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Hide Forgot
it would be really nice if the policy allowed vpnc to read from /home
This would allow to keep all vpnc config files in $HOME/etc/vpnc for example
When the using the slick new FC6 feature of encrypted /home we have better security
Once there is anaconda support (or any support at all) for encrypted / this RFE
becomes moot.
We are trying to protect /home from system space. So you would have to do this
with local policy. Why wouldn't you just encrpt a directory where you store the
vpnc configuration.


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Howard Friedman Quotes
We have more than 8,000 booths, representing 3,700 companies selling merchandise in all price points and categories. By providing our attendees with a powerful and easy-to-use searchable exhibitor directory, we are empowering them to get the most out of the show by simplifying the entire search process and streamlining their actual show experience. - Howard Friedman
Page 1 of 1


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Medical Marijuana to Riverspring Health
We are happy to announce that Etain will help bring medical marijuana to Riverspring Health, featuring the Hebrew Home for the Aged, in Riverdale in the Bronx. This is the first relationship of its kind in New York State. We have been working with administrators from Riverspring to cultivate this relationship, and we are happy that we can help expand access to patients in the north Bronx through our Yonkers dispensary. We are proud that Riverspring Health has been open to working with Etain on this relationship, and we look forward to bringing Etain's superior medical marijuana products to more patients in New York.
You can read more about Riverspring and Etain on the New York Times here or on the Daily News here.
-Etain Health


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Jon Shiring of Respawn Entertainment is going to be talking about online game servers and system design, as well as what it took to create a popular (scalable) online multiplayer game in the cloud with Titanfall. He will be covering:
- Client vs datacenter hosted servers, bandwidth, server CPU, and why it matters
- Cloud vs "bare metal" hosting for games
- How Titanfall used the Azure cloud and Xbox Live Compute to exclusively power a AAA online game
- How Respawn's custom backend allows cloud servers to fluidly scale up and down
- How Titanfall's matchmaking works
- The value of speed in updating an online game
- Patching a live game with no scheduled downtime
- How game certification on patches can create worse experiences, and how you can benefit by sidestepping certification
Where: (map) https://goo.gl/pauYMi
When: 6-8pm
Cost: Free
About Jon:
After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2000, Jon started working in games in 2001. Fairly in-over-his-head, he managed to ship a multiplayer-only game called Savage: The Battle for Newerth in 2003 at S2 Games, and then joined Infinity Ward in 2004. At Infinity Ward he worked almost exclusively on multiplayer and shipped Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and Modern Warfare 2. In 2010, Jon and large group of Infinity Ward employees started Respawn Entertainment, where he is now a Lead Programmer. He shipped Titanfall in 2014 on Xbox One and PC, which used a massive amount of Azure cloud-based servers to host the game servers. He is eager to talk about Titanfall's online tech and ready to answer your meanest questions as best as he can.


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Added 23/11/05 Thanks to
Chris Sullivan who has discovered that the current
paint code as set out in TfL tenders is ICI
Thanks to Phil Wilson who has
obtained the following information from the Curatorial Department of the London
Transport Museum
Information about paint colours used on London Transport buses
Our understanding about LT paint standards is based on ex Chiswick Works Laboratory documents and conversations with laboratory staff.
Paint colours were controlled closely by the LT Chiswick Works Laboratory probably from the early 1950s onwards until the closure of the facility in the mid 1980s. They did not use a master colour as such but maintained a set of painted cards from which paint manufacturers samples were compared and life tested for quality control purposes. Consequently it was possible for the defined colours to drift a little as the earliest cards were not used as a reference point and there appeared to be no recipe defined as a master. The system was intended to get manufacturers to provide paints that were durable, consistent and with a colour that matched to the current Chiswick colour standard.
Quality control of paints in the earlier days of motor bus operation (c1910-c1945) has not been researched however we hope some information will become available in time.
In the 1970s and 80s paints generally started to include larger quantities of white to improve coverage and reduce the cost of pigments. As many were originally lead based legislation had the effect of reducing toxic ingredients and powerful dyes were increasingly used to provide the required colour. Bus Red therefore took on a slightly pastel appearance instead of the bright purer red of the 1950s (and pre-war judging by original surviving paint chips). Bus Red was also known by LT as Mail Red. To add to the confusion Post Office Red, a defined British Standard (BS) colour, is similar but not the same as Bus Red.
Sourcing paints
The enquiries that the Museum receives are mainly from the owners of privately owned buses seeking a source of paint that can be applied by brushing and matched to original LT colours. At time of writing a number of these enquiries have been prompted by problems with paints not covering properly or colours being poorly matched.
Most of LT's paints were applied by spraying and these days purchasers of small quantities need to be careful to specify the method of application when ordering from 'transport' type paint suppliers. Synthetic enamels, the most common type for brush work can be formulated for either method of application.
There is anecdotal and some material evidence that a number of colours used by LT and its predecessors, both bus, tram and railway used colours from, or very close to, those in the BS 381C range. This standard is always used by LTM as a first check or reference point in case a close match is available.
Bus Red
In response to an enquiry to try to obtain a more easily obtainable standard for LT Bus Red (at least for the 1980s onward) comparisons have been made with RAL colour standards.
Dulux Autocolor cards were used as they include a number of RAL colour references including RAL 3001 "Signalrot" KA41 (signal red). The comparison is made by eye in north light using a black mask with two equally sized apertures to prevent the eye being saturated with light from one colour card compared to another of a different size.
Comparing a 1985 ex Chiswick LT Bus Red card with:-
RAL 3001 is a little lighter and more orange
RAL 3002 is slightly more orange
RAL 3003 is darker
RAL 3002 is judged closest.
Comparing 1985 Chiswick Bus Red with:-
Sample card of PPG Bus Red (as supplied to LT, PPG code FLT 1123) - no discernable difference.
BS 381C Current Red 539 is slightly more orange
Joseph Mason 'Ayre's Red' 503/22 is slightly bluer.
Note: Masons latterly supplied
As a cross check BS 381C Current Red 539 compared was with RAL 3002 as both appeared slightly more orange than the Chiswick card. In theory they should appear very similar to each other, and they do, but it is then possible to notice other slight variations and in this case RAL 2002 has a hint more blue in it than BS 381C 539.
All of these comparisons are of course only as good as the printed representation of the colour on the card.
Other colours
There are no numbers or codes for LT paint colours that are readable by any paint manufacturer. PPG is the only firm that we are aware of that published a list of fleet colours. T R Williamson of Ripon (specialist in paints for the rail industry) also lists their colours and PPG still make transport finishes mainly for spraying. They can be contacted on 01449 771775 for advice. PPG paints are distributed by Brown Brothers and also ATA Ltd below. Most specialist paint suppliers will make special mixes based on a sample supplied.
PPG prefixed their codes FLT (for fleet) followed by the colour number e.g.:
FLT 1123 Bus Red
FLT 3444 Dark Chocolate Brown
FLT 3445 Indian Red. (most LT bus wheels)
FLT 3464 Lincoln Green
FLT 3688 Brown 1946
FLT 3692 Chiswick Cream*
FLT 3994 Sung Yellow (RM ceilings)
FLT 4771 Porcelain Green (RCL relief band)
* NB some paints such as Chiswick Cream were originally specified as a semi-gloss (about 60%). Most paint firms will supply a reduced gloss on request.
ATA Ltd say they can supply a brushing mix to some but possibly not all
of the old FLT numbers.
ATA Ltd (Spray Store)
Unit No 1
Clearways Industrial Estate
London Road
West Kingsdown
01474 853869
London's Transport Museum does not endorse the use of any manufacturer's products and users must satisfy themselves that a product is suitable for the proposed use. The manufacturers mentioned above are listed because of their previous experience of supplying LT paint colours. Other transport type paint suppliers can be found in trade directories.
C.O.S.H.H. (health & safety) sheets should always be requested and application advice adhered to. Paint should be checked for correct colour against a dried sample first. It is best to request a sample paint-out at time of purchase.
These notes will be updated from time to time. Matters relating to paint finishes not covered by these notes can be raised as a separate enquiry to the Museum.
More details required, please email me
Click here to return to home


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Having managed to catch a bit of the Politics Show Scotland on the iPlayer and get a good old chuckle at Nick Clegg and Danny Alexander contradicting eachother over the thorny issue of fuel duty, I freely admit that my appetite for hearing more of Mr Clegg last night was, well, sated to say the least of it.
However, I learn this morning from a flurry of outraged Lib Dems (okay then - four of them) tweeting to eachother that apparently, their man was given a setpiece interview last night which was carried on ITV. Except for viewers in most of Scotland, that is, where STV found something different to show instead.
Now, I should say that if you're looking for even the slightest shade of Schadenfreude here, you're going to be sorely disappointed because democrat that I am, I'm inclined to agree with them. You won't find here partisan accusations of egotism being thrown at Mr Clegg just because he's been given the rough end of the stick by a broadcaster. He's entitled to be heard, and I can't think of any good reason why his interview was pulled from Scotland, unlike others with David Cameron or Gordon Brown.
Of course, the tempting response would be to point out that since there's going to be a televised election debate between the leaders of the Scottish parties, Lib Dems should just quit whining and accept that Tavish will get his chance to put their case then. However, that would be unworthy and cheap on my part. As it happens, I've got a much better idea for redressing the balance. And if you can imagine a drumroll in the background, here it is...
In order to make up for this democracy-debilitating deficit of Nick Clegg on Scottish screens, why not have a televised debate in Scotland which involves Clegg, David Cameron, Gordon Brown and, let's think now... a representative of the SNP? That way, the Scottish dimension of the UK election can be adequately addressed, Scottish Lib Dems get another opportunity to see their man without having to rely on YouTube or Sky Plus, and the vexed issue of impartiality over the so-called 'Prime Ministerial' debates in Scotland can be laid to rest once and for all.
I think its a winner, and I'm sure it's an issue which can unite Lib Dems and nationalists against the arrogance of broadcasters who ignore the plurality of our great British political system. How's about it, guys? :-)
Monday, March 22, 2010
Nats, Cleggs and Blank Screens
3 comments:
Not much enthusiasm for the two main parties.
- 3/31/2010 1:27 pm
Alex Salmond joked about fielding candidates in England.....couldn't the SNP/Plaid grp enter a coalition with the English Democrats Party?
and therefore get included in the tv debates
- 4/15/2010 8:31 am
i'm absolutely mad-angry-#bnp talking to #paxo #newsnight- where is the #snp interview?
- 4/24/2010 7:22 pm
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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The two agencies are expected to work collaboratively on the strategy and creative development and KesselsKramer will be responsible for rolling out the campaign in The Netherlands.
The business will be run out of the BBH offices in London.
Forsman & Bodenfors, which works with the brand in Sweden, is unaffected by the appointment.
Fredrik Wrahme, marketing communications director at Tele2 Group, said: "We asked BBH and KesselsKramer to collaborate on our challenge and we believe that this model will get us to great work. In BBH – KesselsKramer, we have found a strong agency partnership for our international ambitions as well as our ambitions in The Netherlands."
Jon Peppiatt, the deputy chairman of BBH, said: "This is a great win for us as we get to work on am exciting brand with big creative and commercial ambitions and we get to do it with a creative and like minded agency partner in KesselsKramer."
Tele2 is established in ten markets across Europe with its offering of mobile services, fixed broadband and telephone and cable TV services.


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With the seasons changing and our time in Queenstown coming to a close, I'm looking forward to our next adventure. A couple of days ago, me and the man were offered jobs working in one of New Zealand's most remote and beautiful locations.
For the summer season it looks like we'll be working as lodge attendants on the Milford Track. Only accessible via land on a 53.5 km walking track, it will mean weeks of living in the wilderness. Back to a life of , generator power, rationed chocolate, thinking time and no internet or tv. This will have its challenges but also be an experience of a life time. It may also lead to me becoming a certified nerd and getting into bird watching. I am genuinely excited about this. That's the kind of person I've grown up to be. I've also been wanting some time away from it all, where I can work, save some money, focus on some hobbies and start thinking about my next move. And dare I say it, I actually want to get some writing done. Some dreadful 'creative writing;' that thing I've been blocking out since finishing uni. Perhaps I'll inflict it on the world again.
Working in the Australian outback and sailing on the Soren Larsen, I have an idea of how such isolating spots can affect you, but still I want to do it all again.
It will mean we'll only have a few weeks between leaving our apartment in Queenstown and then starting our training, so a mega road trip will have to wait a while. However, two weeks will be enough to fit a few things in and have a proper 'holiday.' I feel all we've done since getting to New Zealand is work (except for out recent trip to Dunedin) and so a break would do us good.
Still, with a few weeks left on the ski fields and a couple more weeks after that in Queenstown. I'll keep you posted on developments. x
* Picture via Pinterest here.


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Osborne Solaz Tempranillo
Osborne Solaz Tempranillo Paired with
Poached Spanish Chorizo w/ Bell Pepper Stew & Herbed breadcrumbs
Solaz is a fusion of dark fruit from the Tempranillo & rich intensity from the Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of red fruit, vanilla & spice. Solaz pairs well with the spicy yet sweet chorizo dish which was poached in Osborne Solaz & honey.
Over the next few weeks Chew Toronto will feature a range of Spanish wines from Bodegas Osborne. The recipe pairings have been provided by Chef Salomon of Barsa Taberna & prepared in the Chew Toronto test kitchen. Wines include Osborne Solaz, Montecillo Crianza & Montecillo Rioja Reserva.


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Creative Juices
My creative juices are flowing again. It really does clear my mind when I can make something creative and new and fresh and unique. I get in these creative moods where something inspires me (lets call it a muse moment) and I must sit down on photoshop or my blog or whatever creative drug of choice...and I work. I do as much as I can until I lose my creative edge or muse moment. It's kind of like a high I get by the fascination of pushing myself to a limit and creating something that I can call my own. Something I can be proud of. And because of that, no one effs with me and my muse moments. On a random note. I'm going to be making a list of top moments/memories of college. I'll prolly make another tab for it up top. I'm still looking for a group of people to play tag with in Fresh Grocer. Who's down?


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To Main Page
About WG-Museum
How to Find Us
Guest Collections
Field Telephones of WW I
iTD1 (Armeefernsprecher
a/Art) - Army field telephone, old model of
1905 with phonetic signaling. Cylindrical telephone body
made of aluminum and covered with black leather. Long
push-to-talk key going along the telephone body. Earpiece
with thick felt cushion.
be continued after the picture set...
Schematic Diagram
| To the Cell
To Theme Tours
WW I the German Imperial Army used two principally different
lines of field telephones for its infantry units. A fairly
heavy Feldfernsprecher
or "Field Telephones" were
in use by signalers in the 2nd and 3rd line positions or at
headquarters while each infantry regiment in the front line
was equipped by several more lightweight Armeefernsprechgerät
or "Army field telephones".
Army field telephones originated in 1899 when the first
communications units (Telegrafen-Bataillons) of German Imperial Army
were raised. The first model of the Army field telephone
was of
Siemens design of 1894 and was called "Patrouillenapparat".
Next the 1905 model has arrived which was in use all thru WW I despite the newer model of 1913,
Eiserner Armeefernsprecher
or "Iron Army field telephone", has come into production.
top of push-to-talk key, "Armeefernsprechgerät alter
Art" had two round shaped keys, one at each side of the
telephone body. White key on the right side was Calling
Button (Summerknopf) while black key on the left side
allowed to increase temporarily, the strength of incoming
of the telephone - 275 mm, receiver diameter -
100 mm, weight - 1.4 kg.
have another sample of Armeefernsprechgerät
alter Art together with its standard leather carry bag in our
No. 12.
Phone: (+7 495) 744-1070 Email: email@example.com


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03 April 2015
Pochampally Handloom Park organized a 8 days eco friendly Pochampally IKAT art Mela 2015 at Y.W.C.A, St.Andrews School Campus, 222/B, West Marredpally Raod, Secunderabad -26. The Expo will be on till 10th April 2015, 10 am to 9:00 pm.
Actress Anusha (Okkaditho movie fame) inaugurated the mela. "This can see the blend of different style and concept of handloom creations coming together under one roof, said Actress Anusha.
"On display is a colorful range of fabrics like home textile to apparel fabrics, stoles, scarves, and sarees in silk & Cotton, duppatas, table mats, covers, cotton shirts & Kurtis, Hand bags" said , K.Devender Chairman,Lava Kumar Director, Krishna Ex-Chairman of Pochampally Handloom park.
"Weavers and exhibiting their creations of different genres of handloom products in vibrant colors and textures in wide variety and styles" they added


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I'm so glad the agency called today. Because I really wasn't feeling like doing anything.
When people keep bothering me about why I haven't cashed in on my "talent," I often want to scream that it's not that easy! To do something right takes a gang of effort, and there are so many steps along the way. When you've spent over half your life popped up on prescription drugs or drained of energy due to illness, you have to do everything one step at a time. And if you're trying to do something new and different, you need twice as much energy and effort. It's maddening.
As I've said many times before, talent, good looks, athletic ability, intelligence – these are all traits. By themselves, they have no value. Like anything else, they have to be cultivated, and cultivating them takes time and energy. On some days I have that energy, or am able to break down the task into steps that are so simple I can gradually make way, and in fairness to myself, I did make a little bit of progress today also. Once I hit that road block though, all of the energy drained out of me. It's Wednesday, and I spent Monday running errands during this heatwave to finish up after my latest defeat, and then yesterday helping my friend write her appeal so she can continue receiving funding for school. Today was supposed to be the day I really made a giant leap forward toward turning my career toward what it should have been from day one. I hit the wall though, as my resume doesn't reflect what I want to do, and I lack the knowledge or energy to get it there. And then I started moping. It was downhill from there.
I don't know how to break myself of this going forward, when it really counts and there isn't a temp agency to save me, but I really need to. Right now I have huge opportunities with my writing, my "night job," as it were, but I have to execute. If I can't find the energy to get myself a day job that sustains me through that, I feel like I'm toast, and I've never been able to change that.
But I know that I sure as Hell need to work on it.


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The December Angel Experience with Body Mind & Soul
$ 148.00
Please join us for a full round of workshops designed for divine connection this holiday season.
Four angelic events to deepen your relationship with the angels and archangels occur during the month of December. You can register for them all and receive a $25 Body Mind & Soul gift card as our FREE gift to you!
Or register for each class individually.
See our December event calendar on our website for more details and to register individually.
Messages from Archangel Gabriel's Trumpet with Melanie Harrell
Sunday, December 4, 2016
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Archangel Gabriel is known as the "messenger angel". In this class, Melanie will facilitate guided vision journeys to meet Archangel Gabriel and receive her personal message for you and guidance on the message YOU can share with others.
Connecting with the Angel Tarot Cards with Kevin Casey
Sunday, December 4, 2016
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Using Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine's best-selling Angel Tarot deck, you will not only open to the wisdom of tarot and develop your own intuition, but also connect with the angels and archangels who want to assist your growth in the coming year.
Angelic Communication: How Angels Talk to You with Brandi Khan
Saturday, December 10, 2016
2:00 – 4:00 pm
If you have ever wondered who the Angels and Archangels are, along with how they can assist you in your daily life, then this is class for you! Along with a basic introduction to Angels, learn different ways to communicate with them.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Are you looking to strengthen your connection to the angelic realm? Using crystals and stones helps you to hear, feel, see, and know your angel's guidance and message. Receive an exclusive angel crystal connection grid template free for those who take the workshop.


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CH OTCH Foxgrove's Mischief Maker US/Cdn WCX, SH
Jan. 2000 to July 2013
Sprite, a Bud daughter and Taffy's dam, was trained and handled by Fred Bergeron. Sprite started her performance career by passing her WC at 6 months of age and finishing her show championship with 3 Best Puppy in Group wins at 9 months of age. Her CD was attained with class placements in 2002. Summer of 2004 was a busy one with 3 more titles (JH, WCI & CDX) earned. Cdn WCX was obtained in fall 2005 and US WCI and WCX in Summer of 2006. She obtained her Senior Hunter Title in August of 2007 and OTCH in April 2008. Sprite was a happy go lucky Toller who was very content curled up on someone's lap having her belly scratched.
Sprite's only litter produced a MOTCH (Taffy) and an OTCH in obedience, as well as a MACH in agility and two show champions. Her legacy lives on in her kids and grandkids.
Hips/Eyes/Patella/Heart normal | PRA/CEA clear


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22nd April 1914 was the day a legend took birth, who went on to become one of the flashing and prominent names in the world of Hindi Cinema.
Folks, we are talking about a talented director, engrossed producer and a big-hearted humanitarian- B. R. Chopra!
Baldev Raj Chopra (widely known as B. R. Chopra) has imprinted a great deal of charisma and creativity on the Hindi Film Industry with his marvelled productions. He always remained up-front on social issues, and went on to create unforgettable movies which strongly supported women and their rights within a stereotypical society.
Starting as a journalist in Lahore, he went to become a successful actor/director/producer, and received numerous awards and recognitions for his contribution to Hindi Film Fraternity. A recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1998, he is the elder brother of Yash Chopra.
Let's recall some of the famous movies or TV shows that made B. R. Chopra what he is today!
- Mahabharat (TV Series) (1988-1990)
TRIVIA: This popular mythological TV series was broadcasted in the UK by the BBC and garnered an estimate of 5 million audience figure.
- Naya Daur (1957)
TRIVIA: Subodh Mukherjee, Mehboob Khan and even Raj Kapoor found the concept as a disaster, and were sceptical on making a movie out of it. However, B.R. Chopra fell in head-over-heels love with the script, and create a legendary movie out of it!
- Sadhna (1958)
TRIVIA: After hearing the script, Vyjayanthimala was completely stunned and accepted the role with high enthusiasm by giving a huge tray full of coins to B.R. Chopra.
- Kanoon (1960)
TRIVIA: The concept of the movie was casted after B.R. Chopra's visit to a German film festival, where he was stated that all Indian movies are "nothing but songs." Being as bold as he is, he took the statement as a challenge and made "Kanoon" without a single song!
- Gumrah (1963)
TRIVIA: This one's interesting! Shammi Kapoor was first offered Ashok Kumar's role in the movie by B. R Chopra. He majorly declined it saying of it as a miscasting! He openly said that it would be kind of impossible for the audience to believe in the fact that the heroine would cheat on such a good looking husband as Shammi Kapoor for Sunil Dutt…!!!
- Humraaz (1967)
TRIVIA: Due to the movie being lengthy, it was edited for its TV version, cutting off even the title of the movie & cast/crew credits.
- Baghban (2003)
TRIVIA: The concept of the movie was conceived by B.R. Chopra thirty years ago, when he was on a visit to Copenhagen, Denmark and came across an elderly woman living in a retirement home. She told him about her sorrowful story and how her own children left her and never paid a single visit ever since.
- Pati, Patni Aur Woh (1978)
TRIVIA: This movie is known to be B.R. Chopra's only comedy.
- The Burning Train (1980)
TRIVIA: The Burning Train was considered as one of the magnificent and biggest multi-starrer movies of all times.
- Tawaif (1985)
TRIVIA: The movie won Filmfare award for Best Dialogue Writer for Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza and Filmfare award for Best Story Writer for Aleem Masroor in 1986.


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Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar Ebony
Monday, December 19th, 2011 at 11:50 am
Comments Off on Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar Ebony
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List Price: $119.00
Sale Price: $118.00
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The DR-100 dreadnaught is Epiphone's best selling acoustic. All the basic elements you want-traditional shape Mahogany back and sides, Select Spruce top, Rosewood fingerboard and bridge make this a great entry-level instrument. The top of the DR-100 is made from select spruce, while the back and sides are constructed from mahogany, giving the DR-100 balanced expression, warm bass, and excellent projection.


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River Marked by DSillustrationWatch
©2010-2019 DSillustration
Mercy Thompson, for the novel "River Marked".
Oils on Board.
Oils on Board.
Love this!!
That is fantastic. I love the illustrations you do for Mercy Thompson.
Your work is excellent - i was looking at cast and form shadows and came across your work.
Superb work.
Really like the lighting on this one, and the tattoos ,very nice, and of course sexy jeans are always a plus.
I think this is my favorite out of the series of paintings. It looked wonderful on the book jacket!
Question! How do you take such amazing pictures of your art? Mine always turn out pretty bad, or I can't get the right angle Do you scan them?
the details are so freaking awesome. how large is the original?
I can not believe that I found you here on Deviant art! your cover for Cry Wolf caught my eye in the library and if it had not I never would have picked up that book and started reading this series. You are my favorite artist! Awesome work Dude!
*Faints* This is gorgeous. I feel like I just ran into the president finding you on here. I started reading this series because of your beautiful covers
I'll be honest I know nothing of the covers you've done but I will say that I love your style in Oils, just amazing. I hope to be as half as good! Just wow!
I have to admit I started reading Patricia Briggs work based off the fantastic covers you have created for the series. Love it!
I love this book series and your covers are gorgeous!
Oh wow!!!~ She looks very fierce! This is a fantastic artwork and cover!!~
really cool great work
I saw this cover on the shelves at work and I thought to myself: "Damn, I wish I knew the artist that made this!" By the time I got home, I couldn't remember the name of the book, but here I found your work by accident anyway. Awesome work!
you do these beautiful covers to the Mercy Books? Wow! I have always loved them.
this must be my lucky day ^^ finding the artist behind the covers of my fav book series!
You really do have talent. Never stop.
You really do have talent. Never stop.
amazing book and series!
flesh tones are spot on as always. What is your preferred metthod of mixing colour or the shadow colour? I hear so many conflicting methods of darkening colour...it just gets confusing.
beautiful light and shadow
The girl looks so realistic it is really amazing.
Great work!!
Read the entire series and I've always loved the covers ... glad to have found you here
Spectacular technique!Great!
Absolutly amazing!
Great! ... I love this style !
Love the book and love the look you gave the heroine, magnificent! Bravo l'artiste!
I Love this book!
good job!
good job!
Pure success
So realistic!
Amazing work! My favorite cover among the 6 books!!
The details are absolutely amazing, especially on the face and tattoos. Excellent work.
O.O No matter how I look at it it still looks like a photograph, you are absolutely amazing!
I just read this! As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I had to look and see if I could find the cover artist! You did an amazing job. I didn't want to return the book to the library because the cover was so pretty.
amazing x


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Marketing online today is one of the most important things you can do for the success of your business. It has become crucial to promote your site on the Internet. Now is the best time to enter the world of Web marketing. Try these ideas as you get ready to start marketing your business on the Internet.
A good website relies on interesting graphics but a site that is too busy will detract from your content. Since you only have about 5 seconds to grab your customers attention, you need to create a site that makes your visitors want to stay longer. If your site doesn't look interesting by then, your potential customers are probably gone.
Internet marketing is often most successful when your efforts fill another person's needs. Start your business by knowing everyday, just what questions you are answering. You will want your customers to tell people about you through word of mouth, help them and they will do this.
Ask for feedback often. This is very important to your business, as your perception of your prices and your site's appearance might differ from the customer's opinion. Request feedback from family, friends and anyone willing to give it. Take all of this information under advisement and make any necessary changes.
Do not overuse AJAX or Flash. Even though it looks nice, it does not increase your search engine rankings. If Flash is a must for your site, use it with some level of caution. Include plenty of keywords and helpful links too.
If your business website is always looking the same, you may want to start a blog. To keep your rankings up with search engines continually add fresh content. Adding a blog is an easy way to add fresh content consistently.
One effective way to market your site is by having your customers subscribe to an Ezine. You can use this to develop an ongoing relationship with your customers. You can show your personality by adding photos of you along with your family and staff. Tell some cute anecdotes about your relationships with your family and co-workers. Catch your customers' attention with the use of a creative subject line in your Ezine.
Your eyes should be open as to how you can market your business through the internet. This can be approached in a number of ways. There is also so much information available to help you reap the benefits. The tips in this article will help you to successfully navigate the world of website marketing.


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Consider a job with us
Get Started Today
Requirements to receive an interview to join our team:
18 years of age and older.
Verification of High school degree. Bachelor's degree preferred for most positions, Master's degree required for some positions.
Provide copies of full Employment Application and Resume (emailed upon receipt of pre-employment application)
Provide names for reference checks
Requirements to secure offered employment:
A Completed Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
Copies of identification documents that satisfy the I-9 requirements. (see Form I-9 info. above)
If the position requires driving as an essential function, then you are required to present:
Valid Drivers License (if driving is part of the job description)
Proof of current State motor vehicle registration/ inspection
Proof of automobile insurance
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Driver Licensing Ten Year Driver Record
Spectra will provide the following, as relevant to the position:
CPR training if not certified already
Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training
SPeCTRUM Training
HIPAA Compliance
Direct Support Staff Training (OID)
ISP based Training (An agreement to carry out the participant's ISP; Individual Support Plan responsibilities)
Support Service Worker Agreement by (ODP) Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Program
Spectra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. "We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religious creed, ancestry, sex, age or disability," as used in Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and/or the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act of 1955, as amended."
390 Reed Road, FL 1 · Broomall, PA 19008
Spectra Support Services, LLC
© Copyright 2018 | Privacy Policy


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Fit For the Cure!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and in support, Wacoal and B'tempt'd are hosting Fit for the Cure; a bra fit event to help end breast cancer. Are you wearing the right size bra? Find out!
From Thursday, Oct. 19 to Friday, Oct. 20, visit Wacoal at Hudson's Bay for a complimentary bra fitting and Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen Foundation. An additional $2 will be donated for each Wacoal or B'tempt'd bra that is purchased during the event.
Date: Thursday, Oct 19 – Friday, Oct. 20, 2017
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Hudson's Bay, Eaton Center
City: Toronto, Ontario
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Elaine Herzberg has the dubious distinction of being the first pedestrian killed by an autonomously-driven Uber vehicle which was undergoing tests in Tempe, AZ. Apparently Herzberg was in the process of crossing a busy street while walking her bicycle when she was struck. Although the Uber car was monitored by a human in the driver seat (who was not paying attention, according to video from inside the car), the self-driving system did not respond in time.
Uber temporarily suspended tests in Arizona and California, and then quickly settled with Herzberg's family – presumably to avoid a court case that could have set ugly precedents for dealing with accidents involving autonomous vehicles.
Clearly, the specter of imperfect robotic vehicles barreling down the road has instilled fear in many who call for a moratorium on testing – and even a ban on deploying the technology altogether.
It's unfortunate that a shitty company like Uber has invested in autonomous R&D, because they are bound to cut corners and deviate from safety standards which will invariably lead to more negative stories like Herzberg's – and to more calls to slow down or stop the research. No one is better positioned to scuttle peoples' confidence than the inept fools at Uber.
That would be too bad. As the technology improves and finds itself embedded into more and more vehicles, allowing them to communicate with each other and share data, highway safety will improve.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "In 2013, there were 4,735 pedestrians killed and an estimated 66,000 injured in traffic crashes in the United States. A total of 4,653 traffic crashes each had one or more pedestrian fatalities. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 2 hours and injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes."
Strangely, none of this generated a call to ban human drivers.
A fatality every 2 hours, and yet no one is calling for human-operated vehicles to be banned. In fact, the trend seems to be leaning toward increasing punishment of the jaywalking pedestrian rather than the motorist. Last December, a guy in Saugerties, NY stepped into traffic from between two park cars, was struck by a car, went to the hospital for shoulder and hip injuries, and received a ticket for failure to yield right of way to vehicle.
So let's be cool when autonomous vehicles occasionally mow down granny, and think instead of the wonders to come.
Just offer free Amazon Prime and shut him up
Trump is upset at Amazon for not paying enough taxes. This from a guy who said minimizing taxes makes a person smart, and probably paid nothing in federal taxes for more than a decade. He also doesn't like that Amazon sends some of its products using the US Postal Service, deriding the on-line retailer for treating the USPS like a "delivery boy." The Postal Service hasn't weighed in on whether it feels like a delivery boy, but they have stated plainly that the contracts they have with Amazon cover costs (which is a concept you rarely connect with the Postal Service.)
Trump has a boner for Amazon for shirking taxes, but he's flaccid when it comes to other profitable corporations that paid no federal taxes in recent years, such as International Paper, Priceline.com, General Electric, and Duke Energy.
Most likely Trump is pissed because he hates the coverage he gets from the Washington Post which is owned by Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon. In fact, Trump has often tweeted about negative WaPo articles as fake news and sometimes ends his 140 character tirades with #AmazonWashingtonPost – as if Amazon owns the newspaper.
As with much of what Trump says and does, his attacks on Amazon – because he hates the coverage he gets from a newspaper tangentially connected to the company – are bad for the country. As are his slams against the NY Times, and CNN, as well as his cocksucking endorsements of Fox News and (of all things) grocery store faveThe National Enquirer.
When an insecure, narcissist leader like Trump gets to punish and reward companies based on the level to which they are willing to lick his ass, real trouble abounds.


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If your Hammer Toe feels like a bruise or a dull ache, you may have metatarsalgia People with metatarsalgia will often find that the pain is aggravated by walking in bare feet and on hard floor surfaces. Pain in the ball of your foot can stem from several causes. Ball of foot pain is the pain felt in the ball of foot region. Metatarsalgia is a condition characterized by having pain in ball of foot. The average adult takes about 9,000 steps per day.
U-Shaped portion surrounds sore callus and reduces pain by transferring pressure from callus to the cushion. Soft orthotics cushion the ball and arches of the feet and protect them from injury and pain, while rigid orthotics correct abnormal foot angles and movements that can cause or worsen pain in the ball of the foot. Many insoles fit inside of slippers so that people suffering from pain in the ball of the foot can walk more comfortably inside their homes as well as outside. In addition, some insoles include added deodorizers to help decrease foot odor. While gel or foam insoles are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores and sporting-goods stores, orthotics require a visit to a podiatrist, who will make a cast of the foot and build a custom-fit insole from the cast. Foam, gel and soft orthotics require replacement once a year or more as the cushioning wears out. Rigid orthotics rarely need replacement. Hip bone spur can cause a lot of discomfort.
Pain often occurs suddenly and mainly around the undersurface of the heel, although it often spreads to your arch. The condition can be temporary, but may become chronic if you ignore it. Resting usually provides relief, but the pain may return. Heel spurs are bony growths that protrude from the bottom of the heel bone, and they are parallel to the ground. There is a nerve that runs very close to this area and may contribute to the pain which occurs.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes forefoot deformity and often may cause displacement and even dislocation of the metatarsal joints themselves. Morton's Neuroma can also be a source of metarsalgia and is characterized by pain in the forefoot. Sesamoiditis is located on the plantar surface of the foot and will be located near the first metatarsal phalangeal joint.
Went to Podiatrist after receiving pain pills to move, got MRI and he told me I have severe tear in plantor faciitis tendon. Have swelling or what I call a fatty feeling, as I have always had on ball of foot below left most two toes. And it seems to feel a little more fatty since I walked for the first time today after putting on a good pair of ankle boots. Any idea what the fatty feeling is on ball of foot. Lastly, I took the boot off at my stairs into my house 2 days ago and took a step using ball of left foot and it did not pop.


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Commission II - Utilisation of peat and peatlands for horticulture, energy and other economic purposes
Chairman: Gerald Schmilewski
Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH
Moorgutsweg 2
D-26683 Saterland-Sedelsberg
Tel.: +49 4492 8275
Fax: +49 4492 8276
E-mail: gerald.schmilewski at klasmann-deilmann.com
Pat Fitzgerald
Bord na Móna
Main Street
Newbridge, Co. Kildare
E-mail: pat.fitzgerald at bnm.ie
Commission II is open to any member of the IPS to attend and to participate in meetings. Decisions are taken by Commission II members and representatives of corporate members of the IPS present at a meeting.
A Steering Committee has been elected to organise and streamline the activities of Commission II. The current membership of the Steering Committee is as follows:
Magnus Brandel, Sweden
Pat Fitzgerald, Ireland
Johannes Welsch, Germany
Paul Short, Canada
Gerald Schmilewski, Germany
Jaakko Silpola, Finland
Nick van de Griendt, Estonia/The Netherlands
Horticultural Peat Working Group (HOPE WG)
The ad hoc HOPE WG was established in 1995. The objective of this WG is to identify matters of mutual interest and to deal with them, not in the interest of one firm or country but in the interest of all peat producers and for the general benefit of peat application in horticulture. The groups principal activities are to:
- discuss pressing issues relevant to the use of horticultural peat and to organise ad hoc meetings
- influence decisions taken within the standardization work of CEN TC 223 Soil Improvers and Growing Media
- help set future threshold values for chemical, physical and biological properties of horticultural peat products
- cooperate with the ISHS (International Society for Horticultural Science)
- identify and coordinate research projects and seek funding for them
- help organize IPS conferences on horticultural peat
participate actively in establishing ecolabelling criteria for growing media
Energy Peat Working Group
Magnus Brandel
Svenska torvproducentföreningen
Torsgatan 12
S-111 23 Stockholm
Tel.: +46 8 4417073
Fax: +46 8 4417089
E-mail: magnus.brandel at torvproducenterna.se
The Energy Peat WG was formed in 1996, with the objective of examining any policies, legislative issues and other matters that influence the use of peat as a source of energy. The WG is concerned with all aspects of the production and use of peat for energy, and with its impact on the environment.
The Groups principal activities include:
- Promoting the use of peat as a source of energy of local/regional significance, in the context of a rational approach to the overall wise use of peatlands;
- Examining proposed legislative changes at national and supra-national level and assessing the potential impacts on the use of peat for energy;
- Organising workshops, seminars and other events to help inform policy makers and decision takers on the socio-economic role and importance of peat as a source of energy;
- Supporting the development of an agreed international classification for peat as a primary energy source;
- Facilitating a better understanding of long term carbon balances and the sustainability of peat use for energy;
- Seeking funding for research on environmental aspects of peat use for energy, particularly life cycle assessments;
- Compiling and updating data on the use of peat for energy on a global basis.
The Working Group meets once or twice per annum, with meetings arranged in association with IPS conferences when possible. The Chairman would like to expand the scope of expertise in the WG, and would welcome applications from IPS members in Eastern Europe/Baltic States and from members with expertise in energy peat production, life cycle analysis, carbon balance and environmental impacts. The operating language of the WG is English.
Annual Report 2010
Peat production and peat use for horticultural and energy purposes comprise the main subjects of activity of Commission II. Discussions at and between Comm. II meetings on peat production, environmental issues, peat replacement, life cycle assessments (LCAs), organization of symposia and work on the Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management (SRPM) have been some the main topics for our Commission in 2010.
The work conducted by the Commission and other achievements made during 2010 are summarized below.
Comm. II meeting in Jyväskylä, 15 June
All represented 10 countries reported on their annual peat production which was poor in some countries due to wet weather conditions
The latest version of the IPS Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management was recognized as a much improved document and excellent compromise between the different stakeholders. Comm. II accepted the draft.
The Commission had invited Paul Short President of the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association) to give an update on the LCAs that the organization was engaged in.
Reports on the Anti-Peat Campaigns in the United Kingdom and Germany were given by Jack Riley and Gerald Schmilewski, respectively.
All delegates to the Commission meeting are gratefully thanked for their engagement and contributions.
7th Symposium on Peat in Horticulture in Amsterdam on 11 Oct.
This symposium focused on Life in Growing Media and was a joint event organized by Comm. II and the Dutch National Committee of IPS. The symposium was also recognized by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) with which Comm. II has kept close relationship in these last years. More than 120 participants from 19 countries were welcomed. It was the first ever expert meeting focusing on the various aspects of the biology of growing media. Presentations were given on topics i.e. saprophytic fungi, microbial properties of peat, suppressive properties of peat, self-heating of peat, mychorrizal fungi, microbial enrichment, entomopathogenic fungi, black fungus gnats and nematodes in growing media. Comm. II Chair edited the proceedings of the event.
International Symposium on Responsible Peatland Management and Growing Media Production, Quebec, 15-17 June, 2011
This will be a joint event of IPS Commissions II and V and supported by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). Comm. II Chair was able to attend a meeting of the Organizing and Scientific Committees of the symposium early Oct. 2010. A number of important side events and workshops are scheduled including the next Comm. II meeting.
Commission II representation
As representative of IPS Commission II, the Chair was invited to give an oral presentation on Quality parameters and use of growing media constituents in Germany and the EU at the 45th Peat and Humus Day in Bad Zwischenahn, Germany.
The Chair also represented the Commission with a similar oral presentation as above at a seminar entitled Use and replacement of peat responsible application of resources and climate change in Fulda, Germany, organized by the German National Committee of IPS and the Bundesamt für Naturschutz (Federal Office for Nature Conservation).
Commission II supporting EPAGMA efforts
The European Peat and Growing Media Association (EPAGMA), is strongly engaged in pushing forward an EU regulation on growing media. This tedious work that will hopefully tear down trade barriers within the EU is strongly supported by Comm. II. In this context several members of Comm. II attended the EPAGMA Growing Media Forum on 5 May in Brussels.
Comm. II also supports the work EPAGMA is conducting on LCAs for peat and other constituents, as the Comm. will benefit from the outcome of the work.
Other business meetings
The Chair attended the SAB meeting in June in Jyväskylä and the November email SAB meeting. He also attended the 10 October Amsterdam meeting on the Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management.
Annual Report 2009
As in the past, peat production and use for horticultural and energy purposes comprise the main subjects of activity of Commission II. During discussions at and between Commission II meetings, peat production, environmental issues, peat replacement, Life Cycle Analysis (LCAs), organization of symposia and, the Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management (SRPM) have been some of the main topics. The work conducted by the Commission and other achievements made during 2009 are summarized below.
Commission II meeting in Belfast, 26 April
- Commission II initiated a workshop on Certification in Helsinki on 19 Nov 2008 as basis for two Strategy seminars in Amsterdam in February and Belfast in April 2009 at which a number of Commission II delegates participated
- LCAs for peat and other materials used in horticulture
- LCAs for energy peat
- Representation at Peat Congress 2012 and other events
Commission II meeting in Brussels, 27 October
- SRPM and possible Certification scheme
- Increase general awareness for the use of horticultural peat and other growing media constituents
- Presentations of LCA in horticulture and energy sectors at the meeting
- Looking towards Stockholm 2012: Discussion on innovations and technical developments
EU Regulation on Growing Media
Commission II wrote a letter to EU Commission supporting the European Peat and Growing Media Association (EPAGMA) initiative to harmonize legislation on Growing Media to facilitate trade in the EU and improving transparency for consumers. Meanwhile, an industry WG has been set up to draft a first regulation.
The Chair participated at the April EPAGMA Growing Media Forum in Brussels.
Turkish legislation asking for fumigation or heat-treatment of growing media
Commission II initiated and signed a letter to Turkish regulators explaining the practical restraints of such an imposition. Meanwhile, the requirement has been changed.
Symposium on Peat in Horticulture Life in Growing Media
Acknowledged by the International Society for Horticultural Science, Commission II and the Dutch National Committee of IPS have started to organize this event (see Peatlands International and the IPS website).
International Symposium on Responsible Peatland Management and Growing Media Production, June 2011, Quebec
Commission II is engaged in the preparations of this event organized by Commissions II and V.
International Plant Propagators Conference in Kilkenny, September
The Chair gave an oral presentation on peat and growing media.
International Symposium on Growing Media organized by ISHS/IPS in Charlotte, USA
There was a representation of a large number of Commission II delegates showing strong cooperation between the two societies, also highly supported by the two organizations.
Annual Report 2008
As in the past, peat production and its use for horticultural and energy purposes comprise the main subjects of activity for Commission II. Discussions on peat production, environmental issues and a certification system for peatland management have been the main topics in 2008.
Commission II held two meetings in the course of the year, one in Tullamore, the other in Helsinki. The work conducted by the Commission and other achievements made in 2008 are summarized below.
Commission II meeting in Tullamore 10 June
Over 50 attendees participated in discussions and decisions taken during the International Peat Congress in Tullamore. The Commission nominated Gerald Schmilewski for a second term as Chairman of the Commisison. At the meeting, the current Secretary of Commission II, Nick van de Griendt, was reappointed for another year. At the EB meeting later on that week Gerald Schmilewski was confirmed as Chairman of Commission II.
The final Commission II Peat Production Survey was sent out prior to the Tullamore meeting. This survey questionnaire will be distributed every year after the production season. It will be the basis for industrial fees in the future.
As a tradition at Commission II meetings, one national representative volunteers to give a presentation on the peat industry in her/his country. In Tullamore, Anna Sycheva-Mikhailova reflected on the status of the peat industry in Russia.
With the support of its own and with the help of many Commission II members, CoConcept was able to finalize its study on the Socio-economic impact of the peat and growing media industry on horticulture in the EU. The complete study, commissioned by EPAGMA, the European Peat and Growing Media Association, can be downloaded at www.epagma.org.
In March 2008, IPS and EPAGMA agreed to go ahead with the preparation of a Project Plan for the Development of an International Certification Scheme for Sustainable Peatland Management. The Finnish company INDUFOR was commissioned by IPS to carry out this task.
The Project Plan was then presented during the Peat Congress in Tullamore prior to the Commission II meeting. The presentation of the Project Plan led to intense debate within Commission II. This resulted in the Commission II proposal to organize a workshop on certification. This workshop was held in Helsinki on 19 November.
Commission II meeting in Helsinki,19 November
Due to the significance and possible consequences of such a certification system for all stakeholders, and the industry in particular, the IPS Executive Board and the IPS Scientific Advisory Board participated in the workshop. The intense discussions during the workshop as well as the subsequent EB and SAB meetings in Jyväskylä on 20 and 21 November resulted in an IPS Proposal regarding the Certification of Peatlands. Based on this proposal it is basically up to the industry to decide on and subsequently finance such a project if agreed.
Other business
Supporting the members of the Terminology WG set up by IPS and IMCG in 2007 some individual members of Commission II are involved in helping to define selected terms and concepts a task which has proven not to be easy.
The events calender of Commission II shows also an ISHS/IPS Symposium on Growing Media and Composting which will take place in Charlotte, USA, from 1 - 5 June 2009. IPS Commission II is a co-sponsor of the event.
The Dutch SympoPeat/IPS Commission II Symposium Peat in Horticulture - Life in Growing Media (working title) was postponed by one year and will take place in the Netherlands in June 2010.
Commissions II and V have been asked by the local Canadian Organizing Committee of the symposium on Sustainability of peatland management and growing media production to join in the committees efforts by supporting this event, to be held in 2011.
Annual Report 2007
As in the past, peat production and use for horticultural and energy purposes comprise the main fields of activity of Commission II. Discussions on the balance between peat production, environmental issues and alternative materials have been the main topics.
Commission II held two meetings in 2007. On 8 May 31 attendees came together in Riga, Latvia. The second meeting was held on 12 October in Amsterdam. The work conducted by the Commission and other achievements made during 2007 are summarized below.
Riga Meeting
At the Commission meeting in Riga, Magnus Brandel gave a report on the use of peat in Sweden in which he explained its highly accepted use as an energy source and that latest findings proved that combustion of peat with wood was more efficient than wood alone. Guus van Berckel drew attention to developments in Germany where the Federal Emmissions Law regulates the fuel types that can be used and the emmissions that these cause in small-firing installations like home furnaces.
It was confirmed at the Riga meeting that all country reports shall be published in Peatlands International.
Based on the IPS Internal Regulation and in cooperation with the IPS Secretariat, Commission II is seeking a purposeful tool for collecting peat production data as the basis for the industrial membership fee. The industrial membership fee is an important part of the total IPS budget.
Amsterdam Meeting
At the Commission meeting in Amsterdam, Hein Boon gave a report on the growing media industry and horticulture in the Netherlands. He emphasized the need to use qualified constituents only. These can include materials like coir, woodfibres and composts. Peat, however, is still the most reliable constituent in a highly technicalized industry. Furthermore, in Amsterdam the IPS peat production survey was presented and discussed for further development.
As a result of a discussion on bulk peat transportation on trucks stowed in the under deck space of ships, Nick van de Griendt and Gerry Hood of Commission II will make a proposal to the International Maritime Organization on how to ship peat in bulk in a safer way in order to avoid hazards caused by electical installations.
A number of peat-related events took place in 2007 which were attended by members of Commission II and reported on during the meeting:
- IMCG/IPS meeting in Sweden, 25-28 June;
- International Symposium and Workshop on Tropical Peatland, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 27-31 August;
- ISHS/IPS symposium on Growing Media, Nottingham, UK, 2-8 September;
- International Bioenergy Conference, 3-6 September, Jyväskylä, Finland;
- International Conference on Peat and Peatlands 2007, 8-11 Oct., Lamoura, France;
International Symposium on Growing Media in Nottingham
From 2 - 8 September 2007 and for the second time, IPS Commission II had the opportunity to join the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in organizing a symposium on growing media. As in Angers in 2005, Commission II representatives, scientists and experts from industry engaged in a Peat in Horticulture Day which was embedded in a whole week of lectures, posters and excursions. Only peat-related topics were tackled that day. The chairman of Commission II gave an invited oral presentation on Growing Media used in the EU. That paper was based on answers to specific questions sent out as a questionnaire. In the afternoon, a workshop on microbiological aspects of growing media, prompted by Commission II, proved very successful, attracting much discussion and debate.
Over 100 participants from 32 countries attended the event, of which about 20 percent were from the peat and growing media industry and another 20 percent from ancillary industries figures never reported to be so high before. This mix of science and industry is appreciated by both sides.
The conveneror of the next biannual ISHS symposium on growing media in North Carolina asked for the support of IPS Commission II. Commission II promised their support by organizing another day on Peat in Horticulture.
Survey on materials used for growing media production
At its meeting in Amsterdam, Commission II mandated the HOPE WG to conduct a new survey on the amounts of materials used for the production of growing media in Europe. Such a survey was carried out by the WG once before in 2002 and resulted in an often quoted publication by Claes Bohlin of the Commission. The results of this new study formed the basis for the presentation given by the chairman of Commission II in Nottingham during the ISHS/IPS symposium on growing media. The data received were also presented in part at the conference on Peat and Peatlands 2007 in Lamoura, France in October. The data show that peat is by far the most commonly used growing media in the EU and that peat free media play a very subordinate role.The use of materials other than peat is increasing in some countries. The survey also showed new interesting data, i.e. the fact that Italy, having no indigenous peat resources, is second to Germany in the production of growing media.
The data will be published in the proceedings of the Nottingham symposium (see above).
IMCG/IPS Meeting in Sweden
Several representatives of Commission II participated in the joint IPS/IMCG meeting in June which took them to interesting peatland sites and facilities of peat use for the production of growing media and peat combustion. The Commission would like to extend its sincere thanks to the head organizers Marie Kofod-Hansen of Torvforsk and Magnus Brandel of the Swedish Association Torvproducenterna. Differences in opinion on various topics were acknowledged. A small contribution to help overcome some of these differences is to use common definitions for certain peat- and peatlands-related terms. It was decided that a small working group would be appointed to develop definitions of some relevant terms or concepts with policy implication that have caused misunderstandings. The group is to make a short report at the Peat Congress in Tullamore.
- Next meeting of Commission II will be held during the Peat Congress in Tullamore, Ireland.
- ISHS/IPS Symposium on Growing Media, May 2009, North Carolina
- SympoPeat/IPS Comm. II symposium on Peat in Horticulture Life in Growing Media, autumn 2009
Annual Report 2006
As in the past, peat production and use for horticultural and energy purposes comprise the main subjects of activity of Commission II. Discussions on the balance between peat production, environmental issues and alternative materials have been the main topics.
Commission II held two meetings in 2006. On 8 May, 32 attendees came together in Hanover, Germany. At this meeting, Gerald Schmilewski of the growing media producer Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH, Germany, was elected as new Chairman of Commission II, succeeding Donal Clarke, who is greatly thanked for his guidance and positive impact within the commission over the past years.
Bruno Berken of the French CAS was nominated as new Coordinator of the HOPE Working Group, succeeding Gerald Schmilewski. Unfortunately, in December 2006 Bruno Berken left the CAS and with that the position of Coordinator remains vacant.
The second meeting of Commission II with 23 participants was held on 29 October in Amsterdam in conjunction with the annual HortFair and the Peat in Horticulture symposium. Both Commission Working Groups (Horticultural WG and Energy Peat WG) gave reports at the meetings, the contents of which are summarized below together with other main activities of Commission II.
The next meeting of Commission II will be held at the end of May 2007 in Riga.
Statistics on Peat Production
The European Peat and Growing Media Association (EPAGMA) has engaged Paul Waller Consulting (UK) to conduct a survey on the Socioeconomic impact of the peat and growing media industry on horticulture in the EU. A group of experts within Commission II helped finalize the questionnaire needed to obtain the essential data on peat and growing media production in the EU. A number of Commission II members will also fill out the questionnaire and support the accomplishment of this very important study which will give decision makers and all interest groups up-to-date information on the growing media industry and its importance to the professional horticulture and hobby markets in the EU.
Survey on materials used for growing media production
At their Amsterdam meeting, Commission II mandated the HOPE WG to conduct a new survey on the amounts of materials used for the production of growing media in Europe. Such a survey was carried out by the WG once before, in 2002, and resulted in an often quoted publication by Claes Bohlin. The results of this new study will also be published and basic data from it will be included in the EPAGMA study.
Industry reports by country
At the Commission meetings in 2006, Hartmut Falkenberg from Germany and Pat Fitzgerald from Ireland gave reports on the peat industry in their countries. Due to the strong interest in this topic, it was decided at the second Commission meeting in Amsterdam to publish these and all following reports on the industry regularly in the IPS magazine Peatlands International.
Peat in Horticulture symposium, Amsterdam
For the fifth time since 1997, the Dutch foundation Sympo-Peat together with the HOPE WG organized a symposium on Peat in Horticulture. This event was subtitled Peat in the Stranglehold of Interest Groups. Some 90 participants listened to 11 oral presentations given by speakers from 7 countries. The main session dealt with peat extraction and legislation. Furthermore there were lectures on global warming and climate change, restoration, Wise Use of peat in horticulture, eco-labelling and peatering out in the UK.
Common interests between IPS and ISHS
After the very successful collaboration in preparing and realizing the first joint symposium of the ISHS (International Society for Horticultural Science)and the IPS in Angers, France in 2005, Commission II is once again actively supporting the organization of the second joint international symposium on growing media in Nottingham, United Kingdom. One day devoted to peat-related topics will be embedded in a week (2 - 8 September 2007) of lectures and posters on chemical, physical and biological properties of growing media, materials other than peat, the retail market, excursions and other areas of interest.
Several members of growing media organizations and members of Commission II were actively involved in revising the old and establishing new criteria for the award of an eco-label for soil improvers and growing media. Commission II regrets that the EU Commission took the position of not allowing a certain percentage of peat in eco-labelled growing media.
IMCG/IPS meeting in Espoo, Finland
A number of representatives of Commission II participated in the joint IPS/IMCG meeting in July in Espoo, Finland. The meeting proved most useful for both sides, as, for instance, that the interpretation of the Wise Use approach can be seen from various points of view. Commission II strongly supports the future cooperation of both organizations with the objective of better mutual understanding.
Annual Report 2005
Commission II held two full meetings in 2005. The first of these was held on 9 May 2005 in Warsaw with 19 attendees. The principal items discussed included some updates on relevant matters, information on Ramsar matters relevant to industry, reports of the HOPE and energy peat working groups, and an update on WWF campaigns against peat in Germany and Austria. The second meeting took place on 8 September in Angers with twenty four participants. The principal matters which arose included reports on the CSPMA in Canada and on issues for the peat industry in Latvia, a report on the implications for industry of a boreal forest initiative in Canada and initial harvest reports for 2005.
Horticultural Peat Working Group
The HOPE WG was active during the year and the following were among its activities.
1. Eco-labelling:
In 2005 and during the first months of 2006 the criteria for the award of an EU ecolabel were revised. In a letter of 26 August the HOPE WG took a strong position on the admission of peat in eco-labelled growing media clearly pointing out the need to include peat in growing media to guarantee good product performance. More EU Competent bodies voted for the inclusion of peat, but due to a vote blocking minority it was decided to prolong the exclusion of peat in growing media (and soil improvers).
2. International ISHS/IPS Symposium on Growing Media in Angers, France:
Together with the Commission Plant Substrates of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) the HOPE WG organized a symposium on growing media from 4-10 September. The event included a special one-day Wise Use of Peat in Horticulture program focusing solely on the use of peat. More than 200 experts attended the sessions, discussed posters and participated in excursions. Several members of the HOPE WG were members of the Scientific Committee responsible for the contents of the papers to be published in the proceedings. This event was a major success.
3. Cooperation between IPS and ISHS in organizing symposia:
Based on the initiative taken in 2005 by the HOPE WG to organize symposia together, the Presidents of the IPS and the ISHS signed an agreement to have both organizations co-organize international symposia on growing media. The plans for the next ISHS/IPS symposium is already scheduled to be in September 2007 in Nottingham, England.
4. Peat in Horticulture In the Stranglehold of Interest Groups:
That is the title of the next symposium in the series of Peat in Horticulture symposia. The HOPE WG is responsible for setting up the scientific program and editing the paper manuscripts for the proceedings. Plans and first organizational meetings started in 2005.
5. International Labelling:
The European Peat And Growing Media Association (EPAGMA) has developed a set of International Labelling criteria for pre-packed growing media. The HOPE WG fully supports this initiative and also made detailed technical comments on the labelling. The International. Labelling will be based on European Standards. All EPAGMA members have agreed to use the International Labelling on prepacked growing media.
6. Nomenclature:
The HOPE WG is planning to define a list of peat-related terms as standard vocabulary which could be used by peat experts, ISHS-scientists, peat producers, etc. to overcome misunderstandings in publications and elsewhere.
Energy Peat Working Group
Part of the Energy Peat Working Group met during a seminar on Peatlands and Climate Change in Helsinki on 31 January 2006.
As this is my last report as Chairman of Commission II, I would like to thank all those who have supported me during my period of office, in particular the Secretariat, the members of the Steering Committee, and the Chairmen of the two Working Groups.
Donal Clarke
Annual Report 2004
This Commission II Report covers the period from the Tampere Congress until June 2005. A very active Commission II presence in Tampere, which included a joint IPS-IMCG seminar on Wise Use, culminated in the adoption of a Strategy for Commission II at the Meeting of the Commission in Tampere. This strategy was aimed at maximising the impact of the work of Commission II while avoiding duplication with other bodies such as National Peat Producers Associations and EPAGMA.
A further meeting of the Commission took place in Amsterdam on 2 November 2004 which dealt with important issues including co-operation on the Ramsar CCGAP (Global Action on Peatlands), industrial fees, and the preparation of a paper on the economic importance of the horticulture industry based on peat. This latter topic has now been undertaken by EPAGMA.
The Commission would like to express its sincere condolences on the death of Wim Tonnis, an active member of the Commission, to his family and the Dutch National Committee.
Annual Report 2003
MThis report covers the period since my last report, dated 5 March 2003, to the Annual Assembly which took place in Dublin in May 2003.
Meetings of the Commission
There have been two meetings of the Commission since my last report. The first was on 3 November 2003 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The second was on 25 February 2004 in Tampere, Finland
Meetings of the Steering Committee
Two meetings of the Steering Committee took place during the period, on 3 November 2003 in Amsterdam and on 25 February 2004 in Tampere. The main function of the Steering Committee is to prepare for meetings of the Commission.
Energy Peat Working Group
The Energy Peat Working Group, which advises the Commission on matters related to the energy peat industry met on 3 November 2003 in Amsterdam.
Meetings of the Horticultural Peat Working Group
The Working Group met on 3 November 2003 in Amsterdam. Dr M Prasad represented Commission II at a meeting on Biowaste in Brussels in January 2004 and Dr Schmilewski made a submission to the EU on the subject on behalf of the Working Group in February 2004.
At its meeting in Tampere the Commission considered its activities and those of the IPS in general in the context of the draft Strategy being developed by the Executive Board. The Committee agreed that it should avoid duplicating activities being carried out by other industrial bodies; should support the research activities of the IPS in general, with the Commissions own concentration being on research into the uses of peat for horticulture, energy and other commercial purposes; should support the IPS activities in the exchange of information, with the Commissions own concentration being on exchange of information on best practices in peat extraction, peat uses, restoration of peatlands, and after-use of peatlands, in collaboration with the other relevant Commissions.
As regards the IPS as a whole, the Commission felt that it should concentrate on its areas of strength; continue to provide publications and materials in support of the activities of members and of other organisations; and maintain contact with environmental bodies on behalf of IPS members.
In regard to structuring the IPS for the future, the Commission was in favour of strengthening the links between itself and the work of other Commissions by means of the new structure which the President later set out in his letter of 22 March 2004. In this context the Commission undertook to explicitly seek the continued support of industry for the strategy and future activities of the IPS.
Joint IPS/IMCG meeting
An IPS/IMCG meeting took place in Amsterdam on 2 November 2003. The meeting was attended by a number of Commission II members. The principal matters discussed included the marketing of the Wise Use book, the possibility of certification of peat and peatlands, and co-operation between the two organisations on a wide variety of activities.
Presentation of the Wise Use Book and Process to the European Commission
On Thursday 11 December 2003 Mr D Clarke (IPS), Dr H Joosten, DR J Sliva and Mr R Lindsay (IMCG) presented the Wise Use book to the European Commission which was represented by Mr Michael Hammel (DGENV-Agriculture) and Dr Michael OBriain (DGENV-Nature Protection). Dr Joosten made a presentation outlining the process which had resulted in the book, and some of the information and key concepts in the book. The Commission representatives expressed a keen interest in the process and the book, and a lively question-and-answer session took place. The Commission representatives undertook to bring the book and the contents of the presentation to the attention of all the relevant Commission services.
The DVD Project
At the Commission II meeting in Manchester in May 2002 it was agreed that the Commission would support the compilation of an information pack on peat and peatlands in the form of a DVD which would follow the tone and format of the Wise Use project. The DVD is now ready for distribution. I would like to pay tribute to Raimo Sopo for his excellent work in support of this project, and to all the members of the steering group who put a great deal of effort into the project.
I would like once again to thank all those who have participated in Commission II meetings and in meetings of the Steering Committee and all those who have done voluntary work for the Commission and its Working Groups.
I would like in particular to thank
- Gerald Schmilewski for his work as Chairman of the HOPE Working Group;
- Nick van de Griendt for his work as vice-Chairman of the Commission;
- Alan Shaw for his work as Secretary of the Commission;
- Charles Shier for his contribution as Chairman of the Energy Peat Working Group;
- Raimo Sopo and Susann Warnecke for the constant and efficient support of the Secretariat; and
- Gerry Hood, our President, for his continuing support and advice.
Annual Report 2002
Meetings of the Commission
There have been two meetings of the Commission since my last report, dated 28 March 2002. The first was on 26 May 2002 in Manchester, England. The Commission was briefed on the EU Mining Waste Directive and the EU Green Paper on Energy Security. It also discussed the UK decision to designate working bogs (Thorne, Hatfield and Wedholme) as Special Areas of Conservation (an EU designation). The second meeting, on 4 September 2002 in Pärnu, Estonia, took the form of a briefing on the work of the Commission for colleagues attending the Pärnu Horticulture Symposium. On 3 September 2002, a group of Commission II members hosted a dinner for peat producers from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to brief them on international peat producers activities.
Meetings of the Steering Committee
One meeting of the Steering Committee took place during the period, on 25 May 2002 in Manchester. The main function of the Steering Committee is to prepare for meetings of the Commission.
Meetings of the Energy Peat WG
The Energy Peat Working Group, which advises the Commission on matters related to the energy peat industry, met on 13 April 2002 in Groningen, the Netherlands.
Meetings of the HOPE WG
The Horticultural Peat Working Group met on 3 September 2002 in Pärnu, Estonia. Among the items discussed were workshops on EN methods and on peat quality; the collection of data on growing media constituents; environmental issues; and the EU Mining Waste Directive.
Pärnu Symposium
From 3 to 6 September 2002 a symposium entitled "Peat in Horticulture Quality and Environmental Challenges" took place in Pärnu, Estonia. The Symposium was jointly sponsored by Commission II and Commission V. The Symposium was attended by nearly 300 delegates, the majority of whom came from the peat industry, including representatives of companies from 16 countries. As the symposium is dealt with elsewhere in the IPS Annual Report all I will say here is that it was a great success and the organisers deserve our thanks and appreciation.
Wise Use
The book "Wise Use of Mires and Peatlands - Background and Principles including a Framework for Decision-making" was jointly launched by the IMCG and the IPS on 20 November 2002 in Valencia, Spain. Members of Commission II were among the contributors to the book and participants in the joint IMCG-IPS meetings. The book has since been widely distributed, has been presented to Government Ministers in Canada, Finland and Ireland and has been reviewed in "The Irish Times", the "Bale Mail" and on the Ramsar website.
Global Peatland Initiative
I addressed a Global Peatland Initiative Side Event to the 6th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity on 17 April 2002 in The Hague on the Wise Use project. Together with Dr. Joosten I addressed a Global Peatland Initiative Side Event to the 8th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar) on 20 November 2002 in Valencia at the launch of the Wise Use book.
Joint IPS/IMCG Meeting
An IPS/IMCG meeting took place on 20 November 2002 in Valencia, Spain which was attended by a number of Commission II members. The meeting discussed the distribution of the Wise Use book and reviewed how the two organisations can continue to work together in the future for their mutual advantage.
International Peat Producers' Association
I am periodically asked what happened to the IPPA which was formed after the Uppsala Congress. It was subsequently merged with Commission II on the understanding that Commission II would carry on the tasks of the IPPA as well as support the other activities of the IPS. Industry members of the IPS make an additional contribution to support this IPPA work.
DVD Project
At the Commission II meeting in Manchester in May 2002 it was agreed that the Commission would support the compilation of an information pack on peat and peatlands. This pack would take the form of a DVD and would follow the tone and format of the "Wise Use" project. A deadline of June 2004 was set for completing the project and a budget of 150,000 over three years (2002, 2003 and 2004) was set. A division of this expenditure between peat companies and their associations was agreed.
I would like once again to thank all those who have participated in Commission II meetings and in meetings of the Steering Committee and all those who have done voluntary work for the Commission and its Working Groups. I would like in particular to thank Gerald Schmilewski for his work as Chairman of the HOPE Working Group and his joint editing of the proceedings of the Pärnu symposium; Nick van de Griendt for his work as vice-Chairman of the Commission and as General Secretary of the Pärnu symposium; Alan Shaw for his work as Secretary of the Commission; Charles Shier for his contribution as Chairman of the Energy Peat Working Group; Raimo Sopo and Susann Warnecke for the constant and efficient support of the Secretariat; and Gerry Hood, our President, for his continuing support and advice.


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A guided meditative practice that focuses on showing hospitality to others. How can we extend hospitality to refugees and migrants?
A guided meditative practice that focuses on showing hospitality to others. How can we extend hospitality to refugees and migrants?
In this time of mass migration and stranded refugees, the practice of hospitality is needed - on a corporate and individual level. Use this meditative practice from Alive Now to reflect on how our contemplative life is deeply connected to the love we show others, especially through hospitality.
Close your eyes. Breathe out three long, slow exhalations.
Hearing a knock on the door of your house, see yourself going quickly to answer it and, without hesitating, opening the door and inviting whoever or whatever is there to come in. Who is your guest? What is your guest doing and saying? Sense and feel how you are welcoming to your guest, even if he or she is not expected or acceptable to you.
Breathe out three times. See yourself sitting at your dinner table with all the seats being filled by strangers - perhaps these people are migrants from other countries or refugees who have been forced out of their home. As you imagine yourself eating your meal, what happens and how does it feel?
When you are ready, open your eyes.
How does this meditative practice help you imagine showing hospitality to those people who have been forced from their homes? How can you show them hospitality?