text:
Your support is critical to our success.
Origin and Habitat: Brazil, southern Paraguay (Paraguarí and Guairá departments), and north-eastern Argentina ( Misiones: Santa Ana, Teyucuaré, departments). Parodia schumannianaSN|1141]]SN|1141]] is abundant where it occurs, but it is sparsely distributed (extent of occurrence is 16 km2).
Altitude: It occurs at elevations between 300 and 700 m above sea level.
Habitat and Ecology: This species grows in open areas in deciduous rainforests on steep hills on granite and sandstone slag heaps. Their bodies are often overgrown with red and yellow shrub lichens — a sign of the high humidity in the air. Generation length is 5 years. In Brazil the major threats are dam construction and landslides resulting from the erosion caused by agriculture. In Paraguay the major threat is illegal collecting.
- Parodia schumanniana (Nicolai) F.H.Brandt
- Echinocactus schumannianus Nicolai
- Eriocactus schumannianus (Nicolai) Backeb.
- Eriocephala schumanniana (Nicolai) Y.Itô
- Malacocarpus schumannianus Britton & Rose
- Notocactus schumannianus (Nicolai) A.Berger
Parodia schumanniana (Nicolai) F.H.Brandt
Kakteen Orch. Rundschau 1982(4): 62 (1982)
Synonymy: 24
- Parodia schumanniana (Nicolai) F.H.Brandt
- Echinocactus schumannianus Nicolai
- Eriocactus schumannianus (Nicolai) Backeb.
- Eriocephala schumanniana (Nicolai) Y.Itô
- Malacocarpus schumannianus Britton & Rose
- Notocactus schumannianus (Nicolai) A.Berger
- Parodia ampliocostata (F.Ritter) F.H.Brandt
- Eriocactus ampliocostatus F.Ritter
- Notocactus ampliocostatus (F.Ritter) S.Theun.
- Notocactus schumannianus var. ampliocostatus (F.Ritter) S.Theun. ex Havlíček
- Notocactus schumannianus f. ampliocostatus (F.Ritter) Neduchal
- Parodia applanata (Werner Hoffm. & Backeb.) F.H.Brandt
- Parodia schwebsiana var. applanata Werner Hoffm. & Backeb.
- Parodia schwebsiana f. applanata (Werner Hoffm. & Backeb.) Krainz in Krainz
- Parodia grossei (K.Schum.) F.H.Brandt
- Chrysocactus grossei (K.Schum.) Y.Itô
- Echinocactus grossei K.Schum.
- Eriocactus grossei (K.Schum.) Backeb. ex Schaffnit
- Eriocephala grossei (K.Schum.) Y.Itô
- Malacocarpus grossei (Schum.) Britton & Rose
- Notocactus grossei (K.Schum.) A.Berger
- Parodia grossei var. aureispina (F.Ritter) F.H.Brandt
- Eriocactus grossei var. aureispinus F.Ritter
- Notocactus grossei var. aureispinus (F.Ritter) S.Theun.
Parodia schumanniana subs. claviceps (F.Ritter) Hofacker & P.J.Braun
Cactaceae Consensus Init. 6: 12. 1998
Synonymy: 5
- Parodia schumanniana subs. claviceps (F.Ritter) Hofacker & P.J.Braun
- Eriocactus claviceps F.Ritter
- Eriocactus schumannianus subs. claviceps (F.Ritter) Doweld
- Notocactus schumannianus subs. claviceps (F.Ritter) Doweld
- Parodia claviceps (F.Ritter) F.H.Brandt
Description: Parodia schumannianaSN|1141]]SN|1141]] is one of the larger species of the genus, with a dark green, rounded body densely clothed with yellowish to brownish spines growing up to 1,8 metres high. Large yellow blooms develop in summer at the crown of the plant and are followed by round green fruit. Two subspecies are recognized, the nominate form and the smaller subsp. claviceps (F.Ritter) Hofacker & P.J.Braun.
Habit: Plants usually solitary, shortly columnar.
Stem: Depressed spherical as a young plant, with apex more or less inclined, becoming cylindrical with age, bright to dark green, mostly 0,5-1 m hight, occassionally up to 1,8 m high and 15-25(-30) cm in diameter (flowering when much smaller).
Ribs: 21-48 (fewer in immature specimens), well defined, straight, acute, not tubercled.
Areoles: Very woolly apically, later less so.
Spines: Bristle-like, straight to slightly arched, golden yellow to brown or reddish, later grey Radial and centrals similar flexible and unequal.
Central spines: (1-)3-4, sometimes absent, 10-30 mm long.
Radial spines: Mostly 4, in two pairs, 7-50 mm long.
Flowers: Apical, funnel-shaped lemon yellow to golden yellow, 4-4.5 cm long, 4.5-6.5 cm in diameter; pericarpels and floral tubes, about 2-2,5 cm long, densely clothed with wool and bristles. Stigma-lobes cream coloured.
Fruits: Globose to ovoid, brownish, with dense wool and bristles, dry at maturity, 1-1.5 cm in diameter.
Seeds: Bell shaped, widest at hilum, shiny reddish brown, nearly smooth.
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Parodia schumanniana
- Parodia ampliocostata (F.Ritter) F.H.Brandt: has more ribs, more spines, multiple central spines, of which the lowest one conspicuously longer and pale yellow anthers. Distribution: Cordillera de los Altos, Paraguarí, Paraguay.
- Parodia grossei (K.Schum.) F.H.Brandt: has stems to 1.7 m high and 30 cm thick, 3-7 long bristly white (or brownish) spines the longer one 4 cm long. Distribution: between Carepegua and southeast of the Cerro Acahay, Paraguarí, Paraguay.
- Parodia grossei var. aureispina (F.Ritter) F.H.Brandt: has stems to 1 m high and 20 cm thick, 8-11 long bristly golden yellow to reddish yellow spines the lowest the longer. Distribution: Cerro Acati, Colonia Indipendencia, Depart. Guairá and Cerro Pelado near Villarica.
- Parodia schumanniana (Nicolai) F.H.Brandt: up to 1,8 m tall, areoles 7-15 mm apart, and 0-1 central spine. Distribution: Paraguay and north-eastern Argentina.
- Parodia schumanniana subs. claviceps (F.Ritter) Hofacker & P.J.Braun: less than 50 cm tall, areoles only 3-4 mm apart, and 1-3 central spines. Distribution: Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) Edward Anderson "The Cactus family" Timber Press, Incorporated, 2001
2) James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey "The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass" Cambridge University Press, 11/Aug/2011
3) Pin, A., Oakley, L., Larocca, J. & Machado, M. 2013. Parodia schumanniana. In: IUCN 2013. "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species." Version 2013.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 06 March 2014.
4) David Hunt, Nigel Taylor "The New Cactus Lexicon" DH Books, 2006
5) Friedrich Ritter "Kakteen in Suedamerika: Ergebnisse Meiner 20 Jaehrigen Feldforschungen" F. Ritter Selbstverlag, 1979
6) Krainz, Hans (Hrsg.) "Die Kakteen" 1957-1975 Franckh'sche Verlagshandlung
7) Hiroshi Hirao "Colour encyclopaedia of cacti" Seibundo Shinkosha, 1979
8) Haustein, Erik. "Der Kosmos-Kakteenführer." Kosmos / Gesellschaft der Naturfreunde., Stuttgart, 1983
9) Mariella Pizzetti, Giuseppe Mazza "Piante grasse: le cactacee" A. Mondadori, 1985
10) Roberto Kiesling, Omar E. Ferrari "Cien cactus argentinos" Editorial Albatros, 2005
11) Barbara Segall "Botanica: the illustrated A-Z of over 10,000 garden plants and how to cultivate them" Mynah, 1997
12) Hans Hecht "Cacti & succulents" Sterling Pub. Co., 1997
13) Urs Eggli, Leonard E. Newton "Etymological Dictionary of Succulent Plant Names" Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg 2010
14) [Ernst August Nicolai] "Echinocactus Schumannianus Nicolai" In: Monatsschrift für Kakteenkunde. 3:12, 175 1893
15) F. H. Brandt "Die Gliederung der Gattung Parodia Spegazzini." In: Kakteen- und Orchideen-Rundschau. 7: 4, 62 1982
16) H. Quehl "Neuheiten (Fortsetzungund Schluß aus No. 3)". In: Monatsschrift für Kakteenkunde. 9: 5 1899
Habitat 570 m asl. Photo by: Alexander Arzberger
Parodia schumanniana Photo by: Alexander Arzberger
Parodia schumanniana Photo by: Alexander Arzberger
Parodia schumanniana Photo by: Alexander Arzberger
Habitat 570 m asl. Photo by: Alexander Arzberger
Parodia schumanniana Photo by: Alexander Arzberger
Cultivation and Propagation: Frost Tolerant as low as -4°C (or possibly colder) but in cultivation it is best to avoid any frost when during the winter the temperature can go down to 2° C without any harm so long as the compost is very dry. During the summer it is best to keep the plants outside where the temperature can rise to over 30 C with no harm to the plant.
Allows good drainage and use a an open and free draining mineral compost that allows therefore roots to breath.
They like only a short winter's rest and should be kept almost completely dry during the winter months, If the soil is allowed to be dry for too long root loss could follow but equally the same result would occur if the plants are both wet and cold. From March onwards the plant will begin to grow and watering should be increased gradually until late May when the plant should be in full growth.
Water regularly during the summer so long as the plant pot is allowed to drain and not sit in a tray of water. During hot weather you may need to water the plants more frequently so long as the plant is actively growing. From late September watering should be reduced to force the plant to go in to a state of semi dormancy, by October you should be back in to the winter watering regime.
Need full sun avoiding only the harshest summer sun, if kept too dark they may become overly lush and could be prone to rotting due to over watering, they will also be shy to produce flowers.
Feeding may not be necessary at all if the compost is fresh then, feed in summer only if the plant hasn't been repotted recently. Do not feed the plants from September onwards as this can cause lush growth which can be fatal during the darker cold months.
Repotting should be done every other year or every three years, annual potting is not necessary. Do not be tempted to over pot as this will cause the unused compost to go stagnant and you may loose the plant.
Propagation: Seed sowing and cuttings.
|Your Actions
|Back to Parodia index
|Back to Cactaceae index
|Back to Cacti Encyclopedia index


text:
After two and a half years of marriage and denying the divorce rumors that have been circulating for months, Bethenny Frankel and Jason Hoppy are splitting up.
Bethenny released a statement this afternoon to confirm the break up news.
"It brings me great sadness to say that Jason and I are separating. This was an extremely difficult decision that as a woman and a mother, I have to accept as the best choice for our family. We have love and respect for one another and will continue to amicably co-parent our daughter who is and will always remain our first priority. This is an immensely painful and heartbreaking time for us."
Bethenny also took to Twitter to express her sadness.
Bethenny and Jason have been together since 2008 and have one child together, daughter Bryn Hoppy, 2.
Photo credit: TNYF/WENN.com

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Cartoon Network has announced more than 20 new and returning TV series for their 2013-14 season. They include Incredible Crew, Steven Universe, Uncle Grandpa, Clarence, Teen Titans Go!, Beware the Batman, Total Drama, Legends of Chima, Grojband, The Tom and Jerry Show, Adventure Time, Regular Show, Annoying Orange, MAD, The Amazing World of Gumball, The Looney Tunes Show, Ben 10 Omniverse, Dreamworks Dragons: Riders of Berk, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, Johnny Test, Pokemon Black & White: Adventures in Unova, Beyblade Metal Fury, Almost Naked Animals, and Scaredy Squirrel.
Here are some additional details:
Cartoon Network Gets In Front of the Upfront
#1 Boys Network Breaks Tradition and Takes The Show on The Road To Over 15 Cities
New and Returning Hit Series to Highlight the 2013-2014 Season Following Cartoon Network's Most-Watched Year Ever
Armed with record-setting ratings success as the only top kids' network to achieve across-the-board growth in 2012 and its most-watched year in Prime in its 20-year history, Cartoon Network is jumping ahead of the customary Kids Upfront season and taking its show on the road with the CARTOON NETWORK ROAD TOUR. With more than a dozen new productions and multiple returning hit series now slated for the 2013 and early 2014 season, Cartoon Network brought its road-show presentation directly to key clients and promotional partners at their respective home bases the week of January 21 and will continue into March.
Network, ad sales, marketing and programming executives will travel to more than 15 key cities across the country to visit clients and promotional partners. Along with its presentation, the network also plans to "take over" the building at each of its visits with custom activations that will include the distribution of unique branded premiums to employees.
"As viewers continue to interact with the Cartoon Network brand and content across a variety of screens, our advertising partners look to us for more innovative and engaging opportunities that provide greater reach for their messages," said Donna Speciale, president of Turner Entertainment and Young Adults Ad Sales. "This year, we are breaking away from a traditional upfront presentation to engage with advertisers in a series of conversations that will focus on the development of ideas that leverage our brand strength to meet the goals of our partners. As our success and momentum continue to grow across all screens, we believe it's an ideal time for advertisers to reassess their investments and strategically increase their media budgets with Cartoon Network."
Cartoon Network will announce an impressive line-up of new original and acquired programming that began last Thursday, Jan. 24, with the premiere of Incredible Crew, a half-hour live-action sketch comedy show from entertainer Nick Cannon. Additionally, Cartoon Network Studios will produce three new original animated comedy series – Steven Universe, Uncle Grandpa and Clarence – each developed from its vibrant and prolific shorts program. Also from Cartoon Network Studios, two new original animated specials based on the #1 network series hits Adventure Time and Regular Show, plus a brand new, redesigned and re-imagined CG-animated special starring three of Cartoon Network's earliest stars, The Powerpuff Girls – which also includes an original song performed by Beatles legend Ringo Starr – will premiere later this year.
Partnering with powerhouse producers, Cartoon Network will introduce two new action-adventure half-hour series based on popular heroes from DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation, Teen Titans Go! and Beware The Batman; a new animated series from LEGO, Legends of Chima; a new animated musical-comedy series, Grojband, from FremantleMedia Ltd.; an all-new series iteration of the world's most famous cat-and-mouse duo, The Tom and Jerry Show, produced by Warner Bros. Animation; a new season of the hit animated Total Drama "reality" series from CAKE Distribution, Total Drama All Stars; and also from LEGO, three quarterly installment specials of The Yoda Chronicles, a new CG-animated foray into the "Original Saga" world of Star Wars.
"Building upon the success we achieved last year, we have secured even more new programming plus all-new episodes of current hit series that continue to define the global brand vision for Cartoon Network," said Stuart Snyder, president and chief operating officer, Turner Broadcasting's Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media (AYAKM). "With our network branding and content strategy in place and working, we couldn't see any reason to wait to share it with our partners. So we're taking our message directly to them to help set the stage for optimum growth into the 2013-14 season."
Among the network's returning series, the Monday night line-up (7-9 p.m.) of original animated comedies that has ranked #1 on all television throughout 2012 among boys will return this year with all-new seasons, including the pop-culture phenomenon Adventure Time, the Primetime Emmy(R) Award-winning Regular Show, and additional new episodes of the Web-originated sensation Annoying Orange. Also returning with new seasons/episodes are Cartoon Network's exclusive animated hit comedies The Amazing World of Gumball, The Looney Tunes Show, MAD, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Inc. and Johnny Test.
On the action-adventure front, dramatic new seasons of key hit series have been slated, including the action-comedy series DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk, based on the critically-acclaimed feature film, How to Train Your Dragon; and Ben 10 Omniverse, from the global franchise powerhouse Ben 10.
In addition, Cartoon Network announced that its successful and innovative shorts program will continue at Cartoon Network Studios, producing a new slate of original shorts in 2013 via its dedicated production unit.
"Our unique approach to animation development has paid off in the form of many successful returning series, each with a giant fan base behind them," said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network. "These new animated series forge diverse, new ground, and stem from our Cartoon Network Studios pipeline, which continues to cultivate the most talented minds working in TV animation today."
Further details of Cartoon Network's programming announcements include the following:
· Incredible Crew: Incredible Crew, is a live-action, half-hour, sketch comedy series from producer and entertainer Nick Cannon. Every episode of this high-energy, fast-paced show delivers hilarious comedy bits, outrageous hidden camera pranks, original music videos and commercial parodies all with a distinct attitude – a contemporary blend of internet sensibility mixed with kid imagination. Incredible Crew showcases six up-and-coming young comedy stars featured in diverse roles in every genre Shauna Case (American Horror Story), Shameik Moore (Joyful Noise), Tristan Pasterick, Chanelle Peloso (Level Up), Jeremy Shada (Adventure Time) and Brandon Soo Hoo (Enders Game, Tropic Thunder). Nick Cannon serves as executive producer of Incredible Crew along with Michael Goldman and Scott Tomlinson. The series is produced by Cartoon Network Studios in association with NCredible Entertainment.
· Steven Universe: Slated to debut in 2013, Steven Universe is a coming-of-age story told from the perspective of Steven, the youngest member of a team of magical Guardians of the Universe. The animated series was conceived as part of the shorts development initiative at Cartoon Network Studios, and is created by Emmy(R) and Annie Award-nominated writer and storyboard artist Rebecca Sugar (Adventure Time). Sugar is Cartoon Network's first solo female show creator.
· Uncle Grandpa: Also slated for 2013, Uncle Grandpa is based upon the Emmy(R)-nominated short of the same name and follows the exploits of Uncle Grandpa – everyone in the world's "magical" uncle and grandpa. Created and executive produced by Pete Browngardt (creator of Cartoon Network's Emmy(R), Annie and Annecy Cristal Award-winning Secret Mountain Fort Awesome), Uncle Grandpa was conceived as part of the shorts development program at Cartoon Network Studios.
· Clarence: From creator Skyler Page, Clarence is a new original animated series about an optimistic boy who wants to do everything. Because everything is amazing! Clarence was conceived as part of the shorts development program at Cartoon Network Studios.
· Teen Titans Go!: Featuring the return of Robin, Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy and Cyborg in all-new, comedic adventures, Teen Titans Go! will premiere in April 2013. Character-driven comedy is the order of the day as this new take on the superhero series focuses on the funny business that happens between saving the world and living together as teenagers without adult supervision. The series stars the principal voice cast from the original Teen Titans, and is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.
· Beware the Batman: A cool, new take on the classic Dark Knight franchise, Beware the Batman incorporates Batman's core characters with a rogue gallery of new villains not previously seen in animated form. Along with backup from ex-secret agent Alfred and lethal swordstress Katana, the Dark Knight faces the twisted machinations of Gotham City's criminal underworld led by the likes of Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mister Toad and Magpie. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, this action-packed detective thriller deftly redefines what we have come to know as a "Batman show." Featuring cutting-edge CGI visuals, Beware the Batman, based on characters from DC Comics, is coming to Cartoon Network's DC Nation block in Summer 2013.
· Legends of Chima: In the mystical land of CHIMA, Laval the Lion and Cragger the Crocodile are the best of friends. An innocent escapade results in Cragger getting his first experience with the CHI, a powerful and sacred resource important to the delicate balance of CHIMA. The CHI gives awesome power to the user but needs to be managed carefully and certainly not by young adventurous animals. From LEGO, creator of Cartoon Network's powerhouse action-adventure series Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu, Legends of Chima will premiere in Summer 2013.
· Grojband: 12-year-old Corey is the front man for a rockin' garage band. There's just one problem: Corey's lyrics stink. He just can't think of anything cool to write about, until… he finds his sister's diary that's full of "teen angst and junk" and decides to use each diary entry as inspiration for crowd pleasing, heart stopping, foot stomping hit songs. Grojband is distributed by FremantleMedia Ltd. and produced by Fresh TV, creator of the hit animated reality franchise Total Drama Island.
· The Tom and Jerry Show: The iconic cat and mouse rivals are back in The Tom and Jerry Show, a fresh take on the classic series. Preserving the look, characters and sensibility of the original, the all-new series shines a brightly colored, high-definition lens on the madcap slapstick and never-ending battle that has made Tom and Jerry two of the most beloved characters of all time. The Tom and Jerry Show is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.
· Total Drama All Stars: Total Drama is back, but this time the team at Fresh TV have assembled the best loved and most hated contestants from seasons past to compete – Heroes vs. Villains style! Total Drama Island is produced by Fresh TV and distributed by CAKE Distribution.
· Adventure Time Special: Highly-regarded comedic actors Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) and Donald Glover (Community) will be featured in a special episode of Cartoon Network's hit animated series Adventure Time. The episode, "Bad Little Boy," is slated to premiere February 18 as part of the series' fifth and current season. Reprising his role as Prince Gumball from season three's much-loved gender switch episode "Adventure Time with Fionna and Cake," Neil Patrick Harris will join Donald Glover, as Marshall Lee, the musical male counterpart to fan favorite Marceline the Vampire Queen in this second installment of the Fionna and Cake (derived from Finn and Jake) saga. In this special episode, the princesses are sick and tired of Ice King's crazy Fionna and Cake stories, so Marceline stops by the Ice Kingdom to show him how it's done.
· Regular Show Special: Regular Show, Cartoon Network's Emmy(R) Award-winning animated comedy featuring best friends Mordecai, a six-foot-tall blue jay and Rigby, a hyperactive raccoon, is slated for a 30-minute Thanksgiving special, Regular Show style. Mordecai and Rigby accidentally ruin Thanksgiving and must find a way to save it before their families arrive for dinner. The gang pulls together to help make it the best Thanksgiving ever! Regular Show, currently in its' fourth season, has become an instant hit continually ranking #1 in its time period among all key boy demos across all of television according to Nielsen Media Research.
· The Powerpuff Girls Special: "Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice… plus a dash of mysterious Chemical X" were the essential ingredients that created Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup – also known as The Powerpuff Girls. This groundbreaking and Emmy(R)-winning series, created by Craig McCracken, ran on Cartoon Network from 1998-2005 and will soar again as a brand-new, redesigned and re-imagined CG special coming in 2013 where the trio of pint-sized super heroines will be called upon to rescue not just the city of Townsville, but the USA and the world! Featuring an original song "I Wish I Was A Powerpuff Girl" performed by Beatles legend Ringo Starr, who also portrays Townsville's most famous flamboyant mathematician, "Fibonacci Sequins," this all-new original special comes from a powerhouse creative team featuring animation talent from around the globe including acclaimed director Dave Smith and award-winning art director Kevin Dart and is produced by Cartoon Network Studios in association with UK's Passion Pictures. The special also features the original voice cast reprising their iconic roles and will premiere later this year.
· The Yoda Chronicles: LEGO Star Wars returns in epic style with THE YODA CHRONICLES, a thrilling, funny and action-packed new LEGO Star Wars story told in three animated TV specials! Set in the "Prequel" Star Wars timeline, THE YODA CHRONICLES stars the one and only Yoda – the Jedi Master who has seen it all, done it all, and taught generations of Jedi Knights – in an all-new adventure. With the help of a fresh class of Padawans, Yoda leads the Jedi in a desperate fight to stop Darth Sidious and his minions from creating a new super-weapon that could crush the Republic and win the war for the forces of Evil.
· Adventure Time
· Regular Show
· Annoying Orange
· The Amazing World of Gumball
· The Looney Tunes Show
· Ben 10 Omniverse
· Dreamworks Dragons: Riders of Berk
· Scooby-Doo! Mystery Inc.
· Johnny Test
· Pokémon Black & White: Adventures in Unova
· Beyblade Metal Fury
· Almost Naked Animals
· Scaredy Squirrel
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is the #1 U.S. television network among boys 6-11. Currently seen in 99 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to any of the new shows? How about the returning ones?


text:
I believe the distinction between social and non-social business is a false dichotomy. And yet, it's one we continually want to make. We talk about "social businesses" — those that are mission-led and focused on creating positive social change — and "non-social businesses" — those that focus on revenue and profit. Social entrepreneurs launching ventures may ask themselves if their business models need to be different. Does pursuing a social purpose require something unique to describe and structure your business?
As someone who works with a variety of organizations in my roles as strategy and innovation consultant, venture capitalist, professor, and mentor, this question intrigues to me. To answer it, I evaluated a few years worth of business models created and implemented by clients (usually established, mature businesses), invested companies (early stage), entrepreneurs I've mentored, and college students starting new ventures. The results? I found that both social and non-social businesses focused on making sure revenues were greater than costs, either through selling something, raising money or getting grants. The differences were more along traditional business characteristics: virtual vs. physical product or service, B2B vs. B2C, etc.
That said, this initial evidence showed that social businesses focus more on achieving a positive impact in each of the nine business model elements — value proposition, customer segment, channels, relationships, key partners, key activities, key resources, costs and revenues — as well as the whole model. Many of the non-social businesses in my sample also focused on the impact of each element and interestingly, they are very successful businesses (might there be a correlation?).
All businesses are social. All companies have people as customers, employees, and suppliers. At some point, in deciding which supplier to use, in engaging your workforce, and in getting your product into users' hands, relationships with people matter. Improving these their experiences always improves the outcome for your company.
If a business isn't providing valuable, meaningful solutions to real customers' problems or delivering outcomes that both make a positive difference in the customers' lives and support the company's mission, the business won't have to worry about profits or outputs for long. The market has a way of taking care of that.
The historical division between social and non-social business and "purpose" vs. "profits" is artificial and antiquated. Almost exactly two years ago, Michael Porter and Mark Kramer called for a new definition of capitalism — "shared value" — to unify this false choice. I think this is how Adam Smith envisioned capitalism; we just redefined it to serve our purposes. In fact, our financial crisis in part stems from non-social businesses divorcing impact from profit and the outcome will haunt us for a long time.
To further test what I had learned, I turned to business model guru and friend, Alex Osterwalder (I've used his Business Model Canvas since 2009 because I believe it's one of the best methodologies out there). He has vast experience creating business models all over the globe, in almost every industry sector, and he came to the same conclusion: There is no significant difference in the business models themselves. In fact, we agreed that for-profit social businesses are a powerful way to increase impact. For instance, Sun Edison's business model demonstrates that increasing impact doesn't decrease profitability. One of Alex's favorite businesses, PeePoople, is implementing a similar model to provide basic personal sanitation to the 2.6 billion people who don't have it today. As Alex says, "The most amazing business models are those where profit and impact live in harmony. Business models can be designed where impact doesn't diminish revenues or profit and vice versa."
Does this answer the question about needing something different for a social business? I think so and the answer is clearly no. It's time we stop talking about "social" vs. "non-social" and encourage all entrepreneurs to focus on impact in every element of the business model as well as the whole. We read about companies, like Patagonia, Virgin, Cemex, who profitably and purposefully balance doing well and doing good. If they do it, why can't you?
There are also some quiet, under the radar companies, like 6th generation family-held Menasha Corp in Wisconsin's Fox Valley. The 164-year-old corrugated packaging firm has over $1B in revenue. Despite being in a commodity-driven market, it has experienced seven consecutive years of remarkable growth, even during the recession. Menasha's plants use heat from the corrugators to warm the buildings; they've reduced water usage while increasing production; their culture is collaborative; and their people are active in their communities, serving on school boards, supporting art and music, and having plain old fun in the Muscatine Great River Days boat races. The result is synergistic growth of a company and its communities.
By focusing on each individual business model element and the model's overall impact to create outputs that support sustainable outcomes, perhaps our social entrepreneurs can help society break down this tired, man-made wall between social and non-social businesses.
Follow the Scaling Social Impact insight center on Twitter @ScalingSocial and give us feedback.
Insights from HBR and The Bridgespan Group


text:
EC's Mathioudakis: "You cannot build a sustainable food industry on misleading health claims"
Speaking after giving a keynote address at a food supplements congress in Brussels, Belgium, last week, Mathioudakis gave no indication as to how the treatment of 2078 on-hold botanical health claims might be resolved, nor when maximum permitted levels (MPL) for nutrients in food supplements or nutrient profiles in foods may be resolved.
NHCR: "I think it is a good result"
He defended the role of the EU nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR) in ensuring that food marketing was responsible and scientifically verified in the EU's 27 member states.
"The criteria were decided by co-legislators – by the European Council and the European Parliament and we have tried to apply them, with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as close to the letter of the law as possible. I think it is a good result," he said.
"You cannot build a sustainable food industry on misleading health claims."
He added: "I think that the balance is positive both for the benefit of the consumers who are going to be protected from misleading claims but also it is very important for fair competition among food business operators. I think there are benefits from the application of that legislation."
On the massive job of enforcing the regulation, Mathioudakis said the EC was working with member states.
"We encourage the member states to enforce the law to the best of their abilities. We will be asking for regular reports as to how things are proceeding because at a certain stage we will have to produce a report as to the effects of applying the regulation."
On other matters within and without the NHCR Mathioudakis could offer little concrete, or answer concerns about how new Health commissioner, Tonio Borg, may differ from his predecessor, John Dalli, on crucial matters of food law.
"[John Dalli] had certain priorities depending on many considerations, there were quite a lot of hot issues so he made some priorities as to what to tackle. We'll have to see whether the new commissioner has different priorities but for now the issues on his table don't include maximum levels."
Sections of the UK supplements industry have reinvigorated a campaign against EU MPL harmonisation as lobbying intensifies around Borg's appointment.
It was a battle it won while Dalli was in charge, but Mathioudakis was keen to highlight the UK's position within the broader EU bloc.
"You have to be careful when you talk about the UK food industry because it is unique with its high levels," Mathioudakis said. "But even sections of the UK industry would favour the setting of harmonised maximum levels."
He added: "Every commissioner decides the priorities of the subjects that have to be tackled. Resources are diminishing in every public service including the Commission. Therefore the choice of priorities is more and more important."
What of 2078 on-hold botanical health claim applications?
"The difference is that they are subject to a different treatment in another area – in the area of medicinal products. There, there has been a differentiation for botanicals to bear health indications in line with traditional use."
"Reflection by the previous commissioner was whether this was justified only for the medicinal area or whether it should be allowed for the food area too. The reflection is not finished. When the commissioner is going to decide what to do about botanicals I cannot say."
The same went for long overdue nutrient profiles, he said of the unresolved aspect of the NHCR that will determine which products are able to bear health claims,


text:
(visited by Mike Bonnici and Etienne Vassallo)
30-Nov-2005 -- After visiting Confluence 28N 22E, a drive due south in the flat open gravel plains, saw us arriving at the next confluence point at 27N 22E on the morning of 30 November.
An aluminum identification tag was installed at the confluence point and a set of photos taken. In this area a large agricultural project was undertaken in the past. This involved in growing wheat in large crop circles, which although still evident, most of the project seems abandoned now. About 50 m south of the confluence point, one of these crop circles was located with remnants of vegetation and irrigation pipework still left scattered in the sand.
On completion of the identification of the confluence point, the scouting party made up of Mike Bonnici, Etienne Vassallo, and Muṣṭafā FexFex as our driver returned to base camp.


text:
High Springs (zip 32643), Florida
0 Reviews | Review This Place
+27.5% since 2000
Unemployment Rate
Cost of Living
95 / 100
Median Home Price
Median Income
Comfort Index (Climate)
3.5 / 8.4
summer / winter
A Florida place many across the country haven't heard of or thought about a lot, Gainesville has quietly but steadily marched to the head of the class. Gainesville is a right-sized college town centered on the 36,000-student University of Florida. The university is the area's largest employer, and the economic picture, recently mixed, has recovered well and the area is now one of the strongest and most diverse economies in the state.
Located away from the coast, the area has more of small Southern town demeanor; it is not a touristy coastal city. The university has made Gainesville a center for the arts, particularly the performing arts, and the city has excellent arts venues. College sports are an obsession particularly during fall football season. The economy has diversified far beyond the university, attracting research and high tech, along with a large medical center and Veterans Administration hospital. The population has a strong concentration of young people and active retirees seeking the energy of a college town.
Gainesville has gained popularity among northern migrants seeking a Florida climate and intellectual stimulation without the high prices, tourist bustle and stigma most commonly associated with the state. Not only attractive as a lifestyle destination, it has also become an attractive place to start small businesses. The area is also important as a nature and wildlife-viewing center, and nearby natural springs offer good recreational opportunities. A relatively high violent crime rate and hot, sticky summers are negatives, but many like the small-town feel and find Gainesville one of the most livable cities in the state.
The terrain is fairly level with forests of live oak and southern pine within the city and nearby. There are several nearby lakes to the east and south. The central location away from water causes more persistent heat. Winters are mild, with minimum temperatures averaging 44 degrees. Freezing does occur 18 days per year with record lows in the teens. Rainfall is appreciable in every month but is most abundant from summer showers and thunderstorms. August, which averages 8 inches of rainfall, is the wettest month. Because of its inland location, Gainesville does not have serious problems with hurricanes.
Start Your Review of High Springs
Members receive 10 FREE city profile downloads a month, unlimited access to our detailed cost of living calculator and analysis, downloadable reports, and more.
About Best Places
Follow Us
Best Places Tools
Best Places to Live


text:
"a little wasabi in a world of ketchup."
– Zooglooble
"Dog on Fleas has been performing together for several years now, and it shows on Cranberry Sauce Flotilla, their third CD for kids. Recorded mostly with a single microphone in band leader Dean Jones's living room in upstate New York, the songs exude loads of organic vitality. The group's use of fiddles, tubas, mandolins, acoustic guitars, and an upright piano, combined with their down-home song selections, will make you feel like you're listening to The Band, playing at Big Pink…This is wonderful music from a fantastically talented group. "
– 12 Kids' Albums You Can't Live Without by Warren Truitt -- School Library Journal
"In a more perfect world, Dog on Fleas would be among the best-known names in music for families….When I Get Little may be my favorite Dog on Fleas album…Dog on Fleas is a band in which each member shines equally…Like all great bands for kids, the music of Dog on Fleas works for all ages. When this outstanding band takes its place among the great names of kids' music, you'll be proud to say 'I knew them when."
– Kathy O'Connell, Metro Kids Sound Off, WXPN, Philadelphia
"When I Get Little is a delightfully eclectic array of unique tunes tasting of bluegrass, Cajun, World, and straightforward rock. The album includes some real treasures, including 'The Coo-Coo', which boasts exotic balafons and djun-djun drums' the ragtimey 'Moon Song'; and the folksy, a cappella 'Honeybaby."
– Mothering Magazine
"What's most shocking about this talented quintet is not how adeptly they surf from one genre to another (one minute you're kicking up your heels at a hootenanny; the next you're toe-tapping on a Mississippi riverboat or swing-dancing at a Jazz Age supper club). Instead, it's the fact that When I Get Little is this group's fourth CD: After rollicking along to the call-and-response eco-anthem "Trees," or the ska-tinged Humpty Dumpty tale "What's Behind the Wall," you'll surely question why you haven't heard of them before. In this golden age of children's music, Dog on Fleas deserves to finally emerge from under the radar."
– Christopher Healy, Cookie Magazine
"The key to Dog on Fleas' listenability is a real musical virtuosity. Accordingly, the eclectic music is simultaneously tight and playful with lyrics both fun and thoughtful. When I Get Little is an album with easy appeal across the age spectrum. Dog on Fleas walk the creative tightrope of child-like music that isn't childish."
– Richard Klin, Blue Coupe Magazine
"When I Get Little is #7 on Zooglobble's Favorite Kids' Albums of 2006 "Fans of Dan Zanes' music should especially check out this album…you'll find it a vibrant and joyous experience. Highly recommended.""
– Stefan Sheperd, Zooglobble
"Dean has come to our school several times and it's always a huge success. His songwriting workshops are fun and engaging and the kids get a real kick out of performing their own work in front of the whole school with a real band backing them up. The shows have been a yearly highlight for our Assembly program and we hope to have him back on a regular basis!"
– Ben Houston, PTA Assembly Coordinator, Zena Elementary, Kingston, NY
"We just had our kick off program with a great band called "Dog On Fleas". They are great musicians, catering to kids of all ages and their adult counterparts (sometimes hard to do), professional, creative, and overall, a lot of fun - we had a terrific turnout! The kids, adults and librarians all had a terrific time dancing. Many came back the next day to find out more about the band members and recommend a return engagement! Highly recommended!"
– Ginny Neidermier, Director, Josephine-Louise Public Library, Walden, NY
"The Dog on Fleas performance at Moore Memorial Library was electrifying from start to finish. The group had everyone singing and dancing along for the entire performance. I would highly recommend Dog on Fleas to all who are looking for a top quality, all ages friendly program.
– Mary King, Library Director, Moore Memorial Library, Greene, NY
"Dean Jones is a gifted teacher and musician, and his songwriting workshop for kids is a fantastic program. Dean encouraged kids to be both silly and serious, and showed them the actual results of working together and seeing the project through. Highly recommended!"
– Jennifer Metzger, Rosendale Elementary, Rosendale, NY
"Dog On Fleas conducted one of the most inventive, creative and progressive songwriting/ performance workshops in the history of our school. Dean Jones is an incredibly gifted and multi-talented artist who created a safe and stimulating environment for our kids to create and perform. His innovative way of extracting shared subject matter, and turning them into group songs (that were performed for the entire community) was a remarkable feat. Through this experience, the kids were able to gain confidence in their ability to create original music. They were also able to experience the outcome of their collaborations through performance. At the conclusion, the Dog On Fleas band got everyone dancing by performing a couple of high energy numbers that made everyone feel good! What a treat. Whether you invite them to enhance your arts in education schedule, or present them on a big stage - this group is a must have."
– Damon Banks, music teacher at Poughkeepsie Day School, Poughkeepsie, NY


text:
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder and the Republican-controlled Legislature's top two leaders say they will push for passage of right-to-work legislation in the next few days.
The announcement came Thursday during a roundtable discussion in Lansing.
Gov. Snyder, Majority Leader Randy Richardville and Speaker Jase Bolger were joined by rank-and-file union members.
Watch: Uncut roundtable on right-to-work legislation.
During the meeting Gov. Snyder and GOP leaders vowed to push the right-to-work law in Michigan, defying angry unions.
Union protests took place in Lansing on Wednesday, and union members from metro Detroit were expected to flock to the Capitol again on Thursday.
Michigan Republican Party Chairman Bobby Schostak said in a statement "Michigan workers deserve the utmost protections to ensure Michigan's economic recovery continues to move forward. Freedom in the workforce is common sense legislation that puts the interests of Michigan workers ahead of the interests of union bosses. The Workplace and Equity Fairness Act ensures that union membership is voluntary and no longer a forced-requirement. I want to thank Gov. Snyder, Speaker Jase Bolger, Majority Leader Randy Richardville and, notably Sen. Pat Colbeck and Rep. Mike Shirkey for demonstrating the courage and leadership to put the interests of Michigan workers first."
Snyder said bills will be introduced Thursday.
He said the issue is about freedom for workers and is not meant to harm unions or collective bargaining.
Watch: Uncut: Right-to-work protesters pack Lansing Capitol
Snyder said it wasn't on his agenda previously because there were more pressing issues to deal with, but he says now is the time to move.
The legislation will cover both private and public sector workers, although an exception will be granted for police and firefighters.
"The 'Workplace and Equity Fairness Act' will move through the Michigan House and Senate beginning today," said Schostak.


text:
Those of you who know me know I LOVE God and His Word. While the world thinks being a Christian and living according to the truths of the Bible means living a life of bondage, hemmed in with rules and regulations at every turn, the truth is exactly the opposite. Living God's way brings freedom, not bondage!
Perhaps you already know that, but the question is, do you live it? We can believe all the right things and still get entangled in the lies of the enemy. So how do we get free from these entanglements and live the abundant life God has for us?
I'm excited to share with you a brand new study from my friend Cindy Bultema that will help us to answer this question! Cindy's study "Live Full, Walk Free" uses the apostle Paul's letter to the church he planted in the sinful city of Corinth to help us navigate our way through the sinful culture we live in today.
Here's Cindy with a sneak peek at Chapter 5 of Live Full Walk Free:
You Are Not the Only One
I was talking with my friend Jamie recently after she'd had a long, disappointing Monday.
Everywhere she turned she was pelted with lies, frustration, and discouragement.
Jamie was lamenting that at the end of her long day, in the midst of trying to bake cookies for a sick friend—and burning half of them—she caved in and inhaled a huge handful of half-burned cookies.
Easy comfort, right? Except every woman knows what happened next: After eating those cookies, Jamie carried guilt and shame on top of everything else that had gone wrong in her life on that horrible, rotten, no good day.
I have so been there. My guess is: you have too.
One more cookie story, because in this life we will have cookie temptations.
Once, when my kids were ages one, two, three and ten, I came up with the brilliant idea to invite all the 4th grade moms from my son's school over for coffee, conversation, and homemade chocolate chip cookies.
It seemed like a good idea at the time, but my plan to win friends and influence people through chocolate quickly went bust. In the midst of trying to keep my kiddos busy, roll store-bought dough onto cookie sheets, and frantically hide all our clutter – I gave in and ate (more like "sucked down") four ooey, gooey warm and chewy cookies.
Later that week, when I sunk down into my therapist's couch, I cried and told her that I was disgusted with myself. I was filled with self-loathing, and shame. Why? Because of the cookies. I told her that I had been striving to pretend I had it all together – when the reality was I was hanging on by a thread (a thin thread, at that).
And then, longing for connection and acceptance from these other moms, I had tried to numb my feelings with homemade cookies. And afterward, what did I do? I let the enemy flood me with lies and guilt and shame.
My therapist listened and nodded. "Cindy, do you think you are the only woman who has eaten some of her homemade cookies?"
"But I ate four cookies. Not one, not two, but four." I said loudly, as if she spoke a foreign language and couldn't understand the meaning of the number four.
"Cindy, do you think you are the only woman who has eaten FOUR of her homemade cookies?" my therapist replied.
"Um, yeah, probably not".
So recently, when I listened to my friend Jamie describe her discouragement and self-loathing over eating her chocolate chip cookies, I recycled my therapist's question.
"Jamie, do you think you are the only woman who has eaten some of her homemade cookies? Because, friend, you are not the only one."
The words I gave Jamie are the words I want to give to you: You are not the only one.
· You are not the only one who deviated from your healthy eating plan.
· You are not the only one who feels disappointed, discouraged, or overwhelmed.
· You are not the only one who wonders if you're "not enough" compared to air brushed perfection.
And, sweet friend, you are not meant to live under harsh judgment, condemnation, and self-loathing.
Thankfully God's Word speaks realistically to you, to me, and to cookie lovers everywhere about how to live full, free lives—even in the midst of our most disappointing and discouraging of days.
We can start by choosing to extend the same grace we would share with a girlfriend to ourselves.
We would never say to a friend who indulged on fresh-baked cookies, "You stink. You have no self-control, everyone thinks you are fat, and no one likes you anyway."
You would never say that, right?
So why do we let the enemy put such horrible, garbage thoughts in our head?!
Let's choose grace over guilt.
Let's choose freedom over frustration.
Let's choose kindness over constant criticism and comparisons.
Let's choose life…life to the full, more than enough, super abundance, full, free life! (John 10:10)
May the God who made you, knows you, loves you, and desires to fill your days with satisfying, life-giving moments remind you afresh that you are accepted, loved and enough—cookie crumbs and all!
Cindy's latest Bible study, Live Full Walk Free: Set Apart in a Sin-Soaked World was released in December 2016. Visit her blog to watch the study trailer, and download a FREE sample chapter and set of A-Z scripture cards: http://www.cindybultema.com/live-full-walk-free/
With nearly 20 years of ministry experience, Cindy is a popular women's speaker, author, and Bible teacher. But don't let her cheerful smile fool you—Cindy has endured single parenting, overcome bondage to addiction, and survived tragic loss. Cindy lives in Michigan with her husband and their four kids. Most days you can find Cindy walking her beagle Rocky, attending one of her boys' hockey games, or serving hot lunch at her kids' school. Connect with Cindy at www.cindybultema.com.


text:
Environmental Science and Environmental Studies, Northern Arizona University
Program Design & Assessment
NAU's School of Earth Science and Environmental Sustainability offers three undergraduate degrees; all focus on pre-professional training with a strong field emphasis. Our Geology degree is a traditional mineralogy/petrology/sedimentology/structure progression that also incorporates a component of applied/surficial geology. Our environmental sciences degrees provide a strong core in the natural sciences with a required emphasis area in one of the natural or social sciences. Our environmental studies degrees have a strong core in the natural and social sciences (with several courses shared with the environmental sciences degree) and a required focus area in sustainability, the Southwest environment, or globalization.
The environmental sciences degrees date from the 1970s, but were updated 12 years ago to create more interdisciplinary, team-taught approaches to environmental issues. Our environmental studies degrees were designed seven years ago to contrast with our environmental sciences degree by having students learn a broad range of perspectives to address major societal issues (e.g. sustainability or globalization).
Program Goals
Learning goals include: enhance awareness of relationships between human and non-human components of the environment at local to global scales; and generate environmentally aware citizen who are inspired, committed, active, participatory, persuasive and influential. Knowledge outcomes include understanding: system structure, function, resilience and stability/sustainability, including biotic, abiotic, and cultural components; the science/policy interface; concepts of environmental justice; and principles and applications of energy, water, and biogeochemical cycling.
Alumni Careers
We view environmental and geosciences majors as pre-professional training. Their commonest career trajectories go through federal, state and tribal environmental and resource management agencies. Many also go on to graduate programs in geosciences, environmental sciences and environmental policy, and some go through law schools into environmental policy.
In addition, a number of our students go into middle or high school education, or environmental education through non-governmental organizations. Some also work in outdoor recreation and education organizations.
Program Assessment
We have developed assessment programs, including pre-and post-assessment components for all of our degree programs, in cooperation with NAU's Office of Academic Assessment. All programs use assessments of capstone products from our students and exit interviews, along with other components.
Courses and Sequencing
Entry into the program
Entry courses are Introduction to Environmental Sustainability or Foundations of Environmental Sciences.
Core courses
All environmental studies and environmental sciences majors take these additional core courses:
- Environmental Ecology
- Environmental Politics
- Internship or Undergraduate Research
- Senior Capstone in Environmental Sciences and Studies
In addition to the shared core, all environmental studies majors must take:
- Intensive writing in Environmental Studies
- Environmental Communications
- Environmental Humanities
- Environmental Ethics
In addition to the shared core, all environmental sciences majors must take:
- Calculus I
- University Chemistry I and II
- Statistics I
- Atmosphere and Hydrosphere (Prerequisite: 1 year of Chemistry and Foundations of Environmental Sciences)
- Energy Resources and Policy, writing intensive
- Conservation Biology (Prerequisite: Ecology)
Environmental Studies students are required to take electives from three groups of courses, a natural sciences group (2 courses, 6-8 credit hours), a social sciences group (3 courses, 9 credit hours), and a humanities group (3 courses, 9 credit hours) plus an ENV elective. The electives chosen depend upon which focus area the studies student chooses: Southwest Environment; Globalization and Environmental Change; or Sustainability, Community and Biocultural Diversity.
Environmental Sciences students are required to take one ENV elective course plus an emphasis of 40-50 credit hours (10-13 courses) in Applied Geology, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Administration and Policy, Environmental Communication, or Environmental Management.
Environmental electives:
- Extreme Weather
- Climate Change
- Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
- Environmental Sciences of the San Juan River
- Soil and Groundwater Remediation
- Meteorology
- Conservation Biology
- Historical Ecology: Reconstructing Past Ecosystems
- Microbial Ecology
- Senior majors may choose to enroll in 500-level ENV courses for which they meet the prerequisites.
Senior Capstone in Environmental Sciences and Studies


text:
Let $X \geq 1$ be a integer r.v. with $E[X]=\mu$. Let $X_i$ be a sequence of iid rvs with the distribution of $X$. On the integer line, we start at $0$, and want to know the expected position after we first cross $K$, which is some fixed integer. Each next position is determined by adding $X_i$ to the previous position. So the question is, if we stop this process after the first time $\tau$ for which $Y_{\tau}=\sum_{i=1}^{\tau}X_i > K$, that is, after the first time it crosses $K$, then what is $E[Y_{\tau}-K]$?. Can we get a bound of $O(\mu)$?
Context: This question is linked to this question


text:
July 17, 2012
John Holland
Vicki Tobin
Rockville Horse Slaughter Plant another Misfire for Sue Wallis
Chicago (EWA) - Despite dozens of articles about the imminent opening of a horse slaughter plant in Rockville, Missouri, EWA has learned that the plant is not opening anytime in the foreseeable future.
The announcement by Sue Wallis that the plant was undergoing renovation and would be open in September turns out to have been as premature and misleading as her earlier announcements in Wyoming and Mountain Grove, MO.
Wallis has not in fact purchased the plant, and cannot legally do so (had she the resources) because its ownership is entangled in a complex web of civil and criminal issues involving dubious deeds of trust through a shell company called Six Bears, and criminal theft charges against its Canadian operator Vincent Paletta.
Paletta had already been charged with two counts of felony stealing by deception when Wallis' announcement brought the plant to the attention of Mountain Grove attorney Cynthia MacPherson. It was MacPherson who uncovered the elaborate plan by the Palettas to protect the plant from creditors.
On behalf of one creditor, Elvin's Refrigeration, MacPherson has sued the Palettas, asking the court to block all transfers of the property until the ownership can be determined and creditors protected. The petition claims the Palettas violated MUFTA (Missouri Uniform Financial Transactions Act).
Elvin's has also filed a Nonconsensual Common Law Lien against the plant's owner charging that the Palettas fraudulently used bogus deeds of trust, and even sued themselves through their shell companies to protect their assets from creditors.
Although Wallis and her Missouri attorney Dan Erdel did form two new companies and have requested federal inspections, they do not own the plant for which the request was made thus rendering the filing moot. Moreover, records show that they have made no application to Missouri agencies for the required permits.
Undeterred, Wallis has already announced a plant in Oklahoma, where selling horse meat or possessing horse meat for sale is illegal. This announcement too has been widely reported as factual.
EWA has published a comprehensive report on the Gordian legal knot encasing the Rockville plant.
The Equine Welfare Alliance is a dues-free 501c4, umbrella organization with over 245 member organizations and hundreds of individual members worldwide in 18 countries. The organization focuses its efforts on the welfare of all equines and the preservation of wild equids.


text:
This year, we've continued our practice of using Palm Springs as a convenient getaway during our standard winter vacation in LA. Despite Palm Springs being a small town (population 43,000), we're still finding new places to visit.
The highlight of the trip was our visit to the Palm Springs Air Museum. For an aviation and history buff like me, it was a great way to spend the day. While this museum is small in comparison to, say, the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum, its tight focus on American military aircraft from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War allows it to cover its chosen topics in much greater depth than I've ever seen elsewhere.
Throughout the museum, I learned things that I never knew before. As an example, despite having read seemingly endless books on military aviation in my childhood, today was the first time that I learned why the Dauntless dive bomber went by the designation "SBD" (the program that developed the plane called for a Scout/Bomber, and since the plane was produced by Douglas Aircraft, a final "D" was added).
The museum also benefits from its laser focus on the actual airplanes. I've never seen so many historic airplanes in one place, including almost every major American warplane from WWII. It even features lesser-known planes like the PBY Catalina. The only planes missing were the B-24 and B-29 bombers (the B-24 is very rare, with just 7 remaining examples in the US; the B-29 was probably too massive to fit into the museum).
While the entire day was awesome, two highlights stand out. First, the museum has dedicated one of its hangers to its B-17 Flying Fortress, one of just 10 flight-capable B-17s left in the world. Not only was it amazing to see a piece of history in person, we were even able to climb into the plane and crawl from the cockpit, through the bomb bay, all the way to the tail of the plane. It was difficult for me to clamber through the fuselage while it was standing still in a well-lit hanger; I can only imagine the challenge of doing so while the bomber was flying at 35,000 feet, engines droning at deafening levels, wearing an oxygen mask, machine guns blazing while Luftwaffe fighters attacked!
Second, the museum is well-staffed with volunteer docents, most of whom are veterans of the US military. One of the docents, Jim (USN, retired) spent about 45 minutes with us, answering questions and telling stories. Essentially, we got a private tour! Another docent coached me through a takeoff (successful) and landing (almost successful) on the F-22 flight simulator. If you visit the museum, definitely take advantage of the knowledge of the docents!
The museum is busy building its newest hanger, which will house its Korea- and Vietnam-era jets (which include an F-4, F-100, F-102, F-104, F-105, F-14, F-16, and F-18). I'm looking forward to returning to see the new hanger and exhibits when they're ready.
Of course, no vacation would be complete without eating. We had two enjoyable, new dining experiences this time. For lunch, we visited the El Paseo Grill in Palm Desert. It's not fancy (though it does have a lot of cool art on the walls), but it is quite tasty. I had a spicy chicken sandwich with Jamaican jerk sauce. The chicken was perfectly cooked, the sauce was spicy but not too spicy, and the bun (I indulge in carbs when I'm on vacation) had a satisfying surface crunch, but was soft and chewy on the inside.
We also had an early dinner at TRIO Restaurant. TRIO offers a great deal–the three-course prix fixe meal, which is available from 11 AM to 6 PM every day, is just $19.95. We had their fried calamari, roasted beet salad, steak frites, and steak salad, with bread pudding and brownie for dessert. The food and service were excellent, which helps explain why the restaurant was busy, even at 5:30 PM on a Wednesday. It's a very canny business model; the prix fixe deal helps maintain high utilization at off-peak times. Meanwhile, when we left the restaurant at around 6:15, it was approaching capacity as the less price-sensitive crowd streamed in. They even offer a separate happy hour menu, which we will have to sample another time.
The only disappointment was that rain started pouring down shortly after dinner, which caused us to cancel our trip to the WildLights festival at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. As much as I hate to let our tickets go unused, getting drenched is not my idea of a fun vacation. Hopefully we get a chance to go next year!


text:
In this animated short, Oscar® winner Chris Landreth returns with a poignant story of redemption that takes us into the relationship between a man and a woman trapped in a spiral of mutual destruction after 26 years of marriage. The Spine continues Landreth's pursuit of a twisted, beautiful and highly original visual aesthetic, using digital imagery to create characters whose physical appearances are metaphors for their unique souls.
Pedagogical evaluations and study guides are only available to CAMPUS subscribers.
Features designed specifically for teachers. Learn more
Already subscribed? Sign in


text: Artist: Mobb Deep Album: Soul In The Hole soundtrack Song: Rare Species (Modus Operandi) Typed by: firstname.lastname@example.com [Havoc] 1-2, 1-2 [Prodigy] Yo, however do u want, however do you need P My Mobb bring it back to life, back to reality You walk a fine line playin wit mine, the greatest story ever told in rhyme We climax in ninety-five, wit demo raw raps is knives To skin all ya'll cats alive Take your time don't rush the clock, Infamous rock for good now Pass like my duns on lock holdin the pot down slow But assuring this, spoon-feeding these Starvin ass heads catchin shakes, feenishly I ball in this, word assortin this, probably recording this Of course kids keepin they sights upon this Exclusiveness, like some new type of kicks We got them things fixed, passed the wrong man in my click You get charged wit incense to kick that bullshhh Welcome to the ledge of this whole shhh Chorus [Havoc] Yo, we the men for the operation You know the M-O, B-B's, warrior style, rare species Catch us on your block , on your wide-screen tv's From Jones Beach to over-seas from over there It's right back to the beats, longevity to all the great grand CC's [Havoc] Yo, for my QBC duns, it's all real hold it down You bust yours, we bust ours and stand on firm ground Pass the dutchie while I, handle the Henny thinkin You never catch me sleepin, stay on top of this properly I know they watchin me, if not they probably waitin for a downfall Scheming on my property, we got the remedy Let em get a little cold, let em smell the tree smoke Hit em where we blow and don't let nobody know The snakes in the grass, you gotta watch where you move Son, shots get loaded, don't ever run wit the crowd son Stick and move, you hear me? And that's the way we rock it, the only way to live If you really think about it Every move is humble wit precision, careful thought decisions And my whole cli-tique the same vision 41st till I dearly depart, till then I'll be somewhere gettin bent up in a den Sippin gin, while you shook cats just pretend to be something That your not and that's not good my friend On a personal, I ain't even feelin you cats Don't even acknowledge the fact that you weak raps We bust gats at, on the reg laughed at Son you know we passed that, get em outta here, cuz you could have that [Prodigy] Four pounds, stumbled off grounds Fire off many a rounds, I heard return fire 3% of the time Your dogs was wives actin like girls, get feminine when handlin guns You could run or take the window, son Or feel this hot one, we rip all strifes dun dun Without a fight son, we keep the house dope like ?pie fendis? We twist and pop Henny, gettin wet on the daily, and Peers get chilly, turnin macks fully Now they bandin, court rehanded and got remanded, faught A one to three degree from V-O-P and N-C-C-V And send me up a hub to a state facilities What could I do but sneak, burn a tree, or tobacco leaf Or wait until my time served and get released Cool, back on the streets I seen some old drama I still hold heat to send your ass straight to trauma These kids started to drilling like they ready and willing I gave em exactly no time to switch feelings Pulled out, to my man, look out Commits to warfare, and rock these to sleep like this here Seventy-two like as if I was back on the top Hours of thinkin about how I'ma tip they ass up out the basket Beligerant glass heads, I'm bashing No knowledge of the man nor his action Class now is session, "Soldiers boys, today's aim is: Never show your heat And don't flame it" You playin life, wit a man who lives by the sword And dies naturally against all common laws What, speed on and Peed on Chorus


text:
Microgate USA is proud to announce the certification and collaboration with TB12 Sports Therapy Center of Foxboro Massachusetts
Microgate USA is proud to announce that TB12 Sports Therapy Center of Foxboro Massachusetts is now a certified Microgate USA representative for both North and South America. Their proficient use of both the OptoJump and OptoGait systems has met and exceeded all requirements.
The TB12 Sports Therapy Center was created to bring Tom Brady's method of training to athletes who aspire to be the best they can be, at every age. The TB12 Method is a proven approach to help people reach and maintain their peak levels of performance. Developed by Brady and his body coach, Alex Guerrero, their revolutionary approaches to wellness in the areas of nutrition and supplementation, as well as physical and mental fitness training, have helped athletes maximize their potential and maintain peak performance levels for more than a decade.
TB12 Sports Therapy Center is open to the public – professional and amateur athletes of all ages, as well as individuals seeking to improve their health and well being.
Looking forward to many years of collaboration and excellence.
Dr. Peter G. Gorman
Microgate USA
Copyright © 2010-2012 Microgate Corporation. All rights reserved. P.Iva 00709780217


text:
How do you make orange juice? Simple! Squeeze oranges and drink. How do big box companies make orange juice? Complicated! Squeeze oranges, remove oxygen, re-flavor the now flavorless orange juice with artificially orange "flavor packs" and...drink? Uhh...
I never thought about it but it makes incredible sense now. Orange juice from Tropicana, Simply Orange, Minute Maid, Florida's Natural, etc.—they're all ridiculously consistent in their flavor. And the trick isn't to get the most delicious tasting oranges but rather to create their own unique artificial flavor.
It all starts with the stripping of the oxygen. Once the juice is squeezed and stored in gigantic vats, they start removing oxygen. Why? Because removing oxygen from the juice allows the liquid to keep for up to a year without spoiling. But! Removing that oxygen also removes the natural flavors of oranges. Yeah, it's all backwards. So in order to have OJ actually taste like oranges, drink companies hire flavor and fragrance companies, the same ones that make perfumes for Dior, to create these "flavor packs" to make juice taste like, well, juice again. A 2009 report says:
The formulas vary to give a brand's trademark taste. If you're discerning you may have noticed Minute Maid has a candy like orange flavor. That's largely due to the flavor pack Coca-Cola has chosen for it. Some companies have even been known to request a flavor pack that mimics the taste of a popular competitor, creating a "hall of mirrors" of flavor packs. Despite the multiple interpretations of a freshly squeezed orange on the market, most flavor packs have a shared source of inspiration: a Florida Valencia orange in spring.
The flavor packs aren't listed in the ingredients because they're technically derived from "orange essence and oil", whatever the hell that means. So just remember, when you buy Orange Juice next time, even though it says 100% juice (which it is), it's still 100% artificially flavored. [Food Renegade via Hacker News]
You can keep up with Casey Chan, the author of this post, on Twitter or Facebook.


text:
Most WatchedUpcoming Cartoon
Home » Movies » South Park Season 24
Status: Ongoing
Follows the misadventures of four irreverent grade-schoolers in the quiet, dysfunctional town of South Park, Colorado.
From 2012 - 2023| Copyright © KimCartoon.Vip. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: This site does not store any files on its server. All contents are provided by non-affiliated third parties.


text:
Now Arriving in Atlantic City
Military jets scream over the Atlantic City Convention Center.
Ocean City, MD, air show
076AhlersThunderbirdsDSC_7258 copy
The Need for Speed...
A Blue Angels jet forms a vapor cloud during a show at Ocean City, MD.
The orange is fire from the afterburners. The cloud is water condensation, formed during tight maneuvers in certain weather conditions.
Fire and Ice
A jet disappears in a cloud of its own creation.
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are the third oldest s are the third oldest formal flying aerobatic team (under the same name) in the world, after the United States Navy Blue Angels formed in 1946 and the French Air Force Patrouille de France formed in 1931.
Just a Little Closer
The Blue Angels strut their right stuff at an airshow.
The Diamond Club
Four of the Blue Angels form a diamond formation at an air show in Ocean City, MD.
Just Another Day at the Beach
Two Atlantic City lifeguards patrol the beach on a busy day.
A 1969 Sikorsky CH-54B helicopter fights a forest fire.
Painting the Sky
The GEICO Skytypers -- six vintage WWII planes -- paint the sky during an air show in Ocean City, MD.
GEICO Skytypers
The GEICO Skytypers, an aerial demonstration team, paint the sky at an air show in Ocean City, MD.
Smoke and Mirrors
Two aerobatic planes create clouds of smoke, but are no match for the commercial jet soaring thousands of feet above.
A parachutist paints the sky during the Ocean City Air Show.
Sun shimmers off the tail of a commercial jet.
Where Planes are Born
Commercial jetliners roll down the assembly line at Boeing's plant in Everett, WA.
Horseshoe Curve
A Norfolk Southern train bends around Horseshoe Curve, a favorite spot for rail fans.
The Yard
The Barstow, CA, rail yard.
Stone and Steel
A CSX engine pulls a train over the Thomas Viaduct south of Baltimore, as trains have done since 1835.
Point of Rocks
Commuters on a MARC train arrive home in Point of Rocks, Maryland, at one of the most iconic train stations of the historic B&O railroad.


text:
Building Science Exam Preparation: CANADA
This one-day program is designed for the experienced installer that wishes to prepare for the exam to obtain a certificate by the Building Professionals Quality Institute (BPQI), BPI Canada, BPI or their manufacturer's quality assurance program. Students are provided with a comprehensive training manual for future reference.
This course will cover:
Click here for a complete course outline
Will this course prepare me to take an exam for any certificates?
BPI Canada, BPI, BPQI
What's the duration?
This course is one day in length.
What's the cost? How can I pay?
Training: $550
Payment is accepted by cheque, VISA or Mastercard. You can enter this information on the registration form when you sign up for your course.
When's the next course?
Please check our Training Course Calendar for the next scheduled courses.
Cancellation policy
Building Professionals Training reserves the right to cancel with a minimum 7 days notice. We recommend that travel arrangements be made once training is confirmed as proceeding. Students who cancel their registration with less than 5 days notice will not receive a refund.
General Information/ Disclaimers
No prior experience or courses required.


text:
Reading Google's latest update on media codecs in Chrome, I am immensely pleased to observe how much cover they get from Firefox having held the line. Because we don't support H.264, they can say that Chrome dropping support doesn't make things worse for Web authors. I bet the fact that users can't switch from Chrome to Firefox to get H.264 also made the decision easier for them, although they're not saying that out loud :-). Hopefully we've also just been setting a good example.
Effects like this are why Mozilla is needed and why I do what I do. Hooray!
PS: I suspect that if Google had held the line harder and never supported H.264 in Chrome they'd be in a better position now, but "I told you so" is so tiresome :-).


text:
Designed by Jasper Morrison for Magis
Magis Folding Air-Chair
Lightweight, strong and durable
Magis Folding Air-Chair
Strikingly different from most folding chairs, the Folding Air-Chair is strong, durable, and lightweight. It has the sleek good looks of a Jasper Morrison design. Handsome, sturdy seating for dining, parties and receptions, cafés—whatever kind of chair you need for indoor or outdoor use and efficient storage.
Available in four colors. With or without arms. And suitable for indoor and outdoor use.


text:
Every man needs an all-purpose jacket, and for the spring/summer season a navy hopsack blazer will be a workhorse for your wardrobe. And why not? The fabric's pedigree is derived from a burlap sack farmers used to store the grain before it was shipped off to make beer. (How's that for masculine?) It's now cut into a blazer and finished with brass buttons—a working man's fabric with country club style. Which explains why hopsack jackets have been found in a handful of all-American collections this season. Gant Rugger and Hickey make exceptional updated versions but it's hard to beat this classic option by Lands' End. With a full satin lining and a slightly padded shoulder, it has just the right amount of structure to look at once casual and debonair. The jacket's so affordable, we suggest taking it to the tailor and spending fifty bucks getting the sleeves narrowed and the waist nipped in. Then, once it fits perfectly, feel free to wear the hell out of it. Because a company that makes school uniforms knows how to construct a jacket that can take a beating.
$155 at Lands' End
The loose weave produces a hardy, textured fabric that sets it apart from the average blue blazer.
What should I pack for my first business trip?
- Matt, OH
With nearly every airline imposing a baggage fee nowadays, if you can get away with flying with just a carry-on, do it.
Was this a good piece?
© Copyright 2023 Valet Media LLC - All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions


text:
Friday, May 31, 2013
around the island
Geplaatst door wood & wool stool op 8:43 AM 4 comments:
Thursday, May 30, 2013
La Balanguera is the official anthem of the Balearic island of Mallorca.
In our search for a nice hotel (some weeks ago) we found this special design hotel and didn't hesitate to book a room. The first two nights and the last night of our holiday we stayed at this great hotel in Palma. The building itself is strikingly beautiful and the rounded walls are also everywhere inside the building and give the city hotel a Mediterranean island atmosphere. Such a relaxing place to stay, we enjoyed every minute of it. Recomendado!
Geplaatst door wood & wool stool op 8:04 AM 7 comments:
Labels: hm balanguera, holidays, hotel, mallorca, palma, spain, travel, tried & tested
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
mallorcan landscape
Geplaatst door wood & wool stool op 11:02 AM 4 comments:
Labels: city, es trenc, hm balanguera, holidays, inspiration, landscape, mallorca, palma, patron lunares, pollença, spain, travel
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
impresión de palma
Geplaatst door wood & wool stool op 9:27 PM 6 comments:
Labels: city, hm balanguera, holidays, hotel, inspiration, mallorca, museum, palma, patron lunares, restaurant, spain, travel, vintage
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
In one of the deadliest nightclub fires in American history, 100 people died at a rock concert in Rhode Island nearly a decade ago. But the biggest killer wasn't the flames; it was lethal gases released from burning sound-insulation foam and other plastics.
In a fatal bit of irony, attempts to snuff fires like this catastrophic one could be making some fires even more deadly.
New research suggests that chemicals – brominated and chlorinated flame retardants – that are added to upholstered furniture and other household items to stop the spread of flames increase emissions of two poisonous gases.
"We found that flame retardants have the undesirable effect of increasing the amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide released during combustion," study co-author Anna Stec, a fire specialist at the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom, said in a statement.
These two gases are by far the biggest killer in fires. They are responsible for 60 to 80 percent of fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Assn. During the Rhode Island fire, the levels of hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide were high enough to kill in less than 90 seconds. *(There is no evidence, however, that flame retardants were involved; the nightclub's foam insulation reportedly was not treated with them.)
Flame retardants made of brominated or chlorinated chemicals are added to furniture cushions, carpet padding, children's car seats, plastics that encase electronics and other consumer items. Under California standards adopted in the 1970s, foam inside furniture must withstand a 12-second exposure to a small, open flame, and much of the nation's furniture is manufactured with flame retardants to meet that standard.
However, while the chemicals may be slowing the spread of flames, when fires do occur, they may be more deadly. Few details of the new research from the United Kingdom are available since the findings have not yet been published. But the researchers said in one experiment, nylon containing the flame retardant brominated polystyrene released six times more hydrogen cyanide when set afire than the same material containing a halogen-free flame retardant.
Hydrogen cyanide is 35 times more deadly than carbon monoxide, and during a fire it can kill in as little as one minute, said Todd Shoebridge, a 30-year fire service veteran who is a captain at the Hickory Fire Department in North Carolina. "It's that serious," Shoebridge said.
Both carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide are products of incomplete combustion. As a room on fire loses oxygen, combustion becomes less efficient and gases and smoke rapidly increase. Inhaling the toxic air becomes unavoidable for people trapped in a fire.
Brominated and chlorinated flame retardants work by interfering with combustion, which can increase the amount of the gases.
The evidence "leads one to assume that these chemicals could increase fire safety concerns, not decrease them," said Heather Stapleton, an environmental chemist at Duke University who specializes in studying brominated compounds.
The new research focused on brominated polystyrene, a newer flame retardant manufactured by Albemarle Corp. and other companies. It is added to nylon for use in textiles, upholstery and electrical connectors.
These newer compounds were designed to replace older flame retardants, mostly polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs, which have been banned since 2004 because they were building up in human bodies, including breast milk. PBDEs are still found in furniture manufactured before the bans.
PBDEs and other halogenated flame retardants were already known to produce other toxic chemicals when they burn, including highly toxic dioxins and furans.
Another replacement for PBDEs is called Tris or TDCPP, (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate. Foam containing this chemical was shown to release high amounts of carbon monoxide and smoke during ignition, according to a 2000 study.
With or without fires, research suggests, flame retardants may have risks. PBDEs and other halogenated flame retardants have come under intense scrutiny in recent years. PBDEs have been linked in some studies of people and animals to impaired neurological development, reduced fertility, early onset of puberty and altered thyroid hormones. Tris also may be toxic to the developing nervous system.
Albemarle Corp., based in Baton Rouge, La., and maker of Saytex 3010G, a brominated polystyrene flame retardant similar to mixtures tested in the new research, did not return requests for comment. Chemtura Corp., another flame retardant manufacturer based in Philadelphia, Penn., also did not return requests.
The companies have maintained that flame retardants play a critical role by allowing longer escape and response times during a fire, thereby saving lives and property.
"It is estimated that escape times can be up to 15 times longer when flame retardants are present, providing increased survival chances," according to a statement from the European Brominated Flame Retardant Industry Panel, which includes Albemarle and Chemtura.
Bryan Goodman, a spokesman for the American Chemistry Council, which represents chemical companies, called the claim that fire retardants may increase fire deaths "irresponsible, as it ignores important research."
"Scientists have long pointed out that when flame retardants are included in upholstered furniture it slows or stops fires, thereby causing less burn, fewer flames, less smoke and fewer toxic gases," he said. "This fact has been proven in large scale tests of upholstered furniture."
Goodman said the new research "used a small-scale test, which is not representative of what one would find in a real fire."
But a document signed by more than 200 scientists from 30 countries disputes that flame retardants have been proven effective. "Brominated and chlorinated flame retardants can increase fire toxicity, but their overall benefit in improving fire safety has not been proven," the 2010 statement says.
The health threats from halogenated flame retardants combined with their persistence in the environment have driven a search for more environmentally friendly alternatives.
"Reducing the use of toxic or untested flame retardant chemicals in consumer products can protect human and animal health and the global environment without compromising fire safety," says a 2010 report by a group of 10 scientists, including Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
In the new research from the United Kingdom, some alternatives were found to create less toxic air than the halogenated flame retardants. Inorganic, or mineral-based, flame retardants had little effect on toxic gases released in a fire.
Each year, about 10,000 people die in fires in industrialized countries. On average in the United States in 2010, someone died in a fire every 169 minutes, according to the National Fire Protection Assn.
Previous research has focused on carbon monoxide and soot from halogenated flame retardants. But lately, hydrogen cyanide and other gases are getting a closer look, said Richard Hull, a chemist at the University of Central Lancashire who presented the new flame retardant research at an American Chemical Society conference in San Diego last week.
"Carbon monoxide is an important toxicant in fire effluents. However, we have seen that it is less important than hydrogen chloride from burning PVC, or hydrogen cyanide from burning nitrogen-containing polymers such as nylon, polyurethane or acrylic, in developed fires," Hull said.
New research has suggested that hydrogen cyanide – so lethal it was used in the Nazi gas chambers – is a bigger cause of fire deaths than previously thought.
In one example, a fire devastated a prison in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1990. Thirty-five inmates died as a mattress fire spread through the prison. But flames did not kill the convicts, a post-mortem blood analysis revealed. Hydrogen cyanide did.
"The results indicated that death in the 35 fire victims was probably caused by HCN [hydrogen cyanide], generated during the extensive polyurethane decomposition provoked by a rapid increase of temperature," according to the analysis of the victims in the Argentina fire.
Hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide are odorless, colorless chemicals, making them silent killers.
"If there is a fire, it doesn't matter how big or how small," said Shoebridge, who is lead advocate of North Carolina's "Everybody Goes Home" firefighter safety program. "You have the possibility for those gases."
* Editor's Note (4/5/12): This story has been updated since its initial posting.
This article originally ran at Environmental Health News, a news source published by Environmental Health Sciences, a nonprofit media company.


text:
Obama's in!
In truly unshocking news, Barack Obama e-mailed supporters Monday to let them know he was running for president again. "We're doing this now because the politics we believe in does not start with expensive TV ads or extravaganzas, but with you -- with people organizing block-by-block, talking to neighbors, co-workers and friends. And that kind of campaign takes time to build."
Don't get him wrong. There will be expensive TV ads and extravaganzas. Oh, yes. After all, what would an Obama campaign be without its outsized, world-historic, bread and circus spectacles?
In fact, that's the real point of Obama's early announcement: He needs to start raising hundreds of millions of dollars now if he's going to have those extravaganzas later. (Personally, I hope he makes another campaign stop in Berlin.) And, thanks to FEC rules, he can't start the serious fundraising until he makes it official.
If it weren't for that, Obama would be delighted to stay on the sidelines, because his whole re-election strategy requires going on semi-hiatus from the presidency. That's why he's been AWOL on the budget battles. It's why he's completely ignored his own deficit commission, and it's why he's been saying as little as possible on foreign policy. It's also why, last week, he accepted an award for government "transparency" in secret.
The White House has learned the hard way that it overexposed its biggest asset during Obama's first two years in office, using him for countless supposedly "game-changing" speeches that changed little or nothing. He gave the most press interviews in presidential history, according to Mark Knoller of CBS. In 2009, he had 411 public speeches, comments and remarks, and 491 in 2010. But in 2011, we have what Washington Post columnist Ruth Marcus calls a "Where's Waldo presidency" where "you frequently have to squint to find the White House amid the larger landscape."
You can even play "Where's Obama?" in the re-election announcement video. He never makes a personal appearance; you never even hear his voice. Though if you watch closely, you can see some nostalgic photos from 2008. The wan video specifies no significant record or accomplishments. This was no updated version of Ronald Reagan's "Morning in America" ad, which for all its gauzy nostalgia actually had substance, touting record employment, home buying and much lower interest rates.
Even Obama's guru, David Axelrod, agrees Obama was overexposed, comparing it to how the Chicago Bears relied on legendary running back Walter Payton for everything. It "was Payton left and Payton right and Payton up the middle," he told New York magazine. "It became kind of a dreary game plan. (In Obama) we have one of the great political performers of our time. But I think we degraded that to some degree by using him as much as we did in the ways we did."
The problem with the analogy: Payton was overused because he delivered. There's not a lot of evidence that Obama can be counted on to advance, never mind score, whenever you give him the ball. Nearly all of his victories have stemmed not from presidential persuasion of the opposition or the public but from relying on the congressional Democrats' majority. He gave 52 speeches on health-care reform in 2009. It never got more popular. It passed because he shopped out health care to Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, who relied on legislative skullduggery more than presidential leadership.
The fact that Obama's decision to intervene in Libya has produced no rallying around the president might also indicate that he should keep his head down. Or it might show that his bizarre approach to the conflict is as confusing to average voters as it is to everyone else.
Obviously, Obama fervently hopes the economy will at least "feel" a lot better by 2012. But that's a big if, given high unemployment and underemployment as well as the decline in real income and home values. Even if we get the jobs, Obama will have a hard time answering the "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" question.
I understand why Obama is lying low. What's less understandable is why so many Republicans are scared of him.


text:
SPD Public Policy Update
Funding for research in the US is in jeopardy, making it critical that scientists be aware of how they can communicate to policy makers the importance of their work. In a Monday-evening session entitled "Advocating in a Challenging Budget Environment," key public-policy advocates from the AAS and the Solar Physics Division (SPD) offered their perspectives and responded to questions and comments from the audience. Speakers included Josh Shiode, the AAS John Bahcall Public Policy Fellow; Tom Berger, chair of the SPD Public Policy Committee; Todd Hoeksema, representing the AAS Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy (CAPP); and long-standing SPD member Gordon Emslie.Read More