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Patent application title: PRE-POLYMERIZED CATALYST COMPONENTS FOR THE POLYMERIZATION OF OLEFINS
Inventors: Diego Brita (Ferrara, IT) Diego Brita (Ferrara, IT) Gianni Collina (Ferrara, IT) Gianni Collina (Ferrara, IT) Giampiero Morini (Ferrara, IT) Giampiero Morini (Ferrara, IT)
Assignees: Basell Poliolefine Italia s.r.I
IPC8 Class: AC08F21002FI
USPC Class: 5261253
Class name: Contains at least one additional specified material contains organic non-metal containing b, si, n, p, or chalcogen material contains organic non-metal containing b or si material
Patent application number: 20140378631
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A pre-polymerized catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins endowed with high activity and morphological stability comprises (i) a non-stereospecific solid catalyst component comprising Ti, Mg and a halogen and having a porosity, due to pores with radius up to 1 μm, ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 cm3/g and (ii) an amount of an ethylene/alpha-olefin block (co)polymer ranging from 0.1 up to 5 g per g of said solid catalyst component (i), said pre-polymerized catalyst component being characterized by a mercury porosity due to pores up to 1 μm of less than 70% the mercury porosity value of the said non-stereospecific solid catalyst component (i).
1. A pre-polymerized catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins CH.sub.2.dbd.CHR, wherein R is hydrogen or a C1-C12 hydrocarbon group, comprising (i) a non-stereospecific solid catalyst component comprising Ti, Mg and a halogen and having a porosity, due to pores with radius up to 1 μm, ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 cm3/g and (ii) an amount of an ethylene/alpha-olefin block (co)polymer ranging from 0.1 up to 5 g per g of said solid catalyst component (i), said pre-polymerized catalyst component being characterized by a mercury porosity due to pores up to 1 μm of less than 70% the mercury porosity value of the said non-stereospecific solid catalyst component (i).
2. The pre-polymerized catalyst component according to claim 1 in which the alpha-olefin is selected from those of CH.sub.2.dbd.CHR1, wherein R1 is a C1-C6 linear alkyl group
3. The pre-polymerized catalyst component according to claim 1 in which the alpha-olefin is propylene.
4. The pre-polymerized catalyst component according to claim 1 in which the amount of ethylene/alpha-olefin block (co)polymer is less than 3 g per g of solid catalyst component.
5. The pre-polymerized catalyst component of claim 1 in which the amount of ethylene polymerized fraction ranges from 10 to 90%, of the total amount of ethylene/alpha-olefin prepolymer.
6. The pre-polymerized catalyst component according to claim 1 in which at least 55% of the mercury porosity is due to pores having pore radius up to 0.2 μm.
7. The pre-polymerized catalyst component according to claim 1 in which the mercury porosity of the prepolymerized catalyst component is of less than 65% the mercury porosity value of the solid catalyst component (i).
8. The pre-polymerized catalyst component according to claim 1 in which the solid catalyst component further comprises an electron donor compound selected from esters of aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acids, alkoxybenzenes, cyclic alkyl ethers, and electron donor compound of formula (I) below RR1C(OR4)--CR2R3(OR5) (I) in which R, R1, R2 and R3 are, independently, hydrogen or C1-C20 hydrocarbon groups which can also be condensed to form a cycle, R4 and R5 are C1-C20 alkyl groups, or R6CO-- groups where R6 is a C1-C20 alkyl or aryl group, or they can be joined with R and R3 respectively to form a cycle; said R to R6 groups possibly containing heteroatoms selected from O, Si, halogens, S, N and P.
9. A catalyst system for the polymerization of olefins comprising the product obtained by contacting (A) a pre-polymerized catalyst component according to claim 1; and (B) an Al-alkyl compound.
10. A process for the (co)polymerization of ethylene characterized in that it is carried out in the presence of a catalyst comprising (A) a pre-polymerized catalyst component according to claim 1; and (B) an Al-alkyl compound.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to catalyst components for the preparation of ethylene (co)polymers by using gas-phase, slurry or bulk (co)polymerization processes.
[0002] High-yield catalyst components for the polymerization of olefins and in particular for ethylene are known in the art. They are generally obtained by supporting, on a magnesium dihalide, a titanium compound normally chosen from titanium halides, alkoxide and haloalcoholates. Said catalyst components are then used together with an aluminum alkyl compound in the polymerization of ethylene. This kind of catalyst components, together with the catalysts obtained therefrom, are largely used in the plants for the (co)polymerization of ethylene both operating in liquid phase (slurry or bulk) and in gas-phase. However, the use of the catalyst components as such is not completely satisfactory. Indeed, due to the high reactivity of the ethylene, the kinetic of the polymerization reaction is very high. As a consequence, the catalyst is subject to a very strong tension during the initial stage of polymerization which can cause the uncontrolled breakage of the catalyst itself. This event is the cause of the formation of fine particles of polymer, which, in turn, leads to low bulk density of the polymer and to operating process difficulties.
[0003] In the attempt to solve these problems, the catalyst is pre-polymerized under controlled conditions, so as to obtain pre-polymerized catalysts purposed to retain better morphology. In fact, it is believed that after the pre-polymerization, the catalysts increase their resistance in such a way that the tendency to break under polymerization conditions is decreased. As a consequence, the formation of fine particles would be reduced and the overall bulk density improved. Typically, the catalysts are prepolymerized with one olefin which is often the same olefin which is then polymerized in the main polymerization step. Accordingly, the non-stereospecific catalysts used for ethylene polymerization are often pre-polymerized with ethylene. The pre-polymerization with ethylene of a non-stereospecific catalyst to be used in ethylene polymerization however, does not fully solve the problem. In fact, the morphological properties and resistance of the catalyst are improved, if any, only in combination with an unacceptable decrease of the catalyst polymerization activity. This is confirmed for example by U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,837 which discloses in table 14A and 14B, the use of a non-stereospecific catalyst pre-polymerized with ethylene to an extent of lower than 50% b.w., based on the weight of the total pre-polymerized catalyst. The activity and the morphological properties of the polymer produced with the pre-polymerized catalyst are in certain cases lower than that of the non-pre-polymerized one. In the same patent it is said (column 37 lines 57-60) that the use of a pre-polymerized catalyst is of no advantage with respect to the non pre-polymerized one.
[0004] WO01/85803 describes that by the pre-polymerization of a non stereospecific catalyst with prochiral monomers it would be possible to obtain a catalyst for the polymerization of olefins capable to produce polymers with high bulk density and that has an activity which is higher than that of the original non pre-polymerized catalyst. However, the described pre-polymerized catalyst, although of interest under certain polymerization conditions, does not show an acceptable morphological stability under polymerization carried out under drastic conditions such as those carried out in the presence of high amount of hydrogen in order to prepare ethylene polymers with low molecular weight. Moreover, it has been noticed that the propylene pre-polymerized catalyst tends to form a too high amount of aggregates of particles that have to be removed in order to have a homogeneous lot with a consequent loss of material.
[0005] It has also been discussed in the prior art the option to use more than one monomer in the prepolymerization stage. The preferred option is that of using mixtures of different monomers polymerized simultaneously thereby producing random pre-polymers. EP-A-435332 is an example of such teaching describing the preparation of a prepolymer obtained by polymerizing small amounts of ethylene and propylene. The prepolymer/catalyst system is then used in the preparation of propylene heterophasic copolymers.
[0006] Sequential pre-polymerization of different monomers is also taught although limited to certain specific types of monomers. EP-A-604401 discloses the preparation of a pre-polymerized catalyst obtained by contacting, under polymerization conditions, a catalyst system with (1) a linear olefin and (2) a non-linear olefin in order to form a linear olefin/non linear olefin block copolymer as a prepolymerized solid product. This prepolymerized catalyst, after having been subject to a titanation treatment, is then used in the polymerization of propylene. Ethylene and propylene are listed among linear olefins, while saturated ring containing hydrocarbon monomers, branched olefins and aromatic monomers are included in the definition of non-linear olefins. Comparative examples carried out without pre-polymerization stage show that the specific prepolymerization treatment has no effect on catalyst activity or morphological stability while the major impact is on mechanical properties of the final polymer product.
[0007] The applicant has now found that by subjecting a solid catalyst component to a specific sequential prepolymerization treatment with certain monomers it is possible to obtain a catalyst prepolymerized with a block copolymer endowed with a peculiar porosity feature. Such catalysts, when used in the polymerization of ethylene are capable to generate in high yields polymers with regular morphology even under drastic polymerization conditions.
[0008] It is therefore disclosed a pre-polymerized catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins CH2═CHR, wherein R is hydrogen or a C1-C12 hydrocarbon group, characterized by comprising (i) a non-stereospecific solid catalyst component comprising Ti, Mg and a halogen and having a porosity, due to pores with radius up to 1 μm, ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 cm3/g and (ii) an amount of an ethylene/alpha-olefin block (co)polymer ranging from 0.1 up to 5g per g of said solid catalyst component (i), said pre-polymerized catalyst component being characterized by a mercury porosity due to pores up to 1 μm of less than 70% the mercury porosity value of the said non-stereospecific solid catalyst component (i).
[0009] According to the present application the term "non-stereospecific solid catalyst component" means a solid catalyst component that gives, under the standard polymerization conditions described in the experimental section, a propylene homopolymer having an insolubility in xylene at 25° C. lower than 80% and preferably lower than 75%.
[0010] According to the present application the term ethylene/alpha olefin block copolymer means a copolymer mainly constituted by sequences or fractions of ethylene polymerized molecules and sequences or fractions of alpha olefin polymerized molecules; i.e, the block copolymer is mainly constituted by a mixture of ethylene homopolymers distinct chains and alpha olefin homopolymer distinct chains or mixtures of chains having distinct long portions (blocks) of ethylene polymerized sequences and propylene polymerized sequences. Such block copolymers are typically obtained by sequential polymerization in which the polymerization does not substantially take place with the simultaneous presence of two monomers. In other words, the successive monomer is polymerized only when the previous one has disappeared either because completely polymerized or because it has been removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Preferably, the alpha-olefin is selected from those of CH2═CHR1, wherein R1 is a C1-C6 linear alkyl group. Preferably, the alpha-olefin is selected from propylene, butene-1, hexene-1 and octene-1. Most preferably, the alpha olefin is propylene.
[0012] Preferably, the amount of ethylene/alpha-olefin block (co)polymer is less than 3 g, more preferably less than 2 g and especially less than 1 g per g of solid catalyst component. In a particularly preferred embodiment, said amount is from 0.1 to 0.9 g per g of solid catalyst component.
[0013] Preferably, in the ethylene/alpha-olefin block (co)polymer the amount of ethylene polymerized fraction ranges from 10 to 90%, more preferably from 15 to 85 and especially from 30 to 80% of the total amount of ethylene/alpha-olefin prepolymer.
[0014] In this connection, it has surprisingly been observed a synergic effect on the bulk density of the ethylene polymers obtained by polymerizing ethylene in the presence of the pre-polymerized catalyst of the invention. In particular, the bulk density of ethylene polymers obtained by slurry polymerization of ethylene with prepolymerized catalysts containing ethylene/alpha-olefin, in particular propylene, pre-polymers, is higher than the value expected on the basis of the linear combination of the bulk density values obtained by polymerizing ethylene with, respectively, ethylene homopolymers prepolymerized catalyst and propylene homopolymers prepolymerized catalyst.
[0015] Preferably, the prepolymerized catalyst component has a mercury porosity due to pores up to 1 μm ranging from 0.15 to 0.5 cm3/g and more preferably from 0.15 to 0.4 cm3/g.
[0016] Preferably, at least 55%, more preferably at least 60% and especially at least 65% of the mercury porosity is due to pores having pore radius up to 0.2 μm.
[0017] Preferably, the non-stereospecific solid catalyst component comprises a titanium compound and a magnesium dihalide. The magnesium halides, preferably MgCl2, in active form used as a support for Ziegler-Natta catalysts, are widely known from the patent literature. Patents U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,718 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,338 were the first to describe the use of these compounds in Ziegler-Natta catalysis. It is known from these patents that the magnesium dihalides in active form used as support or co-support in components of catalysts for the polymerization of olefins are characterized by X-ray spectra in which the most intense diffraction line that appears in the spectrum of the non-active halide is diminished in intensity and is broadened to form a halo.
[0018] The preferred titanium compounds used in the non-stereospecific solid catalyst component of the present invention are those of formula Ti(ORII)n-yXy, where RH is a C1-C20 hydrocarbon group X is halogen, n is the valence of titanium and y is a number between 1 and n. Particularly preferred compounds are TiCl4, TiCl3 and Ti-tetraalcoholates or Ti-chloroalcoholates of formula Ti(ORIII)nCln-a where n is the valence of titanium, a is a number comprised between 1 and n, and RIII is a C1-C8 alkyl or aryl group. Preferably RIII is selected from ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-octyl and phenyl.
[0019] The titanium compound can be pre-formed, or it is produced in-situ by the reaction of a titanium tetrahalide, in particular TiCl4, with alcohols RIIOH or with titanium alkoxides having the formula Ti(ORII)4 where RII has the meaning defined above.
[0020] Preferably, more than 50%, more preferably more than 70% and especially more than 90% of the titanium atoms are in the 4.sup.+ valence state.
[0021] The non-stereospecific solid catalyst components may comprise an electron donor compound (internal donor), selected among ethers, esters, amines and ketones. However, as already explained, the solid catalyst component must be non stereospecific according to the definition already given and determined according to the test reported in the characterization section. Therefore, if present, the electron donor compound should either not have stereoregulating ability or be present in such an amount that it does not provide sufficient stereoregulating ability to the catalyst. As a general indication, the electron donors not having stereoregulating ability may be present in a wide range of amounts but preferably to an extent such that their molar ratio to Ti is lower than 10, preferably lower than 7 and more preferably lower than 5. Preferably, donors having stereoregulating ability or belonging to formula (I) below, are present in amount such as to give ED/Ti ratios lower than 0.5, preferably lower than 0.3 and more preferably lower than 0.1.
[0022] Preferred electron donor compounds are selected from esters of aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acids such as phthalates, acetates, benzoates, alkoxybenzenes described in WO2011/015553, cyclic alkyl ethers such as tetrahydrofurane and electron donor compound of formula (I) below
RR1C(OR4)--CR2R3(OR5) (I)
in which R, R1, R2 and R3 are, independently, hydrogen or C1-C20 hydrocarbon groups which can also be condensed to form a cycle, R4 and R5 are C1-C20 alkyl groups, or R6CO-- groups where R6 is a C1-C20 alkyl or aryl group, or they can be joined with R and R3 respectively to form a cycle; said R to R6 groups possibly containing heteroatoms selected from O, Si, halogens, S, N and P.
[0023] Preferably, when R and R4 form a cycle, R5 is C1-C20 alkyl group. Preferably, in the electron donor compound of formula (I), R, R4 and R5 are methyl.
[0024] Preferably, in the electron donor compound of formula (I) R1 to R3 are hydrogen. When R4 and R5 are linear, branched or cyclic alkyl groups they are preferably chosen among C1-C5 alkyl groups and more preferably among methyl or ethyl. Preferably they are both methyl. Among R6CO groups preferred is acetyl and benzyl.
[0025] Specific electron donor compounds of formula (I) are ethylene glycol diacetate, 1,2-dimethoxypropane, 1,2-diethoxypropane, 1,2-diethoxyethane, methyl tetrahydrofurfuryl ether, 1,2-dimethoxypropane being the most preferred.
[0026] As mentioned above such donors either do not have stereoregulatung ability or are used in such an amount that they do not provide sufficient stereoregulating ability.
[0027] In addition to the above mentioned characteristics, the non-stereospecific solid catalyst component (a) may show a porosity PF (due to pores with radius up to 1 μm) determined with the mercury method ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 0 cm3/g and more preferably from 0.3 to 0.70 cm3/g usually in the range 0.35-0.60 cm3/g.
[0028] The surface area measured by the BET method is preferably lower than 80 and in particular comprised between 10 and 70 m2/g. The porosity measured by the BET method is generally comprised between 0.10 and 0.50, preferably from 0.10 to 0.40 cm3/g.
[0029] The mercury porosity due to pores up to 1 μm of the pre-polymerized catalyst component is lower than that of its corresponding non-stereospecific solid catalyst component precursor, i.e., in its not pre-polymerized form. Preferably, the porosity of the prepolymerized catalyst component is less than 70%, more preferably less than 65% and especially ranging from 62 to 35% of the mercury porosity value of the corresponding non-stereospecific solid catalyst component precursor in non prepolymerized form.
[0030] The particles of solid component have substantially spherical morphology and average diameter comprised between 5 and 150 μm, preferably from 20 to 100 μm and more preferably from 30 to 80 μm. As particles having substantially spherical morphology, those are meant wherein the ratio between the greater axis and the smaller axis is equal to or lower than 1.5 and preferably lower than 1.3.
[0031] A method suitable for the preparation of spherical components mentioned above comprises a step (a) in which a compound MgCl2.mRIIIOH, wherein 0.3≦m≦1.7 and RIII is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl radical having 1-12 carbon atoms is reacted with the said titanium compound of the formula Ti(ORI)nX4-n, in which n, y, X and RI have the same meaning as already defined.
[0032] In this case MgCl2.mRIIIOH represents a precursor of Mg dihalide. These kind of compounds can generally be obtained by mixing alcohol and magnesium chloride in the presence of an inert hydrocarbon immiscible with the adduct, operating under stirring conditions at the melting temperature of the adduct (100-130° C.). Then, the emulsion is quickly quenched, thereby causing the solidification of the adduct in form of spherical particles. Representative methods for the preparation of these spherical adducts are reported for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,648, U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,054, and WO98/44009. Another useable method for the spherulization is the spray cooling described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,100,849 and 4,829,034. Adducts having the desired final alcohol content can be obtained by directly using the selected amount of alcohol directly during the adduct preparation. However, if adducts with increased porosity are to be obtained it is convenient to first prepare adducts with more than 1.7 moles of alcohol per mole of MgCl2 and then subjecting them to a thermal and/or chemical dealcoholation process. The thermal dealcoholation process is carried out in nitrogen flow at temperatures comprised between 50 and 150° C. until the alcohol content is reduced to the value ranging from 0.3 to 1.7. A process of this type is described in EP 395083.
[0033] Generally these dealcoholated adducts are also characterized by a porosity (measured by mercury method) due to pores with radius due to pores with radius up to 0.1 μm ranging from 0.15 to 2.5 cm3/g preferably from 0.25 to 1.5 cm3/g.
[0034] In the reaction of step (a) the molar ratio Ti/Mg is stoichiometric or higher; preferably this ratio is higher than 3. Still more preferably a large excess of titanium compound is used. Preferred titanium compounds are titanium tetrahalides, in particular TiCl4 The reaction with the Ti compound can be carried out by suspending the adduct in cold TiCl4 (generally 0° C.); the mixture is heated up to 80-140° C. and kept at this temperature for 0.5-8 preferably from 0.5 to 3 hours. The excess of titanium compound can be separated at high temperatures by filtration or sedimentation and siphoning. The step (a) can be repeated twice or more. In cases of catalysts containing an electron donor compound, this latter is preferably added together with the titanium compound in the reaction system for reaction with the MgCl2.mRIIIOH adduct. However, it can also be first contacted with the adduct alone and then the so formed product reacted with the titanium compound. As an alternative method, the electron donor compound can be added separately in a further step after the completion of the reaction between the adduct and the titanium compound.
[0035] The final pre-polymerized catalyst component can be obtained by pre-polymerizing the non-stereospecific solid catalyst component with the ethylene and the alpha-olefin.
[0036] In particular, the block prepolymer of the present invention can be obtained by a specific prepolymerization sequence comprising first the pre-polymerization of ethylene and after its completion, the prepolymerization of the alpha olefin. The prepolymerization of first ethylene and then propylene is the most preferred. The pre-polymerization is normally carried out in the presence of an Al-alkyl compound.
[0037] The alkyl-Al compound (B) is preferably chosen among the trialkyl aluminum compounds such as for example triethylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, tri-n-butylaluminum, tri-n-hexylaluminum, tri-n-octylaluminum. Use of tri-n-octylaluminum is particularly preferred. It is also possible to use mixtures of trialkylaluminum's with alkylaluminum halides, alkylaluminum hydrides or alkylaluminum sesquichlorides such as AlEt2Cl and Al2Et3Cl3.
[0038] It has been found particularly advantageous to carry out said pre-polymerization using low amounts of alkyl-Al compound. In particular, said amount could be such as to have an Al/Ti molar ratio from 0.01 to 50, preferably from 0.01 to 10 and more preferably from 0.05 to 3.
[0039] The pre-polymerization can be carried out in liquid phase, (slurry or solution) or in gas-phase at temperatures ranging from 20 to 100° C., preferably ranging from 30 and 90° C. and more preferably ranging from 30 and 70° C. Furthermore, it is preferably carried out in a liquid diluent in particular selected from liquid hydrocarbons. Among them, pentane, hexane and heptane are preferred.
[0040] As explained, the so obtained pre-polymerized catalyst components can be used in the (co)polymerization of ethylene, allowing to obtain, with high yields, polymers with regular morphology particularly expressed in terms of high bulk density. The catalysts of the invention can be used in any of the olefin polymerization processes known in the art. They can be used for example in slurry polymerization using as diluent an inert hydrocarbon solvent or bulk polymerization using the liquid monomer (for example propylene) as a reaction medium. Moreover, they can also be used in the polymerization process carried out in gas-phase. The gas-phase process can be carried out in a fluidized or stirred, fixed bed reactor or in a gas-phase reactor comprising two interconnected polymerization zones one of which, working under fast fluidization conditions and the other in which the polymer flows under the action of gravity. Also, combination of both type of gas-phase reactors can be used.
[0041] In particular, the catalysts of the invention are endowed with features that render them particularly suitable for the liquid (bulk or slurry) and gas-phase polymerization processes. They can be used in polymerization plant set-up including or not a pre-polymerization section. In fact, since the catalysts have no aging problems they can be also pre-polymerized in a batch scale and then used in liquid or gas-phase olefin polymerization plants operating without a pre-polymerization line.
[0042] In particular, said ethylene (co)polymerization processes can be carried out in the presence of a catalyst comprising (A) the pre-polymerized catalyst component above described and (B) an Al-alkyl compound of the type described above. In the main polymerization process the amount of Al is higher than that used in the prepoly. Preferably, the Al compound is used in an amount such that the Al/Ti ratio is higher than 1 and is generally comprised between 10 and 800.
[0043] The above described polymerization process can be carried out under the polymerization conditions generally known in the art. Accordingly, the polymerization is generally carried out at temperature of from 20 to 120° C., preferably of from 40 to 80° C.
[0044] In any of the polymerization processes used (liquid or gas-phase polymerization) the catalyst forming components (A) and (B) can be pre-contacted before adding them to the polymerization reactor. Said pre-contacting step can be carried out in the absence of polymerizable olefin or optionally in the presence of said olefin in an amount up to 3 g per g of solid catalyst component. The catalyst forming components can be contacted with a liquid inert hydrocarbon solvent such as propane, n-hexane, or n-heptane at a temperature below about 60° C. and preferably from about 0° C. to 30° C. for a time period of from 10 seconds to 60 minutes.
[0045] The above process is suitable for the preparation of wide range of polyethylene products. As an example, the following products can be prepared: high density ethylene polymers (HDPE, having a density higher than 0.940 g/cm3), comprising ethylene homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene with a-olefins having 3-12 carbon atoms; linear low density polyethylenes (LLDPE, having a density lower than 0.940 g/cm3) and very low density and ultra low density (VLDPE and ULDPE, having a density lower than 0.920 g/cm3, to 0.880 g/cm3) consisting of copolymers of ethylene with one or more a-olefins having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, having a mole content of units derived from the ethylene higher than 80%;
[0046] The following examples are given in order better illustrate the invention without limiting it.
[0047] Characterization
[0048] The properties are determined according to the following methods: MIE flow index: ASTM-D 1238 condition E
[0049] Porosity with mercury: the measurement is carried out using a Pascal 140-240 series porosimeter by Carlo Erba.
[0050] The porosity is determined by intrusion of mercury under pressure. For this determination a calibrated dilatometer (capillary diameter 3 mm) CD3P (by Carlo Erba) is used, that is connected to a reservoir of mercury and to a high-vacuum pump. A weighed amount of sample is placed in the dilatometer. The apparatus is then placed under high vacuum and is maintained in these conditions for ca. 20 minutes. The dilatometer is then connected to the mercury reservoir and the mercury is allowed to slowly fill the dilatometer, until it reaches the level marked on the dilatometer at a height of 10 cm. The valve that connects the dilatometer to the vacuum pump is closed and then the mercury pressure is gradually increased with nitrogen up to 100 kPa. Subsequently, the calibrated dilatometer is transferred into an autoclave with oil for high pressure in order to reach pressure values up to 200 MPa. Under the effect of the pressure, the mercury enters into the pores of the particles and the mercury level decreases accordingly.
[0051] The porosity (cm3/g), the pore distribution curve and the average pore size are directly calculated from the integral pore distribution curve, which is a function of both the volume reduction of the mercury and the applied pressure values. All these data are provided and elaborated by the porosimeter associated computer which is equipped with dedicated software supplied by Carlo Erba. After calculation, the average pores radius is given as weighted average of the single average pores radius contribution for each interval of porosity
[0052] General Procedure for the Standard Propylene Polymerization Test
[0053] A 4 liter steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer, pressure gauge, thermometer, catalyst feeding system, monomer feeding lines and thermostating jacket, was used. The reactor was charged with 0.01 g of solid catalyst component and with 6.6 mmoles of TEAL. Moreover, 1.6 kg of propylene, and 1.5 NL of hydrogen were added. The system was heated to 70° C. over 10 min. under stirring, and maintained under these conditions for 120 min. At the end of the polymerization, the polymer was recovered by removing any non-reacted monomers and was dried under vacuum.
[0054] General Slurry Procedure for Ethylene Polymerization (HDPE)
[0055] Into a 4 liters stainless steel autoclave, degassed under N2 stream at 70° C., 1600 cc of anhydrous hexane, 0.04 g of spherical component and 0.87 g of triisobutylaluminum (Tiba) were introduced. The whole was stirred, heated to 75° C. and thereafter 4 bar of H2 and 7 bar of ethylene were fed. The polymerization lasted 2 hours during which ethylene was fed to keep the pressure constant.
[0056] General Procedure for Gas-Phase Ethylene Polymerization (HDPE)
[0057] A 15.0 liter stainless-steel fluidized reactor equipped with gas-circulation system, cyclone separator, thermal exchanger, temperature and pressure indicator, feeding line for ethylene, propane, hydrogen, and with a 1 L steel reactor for the catalyst pre-polymerization and/or injection of the catalytic system into the fluidized bed reactor.
[0058] The gas-phase apparatus was purified by fluxing pure nitrogen at 40° C. for 12 hours and then was circulated a propane (10 bar, partial pressure) mixture containing 0.2 g of TIBA at 80° C. for 30 minutes. It was then depressurized and the reactor washed with pure propane, heated to 80° C. and finally loaded with propane (60 mol %), ethylene (10 mol %) and hydrogen (30 mol %) having 24 bar of total pressure.
[0059] In a 100 mL three neck glass flask were introduced in the following order, 20 mL of anhydrous hexane, 0.7 g of TIBA, and 0.25 g of the catalyst component. They were mixed together and stirred at room temperature for 5 minutes and then introduced in the 1-L reactor with 100 g of propane. Here It was kept at 40° C. per 2 hours before the introduction of the catalytic system into the fluidized bed reactor where the polymerization starts. The polymerization test lasts 2 hours.
Comparative Example 1
[0060] Preparation of the Solid Component
[0061] Preparation of the Spherical Support (adduct of MgCl2/EtOH)
[0062] A magnesium chloride and alcohol adduct was prepared following the method described in Example 2 of WO98/44009. The adduct containing about 3 mols of alcohol and had an average size of about 40 μm. The adduct was subject to a thermal treatment, under nitrogen stream, over a temperature range of 50-150 ° C. until a weight content of about 41% of alcohol was reached.
[0063] Into a 21 glass reactor provided with stirrer, were introduced 1 L of TiCl4, 50 g of the support prepared as described above and, at temperature of 0° C., 4.0g of 1,2-dimethoxypropane (1,2DMP) (Mg/DMP =8.0 mol/mol). The whole mixture was heated and kept under stirring for 120 minutes at 100° C. After that, stirring was discontinued and the liquid siphoned off. Two washings with fresh hexane (1 liter) were performed at 50° C. and then, other two more hexane washings were performed at room temperature. The spherical solid component was discharged and dried under vacuum at about 50° C.
[0064] The composition of the solid was the following:
TABLE-US-00001 Total titanium 4.2% (by weight) Mg 18.0% (by weight) 1,2-DMP 3.8% (by weight)
[0065] Its porosity due to pores having radius until 1 μm was 0.49 cm3/g. 84% of this porosity being due to pores having radius equal to, or lower than, 0.2 μm.
[0066] When subject to the propylene polymerization standard procedure produced a propylene polymer having 68% of insolubility in xylene at 25° C.
[0067] Propylene-Ethylene Sequential Pre-Polymerization
[0068] Into a 1.5 L glass reactor provided with stirrer, 1.0 L of hexane at 20° C. and whilst stirring 50 g of the catalyst component prepared as described above were introduced at 10° C. Keeping constant the internal temperature, 15 g (40 cc) of tri-n-octylaluminum (TNOA) in hexane (about 370 g/l) were slowly introduced into the reactor and the temperature was kept at 10° C. After 10 minutes stirring, 20 g of propylene were carefully introduced into the reactor at the same temperature during a time of 2 hours. The consumption of propylene in the reactor was monitored and the polymerization was discontinued when a theoretical conversion of 0.4 g of polymer per g of catalyst was deemed to be reached. Then, after 30' of further stirring, 30 g of ethylene were fed into the reactor in 3 hour to complete the prepolymerisation process. Once again the monomer consumption was monitored to get a final theoretical conversion of 1.0 g of total polymers (PP and PE) per gram of starting catalyst. The product was washed four times with hexane at a temperature of 20° C. (50 g/l). Its porosity due to pores having radius until 1 μm was 0.35 cm3/g. 50% of this porosity being due to pores having radius equal to, or lower than, 0.2 μm.
[0069] The so obtained pre-polymerized solid catalyst component (A) was employed in the ethylene polymerization according to both slurry and gas phase procedure the results of which are reported in table 1 and 2 respectively.
[0070] The same catalyst prepared according to the procedure described in example 1 was used but the prepolymerisation process was carried out as follows: into a 1.5 L glass reactor provided with stirrer, 1.0 L of hexane at 20° C. and whilst stirring 50g of the catalyst component prepared as described above were introduced at 10° C. Keeping constant the internal temperature, 15 g (40 cc) of tri-n-octylaluminum (TNOA) in hexane (about 370 g/l) were slowly introduced into the reactor and the temperature was kept at 10° C. Then, Ciclohexylmethyldimethoxysilane was added to the slurry in order to have a Al/Si=100 mol/mol. After 10 minutes stirring, 30 g of ethylene were carefully introduced into the reactor at the same temperature during a time of 3 hours. The consumption of ethylene in the reactor was monitored and the polymerization was discontinued when a theoretical conversion of 0.6 g of polymer per g of catalyst was deemed to be reached. Then, after 30' of further stirring, 20 g of propylene were fed into the reactor in 2 hour to complete the prepolymerisation process. Once again the monomer consumption was monitored to get a final theoretical conversion of 1.0 g of polymers (PE and PP) per gram of starting catalyst. The product was washed four times with hexane at a temperature of 20° C. (50 g/l).
[0073] The catalyst was prepared according to the procedure described in example 2 but the pre-polymerisation process was carried out in absence of Ciclohexylmethyldimethoxysilane.
[0074] Its porosity due to pores having radius until 1μm was 0.30 cm3/g. 70% of this porosity being due to pores having radius equal to, or lower than, 0.2 μm.
[0075] The so obtained pre-polymerized solid catalyst component (A) was employed in the ethylene polymerization according to slurry procedure the results of which are reported in table 1.
[0076] The catalyst was prepared according to the procedure described in example 1 but the prepolymerisation process was carried out using only ethylene (50 g fed in 5 h) as monomer to get a final conversion of 1.0 g of PE per gram of catalyst
[0079] The catalyst was prepared according to the procedure described in example 2 but the prepolymerisation process was carried out using only propylene (50 g fed in 5 h) as monomer to get a final conversion of 1.0 g of PP per gram of catalyst.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Hexane slurry polymerization tests Cat. Example Mil. MIE BDP P50 # Prepoly Kg/g (g/10') F/E (g/cc) (micron) Comp. 1 PP/PE 23.3 0.43 29.7 0.239 2349 2 PE/PP 22.3 0.30 27.2 0.320 1919 3 PE/PP 21.6 0.6 29.3 0.319 1842 Comp. 4 PE 7.7 1.1 36.0 0.326 1480 Comp. 5 PP 19.4 0.68 29.5 0.199 2122
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Gas phase polymerization tests Cat. Mil. Example # Prepoly Kg/g MIE (g/10') BDP (g/cc) P50 (micron) Comp. 1 PP/PE 3.4 100 0.305 1180 2 PE/PP 4.5 110 0.406 1228 Comp. 4 PE 2.0 120 0.404 960 Comp. 5 PP 4.2 99 0.288 1160
Patent applications by Diego Brita, Ferrara IT
Patent applications by Giampiero Morini, Ferrara IT
Patent applications by Gianni Collina, Ferrara IT
Patent applications by Basell Poliolefine Italia s.r.I
Patent applications in class Contains organic non-metal containing B or Si material
Patent applications in all subclasses Contains organic non-metal containing B or Si material
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text:
En computación gráfica y diseño web, el viewport (; intraducible al español), es la zona rectangular actualmente visible de una web, aplicación, etc. Comúnmente se confunde con la ventana (window), que engloba tanto el viewport como su marco circundante. El tamaño y forma del viewport, aunque por lo general siempre es rectangular, este polígono varía según el dispositivo.

El viewport se expresa en las coordenadas determinadas por el dispositivo de renderizado; por ejemplo, píxeles para las coordenadas de la pantalla, en la que se van a renderizar los objetos de interés. El recorte de la ventana de coordenadas mundiales generalmente se aplica a los objetos antes de que pasen a través de la transformación de window a viewport. Para un objeto 2D, la última transformación es simplemente una combinación de traslación y escala, esta última no necesariamente uniforme. Una posible analogía de este proceso con la fotografía tradicional sería la de equiparar la ventana de recorte con la configuración de la cámara y las impresiones de varios tamaños que se pueden obtener de la película resultante como posibles viewports.

Debido a que las coordenadas basadas en dispositivos físicos pueden no ser portátiles de un dispositivo a otro, normalmente se introduce una capa de abstracción de software conocida como coordenadas de dispositivo normalizadas para expresar las ventanas gráficas; aparece por ejemplo en el Graphical Kernel System (GKS) y sistemas posteriores inspirados en él.

Usos

En gráficos 3D
En gráficos 3D por computadora, se refiere al rectángulo 2D utilizado para proyectar una escena 3D, que viene determinado por la posición de la cámara virtual. Un viewport es la región útil de la pantalla para mostrar una parte del total de la imagen a mostrar.

En el escritorio
En los escritorios virtuales, el viewport es la parte visible de un espacio 2D mayor que el dispositivo de visualización.

En navegadores web
En los navegadores web, el viewport es la parte visible de todo un documento. Si el documento es más grande que la ventana gráfica, el usuario puede desplazarse por él mediante el scrolling.

Referencias

Computación gráfica
Gráficos de computador en 3D
Procesamiento digital de imágenes

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Bengals, NFL
Front Office Comments Give Insight to Potential Transactions for the Bengals
Credit: @andydalton14 Instagram
The media had a chance to catch up with Zac Taylor, the newly appointed head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.
One of the questions asked, how does the process for free agency work for the Bengals?
"We sit down and talk about our roster in and out. What is best for us? What do you think? What do you think? 'OK we like this guy, let's pursue this guy.' It has been as clear and open communication as I've ever been around," Zac Taylor said in an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Taylor also spoke on the upcoming NFL Draft and confirmed that the Bengals are open to all possibilities at pick No. 11. He also spoke about potentially trading up or down but stressed the team wanted to take the best player available.
The Bengals recently sent Taylor to check out Ohio State's pro day to see the crown jewel Dwayne Haskins. The Ohio State quarterback is rumored to be picked by the Giants at pick No. 6. Therefore if Taylor really likes Haskins and wants him as the heir apparent to Andy Dalton, then the Bengals, and Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin will have to make a trade with the New York Jets and move up to pick No. 3. The Jets need multiple picks to bolster a depleted roster on the defensive side of the ball and the New York brass stated earlier this week that they're willing to trade down at the right price.
Owner Mike Brown had a chance to speak to local Cincinnati media at the NFL meetings in Arizona and stated that he likes how Taylor has assembled his coaching staff. In fact this coaching staff is one of the largest groups in franchise history which intertwines with the slogan "New Dey" an offshoot of "Who Dey", Cincinnati's traditional war cry. Brown said he's looking to get an extension done with A.J. Green and that no extension would be given to Andy Dalton before this season is complete. Dalton has two years left on his deal. Brown said he would like to see Dalton stay healthy, return to Pro Bowl form and then potentially a deal could be worked at the end of the season. This makes it a "prove it year" for Dalton with the Taylor era beginning in the Queen City. This will give Taylor a year to evaluate Dalton and see if he is the quarterback moving forward.
If Taylor falls in love with Haskins, then Dalton could groom Haskins this season which has been sucessful in Kansas City with Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes. Not too long ago Jon Kitna groomed Carson Palmer in Cincinnati. This could be the perfect scenario for Haskins. Redshirting a season would not be a terrible idea for the Ohio State quarterback as he only started one full season in college.
As NFL meetings come to a close the 2019 NFL Draft is just around the corner marking exciting times in the Cincinnati. Can Brown, Taylor and Tobin restore the roar in the Jungle?
March 29, 2019 March 29, 2019 garretstaplesA.J. Green, Andy Dalton, Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals, Duke Tobin, Dwayne Haskins, Jon Kitna, New York Jets, Zac Taylor
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
What is Below BC
The Geology of BC
GigaPan Images
BC's Geological Heritage
BC Minerals Project
The Kits Beach Fossil Forest Project
Shrunken Cups and Bike Helmets
Argentiferous Galena, Quartz, Sheelite & Sphalerite
Galena is the main ore mineral for lead. Because of its relatively low melting temperature, it can be easily smelted and has been used as a source of lead since ancient times. Galena has a cubic crystal system and can often be found as cubes or octahedra. Its shiny grey metallic lustre and heavy, dense nature make it easy to recognize. Galena often contains small amounts of silver, which add to its economic value.
Sphalerite is the main ore mineral for zinc, and although relatively common, finding it in commercial amounts is somewhat rarer. The zinc will give the mineral a yellow or red hue, but iron can replace the zinc in the atomic structure, making the crystals black. Rarely, cobalt finds its way into the structure, and produces green crystals.
Orange-coloured scheelite, or calcium tungstate, is an important source of tungsten. Some scheelite also contains molybdenum, although it is not a main ore mineral for that metal. Well-formed dipyramidal crystals are prized by collectors and are sometimes used to make jewellery. Scheelite can be identified by its heaviness and greasy lustre, as well as its fluorescent properties. Under UV light it glows a bright blue! It forms in high-temperature igneous and metamorphic environments and is often found in veins with tin.
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral on Earth, present in many different types of rocks. Although usually clear or milky white in colour, quartz is found in a variety of colours due to impurities in the crystal structure. Pure quartz consists of silicon and oxygen only, but atoms of other elements often make their way into the quartz crystal structure, colouring the crystals. Some varieties of quartz, like purple amethyst and yellow citrine, are considered to be semi-precious gemstones and have been used since ancient times to make jewellery and decorative objects. Well-formed (euhedral) crystals of quartz have a hexagonal cross section and are highly collectible.
This sample comes from the Telkwa River area roughly 15 km southeast of Smithers. It contains small crystals of argentiferous (silver-bearing) galena with minor sphalerite, scheelite and quartz.
Several properties in the area have been staked historically for their galena, sphalerite and scheelite occurrences. These include the Whitewater, Red Rose and Black Prince properties. Most of them occur near granodiorite intrusions in narrow quartz veins with other gangue (waste) minerals apatite and orthoclase feldspar. None of them has been developed or mined.
Store: Association for Mineral Exploration (AME)
Collection: –
Accession #: AME 486
Primary Mineral: Argentiferous Galena
Secondary Mineral: Quartz, Scheelite & Sphalerite
Site Locality: Telkwa River
Location: Smither, British Columbia
Special Features: n/a
Get Exploring!
The Below BC Geological Association
Suite 415 - 1035 Pacific Street,
Vancouver, British Coumbia, V6E 1S9
Email: info@belowbc.com
Fill out the fields below and we will contact you to see what exciting volunteer opportunities might be available to you!
Supporting Below BC
Important Disclaimer: This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.
Map Location Accuracy: The coordinates listed for many locations are general regional coordinates (not accurate) and should not be relied upon for locating localities (eg with a GPS).
DELAYED QUERY : /VirtualCollections : 9ab2300234fb544550a06028b234a06e	VirtualCollections?filterByFormula=OR({VM_ID} = "AME 486 Argentiferous Galena, Quartz, Sheelite & Sphalerite")


text:
Dialog Enables Access to NTIS Reports
Dialog (http://www.dialog.com), a business of The Thomson Corp., announced that a collection of more than 400,000 government-sponsored research reports distributed by the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) is now available through the Dialog service. Dialog has enhanced the functionality of its search service to allow searchers accessing the NTIS Database (File 6 on Dialog) to identify and purchase full-text technical reports directly from their search result via electronic download. Reports will be delivered to searchers as PDF images. The reports cover a broad spectrum of subject categories, including aerospace, energy, the environment, health and safety, and many others.
The NTIS database on Dialog contains more than 2 million records, providing summaries of government reports. NTIS, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Technology Administration, is the federal government's central repository and primary disseminator of scientific, technical, engineering, and related business information sponsored by the U.S. government and selected worldwide sources. It contains research provided from more than 240 U.S. government agencies, including NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy. (The NTIS database is also available through a number of commercial search services, including CSA, EBSCO, Ovid, and STN, and through GOV.Research_Center, the NTIS online search service, at http://grc.ntis.gov.)Source: Dialog


text:
package org.openengsb.core.services.internal.security.model;

import java.util.Map;

import javax.persistence.CascadeType;
import javax.persistence.CollectionTable;
import javax.persistence.Column;
import javax.persistence.ElementCollection;
import javax.persistence.Entity;
import javax.persistence.FetchType;
import javax.persistence.GeneratedValue;
import javax.persistence.GenerationType;
import javax.persistence.Id;
import javax.persistence.JoinTable;
import javax.persistence.MapKey;
import javax.persistence.MapKeyColumn;
import javax.persistence.OneToMany;
import javax.persistence.OneToOne;
import javax.persistence.Table;

import com.google.common.base.Objects;
import com.google.common.collect.Maps;

/**
 * represents the data of a user (or other principal) identified with a unique username.
 */
@Entity
@Table(name = "USERDATA")
public class UserData {

    @GeneratedValue(strategy = GenerationType.IDENTITY)
    @Id
    private Long id;

    @Column(name = "USERNAME", unique = true)
    private String username;

    @ElementCollection(fetch = FetchType.EAGER)
    @CollectionTable(name = "USER_CREDENTIALS")
    @MapKeyColumn(name = "USER_CREDENTIAL_KEY")
    @Column(name = "USER_CREDENTIAL_VALUE")
    private Map<String, String> credentials = Maps.newHashMap();

    @OneToOne(cascade = CascadeType.ALL)
    private UserPermissionSetData permissionSet;

    @OneToMany(cascade = CascadeType.ALL)
    @MapKey(name = "key")
    @JoinTable(name = "USERDATA_ATTRIBUTES")
    private Map<String, EntryValue> attributes = Maps.newHashMap();

    public UserData() {
    }

    public UserData(String username) {
        this.username = username;
    }

    public String getUsername() {
        return username;
    }

    public void setUsername(String username) {
        this.username = username;
    }

    public Map<String, String> getCredentials() {
        return credentials;
    }

    public void setCredentials(Map<String, String> credentials) {
        this.credentials = credentials;
    }

    public UserPermissionSetData getPermissionSet() {
        return permissionSet;
    }

    public void setPermissionSet(UserPermissionSetData permissionSet) {
        this.permissionSet = permissionSet;
    }

    public Map<String, EntryValue> getAttributes() {
        return attributes;
    }

    public void setAttributes(Map<String, EntryValue> attributes) {
        this.attributes = attributes;
    }

    @Override
    public String toString() {
        return String.format("%s:%s:(%s permissions)", username, credentials.isEmpty() ? "none" : "****",
                permissionSet == null ? "No" : permissionSet.getPermissions().size());
    }

    @Override
    public int hashCode() {
        return Objects.hashCode(username, credentials, permissionSet, attributes);
    }

    @Override
    public boolean equals(Object obj) {
        if (!(obj instanceof UserData)) {
            return false;
        }
        final UserData other = (UserData) obj;
        return Objects.equal(username, other.username) && Objects.equal(credentials, other.credentials)
                && Objects.equal(permissionSet, other.permissionSet) && Objects.equal(attributes, other.attributes);
    }

    public Long getId() {
        return id;
    }

    public void setId(Long id) {
        this.id = id;
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
MAORI HEALING STANDARDS LAUNCHED
Georgina te Heuheu
Associate Minister of Health
Associate Minister for Health Georgina te Heuheu today launched standards to ensure quality service for traditional Maori healing practices.
"In launching these standards today we are recognising the value that continues to be placed on traditional healing as part of the spectrum of health care which people choose to use. The standards are designed to ensure that there is consistent practice in clinics throughout the country," Mrs te Heuheu said.
"Having health services Mäori people feel comfortable using is an important part of addressing the disparity in health statistics between Mäori and Pakeha," Mrs te Heuheu said.
"Increasingly in recent years, GPs, traditional healers and Maori nurses have been working alongside each other to provide a range of services that people feel comfortable in using."
These standards will assist healers to enhance the work that they do, by ensuring the quality and safety of the valuable services that they deliver.
They cover referrals to other health services, record keeping, rights and responsiblities of the patient, staff training, networking with other providers and the safe preparation, storage and labelling of medicines.


text:
Bulgaria News World
Bulgarian President joins in condemning Boston bomb attacks, offers condolences
April 16, 2013 May 27, 2013 The Sofia Globe staff Rossen Plevneliev
Bulgarian President Rossen Plevneliev has condemned the bomb attacks in Boston that cost three lives and led to more than 140 people being injured, describing the blasts as a "senseless act of violence that cannot in any way be justified".
In a letter to US president Barack Obama on April 16, Plevneliev said that he believed that those responsible would be caught and punished to the fullest extent of the law.
European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said that she had been shocked to hear of the bomb attack on the Boston Marathon, "deliberately targeting men, women and children enjoying and participating in a sporting event".
"Our thoughts go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones and we wish speedy recoveries to those who have been injured," Ashton said.
"Such acts are reprehensible. We stand with the United States government and people in condemning this bombing," she said.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the bombing at the Boston Marathon, calling "this senseless violence… all the more appalling for taking place at an event renowned for bringing people together from around the world in a spirit of sportsmanship and harmony."
Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen expressed "deep shock" at the attack and offered condolences to those impacted, the Voice of America said.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon lamented the "senseless violence." He said the incident was even more appalling because it took place at an event known "for bringing people together from around the world in a spirit of sportsmanship and harmony."
Pakistan's Foreign Office condemned the "terrorist attacks" and said the government and people of Pakistan are "deeply shocked and saddened" by the "despicable act."
Afghan President Hamid Karzai also denounced the attack "in the strongest possible terms." Offering condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, Karzai said those in his country "feel better the pain and suffering arising from such incidents."
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also strongly condemned what it called the "cowardly attacks." In a statement, quoted by VOA, the OIC said it has fought against terrorism in all its forms, and offered its condolences, prayers and support to the people of Boston.
In India, prime minister Manmohan Singh responded by expressing his "solidarity with the American people in the struggle against terrorism." In a message to Obama, Singh offered India's full support in investigating the attack.
Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke out against the attack on the innocent athletes and their supporters, calling the bombing "the most depraved and vicious act of cowardice."
Somali insurgent group Al-Shabab, meanwhile, mocked those injured and killed in the twin blasts. On its English-language Twitter page, the Islamist group said the attack represents just a "tiny fraction" of the pain U.S. soldiers inflict on innocent Muslims around the world.
(Photo of Plevneliev: Marco Castro/UN Photo)
← Bulgarian PM, Prosecutor-General speak on eavesdropping controversy
Bulgaria's credit millionaires with State Security links to be identified before May elections →
Controversy over Bulgaria's new motorway junction
PM Dačić: 'Serbia did not recognise the independence of Kosovo'
April 21, 2013 May 27, 2013 Independent Balkan News Agency


Download sheet music for Majesty by Delirious, from the album Here I Am To Worship (Vol. 1). Arranged by David Ritter in the key of Db, C. Products for this song include chord charts, lead sheets, and the orchestration.


The Australia Capital Territory (ACT) is home to Canberra, the capital city of Australia. With a population approaching 400,000 people, it is an important centre of industry, commercial activity and tourism.
Canberra's profile as a capital city delivers a high number of international visitors and students. This status demands excellent environmental performance from all industries and commercial activities in the city.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is the primary agency for enforcing compliance with environmental regulations.
OdourPro helps a wide variety of businesses comply with the ACT odour guidelines. If you'd like to more about odour management and compliance, get in touch with us on 1800 510 704.
The economy of the ACT is built around the public service, education and tourism. All of these activities involve large numbers of people, catering, hospitality and also the processing of sewage.
Wastewater networks are notorious sources of odour complaints. As microorganisms feed on organic waste, they produce by-products like H2S, the compound famous for its rotten egg scent.
Rising mains, pump stations and wastewater treatment plants all have the potential to release odours into the surrounding community.
Canberra also has an active manufacturing and light industry sector. Construction activity is also ongoing with local light rail systems being a major infrastructure project of the region.
All of these activities have the potential to release chemicals and hydrocarbons into industrial wastewater and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. Each odour source must be identified and controlled to prevent community complaints or penalties for non-compliance.
The EPA has a statutory position by virtue of its establishment under the Environmental Protection Act of 1997. Its role is to protect and enhance the quality of the environment. This includes monitoring functions, raising public awareness, performing investigations and enforcing of legislation.
In terms of activities that have the potential to harm the environment, the EPA has an authorisation role. Any activity that has an environmental risk associated with it requires authorisation from the EPA.
As part of this authorisation process, the EPA stipulates the conditions under which an industrial activity may be performed. These conditions are then monitored for compliance once the activity begins.
OdourPro supplies odour control solutions designed to eliminate odours at their source. Our technical experts have experience in a wide range of industries, advising on solutions that remain compliant with the EPA.
Chemical dosing systems can benefit wastewater systems, which reduce odours by up to 95%.
These units add chemicals that prevent the formation of H2S.
This effectively eliminates the source of odour and improves relationships with neighbours.
OdourPro offers ferrous dosing, magnesium hydroxide dosing and calcium nitrate solutions.
Our experts can help identify the best solution and dosing point for your application.
Keeping access covers well sealed is another important way to reduce odours. This could also be a safety consideration. Non-compliant access covers can put health and safety at risk.
Well washers flush away grease and fat so that their accumulation does not result in odour complaints.
Any industry that produces VOCs or chemical emissions could use carbon or biofilters to remove harmful compounds before releasing vapours to the atmosphere.
Active carbon filters capture volatile compounds.
Biofilters use microorganisms to biologically treat toxic gases, removing harmful compounds from the system.
Other odour control solutions from OdourPro include surface treatment for landfill sites and vapour or misting systems for treating the air at the boundary of a site.
The EPA also requires ongoing reliability of the odour control solutions. This involves routine servicing and maintenance to ensure they are operating as per design. OdourPro provides this technical service to ensure your equipment remains functional and your environmental performance remains compliant.
OdourPro has wide experience in ACT odour guidelines. We have the technical expertise and effective solutions for you to meet the EPA requirements and remain compliant during normal operations. Our track record of more than 25 years demonstrates our leadership in odour control in a national context.
Find out more about our odour control solutions here or call our expert team on 1800 510 704 today to arrange a consultation.


text:
package com.yuyakaido.android.overlaydebugger.sample;

import com.yuyakaido.android.overlaydebugger.OverlayHttpLoggingInterceptor;

import okhttp3.OkHttpClient;

public class HttpClient {

    private static final OkHttpClient CLIENT = new OkHttpClient.Builder()
            .addInterceptor(new OverlayHttpLoggingInterceptor())
            .build();

    public static OkHttpClient getInstance() {
        return CLIENT;
    }

}


Atholians Prepare for Nod Pmurt's Long-Lost Twin Brother, T. Rump!
Ah, yes, Richard The Third. Did he kill anyone?
Ah, you Brits are the brightest! You would never vote in a TRUMP, would you?
"The" is unusual as a first name. I've only ever seen it as middle name, such as Richard the Third or whatever.
Just worked out the Nod Pmurt conundrum.


bridesmaid dresses davids bridal light posting.
You'll be able to rent a big sedan, that will do precisely the same job for a limo. Also, think about the pictures and see whether a caterer fits your demands and style for your distinctive moment. This sort of cover is intended to easily and perfectly fit various types of chair whether or otherwise not it is tall or short back.
Content is tagged with following keyword combinations: wedding, wedding ceremony evening, fashion accessories, wedding ceremony gown, bridesmaid dresses davids bridal, wedding some ideas.


Lines (also called order lines, sale lines or line items) describe the products included in an order.
Lines don't have their own GET actions, since they're included in their entirety when you get orders.
Only the product_id field is required.
unit_price should only be specified if you want to override the default site pricing of the product. It should be specified as an ex tax price, and the current taxes that are set for that product will then be applied.
Including the optional number field will insert the line at that position in the order's list of lines. The example above sets a value of 1, inserting it at the top of the order and pushing other lines down.
The line_id is a unique identifier for this line in this order. It is not guaranteed to be unique across all orders.
The URI returned in the Location header can only be used to update or remove the line, as GET is not allowed on lines.


text:
Q: Error when downgliding images using bing_image_downloader in python I am using bing_image_downloader module to download images from google. I have a list of products as CSV file saved on my computer. I want to download images for all these products.
This module is working fine for individual text query, but I am facing problem when I try to run this on a csv list. This issue is happening only when the query has blank spaces between words.
For example one of the products on my list is named "VIM LEMON 500GRM". The below query is running as expected:
 import bing_image_downloader
 from bing_image_downloader import downloader

 downloader.download('VIM LEMON 500GRM',limit=2,output_dir='C:\\Users\\..\\images')

It is downloading 2 image files successfully. It is creating a subfolder inside the output directory (subfolder named "VIM LEMON 500GRM"), and saving the 2 image files there (name of image files "Image_1.jpg", "Image_2.jpg")
When I try to repeat the same process but grab the search query (which is name of product) from my csv file, it kept indexing 300 plus pages, and returned zero image result
import bing_image_downloader
from bing_image_downloader import downloader
import pandas as pd

df=pd.read_csv('C:\\Users\\...\\product_list.csv')
query=df.loc[15,'product_name']# this is equal to VIM LEMON 500GRM
downloader.download(query,limit=2,output_dir='C:\\Users\\...\\images')

The below error is shown:
[!] Error:: [Errno 2] No such file or directory:'C:\\Users\\..\\images\\VIM LEMON 500GRM\\ \\Image_1.jpg'

I have also tried to convert the query into string and then passing it to the download function, but that doesn't works either. I found that the problem only happens when the query has blank spaces in between words. But works fine if the product name in my list does not has any blank space.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Dates: 6TH – 12TH September 2018!!!!!!!!!
We'll visit Tuscany in its Autumn colours, the rolling hills, golden mists in the morning over the Val d'Orcia region, silvery olive gardens and amazing local cuisine. That is Tuscany….
Our base will be a fabulous, Hotel located in San Quirico D'Orcia, .Offering a Tuscan restaurant and an outdoor pool, Hotel .
Rooms at the hotel have a balcony with views of the Val d'Orcia. All come with free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom and minibar.
A daily buffet breakfast is provided. The restaurant is open every day and specializes in local dishes.
We'll travel every day to the magnificent fields around Tuscany and the small towns of Sorano & Pitigliano . Two picturesque small Etruscan towns, hewn in tufa rocks, keep the ancient spirit to this day. A medieval hilltop settlement built from volcanic rock and overlooking the River Lente in Grosseto province, tiny but bright gems in Tuscan History.
We'll spend a day in the fabulous City of Sine /Pienza, home to the most exemplary architectural gems of the region.
Visit Podere Belvedere one of the most photographic attractions in Tuscany.
Walk the farm roads in the smooth hills of Torrenieri and see its famous cypress grove.
Our timetable will depend very much on the actual weather. On a grey rainy day we could walk the wet streets of medieval towns, looking for reflections and bright colours highlighted by rain – or just sit down by the fireplace and have a discussion or another master class in processing.
A wide angle lens. For example, Nikkor 14-24 or Canon 17-40, 16-35.
A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 70-200-400 mm – one of the most important lenses in Tuscan landscape.
Waterproof and windproof jacket (consider the average temperature +5 to +10 C at nights and +10 to +25 C during the daytime).
All transfers to and from the Airport in Italy.
Transfer to and from airport it Italy.
Single supplement 400 euro extra.
Lunches, Diners (excluded 1st night).
Difficulty: Easy – involves walking.


text:
Q: Override Multiple Spring Application Properties I am creating simple Spring apps using Maven and have 2 config and properties. The hierarchy is:
- package.main
  - App.java
  - AppConfig.java
  - app.properties
- package.main.model
  - ModelConfig.java
  - model.properties

App.java
public static void main(String[] args) {
    ApplicationContext applicationContext = new AnnotationConfigApplicationContext(AppConfig.class);
    System.out.println(applicationContext.getEnvironment().getActiveProfiles()[0]);
}

AppConfig.java
@Configuration
@Import(ModelConfig.class)
@PropertySource("classpath:/package/main/app.properties")
public class AppConfig {}

app.properties
spring.profiles.active = prod

ModelConfig.java
@Configuration
@PropertySource("classpath:/package/main/model/model.properties")
@ComponentScan
public class ModelConfig {}

model.properties
spring.profiles.active = dev

*

*Why the model.properties is override the app.properties (the result is dev)?

*How to make application.properties like in Spring Boot that cannot overrode by new properties?

A: it is by the order of beans defined being ModelConfig loaded it will cause the active profile to be set for 'dev'.
BTW, looking at your setup, configuring the active profile of beans via properties file like this not the good idea though, spring.profiles.active should be specified in
application.properties
file, not to loaded via separate property files, so when application starts it loads the bean correctly for the profile
or via command line arguments when you invoke
-Dspring.profiles.active

or programmatically
context.getEnvironment().setActiveProfiles("live");
some good examples here


Do you keep a written / digital calendar?
Calendar management. As someone that regularly looks at about eight different calendars when having my family's weekly scheduling meeting, calendar management is seriously life.
Which I'm not alone at. I've seen more business coaching and executive coaching and personal development focused pieces of advice about calendar management than you can shake a stick at. The overarching theme is that managing your calendar is the written (or digital) manifestation of managing your time, and therefore managing your life. Was this always the case?
There's a number of arguments that when human beings started tracking and predicting the movement of time is when humans started planning ahead, which plays a huge part in everything that came before.
Up until a few years ago, modern theory was that timekeeping and calendar-keeping in earnest around 5,000 years ago.
In 2013, however, an analysis of an excavation site from 2004 suggested that the set of 12 pits aligned to the planet's cycles from about 10,000 years ago was an early calendar that not only measured the lunar months, but also corrected the calendar on the winter solstice to correct for the differences between solar and lunar timekeeping..
This early calendar was far from the shared Google calendars of the day, but do show the shifting relationship that our species was developing with time long ago — and a shift that eventually led to the way we calendar, and view time, today.


Grace Kyungwon Hong is professor in the Department of Asian American Studies and the Department of Gender Studies at UCLA, where she teaches courses on women of color feminism, feminist knowledge production, and Asian American culture. She is the author of Death beyond Disavowal: The Impossible Politics of Difference (2015) and The Ruptures of American Capital: Women of Color Feminism and the Culture of Immigrant Labor (2006) and the coeditor (with Roderick A. Ferguson) of Strange Affinities: The Gender and Sexual Politics of Comparative Racialization (2011).
Social Text (2018) 36 (2 (135)): 107-122.
This essay deals with representations of a global, mobile Asian capitalist class as a particularly twenty-first-century incarnation of Model Minority discourse to ask what historical and epistemological erasures are required for this particular version of Model Minority discourse to exist. It does so through what may seem to be an unusual set of objects: the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy of books. The popular, middle-brow appeal of Crazy Rich Asians (2013) and its successor volumes China Rich Girlfriend (2015) and Rich People Problems (2017) acts as register of the many contradictions inherent in the emerging transnational class of elite Asians whose wealth and cosmopolitanism allow them to disregard the usual limitations of national boundaries and local mores. These novels demonstrate that representations of this social stratum, even when they are depicted as defined by the massive wealth generated through speculative capital and the ridiculous levels of consumption that attend such wealth, cannot but reference colonial and racialized pasts. In addition, if the narrative structure of the Model Minority cannot fully elide the past, neither can the developmental and progressive form of the novel, the structure of heteronormative romance, and the security of inheritance and lineage withstand the ideological and epistemological demands of this post–World War II shift into multiple forms of value.


text:
Q: Cambiar orden de etiqueta Tengo estos datos para hacer un gráfico
  structure(list(long = c(-5.77429577, -6.1744383, -5.51043948,
    -4.78653821, -5.27186009, -5.03263327, -5.70787858, -4.92538225,
    -5.82575198), lat = c(37.31276016, 37.46251315, 37.58414736,
    37.33243854, 37.25666274, 37.32504325, 38.18830018, 37.19940005,
    37.0719157), group = c("34014141004.1", "34014141003.1", "34014141024.1",
    "34014141041.1", "34014141060.1", "34014141084.1", "34014141048.1",
    "34014141046.1", "34014141904.1"), nombre_municipio = c("Mun4",
    "Mun5", "Mun2", "Mun3", "Mun1", "Mun6", "Mun7", "Mun9", "Mun8"
    ), Tipo = c("Muy baja", "Muy baja", "Baja", "Baja", "Media",
    "Media", "Alta", "Alta", "Desconocido"), Valor = c(1, 1, 2, 2,
    3, 3, 4, 4, 5)), row.names = c(NA, -9L), class = c("tbl_df",
    "tbl", "data.frame")) -> datos

Hago el gráfico
library(tidyverse)
library(ggplot2)

datos %>%
  ggplot(aes(x = long, y = lat, group = group, fill = Tipo)) +
  geom_polygon(color = "black") +
  coord_map("mercator")

(No importa que no salga bien, he reducido datos)
Quiero cambiar el orden de la leyenda a "Muy baja, Baja, Media, Alta, Desconocido"
y aquí fallo.
datos[order(datos$Valor),] -> datos

datos$Tipo <- factor(datos$Tipo,  levels = datos$Valor)

A: Estás bien rumbeado, la idea es convertir a la columna Tipo en un factor, así tiene un atributo de orden. Sin embargo el código que estás usando no funciona porque los niveles que defines para el factor no coinciden con los valores de Tipo. Es decir, con la función factor no puedes pasarles un orden numérico el levels, sino que debes pasarle un vector con las cadenas de caracteres ordenadas.
#No es necesario
#datos[order(datos$Valor),] -> datos

niveles <- c("Muy baja", "Baja", "Media", "Alta", "Desconocido")
datos$Tipo <- factor(datos$Tipo,  levels = niveles)

Algo parecido a lo que estabas buscando lo puedes hacer con la función fct_inorder() de la librería forcats (incluida en tidyverse).
Esa función crea un factor y ordena los niveles por orden de aparición en el factor o cadena de caracteres a partir de la cuál creamos el factor. Por defecto esto se hace alfabéticamente.
datos[order(datos$Valor),] -> datos

datos$Tipo <- fct_inorder(datos$Tipo)

Trabajando prefiero tomarme el tiempo para definir a mano los niveles en un vector, evitando depender del orden de un data.frame que puede perderse con las transformaciones. De todos modos cualquiera de las opciones son válidas.


The parental feeding practices (PFPs) of excessive restriction of food intake ('restriction') and pressure to increase food consumption ('pressure') have been argued to causally influence child weight in opposite directions (high restriction causing overweight; high pressure causing underweight). However child weight could also 'elicit' PFPs. A novel approach is to investigate gene-environment correlation between child genetic influences on BMI and PFPs. Genome-wide polygenic scores (GPS) combining BMI-associated variants were created for 10,346 children (including 3,320 DZ twin pairs) from the Twins Early Development Study using results from an independent genome-wide association study meta-analysis. Parental 'restriction' and 'pressure' were assessed using the Child Feeding Questionnaire. Child BMI standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS) were calculated from children's height and weight at age 10. Linear regression and fixed family effect models were used to test between- (n = 4,445 individuals) and within-family (n = 2,164 DZ pairs) associations between the GPS and PFPs. In addition, we performed multivariate twin analyses (n = 4,375 twin pairs) to estimate the heritabilities of PFPs and the genetic correlations between BMI-SDS and PFPs. The GPS was correlated with BMI-SDS (β = 0.20, p = 2.41x10-38). Consistent with the gene-environment correlation hypothesis, child BMI GPS was positively associated with 'restriction' (β = 0.05, p = 4.19x10-4), and negatively associated with 'pressure' (β = -0.08, p = 2.70x10-7). These results remained consistent after controlling for parental BMI, and after controlling for overall family contributions (within-family analyses). Heritabilities for 'restriction' (43% [40–47%]) and 'pressure' (54% [50–59%]) were moderate-to-high. Twin-based genetic correlations were moderate and positive between BMI-SDS and 'restriction' (rA = 0.28 [0.23–0.32]), and substantial and negative between BMI-SDS and 'pressure' (rA = -0.48 [-0.52 - -0.44]. Results suggest that the degree to which parents limit or encourage children's food intake is partly influenced by children's genetic predispositions to higher or lower BMI. These findings point to an evocative gene-environment correlation in which heritable characteristics in the child elicit parental feeding behaviour.


In November 2010, the government of Indonesia announced a change in production support.
On 30 November 2010, the Indonesian Ministry of Industry issued regulation 123/M-IND/PER/11/2010 concerning an "industry revitalisation and growth programme through the restructuring of machines/equipment of the textile and footwear industries" (own translation of the regulation title).
a maximum subsidy of 5 billion IDR (669'153 USD) per year for each company.
The regulation came into force on 1 January 2011 and was replaced by regulation 15/M-IND/PER/2/2012 on 15 February 2012. According to media reports, the programme shall last until the end of 2015.


If you're already making weekend plans, snap up tickets to Franck's Fight Fundraiser at House of Vans on Saturday. The all-day event of skate jams, DJs including Professor Green and Enter Shikari, live portraits, a pop-up barbershop and more raises money for a young boy with leukaemia — find out more and book your tickets.
London's toxic caterpillar invasion is spiralling out of control.
The V&A's new Dior exhibition is proving very popular.
Two new shows at Somerset House will explore British identity.
Watch an infinite loop of sunrise and sunset.


text:
« Chicago Must Acknowledge Patterns of Police Misconduct La Shawn Ford Introduces Mayoral Recall Bill »
Democrats Tue Dec 08 2015
"Fiddling While Rome Burns"
By Jeff Smith
A downstate lawsuit filed shortly before Thanksgiving sums up what's wrong with Illinois government right now. Hitting local radar via a press release suggesting an action by SEIU Healthcare, the request for a temporary restraining order against the State was brought by more than a dozen public employee unions, including lead plaintiff AFSCME Council 31, nurses, and police officers, over the State of Illinois's failure to pay for health insurance for state employees.
The suit may have been overlooked here due to more sensational events, or because lawsuits against the State over its fiscal mess are no longer news; half a dozen have been filed, and court orders are part of how Illinois keeps spending money despite no budget in place. However, unusual in this case is the judge's language used in granting a TRO. In his order, Judge LeChien wrote on Nov. 25 that the inability of "the Governor and the General Assembly to perform duties makes essential services and assistance headed for a chaotic bust." The court charged both the executive and legislative branches of Illinois government with adopting a "fiddling while Rome burns posture" that forces the courts to act.
These are strong words with which others agree. Illinois may not be blazing but is heading into the ditch. My state senator, Democrat Daniel Biss, advised that the standoff is doing "untold harm by destroying the state's vital human services network, by worsening its already bleak financial picture and by marring its fiscal reputation so severely that it will take years to recover." Fiscal conservatives, too, are correctly "concerned about the destruction of our social service infrastructure." The state's bond rating is headed toward junk status, and each day of inaction increases the problem. The meeting between the governor and legislative leaders was termed a "waste of time" by House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang. Appropriations are occurring piecemeal and without assurance that funds even exist to cover the amounts approved. Why is this occurring?
Governor Rauner says that the legislature - where the Democrats hold large majorities theoretically able to override a veto -- never gave him a balanced budget. Democratic leaders counter that the governor is holding the budget hostage to unrelated issues that are part of his "turnaround agenda." Who's right? Actually, both, and both are presenting only part of the picture, and avoiding their own responsibility.
The governor has the duty under state law - specifically, Article VIII, Section 2 of the Illinois constitution - to prepare and propose a balanced budget to the legislature. Gov. Rauner never did that, submitting a budget that relied on pension reform savings that most observers (correctly) thought would not be realized.
The governor, however, only proposes. The legislature's role under the same constitutional section is to pass a balanced budget, implemented via an appropriations bill. The legislature never did its job, either, sending the governor spending bills admittedly billions out of balance. In other words, Gov. Rauner proposed a budget that depended on unicorns; the legislature responded by insisting that those unicorns be ridden by flying monkeys.
Normally, negotiation would lead to a more realistic menagerie, but unrelated issues have stalled the process. The governor has been insisting that Democrats yield on some issues that are part of his so-called "turnaround agenda," most prominently making Illinois workers compensation claims harder, capping lawsuit awards, and making labor law changes that would weaken unions' ability to collectively bargain. Characterizing these requests as "extreme," the Democrats have refused to put them on the table, and accuse the governor of wrongly holding the budget hostage to political agenda.
On this last point the Democrats are correct. Let's be clear: Illinois's fiscal problems are not primarily due to public sector labor organizing, private lawsuits, or workers compensation. I've represented businesses and worked with them for decades, and while there are many complaints against Illinois government, rarely if ever have I heard these issues highlighted in business's struggles or as reason to leave Illinois. Nor do they relate, except indirectly, to the Illinois budget.
Rather, the public and press need to realize that these are political volleys aimed at specific groups. Labor, especially public sector unions such as the plaintiffs in the health insurance lawsuit, is the largest organized Democratic-leaning constituency, at least in terms of campaign contributions. Although unions can and do back Republicans, overall they skew blue. Similarly, the "trial lawyers," by which is meant not all litigators, but those who mainly represent plaintiffs or workers, are consistent Democratic supporters in Illinois. Workers comp hurdles and so-called "tort reform" take money directly from the injured, and, because such suits are typically compensated on a contingent basis, from the pockets of the plaintiffs' bar.
Thus, Rauner's insistence on his "turnaround agenda" amounts to asking, as a precondition of negotiations, that the Democrats throw some key allies under the bus, and agree to weaken themselves as a party for the next election. Obviously, the Democrats will never do this, and Rauner knows it, and to continue to insist on it is pointless, naïve, phony, or all three. This refrain has legs only so long as mainstream media treat it as normal politics or a legitimate bargaining approach. Be clear: the "turnaround agenda" precondition is not a viable bargaining tactic. It is a non-starter deal-killer.
At the same time, it is hard to extend sympathy to the Democrats because the fiasco is also due to their putting politics first. Illinois in 2011 staved off fiscal shipwreck by a so-called "temporary" income tax increase from a puny flat 3% , one of the nation's lowest, to 5%. The additional revenue went almost entirely toward paying down pension shortfalls. Everyone who paid any attention to this issue knew that, and also knew that if the income tax increase was not extended and/or made permanent by 2015, Illinois either would once again fall further behind on its pension obligations, or would have to divert the equivalent of the tax increase to pensions, forcing large, unprecedented cuts in state spending that it could not responsibly do. Again: everyone knew this. So, most expected that the Democrats, in 2014 when they not only controlled the legislature but also the governor's office, would extend or make permanent the 5% rate, even though no one wants to have voted for a "tax increase" in an election year.
Instead, the Democrats, despite holding overwhelming legislative majorities that included a number of legislators not even running for re-election, first failed to do so during the 2014 session, and then, to the shock of many, also failed to do so after the election. The buzz in Springfield with respect to the latter failure was that the Democrats did not want to shoulder blame for the higher rate while giving the incoming governor enough funds to work with, and so would insist that the Republicans, who presumably also knew that the 5% income tax rate was necessary to balance the budget, contribute some initiative and votes for the necessary revenue.
How anyone could have imagined that the incoming governor, who for all of 2014 had used the spectre of a tax extension as a cudgel with which to pound Pat Quinn, would suddenly change his tune, is a mystery. Did the Democrats, who argued to the public for months that Bruce Rauner was the Illinois avatar of Scott Walker, secretly think that Rauner once sworn in would turn pragmatist and promote the very increase he railed against? Rauner himself called his victory a mandate for lower taxes. Given the chance to effectively defund government without the necessity of a vote such as California's Proposition 13, Rauner and some conservatives leapt at it. The Democratic gambit, if that was what it was, was unsound, and the current wreck is what one expects when two drivers play a game of chicken and no one flinches.
Any lawsuit between parties to a relationship - a contract, a marriage, a lease - is a statement that the relationship has broken down. Here, however, the suits by thousands of State employees symbolize that the wreckage extends beyond the parties involved. More like a plane crash landing on the Kennedy Expressway.
Governor Rauner for the good of the state needs to stand down. Adding ornaments to a Christmas tree violates fundamental principles of traditional conservative lawmaking. If ideas have enough merit on their own, let them be introduced, debated, and voted up or down by the legislature in session. To hold a budget hostage to non-budget issues is admission that such ideas can't pass on their own. While the tactic has become common in D.C., it's part of the reason Congress is detested, and it is wrong, immoral given the stakes, to use extortion putting the entire state in jeopardy, to try to ram through proposals that lack popular or legislative support.
The Democrats, in turn, have the obligation to pass a balanced budget and present it to the governor. Moreover, they must use their majorities. Not one Democratic seat was lost in 2014. What is the point of exhorting the rank-and-file to elect "veto-proof" majorities if they are not used? The state party does not hesitate to deploy political muscle, even in primaries where any winner would still be a dependable Democratic vote. Lawmakers every year jump on command to pass rules and shell bills that strengthen leadership's hand. What is the point of party if it does not enact legislation that reflects its brand? Extension of the income tax to preserve vital programs reflects overwhelming Democratic principles. Democrats, rather than running from fear of voter backlash, need to do what must be done, own it, and expend political capital and actual capital on explaining why they did the responsible thing.
Governor Rauner, stand down. Democratic Party, step up. Do what you need to do before other events and actors, beginning with more court orders, force you to step aside.
steve yokich / December 8, 2015 11:13 PM
Very well done Jeff. Of course, I am biased because I handled the SEIU Health Care suit and suggested to the judge that he needed to act because the political system was broken. Keep on doing this.


Aeroplan announced changes to its award chart today, effective 15 December 2015. The bad news is that the amazing prices to Europe in business and first class will go up, a tad. The good news is that this round of award chart inflation is relatively modest, some regions go down in price, and most importantly, one-way awards will now be bookable between any regions.
Aeroplan introduced one-way awards a couple years ago with an odd caveat — all one-way travel had to originate or conclude in North America. That routing restriction on one-way awards will be suspended effective 15 December, creating great opportunities for one-way travel in any part of the world. One-way travel is possible now, but you are charged the round-trip price and must book over the phone, incurring a C$30 call center fee. This rule change makes your Aeroplan (and thereby American Express Membership Rewards) points more valuable by making them more versatile.
The Indian Subcontinent has been an oddity in Aeroplan pricing, with prices between India and other regions that often defied logic. If I had to guess the reason for the high prices it would be that prior to Air India's joining of Star Alliance there was no way to get from India to another region directly: routing via one or more "third" regions was required. Air India's entrance in Star Alliance has solved that and led to a welcome relief in pricing.
For example, right now if you want to travel from India to South Africa in first class the price is 140K miles each way. That price drops to 100K miles each way on 15 December. Travel within the Indian subcontinent drops to 60K r/t in business class from 75K, though that still seems very high.
Prices will go up for domestic shorthaul Canadian business class travel, South America, and Europe in business and first class as well as to Australia in economy class.
Let's face it — after what we have seen United and Delta do (and especially after what Aeroplan has done in the past), this could have been a lot worse. 70K for one-way first class to Europe is what United used to charge prior to its 2014 devaluation, when a one-way first class trip to Europe rose to 110K one-way. Aeroplan tacks on fuel surcharges of about $400 in each direction, but Lufthansa First Class will remain a good redemption option since Aeroplan charges no close-in booking fee and Lufthansa First Class award space will not appear less than 15 days prior to travel.
Round-trip travel to Western Europe ("Europe 1") is still a good deal at 110K r/t in business class, especially because Aeroplan allows two stopovers on round-trip awards and doesn't pass on fuel surcharges on Brussels, SAS, Swiss, Turkish, and United flights.
South America is not the best redemption — considering Avianca-TACA and Copa do not have great business class products — but flying United or Air Canada will still get you lie-flat seats in business class and don't forget Turkish flies between Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo.
In all honesty here, I am "relieved" by these changes, for the award chart increases to North America – Europe premium cabin redemptions could have been much worse. The ability to redeem one-way awards anywhere is a huge plus. Let's hope this is it for 2016 Aeroplan devalautions.
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