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Download Free Vst Plugins
In case you're searching for free Vst Plugins which can help you to make music with, you won't locate a superior list than this one anyplace!
There are a large number of free Vst Plugins on the web. Such a large number of that you won't know where to start. To make things less demanding for you, we have assembled a list of 20 Vst plugins for you. Furthermore, indeed, they're all free!
Finding the ideal VST module to use for your own music creation is frequently troublesome as there's such an immense measure of decisions to look over. Virtual Studio Technology (VST) modules are frequently alluded to as the apparatuses you require so as to assemble your ideal sound and shape it with sound impacts.
VST, or Virtual Studio Technology, resembles a chronicle studio inside your PC. It enables music makers to include instruments and studio-quality sound to their tracks all from their home. These VST modules are a considerable measure like studio equipment, just they're substantially more down to earth and as a rule, significantly more moderate.
Gratefully, there are a ton of free VST modules accessible today. Enough that you can make and change your own music without spending a dime. In the accompanying show, you will discover free synth, pressure, and limiter modules, just to give some examples!
We've separated the rundown into various classifications so you can discover exactly what you're searching for.
1. Xfer Records OTT
Xfer Records is notable for their brilliant generation programming, for example, Serum, LFO Tool, and Cthulhu.
Following in accordance with Xfer's other astonishing items, OTT is an incredible multi-band pressure instrument.
Also, over that, it's totally free!
It's is a standout amongst the most prominent modules in the music generation scene, Such a significant number of legends in the electronic scene utilize OTT for two reasons: straightforwardness and usefulness.
The effortlessness originates from just having a couple of accessible handles on this module. Be that as it may, just with these couple of handles, OTT can enable certain frequencies to emerge more than others. It can likewise give your sound a perceptible sheen and brilliance without you investing hours finding the ideal settings!
Also, with respect to usefulness, OTT is intense. OTT remains for "Over The Top" pressure, which is part into three recurrence groups. This implies your sounds are being compacted hard, which can include commotion, profundity, and character when utilized accurately.
Windows, MAC| 1 MB
2. Camel Crusher
Camel Crusher is a free "shading" multi-affect module. It offers two normally differing mutilation sounds which can be combined to make a wide collection of tones and surfaces. Wonderful for guitars, drums and abundance more! There's moreover a warm, smooth basic style low-pass channel with jars of resonation. Dispense a MIDI controller and start tweaking! This module isn't available any more extended after the offer of Camel Audio to Apple.
Highlight features :
- Two diverse twisting composes.
- Warm, simple demonstrated thunderous low-pass channel.
- High caliber, simple to-utilize compressor, with 'Phat' mode.
- Effective 'MIDI Learn' work.
- A gathering of valuable Preset patches to kick you off.
- Randomize for moment motivation
Windows, MAC| 6.7 MB
3. Valhalla Freq Echo
ValhallaFreqEcho is a recurrence shifter, joined with a simple style reverberate. The MkI discharge includes a GUI and in addition the capacity to match up the defer time to the rhythm. The sonic outcomes include barberpole flanging and staging, name echoes that always rise or fall in pitch, the great detuning of recurrence moving, and an assortment of hallucinogenic, advancing self-wavering examples that will turn around and through your skull.
- Bode-style recurrence moving.
- Simple style delay, with postpone time set by means of handle or matched up to rhythm.
- Low profile and High Cut channels for molding postponed sound.
- Criticism control (can create self wavering even with no info).
- Mono/Stereo info, stereo yield.
Windows, MAC| 2 MB
4. X-Tube Amp Saturation
X-Tube reproduces a tube enhancer immersion impact. This VST module can be utilized as a part of Microsoft Windows 32/64bit (XP SP2 or later, Windows 7) OS with any VST DAW.
Highlights :
- 64-bit drifting point preparing.
- Simple to utilize and work.
- Zero inactivity preparing.
- Isolate change of drive and inclination.
- 12 Factory presets/8 User presets.
Windows| 670 KB
5. OldSkoolVerb
OldSkoolVerb is a freeware algorithmic resonation AU and VST module for proficient music generation applications. This module actualizes a sort of "great" stereo reverb calculation which is, in fact, straightforward yet ideal. It likewise creates a reasonable spatial picture that mixes well with the blend.
OldSkoolVerb offers you a complete arrangement of parameters allowing you to accomplish different reverbs running from plate reverb to room reverb to lobby reverb sound. OldSkoolVerb is most appropriate for non-percussive and delicate assault sounds like vocals, piano and cushion sounds.
Windows, MAC| 5 MB
6. Synth1 Synthesizer
Synth1 is a product synthesizer. Practically it is displayed on the Clavia Nord Lead 2 Red Synth.
- 2 Oscillators, FM tweak, ring balance, match up, balance envelope.
- 4 kinds of channels, contortion.
- 2 LFOs (synchronized with have).
- Arpeggiator (synchronized with have).
- Beat delay (synchronized with have), stereo chorale/flanger.
- Legato mode, portamento.
- 16 notes polyphony.
- 128 presets.
- Altogether upgraded for light CPU stack utilizing SSE guidelines, and so forth.
Windows, MAC| 871 KB, 1MB
7. Dblue Tapestop
There's extremely a couple of ways to deal with make 'tape stop' – effect in FL Studio (Grossbeat, WaveTraveller, et cetera), be that as it may, I think the least complex course is to use dBlue's TapeStop VST effect and clearly, it'll work in various DAWs as well.
I see numerous individuals are searching for dblue tapestop vst module for tape stop impact in their music creation.
Today I have composed a post with the download connection of dblue tapestop vst module.
Windows| 191 KB
8. Stereo Buss Compressor
This module is ideal for those makers hoping to add the completing touches to their most recent magnum opus. Displayed on amazing buss compressors from exemplary simple consoles the Stereo Buss Compressor could be exactly what you require. Simple buss compressors are the mystery behind numerous great discharges. Regularly extremely basic units a buss compressors work is to 'stick' every one of the components of a track together and make blends sound greater with more punch and character without loosing lucidity.
Highlights :
- Simple demonstrated buss compressor.
- The Stereo Buss Compressor can be utilized on the ace buss and furthermore on sub-gatherings (drum bunches and so on).
- Incredible visual criticism.
- Incredible sound.
- Client focussed GUI Design.
- Low CPU use.
TAL-Bitcrusher is a very simple bit crusher out there.
- Movable piece profundity (0-32-bit).
- Movable example rate divisor (up to/512).
- Clamor cross modulator.
- 24 dB low-and high-rack channel.
- 10 presets for bass, leads and drums.
- Low CPU use
Windows | 123 KB
10. Simple Squeeze – One Knob Limiter
Simple Squeeze is a one handle limiter.Auto pick up make-up is available, and there is a dependable on smooth block divider limiter toward the end, just to ensure you never get any awful advanced cutting. The handle all the while controls edge and pick up, so the more you wrench it, the more squashed your flag gets.
Windows | 1.44 MB
11. Stereo Touch
Stereo Touch can be utilized to add stereo width to soundtracks. This module is best on mono cushion sounds and alike. This impact works with mono stream producing stereo stream. It likewise works with stereo streams, however the two channels get prepared freely of each other like they are mono streams and after that two coming about stereo streams get combined to create one stereo stream.
Windows, MAC | 5.6 MB
12. PSP VintageMeter
The PSP VintageMeter VST module was intended to give proficient VU and PPM metering for mono and stereo tracks. All parameters like reconciliation times and reference levels are generally movable to make this free module appropriate for any application.
Framework necessities
VST, DirectX or RTAS good host application.
Pentium III 600 MHz
High Color S-VGA, 1024×768
Windows, MAC | 2.8 MB
13. Fracture
Fracture is a truly cool cradle impact which is equipped towards the making of glitchy automated sounds and accomplishing all-round sonic anarchy. In light of the demo track which is inserted beneath, Fracture is fit for creating some entirely cool disorderly sounds.
The module includes a cradle module combined up with a multimode channel, 3 LFOs, and a postpone impact. The interface is very moderate, yet in addition natural and straightforward. The download pack additionally incorporates an itemized client direct in PDF design, which is a decent touch.
Windows, MAC
14. LoudMax
LoudMax is a look-ahead brick wall commotion maximizer with a clean straightforward sound.
It is intended to hold the first character of the music however much as could reasonably be expected even at high-pressure levels.
Windows, MAC | 492 KB
15. BitterSweet II 2Ch
Transition:: BitterSweet II is a dynamic processor made particularly to manage the sound homeless people.
Turning the focal catch on the sweet side diminishes the drifter's plentifulness. On the intense side, the drifter's sufficiency is amplified. Clashing additionally includes a control for the flag to be prepared.
At the point when the fundamental position is locked in, the procedure influences the stereo flag. In the event that Center is locked in, just the M flag of the inner MS framework is handled. On the off chance that stereo is chosen, just the S motion from the MS lattice is handled.
Three transient identification modes can be chosen. A changing time of mix for homeless people can be gotten to. A Link work is accessible to remunerate the yield pick up in regards to the transient handling setting.
As all Flux:: modules it highlights 64-bit coasting point preparing, up to 8 channels and up to 8 FS (384 KHz). Focus and Stereo Modes are just accessible in stereo (2 channels) handling.
Transition:: BitterSweet II is constrained to 2 channels (VST just) keeping in mind the end goal to accomplish similarity with have programming that can't bolster modules with more channels.
Windows, MAC
16. Zebralette
Alright, Zebralette is only one of Zebra2's oscillators stuffed into a basic, simple-to-learn system – yet you have all that you have to make some really astonishing sounds. Sounds that can be specifically stacked into Zebra2 later. What's more, should you in the long run choose to move up to Zebra2, you will definitely know everything there is to think about the oscillators – which is a significant favorable position!
Zebralette has two LFOs (one for every voice, one worldwide), a multi-organize envelope and three onboard impacts (melody, EQ, delay). Not overlooking Zebra2's renowned double phantom impacts, which incorporate a few squelchy channel calculations.
Windows, MAC | 37 MB
17. Eclipsis
Meet the most up to date expansion to our family! Eclipsis (VSTi) is full included crossover wavetable synthesizer with 3 oscillators, 6 LFOs, 118 waveshapes, 39 adjustment targets, 2 impacts racks and extraordinary preset randomization! And the majority of that in new appealing outline!
Windows, MAC | 2.25 MB
18. Dust Equalizer
Dust Equalizer is an easy to utilize sound module particularly intended for the individuals who need to balance their channels and get a superior, clearer sound.
The contained channels have a Butterworth shape and the racks include an uneven outline. The ringer channels offer to pick up data transmission connection that controls the pinnacle pick up.
19. Stereo Tool
Stereo Tool offers controls and visual input for the stereo stage. It highlights ultra exact controls of info pick up and singular prospect and right channels. A stage inverter is accessible for each channel. A worldwide stereo skillet and a stereo width setting are likewise executed to finish the administration of the stereo flag.
Stereo Tool additionally offers an exact visual criticism mirroring the flag content. A vector scope show, Peak meters for the two sources of info and yields, and a stage relationship meter for all time screen the flag.
Windows, MAC
20. TAL-Reverb II
TAL-Reverb II is an enhanced rendition of the effectively TAL-Reverb I. Enhancements in usability and sound were made. Included a straightforward subtractive EQ area and a stereo info mode. Each control has its own particular mark that demonstrates the genuine esteem.
I endeavored to make a lackluster and maximal diffuse plate reverb without grains and advanced ancient rarities that is usable for an extensive variety of sound material. Its the consequence of serious tuning and testing.
- Plate reverb sound
- Room measure/rot length control
- Predelay up to one-moment band subtractive EQ segment
- Stereo width control
- Stereo information mode
- 10 production line presets
Windows, MAC | 31 MB


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Greenwood Elementary School's Earth and Garden Club was the idea of Mrs. Erika Slowik and Mrs. Sarah Thorne-Locke. Both teachers enjoyed the passion of gardening and wanted to revive the garden in the courtyard of the school. At the time it was somewhat of an eyesore. Initially, Mrs. Slowik had started "The Knowledge Garden" with her classes and when Mrs. Thorne-Locke came on board shortly thereafter, they decided to start a club for students with similar outdoor interests.
The Earth and Garden Club is open to fourth and fifth grade students. Over the years, about 15-20 students have participated, but currently, more than 30 students are enrolled with several more on a waiting list! The purpose of the club is for students to get outside and spend time learning about and exploring nature.
To date, the group has completed several projects including completing arts and crafts, painting and photography, making bird feeders, and caring for native plants. Every spring and fall, the club is responsible for cleaning plant beds, plants seeds and new plants, and for the watering and tending of the gardens. This year, the club has planted five dwarf apple trees near the outdoor play space! Greenwood Elementary School now has it's very own orchard! We are thankful that we have such wonderful stewards of our environment.

subset: commoncrawl


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Hey guys! New not-so-one-shot-one-shot. I started this one a few weeks ago, but I haven't had a chance to finish it. My usual thing is that I have to finish something before I post it (so you guys don't have to wait too long), but I figured maybe if I post the first chapter and hear some feedback on what I've got so far it'll help me write the next part. As of right now, I'm not too sure if this is a strange idea for a story, haha.
So I apologize for the name. Usually I don't name stories with a "the" and then an "insert insignificant noun here." This one, however, makes sense. The story pretty much revolves around a desk. I'm going to stop babbling now and let you read.
You always hear people talking about how something changed their life. "This new job changed my life," or "getting a dog changed my life. "Going on an all-vegetable diet and losing 30 pounds changed my life," or how about, "meeting someone on the internet changed my life." That's a popular one.
My story, however, is far less interesting. Would you like to know what changed my life? A desk. That's right. A simple, every-day desk in the back of a history classroom.
Now, when most people picture a desk, they picture a beige writing surface with a little indent at the top to hold your pencil. Maybe it's supported by metal legs that are held together with tiny screws. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you get a foot rest attached to your desk, or maybe a metal basket welded to the underside that holds your books.
But no matter what it looks like, there's something about a desk that just attracts writing utensils. It's like the inside of bathroom stalls. People always have to write on them, just because they're there, and said person is equipped with a Sharpie.
Desks are the same way. If you look at one, you can always find pencil drawings, or names, or little doodles, or answers to a vocabulary test scribbled across the surface.
If you want to be more specific, the writing on the desk is what really changed my life. Scribbled across the surface of that life-changing desk was a three month conversation with a boy I'd never even met.
I stared down at the newest message, written in pencil in his handwriting. You could tell the difference between mine and his just by glancing at it. Mine was slightly slanted with widely-spaced letters, and his was crooked and close together.
I read the message over and over again, each time getting more slightly-apprehensive butterflies in my stomach.
"Can I meet you?"
The bell rang, breaking me out of my daze. Mr. Campbell droned on about the approaching final exam, but I was in such deep thought that his voice didn't even register in my mind.
I exited the classroom in the same absentminded state. As always, my best friend was waiting for me, leaning against the lockers off to the side of the doorway. When she saw me, she pushed off the metal and joined me while I walked down the hallway.
"Why so pensive, Claire?" she asked.
I blinked and shook my head, tearing myself away from my thoughts. "Huh?"
Sam laughed. "Lemme guess… Desk-boy," she said. I rolled my eyes. No matter how many times I begged her to think of a new (more mature) nickname for him, maybe even make up a fake name until we found out his real one, she refused to quit calling him that.
"No. Well, yeah. I dunno," I sighed. "He wants to meet me."
Samantha held out her hands and gave me a look that said, 'what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-you?' "And you're upset about this? I thought you wanted to meet him! What's wrong?!"
I shrugged. "I do… But, I dunno. I guess I'm kinda scared."
My best friend raised an eyebrow. "Claire… He's a kid our age; not some internet predator. What's there to be afraid of? Unless some fifty-something-year-old dude sneaks into Mr. Campbell's classroom every day to respond to your desk writings," she joked.
I rolled my eyes and shot her a look. "You know that's not what I mean."
"Then what do you mean? Please. Enlighten me."
As we followed a bunch of seniors out of the building for an off-campus lunch period, I bit my lip and thought about it. "I guess I've just spent the last three months building up an image of this kid. What if he's not at all what I expect, you know?"
You're probably extremely lost right about now, so let me just take a few minutes to explain how it happened. This whole thing started about halfway through March in my senior year of high school. I was seated at my desk in Mr. Campbell's fourth period History class, and I was bored out of my ever-loving mind.
This man never stopped talking. Ever. You'd think he would get sick of his monotone, lifeless voice like the rest of us. But the man just kept going like a tape rewound and played over and over again.
With my head propped up by my arm, I stared absentmindedly towards the front of the room. My gaze found its way to the clock for the thousandth time that period. Three minutes to go. The bell seemed like a lifetime away.
I brought my half-closed eyes to my teacher, Mr. Campbell. His mouth opened and closed as he spoke, but to me it didn't sound like anything but incoherent babble.
The guy had to be at least a couple million years old. I wondered why he hadn't retired yet. I also wondered why he didn't teach a class about Scientific Extinction, since he had been around when the dinosaurs walked the earth.
Mr. Campbell never left his desk, which was half of the reason his class was so boring. He never even got up to write notes on the boards, or pass out papers. The students were in charge of picking up dittos on their way in. He just lectured from his chair, peering at us through his thick glasses. I think we were supposed to take notes on what he drawled on about, but barely any of us did. He was too senile to notice, anyway.
I had a sheet of paper in front of me, but it was completely filled from top to bottom with drawings and writing. After tapping the eraser against the desk a couple dozen times, I lifted the pencil and brought the tip over to the desk. Out of sheer boredom, I began to scratch some letters into the surface.
"H e l l o."
I went over the message continuously, making it darker each time. One of the school rules was "never write on the desks," but everyone did. Especially in Campbell's class. If the man barely got up to go to the bathroom, I highly doubt he would walk around his classroom after school to check for writing on the desks.
Even if Campbell was looking directly at me while I "vandalized" school property, he wouldn't have noticed. My last name being Webber, I was always at the very end of the class names list. Therefore, I was always placed in the last seat, back of the classroom. And Mr. Campbell, being the lethargic, old man that he was, hadn't changed seats since September. The front of the classroom seemed miles away from my sheltered corner of the room.
Finally, the bell rang. All of the students grabbed their things and bolted for the door. I followed suit, unable to wait to meet Samantha for lunch.
When I reluctantly plopped down at my desk the next morning, I was surprised to find a response underneath my message. The handwriting was kind of sloppy and crammed together, but still legible nonetheless.
"Hey. How's it going?"
A smile crept its way up to my mouth. I brought my pencil tip down to the surface of the desk. "Not too bad, although this class is hell. Yourself?"
Every day from then on, that was how I began the history class. I'd read the message written for me the previous day, and I'd respond with one of my own.
Communication was slow. Since each of us was only in the classroom once per day, we were only able to write one message per day. If one of us was absent, the conversation halted until we returned to school. By the time a few weeks had passed, however, we had nearly a dozen lines of a conversation written on the desk.
"Yeah. I can't stand this class either. What period are you in?"
"Fourth. You?"
"Seventh. Who are you?"
"Someone who'd rather not get a week of detention."
"Well, yeah. I doubt anyone would. What do you mean?"
"I'm not about to write my name down when I'm doing something I shouldn't be."
"Yeah. Guess you're right. Kind of like confessing to the crime. But Campbell would never find it. Too clueless."
"Better safe than sorry."
"Touché. OK. In that case, are you a boy or girl?"
"Nice to meet you, Boy."
"Right back at you, Girl."
By the time a couple months had passed, our conversation went down the left side of the desk and curved back up to the top twice more, making two more rows of writing. It was getting slightly hard to follow the conversation, but all that really mattered was the newest message.
I often wondered if we would eventually run out of room, but I decided it probably wouldn't happen. The school year was nearing an end, which meant that the two of us would be graduating soon. We would be free of Mr. Campbell's classroom forever.
For the time being, however, I began to look forward to the daily message on the desk. I found out a whole lot of stuff about this mysterious guy, like how his favorite color was forest green and he had a dog named Rocky. He loved strawberry ice cream, just like I did. Superhero movies were his all-time favorites, next to horror movies, and he could play handball for hours on end. He played saxophone in the school band and bass guitar in his free time.
Although I knew all these things about him, I never made an effort to try and figure out who he was. The problem could easily be solved by just asking Mr. Campbell who sat in my desk during seventh period. However, I refrained from doing that for two reasons.
1. I wasn't sure if I wanted to know who the kid was. What if he turned out to be someone I loathed? Our conversations (and my only source of amusement every day, fourth period) might come to an end.
2. It might bring attention to the fact that there was writing all over the desk. Mr. Campbell, although quite senile, might make the connection that I was the one who put it there.
So for three months, I kept quiet about the situation. Sam was the only one who knew about the mysterious desk guy, and although she urged me to find out who it was, I avoided it.
Still, I couldn't help but wonder about him.
Thanks so much for reading! I'm going to work on this for the next few days and try to get more out as soon as I can. Reviews would be really appreciated; I'd love to know what you guys think so far.


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Canada is a country best known for its friendly and polite locals, and its incredibly cold climate, but there's a lot more to Canada than that.
It's a diverse country with many great places to go and things to do. If you're thinking about taking a trip to Canada, these are some of the highlights that you should try to hit while you're out there.
Niagara Falls
No list of amazing Canadian destinations would be complete without Niagara Falls. It's one of the world's most iconic and recognizable natural features, and it's even more spectacular when you see it for real.
The awe-inspiring waterfall is like nothing that you've ever seen before and it's going to be the highlight of your trip, but a lot of people don't realize that there is more to do in the surrounding area.
If you're feeling lucky, you can visit the local casino resort or if you're not the gambling type, you should head over to Marineland instead.
It's a great amusement park and aquarium with loads of great rollercoasters and marine life, with plenty of shows to see as well.
Castle Hill National Historic Site
If you're a history buff and you want to delve into the rich history of this great country, the Castle Hill National Historic Site in Newfoundland is one of the best places to start.
The Greenwood Inn & Suites Corner Brook is well situated so it's easy to reach the Castle Hill site, so if you're coming primarily to see that, it's an excellent place to stay.
The Castle Hill National Historic Site was the location for a battle against the British and French for control over this fishing location. It's an essential chapter in the history of Canada and North America so it's a must see for anybody that is interested in history.
A lot of people instantly think of skiing when they think of Canada. If that's you and you're looking to hit the slopes during your visit, Whistler is the best place.
This great resort in British Columbia is one of the biggest in the whole of North America where you can ski, toboggan or even jump on a snowmobile. It's not all about the snow though; there are also some great museums and art galleries that you can visit, as well as some incredible restaurants to eat at in the evenings.
The French city of Quebec is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, especially for couples that are looking for a romantic getaway. North America's oldest walled city is a cultural haven filled with great museums and art galleries.
There are also some impressive architectural sites, especially the marvellous citadel. If it's history that you're after, you should take a trip to Battlefields Park.
Hopefully, this should give you a few ideas to help you plan your trip to Canada and help you to experience everything that this great country has to offer.


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Touqir Hussain is a former senior diplomat from Pakistan who has served as Ambassador to Brazil, Spain, and Japan. He also held senior positions in the Pakistani Foreign Office, including that of Additional Foreign Secretary, heading the bureaus of the Middle East and of the Americas and Europe. From 1996 to 1998, he was the Diplomatic Adviser to the Prime Minister. Additionally, he was a Senior Fellow at the US Institute of Peace in 2004–2005, and subsequently has been a Research Fellow at the George Washington University and an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University and the University of Virginia. Currently, he is Senior Pakistan Visiting Fellow at SAIS besides teaching at Georgetown.
Email: email@example.com
Web Page: http://touqirhussain.com/
Contact Information
This individual is a guest contributor but is not an MEI-affiliated expert. We are not able to assist with contact requests.


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Turner, Harland Ross, of Liverpool. We are saddened to announce his passing on Saturday, January 17th, 2015, after a very short but courageous battle with cancer, at Queens General Hospital in Liverpool, where he was surrounded by family and friends 24/7.
Harland was born in Liverpool, the youngest son of Emelie and the late Lester Turner.
Upon his fathers death, he returned home to assume the family business and care for his Mom, which he did faithfully up to the day prior to his passing. He also began his own successful towing company. To those who knew Harland he had a heart as big as all outdoors and was a lover of animals. He was always there to lend a helping hand when needed, never saying no to anyone. His beautiful mischievous grin could light up any room and his sense of humor brought laughter to many.
In his younger years, he was a dedicated athletic and an accomplished equestrian. He continued to play basketball for enjoyment with a men's group upon his return home. A country boy at heart, he was happiest at his little cabin that he built himself in Chelsea and clearing his land.
He is survived by his mom, Emelie Turner of Ridgewood Retirement home, Bridgewater, his older brother Kevin (Candy) of Vancouver and his niece Chennyne Lamrock of Eagle Head (Acadia University) whom he adored.
He was predeceased by his father Lester and his brother Quentin.
A graveside service will be held at a later date as per his request. Memorial donations may be made to The Lodge That Gives, 5826 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H-1S6. At this time we gratefully acknowledge the following: All departments of Queens General Hospital, the many calls and visits received. Special mention to Billy Tutty who spent so much time with him while he was home for Christmas holidays. We especially wish to thank all the nursing staff on 2nd floor who took such good care of Harland. And to all the physicians who were involved. Special thanks going to Dr. Tim Woodford for your care, compassion and dedication. To Susan Fisher, we could not have done it without you – we love you, and to the staff of Ridgewood for the care and compassion shown to his mom during this very difficult time. We also wish to say thank you to the nurses at both Queens and Ridgewood for the care and compassion shown to us as well, his family. May God bless you all. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chandlersfuneral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Turner; Harland RossPrint Obituary & Condolences


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Self-acceptance and Weight IssuesIt is with great sadness that we have to anounce that Crystal Alchemy no longer ship Essences outside of South Africa. The local laws have become so strict with regards to shipping of liquids and even homeopathic pillules. Parcels are simply returned and don't even leave South Africa. The only other way to get essences to our international clients is with a courier service, but unfortunately this is too expensive for most people. If you would like to try the courier route, contact us directly and we'll see what we can do.
This essence promotes emotional support, forgiveness, courage, trust and honesty. On a physical level it stimulates the entire digestive system including the liver, gallbladder, pituitary glad and thyroid gland, helping your metabolism, digestion and also improving your sense of taste. This essence will allow your body to crave healthy food and exercise.
The crystals used in this essence are:
- Imperial Topaz — Acts like a battery and recharges physically, strengthening faith and optimism. Assists in recognising your own abilities and instills drive. Assists in overcoming limitations. Regenerates cellular structures. Treats the liver, gallbladder and endocrine glands.
- Blue Topaz — Assist in living according to your own aspirations. Balances the thyroid and metabolism.
- Carnelian — Restores vitality and motivation. Stimulates metabolism. Improves the absorption of vitamins and minerals and ensures a good supply of blood to organs and tissues.
- Danburite — A very powerful healing stone. Strong detoxifying action. Treats the liver and gallbladder. Balances weight and metabolism. Aids muscular and motor function.
- Aquamarine — Stone of courage. Overcomes jugementalism and encourages taking responsibility for oneself. Harmonises thyroid and pituitary, regulating hormones and growth. General tonic effect.
- Amber — Powerful healer and cleanser. Brings stability to life. Brings balance and patience and encourages disassimilating. Imbues the body with vitality.
- Petrified Wood — Stone of transformation. Induces a feeling of security and of giving solid basis, standing firmly — physically and emotionally.


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Best of 2019 – Wedding Photographer Cornwall
Ten years ago I shot my first wedding, It was a mixture of excitement and nerves, but I knew that this was the direction that I wanted to take with my love of photography. I had no idea how it would work out, but here I am celebrating another amazing year as a of shooting weddings.
This year has been truly amazing, not only with weddings and the pictures that you'll see below with my 'Best of 2019 – Wedding Photographer Cornwall'. But life away from the camera too, as we welcomed our son Jesse to the world.
Every year I say that 'this year has been my favourite' and again I feel the same. It has been my busiest year and next year looks set to be even busier! I feel that my photography has continued to improve and changing my approach to shooting this year has played a huge part with this. I've continued to learn and have made images that I could have only dreamed of ten years ago, as well as fine tuning a few other skills and neat photography tricks that make the magic work.
But at the heart of this are the couples that have chosen and trusted me to capture their day. Thankyou! Without you I wouldn't be doing what I love. I get to share your wonderful day and you all make me feel so welcome. And for those what have booked for 2020 and beyond, I can't wait!
I haven't blogged any of my 2019 weddings yet, so aside from this being a celebration of some of my favourite pictures from this year. It's also looking forward to some of the wedding that I'll be sharing with you in the coming months.
My 2020 starts in January with the South West Wedding Awards where I am a finalist in their Reportage Photography category. Then wedding season begins in February. Until then I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Best of 2019 – Wedding Photographer Cornwall


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Release 3.0.2 of the Bootable CD has new and extraordinary powers - well - almost. In version 3.0.2 we have added several new applications and capabilities, but these pale in comparison to the improvements in the X11 windowing system menus and the automation that goes behind them. By making standard decisions for installation and execution of many of the most commonly used tools and building our own interfaces using perl and lisp, we have enhanced the ease of use of our CDs beyond anything in the market today.
In our trial runs, users who had never run Linux before were able to start building useful Linux-based networks from scratch in 16 hours. Typically, tasks like network browsing are up within 5 minutes of the first time the users puts a White Glove in their computer, functions like network vulnerability scans are working within a few minutes of them discovering their presence, and even normally complex tasks like setting up a DNS server or email (smtp) server take only a minute or two.
We also got ambitious and added features like spreadsheet and checkbook software to the system, put in menu-based systems for controlling processes, added a few new open source tools, put in our own network setup software, augmented encrypted file system support, put in our whois GUI with collection of full data from DNS and other entries, and the list goes on and on. You can even add your own custom menus, and did we mention steganography software?
OK - so you get the idea. We do more things more automatically on a smaller CD that comes up more quickly and is easier to use, more stable, and more secure than anything else in the market. The best part of it comes when we see folks who try the CDs out walking around with them in their shirt pockets all the time. One fellow is even thinking of trading in his MAC for a PC so he can boot up on White Glove and pop on and off of networks more easilly.


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Home Business: What to Consider
Gerry J K Lewis
If you are looking to start a home business chances are that you have done a lot of research into this venture. Starting a home business can be very profitable in more ways than one. A lot of people believe that they have thought about everything that goes into a home business, only to find out that they have forgotten some very important aspects. Below are a few things that you may have forgotten that you will definitely need to address before you get started.
1. Working at home is completely different than working in an office. Many people forget that there are a lot of distractions that go along with working from home. When you are running a home business you will have to contend with distractions such as the television and radio. You will also have to be able to deal with any other family members that are going to be home with you. Your kids may not be able to tell the difference between work time and play time. This presents a lot of problems to people that run a home business.
2. If you run a home business you are going to need to have a lot of self discipline. You are going to be your only boss, which means that there will be nobody looking over your shoulder telling you what to do. Without this sort of supervision many people end up slacking off. If you want to run a successful home business you need to be able to stay on track day in and day out.
3. When you run a home business you are responsible for all of your supplies. Many people forget to budget for this. Remember, if your computer crashes it is your responsibility to get it fixed. You know longer have an IT team that you can call to help out. You will also be responsible for buying your own supplies when you need them.
4. As a home business owner you are in charge of every facet of your business. This means that you will not only have to make sales and take care of marketing, but you will also be in charge of accounts payable and accounts receivable.
5. Home business owners are in charge of their own taxes. When you run a home business there are no taxes being deducted from your paycheck every month. This means that if don't want to go to jail you are going to have to pay your own taxes throughout the year. This is usually too much for a home business owner to handle alone, so you will have to hire a professional to assist you. A home business can be very profitable, but make sure that you know exactly what you are getting into before you start.
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The following interview was conducted on 24/09/2002 by Sergio Vilar of the Nucleus webzine, Argentina.
Well, now I can tell you my impression about Elegant Simplicity music after dedicating several days with the appropriate attention. So alone I can tell you this: My God, how great talent demonstration!!!
Sincerely I tell you that it is one of the best things that I have listened to for a long time inside the style. Your music is fresh and very vital, and undoubtedly you possess a great one inventive. So not very frequent in these days…
1. Please Steven, could you make a review of your career?
Elegant Simplicity, phase 1, began in 1992 and I released 7 cassette albums – all instrumental – and sold them through music magazines. Phase 2 began in 1996 when we released our first album on CD – 'The Nature Of Change'. Since then, we have gone from strength to strength and have just released our 14th album 'Architect Of Light'.
2. Like the idea arises of giving life to Elegant Simplicity? Is a study project?
Totally studio based – we have neither the time, nor the resources to take the project out on the road. Would dearly love to do it someday, though!
3. Do you possess a very personal form of playing the guitar and the keyboards. could you tell us what artists they have been your inspiration and which have influenced you as musician?
I am totally self taught on all the instruments I play, so I approach them perhaps a little unorthodoxly. As far a guitar playing goes, my main influences are John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, Andrew Latimer, David Gilmour, John Lees and Justin Hayward. Keyboard playing, I have no particular favourite player.
4. Steven Which the things that inspire you when composing are? Do you base yourself on the fantasy or in the reality?
Most of my compositions are firmly based in reality. Either things that happen to me or people I know, or stories I have read or heard about.
5. Do you compose your songs starting from the guitar or of the keyboards?
Mostly from the keyboards, I suppose. Which is odd, considering my main instrument is the guitar!
6. As much in Palindrome as in Architect Of Light we can find present as outstanding element the water. Is this a simple coincidence?
No, it's not a coincidence – you will find it running through most of our albums. As indeed the word 'stars'!
7. Please, describe us each one of your disks…
Wow! That may take some time! 'The Nature Of Change' is basically the live set of a band I wrote the songs for with the addition of the 43 minute title track! 'Reversal Of Time' is kind of conceptual in that it deals with lots of 'what if's'. Very prog, I suppose, but, as usual, highly melodic. After that came the all-instrumental 'Purity And Despair'. This was our 10th album, so it's a bit special for several reasons. And then came 'Moments Of Clarity'. Again, very melodic, but extremely depressing to listen to. Deals with love, despair, euthanasia, loss! Straight after that came 'The Story Of Our Lives'. Again, all-instrumental, this features a very diverse collection of musical styles and has only one song on it! After that came 'Palindrome'. Probably our most commercial release, this is the one new-comers would probably be best starting out with. It's got epics, instrumentals, ballads, sound effect – everything, in fact! And now, celebrating 10 years as a band, we have 'Architect of Light'. My personal favourite, as we successfully managed to fuse all our influences into one cohesive and conceptual whole.
8. What evolution did it experience your music from a disk to another?
All I can say is that each album sounds unique in itself but still like Elegant Simplicity!
9. In the personal thing, is my favorite theme Capillary Attraction (of Architect Of Light), a song of more than 23 minutes that don't give desires that it never finishes… Which your favorite one is, or the one that you believe that better it represents Elegant Simplicity musically?
Good question! At this moment in time, I would have to say that the title track of 'Architect of Light' is my favourite and contains a bit of everything about us stylistically. It has big guitar and keyboard solos, jazz, rock, folk, lots of flute, melodic vocals etc…. A real mixture!
10. How do you see Architect Of Light now, to little of having been published? Are you satisfied with the final result?
I'm very pleased with the album. Considering it looked like never being completed following my car crash, I couldn't have asked for anything better.
11. How was it received by the public and the specialized press?
The press all seem to like it – indeed, it has got the best reviews of our career! Interestingly enough, it is the most obviously progressive rock album we have made, so maybe that has something to do with it!
12. In that leaves of the creation of the new album they are now?
The next album is finished as far as the song-writing and arranging are concerned. I have recorded the guitar parts to 90% of the music. Once recorded for all tracks, the tape will go off to the drummer, who will then record his parts. After that, Ken will sing his vocal parts.
13. Will a disk of songs be or also another conceptual album?
Yes, the next album, if it gets released, will be a conceptual piece. Well, more a collection of thematically linked songs, really. Very dark, very mysterious, very disturbing lyrically, but very melodic.
14. A final question. What are you listening to at the moment? Something that you want to recommend?
At the moment, I am listening to Ben Folds 'Rockin' The Suburbs'. A great album indeed!
15. Was a pleasure really Steven, do you Mean some words like closing?
Just to say thank you to everyone out there who has either bought, listened, played,reviewed or talked about our albums!


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1992 CBECS Survey Data 2018 | 2012 | 2003 | 1999 | 1995 | 1992 | Previous
Building Characteristics
Data from the 1992 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) are presented in three groups of detailed tables:
- Buildings characteristics tables—number of buildings and amount of floorspace for major building characteristics.
- Energy consumption and expenditures tables—energy consumption and expenditures for major energy sources.
- Energy end-use tables—total, electricity and natural gas consumption and energy intensities for nine specific end-uses.
Guide to the 1992 CBECS Detailed Tables
Released: Nov 1999
The first set of detailed tables for the 1992 CBECS, Tables A1 through A70, contain the number of buildings and amount of floorspace for major building characteristics. Tables A2 through A28 address location, building size, year constructed, number of workers, hours of operation, types of occupancy, multibuilding facilities, and special space functions. Tables A29 through A43 contain data about the energy sources used for all end uses and for specific major end uses. Tables A44 through A46 contain data about percent of floorspace heated, cooled, and lit. Tables A47 through A56 contain data on energy-using equipment types, and Tables A57 through A67 contain data on conservation and energy management features. The last group of building characteristics tables include special data tabulations. Table A1 is a summary table, Table A68 provides total number of buildings and amount of floorspace for all principal building activities, and Tables A69 and A70 contain data on energy sources used for selected energy uses.
The second set of tables consists of energy consumption and expenditures Tables 3.1 through 3.49, which present detailed energy consumption and expenditure data for buildings in the commercial sector. These tables are grouped into major fuel tables (Tables 3.1 through 3.13) and specific energy source tables. The specific energy source tables consist of Tables 3.14 through 3.29 for electricity, Tables 3.30 through 3.40 for natural gas, Tables 3.41 through 3.45 for fuel oil, and Tables 3.46 and 3.47 for district heat.
The third set of tables consists of energy end-use Tables 1 through 6, which contain estimates of the amount of natural gas and electricity that is consumed for nine specific end uses: space heating, cooling, ventilation, water heating, lighting, cooking, refrigeration, office equipment, and other.
The column categories most commonly classify data by consumption and expenditures, though several other classifications are also given. The following terms, listed in alphabetical order, attempt to explain some of the column categories that may require clarification.
Conditional Energy Intensity—The amount of electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, or district heat used per square foot in buildings using the specified energy source. For example, in Table 3.16, data in the row labeled "Electricity" under "Energy Sources" and in the column labeled "Northeast" under "Electricity Energy Intensity" would read: "Buildings in the Northeast that used electricity as an energy source used 9.3 kilowatthours of electricity per square foot."
Demand-Metered Buildings—Buildings that have meters to measure peak demand (in addition to total consumption) during a billing period. Peak demand is usually metered only for electricity.
Distribution of Building-Level Intensities—The amount of energy used per square foot, divided into three percentiles: 25th, median, and 75th. In Table 3.15, for example, the row labeled "Education" under "Principal Building Activity" in the columns under "Distribution of Building-Level Intensities" would read: "In 1992, 25 percent of U.S. education buildings used 4.0 kilowatthours per square foot or less, while 75 percent of the buildings used more than 4.0 kilowatthours of electricity per square foot."
Electricity—Site electricity. (See "site electricity" and "primary electricity" in this listing.)
Energy Intensity—Usually defined as "gross energy intensity" or "conditional energy intensity" in title of table. If table title does not specify, "energy intensity" is to be defined as "conditional energy intensity."
Floorspace—The enclosed area in a building; the sum of the floorspace in all buildings in a category.
Gross Energy Intensity—The ratio of the total amount of energy consumed by a group of buildings to the total floorspace of those buildings, including buildings and floorspace where the energy source is not used. For example, in Table 3.7, data in the row category "Education" under "Principal Building Activity" and in the column category of "Northeast" would read: "Education buildings in the Northeast consumed 87.1 thousand Btu per square foot."
Major Fuel—Major energy sources: electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and district heat (district steam and district hot water). Although electricity is technically not a fuel, "Major Fuel," rather than "Major Energy Source," was retained as the title of this category to facilitate comparison of 1992 and 1989 CBECS data.
Primary Electricity—Site electricity plus the conversion losses in the electric generation process at the utility plant. Most of the tables present statistics for site consumption alone, but Tables 3.2 and 3.14 also provide consumption statistics for primary electricity.
Site Electricity—The amount of electricity delivered to the commercial building. This amount excludes conversion losses in the electric generation process at the utility plant. (See "primary electricity" in this listing.) Most of the tables in this section provide statistics for site electricity alone (not on primary electricity). When the term "electricity" is used, the reference is to site electricity.
Total of Major Fuels—The sum of site electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and district heat. Statistics in this column exclude data from the column "Primary Electricity."
The row categories classify data by specific features, such as energy source or end use. Data in the row categories relate to the buildings having such a feature, not to the feature. For example, in Table 3.4, the data in the "Major Fuels" column and the row category "Buildings with A/C" is to be read as "Buildings with air conditioning consumed 5,345 trillion Btu of the major fuels." The table contains no data on the energy consumption for air conditioning specifically. Although the row categories and subcategories are similar in all the tables, the specific-fuel tables provide more categories of data than are presented in the major fuel tables. For example, the electricity tables provide data on buildings containing refrigeration and lighting equipment and computers.
Below are explanations of some of the row categories, in a consumption or expenditures column, that may require clarification, listed in the order in which they occur in the tables.
All Buildings—Consumption or expenditures for roofed and walled structures whose principal activities are nonresidential, nonagricultural, and nonindustrial and which are larger than one thousand square feet (roughly twice the size of a two-car garage).
Principal Building Activity—Consumption or expenditures for buildings grouped by the activity that occupies the most floorspace in the buildings. Some building types are combined in the tables. For example, inpatient and outpatient health care facilities were combined as "health care buildings," and refrigerated and nonrefrigerated warehouses were combined as "warehouses," and skilled nursing buildings were included in "lodging." The category "assembly" in the 1989 CBECS was broken into "public assembly" and "religious worship" for the 1992 CBECS. See "Description of types of buildings" for a full description of the principal building activity categories.
Climate Zone—Consumption or expenditures for commercial buildings located in one of the five U.S. climate zones, based on the average number of cooling degree-days (CDD) and heating degree-days (HDD) in a 45-year period (1931-1975). See "U.S. Climate Zones map" for a map that shows the five U.S. climate zones.
Census Region and Division—Consumption or expenditures for commercial buildings located in one of the nine divisions within four regions as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Census. See "Census Regions and Divisions map" for a map that shows the four Census regions and nine Census divisions.
Energy Sources—Consumption or expenditures for buildings using a specific type of energy (electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, district heat [district steam and district hot water], district chilled water, propane, and any other type of energy [wood, coal, active solar, and photovoltaic cells]). The tables contain consumption data based on billing information obtained from energy suppliers, for the first four sources only. Estimates of the amount of wood burned in buildings were obtained during the personal interviews with building respondents. No consumption data were collected for propane, coal, solar energy, or other renewable sources because such a collection effort would not be feasible.
Energy End Uses—Consumption or expenditures in buildings that had specific end uses (heating, air conditioning, water heating, cooking, and manufacturing), not the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for a particular end use.
Energy-Related Space Functions—Consumption or expenditures in buildings that had space for commercial food preparation or computer use, space using special ventilation, or space where activities requiring large amounts of hot water took place. The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for these specific activities.
Space-Heating Energy Sources—Consumption or expenditures in buildings using at least one of the major fuels, propane, wood, or any other energy source for space heating. (In some tables, this category is subdivided into "Main and Secondary Energy Sources.") The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for space heating specifically.
Main Space-Heating Energy Source—Consumption or expenditures in buildings using a specific energy source to heat most of the square footage in the building most of the time. The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for space heating specifically.
Replacement Energy Source for Main Heating—Consumption or expenditures in buildings using a replacement energy source (a heating source to which a building could switch within one week without major modifications to the main heating equipment, without substantially reducing the area heated, and without substantially reducing the temperature maintained in the heated area). The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for replacement heating specifically.
Cooling Energy Source—Consumption or expenditures in buildings using electricity, natural gas, or district chilled water for cooling. The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for cooling specifically.
Water-Heating Energy Source—Consumption or expenditures in buildings using one of the major fuels or propane for water heating. The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for water heating specifically.
Cooking Energy Source—Consumption or expenditures in buildings using electricity, natural gas, or propane for cooking. The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for cooking specifically.
Manufacturing Energy Sources—Consumption or expenditures in buildings using electricity, natural gas, or other energy source for manufacturing. The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for manufacturing specifically.
Heating Equipment—Consumption or expenditures in buildings that had at least one type of heating equipment. The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for the specific types of heating equipment.
Heating Distribution Equipment—Consumption or expenditures in buildings that had at least one type of heating-distribution equipment. The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for the specific types of heating-distribution equipment.
Cooling Equipment—Consumption or expenditures in buildings that had at least one type of cooling equipment. The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for the specific types of cooling equipment.
Cooling Distribution Equipment—Consumption or expenditures in buildings that had at least one type of cooling-distribution equipment. The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for the specific types of cooling-distribution equipment.
Water-Heating Equipment—Consumption or expenditures in buildings that had a centralized system, a distributed system, or both. The tables contain no data on the amount of energy consumption or expenditures for the specific types of water-heating equipment.
Energy Conservation Features—Consumption or expenditures in buildings that had any feature designed to reduce the amount of energy consumed by the building because of its:
Shell, such as insulation, storm windows, or tinted glass;More detailed data are also given for buildings having at least one of the specific energy-conservation features.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, such as a variable air-volume system, economizer cycle, or regular maintenance; or
Lighting, such as manual dimmer switches, specular reflectors, or occupancy sensors.
Energy Management Practices—Consumption or expenditures in buildings with at least one energy-management practice, including having an energy management and control system, participating in a demand-side management program, having had an energy audit, or employing a building energy manager.
Statistical Significance of Survey Data
Released: Nov 1999
The CBECS estimates of buildings and floorspace always differ from the true population values because the CBECS estimates are based on data collected from a randomly chosen subset of the entire commercial building population. One source of the difference between the estimated values and the actual values is sampling error. Sampling error is the random difference that occurs between the survey estimate and the population value because the survey estimate is calculated from a randomly chosen subset of the entire population. The sampling error, if averaged over all possible samples, would be zero, but since there is only one sample for each CBECS, the sampling error is nonzero and unknown for the particular sample chosen. However, the sample design permits sampling errors to be estimated.
The standard error is a measure of the reliability or precision of the survey statistic. The value for the standard error can be used to construct confidence intervals and to perform hypothesis tests by standard statistical methods. Relative Standard Error (RSE) is defined as the standard error (square root of the variance) of a survey estimate, divided by the survey estimate and multiplied by 100. The 95-percent confidence range for a given survey estimate can be determined with the RSE. To calculate the 95-percent confidence range:
- Divide the RSE by 100 and multiply by the survey estimate in the table to determine the standard error.
- Multiply the standard error by 1.96 to determine the confidence error.
The survey estimate plus or minus the confidence error is the 95-percent confidence range. For example, the estimate for total floorspace in all commercial buildings in the 1992 CBECS is 67,876 million square feet and the estimate's RSE is 3.7 percent. The standard error is (3.7÷100)×(67,876 million square feet) or 2,511 million square feet. The 95-percent confidence error is (1.96)×(2,511 million square feet), or 4,922 million square feet. Therefore, with 95 percent confidence, the true amount of floorspace in commercial buildings in the United States in 1992 was 67,876 (± 4,922) million square feet or, stated another way, the range was from 62,954 to 72,798 million square feet.
Statistical Significance Between Two Statistics
The difference between any two estimates given in the Detailed Tables may or may not be statistically significant. Statistical significance is computed as:
where S is the standard error, x1 is the first estimate, and x2 is the second estimate. The result of this computation is to be multiplied by 1.96 and, if this result is less than the difference between the two estimates, the difference is statistically significant.
For example, in 1992, mercantile and service buildings consumed an estimated 381 trillion Btu of natural gas, while health care buildings consumed an estimated 189 trillion Btu, for an estimated difference of 192 trillion Btu. The standard error for the 381 trillion Btu estimate (x1) is 60.96, and the standard error for the 189 trillion Btu estimate (x2) is 33.64 and
Multiplying 69.63 by 1.96 yields 136.5. Since 136.5 is less than 192, the difference between the two estimates is statistically significant.
|Data Item
|Number of Buildings
(Table Number)
(Table Number)
|Buildings Characteristics Tables (70 tables, 230 pages, 1.39 MB)
|Location: (27 pages, 176 KB)
|Census Region
A3 (percent)
A3 (percent)
|Census Division
|Climate Zone
|Metropolitan Status
|Structure: (31 pages, 195 KB)
|Building Size
|Year Constructed
|Wall Materials
|Roof Materials
|Building Use: (47 pages, 264 KB)
|Number of Workers
|Weekly Operating Hours
|Percent Vacant
|Multibuilding Facilities
|Special Space Functions
|Additional Operating Hours
|Energy Sources and End Use: (36 pages, 225 KB)
|Energy Sources
A32 (percent)
|Energy End Uses
|End-Use Combinations
|Space-Heating Energy Sources
|Primary Space-Heating Fuel
|Cooling Energy Sources
|Water-Heating Energy Sources
|Cooking Energy Sources
|End-Use Percentage: (32 pages, 90 KB)
|Percent of Floorspace Heated
|Percent of Floorspace Cooled
|Percent of Floorspace Lit
|End-Use Equipment: (32 pages, 198 KB)
|Conservation: (34 pages, 200 KB)
|Energy Conservation Features
|Building Shell
|Energy Management
|Reduction in Equipment Use
|Ligthing DSM Participation
|HVAC DSM Participation
|Special Tabulations: (10 pages, 63 KB)
|Principal Building Activity
|Energy Sources Used for Particular End-Use
|Summary Table
Questions about CBECS may be directed to:
Joelle Michaels
Survey Manager


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A wet weather warning has been issued by the Met Office, which says heavy rain may cause disruption across the area tomorrow.
Persistent rain, heavy at times, is expected to hit Leicestershire from 1am through to 3pm, and accompanied by windy conditions, this rain is likely to produce some flooding and difficult driving conditions.
A yellow alert has been issued. A spokesman said: "Please be aware of the risk of localised flooding and disruption to transport."


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The highest manifestation of strength is
to keep ourselves calm and on our own feet.
—Swami VivekanandaImage source: Wikimedia Commons
Swami Vivekananda told—
- All must struggle to be individuals— strong, standing on your own feet, thinking your own thoughts, realising your own Self. No use swallowing doctrines others pass on—standing up together like soldiers in jail, sitting down together, all eating the same food, all nodding their heads at the same time. Variation is the sign of life. Sameness is the sign of death.[Source]
- Blame none for your own faults, stand upon your own feet, and take the whole responsibility upon yourselves. Say, "This misery that I am suffering is of my own doing, and that very thing proves that it will have to be undone by me alone." That which I created, I can demolish; that which is created by some one else I shall never be able to destroy. Therefore, stand up, be bold, be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your own destiny.[Source]
- Be perfectly hopeless, that is the highest state. What is there to hope for? Burst asunder the bonds of hope, stand on your Self, be at rest, never mind what you do, give up all to God, but have no hypocrisy about it.[Source]
- By education I do not mean the present system, but something in the line of positive teaching. Mere book-learning won't do. We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one's own feet.[Source]
- First make the people of the country stand on their legs by rousing their inner power, first let them learn to have good food and clothes and plenty of enjoyment -- then tell them how to be free from this bondage of enjoyment.[Source]
- I can only work when thrown completely on my own feet. I am at my best when I am alone.[Source]
- In India any compromise regarding the Self means that we have given power into the hands of the priests and have forgotten the great teachings of the prophets. Buddha knew this; so he brushed aside all the priestly doctrines and practices and made man stand on his own feet. It was necessary for him to go against the accustomed ways of the people; he had to bring about revolutionary changes. As a result this sacrificial religion passed away from India for ever, and was never revived.[Source]
- It is absolutely necessary to stand on one's own feet.[Source]
- Make your children strong from their very childhood; teach them not weakness, nor forms, but make them strong; let them stand on their feet — bold, all-conquering, all-suffering; and first of all, let them learn of the glory of the soul.[Source]
- Real education is that which enables one to stand on one's own legs. The education that you are receiving now in schools and colleges is only making you a race of dyspeptics. You are working like machines merely, and living a jelly - fish existence.[Source]
- The highest manifestation of strength is to keep ourselves calm and on our own feet.[Source]
- The mind cannot be easily conquered. Minds that rise into waves at the approach of every little thing at the slightest provocation or danger, in what a state they must be! What to talk of greatness or spirituality, when these changes come over the mind? This unstable condition of the mind must be changed. We must ask ourselves how far we can be acted upon by the external world, and how far we can stand on our own feet, in spite of all the forces outside us. When we have succeeded in preventing all the forces in the world from throwing us off our balance, then alone we have attained to freedom, and not before. That is salvation.[Source]
- Those who are established in the knowledge of the Atman have no need for such discrimination, but that state is not attained off - hand. It comes as the result of long practice. Therefore in the beginning one has to take the help of external aids and learn to stand on one's own legs. Later on, when one is established in the knowledge of the Atman, there is no more need for any external aid.[Source]
- We have wept long enough. No more weeping, but stand on your feet and be men. It is a man-making religion that we want. It is man-making theories that we want. It is man-making education all round that we want.[Source]
- What can mere book-learning do? What can meditation do even? What can the Mantras and Tantras do? You must stand on your own feet. You must have this new method — the method of man-making. The true man is he who is strong as strength itself and yet possesses a woman's heart. You must feel for the millions of beings around you, and yet you must be strong and inflexible.[Source]
- You must stand on your own feet and not be under the wings of . . . anybody else.[Source]
- You stand on your own feet.[Source]
See also
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This page was last updated on: 10 May 2014, 2:29 am IST (UTC+5:30 hours)
Number of revisions in this page: 2


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Covic-19 Message
Per St. Louis County's Stay at Home Order, our office is currently closed. We plan to reopen on April 27th pending any changes to the order.
We are still performing virtual consultations during this time. If you would like to schedule a surgical consultation, please contact Sara at [email protected]
If you would like to schedule a non-surgical consultation, please contact Lisa at [email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you all again soon!


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Consistently voted a Best Places to Work in Collections. ConServe has immediate career openings offering flexible schedules, competitive wages, paid time-off, 401k and 100% ConServe paid employee health benefits. If you're a motivated, positive problem-solver, then you would be a good fit for the ConServe team.
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I coach two youth baseball teams. Aside from being a father and a husband it's the most important thing that I do; teaching kids how to play baseball, how to be good sports, and about baseball history is one small way I can make a lasting impression on them and also help shape their values as they grow up.
It often gets me thinking, though, about how incongruous running a memorabilia auction house is with the idea that baseball is, in fact, a kid's game. When we set up at shows, we're sure to have a box of modern cards so we can give free packs to kids, but our display case is filled with thousand-dollar prewar items, rarities to appeal to the adult collectors that populate today's hobby.
The conversations I have with those adults, though, almost never deal with the value of the pieces that we're handling (or on which they're bidding). The discussions – which are my favorite part of being in this business – almost always deal with history, and with memories. One gentleman I look forward to talking with at every Philly Show told me the story about how the Bond Bread truck driver gave him a stack of cards back in 1947, that he kept for his entire life. Just yesterday, another gentleman laughed as he told me the story of how he sat at his kitchen table in 1953 or 54 with a pair of scissors, snipping the coupons off the bottom of a thousand Red Man tobacco cards (cards he still has today).
One of the common themes that pervades our Spring auction is various merchandisers' using baseball to appeal to children – as with the above composition notebook, which prominently uses a baseball theme. We often see examples of various items, clearly made for kids, with a baseball theme.
Canadian author and illustrator Palmer Cox created the "Brownies" characters in the late 19th Century, a series of books and comic strips aimed at children. The Brownies characters got themselves involved in a variety of mischief, and soon became a sensation among kids. The Brownies name became one of the earliest examples of cartoon/comic character merchandising, with the characters emblazoned on all manner of toys, ads, and other products.
This Brownie-style paper mache item is a candy container or container topper, depicting a ballplayer in uniform, holding a bat. This example, measuring more than 7″ tall, is easily the finest we have encountered in terms of condition, with little to no wear anywhere, and all its pieces intact. While the piece does not appear to open in any way, it closely resembles other baseball-themed "Brownies" candy containers from the same era that open into two components, allowing candy to be stored inside.
The notebook pictured above is certainly not the only way 19th Century manufacturers tied baseball in with their products in an effort to generate more sales. Our auction features two spectacular pencil boxes, both crafted from some type of hardwood, with a lithographic transfer depicting a baseball scene on the top of the lid. This one is incredibly well-preserved, with some general wear throughout but well-crafted enough to have endured more than a century without coming apart or becoming otherwise damaged. The lid still opens and closes, and the piece in general appears strong and durable. We're offering two similar boxes in this auction, this one the better-preserved of the two.
This cloth handkerchief or bandanna likely dates to the early 20th Century, featuring a scene of children playing baseball (with a few spectators watching). With a border of crossed bats and baseballs, the piece is interesting and rare, another example illustrating our early fascination with the national pastime. Though, as a coach, I'd be in the dugout telling the first baseman and left fielder to uncross their arms and get in a ready position.
Even folk art carried a baseball theme, with a variety of homemade pieces designed to appeal to kids and their obsession with baseball. One of the more charming pieces in this auction is this folksy bear "Cub," wearing a cap and holding a bat, likely intended to be a decorative pillowcase or pillow topper for a young Cubs fan. An example of how baseball seeped into all aspects of children's lives during the ascent of the game's popularity in the early 1900s, the piece is in apparent VG/EX condition, with the stitching still in good shape and the cloth and embroidery, while mildly stained in places, still intact.
This propensity of manufacturers to use baseball to appeal to young fans did not end in the early 20th Century, of course. A more recent example featured in the auction is this plastic pen, likely dating to the 1960s. Tying together a baseball theme with a boardwalk/amusement park theme, the "Boardwalk Baseball" pen depicts baseball-related imagery in the foreground with roller coasters and boardwalk attractions in the background.
A novelty pen, the opposite side of the pen features three baseball figures inside the clear, plastic portion of the pen. The figures are surrounded by water, so that when the pen is tilted upward, the baserunner "runs" from home to first. When tilted backwards, he goes back to the plate.
Of course the time-honored method of baseball-related merchandising is, of course, baseball cards. We've got plenty of those in the auction, but wanted to point out this particular child-friendly example, dating to 1969 – this Baseball Stars Photostamps complete set, with National League album. Issued by Major League Baseball, these thin, photographic stamps were sold in sheet form, with a total of 18 12-photo sheets completing a set. The photos were to be pasted into an album (one for each league), with paste applied to the top of the photo only, so viewers could flip the "stamp" up and read the biographical information printed in the album for each player. Particularly scarce today, the photos are often found cut or pasted into the albums, increasing the collectibility and value of the complete sheets and unused albums. We're proud to offer a complete set of stamp sheets, along with one unused National League album.
This weekend, my young son is getting together with his friends to conduct his fantasy baseball draft – eight or ten young baseball fans, analyzing current stats to determine which players they'd like on their "team" for the season. It's a great activity that helps keep kids engaged in the game, much like studying the stats on the backs of cards did when I was a kid. Today's kids use the internet to obtain their information (and to communicate with each other), so a lot of the ephemera and folk art has fallen by the wayside. Items like the ones above are long-forgotten pieces of history, and we're proud to present them in our auction as a reminder that even though our collectibles are valuable pieces of museum-quality material, the game they honor is, at its root, a kid's game.


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Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 4 Quiz
Actions speak louder than words, and secondary characters have some pretty "loud" actions in Romeo and Juliet, Act II, scene iv. From Romeo's servant to his teasing friends, everyone has some significant role to play. Nurse has an urgent message for Romeo. A Capulet is out for revenge and Romeo's blood. Romeo's servant carries the success of Romeo's hopes upon his shoulders. And boys will be boys and tease their "bro." Take eNotes' quiz to Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 4 to review the significant actions of minor characters who help or hinder Romeo and Juliet on their way to true love's goal.


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Convenient Uses To Olive Oil Beyond The Kitchen
Olive oil is an essential part of every kitchen, it is known with its distinctive flavor and many health benefits, and the news is that there are many other things in which olive oil is very beneficial other than health and below is a list of them.
1- Fixes Squeaky Doors.
It doesn't make any sense to keep petroleum-based aerosol lubricants at your house to silent Squeaky hinges when you know they are highly flammable and toxic , olive oil can be a perfect substitute, all you need to do is just rub a little olive oil on the hinge that's causing the problem and the noise are gone.
2- Get A Smooth Shave.
Instead of using shaving cream or gel, use olive oil , it will help you get a smoother shave without any irritating razor bumps and will also moisturize your skin and slow down the hair growth, even when the hair grow the next time is will be soft and light.
3- Polish Wooden Furniture.
Using chemical based furniture polishes is not very safe on your skin
and even to Inhal it specially for children, luckily you can get the same result without the harmful chemical by just mixing some olive oil with white vinegar and wiping down your furniture.
4- Removes Eye Makeup.
You propaply don't want to use your makeup remover anywhere near your eyes, well because most of them contain benzyl alcohol which can be quit irritating to the delicate area around the eyes, you can get the same result and even better using olive oil, all you will need to do is drop two or three drops of olive oil on a cotton ball and wipe your eyes with.
5- Removes Hard Earwax.
When you have a stubborn ear wax build ups instead of using ear candles use one drop of warm olive oil, it will help removing the Earwax without any side effects and it will also prevent any future build ups, just put a drop of warm olive oil in your ear, rub it around and lay with your ear against a towel to let it drip out.


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Combine Sun City with one or more of Southern Africa's other iconic destinations such as Victoria Falls or Cape Town for a superb, multi-experience holiday. And if it's big game you want to see, then you won't miss out on anything when you blend the fun and adventure of a Sun City tour with a safari in the legendary Kruger Park not to mention the malaria-free Big 5 destinations of close-by Madikwe Private Game Reserve or next-door Pilanesberg National Park.
Whatever your choice, a Sun City combination tour makes for an excellent family holiday but if you're seeking romantic relaxation in luxurious surroundings, you won't be disappointed either. Our selection of top Sun City tours and holidays include indulgent combination getaways to Victoria Falls, Cape Town and Kruger, but if you can't find what you're looking for, our Africa Safari Experts will be sure to recommend the ideal itinerary or will tailor-make one to your requirements.


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Tips for Hiring the Best Chimney Cleaning Services Companies
When people are buying or building a new home, it is important for every individual to ensure that they get the right facilities for their homes. In the modern days, people need to ensure that they get their homes with the best facilities to offer them a comfortable life. A fireplace is one of the additives that people who want to have comfort in their homes need to ensure that they consider. There a lot of benefits that people get to enjoy by having fire places in their homes. Having a fireplace helps people to have an eco-friendly heating for their homes. People also get to enjoy cut energy costs in their houses as fireplaces offer them warmth and also a friendly place where people can sit to enjoy their time by the fire. In every home that has a fireplace, there needs to be a chimney that allows the gases to escape. People can also have chimney by their fireplaces and also in their kitchens. People need to ensure that they get to keep their chimneys clean and also get to maintain them appropriately. Having a clean chimney is important as it helps to increase its efficiency and also ensures that there are no fire chimney accidents that may result to damage of property.
People need to ensure that they have their chimneys cleaned because it helps in the maintenance of the chimney. The soot produced from fireplaces is toxic and may result to damage of the chimney system. People who need their chimney to last should ensure that they have them cleaned from time to time. people need to ensure that they find the right providers to help them in chimney cleaning services. People should consider hiring chimney cleaning companies because they are advantageous compared to cleaning it by yourself. Chimney cleaning companies have professionals who have been trained in offering these services. Chimney cleaning is a risky task and thus people should let professionals to work on them to avoid accidents. Also, working with a chimney cleaning company helps people to save their tie and energy that they would invest in cleaning their chimney. It is cost effective to work with a chimney cleaning company because they have the right knowledge and tools to execute quality cleaning for their chimneys.
There are a lot of chimney cleaning companies in the market that people can hire and thus people should be careful of the providers they get to hire. People should consider various elements when hiring chimney cleaning companies. People should ensure that they hire chimney cleaning companies that operate locally in their areas because they are easy to access. Also, people need to ensure that they find chimney cleaning companies that offer their services at great rates in the market. it is important for people to ensure that they work with chimney cleaning companies that are licensed and insured in the market. A great chimney cleaning service company ensures that they deliver quality services to their customers.


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Individual ants are relatively simple creatures and yet a colony of ants can perform really complex tasks, such as intricate construction, foraging and defense.
Recently, Harvard researchers took inspiration from ants to design a team of relatively simple robots that can work collectively to perform complex tasks using only a few basic parameters.
The research was published in ELife.
"This project continued along an abiding interest in understanding the collective dynamics of social insects such as termites and bees, especially how these insects can manipulate the environment to create complex functional architectures," said L Mahadevan, the Lola England de Valpine Professor of Applied Mathematics, of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, and Physics, and senior author of paper.
The research team began by studying how black carpenter ants work together to excavate out of and escape from a soft corral.
"At first, the ants inside the corral moved around randomly, communicating via their antennae before they started working together to escape the corral," said S Ganga Prasath, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and one of the lead authors of the paper.
Ants primarily rely on their antennae to interact with the environment and other ants, a process termed antennation. The researchers observed that the ants would spontaneously congregate around areas where they interacted more often.Once a few ants started tunneling into the corral, others quickly joined in. Over time, excavation at one such location proceeded faster than at others and the ants eventually tunneled out of the corral.
From these observations, Mahadevan and his team identified two relevant parameters to understand the excavation task of the ants; the strength of collective cooperation, and the rate of excavation. Numerical simulations of mathematical models that encode these parameters showed that the ants can successfully excavate only when they cooperate with each other sufficiently strongly while simultaneously excavating efficiently.
Driven by this understanding and building upon the models, the researchers built robotic ants, nicknamed RAnts, to see if they could work together to escape a similar corral. Instead of chemical pheromones, the RAnts used "photormones," fields of light that are left behind by the roving RAnts that mimic pheromone fields or antennation.
The RAnts were programmed only via simple local rules: to follow the gradient of the photoromone field, avoid other robots where photoromone density was high and pick up obstacles where photoromone density was high and drop them where photoromone was low. These three rules enabled the RAnts to quickly escape their confinement, and just as importantly, also allowed the researchers to explore regions of behavior that were hard to detect with real ants.
"We showed how the cooperative completion of tasks can arise from simple rules and similar such behavioral rules can be applied to solve other complex problems such as construction, search and rescue and defense." said Prasath.
This approach is highly flexible and robust to errors in sensing and control. It could be scaled up and applied to teams of dozens or hundreds of robots using a range of different types of communication fields. It's also more resilient than other approaches to collaborative problem solving — even if a few individual robotic units fail, the rest of the team can complete the task.
"Our work, combining lab experiments, theory and robotic mimicry, highlights the role of a malleable environment as a communication channel, whereby self-reinforcing signals lead to the emergence of cooperation and thereby the solution of complex problems. Even without global representation, planning or optimization, the interplay between simple local rules at the individual level and the embodied physics of the collective leads to intelligent behavior and is thus likely to be relevant more broadly," said Mahadevan.
The paper's other lead authors were Souvik Mandal and Fabio Giardina, and the paper was co-authored by Jordan Kennedy, and Venkatesh N Murthy, Raymond Leo Erikson Life Sciences Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
The research was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under grants PHY1606895, EFRI 18-30901 and 1764269, the Swiss National Science Foundation, under grant P400P2- 191115, the Ford Foundation, the Kavli Institute for Bionano Science and Technology, the Simons Foundation and the Henri Seydoux Fund.
Topics: Applied Mathematics, Bioengineering, Robotics
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All Aboard the Secret Express
Taking the train from Budapest to Belgrade feels like a journey through time. The ride lasts eight hours — just as it did 150 years ago when the track was built. The carriage shudders as the train reaches the giddy speed of 40 kilometers per hour.
Modernization of the railway has been on Hungary's agenda for two decades, but critics say it should not be pursued at any cost — especially since it will involve cash from China, which is stumping up billions of euros to build a new track. Yet even before a sleeper is laid, the Hungarian government has thrown a cloak of secrecy over the project, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability.
On April 8, the government submitted a draft bill to classify details of the Budapest-Belgrade railway plan, ostensibly to protect national interests. The move came less than a week after parliament passed a controversial "coronavirus law" granting Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the right to rule by decree for as long as he wants. A vote on the draft bill is expected to take place in May. The railway is to be built and financed mostly by China as part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, a complex network of projects to revitalize trade routes along the ancient Silk Road. The cost of the Budapest-Belgrade link is exorbitant: two billion euros and counting. That makes it the single most expensive rail investment in Hungary's history.
Some critical news outlets have calculated that in a best-case scenario it would take 130 years to pay off the investment — and in a more realistic one, 2,400 years. The government argues that the investment is of the "highest public interest." Even so, it says the release of any details of the treaty "could endanger the enforcement of Hungary's foreign policy and foreign trade interests."
In a fiery parliamentary debate on April 8, politicians from Orbán's ruling Fidesz party defended the project but wasted few words explaining why it needed to be a state secret. Gábor Bányai, Fidesz's speaker in the debate, argued that "Hungary would still be in the Middle Ages if all infrastructure investments had been decided on whether or not they pay off." Even the Budapest Chain Bridge — one of the capital's tourist highlights — would not have been built had funders thought only about a return on their investment, he said.
The Ministry of Innovation and Technology — responsible for the project — did not respond to multiple requests from BIRN for an explanation of the reasons behind the decision to classify the project.
The Budapest-Belgrade project has had a long and controversial history in Hungary. The EU launched an infringement procedure against Budapest in 2016 for not complying with European procurement laws. When the government finally agreed to announce a tender, few were surprised when Lőrinc Mészáros, a childhood friend of Orbán who rose from being a lowly gas fitter to a tycoon, won a contract, along with two Chinese companies.
"For the Hungarian government, there are evidently political motivations in the background," Péter Balázs, director of the Center of Neighbourhood Studies at the Central European University (CEU) and Hungary's former European Commissioner, told BIRN. "The Budapest-Belgrade railway is just another opportunity for Orbán to annoy the West and prove that he can have allies and partners outside the EU. And businesswise, nobody will scrutinize the deal, as it would happen with EU funds. Here, there is no need for transparency. The government can distribute public money freely."
He added: "A lot of infrastructure investments are implemented in Europe and in most cases, public hearings and debates are organized. This is perfectly in line with public interest, since these investments are financed from taxpayers' money. But in this case, I'm afraid the government wants to conceal something."
Balázs conceded that since the EU's eastern enlargement, priority has been given mostly to developing east-west connections while north-south transport corridors have been neglected. But he said Brussels had recently put more focus on developing Western Balkans transport infrastructure, and Hungary should have lobbied for EU funds rather than looking to China, especially now that Hungarian diplomat Olivér Várhelyi is EU Commissioner for Enlargement.
"I understand that the Budapest-Belgrade railway is important for Serbia, but much less so for Hungary," Balázs said. "For the Western Balkans, this could mean the fastest direct connection towards Western Europe. The region will be completely happy if somebody builds it for them." Experts say the question to ask about any infrastructure investment is who benefits and who foots the bill. In this case, they argue it is China that will benefit and Hungarian taxpayers who will pay.
Nobody knows the final price tag. And the terms of the loan agreement with Exim Bank of China — which is financing 85 percent of the project — will be classified.
Critics also question the economic rationale of the project since the track cuts through Hungary without connecting any major cities. It is evidently tailored mostly for the transport of goods, using Hungary as a transit country. Analysts say China is thinking big and planning long. The idea is to link a port it has acquired in Piraeus, Greece, with Western Europe.
However, the sections between Piraeus and Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, and Skopje and Belgrade have yet to be built. And work only started last year on the Serbian part of the Budapest-Belgrade route. Ágnes Szunomár, a China expert at the Budapest-based Centre for Economic and Regional Studies think tank, said that what drives the Chinese government is less trade and more the symbolic value of the investment. "China's main motivation is to be present in Europe as a country that is capable of carrying out high-quality infrastructure investment," she told BIRN.
"The Budapest-Belgrade railway would be their flagship project in the EU. Just like the Pelješac bridge built in Croatia, which is actually the first EU-financed Chinese infrastructure project in the region. Trade is also important, but the Budapest-Belgrade railway is only one of the many connections they have."
Szunomár cited the example of the 10,000-kilometer Skyworth Express rail connection between the Polish city of Łódź and the Chinese city of Chengdu, which was inaugurated last year. Trains take a fortnight to transport goods mainly from China to Europe before returning mostly empty.
Szunomar was not surprised by the news that Hungary plans to classify the details of the treaty. "The Hungarian government already classified the feasibility study so they probably thought it was better to carry on like that. I don't believe the Chinese asked for this." She added that according to publicly available data, the interest rates on loans provided by China are usually not lower than international rates, but they are not much higher either.
Construction will be delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, since there is little chance that Chinese engineers and workers will be allowed to fly to Hungary anytime soon. Completion is now planned for 2022 at the earliest.
Edit Inota is a Budapest based journalist reporting about Hungary. This piece was first published on Reporting Democracy, a cross-border journalistic platform run by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network. The program is supported by ERSTE Foundation.
Photo: MÁV START train in Budapest by Nguyen Minh on Unsplash.
Edit InotaiReporting Democracy24 April 2020
Common Crisis is a CEPA analytical series on the implications of COVID-19 for the transatlantic relationship. All opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position or views of the institutions they represent or the Center for European Policy Analysis.


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- Shake Shack said its fourth-quarter revenue rose 4% to $157.5 million.
- The chain's same-store sales stayed negative this quarter, dropping 17.4%.
- Shares of Shack Shake climbed 6% in morning trading on the news.
Shares of Shake Shack rose 6% in Tuesday morning trading after the company said its fiscal fourth-quarter revenue grew, following several quarters of sales declines.
The burger chain announced its preliminary sales results at the virtual ICR conference and shared more on its strategy for 2021, including its plans for digital order improvements, expanded menu offerings and new restaurant designs.
For the quarter ended Dec. 30, Shake Shack's net sales rose 4% to $157.5 million. But its same-store sales remain under pressure, falling 17.4%, driven by the lagging recovery of its urban restaurants. In Manhattan, same-store sales plummeted 49%. Overall urban same-store sales plunged 31%, but Shake Shack's suburban same-store sales were flat for the quarter. The company's quarterly same-store sales exclude the 53rd week of 2020.
CEO Randy Garutti shied away from giving investors a strict timeline for the company's recovery but said that he expects urban customers will come back when they stop working from home.
Shake Shack's stock, which has a market value of $4.01 billion, has risen 58% in the last year, despite the company's struggles during the coronavirus pandemic.