Background: Environmental risk assessment (ERA) is imperative for commercial release of insect resistant, genetically modified crops (IR-GMCs).An insect specific, spider venom peptideω-HXTX-Hv1a (Hvt) was successfully expressed in cotton plants. The cotton plants producing Hvt protein have demonstrated resistance against economically important insect pest species. The study was performed to assess the effects of Hvt producing cotton plants on Honey bees (Apis mellifera).
Methods: Three approaches were used to evaluate the effects of Hvt protein on adults of honeybees; whole plant assays in flight cages, in vitro assays with pollen of Hvt-cotton, and assays with elevated levels of purified Hvt protein. Pollens of Bt cotton or purified Bt proteins were used as control.
Results: The field experiments did not yield any meaningful data due to high rate of mortality in all treatments including the control. However, the laboratory experiments provided conclusive results in which Hvt, purified or in pollens, did not affect the survival or longevity of the bees compared to the control. During the course of study we were able to compare the quality, effectiveness and economics of different experiments.
Conclusions: We conclude that Hvt either purified or produced in cotton plants do not affect the survival or longevity of honey bees. We are also of the view that starting at laboratory level assays not only gives meaningful data but also saves a lot of time and money that can be spent on other important questions regarding safety of a particular transgenic crop. Hence, a purpose-based, tiered approach could be the best choice for pre-release ERA of IR-GMCs.
Commercial release of insect resistant genetically modified crops (IR-GMCs) has been one of the most important advances in agricultural biotechnology . According to estimates, by 2015, cultivated area under GM crops had reached to 179 million hectares in 28 countries . IR-GMCs provide a number of benefits, such as decreased need for chemical insecticides, improved yield, lower production costs and compatibility with the host environment [3-5]. Owing to reports of reduced efficacy and resistance against cry proteins [6,7], the efforts to find novel insect resistant proteins continues. Recently transgenic cotton and tobacco plants producing synthetic version of a spider venom peptide ω-HXTX-Hv1a (Hvt) have been developed. These transgenic plants have demonstrated resistance against economically important insect pest species such as Helicoverpa armigera, Heliothis virescens, Spodoptera littoralis and others [8,9].
This study was a part of pre-release risk assessment of transgenic cotton producing Hvt. Hvt is a 37 amino acid peptide from an Australian funnel-web spider, Hadronyche versuta , and has been effective against many commercially important insects of different orders including Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera [11-15]. The emphasis was to evaluate the effects on non-target arthropods (NTAs). They include beneficial species that contribute via biological control, pollination or decomposition of organic materials [16,17]. For the selection of NTA species one should consider, the accessibility of facilities and expertise to rear and maintain the species in controlled conditions, and the availability of valid and recognized laboratory test protocols [16,18]. The representative species of NTAs, selected on the basis of above mentioned factors, are referred to as surrogate species . We used honeybees, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) as surrogate species because, their products have a strong ecological, medicinal and economic importance in rural culture of South Asia, and have been associated with increased production of many crops . Honey bees have also been used as model for toxicity studies and environmental risk assessment of biological and chemical substances [21,22]. They are commercially available and reared mostly for honey production in Pakistan. At the problem formulation stage we were struck between so many diverse options regarding risk assessment approaches that were being used to evaluate potential hazards of GMCs. We had three approaches on the table; a) whether we should test the whole plants; b) the part of the plant that the test non-target arthropod consumes as a food (e.g. pollen),and c) the novel trait (Hvt protein) that has been expressed in the transgenic plants. These three approaches complemented three test hypotheses; i) transgenic cotton line producing Hvt protein are substantially equivalent to its near-isogenic, non-transgenic line; ii) the nutritional value of pollens produced by the Hvt-transgenic cotton line was not significantly different as compared to the pollens produced by its near-isogenic, non-transgenic line; and iii) Hvt protein have no detrimental effect on the survival and longevity of the A. mellifera adults. Literature supporting all these approaches was available and every approach had merits and demerits of its own. Thus, we tested all three approaches, and drew conclusions on the basis of the quality and robustness of results. We also compared economics of all the approaches, as it is one of the most crucial factors while designing risk assessment strategy for countries with trifling economies in Asia and Africa.
Seeds of transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) line T-7 expressing the spider venom toxin gene ω-HXTX-Hv1a (Hvt) under the control of a constitutive 35S promoter Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) and its near isogenic, non-transgenic cotton line Presence of Hvt gene was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and 137 bp gene was amplified, using event specific primers (Forward: 5'-TAC GTA ATG TCA CCA ACT TGC AT-3': Reverse: 5'-GCG GCC GCT TAA TCG CAT CTT TT-3'). PCR conditions were 95 ºC for 5minutes, 95 ºC for 30 seconds, 59 ºC for 30 seconds, 72 ºC for 1 minute and 72 ºC for 5 minutes. PCR product was detected by electrophoresis on 2% agarose gel along with 50 bp DNA ladder (GeneRuler™, Fermentas).
Transgenic Bt-cotton producing Cry1Ac protein was used as known control. Seeds of Bt-cotton line IR-1524, and it's near isogenic, non-transgenic line were used. This variety produces Cry1Ac protein (Mon531 event) up to 676.59ng g-1 of fresh leaf . Presence of Mon-531 event was confirmed by performing PCR on genomic DNA of individual plants using event specific primers; Forward 5'-CAAAGGAGCCTGTTCA-3' and Reverse 5'-TGAGGTGAGTCAGAATGTTGTTC-3' . PCR conditions followed the method of Yang et al. (2005). The plants were grown in NIBGE experimental fields (either open or in cages) in years 2009 and 2010 in normal cotton growing season.
Separate colonies were purchased at the time of each experiment. In total five colonies of A. mellifera were used at different times, as the need arose. Each colony contained about 5000-6000 workers and a fertile, 1-year old queen. Honeybee colonies were maintained in the form of hives, each hive had 5 combs, 2 combs containing brood, 2 with honey, while 1 comb was left empty for emerging brood and food storage purposes. In each hive, the combs were positioned near the center of the box, separated by a division board. These colonies had been provided with standard sanitary treatments and had not been treated with any chemical whatsoever for at least 30 days before commencing the experiments. In addition to nearby flowering crops, 40% sugar solution was provided as a constant supply of food, filled in bowls placed near the hives.
To assess the effects of transgenic plants on development of honey bees, semi-field assays were performed in 2010. Our vision at the time was to observe bees in close to natural environment over a longer period of time. We wanted to observe any visible unintended change in the behavior of bees in response to transgenic plants. For example, what would be the effect on their foraging behavior; would they like transgenic plants equally as compared to the non-transgenic; would they be able to survive on transgenic plants as long they do on the non-transgenic; what is the effect on fecundity and quality of honey produced by the bees.
The plants were grown in three plots A, B & C (3m x 10m), in south-north direction. Plot A grew only the non-transgenic cotton (two rows of non-Bt and two rows of non-Hvt, assuming that the genetic backgrounds of the cotton varieties were similar), plot B received only Hvt- cotton plants, while plot C grew only the Bt-cotton plants. At the beginning of flowering stage (50 days after emergence) each plot was turned into a flight cage (3m x 10 m, 3m high at the center and 2m at the sides). The cage structure made with iron pipes was installed around the plots, and then it was covered with a green cloth having a mesh size 2mm x 2mm. The setup we constructed was inspired by the study of Decourtye et al. . It created an environment close to field conditions, at least in theory. One colony of honeybees (A. mellifera) was placed in each cage in the evening, so that all the bees might have returned to the colony. A bowl of 40% sugar solution was placed near the hive as a constant food supply. The data for mortality and foraging behavior of honey bees was recorded daily. Dead bees were counted and removed from each cage in the evening.
The entire laboratory assays were performed in control condition at 25±2 °C, 70±5% RH, and a 16 h photoperiod.
Pollens of transgenic and their respective non-transgenic cotton lines (planted in field) were collected with the help of camel hair brush in Petri-dishes, in the morning hours. Petri dishes containing fresh pollens were carefully labeled, transported to the laboratory and stored at -20 until use.
To assess the effect of transgenic pollens, newly emerged honeybees (<48 h) were separated from the colony. A group of 10 bees was placed in clear plastic boxes (15 cm diameter, 20cm height). The bees were fed with 2M sucrose solution containing pollens of non-transgenic cotton (control), or Hvt cotton, or pollens of Bt-cotton expressing Cry1Ab. Pollen of non-transgenic cotton mixed with 2M sucrose solution of Triazophos 6.7µg mL-1 was used as positive control. The amount of pollens in all treatment was 0.16 g mL-1. The methodology followed was a modified form of that used by Liu et al. (2005).
The supply of food solutions in the experimental arenas was regularly monitored and was replenished every 1-2 days. The solutions were always renewed before complete consumption of the previous dose. Data was collected every 24 h, dead honey bees were counted, recorded and removed from the boxes. Each treatment began with at least three replicates (plastic boxes)/ thirty bees.
Laboratory assays were performed to assess the effects of purified proteins on the survival and longevity of honeybees. New emerging bees were separated from the colony, and a group of 10 bees was placed in clear plastic boxes (15 cm diameter, 20 cm height). They were subsequently, provided with food solutions containing 0.5 M sucrose and different concentrations of Hvt (0, 40 µg mL-1), Cry2Ab2 (10 µg mL-1) or Potassium arsenate (0.5 g mL-1). As a favorite source of protein for honey bees, pollens of non-transgenic cotton were added to every food solution at the rate of 0.16 g mL-1, as described by Liu et al .
Cages: in first experiment the amount spent on construction of green houses and in 2nd and 3rd experiment amount spent on plastic boxes.
Bees: The amount spent on purchase of honeybee colonies and sucrose to feed them.
Sowing: In experiment 1 and 2, amount spent on the land preparation and sowing of seeds.
Labor; the amount spent on labor was calculated as per hour, multiplied by the total number of hours spent in each experiment. In experiment 1 and 2 field crop was required to maintain for four months. The labor was required for sowing, watering, manure application and data collection. On an average 2 hours of labor was required each day. All the expenses were calculated in Pakistani rupees (PKR).
Kaplan-Meier procedure and Log-rank test were used to compare the survival responses of adult A. mellifera. Chi-square (χ²) Analyses and t-test were performed for comparison of means. All the statistical analyses were performed with computer software SPSS (version 16, IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA).
The whole plant, semi-field assays failed to provide any meaningful data. A large number (>500) of honey bees died every day in both the transgenic as well as the control plots. High mortality in the control meant the data were not conclusive for risk assessment purpose. The mortality of bees was mainly due to collision with the net on the eastern and southern side of the sheds. We observed that the bees wanted to fly towards the rising sun in the morning and collided furiously to the net and fell down dead. It was a shocking discovery. We discontinued the experiment after 5 days in which almost 75 % of the bees died, clearly due to collision with the netting cloth. The mortality was evenly distributed among all the treatments.
The effects of transgenic pollen producing Hvt or Cry1Ac were assessed on survival of worker bees of A. mellifera. Fig. 1 shows percent survival of A. mellifera adults along the time. The survival pattern in any of the treatments was not significantly different from the control (non-transgenic pollen+2M sucrose solution). The pollens of transgenic cotton lines (containing either Hvt or Cry1Ac) had no effect on the survival of worker bees, (Log-Rank test =0.785, P = 0.376). Mean life (longevity) in the control treatment (non-transgenic pollen 0.16g mL-1 mixed in 2M sucrose solution) was 293.42±35.36 h (mean±SE), 307.64±28.13h in the Bt-pollen treatment and 282.51±29.73 in the Hvt pollen treatment (0.16 g mL-1) (Fig. 2). All the worker bees fed with the Triazophos 6.7µg mL-1 mixed with 2M sugar solution and non-transgenic pollen died within 24 hours.
The effect of purified Hvt (40 µg mL-1) and Cry2Ab2 (10 µg mL-1) on longevity and survival of worker bees of A. mellifera was assessed. The survival pattern in any of the treatments was not significantly different from the control (2 M sucrose solution). All the worker bees fed with potassium arsenate (positive control) died within 24 hours. The results of the assays with purified proteins, along with several other assays performed with target and non-target arthropods have already been published .
The expenses incurred on each experiment varied considerably from each other. In experiment 1, a sum total of about PKR.158000, (USD1580) used on the experimental setup, and purchase and maintenance of honeybee colonies. In the second experiment performed with pollens of transgenic cotton varieties, a sum total of PKR. 43000 (USD430) incurred, it is 3.58 times less than the expenses incurred in the first experiment. While, in the 3rd experiment, performed with purified proteins, the expenses came to be merely PKR. 9000 (USD90) (Table 1), a humongous 17.11 times less than that incurred on the first experiment, and 4.77 times less than the second one.
Environmental concerns remain one of the biggest limitations for development, commercial release and worldwide acceptance of novel GM crops . One has to analyze the toxicity of a particular insecticidal protein to NTAs along with the level of exposure expected in field conditions [16,26,27].
Whole plant assays were performed to see any visible effect of transgenic cotton lines on the feeding behavior of honey bees. The rationale behind this experimental design was to provide conditions as close to field as possible. We included actual plantation in to the flying arena instead of the pollen only method of Decourtye et al. . However, the parameters we wanted to record were slightly different from them, as they were mainly interested in studying changes in olfactory learning behavior patterns of honey bees in response to different insecticides. The dimensions of flying arena we provided to the bees were significantly bigger than that of the Decourtye et al. , who used flight cages with dimensions of 2.5m x 2.5m, 2m height.
The biggest physical drawback of field assay was the poor control over environmental conditions e.g. temperature, humidity, light and precipitation. The flowering season of cotton plants coincides with the most humid months of the year in Pakistan. The humidity inside the flight cages was at times more than 90%. This elevated humidity, combined with high temperatures, more than 35 ˚C at noon, is troublesome for honeybees. The rate at which honeybees died was alarming. Within a week of experiment we lost almost 80% of the bees in every treatment and the remaining became sick. They could not regain their population after being placed even in open field outside the flight cages, and did not survive very long.
We are also of the view that it is relatively difficult to monitor the clear toxicity endpoints in open field experiments. The results drawn from such an experiments would be less robust and are unlikely to be reproduced in another experiment .
There are other open field methods to expose honeybees to transgenic plants. For example, Huang et al. placed bee hives in large plantations of transgenic and non-transgenic canola crop for the study of population dynamics and behavior of bees . Such experiments are expensive and time consuming for a risk assessment purpose. Such experiments are also vulnerable to environmental stresses as well, and involve a considerable environmental risk if the transgenic protein is actually hazardous. Perhaps, such experiments can be considered as a part of post-release monitoring program .
Honeybees consume pollens as an important source of protein. Therefore, experiments were performed on newly emerged (<48 h old) worker bees, and were fed with pollens of transgenic cotton (Hvt and Bt). Survival and longevity of the bees fed on transgenic pollen was statistically similar to that of the control. Hence, we can safely assume that the nutritional value of Hvt as well as Bt pollen is same as that of the pollen of non-transgenic cotton lines. There were no observable, unintended changes in the nutritional composition of the transgenic pollen. Literature proposes that the level of transgenic protein produced in pollen is extremely lower compared to that in other parts, usually [29,30]. Furthermore, the concentration of transgenic protein varies significantly depending upon the nature of the transgenic protein, crop specie and genetic background of the variety of a particular crop, and many other physiological and environmental factors [31-39]. There are other methods of exposing adults or larvae of honeybees to the pollen of transgenic plants. For example mixing the pollen in honey or sugar to form a cake/ candy, and place it inside the hive [40,41]. However, such experiments require very sophisticated set of skills, expertise and equipment regarding data collection, handling and rearing of honeybees. Therefore, the most appropriate method for toxicological studies comes to be the assays with elevated levels of purified protein instead of using parts of a transgenic plant. While performing artificial-diet bioassays, the most important aspect to be considered is the amount of protein to be fed to the non-target arthropods.
Honeybees were fed Hvt protein at 40 µg mL-1, significantly higher amount than the LC95 value for the target insect pests of Hvt, Spodoptera littoralis and Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). No adverse effects were found on the survival and longevity of honeybees fed on Hvt . In a recent study, Nakasu et al., (2014) reported similar results. They reported only small effect on survival of adults by ingestion (LD50. 100 mg bee-1) or injection of fusion protein. Bees fed acute (100 mg bee-1) or chronic (0.35 mg ml-1) doses of Hv1a/GNA, and trained in an olfactory learning task, had similar rates of learning and memory to no-pesticide controls. The larvae of honeybees were also unaffected by Hv1a/GNA, and were able to degrade this protein after ingestion .
Apart from A. mellifera, we were able to perform non-target assays with Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Aphidius colemani (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae). Both the proteins Hvt (10, 40 µg mL-1) or Cry2Ab2 10µg mL-1, did not adversely affect any of the life-table parameters of C. carnea, C. septempunctata or A. colemani . The experiments with purified Hvt protein included a treatment of purified Cry2Ab2 as a known standard. It did not show any harmful effects on studied parameters of the non-target arthropods. Our results are similar to most of the previous reports about the safety of Bt proteins and pollen producing them [35,36,43-45].
The comparison between the expenses incurred on different experiments showed that laboratory assays are the most suitable in financial terms. They not only give reliable, interpretable results but also save money, time and space resources. For example, after the non-significant results obtained from assays with C. septempunctata, C. carnea and A. colemani  we do not need any field or semi-field assays. In theory, starting with purified protein assays saved us close to half a million PKR. The only expenses are maintaining the insect populations in laboratory that vary on a case by case basis. The cost of laboratory instruments and provision of control conditions were not included in expenses, as they were already available in the institute. Similarly, expenses incurred on protein purification were provided by the developers of the GM plants. In terms of time, the experiments with A. mellifera took almost four years to be planned, optimized and get meaningful data. While, experiments with other three non-target arthropods took only a year. The time for protein purification and optimization of assays is also included in that year. The expenses would soar up to another level if the total time and the used space are also assigned monetary values.
Hvt protein purified or produced in plants has no adverse effect on survival or longevity of adult honey bees. Furthermore, purpose-based, tiered-risk-assessment approach is the best choice for pre-release risk assessment studies. Risk assessment strategy should begin with conventional laboratory-based toxicity tests (lower tiers) where NTA are exposed to high concentrations of purified test insecticidal proteins [16,26]. Such studies increase the likelihood of identifying any adverse effect of the insecticidal proteins on NTAs. If no adverse effects are observed under the worst-case exposure conditions the risk is considered as being tolerable or negligible. Thus, there is no need to conduct higher tier testing as there is minimum probability of adverse effects in the field conditions where NTAs are exposed to far lower levels of the insecticidal proteins [26,27,46].The methods may vary but starting at laboratory level assays gives most reliable results. In addition, fit for purpose approach saves invaluable time, and a lot of money that can be spent on other important questions regarding biosafety of GMCs.
We are thankful to Dr. Zahid Mukhtar for providing culture of transgenic E.coli, and seeds of Hvt-cotton. We also thank Dr. Jörg Romeis, Leader Biosafety group at Agroscope, Institute of Sustainability Sciences ISS Zurich in Switzerland for mentoring Dr. Inaam Ullah during his stay. Funding for this study was provided by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan.
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Some of our most notable historic restoration projects, as diverse as they are memorable, include the 150-year-old Centenary building in Carlisle (a former 19th century church severely damaged by fire), the renowned Molly Pitcher Hotel in Carlisle, the noteworthy Iroquois Hotel in New Cumberland, the stately Pennsylvania Republican Committee headquarters on historic State Street in Harrisburg, and, most recently, the Towne Centre Apartment and Retail project in Newville, PA.
Fostering a resounding commitment to revitalization and preservation efforts that are geared toward economic growth for the region, Tuckey Restoration's historic preservation efforts have not gone without notice. We've been honored with the prestigious Chrysalis Award for Remodeling Excellence, as well as an Historic Preservation Award from Preservation Pennsylvania for the Centenary building in Carlisle. Further, the company was recognized by the State of Pennsylvania and given a citation for "Impeccable Workmanship" for the cleaning, restoration and preservation efforts on the rotunda of the historical state capitol building in Harrisburg by the Pennsylvania Capital Preservation Committee.
At Tuckey Restoration, Inc. our goal is to help bridge the gap between the past and present with revitalizing preservation projects that are designed to thrive well into the future. Historic building preservation is our way of ensuring that residents in the region can experience and enjoy our rich heritage for many generations to come.
If you have a historical building you'd like to preserve or restore, contact the Pennsylvania historic restoration professionals at Tuckey Restoration today. Call us at (717) 249-7052, or make an online service inquiry by filling out our contact form.


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In the award-winning book "Freakonomics," economist Sudhir Venkatesh got unprecedented access to the inner workings of a crack distribution ring. When he crunched the numbers, he found the average crack dealer made less than minimum wage. They were at the bottom of a pyramid-like labor chart, sacrificing for the slim chance of making it to the top.
In a post-industrial economy, drug dealing is not the only occupation where wages disproportionally skew towards the top 1%. The odds are stacked against Millenials, whether they strive to be football players or lawyers.
Admittance into a top-14 law school, like a scholarship from a top-10 college football program, is the culmination of a lifetime of striving. Of the over 100,000 high school seniors who play football, fewer than 3,000 sign Division I letters of intent. Similarly, the top 25% in Harvard Law's 2009 class had an average GPA of 3.95 and a LSAT score of 175, which puts them in the 99th percentile of the over 100,000 test takers each year.
Yet, despite overcoming nearly impossible odds, each group still has the toughest test of their lives ahead of them — each other. NFL teams rarely draft players not at the top of the depth chart, even at powerhouses like Texas or Oklahoma. And even at Harvard or Columbia Law, "Big Law" firms — those with the coveted $160,000 starting salaries — don't reach too far below the median class rank when selecting first-year associate.
As you go down the ranks, the odds only decrease. NFL players from non-BCS conferences were usually top-tier starters in college, while top-50 law schools typically send only 10-25% of each class to "Big Law." And just as there are always a few DII and DIII players in the draft each year, students from tier 2 and tier 3 law schools occasionally beat out graduates of elite schools for jobs. But "small school" success stories are the best of the best — collegiate All-Americans, the top 1% of their class in law review.
Of course, you cannot solely judge the experience of playing collegiate sports or earning a graduate degree by their end result. NCAA telecasts are full of former athletes extolling the virtues of their collegiate experience, declaring, "Most of us will be going pro in something other than athletics." Proponents of law school, meanwhile, trumpet a JD's versatility in the job market.
However, each has hidden costs that take a substantial long-term toll on those involved. The newest research on concussions indicates that the gravest threats to players are not the highlight-reel hits, but the trauma of endless low-impact collisions over years of practice. Football players, especially linemen, usually put on 30-40 pounds of muscle in college, locking themselves into eating habits that will become increasingly unhealthy when they no longer burn thousands of calories a day in practice.
Law students who miss out on "Big Law" in 2L OCI are often left with over $100,000 in non-dischargeable student loan debt that can take most of their professional lives to pay off. The high starting salaries of first-year New York City associates hide the bimodal distribution of law incomes — most lawyers earn modest middle-class salaries and have little opportunity to transfer into the "Big Law" salary structure, not when there are thousands of new students clamoring for spots coming in behind them each year.
For the lucky few that do manage to scale the mountain, the dream often differs harshly from reality. Big law firms are notorious sweatshops where first-year associates are pushed to work more than 2,000 billable hours a year, most of it both extremely monotonous and incredibly stressful. Under the still widely used Cravath model of law-firm hiring, only a handful of a class of 35-40 associates last at a firm long enough to make partner. The NFL is just as tough — for every Peyton Manning or Ray Lewis, there are 10 special teams players clinging to a roster spot. The average career lasts only 3.5 years.
So when you watch a 22-year old walk across the stage of the NFL Draft to shake the commissioner's hand, take a second to look at the young lawyers and agents in suits surrounding him. They too have beaten odds just as long to get there.


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W+K London launches design studio, NOT Wieden+Kennedy with an infinitely customisable visual identity
NOT W+K is the creative agency Wieden+Kennedy London's latest offering as an in-house branding and design studio. With an 18-strong team of designers, creative technologists, motion designers, 3D artists, brand strategists and writers, NOT W+K can tailor responses to briefs and work with collaborators inside and outside the agency's global network.
The department is headed up by award-winning branding and design creative director Adam Rix, whose 20 years' worth of experience has seen him work with clients including Nike, Dr Martens, BBC, Manchester City Football Club and the British Fashion Council.
Rix has partnered with brand director Anika Ramani, who joins NOT W+K from global brand consultancy Interbrand where she was client director and equity diversity & inclusion lead. She has previously worked with companies like Estee Lauder Group, Unilever, Cartier and Great.
Rix said: "NOT W+K is all about the power of the team. We have an incredible group from a wide range of backgrounds – from editorial to in-house and the world's best branding and design agencies.
"Combine that talent with their experience of applying the world's biggest brands to a never-ending list of deliverables, and we can create brands that work in the real world and strike the perfect balance of flexibility and consistency to keep pace with audiences and culture.
"By taking what W+K does best – and applying it to design and branding – we're offering a compelling and different approach to our clients and beyond."
What makes the studio so remarkable is its infinitely customisable, generative identity, which is owned by the entire team and can be reworked to show affinity to clients and specific projects. The visual identity was built through a digital generator – known as The NOT Machine. It customises wordmarks from images and icons and then lets these become animations. This means anyone can create an animated logo easily in response to their personal style, specific client project, pitch or popular culture.
The NOT W+K team has made a version of the generator publically available as an antidote to the January blues. Users can pick a series of images, icons, backgrounds, and overlay drawings or writings before activating the animation. It's a way of spreading joy and a little stupidity online.
NOT W+K was established to help ambitious brands find their voice. Through focusing on brand strategy, visual identity and tone of voice, the branding and design studio will breathe fresh life into brands by prioritising design that inspires people, culture and business. The team have been tasked with creating work that gets audiences to feel something.
Ryan Fisher, president of W+K London, added: "From Nike to Sainsbury's to Formula 1, Wieden+Kennedy London has a wealth of world-class design-led, brand-building experience on a local and global scale. But until now, much of that work has been created with advertising at the core. NOT W+K can deliver design-led transformation to brands, with work that impacts culture and business."
The studio will be based within W+K's east London offices and will operate with its own revenue stream and new business strategy, working with new and existing clients.
2023 Cinema Eye Honors: 'All That Breathes' takes top prize
Explaining TNN New Visual Identity


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Autonomous & Electric MobilityMobility Services
Urban Air Mobility is set to take off—with lift from auto industry
The future of mobility was just around the corner. Cars would drive themselves. Urban air mobility (UAM), a new transportation mode involving electric-powered flying vehicles, would revolutionize city commutes. Then COVID-19 happened, inflicting previously unimaginable harm and havoc on the world.
For many automotive companies, this meant pausing sky-high plans for the more sobering and necessary task of producing medical equipment. It also meant getting back to basics: Manufacturing service parts, quality components, and reliable vehicles to ensure people can get from point A to B safely during this incredibly difficult time.
But over the long-term, and as the world reopens, the high-minded notions about UAM's transformative power have not been grounded.
Traffic will again clog city streets. Commuters, more skeptical of public transportation's cleanliness, might favor more isolated to-order transit options. The demand for greener and more efficient transportation modes will not go away.
That is why, when UAM comes back into focus, its players—from aerospace heavyweights to nimble startups—stand to learn much from the century-old auto industry.
For one thing, there are many synergies between the automotive and aerospace sectors. Both are rooted in safety, quality, and manufacturing. But the auto industry's unique ability to bring these values to life at incredible scale is essential to UAM's future success. As this nascent market looks upward for growth, here is how its four-wheeled friends on the ground can give it a lift.
360-degree sensing for 360-degree travel
For years, the auto industry has been developing autonomous vehicles and placing a heightened focus on advanced in-vehicle safety and navigation systems like innovative radar and 360-degree sensing. The importance of this type of technology essentially doubles when it comes to UAM vehicles, since radar sensing will no longer just be required on the sides of vehicles, but also above and below.
As auto industry companies have spent years perfecting this technology, it is only natural that they will be on the forefront of helping it "take-off" as well.
Electrifying movement
Utilizing hybrid and electric propulsion systems will be just as important as safety for UAM manufacturers, with four in 10 Americans living with unhealthy air, according to the American Lung Association (https://bit.ly/2MWqhxW). And air pollution is a topic that is seeing even more attention as COVID-19 swept the world; in fact, electric car sales have doubled during the coronavirus outbreak, according to Forbes (https://bit.ly/3fgLz5G).
UAM vehicles must utilize hybrid and electric propulsion systems to ensure they do not add to air pollution, and auto companies have been working to perfect that technology for decades.
In addition, while the automotive industry has made strides in improving battery life—most electric vehicles (EVs) can travel 100-miles plus before charging—taking it to the skies is next-level. Though significant progress has been made in lithium-ion batteries, according to Axios (https://bit.ly/37qykwL), global automakers are still investing heavily to improve battery performance for EVs—and potentially for UAM solutions.
Putting the shhhh in mobility shifts
Urban air taxis will fly over communities and homes at low altitude, so they must be quiet. This need is magnified as more people are working from their homes versus downtown office buildings that are soundproofed for traffic.
As it happens, electric cars are extremely quiet, with some saying they may be too quiet, according to Axios (https://bit.ly/2UUu7MP). Nevertheless, the technologies that power them could apply, with slight alterations, to urban air vehicles. However, this concern about silent travel on the road flips into a positive in the sky, making electrified air taxis ideal for urban spaces and helping to reduce noise pollution.
And given that electric motors and inverters are already in mass production, high-quality control can be achieved—a necessity to building public trust in this new market.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we must look to new-mobility solutions for our communities to function safely and efficiently. UAM presents a tangible solution to this by alleviating congestion while simultaneously improving air quality. It is without a doubt that it will play a key role in the future of mobility ecosystems.
As the world emerges from quarantine, expect to see not only the aerospace industry leading the charge into UAM, but traditional automakers and suppliers playing key roles in getting this new mobility solution off the ground (pun intended).
This article was originally posted on www.autonomousvehicletech.com.
KEYWORDS: Electric Vehicle (EV) Flying Car transportation UAM
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Tommy Tracey of Springburn is almost a forgotten man as far as the Scottish distance running fraternity is concerned and this profile is an attempt, however slight, to put it right. He is very highly spoken of by those who knew him, and the reports of his running and racing indicate that he was a quality athlete. His career was almost all within the period 1948 to 1957.
Season 1948-'49 and Tommy's first run was in the McAndrew Relay at Scotstoun and although there was no outstanding time this time, John Emmet Farrell in the 'Scots Athlete' commented that 'Tracey, who proved best of a well-balanced Springburn quartette, looks a good prospect.' Two weeks later he was in the team for the Kingsway relay in Perth as part of a Springburn team that finished second with McLean, Reid and Jim Morton (who was fourth fastest on the day). In the Midlands Relays in December 1949 he was in the Springburn team which finished down the field: he himself had a good run though and was equal second fastest in the race. In the Midland Championship on 5th February 1949 he finished sixth. Then in March, he was nineteenth in his first National in a Springburn team which finished fifth and not far from the medals. There were two Edinburgh to Glasgow relays in 1949 and Springburn only participated in the earlier race, in April. Tommy made his maiden run in this event running on the second stage and pulling the club from seventh to fifth time on the leg. Emmet Farrell reported in September 1949 when reviewing the summer season that "The steady running of the Springburn Harriers in the Two Mile Races was a feature. Jim Morton and company certainly demonstrated that good team running can often defeat brilliant individualism and a weak tail. In the Three Miles Scottish Championship, Tom Tracey and Jim Morton ran above themselves to finish third and fifth and handsomely beat the standard time into the bargain." So he was not just a winter season runner – the times for the event were not published in the magazine which only gave the winner's time.
"With Victoria Park's Andrew Forbes still troubled with his leg and out for the season, Tom Tracey, 22 year old painter of Springburn Harriers has stepped right into his shoes as king-pin of Scottish distance men. Delighting his clubmates most with his recent National 3 Miles championship win, he has been unbeaten in Scotland so far this season over 2 and 3 Miles. His best 2 Mile time yet is 9:32.8 at Helenvale, and at Belfast he clocked the equivalent of a 14:37 3 Mile when finishing second to H Ashenfelter (USA) in a special handicap on a grass track.
He started running at 14 and was sixth in a Scottish Youths Cross-Country Championship running for South Glasgow AAC, but gave up the sport for a couple of years with his club going defunct. Joining up with Springburn in 1947, he came under the eye of Jim Morton and nursed into the 2 Mile team the club were patiently building. Honours came over cross-country, winning his club championship in 1949 and 1950, and he gained his international jersey at Brussels by finishing third in the National.
In the McAndrew on 7th October, Victoria Park won from Shettleston with Springburn third and there were two Springburn runners in the top six times but Tracey led them all with15:42 followed by Andy Forbes on 15:45, the second Springburn runner being McLean in fourth (equal to Ben Bickerton) with 16:08. On 21st October in the Dundee Kingsway Relay, Springburn were second to Victoria Park with Tom Tracey having second fastest time of the day with 13:47 to Andy Forbes's 13:44. Revenge for the senior athlete! After praising Forbes's return to form, Emmet Farrell said that Tracey is going great guns showing form equal to Forbes himself and is proving himself a grand leader of a splendid Springburn team. he ended by looking forward to the Forbes Tracey duels. In the District Relays on 4th October, Springburn were second to Victoria Park, and Tommy had fastest time ahead of Andy Forbes. The Edinburgh to Glasgow settled into the place that would become its own in November, 1950, and Tommy ran the sixth stage for the team that would finish fifth. Second fastest on the stage behind Andy Forbes, he picked up one place from sixth to fifth. The report in the 'Scots Athlete' refers to Springburn Harriers deserving sympathy for their plucky and courageous fight back after the mishap to their first and incidentally one of their best runners. It goes on to say, "Tom Tracey of Springburn excelled in the long 7 miles sector". Looking ahead to the Beith Harriers New Year race, Farrell said The individual struggle may be the high-light with Forbes and Tracey setting a merry pace in front of the others. Both men have been within seconds of each other for fastest lap times this season with honours fairly even except in the 'News of the World' race where Forbes had the edge. This will, however, be the first time this season that they have met in actual scratch competition and fit and well they should provide an epic race with the winner anybody's choice. For myself, I have a feeling that Forbes' experience will still prevail against the Springburn crack's youth." The Beith race was not reported on but the Nigel Barge Five Miles Open Road Race on 6th January 1951 was and victory did indeed go to the older man with Forbes winning in 23:41 to Tracey's 24:31 with Farrell himself in third in 24:48. The Midland Championships in February 1951 were held at Millerston with "under Arctic conditions with 7″ of snow lying" according to the 'Scots Athlete'. It went on to report on the race, "The seven mile race served up some surprises when it was seen that Bannon and Tracey were alternately setting the pace and slowly dropping Forbes. Tracey ran out a worthy winner with Victoria Park taking the team award, coming away in the second half to wipe out Shettleston's earlier points advantage." Springburn was the third team with their counting runners being Tracey, John Stevenson seventh, Jim Morton eighth, J Wallace twenty sixth, N McGowan Twenty ninth and A Stevenson thirty seventh. Looking ahead to the National, Farrell thought it would be between Forbes and Reid before saying, "I cannot just see Tracey and Craig as serious challengers for the individual title yet I feel they are reasonably certain of forward places and international selection." The story is told of Tommy, a month later, virtually missing the start the National of 1951 because he was on the wrong side of the fence talking to some club mates when the gun went off! He was not the only one to be caught out – the start was generally reckoned to be a wee bit early. Nevertheless, he made up enough ground to finish in second place behind Andrew Forbes who was also behind the line at the start.
The photograph above gives the first six places. Tommy went home that day with two silver medals since the club had been second team. The 'Running Commentary' said: Despite a most indifferent start which caught Forbes, Tracey and others napping a most engrossing duel ensued between these two runners which ended in a narrow 20 yards victory for the former in a nip and tuck finish. These two were really out on their own. Andrew Forbes ran superbly and with magnificent judgment. Tom Tracey's display was equally impressive and it is obvious that there is little to choose between these two grand athletes. When it is considered how much Tracey lost at the start and how near he was at the finish it looks only a question of time before he adds the cross-country to his three mile title." The international in 1951 was a good one for Tommy Tracey. He was twenty fourth and the first Scot to finish, but the race was not without incident – "Tracey – Scotland's Star. Despite the loss of a shoe, Tom Tracey ran a grand and gallant race to finish twenty fourth." Shortly after the International, there was an invitation Festival of Britain 9 Miles Race in which Tom Tracey ran a sensationally brilliant race to take third place beating among others 'laughing boy' Saunders the International champion. Even though Saunders may be suffering from reaction after his brilliant Newport victory, nothing can gainsay Tracey's great performance. Tom Tracey and Eddie Bannon have both put up performances worthy of great intrinsic merit and could prove a great Scottish spear-head for next year at Hamilton. Their deeds should also instil into Scottish runners a greater 'conceit' of themselves, should supply them with that confidence which has been lacking." .
The Forbes-Tracey duel carried on into the summer. The preview of the SAAA Championships contained this paragraph from Emmet Farrell: "Unless Anglo-Scot AT Ferguson enters, the Three Miles may develop into a tussle between present champion Tom Tracey and former champion and present record holder Andrew Forbes. The versatile Victoria Park man has up to the present revealed a slight edge over the Springburn man. But it should be a great battle between experience and youth. My preference is for Forbes who I believe has not entirely given up hope of Olympic selection next year. After Andy's superb Three Mile win in 14:18 at the London Caledonia Games, he looked unbeatable but the Springburn star is ever-improving and has subsequently beaten Forbes over Two Miles in 9:25 and so this obviously looks the race of the day." The race was at Hampden Park on 23rd June and the result was a win for Forbes. 1. A Forbes 14:28.8; 2. T Tracey 14:47.1; 3. I Binnie 15:05.0. The report read: "The Three Miles did not turn out to be the race it promised to be. Holder Tom Tracey who seemed off form a bit, could not match the pace of the machine-like Andrew Forbes who won it in the second fastest championship time of the series – and his own second best in Scotland with the time 14:P28. Andy complained of the track being slow and heavy." The season's rankings produced by the 'Scots Athlete' had Forbes first, Tracey second, Ferguson third, Binnie fourth and MacDonald (Maryhill) fifth. The actual best performances were first Forbes with 14:15, second Tracey with 14:45.5, third Binnie with 15:05.6.
The McAndrew relay signalling the start of the cross-country season was on 6th October and the result was a win for Victoria Park with Springburn second. On the third leg Tracey lowered the course record by seven seconds – only to see Eddie Bannon take it even lower on the last leg by another four seconds to 15:20! In the Midland Championships of November 1951, Springburn struck gold and won from Shettleston by 20 seconds. The report in the 'Scots Athlete' read, Showing a return to form, Harry Fenion handed over a surprise lead for Bellahouston, with a five second advantage over Springburn's John Stevenson and eight seconds ahead of holders – and favourites – Victoria Park (I Binnie). Running sweetly through, Tommy Lambert (14:36) took Springburn into the lead. Meanwhile Johnny Stirling (VP) was not his usual and dropped six places to ninth, and was passed by the club's second string runner, R Kane who kept his team in fifth. At the end of the third lap, Springburn still held the lead through RF McLean but Victoria Park made ground through young Syd Ellis moving through from fifth to second, returning with 14:38, and Chic Forbes bringing the A Team to fifth with 14:32. With the last leg in the capable hands of Tom Tracey with easily the fastest time of 14:01. Springburn were proud and worthy winners with the total time of 58:27. Times and places: 1. Springburn Harriers 58:27, (J Stevenson 14:57, T Lambert 14:36 , RF McLean 14:53 , T Tracey 14:01); 2. Shettleston Harriers 58:47 (J McNeil 15:12, B Bickerton 15:08, RC Wallace 14:40, E Bannon 13:47. Fastest times: Bannon 13:47, Tracey 14:01. Then in the Edinburgh to Glasgow later in November, the team was third at the end of the first stage after a good run by John Stevenson and they were third at the end of the final stage after Tommy Lambert had a good run home. Tommy himself ran on the sixth stage again and was third fastest behind Bannon and Forbes. The team was Stevenson, McFadden, Morton, Wallace, Rankine, Tracey, McLean and Lambert. On 5th January 1952, Tom was third in the Nigel Barge (25:13) behind Forbes (24:48 and Binnie 24:58 and won the Inter-Counties contest at Westerton from Nelson and Gibson – all three from Lanarkshire.
The Midland Championships were held in the extensive grounds of Woodilee Hospital in Lenzie on 2nd February, 1952. Bannon won again but Tommy was down in fifth position with the team third – they had three men in the top ten though – Tom was fifth, J Rankin was sixth and John Stevenson eighth with the their counters being Jim Morton, D Wallace and N McGowan. In his preview of the National Championships, Emmet Farrell said, "Coming to the individuals, Scotland's big three are undoubtedly Eddie Bannon, Andy Forbes and Tom Tracey, and of these Bannon is the bright particular star and on present form must be a strong favourite to win our National cross-country title. Up to the present he has shown devastating speed and last year's brilliant fourth in the English national demonstrated that he has the stamina to go with it. Andy Forbes, present National holder, despite some worry over foot trouble continues to reveal remarkable consistency of form and with his ability to rise to the occasion is a hard man to beat. Tom Tracey is also running well though perhaps not at the peak of his form." In the National at Hamilton in March Tommy was third behind Eddie Bannon of Shettleston and AT Ferguson of Highgate Harriers in London but in front of Andy Forbes, Tom Stevenson (Greenock Wellpark) and Charlie Robertson of Dundee. He still qualified for the International Championship where he was twenty third and a scoring member of the team.
In November 1953, Springburn were again out of the medals in the District relays, but that was not down to anything Tommy Tracey did or didn't do! Fastest time of the day was by Eddie Bannon with 13:42, Tracey was second with 13:46 and Clark Wallace of Shettleston was third with 14:20. The Springburn team of McFadden, O'Reilly, A Stevenson and Tracey was seventh. In the E-G Springburn missed out on third placed medals by just four seconds to Edinburgh Southern Harriers. Tommy ran on the sixth again where he was third quickest behind Binnie and Bannon but picked the team up from ninth to fifth. S McFadden had the fastest time on the final stage but could not quite get to the Edinburgh runner. There were some new faces in the West District Championships at Lenzie in 1954 with the race being won by Harry Fenion of Bellahouston from John McLaren of Shotts with Tommy in third place leading the team to bronze medals. Emmet Farrell forecast the finishing order for the Nation thus: 1. E Bannon; 2. J Stevenson (Greenock); 3. R Reid (Birchfield); 4. T Tracey; 5. J McGhee (Shettleston); 6. H Fenion (Bellahouston; 7. WA Robertson (ESH). In the actual race, Tommy Tracey was second individual with the team in fourth position, only eleven points down on third placed Edinburgh Southern Harriers. After the E-G, then this – again losing out to ESH by the smallest of margins. How close was the individual race? 1. Eddie Bannon 50:19; 2. Tommy Tracey 50:42; 3. Harry Fenion (Bellahouston) 50:49; 4. R Kane (VP) 50:50; 5. F McKenzie (Shettleston) 50:51. His fourth and final run in the IAAF Championships was in 1954 and he was placed fifty first.
2nd October 1954 was the official start to the winter season because that was when the McAndrew Relays were held. Shettleston defeated home club Victoria Park as winners and had three teams in the first five. Springburn was third team and Tom Tracey was fifth fastest, behind Bannon, Andy Brown, Fenion and Russell. The 1954 Midlands Relays were held at Stepps Stadium again and the Springburn lost third place by six seconds to Shettleston B with Shettleston A and Victoria Park in the first two slots. Tommy Tracey ran the last lap in the fifth fastest time of the day (16:46) behind Bannon, Andy Brown, Harry Fenion, and Jim Russell. The exact same order as in the McAndrew. Tommy was again on the long sixth stage of the E-G in 1954 and again he was third fastest – this time behind Binnie and Joe McGhee. The team had been eighth at the end of the first leg but thanks to good runs by McLean, A Stevenson, O'Reilly and Futon, Tommy took over in third and handed over in third – from third to third in third fastest time – and the team was third in the race! In the Springburn team for the Midlands of 1955, Tommy Tracey was only second counter for the club: first scoring runner was Peter McParland who had had a glittering career as a Junior and on this occasion finished sixth with Tommy twenty first and the team again third. In his preview of the National, Emmet Farrell said: "Tracey, Fenion and Binnie: In normal circumstances, Tom Tracey, Harry Fenion and Ian Binnie might appear racing certainties and even now they could make up the first nine but leg injuries have severely limited the training of Tracey and Fenion and they may find their task of finishing in the first 8 or 9 by no means an easy one but they have class and the knowledge of past success to sustain them. Binnie on the other hand has rarely shown up well on cross-country but Hamilton race course should be made to measure for him." But 1955 was the second time in three years that he missed the National at Hamilton and the team was fifth, probably regretting the absence of their top man. There were no appearances at all in the top rankings that summer for Tom Tracey.
Tommy Tracey was in the Springburn Harriers C team for the McAndrew Relay on 1st October, 1955, but his time of 15:45 was faster than any of the runners in the A team and only fifteen seconds behind Gordon Nelson of Bellahouston who was fourth fastest. In the Lanarkshire Relays at Cambuslang he ran the first stage for the Springburn team that was third behind Shettleston A and B teams. In Stepps on 5th November 1955, the race for the Midland Relay Championship brought the club more medals. It was a much closer race than the previous year with Shettleston first in 56:16 and then Garscube 57:13, Springburn 57:29 and Bellahouston 57:42. Tommy was third fastest in 13:53 behind Bannon 13:46, Brown 13:51 and in front of Everett 13:57 and Nelson 13:58. In November, Tommy had the four thirds again! Still the man for the sixth stage he was third quickest behind Bannon and Binnie – and this time Tom Tracey was only one second slower than Binnie – he maintained third place and by the finish that's where the club was. Despite this fine running, he was down to third club counter in the Midland District championship with another new face ahead of him: the first three scorers for the team were John McCormack in sixth, Peter McParland eleventh and Tommy Tracey in twentieth. The team was second with more new names – John McGale ( a friend of McCormack's) twenty second, Eddie Sinclair thirty fifth and John Ballantyne forty fifth. March, 1956 was to be his last run in the National and it was his lowest finish of all – he was twenty seventh, eight places lower than his first run in the event.
In the Midlands Relays in 1956, Tommy ran the last stage for his club team of O'Reilly (15:10), Rooney (14:28), McCormack (14:08), and himself (14:24). The team was fourth, missing medals by only fourteen seconds. He ran Stage Two of the Edinburgh to Glasgow in 1956 but was clearly injured or out of sorts because he dropped from the third place handed to him to thirteenth. The club was tenth.
For Scottish endurance running, the period just after the War was a high spot. There were good committee men who had some drive – the Scottish Marathon Club is an example of that – and the standard of running, maybe in part caused by the level of fitness in the general population after the War, was very high. Victoria Park in the 50's were Kings of the Road, Shettleston nearly Kings of Country, both being hotly pursued and not at all held in awe by Bellahouston Harriers, Springburn Harriers and many other clubs. For Tommy Tracey to maintain his position in open competition for as long as he did, is quite remarkable – look at the list of names he was competing against and then see his second and third places in the National for what they were. When I asked why the career was so short, the word was that his occupation as a painter did not help because of the constant exposure to paint fumes in sometimes very confined spaces and was possibly the cause of his lengthy absence in 1952-53. Whatever the reason, Scottish athletics was the poorer for the departure of Tom Tracey.


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ALONG THE MOSELLE RIVER - COCHEM TO METZ & vice versa
By Bike & Premium Barge – Semi-guided 8 Days / 7 Nights
Follow the Moselle River as it meanders through Germany, France and Luxembourg, past endless vineyards and enchanting old villages and cities such as Cochem and Bernkastel. Visit the once imperial Roman city of Trier, boasting Germany's oldest cathedral, amphitheatre, the emperor's throne hall and the famous 'black gate', one of the remains of the ancient city wall. Follow the Saar River and visit charming Saarburg, with its stunning waterfalls in the city centre. Cycle on to Luxembourg, the only Grand Duchy in Europe then into France where the tour ends in the city of Metz, whose jewel is the splendid Gothic cathedral.
The cool wines taste delicious, the picturesque little towns have rich histories and the conditions for cycling are excellent!
Day 1: Arrive Cochem
Embarkation is 2 pm followed by a guided walk through the town to see its' impressive Reichsburg castle and a picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes.
Day 2: Cochem – Zell (cycling 39km)
Cycle to Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historical villages on the Moselle. The ruins of Castle Metternich tower above the village. After leaving Beilstein, pass Europe's steepest vineyards at Bremmer Calmont - with inclinations of up to 60 degrees. End your day's ride in Zell where you can taste the very good wines produced in the Moselle valley, especially Zeller Schwarze Katz.
Day 3: Zell on the Moselle – Bernkastel-Kues (cycling 45 km)
Leave Zell and cycle to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach, located on the Moselle's left bank and famous for its Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture. Pass through the wine city of Kröv, and on to Bernkastel-Kues, your destination for the night. The grand half-timbered houses that surround Bernkastel-Kues's marketplace date back to the Middle Ages, and are a photographer's delight.
Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues – Neumagen – Schweich | Schweich – Trier (cycling 28 km or 54 km)
From Bernkastel the valley opens up and vineyards expand as far as the eye can see. Cruise past the heavy-hitters in the wine world: Brauneber, Piesport and spectacular Trittenheim on a sharp hairpin bend on the river. Arrive in Neumagen, an important centre of wine production since Roman times. Choose to cruise or cycle on to Schweich and meet her there. Cruise to Trier, the oldest city in Germany founded around 15 BC by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum.
Day 5: Trier – Saarburg (cycling 28 km)
This morning visit Trier with your knowledgeable tour leader who will tell you all about its Roman history. After lunch cycle alongside the Moselle and Saar rivers to Saarburg, an interesting old town by the banks of the river which are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built in the mid 10th century. In the centre of town, is an amazing waterfall 20 meters high with an old mill. The majority of the houses in the area date back to the 17th and 18th century. You are free to dine in town tonight as there is no dinner on board.
Day 6: Saarburg – Remich (cycling 45 km or 53 km)
Today there are 2 cycling options. One is easy, but a bit longer along the river. The shorter option is a bit more challenging through the hills. Whichever your choice, either route will lead you into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Enroute, on the Luxembourg side of the River, visit a wine cooperative, specialising in 'Cremant, the champagne of the Moselle. Near Remich see a Roman mosaic floor, still in its original location which was once the centrepiece of a palatial Roman Villa. The creation of three million individual pieces are of scenes from gladiator games in an amphitheatre.
Day 7: Remich – Schengen | Schengen – Thionville | Thionville –Metz (30km)
During breakfast, cruise to Schengen. This little town in Luxembourg is at the border of three countries and famous for where 'The Schengen Agreement' was signed in 1985 – a treaty that led most of the European countries towards abolishment of their national borders. Cross over into France (no border controls) and pass the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains. Cycle on through lovely French countryside and friendly villages to the ancient city of Thionville with its historic centre and medieval ramparts. Join your barge to cruise to Metz, strategically situated on an old Roman trading route. Metz is full of stunning architecture, gardens and great cafes.
Day 8 (Sat): Tour ends in Metz
Disembark at 9.30am.
TERRAIN / GRADE: Moderate with some hills and days of up to 50km cycling
MEALS: Full board except for 1 dinner
Trip Notes / Prices / Dates
Click here to download (PDF) - 2022
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The Moselle to Lorraine Bike & Barge tour starts in the beautiful Moselle Valley
306 Lake Road, Takapuna
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Yum! Blissballs are such a great snack. I love taking a few of them with me to the movies.
For these coconut date blissballs I was inspired by Be Fit and Fashionable. A great website, so if you speak Dutch you should really visit it for more recipes!
Below is the recipe for the date/coconut blissballs in English.
Keep half of the chopped dates aside and mix all the other ingredients in a blinder or food processor. Roll 15 balls from the dough and put the pieces of date in them.
That's all! You're done! You can keep them in the fridge if you're not going to eat them straight away.


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Who's in and who's not? Chicago schools announce new boundaries for popular Taft High
By Yana Kunichoff - October 22, 2018
PHOTO: Tim Boyle / Getty Images
Taft High School is one of Chicago Public Schools' most overenrolled campuses. In 2019, it will spin off its freshman class to a separate campus.
The Chicago school district has announced a much-anticipated proposal for new attendance boundaries for one of its most crowded schools, William Howard Taft High School on the Northwest side.
Starting next school year, Taft will spin off one grade level to a new campus, the Taft Freshman Academy, which is expected to enroll 1,000 freshman. Chicago Public Schools will give those living within the new attendance area priority in enrollment.
"I look forward to what CPS has to say about the new campus," Taft Principal Mark Grishaber told Chalkbeat Chicago. "This is good for every kid on the Northwest side."
The proposed jagged boundaries run roughly from the Schiller Woods on the west to Menard on the east, and Montrose on the north and Wellington to the south.
A community meeting on the boundary proposal for the freshman campus will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett Ave.
At its regular monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, the board will discuss the Taft boundaries and also what to do about its underenrolled schools, which are primarily neighborhood schools. A state law signed in August requires Chicago to make a plan for intervening in schools that do not have enough students.
The Chicago school district faces a critical decline in enrollment, but still plans to invest $1 billion to shore up existing schools and build new ones.
By Yana Kunichoff ykunichoff@chalkbeat.org
In this story: admissions and enrollment, Chicago Public Schools, school boundaries, School closures
Questioning authority
City Council education chair promises more public meetings, increased involvement in Chicago schools
For one undocumented student in Chicago, graduation marks both hard work and years of uncertainty
I'm a longtime education advocate. Here's why I'm hopeful about Chicago's next chapter.


First off, Thank you for your wonderful website that I use so regularly!!
My question pertains to staining on a low-dose combination contraceptive pill while trying to delay/extend cycles, as well as observing vestot during this time.
My family will be traveling overseas in 2 months and I realized that according to the calendar, I would be a niddah for the bulk of our trip and would ALSO need to access a mikvah while away. Both of these would be extremely difficult during the trip. After consulting with my doctor, I have decided to continue taking active pills during what would otherwise be the "inactive pills" week in my package of pills to delay niddah onset, or attempt to put off getting periods altogether. The problem for me is that whenever I have tried this in the past, I have always experienced breakthrough bleeding a few days into the new pack of active pills. My doctor suggested that if I continue on the pills without a break from now, by the time my trip rolls around in 2 months I may no longer have breakthrough bleeding.
Finally, do I continue to observe vestot and onah days as per usual? My concern is that I am scheduled to check for bleeding with bedikot on my usual onah days (when normally I would have already stopped taking active pills), but given that I am continuing to take active pills instead, it is likely that I will still discover spotting on a bedikah on my onah days due to breakthrough staining, which I imagine is much more problematic.
Thanks so much in advance for your time to consider my questions!!!
1) We do not recommend taking active pills for the next two months, because there is a good chance that the staining will not let up by then; if anything it may intensify and get worse.
What we do advise is to try to shift your cycle by a week or two to allow yourself to be tehorah by your trip. You should take an extra week or two (as needed) of active pills this month before taking your week of inactive pills, timing it so that you will have already immersed and started taking the next pack of active pills by the time you leave on your trip. The next month take the usual amount of active/inactive pills. This way, while you may experience some breakthrough bleeding this month during the extra week or two of pills, it will have most likely have cleared up by the time you start your next pack and go on your trip.
For example, instead of taking 8-10 weeks of active pills as recommended by your doctor, try taking 4-5 weeks of active pills, and then 1 week of inactive pills. You will get your period and have enough time to immerse (and restart the next set of active pills) before your trip. At that point you can revert to the usual schedule of 3 weeks active/1 week inactive pills.
2) It can be unsettling to "ignore" stains that you know are clearly blood. However, the actual Torah definition of niddah is a flow of blood, or blood accompanied by hargashah. The Rabbis added on to these laws the stringencies of stains and when doing so included built-in leniencies so as not to overburden women and constantly cause them to be rendered niddah. Therefore, you can and should take advantage of these leniencies, and take precautions against becoming niddah from staining by wearing colored underwear and waiting 15 seconds after urinating before wiping.
If at any point the staining becomes a flow, you should consider yourself niddah. While it can be difficult to distinguish between heavy staining and a light flow, one way to tell is if you need to use a pad (as opposed to a light pantyliner) to contain the bleeding. If that is the case, you can assume you are experiencing a flow. Lighter than that would be staining.
3) There are different positions about how to observe vesatot while using hormonal contraception. Our position is that once a woman has developed a pattern of beginning to bleed a set day (or within a limited range of days) following her last pill, she observes that day(s) as a veset kavua and does not observe the other vesatot.
Therefore, until you stop taking the active pills you would not observe any onot nor perform any bedikot.