text:
Book showcases Florida wildflowers
by Editor | Dec 2, 2019 | Books, Ecotourism
Complete Guide to Florida Wildflowers*
Visitors to Florida have a new tool to identify wildflowers. In the Complete Guide to Florida Wildflowers Over 600 Wildflowers of the Sunshine State including National Parks, Forests, Preserves, and More than 160 State Parks (Falcon Guides, $29.95) Roger L. Hammer, a career naturalist based in Homestead, shared color photos of 686 Florida native wildflowers.
"I chose to omit naturalized exotic species and native woody shrubs and trees, concentrating mostly on herbaceous wildflowers," Hammer said by email about the photos in the 378-page softcover book published in 2018. "The book took 12 months to complete, but I had a head start by already having published guides that covered central and southern Florida, so I only needed to concentrate on northern Florida and the Panhandle."
Hammer took all of the photos using a Nikon D810 digital camera with a Nikkor 105 millimeter macro lens. The book is divided into an introduction and six sections. The sections feature flowers by color: blue and purple, pink, red and orange, yellow, brown and green, and white. Each page is dedicated to two flowers. A color photo of the flower occupies the top half followed by the name, description, season when it blooms, where it can be found, and comments.
"The greatest challenge was driving up to the Florida Panhandle about a dozen times from Homestead and back, which takes between 10 and 14 hours one-way, then spending a week up there, driving back home, and then heading back the following month," Hammer said. "Locating some of the rare wildflowers up there was also challenging, but I relied on botanist friends who live in the Panhandle, and also rangers in some of the state parks.
Roger L. Hammer, author, Complete Guide to Florida Wildflowers
My first love affair with Florida wildflowers was with native orchids, so it was a thrill to photograph species of orchids that I had not seen before. Of the 110 native orchids in Florida, I have now photographed 96 of them. Also, I was able to include all 21 native milkweeds (Asclepias), all 10 native mints in the genus Dicerandra, all 5 milkvines (Matelea), and all 4 species of wakerobins (Trillium). There are many other wildflowers included in this guide that have never appeared in field guides before."
How can beginners who want to identify a wildflower begin? "Readers should become familiar with botanical names, which they can then use to search the University of South Florida's Florida Plant Atlas," he said. "There they will find a range map, common names, botanical synonyms, and a photo gallery. It is one of the more useful websites for Florida's native and naturalized flora, .florida.plantatlas.usf.edu"
The Butterfly orchid
For orchid lovers the following common species can be seen without too much effort, according to the author. The Tuberous grass-pink orchid (Calopogon tuberosus) can be found in spring in wet, grassy prairies and pine flatwoods throughout mainland Florida. The Butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis) flowers in summer and is frequent on trees in upland forests and coastal buttonwood-mangrove forests from north-central Florida south into the Florida Keys. The Spring ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) is common along roadsides and in grassy prairies throughout mainland Florida and flowers in spring.
Hammer is a survivalist instructor for the Discovery Channel's reality TV show Naked and Afraid. He was the manager of the 120-acre Castellow Hammock Nature Center for the Miami-Dade County Parks Department for 30 years. In addition to the new book he is the author of Everglades Wildflowers, Florida Keys Wildflowers, Central Florida Wildflowers, Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies in Tropical Florida, Exploring Everglades National Park, and Paddling Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. He lives in Homestead with his wife, Michelle.
*Photos courtesy of Falcon Guides, Paul Marcellini, Roger Hammer
New book inspired me to expand my travel bucket list
by Editor | Apr 23, 2018 | Books
By Scott S. Smith*
Atlas of Empires
I've been hooked on visiting destinations that played some important role in history from the moment I first set foot on foreign soil at 19 in what was then called West Germany (where my jaw stayed dropped for two years just looking at the ancient architecture). I've been fortunate in having had a chance to write extensively about the events and leaders of the past, and I've learned that there is no book, film, or website that can replace the 3-D experience of being at ground zero of some world-changing moment (usually served by a cutting-edge local museum that can thrive at a place of pilgrimage for history buffs).
That said, Atlas of Empires: The World's Great Powers from Ancient Times to Today by Peter Davidson (Fox Chapel Publishing, $19.99), a 240-page paperback published in 2018, comes close to being a time machine that immersed me in its pages. When I read history in hard copy, I'm used to having to highlight the text I think I will need when I write (or if it's an overview covering a topic I think I know, I listen to CDs when on long drives or stuck in traffic, usually from the estimable Teaching Company). I found myself underlining passages on almost every page of Davidson's tome.
What I don't tend to do with books is study the graphics, unless they involve battlefield movements. But this Atlas was a revelation of global history for me. Its text and pictures prompted me to make connections between empires and events, reminding me of facts I had forgotten, and enriching my future travels, even illuminating my past trips. Davidson (co-author of Milestones of History and a director of documentaries for the History Channel) wrote a remarkably concise yet thorough summary of the major events of world history, describing how each civilization grew and the causes for its disappearance or its evolution into today's nations.
Circa 2005, detail showing the destruction of the black Africans painted on the box of stuccoed wood, from the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun. (Image by ©Robert Harding World Imagery/Corbis)
It's one thing to recall that Egypt's Old Kingdom, whose pharaohs built the first pyramids, lasted five centuries, B.C. 2686 to 2181 (BCE for the politically correct). But even though I had made my first book report on Egypt in third grade and had the honor of having the country's head of antiquities, Zahi Hawas, as our guide through the stunning Cairo Museum, I had forgotten that the Middle and New Kingdoms also lasted a half century each. The thumbnail sketches of the great pharaohs highlight their astonishingly long reigns. For example, Thutmose III, who was constantly on the front lines and expanded the empire to its farthest reaches, died after 54 years on the throne. Rameses II built many of the great monuments during his 67 years in power. Yet Tutankhamun, whose treasures are touring the United States as I write, only lasted nine years as pharaoh.
The chapter on Persia is a reminder of how well some far-flung ancient empires were managed, despite staggering challenges in communications, logistics, and cultural differences. The godfather of the study of modern business management, Peter Drucker, was once asked who the greatest leader in history was. His answer surprised many (and implied it's been downhill since): Cyrus the Great, who became leader of the Persian tribes in 559 B.C. and died in battle in today's Kazakhstan in 530. He fostered goodwill and loyalty by promoting religious tolerance and is mentioned 22 times in the Bible, having freed the Jews to return to Israel in 538 after 48 years of captivity in Babylonia (Cyrus is said to be the only gentile who was ever declared a "messiah"). With Iran constantly in the news for the past four decades, it's helpful to know how it fits into the Persian empire it identifies with. That stretched north to include what is now Uzbekistan (the city of Samarkand is one of the world's great and largely undiscovered destinations), east to encompass Afghanistan and Pakistan, and west to take in part of modern Greece, Turkey, and Egypt.
The text is full of facts that surprised me: Sparta's population was 80 percent slaves (compared to Athens' 30 percent); celibacy was only insisted on for all clergy by the pope in 1074; 240,000 were killed in the final battle for the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan; the Inca empire, which stretched 3,000 miles, was managed without writing; 20,000 of the African American slaves who fought against the colonists during the American Revolution left with the British afterwards; in 1839, the Chinese dumped 20,000 chests of opium into the sea, which had been delivered by British traders, so the United Kingdom's government retaliated by sending gunships to annex Hong Kong and open five new ports.
Use of Greek Fire: Byzantine manuscript illumination from the Skylitzes Codex, 13th-14th centuries.
While the book's art is often eye-catching (such as statues depicting Genghis Kahn's mounted warriors near Mongolia's capital of Ulaanbaatar, Byzantine sailors spraying Arab ships with mysterious "liquid fire"), the reason this volume is essential for me as a serious history traveler is the maps. By using different shades to denote where and when empires expanded, even newbies to historical geography can quickly grasp the flow of conquest or assimilation. There are also symbols that show what the most important economic resources were for the region, including slaves, obsidian, and hemp. Gold made Mansa Musa of the Kingdom of Mali in northwest Africa the wealthiest man of all time with $400 billion in today's money (ruling from 1312 to 1337 A.D. BCE). Davidson is particularly good at working in business history, such as how and where tiny Netherlands created a far-flung commercial empire by taking advantage of new technology and financial systems.
The maps make clear the vast territory that the Mongols conquered (from eastern Europe east, including most of the Middle East, Central Asia, Russia, and China), where precisely the first global empire, Spain's, was located; and what it meant for the sun to never set over land where the British queen reigned. The maps that break down Chinese history helped me as a non-specialist understand the territory ruled by the dynasties of the Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, and how they were culturally different (under the Ming, Admiral Zheng's large fleets sailed as far as Africa. I think Gavin Menzies makes compelling arguments for his foray across the Pacific in 1421: The Year China Discovered America).
The Second British Empire (click to enlarge)
Also valuable is the recommended list of books for each chapter for readers who would like to know more about the people, stories, and meaning of history without being drowned in the details of scholarship. I plan to give this book the time it deserves by taking it on a trip to read the short chapters and study the maps in spare moments, like waiting in line at the airport. If I wasn't making historical destinations a priority before, I have a much longer bucket list now that I finished reading it.
*Photos courtesy Fox Chapel Publishing
New book highlights craft chocolate, shops, makers
by Editor | Nov 27, 2017 | Books, Food
By Elena del Valle
Photos by Gary Cox*
Bean to Bar Chocolate by Megan Giller
I have had chocolate in a number of forms and locations ranging from exotic and improbable such as a safari lodge and mundane such as my kitchen. I have sampled supermarket milk chocolate bars and dark chocolate gourmet bars, foreign and domestic. Over the years my preference has migrated from garden variety milk chocolate to the more flavorful options offered by specialty brands and artisan vendors. For some time I have been a fan of single origin chocolate bars, especially the plain dark chocolate ones layered with flavors.
My most recent chocolate experiences were enhanced manifold by Bean to Bar Chocolate America's Craft Chocolate Revolution (Storey Publishing, $19.95), a new book by Megan Giller. Thanks to her detailed descriptions, I became much more aware of the diversity of the domestic craft chocolate movement and dozens of bean to bar makers. The 231-page hardcover book published this year features color photos, color illustrations and chocolate recipes.
Bean to Bar chocolate from Uganda grown and crafted in Africa
My favorite part of reading her book was the gourmet experiences that followed from preparing her recipe for Water-Based Drinking Chocolate (from Aubrey Lindley, co-owner, Cacao). I also tried the Cocoa Tea (from Miss Choco) made with roasted nibs and water, although that was less to my liking. Once I procured the chocolate bars the Water-Based Drinking Chocolate was a cinch. Like the Cocoa Tea the recipe calls for only two ingredients, chocolate (or roasted nibs) and boiling water.
A few ounces of chocolate melted in a little hot water highlighted the qualities of each type we tasted.
For the Water-Based Drinking Chocolate we sampled four chocolate bar varieties, an organic and sustainably produced bar purchased at the supermarket; a bean to bar 70 percent single origin from Uganda made by De Villiers Artisan Chocolate near Paarl, South Africa; and a half and half blend (all we had available were partial bars) of single origin bean to bar Honduras The Lost City 72 percent and Dominican Republic Duarte 70 percent from Castronovo Chocolate from Stuart, Florida.
The beverage made with the supermarket bar was so awful we threw it out without finishing the serving. The Ugandan beverage tasted better although it was lumpy and had a medium to mild flavor, nothing extraordinary. The texture, even after whipping it twice with a small whisk, was lumpy. In defense of the makers it was past its expiration date. It was a good thing that we first tried the recipe with the Castronovo chocolates because we might not have sampled further otherwise.
The Castronovo chocolate bars were our favorites for the chocolate beverage.
The Castronovo blend was delightful, dark and rich with a hint of smokiness and flavors that lingered on the palate. Later, I bought more of the Dominican Republic Duarte, my favorite of the two available at the small shop where I purchased them, planning another Water-Based Drinking Chocolate made with those bars. Also, I want to sample more domestic bean to bar chocolates and plan tastings, maybe even try some of the other recipes in the book.
Megan Giller, author, Bean to Bar Chocolate
Giller, a Brooklyn resident, is a food writer, specializing in New York City and Austin, Texas. She writes Chocolate Noise, a blog. Giller's chocolate knowledge shines throughout the book and her enthusiasm is contagious. She shares information on the craft movement, the people behind the chocolates from the farms to the makers and their approach to purchasing cacao beans, roasting, processing and making mostly single origin chocolate, mainly with only a limited number of ingredients. She also addresses history, equipment, labels, sustainable practices and pricing. There is a list of her favorite bean to bar makers in the back of the book.
*Book photos: Storey Publishing
Click to buy Bean-to-Bar Chocolate
Photo book captures Paris metro history from 1900 to present
by Editor | Jun 5, 2017 | Books
Paris Metro Photo*
For lovers of the Paris metro and transit fans Actes Sud recently published Paris Metro Photo ($55), a 406-page hardcover volume featuring some 250 photos of the heyday of the Paris metro. It has more than a century of photographic documents and photos from Robert Doisneau, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Brassaï, Edouard Boubat, Izis (Israëlis Bidermanas), Francois Kollar, Willy Ronis, Robert Capa, William Klein and Johan Van der Keuken among others.
The book features varied genres and photographic practices, including photojournalism, photo stories, street photography, fashion photography, architectural photography and industrial photography all centered around the history of the development of the Paris metro. In 1900, when the first metro rolled from west to east across Paris, from Porte Maillot to Porte de Vincennes it quickly became a cultural symbol of France, Art Nouveau and urban technological innovation. By then photography had been around for five decades and technological advances had made light cameras possible.
The book is divided into twenty year periods beginning in 1900. Each photo is accompanied by a description and date. The photo sources are public and private such as art galleries, AKG Images, Getty Images, libraries, and museums in France, The Netherlands, Scotland, Switzerland, and the United States. The book was published as a project of the Paris RATP (Régie Autonome des transports Parisiens) public transport authority. In addition to the photos there introductory statements by Anne-Marie Garat and Julien Faure-Conorton (he selected the photography) as well as a brief description for each twenty year section of photography.
*Photo courtesy Actes Sud
Click to buy Paris Metro Photo
Independent Paris artists share their work, city favorites in book
by Editor | Jun 20, 2016 | Books
The Tall Trees of Paris*
In The Tall Trees Of Paris (Overcup Press, $49) art enthusiast Matt Wagner showcases 42 contemporary Parisian artists and their work. The 285-page hardcover color book in English and French, released May 2016, took him a year from idea to publication. There was no cost to the artists to be included.
Each artist profile includes a photo of the artist's work space, a portrait of the artist or the self image of her or his choice, and photos of his or her work. Wagner selected the artists through his contacts in the art world. The handwritten answers to nine identical questions appear on one page and a typewritten translation in English appears on the opposite page. Among the questions are the artist's favorite restaurant, bars, shops and museums.
"Paris is the foundation of contemporary art, the requirement for graduation," said Wagner in a press release promoting his new title. "Accordingly, it's also easily overlooked. Like arches that support an ancient aqueduct, nobody even notices them as long as the water is flowing. But without Paris, the flow of art would have stopped. Paris is good at art. Good enough that people have stopped noticing and just take it for granted. Ultimately, the Tall Trees books are about people. The questionnaires introduce the featured artists to readers, detailing their favorite things about the place they live and work. We become invested in the artist's wellbeing like that of a friend."
The artists featured are: 2Shy, Alëxone, Alexandra Arango, Céline Artigau, Nicolas Barrome Forgues, Martes Bathori, Blek Le Rat, Agnes Boulloche, Broll & Prascida, Thierry Bruet, Ludovic Debeurme, Veronique Dorey, Dugudus, Elobo, Christelle Enault, Agnès Ernoult, Sébastien Féraut (Niark1), Christian Guemy (c215), HONET, Kerascoët, Koleo, Koralie, Eric Lacan (Monsieur Qui), Hubert de Lartigue, Jean Leblanc, Jean Lecointre, Lek & Sowat, Levalet, Nicolas Martin, Jean-Michel Ouvry, Tristan Pernet, Aurore Petit, Bruno Pontiroli, Francesca Protopapa (il Pistrice), Sebastien Preschoux, RERO, Jérémy Schneider, Supakitch, Sébastien Touache, TYRSA, Amandine Urruty, and Frédérique Vernillet.
Matt Wagner, editor, The Tall Trees of Paris
" The Tall Trees of Paris book is for the curious, the traveler and the art lover," Wagner said, by email through his publisher, when asked who might like his book. "It's a great travel guide for finding undiscovered spots in Paris and it's great for learning more about discovered and undiscovered artists." As to the criteria he used in selecting the artists for inclusion, he said," I am completely selfish in this aspect. I choose artists that I like their work. Lucky for me that my taste is pretty diverse. That diversity comes through in the curation of the book with the selection of painters, installation artists, sculptors, street artists, illustrators, etc. With the Paris book I mostly found artists through networking. I would meet one artist or another curator and they would recommend an artist. That artist would then recommend another. I was able to build up quite a roster of artists in this manner." When asked what was the greatest surprise he had from the book project he said, "My biggest surprise is how hard I fell in love with Paris. I had only been a tourist previous to the book and didn't really think I would become so enamored with people of Paris."
Wagner is the founder, owner, and curator of Hellion Gallery in Portland, Oregon. Born, raised and educated in Indiana, after moving west, Wagner fell in love with Portland and learned the ropes at several galleries before opening Hellion in 2010. Prior to the Paris book, he published The Tall Trees of Tokyo (2012) and The Tall Trees of Portland (2014).
*Photos courtesy of Matt Wagner
Click to buy The Tall Trees of Paris
Random foodie books from South Africa
by Editor | Mar 28, 2016 | Books, Food, Luxury Travel
Market Food: South Africa
Following the explosion of local markets and the emergence of talented foodie entrepreneurs, Dianne Stewart and her two daughters, Lissa Stewart and Jessica Cairns, felt driven to travel around South Africa in search of the best market food. Two years later, in 2015, they published Market Food: South Africa (Bookstorm), a 167-page softcover book for tourists and locals. The book is divided into six sections: Find Your Local Market, Market Tastes, Market Meals, A Little Extra, Sweet Sensations, and Thirst Quenchers.
"Having experienced numerous food markets abroad, we knew that the world-class South African food markets were worth promoting," Jessica Cairns said via email. "We visited markets nationally, in search of markets with their own unique personality and we sort after talented food vendors who were producing creative food of a very high quality. Market Food includes a directory of markets that we visited around the country and a diverse assortment of great market food recipes accompanied by the foodie entrepreneur's unique stories. The book aims to promote the food markets and these talented vendors."
Dianne Stewart, Lissa Stewart and Jessica Cairns, authors, Market Food
Their favorite part of the project Cairns said by email was, "Eating our way around the markets! Sampling the delicious food, chatting to the vendors to get the background to their food and how they ended up at the markets. Dianne and Jessica collated the vendors recipes and retold the vendor's personal stories while Lissa had the task of capturing the market atmosphere and the delicious food through the photographic lens."
The biggest surprise? "The depth of the talent at these markets and the diverse personalities of each market- some tucked away in bustling harbour precincts, others on lush wine estates, in parks or inner-city warehouses," Cairns said.
The three continue the promotion of food markets and talented food vendors on their website and social media channels (marketscoop.co.za) where they feature an updated national market directory (each market has its own page with photographs, maps and opening times), scoops of what is happening at markets around the country and the personal stories of some of the vendors they meet at the markets. Dianne Stewart is author of 30 books, Jessica Cairns is a former international banker, and Lissa Stewart is a food photographer.
Lettuce and a Lady's Breast
In Lettuce and a Lady's Breast Looking back over 50 years of cooking Billy Gallagher (Billy Gallagher and Associates) outlines the highlights of his culinary life from his roots in the United Kingdom to South Africa. He shares insights from his personal life, his life as a chef as well as his work with the South African Chefs Association (SACA) and the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). The 330-page softcover book, published in 2015, is divided chronologically. It is peppered liberally with black and white and color images and photos.
Babel Cookbook
Babel (Babylonstoren) by Maranda Engelbrecht is a 237-page softcover oversize book published in 2013. The visually appealing book has full color photos of the produce and meals from Babel, its namesake restaurant located within Babylonstoren, a relatively new produce farm lovingly established and nurtured in a former cattle farm, in South Africa's Winelands region near Cape Town.
Maranda Engelbrecht, author, Babel
The self described food stylist's affection for presentation is evident in the page size photos of plants and dishes served at the restaurant as well as the restaurant itself. Many of items on the restaurant menu are routinely made from products grown on the farm and its environs. The book is available for sale at a large shop on the farm.
Photos courtesy of Dianne Stewart, Lissa Stewart, Jessica Cairns and Babel
Click to buy Market Food: South Africa and Lettuce and a Lady's Breast


text:
Chale Bay is a bay on the south-west coast of the Isle of Wight, England. It lies to the west of the village of Chale from which it takes its name. It faces south-west towards the English Channel, its shoreline is  in length and is gently curving. It stretches from Artherfield Point in the north-west to Rocken End in the south-east.

The bay is best viewed from the car park on the A3055 above Blackgang Chine or anywhere along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path which follows the whole coastline along the clifftop. Since the closure of the steps at Whale Chine, the beach at Chale Bay has become somewhat inaccessible, with no way down from the clifftop anywhere along its three miles. Parts of the beach are sometimes used by naturists, who are known locally as "Blackgang Bares".

Geography

The beach is predominantly shingle and is bordered by tall cliffs which are made of sandstone, chalk and clay and so are often subject to erosion. There are a number of coastal chines and ravines around the bay; most notably Whale Chine, Blackgang Chine and Walpen Chine. The bay's eastern end is the site of Shag Rock which is a boulder around the size of a small building, though a storm in 1980 shifted it from its once prominent position on the shoreline.

When approaching from the west, the bay marks a change in the type of coastline of the island to a rockbound shore which is unsuitable for landing vessels;  this sort of coastline stretches until Sandown Bay. The seabed is a mixture of mud, sand and shells.

Shipwrecks

The wreck of the Wheatfield steamer, which beached on New Year's Eve in 1882, lies around 200 yards west of Shag Rock. The 1,200-ton steamship broke up on the rocks after her crew escaped in their lifeboats, no fatalities were recorded but, her cargo (which included tinned meat and flour) was lost. After the wreck, a number of locals were fined for being in the position of cargo salvaged from the ship.

In 1996, a 75-foot sailing boat was washed ashore by high waves generated from the arrival of Hurricane Lili. All five of her passengers were rescued by the local lifeboat service.

References

Bays of the Isle of Wight

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The Natchez Trace is a historic 440-mile-long forest trail that extends from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville connecting the Mississippi, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers. Centuries after Native Americans created the trail, European explorers, trappers and settlers used the land and water routes during America's westward expansion. The drive near Nashville includes monuments, overlooks and historical markers as well as the award-winning double-arched Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge spanning Birdsong Hollow. The excursion is popular during the spring and fall foliage seasons.
The Natchez Trace Parkway offers a scenic drive that preserves a portion of the original trail.


JetSelect Aviation's fleet of private jets includes a selection of aircraft in each category of cabin sizes. Our fleet profile is carefully picked to provide a standard in efficiency and a consistency in quality and appearance. Every detail regarding our aircraft is meticulously maintained. Our fleet is strategically located throughout the country for your convenience so we can be there when you need us.


In California, Community-choice aggregators, or CCAs, are cities or counties that have taken over key aspects of their own electricity and natural-gas procurement, distribution and sales from one of the state's three big investor-owned utilities. From a slow start in 2010, the ranks of CCAs have grown to include eight operational entities with more than a dozen more being formed or expanded at present. Their benefits have led to CCA legislation being passed in states including New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Rhode Island.
But to the state's investor-owned utilities, CCAs are an existential threat to their business models — a mechanism that takes away their customers, while leaving them with the burden of managing the power lines, maintenance crews, and the customer service platforms that keep the system running. How those costs are shared between CCAs and utilities has been a longstanding point of contention between the two. Last week, the California Public Utilities Commission adopted a resolution that will force future CCAs to take up at least one part of this common burden — resource adequacy.


text:
OPED: How much is your life worth? Ask the government
James Broughel
On Tuesday the Trump administration proposed new pollution limits for coal-fired power plants. While there's likely to be no shortage of controversy surrounding the new regulation, which replaces more stringent limits set in motion by the Obama administration, less well-known is what's buried deep within an Environmental Protection Agency analysis accompanying these new guidelines: a dollar value assigned to human lives.
It sounds like something out of a dystopian science-fiction novel, but the U.S. government actually computes this on a regular basis. Agencies put a dollar value on our lives to gauge whether life-saving policies are worth their cost.
Different agencies use different numbers, but estimates tend to be similar: The EPA says a life is worth about $10.5 million on average.
The government uses numbers like this when writing regulations. Take, for example, a regulation that's expected to save one life immediately and cost $2 million to implement. If a life is worth $10 million, then the rule passes a "cost-benefit test." In other words, the saved life is worth more than the cost of the rule, so the rule should presumably proceed. However, if the cost rises to $15 million, the rule would fail the test.
The value-of-life number is based on how much people are willing to pay to reduce risk in their own lives. This approach has an advantage in that it's based on people's real-world behavior – but it also has serious problems.
A young adult might not be willing to pay much at all to reduce risk because she doesn't earn much yet and is relatively healthy and carefree, whereas a middle-aged person with a big checking account might spend a considerable amount to reduce risk.
Last year, the President's Council of Economic Advisers estimated the fatality cost of the opioid crisis to have been $432 billion in 2015, using values of life that vary by age. To produce its estimate, the council said the lives of people aged 25 to 44 are worth more than younger and older adults.
Even if a person approves of these practices, valuing lives can lead to some unpleasant policy recommendations.
Consider a regulation that costs $2 million. What happens if we invest the money instead and then put it to use in a few years, after it has increased in value? With more resources available to spend, we can save more lives that way.
But then again, why not wait even longer? We would never invest in life-saving policies by this logic, because it always makes sense to wait.
The government tries to get around this dilemma by assuming that lives decline in value due to the passage of time – which, in addition to seeming crazy, may not solve the waiting problem. That's because the government simultaneously assumes that richer people, with their greater willingness to pay, are worth more. By this logic, the value of a life rises with economic growth, and it makes sense by that logic to delay projects so richer future citizens can be saved rather than us.
In its defense, our government has to make some tough life and death calls. But things don't need to be nearly this complicated.
In the past, and in other contexts such as preventing illnesses, agencies have taken another, arguably more justifiable, approach: They focus on the financial costs associated with illness and death. In other words, they simply calculate how much money – in terms of medical expenses, lost time on the job, and so on – preventing a death can save. Then regulators are only counting dollars, not converting lives into money. And money – unlike lives – earns interest over time, so the sooner it is earned the better.
There are no simple answers when it comes to the value of a life, so the government's confusing approach should surprise no one. Even so, as the EPA proceeds with its new pollution limits, you should ask yourself: How much does the government think my life is worth?
James Broughel is a research fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.
PHOTO (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194): Coal

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Organic: More than just "Humanely raised"
February 22, 2018 John Saunders
#actONorganic, #MoreThanJust, Learn about #actONorganic, Ontario Organic Blog
Increasingly, consumers are looking to buy meat and animal products that have been raised humanely. While the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) has developed codes of practice for animal production in Canada, other standards — including certified organic production — go further.
For instance, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has developed an "SPCA Certified" program. Originally implemented in British Columbia, the program has more recently been extended to Ontario. The standards are higher than those of the NFACC and in many cases, are similar or equal to organic certification requirements. The BP SPCA provides a useful comparison chart here.
Similarly, Humane Farm Animal Care has developed the "Certified Humane" standard. It offers very specific requirements for outdoor space and time for birds, as well as limits on stocking density for cattle, among a host of other rules. These standards reflect many of the practices and intentions of organic, but provide more detailed guidelines on feed, space, heat, ventilation and other aspects of animal treatment. It is possible to certify as both "organic" and "humane".
As part of a systemic approach to agriculture, organic requires humane treatment of animals in a broader context of care. In general, organic includes higher standards for animal welfare: livestock must have access to more space, natural light, the outdoors, and habitats that encourage roosting, rooting and grazing. But organic provides a higher standard of treatment that also incorporates restorative and sustainable agricultural practices.
Here's how the federal standards describe this approach:
Under a system of organic production, livestock are provided with living conditions and space allowances appropriate to their behavioural requirements and organically produced feed. These practices strive to minimize stress, promote good health and prevent disease.
In this post, we look at different claims made concerning animal treatment and explain in particular how organic practices apply. Specifically, we will discuss space, feed, transportation and medical regulations for organic producers. It's important to remember that organic production considers each element as part of a whole — one that seeks to minimize negative effects and promote sustainable, systems-wide practices. Indeed, raising livestock can play a key part in organic production through soil building, nutrient cycling, and weed and pest control.
We should emphasize that Canada's organic standards for animal treatment are different from US standards. Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture not only rejected more stringent rules for animal treatment, but arguably loosened its interpretation of organic standards to allow for treatment that is equivalent to conventional farming.
Making space
Eggs: Cage-free, free-run, free-range?
When it comes to eggs, there are a number of different phrases used to describe the living conditions for hens. "Cage free" and "free run" refer to poultry not being kept in battery cages (which is currently standard industry practice), but in open-concept barns. These approaches let hens run free (indoors) and ideally have access to nests and roosting spaces. Neither of these designations indicate whether or not hens are allowed outdoors — commonly referred to as "free range".
While the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does regulate the use of the terms "free run" and "free range", the Canadian context is slightly different. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says that marketing claims like free range must be truthful and not misleading, but it does not provide specific guidelines in terms of time allowed outdoors or the environment itself. The BC SPCA also provides a useful overview of its certification compared to conventional and organic standards
Egg-laying hens often live in fairly close quarters. In Canada, upwards of 90 per cent of hens are raised in cages. Under new NFACC guidelines, however, cages are being phased out, and the organization estimates that over the next eight years, half of all hens will be raised outside of traditional cages. "Enriched" cages will have perches and nest and scratch areas and will provide more room than battery cages — from a bit less than nine by nine inches to about 11 by 11 inches of space per hen.
Organic = free range and more
In Canada, federal organic standards prohibit the use of battery or enriched cages and set indoor densities at a maximum of six laying hens per square meter (about 16 by 16 inches per hen), while outdoor runs require more space, at four laying hens per square meter (about 20 by 20 inches per hen). These standards also limit laying flock size to 10,000 hens and mandate that hens have ready outdoor access (although more than one flock is permitted in the same building, so long as they have separate runs). Here, organic certification ensures that hens are raised in free-range conditions (weather permitting).
The federal organic regulations also lay out rules for natural light in poultry housing. Window area must equal at least one per cent of the total floor area — or failing that, natural light in the barn has to be bright enough to read a document like a newspaper.
Organic Meat Birds Get Outside
The standards for broiler chickens (meat birds) are slightly different. While most conventional and organic broilers are raised indoors in open floor barns due to biosecurity and quota rules, SPCA and organic standards require more space per bird (both call for about 11 by 11 inches per bird versus nine by nine inches for conventional practices). Organic standards also require that broilers have access to outdoor space by 25 days of age. The standards set minimum sizes for pop-holes (the exit to the outdoors) and maximum distances from chickens to pop-hole, to encourage outdoor access. In some cases, smaller, diversified farms also use movable runs to pasture broilers outside. This is becoming more commonly allowed in Ontario under the new Artisanal Chicken program that many organic farmers participate in.
Cattle and pigs: Let them roam and root
COR regulations draw a direct line between livestock and access to land. For cattle, this includes providing access to pasture during the grazing season, as well as outdoor access at other times (weather permitting). Each animal unit (one fully grown cow or bull) also requires 0.33 acres for grazing. Stocking rates must also take into consideration local conditions and not have a detrimental effect on the environment.
Pigs must also have access to outdoor spaces, which should include pasture. Both indoor and outdoor spaces shall also allow for rooting. COR regulations stipulate a maximum of one sow per acre, "based on a balance between animal units, feed production and manure management". Indoor space requirements for boars, sows and piglets also tend to be greater than industry minimums.
Under the Canada Organic Standard, animals must be treated with care, and stress and suffering must be minimized. While organic producers must follow the same rules for transporting farm animals in general, the use of electrical prods is prohibited. Transportation times must be as short as possible, which means for instance, that if two slaughterhouses are available, the closer one must be used.
Medicine and general treatment
While giving medicine may affect an animal's organic status, producers are barred from denying treatment in order to keep them certified organic. We'll look at antibiotics, vaccines and medicines in a future blog post, but in general, sick animals must be treated — and treated quickly — even if it means they can no longer be certified organic. As well, only organic regulations require that animals be supplied organic feed, unlike other animal welfare standards.
Other rules on animal treatment include the prohibition of electrical prods, as well as limitations on physical alterations. While some practices are permitted under more general regulations and require a pain management (such as castration, dehorning and branding) others are more restricted. For instance, caponization (neutering male birds to promote growth) for broilers is permitted under NFACC rules (under veterinary supervision and with pain medication), but not under organic standards. Beak trimming (for poultry), tooth trimming (for piglets) and tail docking (for pigs and cattle) are only permitted when there are no other options to prevent injury. As the federal rules explain:
[B]eak trimming of birds, tail docking of pigs and trimming of needle teeth in piglets are permitted when they are necessary to control problem behaviour that has a negative impact on the welfare of other livestock. Operators shall document the other measures taken to control or eliminate problem behaviour.
Thinking outside the herd
In Canada, organic certification requires taking a number of additional steps towards raising animals humanely. Space, feed and treatment are all based on understanding the needs of animals themselves, as well as the environment in which they are raised.
Organic standards address many concerns people have about where their food comes from and how it is produced. Better treatment of animals is one way that organic improves food quality and reduces the negative effects of food production.
Choosing organic, and especially Canada Organic, is choosing a more humane treatment of animals.
Many thanks to Rob Wallbridge for providing detailed information and clarity required for this post.
OCO issues pre-budget submission to the Ontario government
#actONorganic
We're Hiring: Project Coordinator, Special Events & Communications


Breitbart News recently published yet another leak from within Google, which reveals that YouTube has manually intervened to blacklist pro-life videos in its search results on numerous occasions. It was further revealed that Google often engages in "manual actions" in order to correct controversial search results in their search product, as well as their Google Home and Google Assistant device search results. Some of the altered search results reportedly relate to Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters and anti-gun activist David Hogg.
The information leaked from Google certainly raises yet another concern of Google and YouTube subjectivity and manual manipulation of search results. If Mr. Pichai lied to Congress, he was under oath and it would be a criminal matter for a Grand Jury. His defense would become more inconsequential by a 'Trust & Safety Team' verification that there were 'huge teams' at Google involved in determining the manual manipulations that Mr. Pichai testified were not happening.
Regardless, this issue is more reinforcement for my bill (H.R.492) that would remove large social media companies' immunity from lawsuits. This immunity was provided when these types of internet outlets were argued to be simply like 'town squares' where anyone had equal access to come and speak without filter. However, now we know that's not the case. Instead of acting like the neutral platforms they claimed to be in order to obtain their immunity, it appears to me that some have turned Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934 into a license to manipulate results, censor political thought with which they disagree, and even defraud with impunity. Testimony from witnesses like Diamond and Silk that raise issues of potential deception and fraud should be heard in court.


A bit of a milestone, body on, for what I hope is the last time. Heads up for those who install heater / defrost! Defroster vents "must be closer to the center "! Gonna have to fabricate a plenum on the passenger side. The warning may have been in the instructions...either way the vent outlet cannot be above the heater box! Other than that, here's about 2.5 yrs of work...but it's been fun!
Fantastic Job! Keep it up!
MK4 #9130 , complete kit, arrived 8/10/2017.
MKIV complete kit w/powder coating and cut outs, serial #9189 delivered 10/10/17, first start - 10/5/18, Blueprint 306 w/Holley Sniper EFI, TKO 600, power steering, Breeze fan shroud, trunk cubby, & engine compartment battery kit, CNC brake reservoirs, RT turn signal & gas pedal, mechanical throttle linkage, GASN side pipes, drop trunk, dual chrome roll bars, vintage gauges, vinyl dash w/ glove box, custom center console and cup holders.
Very nice! I like the white and blue or are they black stripes?
Looking great. Re; defroster. I've had an APE hardtop for 10 yrs and it stays on the car year around. I've gotten caught in the rain quite a few times but needed a defroster maybe 5 times. If that plenum gets to be too difficult, I'd just forget the defroster. Cap the outlets and you will get more from the heat outlets. Keep a towel in the car.
looks great. congrats on the build milestone!
Heater box and defroster boot don't play well together on the passenger side. I cut and reglassed a full width plenum one time but it still didn't work really well on the RH side. Now any heat and defrost cars I do get a functional defroster vent in front of the driver and a non-functional dummy grill on the passenger side.
check out North Race Cars, Richard Oben, he has a plenum for just this issue, I just got mine and not installed yet but in test fitting it is going to work fantastic. It will allow you to put your vents anywhere you want.
Last edited by Jacob; 02-08-2019 at 12:51 PM.
Sure, pics included, if you can't pull up the details on the paint, let me know. The colors chosen were the result of 2 yrs oh agonizing over "go original or new paint "? Finally decided it needs to be original for the most part but I cheated on the blue, it was a compromise, not old put would agree with the W white.
Not real concerned about the passenger and really don't expect to use the defrost, but I'll try to make a plenum, if it works ok, if not I'll plug it off. Thinking 1" thick, 9" wide, 4" deep?
That's a great looking white car!
That's the one I had to cut up to work (sort of) on a Mk4.
Thanks for the info and the additional pictures.
Those new pictures do a great job showing off that beautiful paint! I liked the picture of the body on that you posted the other day. However, those extra ones you posted really show off that great looking paint job. She looks great, and I know you must feel terrific after getting to that milestone.
Please show some more pictures after you get her all put together. Congratulations again!


There are two types of parents – those that make and those that buy. I like to think I'm in the crafty hands-on camp, but my partner will beg to differ… Anyway, for those who would rather purchase delightful hand-made (almost-could-pass-as-homemade) bits and bobs for their little ones rather than slaving away with the paints and paste to make something that will end up in the bin, then these quirky collage artworks by Look at the Wall for the nursery or children's room are just the thing.
The range of handmade pictures features cute pandas, monkeys, frogs, koalas and squirrels crafted from funky papers sourced from artist Monique Gaspar's growing collection ("I collect all sorts of paper – new, recycled, old maps or anything with a nice design," she told me).
Mother-of-two-boys Monique was inspired to start the range when it came to decorating her childrens' rooms and says she couldn't find anything "that wasn't babyish and tacky". The nice thing is that each piece is unique and made with a variety of different papers. Monique ensures that no two designs will ever be the same, and is happy to customise colour schemes to suit your room.
These contemporary collages are also a great gift idea for expectant parents. Who says buying art is just for grown-ups? Each collage is 30x30cm, $120, and available through Urban Child.


text:
Chimerical Realm
Metal Angel #3
Solo Gaming Appreciation Month
After the last session, Metal Angel has brought the wounded Scarlet Wing home, and is surprised by a mysterious voice. Who is the voice and what do they want? To find out, I turn to the prompt. The next one is The Emperor.
Father who embodies our spiritual ideals, our ethical codes, a god of inspiration and sudden creative vision, a revelation of the truth. Self-sufficiency, authority and ambition which drives us to achieve and the discipline and foresight necessary to accomplish our goals. The father within us also fosters self-respect, because it is this part of us which can take a standpoint from which to meet life's challenges. Responsibility as power, his strength can create and build. Pioneer, adventurer, urge for action, self-confidence and recognition, executive power, success, optimism, fulfillment of wishes.
A good number of previous prompts from Loom of Fate (CRGE) indicated a plot thread was coming to a close. I decide that in this scene Metal Angel will start getting those answers, and then moving forward. I decide, based solely on the description of the Emperor, that the mysterious voice is an old, semi-retired hero who had been working with Scarlet Wing.
Metal Angel spun around, his wings smashing a lamp off a nearby table. Standing in the kitchen was an older man, but one with the build and confidence of a much younger one.
"Is she…" the man asked, his voice trailing, fearing the worst.
"She's alive, but hurt. She's needs help," Metal Angel said. The old man grabbed a bag that had been laying near him on the floor. It looked as if he had been ready to leave just as Metal Angel arrived. He bent over Scarlet Wing and began treating her injuries.
"She doesn't look good."
"I'm sorry," Metal Angel could barely get the words out. He knew how hollow they sounded. "I didn't mean to hurt her. It's just with everything happening, and the smoke and flames. I was just trying to get to a man…"
"It's ok," he said. "I watched most of it on the YouTube. I know you were after the 'cop.'"
"You knew? Did she? Why did she stop me?"
Why indeed? Now I turn back to the Loom of Fate and try to figure out what is going on, and where it might lead.
Does Metal Angel recognize the man? 40, No.
I've already established that Scarlet Wing was "involved" with the robber/cop, but was it a real relationship, or were they playing each other?
Did the two of them have a real relationship? 53. Yes.
Did she know he was one of the robbers? 97. Yes, and Unexpectedly…Six Degrees.
Six Degrees means that there was an "a meaningful connections forms between two…NPC's." I'm not sure what to make of this yes, so I leave it aside for a moment.
Is the guy actually a cop? 36 No.
Based on what they no, were the robbers actually "setting up" new metahumans? 17. No, and…
Ok, I think I have a decent idea for how things are going now.
"It's…complicated" the old man said, as took care of Scarlet Wing. "Scarlet…well, I guess you know her civilian name, don't you? You know where she lives anyway. Kelly here was dating this fellow. They'd only been together a short time, but the two were head over heels for each other."
He smiled wistfully, "young love and all that."
With a shake of his head, he continued "They didn't know each other all that well, and Kelly sure didn't know what his supposed 'Uber' job actually involved him being the getaway driver for a group of robbers. I believe you all have met. Well, one day their job took them to the office that Kelly worked at. They were after a bunch of Bearer Bonds they had stored in the company safe, and they shot the place up real good. Kelly went down, like a number of others. This fella, Dominic Perry, was outside when it all happened. Didn't even know she was shot up until you got involved, and the cops through the book at all of them. Once he found out that she was hurt, he was ready to flip and tell the DA everything they wanted to know.
Before that happened, though, their lawyer got involved, got everyone to shut the hell up and just tore the DA's case to shreds. They used everything, from the use of a 'vigilante' in their capture, to failure to properly Mirandize, to even stuff like "mind control" and "alien influence brought on by the weapons." It was a joke, but the real damage was the evidence. Somehow, all the evidence from finger prints to the weapons was either damaged, or lost. The cops had to let them all go.
"Dominic met up with Kelly, confessed everything to her. He was amazed that she had survived, and that she gotten powers. He wanted her help to take the crew down. Sounds like they've figured out that a number of people hit by the weapons have gotten powers, and they figure they should get some too. He's been a double agent. Feeding us information about the crew, while telling the crew that he's "monitoring" Kelly here, trying to figure out how she got her powers. It's his excuse for all the time they spend together.
That's why she wanted to stop you. And now you've beaten up this guy's girl on a damn viral video."
"I'm…I'm sorry," Metal Angel said. "I didn't know. I just wanted to talk to him."
"I ain't blaming you kid, but you did us in a bit of a bind."
"Looks like I messed things up, but I still want to help. What do you need?"
Metal Angel now picks up Scarlet Wings quest to stop the robbers from using their weapons to turn themselves into supervillains.
The next prompt is The Tower. Here's the description:
This is a powerful instinctual force emerging from the unconscious, stronger than the will's efforts to repress it, collapse of old forms, inner and outer structure, of false or outgrown values, masks, costumes in a play to impress the audience, structures we build in the outside world to embody our incomplete selves. The tower represents achievement, authority and protection is now in a state of breakdown and dissolution. Let go of fear and the survival instinct to face the unknown implies the fall, ruin, punishment and loss, imprisonment and danger. But it also means freedom from stagnation and restriction - a spiritual healing force. This break-through will result in changes occurring in outer life.
Not only does the Tower seem to indicate a location, but also the "collapse of old forms" and the emergence of new.
I could turn to the Loom of Fate, but I have a pretty clear idea in my head. The robbers have gathered in a ruined building on the outskirts of town. Some have been working to replicate the effects of the transformation, others have been doing general research and information gathering. There's a bit of a split between committing to the experiment vs just keep robbing with the alien tech. When Dominic shows up, he tilts the balance. He not only wants payback for Scarlet Wing, but the rest now think that they're about to be discovered anyway. They decide to move forward with the experiment. By the time Metal Angel shows up, the transformation will be complete.
Now, I turn back to the Loom of Fate to help me work out some details.
How many villains are there? I assumed the gang has 5-10 members, or 1d6+4. I roll, and get a 4, so 8 total members.
Have they gone through with the procedure? 88. Yes, but…none of them fully understand how to use their new powers, so they will only use the most basic tactics.
Do they all go through with the experiment? 07. No, but… The others still have their high tech weaponry.
What percentage of them go through with it? 60%. So, 5 of them.
Is there experiment successful? 76. Yes
I turn to the Heroes Unlimited GM's Guide to round out the villainous crew.
To make things easier, I decide that the three non-transformed villains use the same stats.
Name(s): Barlow, Payton, Blake
Attributes: IQ 9, ME 9, MA 9, PS 17, PP 12, PE 10, PB 9, SPD 22
Hit Points 14, SDC 55
Hand to Hand: Basic. # of Attacks: 3. Parry +1, Dodge +1, Damage +2,
WP Knife, Auto Pistol, E. Weapon.
Equipment: Advanced Armor: AR 16, SDC 180. Ion Blaster: 4D6 damage.
There are five left who underwent the experiment. To make things easier, I decide that they will have a 50% chance of either developing 1 Major and 1 Minor Superpower, or 4 Minor Powers. I decide that two of them are "enforcers"
Name(s): Benjamin, Chet
Hand to Hand: Expert. # of Attacks: 4. Parry +3, Dodge +1, Damage +13,
Equipment: Advanced Armor: AR 16, SDC 180. Ion Blaster: 4D6 damage
Benjamin:
Manipulate Kinetic Energy: Protective field, half damage from kinetic attacks.
Heightened Sense of Smell
Energy Expulsion: Light (2d6 damage, +3 to Strike)
Supervision: Nightvision
Chet:
Mimic: Can copy the powers of another. Including Metal Angel's Wings, and Metal Form (AR 17, SDC 800)
Body Weapons: create weapons from their body, 3d6 damage.
Next up is Dominic. For him, I use the "Driver" base.
Name: Dominic
Hit Points 13, SDC 150
Hand to Hand: Basic. # of Attacks: 4. Parry +2, Dodge +3, Damage +2, +1 to Strike, +6 Initiative
Sonic Flight (ram attack 1d4X10, counts as two attacks)
Heightened Sense of Hearing
Then we have the "safecracker."
Name: Kirk
Hand to Hand: Basic. # of Attacks: 3. Parry +1, Dodge +1, Damage +1, +1 to Strike
Bend Light
Supervision: Ultraviolent and Infrared
Alter Physical Body
Finally, the "Boss."
Name: Raynard
Attributes: IQ 16, ME 16, MA 17, PS 20, PP 16, PE 15, PB 12, SPD 15
Hand to Hand: Expert. # of Attacks: 4. Strike +1, Parry +4, Dodge +4, Damage +5,
Superpowers:
Darkness Control
Heightened Sense of Taste
I feel like this is going to be a short fight…
Solo Gaming Appreciation Month 2017
http://sologamingmonth.com/
Base Game: Heroes Unlimited, Second Edition.
Story Structure: Zero Tarot
Oracle: +Zach Best's Conjectural Roleplaying GM Emulator
Other Tools: BOLD, Universal NPC Emulator, and The Everyone, Everywhere List
#SGAM #SGAM2017
Labels: SGAM, Solo, Superhero
Now that I've got a rough idea on my setting, Cresthaven , I need to get some more details in place for it. First, I've been think...
Random Vampire
Random character creation is pretty antithetical to Vampire , in all honesty. The game values deep and nuanced characters far more than di...
Review of Vampire: We Eat Blood
White Wolf has partnered with Asmodee Digital to create two new mobile games, one based on Vampire: The Masquerade the other on Mage: Th...
30 Days of Night--The Vampire: The Masquerade Challenge
The Vampire 30 Day Challenge is a motivational tool to encourage people to, over the course of 30 Days, blog or post something they find int...
Vampire: The Masquerade 4th Edition
One of the major announcements at this years Gencon was word on the upcoming 4th Edition of Vampire: The Masquerade . Already, various Faceb...
I've started up a new Vampire: The Masquerade chronicle. I decided to do something a bit different, at least for me, and to run it as a...
Chaotix
chimericalrealm
MoMj: The Corruption Saga - Session 9 (Winter)
A Lonely Hope -- Scenes 8 & 9
MoMj: The Corruption Saga - Session 8c-Eirik
A Lonely Hope -- Scene 7
MoMj: The Corruption Saga - Session 8d-Ygvard
MoMj: The Corruption Saga - Session 8b-Deirik
MoMj: The Corruption Saga - Session 8a-Boldulf
Metal Angel/SGAM thoughts
MoMj: The Corruption Saga - Session 7
Metal Angel 1
SGAM Character Creation


text:
Access Control Intruder Alarms
Make: Panasonic
Panasonic Video Surveillance software
Software Type ANPR Software Control Software Detection Software Drawing Software IP Surveillance Software Management Software Monitoring Software Recording Software Surveillance Software Transmission Software
Makes Panasonic
Panasonic Panasonic Security Viewer Ver.2.0 App For Smartphone And Tablet
Panasonic WV-ASM970 IP Matrix Client Software
IP Surveillance Software
Panasonic's New WV-ASM970 & WV-ASC970 Software Provides An All-inclusive, Hybrid Security Solution
The increasing trend in switching from analog to IP security solutions has inspired Panasonic System Networks Europe to develop and present the new WV-ASC970 IP matrix server software and the WV-ASM970 IP control software to allow flexible, all-inclusive and hybrid security solutions. WV-ASC970 IP matrix client software The WV-ASC970 software allows a server PC to integrate multiple network components into one easy-to-manage flow of data. Allowing up to 64 recorders, 64 decoders and 2048 analog and IP cameras to be registered, security professionals have available a huge amount of information from the monitoring terminal. Panasonic's WV-ASC970 software is designed to ensure total cost of ownership is minimised by extending the life of Panasonic analog cameras alongside new IP technology - convergence rather than replacement. Hosting hybrid solution such as these smoothes the transition process between analog and IP as well as making varying network peripherals available from the user interface, including WV-ASC970 software. The WV-ASC970 allows both camera viewing and camera control for up to 512 individual user registrations with 64 simultaneous users supported at once, enabling collective security and remote monitoring. WV-ASM970 IP control software The WV-ASM970 client software is installed to each client PC, which enhances operation and monitoring of the full security network. Multi-monitor function enables simultaneous use of the Operation Screen and Monitoring Screen for comprehensive supervision. Other viewing options allow up to 30 IP cameras to be displayed in a 16 split screen format in MPEG-4, 2mbps mode whilst providing full location information and maintaining optimized network usage. In addition Automated Status Change uses the monitor to display a location map when an alarm is triggered to ensure security professionals can locate and action emergency response. In summary WV-ASC970 IP matrix server software and the WV-ASM970 IP matrix client control software are designed to smooth the transition from Analog to IP, enhance system scalability plus extend the life of existing systems. This makes specifying Panasonic the best choice to reduce costs and improve protection of personnel and property.
Panasonic BB-HNP17 H.264, MPEG-4 And JPEG Recording Software With Flexible Layout
Panasonic WV-ASM200 Monitoring Software For Multi-recorder Site Systems
Panasonic KIT-ASM970 Matrix Hybrid Virtual Matrix System
Surveillance Software
Panasonic KIT-ASC970 Matrix Hybrid Virtual Matrix System
Panasonic WV-ASFE901 1 Channel Face Server License
Panasonic WV-ASE232 Environmental Compensation Software For ASM200
Panasonic WV-ASE231 Face Searching Plugin For ASM200 Or ASM970
Panasonic BB-HCA5CE MPEG4-license For BB-HNP17 Remote Client
Panasonic BB-HCA8CE H.264 License For BB-HNP17 Remote Client
Panasonic BB-HNP17CE Recording Software For BB/BL Cameras
Panasonic WV-ASE901 Software License For Fire Alarm Integration
Click here to view discontinued Video Surveillance software
Browse Video Surveillance software
Software Type
ANPR Software
Detection Software
Drawing Software
Other Panasonic products
Panasonic Surveillance cameras
Panasonic IP cameras
Panasonic Digital video recorders (DVRs)
Panasonic Dome cameras
Panasonic Intercom Systems
Video Surveillance software products updated recently
ExacqVision exacqVision Pro Video Management Software
ExacqVision exacqVision Enterprise Video Management Software
ExacqVision exacq Mobile Application
ExacqVision exacqVision Edge Video Management Software
ExacqVision exacqVision Enterprise Manager Video Management Software
ExacqVision exacqVision Edge+ Video Management Software
ExacqVision exacqVision Start Video Management Software For Stand-Alone Installations
IndigoVision Integra Software Pre-licensed With Device Licenses
Axis Communications AXIS Loitering Guard Detection Software
Axis Communications AXIS Direction Detector Video Analytics Application
Video Surveillance software - Expert commentary
Urban populations are expanding rapidly around the globe, with an expected growth of 1.56 billion by 2040. As the number of people living and working in cities continues to grow, the ability to keep everyone safe is an increasing challenge. However, technology companies are developing products and solutions with these futuristic cities in mind, as the reality is closer than you may think. Solutions that can help to watch over public places and share data insights with city workers and officials are increasingly enabling smart cities to improve the experience and safety of the people who reside there. Rising scope of 5G, AI, IoT and the Cloud The main foundations that underpin smart cities are 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Cloud. Each is equally important, and together, these technologies enable city officials to gather and analyze more detailed insights than ever before. For public safety in particular, having IoT and cloud systems in place will be one of the biggest factors to improving the quality of life for citizens. Smart cities have come a long way in the last few decades, but to truly make a smart city safe, real-time situational awareness and cross-agency collaboration are key areas which must be developed as a priority. Innovative surveillance cameras with integrated IoT Public places need to be safe, whether that is an open park, shopping center, or the main roads through towns Public places need to be safe, whether that is an open park, shopping center, or the main roads through towns. From dangerous drivers to terrorist attacks, petty crime on the streets to high profile bank robberies, innovative surveillance cameras with integrated IoT and cloud technologies can go some way to helping respond quickly to, and in some cases even prevent, the most serious incidents. Many existing safety systems in cities rely on aging and in some places legacy technology, such as video surveillance cameras. Many of these also use on-premises systems rather than utilising the benefits of the cloud. Smart programming to deliver greater insights These issues, though not creating a major problem today, do make it more challenging for governments and councils to update their security. Changing every camera in a city is a huge undertaking, but in turn, doing so would enable all cameras to be connected to the cloud, and provide more detailed information which can be analyzed by smart programming to deliver greater insights. The physical technologies that are currently present in most urban areas lack the intelligent connectivity, interoperability and integration interfaces that smart cities need. Adopting digital technologies isn't a luxury, but a necessity. Smart surveillance systems It enables teams to gather data from multiple sources throughout the city in real-time, and be alerted to incidents as soon as they occur. Increased connectivity and collaboration ensures that all teams that need to be aware of a situation are informed instantly. For example, a smart surveillance system can identify when a road accident has occurred. It can not only alert the nearest ambulance to attend the scene, but also the local police force to dispatch officers. An advanced system that can implement road diversions could also close roads around the incident immediately and divert traffic to other routes, keeping everyone moving and avoiding a build-up of vehicles. This is just one example: without digital systems, analyzing patterns of vehicle movements to address congestion issues could be compromised, as would the ability to build real-time crime maps and deploy data analytics which make predictive policing and more effective crowd management possible. Cloud-based technologies Cloud-based technologies provide the interoperability, scalability and automation Cloud-based technologies provide the interoperability, scalability and automation that is needed to overcome the limitations of traditional security systems. Using these, smart cities can develop a fully open systems architecture that delivers interoperation with both local and other remote open systems. The intelligence of cloud systems can not only continue to allow for greater insights as technology develops over time, but it can do so with minimal additional infrastructure investment. Smart surveillance in the real world Mexico City has a population of almost 9 million people, but if you include the whole metropolitan area, this number rises sharply to over 21 million in total, making it one of the largest cities on the planet. Seven years ago, the city first introduced its Safe City initiative, and ever since has been developing newer and smarter ways to keep its citizens safe. In particular, its cloud-based security initiative is making a huge impact. Over the past three years, Mexico City has installed 58,000 new video surveillance cameras throughout the city, in public spaces and on transport, all of which are connected to the City's C5 (Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Citizen Contact) facility. Smart Cities operations The solution enables officers as well as the general public to upload videos via a mobile app to share information quickly, fixed, body-worn and vehicle cameras can also be integrated to provide exceptional insight into the city's operations. The cloud-based platform can easily be upgraded to include the latest technology innovations such as license plate reading, behavioral analysis software, video analytics and facial recognition software, which will all continue to bring down crime rates and boost response times to incidents. The right cloud approach Making the shift to cloud-based systems enables smart cities to eliminate dependence on fiber-optic connectivity and take advantage of a variety of Internet and wireless connectivity options that can significantly reduce application and communication infrastructure costs. Smart cities need to be effective in years to come, not just in the present day, or else officials have missed one of the key aspects of a truly smart city. System designers must build technology foundations now that can be easily adapted in the future to support new infrastructure as it becomes available. Open system architecture An open system architecture will also be vital for smart cities to enhance their operations For example, this could include opting for a true cloud application that can support cloud-managed local devices and automate their management. An open system architecture will also be vital for smart cities to enhance their operations and deliver additional value-add services to citizens as greater capabilities become possible in the years to come. The advances today in cloud and IoT technologies are rapid, and city officials and authorities have more options now to develop their smart cities than ever before and crucially, to use these innovations to improve public safety. New safety features Though implementing these cloud-based systems now requires investment, as new safety features are designed, there will be lower costs and challenges associated with introducing these because the basic infrastructure will already exist. Whether that's gunshot detection or enabling the sharing of video infrastructure and data across multiple agencies in real time, smart video surveillance on cloud-based systems can bring a wealth of the new opportunities.
Securing Mobile Vehicles: The Cloud and Solving Transportation Industry Challenges
Securing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the transportation industry is multi-faceted for a multitude of reasons. Pressures build for transit industry players to modernise their security systems, while also mitigating the vulnerabilities, risks, and growth-restrictions associated with proprietary as well as integrated solutions. There are the usual physical security obstacles when it comes to increasingly integrated solutions and retrofitting updated technologies into legacy systems. Starting with edge devices like cameras and intelligent sensors acquiring video, analytics and beyond, these edge devices are now found in almost all public transportation like buses, trains, subways, airplanes, cruise lines, and so much more. You can even find them in the world's last manually operated cable car systems in San Francisco. The next layer to consider is the infrastructure and networks that support these edge devices and connect them to centralized monitoring stations or a VMS. Without this layer, all efforts at the edge or stations are in vain as you lose the connection between the two. And the final layer to consider when building a comprehensive transit solution is the software, recording devices, or viewing stations themselves that capture and report the video. The challenge of mobility However, the transportation industry in particular has a very unique challenge that many others do not – mobility. As other industries become more connected and integrated, they don't usually have to consider going in and out or bouncing between networks as edge devices physically move. Obviously in the nature of transportation, this is key. Have you ever had a bad experience with your cellular, broadband or Wi-Fi at your home or office? You are not alone. The transportation industry in particular has a very unique challenge that many others do not – mobility Can you trust these same environments to record your surveillance video to the Cloud without losing any frames, non-stop 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year? To add to the complexity – how do you not only provide a reliable and secure solution when it's mobile, traveling at varying speeds, and can be in/out of coverage using various wireless technologies? Waiting to upload video from a transport vehicle when it comes into port, the station, or any centralized location is a reactive approach that simply will not do any longer. Transit operations require a more proactive approach today and the ability to constantly know what is going on at any given time on their mobile vehicles, and escalate that information to headquarters, authorities, or law enforcement if needed; which can only occur with real-time monitoring. This is the ultimate question when it comes to collecting, analyzing, and sharing data from mobile vehicles – how to get the video from public transportation vehicles alike to headquarters in real time! Managing video data In order to answer this question, let's get back to basics. The management and nature of video data differs greatly from conventional (IT) data. Not only is video conducted of large frames, but there are specific and important relationships among the frames and the timing between them. This relationship can easily get lost in translation if not handled properly. This is why it's critical to consider the proper way to transmit large frames while under unstable or variable networks. The Internet and its protocols were designed more than two decades ago and purposed for conventional data. Although the Internet itself has not changed, today's network environments run a lot faster, expand to further ranges, and support a variety of different types of data. Because the internet is more reliable and affordable than in the past some might think it can handle anything. However, it is good for data, but not for video. This combination makes it the perfect time to convert video recording to the Cloud! Video transmission protocol One of the main issues with today's technology is the degradation of video quality when transmitting video over the Internet. ITS are in dire need for reliable transmission of real-time video recording. To address this need a radical, yet proven, video transmission protocol has recently been introduced to the market. It uses AI technology and to adapt to different environments in order to always deliver high quality, complete video frames. This protocol, when equipped with encryption and authentication, enables video to be transmitted reliably and securely over the Internet in a cloud environment. One of the main issues with today's technology is the degradation of video quality when transmitting video over the Internet Finally, transportation industry has a video recording Cloud solution that is designed for (massive) video that can handle networks that might be experiencing high error rate. Such a protocol will not only answer the current challenges of the transportation industry, but also make the previously risky Cloud environment safe for even the most reserved environments and entities. With revolutionary transmission protocols, the time is now to consider adopting private Cloud for your transportation operations.
Latest Panasonic Corporation of North America news
Panasonic I-PRO Sensing Solutions Announces Changing Global Branding To I-PRO
Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions, which was established on October 1, 2019 and formally operates as Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Corporation of America (PIPSA) in the United States of America, is changing its global brand to i-PRO. i-PRO branding The new i-PRO branding reflects a significant change in philosophy relative to the company's go to market strategies, product and integrated system offerings, and reseller and technology partnerships. Comprised of the professional security surveillance, public safety, and medical imaging business units in the U.S., i-PRO will continue to build upon its expansive portfolio with new technologies and advanced AI-driven software and analytics that complement its best-in-class imaging technologies and edge products, and further build on a history of innovation and leadership that spans over 60 years with Panasonic. Innovative technologies and solutions i-PRO is more than just a new company name or brand. It represents a significant shift in vision for our organization globally" "i-PRO is more than just a new company name or brand. It represents a significant shift in vision for our organization globally, and the innovative technologies and solutions we currently have and will be introducing moving forward to support it," said Bill Brennan, President, Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Corporation of America (PIPSA). "We are a more versatile and agile company that can establish and implement new strategies and market specific programs and technologies faster and more efficiently to deliver solutions that set new benchmarks in performance with higher ROI and lower TCO. This is the new i-PRO." i-PRO is comprised of the following business units: Professional Security Surveillance, offering comprehensive IP and analog video surveillance, access control, and analytics solutions for professional applications that combine best-in-class hardware, management and control software, and deep learning AI analytics. Public Safety, providing advanced video solutions for law enforcement applications including next generation body worn cameras, in-vehicle video systems, evidence capture and management software, and intelligent analytics such as facial redaction to protect personal privacy. Medical Imaging, delivering high-performance cameras designed specifically for medical imaging devices and systems, and other industrial applications. Integrated solutions "By clearly focusing on these three core markets and working hand in hand with our dedicated channel partners, i-PRO will deliver new and innovative integrated solutions that meet today's most demanding challenges with a forward-looking perspective to address tomorrow's needs." "And we will work in lockstep with our headquarters in Japan to address the specific needs of our customers in the U.S., while remaining close partners with Panasonic, a key investor in i-PRO. We hope you join us on this exciting journey and engage in the new i-PRO experience. Our future is brighter than ever," concluded Brennan.
Panasonic Combines AI And Machine Learning To Develop IDguard Solution For Video Redaction Process
Panasonic Public Safety Solutions Division, a business unit of the newly formed Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Co., Ltd., announces the immediate availability of Panasonic IDguard, an identity redaction solution that reduces up to 90% of the manual effort associated with editing video files of sensitive content. "In developing this solution, Panasonic has combined AI and machine learning technology to automate the video redaction process," said Bill Brennan, President of Panasonic i-Pro Sensing Solutions Corporation of America. "Panasonic IDguard can greatly lighten the burden for hardworking law enforcement officers." Streamline file editing tasks With the growing volume of video from body-worn, in-car cameras, and other sources, agencies have been forced to allocate more and more personnel time to editing video to fulfill Freedom-of-Information-Act requests. One of the most time-consuming aspects of this is the manual redaction of individuals' faces to address privacy concerns. Panasonic IDguard can also reduce the time needed for the manual processes of uploading With Panasonic IDguard, this redaction is fully automated, saving a tremendous amount of time for resource-strapped agencies. A user-friendly application, Panasonic IDguard enables agencies to streamline file editing tasks and respond to Freedom-of-Information-Act requests quickly. Panasonic IDguard can also reduce the time needed for the manual processes of uploading, storing, searching, editing, and sharing video content. Critical editing capabilities It includes the capability to upload multiple videos for overnight batch redaction processing. The interface is easy to learn and use, and a comprehensive set of administrative tools provides strict, secure, multi-user management with critical editing capabilities. With support for all videos in the MP4 format including video from iPhones and Android devices, Panasonic IDguard also offers flexible configuration options with on premise storage now, and cloud-based coming in the summer. Ingestion APIs make integration and communication with existing systems easy, including Panasonic i-PRO's Unified Digital Evidence (UDE) solution. Scalable options are available to fit any user's budget, access, or security needs.
Houston's BBVA Compass Stadium Upgrades Security With Salient Systems VMS And Axis Communication Cameras
BBVA Compass Stadium is a soccer-specific stadium located in Houston, Texas, USA and home to the Houston Dynamo, Major League Soccer club (part of MLS in USA). It also is home to the Houston Dash of the National Women's Soccer League and to Texas Southern University Tiger football. It is also going through a major retrofit with its security systems to include a best of breed, open architecture solution. The stadium first opened in 2012, but six years later, Cultris Security Systems of Houston is back upgrading and expanding the current security installation. After spending five years with another security provider, the Dynamo and Dash, who maintains the facility, opted for a completely new solution. Axis cameras integrated with Salient Systems VMS Along with their current Panasonic cameras, stadium officials opted for Axis Communications cameras Along with their current Panasonic cameras, stadium officials opted for Axis Communications cameras. Both camera manufacturers play well with Salient Systems VMS. The result was an image resolution much more enhanced than they had been experiencing. "With all of this equipment brought together, we found it to be easy to use, user-friendly, and supported a very complimentary search function," said Paul Fisher, Director of Key Accounts at Salient Systems, adding "For those people hired as facility guards, and with a sometime frequent turnover in staff, new people were able to use the Salient software right away and were able to do their job guarding the facility more quickly." Paul further stated, "An installation like this is a great reference for us, and it is a very exciting security installation. Although there are fewer than 100 cameras, the placement and location of the cameras will allow security to monitor the sometimes over-zealous fans, and with BBVA Compass Stadium officials installing our synopsis video tool, stadium officials will be able to key-map the entire facility, gain analytical data and improve the customer experience." CompleteView VMS platform Salient also partners with Dell, taking its CompleteView VMS platform into the booming Internet of Things market. The CompleteView VMS' ability to quickly render and manage video surveillance over a WAN or LAN makes it a compelling offering for solution providers looking to gain a foothold in IoT. The manner through which the video is processed is very efficient, and can render the video and perform forensics on the video rapidly. As more businesses look to video surveillance as an IoT application, the CompleteView VMS platform can be integrated with other software packages will enable partners to work with customers to solve specific problems through big data and analytics capabilities. DSX software installed for secure access control BBVA Compass Stadium officials also switched out the outdated access control software and installed DSX software to complete the upgrade. "We have long known that DSX is a workhorse software solution," said Jason Smith, President of Cultris Security Systems Inc., adding "It is easy to use and a lower cost to use. These upgrades are exciting for us to be part of because the installation will come in several phases, with the integration supported for years to come." Open architecture security solutions Cultris technicians almost had a blank canvas to begin their security installation Jason adds, "We also found working with BBVA Compass Stadium staff very easy because they were receptive to open architecture security solutions. Phase Two will begin in 2019, and we're excited to design the next layer of security at the stadium." Cultris technicians almost had a blank canvas to begin their security installation. The facility itself is an open architecture facility, so facility managers were very receptive when plans were drawn up for security equipment. Much of the focus was on the stadium concourses, where the bulk of the soccer fans' traffic is found during a match. 360-degree cameras installed The new master plan now included 360-degree cameras along the concourse, which offered coverage in every direction. The same 360-degree cameras were also placed near the locker rooms, loading docks and service areas. PTZ and fixed lens cameras were upgraded and placed in each corner of the facility where there is a gate for entrance and exit. As imagined, soccer fans are very passionate about their sport and teams, so cameras on the concourse were placed in a planned manner for the guarding staff to be able to know and react quickly if or when a fight broke out among spectators. The 360-degree cameras also enable the security staff to mobilize and reach the incident spot, where they would be required, as quickly as possible. 4K PTZ cameras Stadium security staff is able to view cameras placed in an adjacent parking area Houston's BBVA Compass Stadium has a capacity of 22,039 seats, including 34 private suites, 1,100 club seats, an indoor premium club area, a dedicated supporters/fans stand and a food court. The stadium is designed to accommodate Major League Soccer (MLS) and FIFA standard international soccer, as well as other sports including football, lacrosse, and rugby and live concerts. Stadium security staff is able to view cameras placed in an adjacent parking area, as well as city security cameras (live view only) in order to ensure the safety and security of people coming to the venue and leaving after the match. These cameras have a 4K PTZ quick drive function, which helps establish a clear view of events, if additional security help is needed. As an integrator, Cultris Security has clearly installed a solution that will work properly for BBVA Compass Stadium, and their tenants, who are always looking to strike a goal.
Cloud Video and Smart Cities
Market Report: Cannabis At A Glance
Video Surveillance software news
Genetec Employed By Retail Powerhouse The Very Group To Safeguard Its New Purpose-Built Fulfilment Center
Synectics Secures IP-Based Video Surveillance Systems Installation Contract With Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann)
Video Surveillance software case studies
Ultimate Visual Solutions Secures First Project In Poland To Supply A Control Room With UVS Lucidity Video Wall Controller Technology
See companies providing Video Surveillance products
CCTV Manufacturers
CCTV Distributors
CCTV Resellers / Dealers / Reps
CCTV Consultants
CCTV Systems integrators
CCTV Events / Training / Services
Comprehensive catalog of Panasonic Video Surveillance software, featuring 14 Video Surveillance software. View technical specifications, compare products, download datasheets and contact the manufacturer to make sales inquiries.


text:
'The League of Nations was successful in achieving its aims in the 1920s.'
Helped to increase working and living conditions
Removed poisonous white paint from factories
Shortened a day of work to 8 hours
Made the International Labour Organisation
The Health Organisation helped to fight leprosy, reduced . the number of cases of malaria and tackled the plague in Siberia certain places
The the rate of workers on the Tanganyika railway decreased from 50% to 4%
Around 200,000 slaves freed from British Sierra Leone
Around 400,000 war prisoners returned to their homes
Helped with some international disputes
The Aaland Islands in 1921, Sweden and Finland threatened to go to war over the islands. The League gave them to Finland and Sweden accepted.
Upper Silesia 1921, the League decided to give the industrial areas to Germany and the rural areas to Poland. Both countries agreed.
Bulgaria 1925, Greek troops invade Bulgaria after Bulgarian troops are killed. The League orders the troops to withdraw from Bulgaria and the accept.
Did not solve all international disputes as its main reason was
Manchuria
Corfu 1936, Italian troops killed on Greek land. The league appealed to Mussolini's want of compensation, but said that they would keep the money until the murderers were found. Mussolini wanted the money straight away and so the league left them to dispute.
Vilna 1925, Polish troops invade and were told to leave by the league. The refused and the league did nothing about it.
Did not bring economic stability to European countries after WW1
Due to the Wall Street Crash in 1929, the US called back many loans and so left countries with no help and in with a crashing economy, leading to severe poverty in Germany and civil . unrest.
Meant that business and trade between the countries could not continue to occur and could not be encouraged
Did not achieve military stablility
Only Germany disarmed out of all the countries included
The Disarmament conference in 1936 failed
Did not deal with problems like Manchuria well and so led to Japan leaving the LoN and continuing to invade China in 1933


text:
Our 20 Acres
Team Frog
FrogBlog
Events & Shop
Having originally been bought to cater for the family's ever expanding flock of sheep 30 odd years ago, Chris (Kate's Dad) planted the orchard single handedly in 1998. The majority of the apple varieties planted are traditional, dry cider apples. They are biannual, and produce approximately 1000 litres of juice every two years. In order to create a more medium cider we blend with dabenet apples from Wimple.
We leave the orchard as a haven for wildlife and wildflowers, including a family of 3 wild deer who have taken up residence in the long lush grass.
The vineyard was planted in 2005 (again by Chris) at a time when people were turning their noses up at English wine. This vision, and the building of the agricultural barn for the vineyard, has led to the creation of a thriving family business. As well as, surprisingly, (we are by no means professionals) some lovely tasting wine!
The main variety of grape is Seyval Blanc, which produce a dry white with hints of citrus. Other varieties include Sigrebbe, bachus and phoenix, which when combined produce a lovely elderflower aroma.
1903 Traction Engine
When Chris designed the barn the thing that was at the forefront of his mind was his 1903, 8 horsepower, Allchin Traction Engine. Having been in the family for nearly 40 years, she now takes pride of place under the vaulted ceiling of the barn, where she has witnessed many wedding ceremonies and crazy dance moves.
Fantastic NatWest Boost Summer Bash with speakers!
Our event venue was in full swing on Tuesday July 9th for NatWest Boost! We loved hosting the first Summer... Read more →
It's almost feast time! @astridges https://t.co/6iNJ2dxqf5	2 weeks ago
Copyright 2019 Froginwell, All Rights Reserved | Designed by Doodlebug Creative