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Q: Linear thermal expansion from statistical mechanics? I came across a question recently regarding work done by an expanding metal and the origin of the energy used for the work, and most of the responses pointed the person to look more at the enthalpy associated with the process than the energy.
My thought was that there was some better way to describe the work as some combination of a force $J$ and a displacement $x$, but I had a hard time thinking of a force expression for this particular object. I did some searching on possibly modeling the metal as a linear spring with a temperature-dependent Young's modulus, but all the resources I found only mentioned the modulus decreasing with temperature, which would not explain the thermal expansion.
I'm wondering if anyone can point me towards  or provide me with a derivation of the linear thermal expansion (and hopefully a force from which it arises) from principles of statistical mechanics.
Edit: With a little extra searching I found one site using the equation $\alpha_V = \frac{1}{V} \left(\frac{\partial V}{\partial T}\right)_P$, which is easy enough to derive for an ideal gas, but they mention the constant pressure constraint on $\frac{\partial V}{\partial T}$ being unnecessary for a solid, but this doesn't lead any closer to a force expression.

A: Background
I am not entirely sure that statistical mechanics is necessary, as the resulting effect is a macroscopic one, thus applicable to thermodynamics.  However, I will touch on the statistical mechanics aspects a bit.
Much of my answer derives from notes from the thermal expansion Wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_expansion) and the book by Zel'dovich and Raizer [2002].
Definitions
Let us first start with some definitions of parameters, in no particular order.

*

*Constants

*

*$e$ = the elementary charge

*$h$ = the Planck constant

*$\varepsilon_{o}$ = the permittivity of free space

*$k_{B}$ = Boltzmann constant

*$c$ = speed of light in vacuum

*Variables

*

*$T$ = the scalar temperature

*$V$ = the scalar volume

*$\epsilon$ = the specific internal energy

*$P$ = the scalar pressure

*Subscripts

*

*$c$ = for components relating to elastic effects (i.e., exclusively due to forces of interaction between atoms/molecules)

*$T$ = due to thermal motion of atoms/molecules

*$e$ = due to thermal excitation of electrons

*$o$ = initial or standard condition/value

*Coefficients/Parameters

*

*$\kappa_{o} = \tfrac{ 1 }{ V_{o} } \left( \tfrac{ \partial V }{ \partial P } \right)_{T}$ = the isothermal compressibility

*$\alpha = \tfrac{ 1 }{ V_{o} } \left( \tfrac{ \partial V }{ \partial T } \right)_{P}$ = the isobaric thermal expansion coefficient

*$C_{v}$ = specific heat at constant volume = $3 \ k_{B} \ N$, where $N$ is the number of atoms/molecules

*$\Gamma \left( V \right)$ = Grüneisen coefficient

*$C_{so}$ = isothermal speed of sound = $\left( \tfrac{ V_{o} }{ \kappa_{o} } \right)^{1/2} = \left( - V^{2} \tfrac{ d P_{c} }{ d V } \right)^{1/2}$, where $N$ is the number of atoms/molecules

*Thermodynamic Identities

*

*$\left( \tfrac{ \partial \epsilon }{ \partial V } \right)_{T} = T \left( \tfrac{ \partial P }{ \partial T } \right)_{V} - P$

*$-1 = \left( \tfrac{ \partial P }{ \partial T } \right)_{V} \left( \tfrac{ \partial T }{ \partial V } \right)_{P} \left( \tfrac{ \partial V }{ \partial P } \right)_{T}$

Approach
We can separate $P$ and $\epsilon$ in three parts:  elastic, thermal motion/vibration, and thermal electron excitation.  The last part is generally quite small unless the material is at very high temperatures (e.g., $T \gtrsim 10^{4} \ K$).  Then we can define:
$$
\begin{align}
  \epsilon & = \epsilon_{c}\left( V \right) + 3 \ N \ k_{B} \ T \tag{1a} \\
  P & = P_{c}\left( V \right) + P_{T}\left( V, T \right) \tag{1b}
\end{align}
$$
I discussed the physical interpretation of the elastic terms in another answer at https://physics.stackexchange.com/a/216180/59023:

Let us define $P$ as the pressure and $\epsilon$ as the internal energy of a solid material.  These can be divided into two parts:  an elastic (subscript $c$) and thermal part.  $P_{c}$ and $\epsilon_{c}$ depend only upon the density of the material, $\rho$, or the specific volume, $V$ = $1/\rho$.  These are equal to the total pressure and specific internal energy at absolute zero or $T = 0 \ K$.  Let us assume that the specific volume at $T = 0$ and $P = 0$ is given by $V_{oc}$, which is only ~1-2% smaller than the specific volume at STP, $V_{o}$, for most metals.
The potential energy curve, or curve defining $\epsilon_{c}$, is qualitatively similar to the potential energy curve describing the interaction between two atoms as a function of the intranuclear distance, $\Delta x_{n}$.  When $V > V_{oc}$, the attractive forces dominate but fall off rapidly as the intranuclear distances increase (e.g., as $T$ increases).  In other words, when the atoms move further apart $\epsilon_{c}$ will asymptotically increase to some value $U$, which is roughly the binding energy of the atoms in the body.  Thus, $U$ represents the energy required to remove all atoms from the object to infinity, which is roughly equal to the heat of vaporization for the material ... Thus, $\epsilon_{c} (V) \rightarrow U$ as $\Delta x_{n} \rightarrow \sim 2$.
Conversely, the repulsive forces dominate if $V < V_{oc}$.  We can define this quantitatively by considering that the work done by compressing the material will be equal to the increase in internal energy.  In other words:
  $$
P_{c} = - \left( \frac{ d \epsilon_{c} }{ d V } \right)_{T = 0}
$$
  which is equivalent to saying it is the isothermic/isentropic equation for cold compression.  The negative sign shows that if a tensile force were applied to the body, the binding forces between atoms would act as a restoring force.

If we use the first thermodynamic identity above we find two results, one for the elastic parameters and one for the thermal:
$$
\begin{align}
  \left( \frac{ \partial \epsilon_{c} }{ \partial V } \right)_{T} & = \frac{ d \epsilon_{c} }{ d V } = - P_{c}\left( V \right) \tag{2a} \\
  \left( \frac{ \partial \epsilon_{T} }{ \partial V } \right)_{T} & = 0 = T \left( \frac{ \partial P_{T} }{ \partial T } \right)_{V} - P_{T} \tag{2b}
\end{align}
$$
In the linear limit, Equation 2b suggests we can express $P_{T}$ as a function dependent upon volume times the temperature.  This allows use to write $P_{T}$ as:
$$
\begin{align}
  P_{T} & = T \left( \frac{ \partial P_{T} }{ \partial T } \right)_{V} = \phi\left( V \right) \ T \tag{3a} \\
  & = \Gamma \left( V \right) \frac{ C_{v} \ T }{ V } \tag{3b} \\
  & = \Gamma \left( V \right) \frac{ \epsilon_{T} }{ V } \tag{3c}
\end{align}
$$
Note that Equation 3 shows that $\Gamma \left( V \right)$ is a parameter that characterizes the ratio of $P_{T}$ to $\epsilon_{T}$, called the Grüneisen coefficient/parameter.
If we use the second thermodynamic identity above and Equation 3a combined with the definitions for $\kappa_{o}$ and $\alpha$, we can show:
$$
\begin{align}
  -1 & = \left( \frac{ \partial P }{ \partial T } \right)_{V} \left( \frac{ \partial T }{ \partial V } \right)_{P} \left( \frac{ \partial V }{ \partial P } \right)_{T} \tag{4a} \\
  & = - \kappa_{o} \ V_{o} \ \left( \frac{ \partial P }{ \partial T } \right)_{V} \left( \frac{ \partial T }{ \partial V } \right)_{P} \tag{4b} \\
  & = - \frac{ \kappa_{o} \ V_{o} }{ \alpha \ V_{o} } \left( \frac{ \partial P }{ \partial T } \right)_{V} \tag{4c} \\
  & = - \frac{ \kappa_{o} \ P_{T} }{ \alpha \ T } \tag{4c} \\
  & = - \frac{ \kappa_{o} \ C_{v} }{ \alpha \ V_{o} } \ \Gamma \left( V_{o} \right) \tag{4d}
\end{align}
$$
In the limit of low temperature, we can see from Equation 4d that:
$$
\Gamma \left( V_{o} \right) \equiv \Gamma_{o} = \frac{ \alpha \ V_{o} }{ \kappa_{o} \ C_{v} } \tag{5}
$$
which shows that $\Gamma_{o}$ is independent of temperature.  This is only true for cases when $P_{e}$ and $\epsilon_{e}$ are small.  We can also relate $\Gamma_{o}$ to the isothermal sound speed by:
$$
\Gamma_{o} = \frac{ \alpha \ C_{so}^{2} }{ C_{v} } \tag{6}
$$
In the limit of high temperature (i.e., when $k_{B} \ T \gg h \ \nu$ or when thermal pressures/energies dominate over vibrational [for lattice configurations]), the specific free energy is given by:
$$
F = \epsilon_{c}\left( V \right) + 3 \ N \ k_{B} \ T \ \ln \frac{ h \ \bar{\nu} }{ k_{B} \ T} \tag{7}
$$
where $\bar{\nu} = e^{-1/3} \ k_{B} \ \theta$ is the average vibrational frequency and $\theta$ is the Debye temperature.  We can relate $F$ to $P$ and $\epsilon$ through the following:
$$
\begin{align}
  \epsilon & = F - T \frac{ \partial F }{ \partial T } \tag{8a} \\
  & = \epsilon_{c}\left( V \right) + 3 \ N \ k_{B} \ T \tag{8b} \\
  & = \epsilon_{c} + \epsilon_{T} \tag{8c} \\
  P & = - \frac{ \partial F }{ \partial V } \tag{8d} \\
  & = - \frac{ \partial \epsilon_{c} }{ \partial V } - 3 \ N \ k_{B} \ T \frac{ \partial \ln h \ \bar{\nu} }{ \partial V } \tag{8e} \\
  & = P_{c} + \epsilon_{T} \frac{ \partial \ln h \ \bar{\nu} }{ \partial V } \tag{8f} \\
  & = P_{c} + P_{T} \tag{8g}
\end{align}
$$
We can use Equation 8 and 3c to show that:
$$
\begin{align}
  P_{T} = \epsilon_{T} \frac{ \partial \ln h \ \bar{\nu} }{ \partial V } & = \Gamma \left( V \right) \frac{ \epsilon_{T} }{ V } \tag{9a} \\
  & = \frac{ V \ P_{T} }{ \Gamma \left( V \right) } \frac{ \partial \ln h \ \bar{\nu} }{ \partial V } \tag{9b} \\
  & = \frac{ P_{T} }{ \Gamma \left( V \right) } \frac{ \partial V }{ \partial \ln V } \frac{ \partial \ln h \ \bar{\nu} }{ \partial V } \tag{9c} \\
  & = \frac{ P_{T} }{ \Gamma \left( V \right) } \frac{ \partial \ln h \ \bar{\nu} }{ \partial \ln V } \tag{9d}
\end{align}
$$
which gives us the expression for $\Gamma \left( V \right)$ in terms of $\bar{\nu}$, given by:
$$
\Gamma \left( V \right) = \frac{ \partial \ln h \ \bar{\nu} }{ \partial \ln V } \tag{10}
$$
We can approximate $\bar{\nu}$ as ~$C_{so}/r_{o}$, where $r_{o}$ is the interatomic spacing, but this means that
$$
\bar{\nu} \sim V^{2/3} \left( - \frac{ d P_{c} }{ d V } \right) \tag{11}
$$
Answer
We can now see why solids expand when heated, if we examine Equations 1b and 11.  If one heats a solid, then $P_{T}$ increases.  Thus, upon heating the elastic pressure, $P_{c}$, becomes negative in order to maintain pressure balance, but the body of the material expands [quote on page 700 of Zel'dovich and Raizer, 2002]:

...up to that point when the binding forces holding the atoms in the lattice, or the negative pressure, will no longer counterbalance the repulsive effect of the positive thermal pressure...

References

*

*Zel'dovich, Ya.B., and Yu.P. Raizer (2002) Physics of Shock Waves and High-Temperature Hydrodynamic Phenomena, Ed. by W.D. Hayes and R.F. Probstein, Mineola, NY, Dover Publications, inc., The Dover Edition; ISBN-13: 978-0486420028.

A: You mention talking about linear springs to understand thermal expansion.  You are on the right track.  You are interested in looking at what the fundamental underlying (atomic and molecular) interactions that would give rise to (anisotropic) thermal expansion.
I believe the starting point for understanding the statistical mechanical origin of thermal expansion is to look at the work of Parrinello and Rahman (J. Chem. Phys. 76, 2662 (1982); https://doi.org/10.1063/1.443248), the references therein, and contemporary references that cite them.  For example, John Ray's paper (Journal of Applied Physics 53, 6441 (1982)  https://doi.org/10.1063/1.331517 extends this approach to generating the (arbitrary, e.g., anisotropic) thermal expansion tensor for an ensemble.
Instead of starting from thermodynamics, you would start with ensemble averages based on the atomic interactions in a material.  While these papers mention using molecular dynamics for generating fluctuations, you are probably better off with a Metropolis Monte Carlo scheme, or atleast a molecular dynamics scheme with a stochastic term, as I found, especially at low temperatures, that perhaps the ergodic assumption is not so readily met.


text:
WELCOME TO THE MUD RACERS ASSOCIATION
The Mud Racers Association (MRA) is a nationally recognized sanctioning body for many types of mud racing. The Association itself is made up of competitors, promoters and fans of the sport who's basic philosophy is that by establishing a uniform set of safety guidelines and class rules, a standard can be set throughout the United States that all interested parties can utilize to improve and expand this sport we call mud racing.
The following is a brief description of the history of the Mud Racers Association and how it came to be quite possibly the largest sanctioning body for mud racing in the country.
Mud racing throughout time has been made up of hundreds of small organizations, each with their own ideas of what is or is not allowed in a specific class. While to this day this has worked fine on a smaller scale, the problems of racing on a national level are complicated by these variations in the rules across the country. This coupled with low enforcement of the rules in an effort to gain more entries, created more problems when racers traveled to different events, quite often even from town to town, problems that were holding back the growth of the sport. Without some form of standardized rules and format it was very difficult if not impossible for racers to travel to or promoters to hold larger events to bring in racers from other areas. These issues as well as many safety issues concerned as well as discouraged many of the racers from searching for more and better competition. The prospect of gaining any national recognition for the sport without some form of sanctioning body and unified rules was near impossible. The prospect of a major race series or sponsors to help support it seemed out of reach. Racers were calling for unity and consistency in the rules, better safety regulations as well as more growth in the sport. With no organizations willing or able to address these issues, the racers themselves started to look to each other for an answer.
As with many ideas timing is of the upmost importance. The need for an association that would unify mud racing across America was not a new concept by any means, but most will agree that it was a concept whose time had come. March of 2007 was that time. Throughout the racing season racers discussed the fact that there was a need for unification of the rules if the sport was going to progress. Creating a standard set of class rules and safety regulations would allow racers from all parts of the country to compete in National level events without worries of fitting in the class of their choice when they arrive. Once the rules could be standardized, the prospects of offering an event series across the country would be possible. With the advent of a national series, promoters would have the opportunity to procure sponsors.
With these ideas in mind and by racers working together, a web site was created. A name was chosen by the racers around the country and the Mud Racers Association (MRA) became official. It was accepted by all involved to hold an election in the fall of 2007 for the purpose of electing a "Board of Representatives" (Rep's). Candidates for positions in the association were many; racers from all parts of the country that were interested in bringing the sport together under one banner participated. The election was held and the Mud Racers Association was well on its way with its first of what was to become many annual meetings in Nashville, Tennessee. Nine racers were chosen to be on the board of representatives for terms of one and two years. That's when the real work began. Rules for "Fast Track" and "Bog/ Pit" racing were developed from hundreds of different sets of rules from dozens of different race organizations and clubs across the United States. By-laws were put into place as well as a Charter and mission statements. Vehicle and track safety were a big concern for the MRA with efforts to maintain and improve these areas a top priority. Membership requirements were set and racers were signing up in an effort to promote the MRA and its concepts. It has been a long and at times a slow process but the MRA has managed to stay on tract in its efforts to unify and promote the sport of mud racing.
The Mud Racers Association has come a long ways sense its beginning. With over 300 registered members from more than 28 states continuing their support, it has progressed from writing rules to promoting and establishing a race series in conjunction with host tracks and organizations. They have gone from sanctioning a few events to crowning their first point's champions in the three "Fast Track" pro classes in 2009.
The 2010 season upped the ante with the MRA sanctioning five National Events for the Fast Track series with four of our pro classes and brought to you the first ever MRA sanctioned "Hill n Hole" event series with events in North Carolina, South Carolina and Kansas.
In 2011 the Fast Track racing series continued with its five Points Series Events now featuring six Pro classes. The program was also expanded to include as many as three classes of Bog Pit racing at two of those events.
With hundreds of competitors, traveling for thousands of miles to take a shot at some of the best competition in the country the "2012 National Points Series" will continue to expand on an already successful series bring everyone some of the best mud racing in the country, for today and into the future.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Lo Slizza (Gailitz in tedesco, Slize in friulano, Ziljica in sloveno) è un torrente che scorre in Italia e in Austria.

Nasce presso Sella Nevea e dopo aver percorso la val Rio del Lago giunge a Tarvisio e si ingrossa in quanto riceve alcuni affluenti. Riceve quindi il Rio di Fusine presso la frazione di Coccau ed a Thörl entra in Austria, dove bagna Arnoldstein e poi sfocia nella Gail che, a sua volta, sfocia nella Drava, che confluisce nel Danubio.

Note

Voci correlate
Drava
Bacino di Rutte

Altri progetti

Collegamenti esterni

Fiumi della provincia di Udine
Affluenti del Gail
Fiumi della Carinzia

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


*Note that I didn't intend for this to be a simple film of the Dolomites. I did intend to vlog but just didn't get the time.
The 5th to 13th September 2018 saw me back in the Dolomites. Yes, for the 5th time I was photographing this mountainous area of northern Italy. Why? Because from the 19th to the 26th October 2019 I'll be running a workshop there and I want to make sure that all the groundwork is done.
The Dolomites are known for being a very photogenic area of Italy and they didn't disappoint this year despite the weather being not so kind this time around. My trip was split over two different areas and this vlog represents the first part which saw me based in Brunico and taking in the area around Cortina.
And if after watching this you're interested in the photography tour next year then do get in touch as the finishing touches are being made and it will likely be announced before the year end.


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The future now. some wonders can be now. not really once that makes you discover in our society collectibles probably the most wacky.


text:
Christmas display canceled at Western Mall
Patrick Anderson
panderson@argusleader.com
The Western Mall will be a little less bright this holiday season.
After years of hosting an indoor light display with music matched to moving lights, organizers behind the annual Christmas at Western Mall are taking a hiatus.
That means no light-up reindeer or Christmas trees, no castle and no holiday-themed tunes for passersby. The decision to pull the plug on this year's event comes down to busy personal lives and what seemed to be fading attendance, said Joseph Noe, who programs the show.
"We're not saying it's never coming back," Noe said. "We were talking about some different options for what to do with next year to try to rekindle some interest in it."
The display has helped raise $225,000 for Make-A-Wish South Dakota since it began in 2006, helping children as they face life-threatening diseases.
"We will definitely miss it, we really enjoy this event," said Paul Krueger, the group's president and CEO. "But we definitely understand."
Noe and a partner are exploring options, including bringing the yearly display back to Crooks, where it began.
Noe first created the display after watching Youtube videos of homeowners matching Christmas-light displays to music. He and his wife put out a bin for donations when traffic started picking up in front of their Crooks home. They picked Make-A-Wish because it seemed like a perfect fit, Noe said: Making kids' wishes come true for the holidays.
"It started overflowing and I had to empty the thing every half-hour," Noe said.
They put out a bigger bin, and eventually moved the event from Crooks to the Western Mall. But in recent years donations have dropped off.
Noe hopes people will continue to give, display or not. Donations to Make-A-Wish make a tangible difference to the children and families who rely on the program for help, he said. Funding goes to travel, toys and helping young sports fans meet their favorite player.
"The whole purpose of Make-A-Wish is to take the kids' mind off of their illness," Krueger said.
With the gradual decline in donations each year, it seemed like a good time to step back and take a break, Noe said. He and his partner start planning for the display in July.
Matching songs to an intricate network of lights is no easy task. Each three-minute song can take up to 40 hours to program.
"For every four-hundredths of a second you basically have to tell the system what it's going to be doing with every single light pixel in the show," Noe said.
Noe and others who organize the display don't yet have an exact plan for bringing it back in 2017. Crooks might be an option because of the traffic the display can generate, Noe said.
"For them it was really kind of a thing," Noe said. "It brought people into that town."
Holiday givers can make a donation to Make-A-Wish South Dakota by visiting the group's website, southdakota.wish.org. People can also drop-off or mail checks, made out to Make-A-Wish South Dakota, to the group's office at 1400 W. 17th St., Sioux Falls, S.D., 57104.


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People with whom you travel matter more versus which place you travel to, one of my friend always tells me this. After this trip, belief of mine in his saying has become stronger.
The drug called travel, when enters in your mind and body, it becomes your need. You no longer look for leisure; you look for something new all the time. There is long list of places to be explored and framed for every traveler. Likewise, randomly and totally all of a sudden I happen to travel to one of the places which was in my bucket list since long – the famous Haunted fort of Bhangarh.
This travel was with a group of people, whom I didn't know at all, other than one person who's my colleague at work. She intended to have some suggestion from me about the place, when I told her that though I have researched about the place, but yet to visit. At last moment another friend joined and then what, it was Friday evening when we spoke and it was a Sunday morning when we hit the road.
They say when a place calls you, you reach to that place and most importantly when you and the place calls each other, you reach that place whole heartedly and comes back with great memories to cherish for the longish time.
Why to visit Bhangarh fort?
Bhangarh is known as the most haunted place in India. There are various stories about the fort and it is believed that ghosts still reside in the area. For any traveler, it is of great interest to reach to a place which has to do with ambiguity and mystery. Hence both made me get going on this trip.
We were 11 of us and we decided to travel in a tempo traveler- which was comfortable and spacious. Our driver Jagdish was very enthusiastic and co operative. A road journey is about people you travel with, the music playlist, the view that you find on the way, the destination and the road itself. Road, having the least importance – though it's called a Road journey. Route- Delhi>Gurgaon>Alwar>Bhangarh.
The other way is to go to Alwar by train from Delhi and then heir a taxi to Bhangarh.
The Bhangarh fort was built in 17th Century (1613 AD) by Man Singh for his brother Madho Singh. It was named after the named of Mado Singh's grand father Bhan Singh.
Bhangarh Fort comes under Archeological Survey of India. The ruins of the fort is as it is maintained as it has been since years. It's very high tourist importance sue it its mystic stories and picturesque view.
Sadhu named Baba Balak Nath lived within the fort area. It was his injunction that any houses built in the precincts of the fort should not be taller than his house, and if the shadow of any such house fell on his house, it would result in destruction of the fort town.
N K Sinhai, the wizard who was adept in black magic fell in love with Ratnavati, the princess of Bhangarh who was very beautiful. The wizard found her in the market area and replaced the scent she was about to buy with a love potion in order to ensnare the princess. However the princess saw his deed and threw the it onto a big boulder. As a result, the boulder started rolling down towards the wizard and crushed him. Before he died, he cursed the Bhangarh area mentioning that no one would be alive around and in it. Subsequently Bhangarh was incaded by Mughals and every one living there was killed. The present state of the fort is attributed to the curse of the wizard and people believe the ghosts in the fort are that of the princess and the wizard.
There are many temples at the entrance. The main one is Hanuman temple.
There are 4 gates to the fort- Lahori, Ajmeri, Phulbari. Delhi Gate.
The Bhangarh Fort is located on the border of the Sariska Reserve in the Aravali range of hills in Alwar district of Rajasthan. The nearest village is Golakabaas. The fort is situated at the foot of the hills on sloping terrain. The ruins of the King's palace are located on the lower slopes of the hills; trees surround the pond area and a natural stream falls into the pond within the premises of the palace.
The fort is located 235 kilometres (146 mi) from Delhi and the approach to the entrance gate of the fort in the last 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) stretch of the road is an unpaved road. The fort is 20 miles (32 km) from Thana Ghazi.
The first thing that we found inside's the Hanuman Temple. We did darshan of the lord and then the moment we came out of the temple, it started raining. We had two umbrellas and we were 11. It was interesting enough and though we tried our best to rescue each other from getting drenched, yet the rain welcomed us in the fort like that. It kept raining for good 15 minutes and we got wet. There was no shade, eventually we enjoyed the rain , and tried to keep the camera and the phones safe.
The entry way is beautiful, surrounded by Aravalli range and the ruins look beautiful and unique.
We found a temple, amazingly carved and had no idol inside it. It had large stairs and though there was no idol sitting inside yet it had an appeal of holiness.
To the main fort area we had a kind of uphill walk, which brought us strong as a team travelling together.
There was one corridor in the fort which was really smelly; some people say it's because of bats, surprisingly there were no pigeons in that area – no one knows the real reason. There is also a belief that the smell is because of the negative energy in the fort.
You must carry an umbrella, if you travel to this place during summers or monsoons, since there is hardly any shade, sudden brightness or rain can make you feel very hot or can make you drenched.
You must carry some food with you, since on Alwar route there aren't any great eating joints.
Keep good list of songs to be enjoyed during the long drive.
One must travel to such places in group. Group brings variety of thoughts and ideas to explore more creatively. Going this far with one person along can be boring.
You must download map to reach Bhangarh, as 2G network comes in the area and GPS doesn't work. That's why we had missed the way and drove larger distance.
Thank you very much. It was so much fun travelling with you all.
Keep spreading love and happiness.
Very well written with beautiful picture.its like while reading I have visited the fort with u all.
Thanks Kirti. The aim was such :).
Visit soon. Weather matter while going to such places.


Ninja Gaiden 2, the tough-as-nails actioner from developer Team Ninja, is now available to play on Xbox One via backwards compatibility, Microsoft announced during Inside Xbox last night.
As per the norm, you can now pop in your original Xbox 360 version of the game and start playing. Even better, the game is also enhanced for Xbox One X, too.
In fact, quite a few games are getting support for Microsoft's high-end console. These are Splinter Cell Double Agent, Splinter Cell Conviction, and Splinter Cell Blacklist, as well as Fable 2 and Fable 3.
In case you missed it, Microsoft is releasing a disc-less version of the Xbox One S next month, and has also confirmed plans for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which combines Xbox Live Gold with Xbox Game Pass.
Sequel to the platinum selling Xbox action title.


Writing copy isn't easy. Writing great, provocative and thoughtful copy?
That's difficult to say the least.
Copywriting is one half of an idea; it's the 'ying' to art direction's 'yang.' It's a craft that requires time, patience and constant learning. It's an avenue for your craziest ideas to push the envelope far enough to make a real impact.
This may come as a surprise to people outside advertising, but it shouldn't to you. You bring creative fuel and ideas to table just as much as other members of your team. Coming up with a great idea is half the battle. Perfecting it and crafting it is the next step.
AD – Junggle Kim, Ela Kallonen. CW – Cristina Marquez, Maddie Rosenberg.
AD – Kennedy Choi. CW – Charlie Tran.
This quote by ad legend, David Ogilvy rings true decades later. Headlines will make or break your ad. Today's world is saturated with ads that look, sound and feel generic. A great headline will hook you and lure you to read the rest of the ad.
Authenticity and practice are the pillars to a great headline. Your style, your research and your word choice all contribute the how authentic to your brand and your consumer the headlines read. Practice helps you dissect the good from the bad.
If you don't know what you're writing about, how can you sell it? Research makes your writing better. The more you know about your brand, the easier it is for you to write for it in a meaningful and authentic way. If your ideas and words are rooted in truth, they will resonate with your target. There's nothing worse than ad that feels out of place.
AD – Victoria Lyons. CW – Charlie Tran.
AD – Victoria Lyons. CW – Caleb McMullen.
In an effort to clever, it's easy to lose touch with what's important. What are you trying to convey? Whether it's your creative director or your mom, you should be able to get the point across without losing them in the poetry of it.
So how do you make it interesting? As David Abbott said, "things you can't say literally can often be said laterally." After all, that's where the craft comes to play.
Copywriting is so revisionary, you could argue that it's never truly complete. It's important to constantly ask yourself, "is this necessary?" Puns, word-play, and flowery language play a role in great writing, but you need to realize when they're helping and when they're hurting your work.
While helpful, these tips only scratch the surface of great copywriting. Our 2-year Copywriting Course is a great hands-on, portfolio program that will help you hone in your copy into great ads. You can learn more here.


text:
Palencia Elementary School
Founded in 1969, Orlando/Longwood-based Mark Construction Co. has earned widespread recognition for constructing public and private projects throughout the State of Florida. With over four decades of service statewide, family-owned Mark Construction is a construction industry leader that provides quality workmanship in a timely manner, and continues to surpass the expectations of our clientele.
Find out more about Mark Construction Company.
Elementary School "L" is a new two story 112,800 S.F. Elementary School consisting of 50 classrooms, cafeteria, administrative building, media center, chilled water HVAC system utilizing ice storage tanks, electrical full security systems, wet fire sprinkler system, full site work with utilities and landscaping. Construction includes slab on grade, tilt-up concrete exterior wall system with decorative form liners producing a ship lap and stack stone design, second floor steel beams with an elevated slab on metal deck. The roof consists of insulating concrete with a bituminous roof system. Roof includes sloped metal roof features.


A 35 year old mum had to have both feet amputated because a hospital failed to give her treatment for the deadly condition Sepsis.
After giving birth to her third child, the Huddersfield mum started to feel unwell. When she started vomiting and then blacked out she was rushed to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. After a 7 hour wait the new mum was eventually given antibiotics by drip.
At 1am the next morning her body went into shock and hospital staff then realised her vital organs were about to fail. She was given only 30% chance of survival and required several blood transfusions whilst she was in a coma.
She was placed on a ventilator but the blood she was given didn't reach her feet quickly enough causing her nerves to die which in turn caused parts of her feet to turn black.
The young mum finally came round from her coma 16 days later to find she would need to have both feet removed once the black parts had hardened. Whilst waiting for the tissue to harden three of her toes fell off.
The hospital admitted liability in that if staff had treated her earlier, the sepsis infection could have been avoided.
Sepsis is a condition which needs to be identified early and treatment started very quickly to achieve the best outcome. When medical professionals fail to identify a serious medical condition, the consequences can be life changing.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or your condition has worsened due to a medical professional not dealing with your condition quickly enough, contact us on 0330 355 9210 or claims@negligenceclaimline.co.uk for a free claim assessment.


The Adventures of Team Wil-Sun: Big Lake Half Marathon pre-race "report"
Big Lake Half Marathon pre-race "report"
A bad night's sleep and this stupid sore hamstring have me feeling a little nervous about today. Standing in a long line at the porta potties listening to two groups of nervous ladies loudly chatting. Lots of complaining about walkers and race strategies.
These little races are kinda fun... I like the small-town feel, the small crowds. Still, I feel nervous about today.
Q: When is Zumba not Zumba?


text:
ProMIS Neurosciences to Participate in Microcap Spring Investor Summit 2019
ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.
Mar 26, 2019, 07:30 ET
Company to showcase innovative programs addressing urgent need for disease-modifying therapies selectively targeting toxic oligomers in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and ALS
TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, March 26, 2019 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, announced that it will participate in the Microcap Spring Investor Summit.
Eugene Williams, ProMIS' Executive Chairman will provide an overview of the company's novel drug discovery and development programs for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 11:00am, ET, at The Essex House in New York.
Company slides and a live video webcast of Mr. Williams' presentation will be available at the following link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2038/29929. Following the event, the webcast and presentation will be archived for one year through the same link.
About ProMIS Neurosciences
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The Company's proprietary target discovery platform is based on the use of two complementary thermodynamic, computational discovery engines -ProMIS and Collective Coordinates – to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics for AD, ALS and PD. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF.
Visit us at www.promisneurosciences.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn
The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.
For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Shanti Skiffington, [email protected], Tel. 617 921-0808; For Investor Relations please contact: Alpine Equity Advisors, Nicholas Rigopulos, President, [email protected], Tel. 617 901-0785
https://promisneurosciences.com/


text:
The Houston Conservative
By the pricking of my thumbs, something liberal this way comes . . .
"America is like a healthy body and its resistance is threefold: its patriotism, its morality, and its spiritual life. If we can undermine these three areas, America will collapse from within."
--Joseph Stalin
Debbie Wasserman-Schultz Caught In Bald-faced Lie . . . AGAIN!
Will Malven
Yes, as unbelievable as it seems, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, DNC Chair, has been nailed once more lying outright about something she said [short pause here for eye-rolling].
Democrats have no shame.
Wasserman-Schultz attacked the Washington Examiner for saying that she had invented a conversation with Ambassador Michael Oren from Israel. Monday, at a meeting for Jewish campaign activists, Ms. Wasserman-Schultz asserted,
"As we know, and I've heard no less than Ambassador Michael Oren say this, that what the Republicans are doing is dangerous for Israel."
Tuesday, Ambassador Oren issued a statement saying:
"I categorically deny that I ever characterized Republican policies as harmful to Israel. Bipartisan support is a paramount national interest for Israel, and we have great friends on both sides of the aisle."
In an interview with Fox News Ms. Wasserman-Schultz denied having ever made the claim as reported by the Examiner:
"I didn't say he said that. And unfortunately, that comment was reported by a conservative newspaper. It's not surprising they would deliberately misquote me. What I always say is that unfortunately the Republicans have made Israel a political football, which is dangerous for Israel. And Ambassador Oren has said that we can't ever suggest that there is any daylight between the two parties on Israel because there isn't. And that that's harmful to Israel. That's what I said, and that is accurate."
Yeah sure, Debbie, and we should believe you, why? Because you have such a strong record of telling the truth? LOL!!! Can you say, "Liar, liar, pants on fire?"
Sadly for you, Ms. Lying "doesn't matter," you were CAUGHT ON TAPE by Philip Klein, the author of said article. The recording is there for all to hear.
It is becoming more and more obvious that this entire Democrat Party is on the verge of becoming unhinged. Their hysteria is palpable in the things they are saying and the way in which they say them.
The extreme personal attacks we have recently witnessed, with leading Democrats labeling Republicans like Gov. Nikki Haley, Nazis--in the latest attack, South Carolina Democrat Party Chairman, Dick Harpootlian, compared Gov. Haley to Eva Braun.
The repeated assertions of racism--despite what Mary Francis Berry revealed about those claims last election (see "Racism:" The Throw-away Liberal Accusation" in the left-hand collumn)--since when has mentioning the city of Chicago, or the game of golf been determined to be racism? One must truly be unhinged to make such a leap of ill-logic .
The endless episodes of feigned umbrage at humorous and otherwise innocuous comments by Romney, Ryan, or some other Republican and the resultant attempts to smear the entire party with them.
And . . . the endless lies and distortions . . . again and again we see Democrats twisting, distorting and simply lying outright.
We know Democrats can't tell the truth about what they truly believe and wish for this nation, because they wouldn't win an election outside of San Francisco, LA, and the DC/NYC/Boston corridor, local or national. What is most astounding to most Americans is that they do it so willingly and so absent of remorse.
None of this is new, it's in the liberal playbook and has been for decades. No, the conduct isn't new, but the scope and brazenness of it is what is so shocking to the voters. If the MSM wasn't walking hand-in-hand with Obama in his effort to be reelected, this wouldn't be a 55-45 Romney election, it would be a 70-30 election. The number of stories the alphabet soup networks spike on behalf of the Democrat Party and the President is staggering.
Fortunately, we now have the internet and the alternative media--like the Examiner--to report the facts and not pull punches.
Long Live Our American Republic!!!!
sources for this article:
The Examiner: DWS attacks Examiner for "deliberately" misquoting her, but here's the audio
Human Events: Debbie Wasserman Schultz Caught Lying About Lying
Posted by Will Malven at 4:06 PM
Hatred knows no reason, sees no truth, brooks no dissension. It is blind emotion released out of fear with the intent to destroy. It is never uplifting, never affirmative, and never, ever rational.
If you like what you read, spread the word, please.
"To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize." - Voltaire
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." - Ronald Wilson Reagan
"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, but that they know so much that isn't so." - Ronald Wilson Reagan
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." - Ronald Wilson Reagan
"A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." - Gerald R. Ford
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
"But what is liberty without wisdom, and without virtue? It is the greatest of all possible evils; for it is folly, vice, and madness without tuition or restraint." - Edmund Burke
"Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith." Alexis de Tocqueville
Must Read Articles--Learn the Facts Not the Allegations
DOJ White Paper Justfying Assassination of American Citizens By Drone Strike (Courtesy of NBC)
Madison: State Governments and the Armed Citizen--Federalist 46
Hamilton: Dangers Inherent in a Bill of Rights--Federalist 84
"Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor
Sharia Law for Non-Muslims--Learn the truth!!!
Bringing the Courts Back Under the Constitution
Ron Paul's Letter denouncing Ronald Reagan and the Republican Party
Perry and the Ponzis (Perry one in a long line to call it so)
"Fed Up! for Dummies" — here's the CliffsNotes version of Rick Perry's book
Rick Perry's Letter Praising Hilary - Just Another Trumped Up Non-Scandal
The Rick Perry-ACORN Connection explained: A primer for non-Texans
Understanding "Rick Perry--Democrat, 1988" A Political Primer for Non-Texans
Facts about Texas education and Rick Perry the left don't want you to know
What Perry Really Said About Secession
Rick Perry and Texas Job Numbers
"Racism:" The Throw-away Liberal Accusation
Every time a conservative criticizes President Obama, the first response from liberals and Black Leaders is an accusation of "racism." Time for a little dose of truth.
Conservatives oppose Obama because the policies he supports and the positions he espouses are antithetical to what our Founding Fathers had in mind when they built this greatest of nation. Obama is wrong, because he doesn't believe in the Constitution, because he believes that America is the source of evil in the world, and because he believes that private enterprise, profit, and capitalism are evil. He is wrong because he believes that government isn't just the answer to some questions, but to all questions.
Opposing Obama isn't "racism," it is rejecting a President with whom we have a fundamental, principled political and philosophical disagreement; it is opposing a man who doesn't see the world as I and other conservatives see it.
So go ahead, accuse us of "racism," it has no power over us or what we say. That tired, old, empty, accusation, used for decades to badger and intimidate good people who love this nation, no longer carries any weight.
Unfortunately for liberals and the "race pimps" of the black civil rights movements, African American activist Mary Frances Berry spilled the beans when she said:
"Tainting the tea party movement with the charge of racism is proving to be an effective strategy for Democrats. There is NO EVIDENCE that tea party adherents are any more racist than other Republicans and indeed many other Americans, but getting them to spend their time purging their ranks and having candidates distance themselves should help Democrats win in November. Having one's opponent rebut charges of racism is far better than discussing joblessness."[Emphasis added]
There it is right from the horse's mouth. The accusation of "racism" is nothing more than a ploy used by the left to achieve their political goals.
Claims of "racist" and "racism" have been used for so long and so often that the words have ceased to have any real meaning or hold any power.
Accusing others of "Racism" is now nothing but a liberal political ploy intended to silence opposition. The accusation has no meaning--unless one is referring to the mobs of black youths raging through our cities this summer attacking only white people . . . FOR BEING WHITE . . . that, I'll grant you, is racism.
Pro Gun Rights Friends
2nd Amendment Sisters
Falia Reviews - Guns, Gear, Survival
MrColionNoir
FateofDestinee
Hickok45
Nutnfancy
Under Construction--or Reconstruction
I suspended my blog in November of 2009, after about 5 years. I am in the process of rebuilding my archives while attempting to keep the new stuff posting. Please forgive the chaos. 4/07/2011 WM
Important Links To Relevant Information
Texas Department of Public Safety - Concealed Handgun Program
Texas Penal Code: Chapter 46. Weapons
A Proposal to Secure America's Southern Border
Pakistan Government Declares National Holiday For ...
White House FINALLY Admitting Truth On Those Preme...
Is "Likability" Killing Romney?
DHS Now Says Cairo Embassy Had Two Day Warning Of ...
Fast And Furious: Eric Holder Declares "Ego Me Ab...
Jay Carney Backpeddaling Denials Of Premeditation ...
Romney: 47% Of American On Entitlements . . . Jus...
The Verdict's In: President Obama Is Jimmy Carter...
Embassy Official Warned 3 Days Before Attack In Be...
Ryan Eviscerates President Obama's Record On Econo...
The Puppet President? Is Obama Actually In Charge...
Jay Carney: They're Not--They Are--Umm, We're Inv...
Jay Carney: Riots Not Directed At U.S.
Beyond Incompetence: President Obama Skips Intel ...
Film's Producer Named By Obama Administration Just...
Embassy Attacks A Failure Of Major Proportions For...
Were President Obama and the Democrat Party Respon...
Obama Snubs Netanyahu
What Does Bill Clinton REALLY Think Of Barack Obam...
Unemployment Numbers: Lying With Statistics
Democrats Remove Then Reinsert (to "BOO!"s) "God" ...
Debbie Wasserman-Schultz Caught In Bald-faced Lie ...
President Obama's Acceptance Speech Moved Do To We...
What Recovery? Obama's REAL Jobs Creation Number:...
America Loses Ground In Global Economic Battle


text:
package util;

/**
 * Created by jackchampagne on 9/14/17.
 * This describes the different collision meshes for certain opjects.
 */
public class D2Collide {

    enum COLLIDE_TYPE {Rectangle, Circle, None}

    static boolean checkCircleCollision(D2Point center1, D2Point center2) {
        return Math.sqrt(Math.pow(center1.getX() - center2.getX(), 2) + Math.pow(center1.getY() - center2.getY(), 2)) <= 10;
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Hudson on two follow-up questions for USTA presidential candidates
compiled by Dave Briggs
Last Sunday, Harness Racing Update (HRU) published a feature (full story here) in which the five candidates for the presidency of the United States Trotting Association (USTA) — Freddie Hudson, Ryan Macedonio, Joe Pennacchio, Jason Settlemoir and Russell Williams — were asked two additional questions by a reader as a follow-up to an original feature published Feb. 12 (full story here) in which they were each asked five questions about some of the most important issues facing the sport.
With regards to the follow-up story, HRU had the wrong email address for Hudson and he did not receive the two additional questions from HRU prior to publication. After that issue went to press, he did send answers to those questions that we posted on our Facebook page and are republished here.
USTA directors will elect a new president on Monday (Feb. 27) at the Association's annual meeting in Las Vegas (full details here).
Freddie Hudson
1. It is very evident that sometime in the fairly near future that whipping will be an issue that the whole industry will have to confront. Do you support the current whipping rule? If not, what do you see as a rule that would be both acceptable to the industry and the public including the cruelty to animal groups?
"The current whipping rules vary from state to state. The public's perception of the whipping is that it is abusive, so we must adopt a standardized policy and install strong deterrents and penalties for violations. I have been asked questions about whipping by many people – when we have to give explanations on a subject – it means we have problem and it needs to be addressed and fixed. As a former driver and trainer, I know the importance of having a whip – it is a tool of the trade. Many times you have to tap a horse to get his attention and to avoid dangerous situations and for those reasons I would not outlaw or ban whips altogether. What I would impose as a standard rule: during a race a driver would be required to keep both hands in front of him and in the handholds at all times. If a driver were to disregard this rule he would be given a monetary fine along with days. It is the one-handed, leaning out to the side whipping that is objectionable to fans and families. Whipping also encourages casinos to align with animal activists against us."
2. It is also clear that the judges at several tracks do not know the rules, refuse to enforce the rules, or enforce them without any consistency. Do you think the USTA has a responsibility in this area and what would you do to standardize the rulings?
"It is a bigger problem than most might think. It has cost us fans. Some of the judges are not enforcing the rules because they feel the racing commissions and racetrack management will not back them. They also have a fear of a lawsuit against them by the person that committed the rule infraction. My policy would be for the judges to enforce the rules with an iron fist. Should we have a harness racing commissioner? My answer to that question is yes."


Joseph Grillo is CEO, ACRE LLC, and Managing Director, Vanderbilt International GmbH. A 30-year veteran of the electronic security and identification industries, he has a track record of successfully growing, restructuring and acquiring businesses. Grillo began his career in the 1980s, and he has worked with a long list of successful companies including HID, Assa Abloy, and now Vanderbilt International. From 2001 to 2007 Mr. Grillo was promoted several times at Assa Abloy, eventually running its $750M Global Technology Division which included HID, the Hospitality business and Besam Automatic Doors; he retired from the company in 2007. Mr. Grillo graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance. He served as President and Board Member of the Security Industry Association (SIA) from 1998-2007.
ACRE, global provider of state-of-the-art security systems, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Open Options based in Addison, Texas. Strategic Acquisition Of ComNet And ACT This purchase will enhance ACRE's strategic expansion plans for strengthening its access control business and product portfolio. This is the latest M&A activity since ACRE completed the acquisitions of ComNet (Danbury, Conn.) and Access Control Technologies "ACT" (Dublin, Ireland) businesses in 2016. Open Options will significantly increase ACRE's position in the access control market, with emphasis on North America. Open Options, Access Control Solutions Firm For 20 years, Open Options has developed access control solutions that connect to leading security technologies to deliver a full-scale solution based on each customer's unique needs. Open Options has been a Mercury Security partner since 1997 and is dedicated to delivering the most advanced open-platform access control solution available on the market. The acquisition of Open Options boosts Vanderbilt's reach in the access control market" ACRE's CEO, Joseph Grillo, stated that this transaction will continue to expand ACRE's competitive position in a highly fragmented market with great growth potential. "The acquisition of Open Options boosts Vanderbilt's reach in the access control market and enhances our product portfolio with the addition of an open architecture access control solution," commented Grillo. "With the international portfolio fully integrated, it was time to turn our focus to North America." Open Architecture Access Control "We are pleased to join the ACRE or with its strong global reach which will open new opportunities for the Open Options product range," said Steve Fisher, Open Options Founder and CEO. Financial details of the transaction were not released. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018.
One of the biggest recent security divestitures in the news was the sale of Mercury Security to HID Global, which occurred around a year ago. The seller in that transaction was ACRE (Access Control Related Enterprises), also the parent company of Vanderbilt and ComNet. We recently spoke to founder and CEO Joe Grillo, a 30-year industry veteran, about the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market, ACRE's future, and new opportunities opened up by the Mercury sale. Q: What's new with ACRE? Grillo: We have an opportunity to have organic growth and to have some scale on a global basis to be a decent size player" ACRE is a company I founded in 2012, and since then we have had six acquisitions and one divestiture. We'll never focus on ACRE as a brand, but we currently have more visibility of ACRE as a parent company with our two strong brands, ComNet and Vanderbilt. Last year was a very busy year [with the sale of Mercury Security to HID Global] because it takes as long to sell a brand as to buy one, maybe more so. Q: What's next? Grillo: What you are seeing from us this year is that we are again in a buying mode. No announcement yet, but we expect one by the end of the year. We are well-funded, have great partners, and see an opportunity to continue to grow acquisitively as our highly fragmented space of access control continues to consolidate. From the standpoint of ACRE, with the ComNet and Vanderbilt brands, we are also doing more integration on the backside – not what the customer sees. We will continue to grow toward a $200 million business. We were there when we owned Mercury, and we will get there again. We have an opportunity to have organic growth and to have some scale on a global basis to be a decent size player. Because ACRE are owned by a private equity company, we are brought into every opportunity: ComNet is a good example" Q: Do you see the M&A market being more competitive – more companies looking to acquire? Grillo: There's a lot of money chasing not-so-many deals, so evaluations can get expanded. But as interest rates creep up, it is definitely a challenge to find the right valuation, the right financing and the right strategic fit. It is a very strategic market. Q: There have been some big acquisitions lately. Were you guys involved at all in evaluating those opportunities? Grillo: Because we are owned by a private equity company, we are brought into every opportunity. An example of that was ComNet. I would not have been aware that the founder passed away two years ago and that there was this opportunity to own the business. So we look at everything; anything that's out there we look at. The biggest recent announcement in our world was S2 (being sold to UTC/Lenel), and, yeah, we looked at that. It didn't fit our profile – it was too expensive. Great business, and it'll be interesting to see how it fits into the UTC environment. There was also Isonas [which was recently sold to Allegion], but the size didn't add enough scale, but I like the technology. ComNet sells communication networking solutions and products, which is more attractive than video systems for ACRE Q: So what are you looking for in an acquisition? Grillo: It's hard for us to find something that moves the needle, and you have to find that right balance. Is it something we can digest and have the financing for, and also is there room on the back end? We are private equity-owned, so we know there will be an exit for our investors, too. So we have to find the right balance, good valuations, the right size and digestible. If you look at our acquisitions, we have done two "carve outs." The Vanderbilt name didn't exist until we bought the business from Ingersoll Rand, and then we bought the [intruder] business from Siemens. That's how Vanderbilt came about. You get a lot of value when you carve out a business, but there's a lot of work. In the case of Mercury or Access Control Technology (ACT) that we acquired; they were growing and profitable but they stretch your finances a lot more. So you have to find the right mix in there. Q: Does video interest ACRE at all? Grillo: We have to find the right balance, good valuations, the right size and digestible"ComNet is our video play. ComNet sells communication networking solutions and products, and 70 to 80 percent of that is used for video systems. But unlike cameras, which don't interest us, it's actually good margins, highly specialized repeat business and with good channel partners. So where are we going to play? Cameras – no (because of commoditization). We have some recorder technology (from the Siemens acquisition) and we have the communication networking technology (with ComNet). On the software side, we have looked at a lot of the VMS companies, and a lot of them have been on the market. But the valuation expectations can be high because they are software companies. And we really believe in partnering as a good thing, too. If we integrate to Milestone or Salient or some of these companies, we will never lose an access control client because they chose a particular VMS. Q: ACRE is also looking to grow organically, isn't it? Grillo: From a technology perspective, we are a product company and we are continuing to bring new products to the market with the ComNet communication networking business and the access control business. And in Europe, we have a third leg of the stool, which is the very successful intrusion and burgular alarm business we acquired from Siemens (SPC products now sold under the Vanderbilt brand). That business continues to do well and is now one of the highest performing segments in our portfolio.The intrusion and burgular alarm continues to do well and is now one of the highest performing segments in our portfolio" Q: But you don't have to own a company to make it part of your solution. Grillo: An important word is integration. We have to integrate to all the wireless locks. We have to integrate to the VMS systems. But we don't have to own them. Q: How has the Mercury Security divestiture impacted the rest of your business? Grillo: It has opened up the opportunity for us to look at Mercury partners as possible acquisition targets without worrying about conflicts with the very good business of Mercury. We have more flexibility now compared to the Mercury era. Q: How will the economic cycle impact the security market? Grillo: Interest rates are a much bigger issue than the overall economic cycle. We talk a lot about it with our owners – clearly interest rates are tightening up. If you go out to do acquisitions or to borrow money to do something with your business, it will be tougher than it was two years ago, and it may get worse in the next two years. Security is less impacted by the economic cycle than some industries.
ACRE, global integrated technology solutions and services provider announced that CEO Joe Grillo has been named as a 2018 IFSEC Global Security & Fire Influencer in the Security Tech Leaders category for his ability to drive technological innovation and elevate the industry globally. 2018 IFSEC Global Security & Fire Influencer The list of influencers, which is selected by a panel of highly respected judges, seeks to recognize fire and security professionals who are influential in improving regulation, standards/guidance or best practice; driving the success of the organization they lead or are employed by; or being a prominent, persuasive voice in the media. Grillo has been a regular on the list over the last several years for his efforts to elevate ACRE and its brands within the industry and beyond. For more than 30 years, Grillo has been actively involved in the electronic security and identification industries, where he's been successful in growing, acquiring and restructuring businesses. He is well known for being a founder of HID, as well as its Vice President of Sales and Marketing, COO and President, where he led the company's growth for its sale to Assa Abloy, where he eventually ran the $700M Global Technologies Division. Grillo founded ACRE in 2012 and has steered the company through several acquisitions in the electronic security industry with a primary focus on access control. This past year, ACRE sold Mercury Security to HID Global, further solidifying his role in the consolidation of the market. Electronic Security and Identification Expert "Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working alongside executives who share the same vision for sales growth fueled by innovation and the goal to expand the security industry into the mainstream," Grillo said. "The IFSEC Global influencer recognition is an honor that I share with these individuals." ACRE's brands Vanderbilt and ComNet will participate in IFSEC International June 19-21, at ExCeL London, at Stands F305 and E420, respectively.
ISC West 2018 concluded as its largest and most successful show to-date, bringing more than 1,000 exhibitors and brands, 30,000 industry professionals, more than 85 educational sessions and more than 25 special events together in Las Vegas. That's why ACRE, the parent company of Vanderbilt and ComNet, chose this event to debut its brands in a co-located position on the show floor, allowing visitors to peruse both booths during their visits and chat with a more integrated team. Earlier this month, ACRE announced the promotion of ComNet's Andrew Acquarulo to President of ACRE Americas, and the addition of the role of President of ACRE International to ACRE COO Ronald Virden. The two attended ISC West in their new roles, delving into conversations around the biggest trends dominating the show, including issues of privacy, how the cloud is emerging as a major player in the security industry, cybersecurity and the need for manufacturers to play a significant role in future-proofing their solutions. Recipient Of The SSI 2018 MVP Award Vanderbilt was named as a recipient of the Security Sales & Integration 2018 MVP Award for its ACT365 solution in the access control category At ASIS 2017, Vanderbilt previewed the ACT365 cloud-based access control and video management solution, which was just beginning to hit the market in the Americas in the last quarter of 2017. During this year's show, however, ACT365 was officially ready and available to end users, and it was well received as a great option for small- to medium-sized businesses looking to increase their security footprint without having to make significant IT infrastructure investments. In the April issue of SDM Magzine, ACT365 is featured prominently in the case study section, outlining its use by IT firm Spectrum Virtual to protect critical data and assets from breaches. In fact, Vanderbilt was named as a recipient of the Security Sales & Integration 2018 MVP Award for its ACT365 solution in the access control category, recognizing the product for making a substantial impact on integrators. The awards are judged on innovation, functionality, competitive advantages, benefits to the installer or monitoring provider and benefits to the end user. Hall Of Fame Recognition ACRE CEO Joe Grillo was also recognized during ISC West as he was inducted into the Security Sales & Integration Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2018 for his 30-year career growing, acquiring and restructuring businesses. Founded in 2004 to represent the highest commendation for going above and beyond in professionalism, conduct and achievement, the Hall of Fame recognized Grillo for his career in electronic access control and his track record as a leader within the industry. The entire ACRE family thanks all the visitors and partners who joined Vanderbilt and ComNet during the three-day expo and welcomes the opportunity to continue the conversation at another one of our upcoming events around the globe.
ACRE, a global provider of security products and solutions for the access control, intrusion, smart traffic and video surveillance markets, has announced the appointment of Ronald Virden as Chief Operating Officer, effective April 1, 2018. With extensive experience in senior leadership roles with global entities, Virden will help to elevate ACRE's position in the electronic security marketplace, seek new opportunities for growth, and strengthen the momentum following recent strategic deals. "Following the divestiture of our Mercury Security business last year, ACRE fully expects to focus again on growth, both organically and through new acquisitions," said Joe Grillo, CEO of ACRE. "In order to do so, we were looking to expand our already strong management team. Adding someone with Ron's experience represents a great opportunity for ACRE. His experience and track record are impressive."Virden is a seasoned global executive with extensive experience with Fortune 50 organizations Business Expertise "ACRE has built a significant business by combining the powers of multiple brands that deliver disruptive technologies and services addressing a wide variety of organizational requirements," said Virden. "Having led companies through rapid growth periods to significant scale and business success, I saw that my experience could help propel ACRE to even greater success and I am pleased to have the opportunity to join the company as it continues to evolve." Virden is a seasoned global executive with extensive experience with Fortune 50 organizations. He most recently served as President and Managing Director for Global Security Products, Americas/Global Access Solutions at UTC, encompassing UTC's Interlogix and GE Security brands, as well as Supra, Onity and Lenel. Prior to that, Virden was President and Managing Director of GE Industrial Systems, GE Security/Supra, where he more than doubled international revenue and drove the strategic development of products to address specific market needs globally. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
HID Global®, a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY specializing in trusted identity solutions, has signed an agreement to acquire Mercury Security, an OEM supplier of controllers for physical access control. Mercury Security has over three million controllers installed at tens of thousands of sites worldwide, including at more than 90 of the Fortune 100 companies. Mercury's intelligent controllers, interface boards and software complement HID's readers, smart cards and mobile IDs for opening doors. Advancing HID Global Leadership "The acquisition of Mercury Security will advance HID's global leadership in the physical access control industry, adding Mercury Security's high-quality controllers to HID's product portfolio while extending HID's installed base of millions of users beyond the readers and smart cards that we are already well known for," said Stefan Widing, President and CEO of HID Global. "Customers of both HID and Mercury Security will benefit from tighter and more seamless integration of controllers with readers and credentials, as well as from our shared vision for an open, flexible approach to access control." Selling Mercury Security Products to HID Global is Access Control Related Enterprises, LLC (ACRE), owner of Vanderbilt, a manufacturer of access control, intrusion and video solutions, and ComNet, a manufacturer of video and data transmission equipment. ACRE CEO Joseph Grillo stated, "Divesting Mercury after many years of success since ACRE purchased the business in 2013 is a strategic move that allows ACRE to focus on its core Access Control, Video and Intrusion businesses under the Vanderbilt and ComNet brands. HID is the perfect home to provide for the continued growth and success of Mercury, which will remain a valued technology supplier to Vanderbilt." Mercury has relationships with nearly all the significant OEM partners and has been working together with HID as a partner for over a decade Closing The Acquisition HID's acquisition of Mercury Security is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. The closing of the deal is expected to happen by Q4 2017. Financial terms of the agreement are not being publicly disclosed. Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. and Raymond James & Associates, Inc., acted as financial advisors to ACRE and Mercury. Based in Long Beach, California, Mercury has relationships with nearly all the significant OEM partners and has been working together with HID as a partner for over a decade. Pending the close, the Mercury Security team will report into HID's Physical Access Control Solutions (PACS) business, which is led by Harm Radstaak, Vice President and Managing Director. The remaining ACRE portfolio consists of global brands and provides over 2,000 products across access control, intrusion, video and cloud-based access and video systems in 95 countries. ComNet offers a broad line of fiber optic, copper, and wireless video and data transmission equipment designed for security and surveillance applications in intelligent transportation systems, utility and industrial markets. ACRE Security Industry Acquisitions ACRE was formed in 2012 by security industry veteran Joseph Grillo as a platform to consolidate acquisitions in the electronic security industry. ACRE acquired the Schlage SMS business from Ingersoll Rand in 2012, followed by the 2013 acquisition of Mercury, the 2015 purchase of the Security Products Division of Siemens AG, and the 2016 acquisitions of Access Control Technology (ACT) and ComNet. Millions of people around the world use HID products and services to navigate their everyday lives, and over 2 billion things are connected through HID technology. HID works with governments, educational institutions, hospitals, financial institutions, industrial businesses and some of the most innovative companies on the planet. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, HID Global has over 3,200 employees worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries. HID Global® is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand.
Vanderbilt, a provider state-of-the-art security systems, announces the addition of SPC Connect to its SPC product portfolio, a hosted cloud-based solution designed specifically for installers to monitor, manage and maintain SPC panels remotely from any location. Cost Effective Design And Installation The Vanderbilt SPC series of hybrid intrusion detection systems offer a cost-effective design and installation concept, with both wired and wireless capabilities for intrusion coverage. SPC can be tailored to small businesses, with applicability through large multinational enterprise organizations. With the addition of SPC Connect to existing SPC systems, end users have the ability to update SPC panels remotely, saving time and money on dedicated site trips, or hardware and software upgrades. SPC Connect users can manage SPC panels, and perform operations and status checks across groups of systems, instantly and remotely, as well as access event logs or view cameras. The system also has the ability to configure direct messaging by email in the event of an alarm. SPC Connect only requires a Web-based browser connected to the Internet. Significant Cost Reduction The SPC Connect solution allows customers the option of paying for only what they need, significantly reducing the costs associated with the upfront purchase and installation of traditional software solutions, as well as the ongoing costs associated with maintenance and upgrades. As an installer's business grows and more users need to be added, the monthly SPC Connect subscription can be adjusted. "SPC Connect brings intrusion detection to an entirely new level, leveraging connectivity with scalability and flexibility - all of which are critical to today's end users," said Joe Grillo, Vanderbilt CEO. "Mobile capability is at a premium in our society, and many businesses require the ability to control their security on the go. SPC Connect allows this in an easy-to-use application for complete control over the intrusion detection systems already in place, and offers a cost-effective solution for end users, dealers and installers." End users can download the SPC Connect app for free from the Apple Store or on Google Play, providing an interface that contributes clearer arming and status information as needed. All the user's interactions through SPC Connect are secured with financial-grade SSL security, offering peace-of-mind and powerful control.
ACRE continues to rapidly expand presence in the global security industry ACRE, LLC, the holding company that owns Vanderbilt Industries, Mercury Security, and recently acquired ACT in Ireland, announced the acquisition of Communication Networks LLC (dba ComNet), a manufacturer of video and data transmission equipment. Wireless Video And Data Transmission The acquisition of ComNet builds on the ACRE family of companies, providing complimentary communication technologies utilized across its access control, intrusion, video, and cloud-based product ranges. ComNet offers a broad line of fiber optic, copper, and wireless video and data transmission equipment that is designed to meet the needs of security and surveillance in the intelligent transportation systems, utility, and industrial markets. ACRE CEO Joe Grillo stated, "In line with our mission, the ComNet acquisition, with their extensive offerings in the communication and data transmission technologies, continues to round out the product portfolio provided by the ACRE family of companies." Acquisition Benefits Commenting on the acquisition, Andrew Acquarulo Jr, ComNet CEO and President, declared, "ComNet is excited to join the ACRE group and recognizes the strength it will bring to the brand and the synergies that are immediately apparent with the other ACRE companies." The ACRE portfolio consists of global brands that feature proven technologies and long-acclaimed reputations for innovation and a high level of customer service and support. Mercury Security provides innovative OEM hardware for facility security and access control systems. Vanderbilt provides over 2,000 products across traditional access control, intrusion, video and cloud-based access and video systems in 95 countries.
Since its acquisition of Security Products from Siemens, Vanderbilt has caused a buzz in the security industry Vanderbilt will attend Security Essen for the first time this year, and will be exhibiting the latest developments across all three of its product ranges – Access Control, Intruder Detection and Video surveillance. Recent Activity Since its acquisition of Security Products from Siemens 15 months ago, Vanderbilt has caused quite a buzz in the security industry. A combination of its global reach, independent structure and technical expertise is without parallel in the industry, and helps to explain its prolific growth over that time. Indeed, the last 15 months have been a period of considerable activity for Vanderbilt. A rationalized supply chain management and logistics infrastructure has been initiated, which is already improving product availability to customers. This is being complemented with a program of activities that will integrate Vanderbilt's global operation across 95 countries worldwide, making over 2,000 products available to all customers on increasingly short lead times. Vanderbilt has also made a number of key appointments to strengthen the senior management team at the company. Aliro 2 Access Control On center stage at Security Essen Vanderbilt will feature Aliro 2 - the latest generation of Vanderbilt's industry leading access control solution. Building on the success of its predecessor and created alongside external developers, Aliro 2 is suitable for small to medium sized commercial applications, boasting easy to use Internet based software and intuitive mobile features. Utilizing the advanced Mercury firmware platform, which provides unrivalled control, monitoring and data manipulation, it supports, as standard, 64 doors and 5,000 users and, with additional software licenses the system can be increased up to 1,024 wired doors, 1,024 wireless doors and 25,000 users. Visitors will also be able to see how it works with MiFare card readers featuring an integral LED based screen that facilitates cardholder interaction by displaying messages. Integration with Aperio is one of the highlights in the new feature set of Aliro 2 but there is much more to come as this new system paves the way for Vanderbilt's future migration strategy. SPC Intrusion Panel One of the strongest intrusion product ranges available on the market, SPC has obtained more approvals than any other, both European and further afield Vanderbilt's highly successful SPC intrusion panel will also be featured on the stand. One of the strongest intrusion product ranges available on the market, SPC has obtained more approvals than any other, both European and further afield. Vanderbilt continues to develop even more attractive features for this range including its SPC Connect – which will also be demonstrated at Security Essen. This cloud-based innovation provides customers with remote access to control panels, safe in the knowledge that the process is highly secure, thanks to the implementation of financial grade SSL security. Another exciting new aspect of SPC Connect is that installers can customize how they view data by setting up a feature which allows them to manage and control access rights to individual panels and groups of panels. Magic Motion Detector Range Also being shown, the highly successful Magic motion detector range, which offers reliable detection of intruders and high false alarm immunity. This will appear alongside the new colour range of SPC Compact Keypads – slim, elegant, feature packed user interfaces which bring the power and sophistication of the SPC system right to a user's fingertips. Eventys Video Range New to the video portfolio is the Eventys range, a cost effective range of cameras and recorders that are aimed at the simple set up and plug and play approach. With an intuitive interface offering outstanding functionality and flexibility, Eventys is perfect for small to medium sized installations that require up to 20 cameras. Future Expansion Joe Grillo, CEO of Vanderbilt, commented, "It has been a tremendously exciting time for Vanderbilt and we are looking forward to sharing the results of our activities. In 2016 we will attend all the major trade shows in Europe. I want our customers to see our business as one that delivers on its commitments to be close to our market and our partners. "Security Essen attracts many German and international visitors and therefore provides an excellent platform to further highlight our credentials as a uniquely independent organization that is pursuing an aggressive expansion program."
The Eventys range offers variants of up to H.264+ IP compression efficiency and optimized codec technology, alongside two NVRs Vanderbilt, a global leader in providing state-of-the-art security systems has announced the latest addition to its innovative CCTV portfolio. Designed to meet the need for a cost effective solution that doesn't compromise on functionality and ease of use, Eventys offers more than you need for less than you think. Building Services Sector With the growing acknowledgment of the importance of security in buildings of all sizes, Eventys represents Vanderbilt's ability to respond quickly to installer requirements and market pressures. It also means that those new to the security industry, such as electrical contractors, now have a product set that enables them to make the most of this burgeoning building services sector. Eventys Camera Technology The Eventys range offers variants of up to H.264+ IP compression efficiency and optimized codec technology, alongside two network video recorders (NVRs). With a simple set up procedure, these products offer outstanding functionality and flexibility, and are perfect for small to medium sized installations. Powering and connecting the cameras is a simple and straightforward exercise thanks to the use of Power over Ethernet The Eventys IP cameras feature 1.3MP to 2MP resolution with both fixed and varifocal lens options. Powering and connecting the cameras is a simple and straightforward exercise thanks to the use of Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows energy to be supplied via the IT network infrastructure. This is coupled with automatic IP address allocation, along with auto-device detection and connection, making Eventys truly plug and play. Robust, reliable and suitable for a wide variety of applications, the cameras are built into an IP66 rated weatherproof enclosure, while advanced CMOS progressive scanning allows the camera to obtain values from each pixel in the sensor and scans to produce a complete picture. NVR Features The two NVRs are equipped with features commonly found on more expensive devices. A built in PoE switcher is standard on both four or eight channel variants that support live view, storage, and playback with up to 6MP resolution. One-touch record triggering, multiple recording types and instant playback for assigned channel during multi-channel display mode combine to offer reliable recording and review. Widening Vanderbilt's Appeal Eventys is the first significant CCTV product launch that Vanderbilt has made in Europe since it acquired Security Products from Siemens just over one year ago. This exciting new launch is part of the company's commitment to extend its range to appeal to the widest possible market, as well as offering unrivalled performance and operating protocols. "We are tremendously excited about Eventys, which represents a refreshing range of seamless, reliable and great value IP CCTV solutions," commented Vanderbilt's CEO, Joe Grillo, "We pride ourselves on our ability to respond quickly to market demands and design solutions that are based around our EASY IP approach – easy to install, easy to connect, easy to store recordings, and easy to view."
The Innovation Talks will include two presentations from John O'Donnell, Product Manager at Vanderbilt Vanderbilt has announced that it will host a series of free to attend Innovation Talks at IFSEC International 2016, which takes place on 21st-23rd June at ExCeL, London. Experts from the company will be joined by guest speakers from its technology partners, who will offer insight and guidance on a number of hot topics that are currently affecting the security industry. Each presentation will last for 20 minutes and take place on stand G1250, where delegates will also have the opportunity to get hands on with the latest Vanderbilt technology. Individuals from across the company will also be available to answer any questions and explain how it is pioneering a new approach to supply chain management and product provision. Integration And Automation The Innovation Talks will include two presentations from John O'Donnell, Product Manager at Vanderbilt. In the first he will look at integration and automation solutions for building automation and protocols. Delegates will learn about the various applications that can interface with the SPC system, from building management systems (BMS) to home automation, exploring the benefits of protocols such as BACnet, ModBUS and KNX. His second presentation will provide information about the benefits of becoming a Vanderbilt integration partner. He will discuss the features and benefits of the market leading SPC system and how it can offer excellent revenue generating opportunities. Alarm Management Solutions O'Donnell will be joined by Stephen Smith, Sales and Marketing Director at ISM UK, who will outline the various alarm management solutions for facilities and closed networks. He will provide insight into how cutting edge software can bring security together with CCTV intrusion and access information, allowing operators to utilize an advanced graphical user interface (GUI) in order to maximize the features and performance of the SPC system. Intrusion Detection Solutions Last but definitely not least, Jason Williams, Development Director at Monitor Computer Systems, will discuss how state-of-the-art intrusion detection solutions are being integrated within central monitoring stations (CMS). He will provide an insight into the latest Internet protocol (IP) based alarm transmission and CMS software, which is aimed at alarm receiving center (ARC) operators and installers involved in specifying suitable communication solutions for these environments. Joe Grillo, CEO of Vanderbilt, commented, "Our Innovation Talks are just one of the ways in which we aim to make a visit to IFSEC International 2016 as useful as possible. We anticipate high demand for these free events, but as spaces are strictly limited I would advise booking early to avoid disappointment."


Idyllic memories of childhood pre WW1 are recounted through the night by an under age soldier in France as he waits for the hour of death to come at 6AM. To begin with you are not sure exactly where Tommo Peaceful is, as he lies there recalling his father's death, his mother, his brothers Charlie and Big Joe, the love of his life Molly who has married Charlie and their schooldays and working life together before they joined up and were shipped off to fight. After a few chapters you realise he is at the front, and for a short time you assume it is his death which is approaching perhaps anticipating some big push over the barricades. But, no, it is the brother's. One brother paying the ultimate price for staying with the other. The carnage of the trenches and the horrors of the gas provide the ultimate contrast to his memories of country life. Ultimately, this is a book about brotherly love, about doing what is right irrespective of the consequences – with a nice touch across the lines when the German soldier spares Peaceful's life. This book will grab you from the first chapter "Five Past Ten" all the way through to its last "One Minute to Six" and provide a night to remember.
ashramblings verdict 5* quite simply a great book, deeply moving and poignant.