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Review: The Beast In The Red Forest – Sam Eastland
Posted on 18/10/2018 by Speesh in Fiction, Historical Fiction, The Soviet Union, World War II
Inspector Pekkala 5
My version: Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction The Soviet Union, Second World War
My copy:
Publisher: Faber & Faber
From the cover:
A soldier returns from the frontline of battle to report that Inspector Pekkala's charred body has been found at the site of an ambush. But Stalin refuses to believe that the indomitable Pekkala is dead.
On Stalin's orders, Pekkala's assistant, Kirov, travels deep into the forests of Western Russia, following a trail of clues to a wilderness where partisans wage a brutal campaign against the Nazi invaders.
Unknown to Kirov, he is being fed into a trap.
I have put together a Speesh Reads Pinterest board for Sam Eastland's The Beast of the Red Forest, well worth a visit, comrade
The Inspector Pekkala novels from 'Sam Eastland' (you know what i'm saying), are absolutely superb, all of them, every single one. This is too. And then some.
For some reason, the previous book (number four, The Red Moth), was treated then, and is at the start here (number five), as an ending, and this is a new start of a sort. Why, I don't know. It's there on the cover as "The fifth Inspector Pekkala novel will delight fans and newcomers alike." While inside, there is, especially in the first half, plenty of what has gone on before, not just of what happened in The Red Moth, but also plenty of Pekkala's own background. There is a natural break in the timeline, as after the previous book finishing and this one starting, Pekkala has been 'missing' for – as Kirov, revealing the affection he feels for the awkward cuss, tells Stalin – "over two years, three months, five days." Other than that…there doesn't really seem to be a need for such a break, the story continues, almost, as if the break didn't happen. It reads like the characters have just been in a kind of limbo, waiting for Pekkala to be found, then they carry on, almost, as if nothing has happened. Of course it does add to Pekkala's mystique, but he had that in spades already. But also, the wrongness of saying missing and found when referring to Pekkala is obvious to those of us who have been on his case from the start. Pekkala went missing for other people, not himself and he was only found by the others, when he wanted to be. I know I'm talking as though Pekkala is a real person, but reading these superb stories, you kinda get that way.
Pekkala takes the story and Kirov (amongst others) to the western front for the Soviets and the Eastern Front for the Germans. Ukraine, to be specific. Where the border was, and probably is again, 'fluid.' The Germans capture areas, then the Soviets capture them back, then the Germans re-take them, then the Soviets…you know. The Ukrainians? They're in the middle getting killed by both sides. And it wasn't over when kindly Uncle Joe finally re-took the area for good…not good at all. All the elements that have made th series unmissable are still here, finely drawn, intriguing characters, a superb plot, the enigmatic, withdrawn, always interesting Pekkala and Kirov. Well, he comes more into it here, especially as Pekkala doesn't appear for 90 pages or so. And Poskrebychev, Stalin's Secretary – well, who'd have thought? Fortunately, the comedy routines between him and Stalin have been tones down some more – apart from one – and that just adds to the sense of foreboding, of impending doom, of micro-management, of uncertainty, shifting changes of will that there should be.
It's not as terribly austere as Tom Rob Smith's series, or William Ryan's all that is there, and Pekkala has surely gone through much more than the main characters of those series, but with Pekkala you get the feeling that he could not only survive anything, but could, would, walk away when he saw the final writing on the wall, and, though he wouldn't admit it, look after his friends as well.
The Beast In The Red Forest is a quite superb book.
You can buy The Beast In The Red Forest at The Book Depository
Tagged Faber And Faber, Inspector Pekkala, Sam Eastland, Stalin, The Beast In The Red Forest, The Soviet Union
Published by Speesh
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HomeSnake River: USGS — Warmer Temperatures Likely Driving Increase of Metal Concentrations in Rocky Mountain Watershed
Snake River: USGS — Warmer Temperatures Likely Driving Increase of Metal Concentrations in Rocky Mountain Watershed
September 13, 2012 January 10, 2013 Coyote Gulch Blue River Watershed, Climate Change, Colorado River Basin, Colorado Water, Groundwater, Infrastructure, Peru Creek Basin, Snake River watershed, USGS, Water Pollution
Here's the release the United States Geological Survey (Heidi Koontz/Jim Scott):
Warmer air temperatures since the 1980s may explain significant increases in zinc and other metal concentrations of ecological concern in a Rocky Mountain watershed, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, led by the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Rising concentrations of zinc and other metals in the upper Snake River just west of the Continental Divide near Keystone, Colo., may be the result of falling water tables, melting permafrost, and accelerating mineral weathering rates, all driven by warmer air temperatures in the watershed. Researchers observed a fourfold increase in dissolved zinc over the last 30 years during the month of September.
"This study provides another fascinating, and troubling, example of a cascading impact from climate warming as the rate of temperature-dependent chemical reactions accelerate in the environment, leaching metals into streams," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "The same concentration of metals in the mountains that drew prospectors to the Rockies more than a century ago are now the source of toxic trace elements that are harming the environment as the planet warms."
Increases in metals were seen in other months as well, with lesser increases seen during the high-flow snowmelt period. During the study period, local mean annual and mean summer air temperatures increased at a rate of 0.2-1.2 degrees Celsius per decade.
Generally, high concentrations of dissolved metals in the upper Snake River watershed are the result of acid rock drainage, or ARD, formed by natural weathering of pyrite and other metal-rich sulfide minerals in the bedrock. Weathering of pyrite forms sulfuric acid through a series of chemical reactions, and mobilizes metals like zinc from minerals in the rock and carries these metals into streams.
Increased sulfate and calcium concentrations observed over the study period lend weight to the hypothesis that the increased zinc concentrations are due to acceleration of pyrite weathering. The potential for comparable increases in metals in similar Western watersheds is a concern because of impacts on water resources, fisheries and stream ecosystems. Trout populations in the lower Snake River, for example, appear to be limited by the metal concentrations in the water, said USGS scientist Andrew Todd, lead researcher on the project.
"Acid rock drainage is a significant water quality problem facing much of the Western United States," Todd said. "It is now clear that we need to better understand the relationship between climate and ARD as we consider the management of these watersheds moving forward."
In cases where ARD is linked directly with past and present mining activities it is called acid mine drainage, or AMD. Another Snake River tributary, Peru Creek, is largely devoid of life due to AMD generated from the abandoned Pennsylvania Mine and smaller mines upstream, and has become a target for potential remediation efforts.
The Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety, in conjunction with other local, state and federal partners, is conducting underground exploration work at the mine to investigate the sources of heavy metals-laden water draining from the adit. The study conducted by Todd and colleagues has implications in such efforts because it suggests that establishing attainable clean-up objectives could be difficult if natural background metal concentrations are a "moving target."
Collaborators include USGS, CU Boulder and the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR). The data analyzed for the study came from INSTAAR, the USGS and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
From the Summit Daily News (Paige Blankenbuehler):
Rising concentrations of zinc and other metals in the upper Snake River west of the Continental Divide near Keystone may be the result of falling water tables, melting permafrost and accelerating mineral- weathering rates — all driven by warmer air temperatures in the watershed…
High concentrations of dissolved metals in the upper Snake River watershed are the result of acid rock drainage, according to the research. The drainage is a result from past and present mining activities.
More water pollution coverage here.
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Systems are unsafe because we design them or manufacture them to be so. Current approaches to product safety miss an opportunity to "design-in safety". This is because they do not consider safety until a solution exists at which point the design solution is analysed to see how it can be, or become, unsafe, with any issues addressed through a re-design. While this is obviously a sensible approach, safety can be addressed much earlier during the requirements phase. The approach is one of understanding how the "problem", as a set of interconnected functions, can be potentially unsafe. The knowledge, generated by this safety analysis of the requirements, is used in design phase to select solutions that make these unsafe situations impossible or at least less likely to occur.
The systems approach to designing safe systems aligns with the classic approaches with the analyses feeding the classic Hazard Analysis, Hazard Logs and Safety Cases. It does require, however, for safety to be integral task of system design and thereby the remit of the design engineer.
This 3-day course is aimed providing attendees with an awareness, understanding, specific knowledge and the application of System Safety concepts, principles and practice that can be employed to design inherently safe systems.
This course can be taken by anybody who is involved in the design of systems.
During an intensive three days of teaching and practical 'hands on' exercises, participants will be challenged to develop the skills and mind-set that can be applied to any design situation irrespective of context.
understand the safety engineering process and how it aligns with systems engineering.
have been given an overview of the system safety engineering tool set.
The learning approach is based on the Kolb learning cycle with a significant proportion of the course set aside for exercises to reinforce the learning. Indeed, the course employs a number of small group exercises involving a case study to provide a practical focus for the course which enables the delegates to practise the methodology and tools.
The course has been designed for minimum numbers of 8 and maximum of 20 and can be delivered on site or at a suitable venue.
Product vs. Health and Safety at Work Why systems safety?
The cost of delivering the 3-day course, excluding delivery tutor accommodation and expenses, but including all courseware is £4,500. VAT will apply at the prevailing rate. The course can be tailored to suit individual customer's operations.
For more information about the 3-day Systems Safe Systems course or any of our other Systems Engineering courses please contact Dr Stuart Burge on +44 (0) 7803 131614 or sburge@burgehugheswalsh.co.uk.


2. Method according to claim 1, wherein in step a) the energy for compressing the air is provided from renewable energy sources.
3. Method according to claim 1, wherein in step a) the air is compressed in multiple stages, wherein preferably at all stages of compression the compressed air/gases is/are cooled to ambient temperature.
4. Method according to claim 1, wherein heat released when cooling the compressed air in step a) is stored in form of hot oil or molten salt.
5. Method according to claim 1, wherein an intense light glow obtained in the reaction in step c) is transferred to photovoltaic cells for production of electricity.
6. Method according to claim 1, wherein a cooling effect obtained when releasing CO2 from its storage tank in step c) is used to cool the compressed air in step a).
7. Method according to claim 1, wherein the hot steam of a temperature of about 2.000-2.400.degree. C. obtained in step d1) is transferred to a CaO wick to produce light which is then transferred to photovoltaic cells for producing electricity, thereby cooling the steam to a temperature of about 600-1.000.degree. C.
8. Method according to claim 1, wherein a cooling effect obtained when releasing H2 and O2 from storage tanks in step d1) is used to cool the com-pressed air.
9. Method according to claim 1, wherein hydrocarbons and water vapor obtained in step e1) are heat exchanged with compressed air, the compressed air is then expanded in a gas turbine that turns an electrical generator.
10. Method according to claim 9, wherein condensed water is used for hydration of MgO to prepare Mg(OH).sub.2.
11. Method according to claim 1, wherein the CO obtained in step d2 is combusted with oxygen to produce CO2 which can be transferred to step a), wherein preferably excess heat is used to heat the compressed air in step a) which is expanded in a turbine to produce electricity, or, alternatively, the CO is transferred into step e1).
12. Method according to claim 1, wherein heat produced in step e2) is used to heat compressed air, preferably before being expanded in a turbine to generate electricity.
13. Method according to claim 1, wherein earth alkaline hydroxide obtained in step e2) is dehydrated to its oxide, preferably using heat of the carbon monoxide obtained in step d2).
14. Method according to any of the preceding claims claim 1, comprising the additional steps: ci) hydrating the magnesium oxide obtained in step c) to its hydroxide according to the equation (9) MgO+H2O→Mg(OH)2 (9); cii) preparing hydrochloric acid by reacting chlorine gas with hydrogen gas. H2+Cl.sub.2.fwdarw.2HCl; ciii) preparing magnesium chloride according to the following equation (10) Mg(OH)2+2HCl→MgCl2+2H2O (10); civ) heating the magnesium chloride obtained to its melting point and electrolyzing thereof MgCl.sub.2.fwdarw.Mg+Cl2; cv) transferring the Mg obtained into step c), and preferably recycling the Cl2 obtained into the step ciii) of preparing hydrochloric acid.
15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the chlorine gas obtained is heat exchanged with the compressed air in step a) which is then expanded into a turbine to produce electricity.
 In step b) the gases obtained are compressed to an optimum pressure, depending on the cost of the storage tanks. Further, the heat generated during compression can be also stored in the heat storage medium of step a).
 In a preferred embodiment in step a) the energy for compressing air is provided from renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources can be preferably wind and/or solar energy. Even preferred, in step a) the air is compressed in multiple stages, wherein preferably at all stages of compression the compressed air/gases is/are cooled to ambient temperature. In a further preferred embodiment, the air to be compressed in step a) is exhaust air from industrial plants, etc. having a higher content of CO2 than atmospheric/ambient air. Preferred, heat released when cooling the compressed air in step a) is stored in form of hot oil or molten salt.
 In one embodiment, an intense light glow obtained in the reaction in step c) is transferred to photovoltaic cells for reduction of electricity.
 In another embodiment, a cooling effect obtained when releasing CO2 from its storage tank in step c) is used to cool the compressed air.
 Preferably, the magnesium used in step c) is the form powder or billets.
 The object is further achieved in that hot steam of a temperature of about 2.000-2.400° C. obtained in step d1) is transferred to a CaO wick to produce light which is then transferred to photovoltaic cells for producing electricity, method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hot steam of a temperature of about 2.000-2.400° C. obtained in step d1) is transferred to a CaO wick to produce light which is then transferred to photovoltaic cells for producing electricity, thereby cooling the steam to a temperature of about 600-1.000° C.
 Preferably, a cooling effect obtained when releasing H2 and O2 from storage tanks in step dl) is used to cool the compressed air.
 Even preferred, hydrocarbons and water vapor obtained in step e1) are heat exchanged with compressed air, the compressed air is then expanded in a gas turbine that turns an electrical generator.
 Also preferred, when heat exchanging the hydrocarbons and water vapor with compressed air is that condensed water obtained is used for a hydration of MgO to prepare Mg(OH)2.
 The object is also achieved by a method wherein the CO obtained in step d2) is combusted with oxygen to produce CO2 which can be transferred to step a), wherein preferably excess heat is used to heat the compressed air which is expanded in a turbine to produce electricity, or, alternatively, the CO is transferred into step e1). Preferably, oxygen stored after electrolysis in step b) can be used.
 In a preferred embodiment the heat produced in step e2) is used to heat compressed air, preferably before being expanded in a turbine to generate electricity.
 In another preferred embodiment, each alkaline hydroxide obtained in step e2) is dehydrated to its oxide, preferably using heat of the carbon monoxide obtained in step d2).
 cii) preparing hydrochloric acid by reacting chlorine gas with hydrogen gas.
 cv) transferring the Mg obtained into step c), and preferably recycling the Cl2 obtained into the step ciii) of preparing hydrochloric acid.
 Finally, the chlorine gas obtained is heat exchanged with the compressed air in step a) which is then expanded into a turbine to produce electricity.
 In an also very preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) as received in the separation step a) of the inventive method, can be also further processed.
 Again, the intense light glow obtained in the reaction in step ia) can be transferred to a photovoltaic cell for production of electricity.
 Further, the NO obtained in step ib) can be heat exchanged with the compressed air used in step a), the compressed air may be then expanded in a gas turbine that turns an electrical generator.
 Preferably, step iia) can be carried out at a temperature of about 600-1.000° C.
 More preferably, the earth alkaline metal hydroxides obtained in step iia) can be at least partly reacted with nitric acid obtained in step ib).
 In this regard it is also preferred that then the hot chlorine gas obtained is heat exchanged with compressed air of step a) which is then expanded in a gas turbine that turns an electrical generator, prior to recycling the chlorine gas to prepare hydrochloric acid.
 A combination of a method for converting nitrogen into ammonia and/or nitrate with the inventive method for converting carbon dioxide at the number of benefits, for example improved flexibility, easy control to produce a variety of valuable hydrocarbon products as well as fertilizers. Further, especially when combining the method for converting carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons with production of ammonia and/or nitrate allows that the net reactions do not consume all of the oxygen gas, so that the system actually produces oxygen. In case that the compressed air contains suitable amounts of a moisture so that the water vapor is sufficient to form the hydrocarbons, the combined system then only needs CO2, but will produce O2.
 Again, a portion of the process heat, either for a single process or for a combination, can be used to distill sea water with little effect on the system efficiency since the water desalination requires low grade heat.
 Surprisingly it was found, that the present invention provides a new method to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into useful hydrocarbons that can be used as fuel (gasoline and diesel) or valuable petrochemicals consuming only energy which can come preferably from renewable resources. The inventive method is much more economic with renewable energy forms that are fluctuating and require energy storage, for example solar and wind energy. Additionally, this method works best when utilized to absorb carbon dioxide from exhaust flue gases that are rich in carbon dioxide, for example from power plants, biological digesters or ammonia manufacturing plants. The inventive method provides higher efficiency than other methods, as most of the process heat, photonic emissions and cooling effects (decompression cooling) can be recovered and recycled into the system. Also this method has a net effect of producing oxygen. All this is done in a simple way.
 The inventive method simply comprises renewable energy collection and conversion systems with waste heat recovery; an energy storage subsystem (in the form of compressed air), which serves also as a simple carbon dioxide capturing system. Water vapor exists in considerable quantities in the exhaust gases of oil or gas fired power plants, so this water vapor can be condensed and utilized. Another energy storage unit is the water splitting unit that preferably uses renewable energy electricity to electrolyze water and produce hydrogen and oxygen. During air, oxygen, hydrogen gases compression, the heat generated is preferably extracted and stored in hot fluid medium to be used later to pre-heat the gases in processes and into turbine expansion to generate electricity; and chemical reactors that are coupled with energy recovery subsystems for thermal and photonic recovery.
 The only core method inputs are carbon dioxide, water and heat (at suitable temperatures for each method step) and electricity. Magnesium (Mg), water, magnesium or calcium hydroxide and chlorine gas are substances utilized in the method which can be fully recycled.
 The inventive method is very flexible and can be easily controlled to produce a variety of valuable hydrocarbon products.
 Further, it shall be highlighted that there are no harmful rejects to the environment.
 Preferably using renewable energy sources, air is compressed, preferably in multiple stages, until the final pressure is above 50 atmosphere. The air utilized may be preferably exhaust air having a higher content of carbon dioxide compared to atmospheric air, which may be also filtered from suspended solids. Preferably, during the first stages of compression condensed water vapor is removed. During compression a separation into carbon dioxide on the one hand and oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) on the other hand can be achieved, wherein collected carbon dioxide can be transferred to a separate storage tank. In all stages of compression, the compressed gases are preferably cooled to ambient temperature, and the heat released is then preferably stored in a heat storage medium, such as hot oil, molten salt, etc. This stored heat in each medium should preferably match with process heat requirements needed during the inventive method.
 Also preferably from renewable energy sources energy is provided to perform the water electrolysis reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen. In a preferred embodiment, both gases are compressed and stored, and the heat generated during compression is extracted and stored as given above for step a).
 When enough amounts of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and stored energy (compressed air and heat) are available, the following reaction steps can take place.
 In step c), carbon dioxide can be released from a storage tank and is then reacted with magnesium, which is preferably in the form of solid powder or billets. The magnesium oxidation reaction releases a very large amount of heat at temperatures as high as 3.300 K, and also a very high intensity light.
 As pointed out above, the reaction produces an intense light glow which can be transferred to photovoltaic cells to produce electricity.
 Further, the release of carbon dioxide from its storage tank will cause the pressure and temperature to decrease. This cooling effect can be used to cool the compressed air tank utilized in step a), which will allow the gaseous carbon dioxide in the tank to return into liquid state and separates at lower pressure which allows then separation from the remaining gaseous components of the air utilized.
 The reaction of step c) can be advantageously carried out by passing carbon dioxide through holes of a Mg holding tray. Above that tray photovoltaic cells can be arranged to convert the intense light glow obtained by this reaction into of electricity.
 Before the reaction of step d1) is started, it is preferred that the stored oxygen and hydrogen are released and allowed to burn in a hydrogen torch to a high temperature. Very hot steam is formed which can be used to heat CaO (wick) to a temperature of around 2.400° C. to produce light. This type lightning was used before the introduction of electrical lamps and is called "lime light" which produces very intense light glow which photovoltaic cells can transfer into electricity. For step d1) therefore photovoltaic cells can be preferably formed into the walls of a chamber containing preferably a CaO wick, wherein the photovoltaic cells are shielded by quartz for protection against the hot steam.
 While hot steam is introduced into such a chamber for producing CaO light at a temperature of about 2.400° C., the hot steam leaving this chamber only has a temperature of about 600 to 1.000° C. This steam may then be injected into the reaction product of step c), so that hot steam, preferably at a temperature of about 800° C., can react with carbon to obtain hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide.
 Preferably, this water gas reaction proceeds when all magnesium is oxidized. In this regard, it is to be emphasized that MgO will not react with the hot steam to form Mg(OH)2, as at such high temperatures Mg(OH)2 decomposes to MgO and H2O.
 Hydrogen and carbon monoxide obtained in this step are still of high temperature. Using a respective heat exchange equipment, this heat can be recovered and further used, for example in a magnesium recycling step, see below.
 Hydrogen and carbon monoxide are then transferred to the further method step e1). It is further to be noted that also the reduction in the pressure of H2 and O2 storage tanks will decrease the tanks temperature, wherein this cooling effect can again be used to cool a compressed air holding tank, which will again allow the carbon dioxide to be separated as liquid.
 In step e1) a well-known Fischer-Tropsch reaction is carried out at suitable temperatures, for example 150-350° C., and preferably in the presence of suitable catalysts. The Fischer-Tropsch reaction is well-known in the petrochemical industry and is used to produce hydrocarbon alkanes, such as gasoline and diesel, with proper control of pressure, temperature and catalysts. The formed hot hydrocarbons and water vapor are then allowed preferably to exchange heat with a compressed air, and the hot compressed air can be expanded in a gas turbine that turns an electrical generator. The condensed water can be also preferably used for the spontaneous MgO hydration, as explained below.
 In an alternative, the carbon obtained in step c) can be reacted in step d2) with earth alkaline oxide while heating to about 2.000° C. to prepare earth alkaline carbide and carbon monoxide. While the earth alkaline carbide is further processed as described below, the resulting carbon monoxide can be, for example, combusted with any (stored) oxygen to produce more carbon dioxide that is then introduced into the reaction of step a), with the excess heat again suitable to heat the compressed air which is then expanded in a turbine to produce electricity. Alternatively, the carbon monoxide can be used in reaction el) to produce hydrocarbons.
 The earth alkaline carbide is then further processed by reacting spontaneously with water to produce earth alkaline metal hydroxide, and acetylene and/or acetylene derivatives. As is well known, acetylene and acetylene derivatives are valuable hydrocarbons which can be transformed (by hydrogenation) to ethylene or propylene, which are essential starting materials in plastics industry.
 If calcium is chosen as earth alkaline metal, acetylene will be produced, while choosing magnesium as earth alkaline metal the reaction product would be methyl acetylene/propadiene C3H4.
 The reaction of step e2) produces considerable amount of heat which can be used to heat compressed air before expanding in a turbine to generate electricity. The reactions of steps d2) and e2) can be carried out with magnesium and/or calcium.
 The resulting water vapor can be compressed to increase its temperature to around 800° C. to be used in the magnesium chloride melting in the following preferred Mg recycling reaction, and may later heat compressed air.
 In an alternative, the carbon obtained in step c) can be also reacted with alumina at higher temperatures of above 2000° C. to produce aluminum carbide and carbon monoxide. The heat required for this reaction can be for example taken from the oxygen and hydrogen combustion.
 The aluminum carbide obtained in step d3) can then be further reacted with water, preferably at room temperature, to produce aluminum hydroxide and methane.
 In an additional step, the aluminum hydroxide may then be regenerated by heating to a temperature of above 1000° C. to produce alumina which can be then again reacted in step d3).
 In a further alternative, the carbon obtained in step c) can be also reacted with beryllium oxide at a temperature of above 1500° C. Again, required heat can be taken from the oxygen and hydrogen combustion.
 The beryllium carbide obtained can then be composed, preferably very slowly, with water, to produce beryllium oxide and methane.
 In a most preferred embodiment, the inventive method comprises an additional process step, i.e. for recycling the magnesium oxide obtained in step c).
 In a first step in this regard, the magnesium oxide is allowed to hydrate to its hydroxide using water that is a product of many reactions steps of the inventive method.
 In a separate step, hydrochloric acid is prepared by reacting chlorine gas with (stored) hydrogen gas to form hydrogen chloride which, when adsorbing moisture, transforms into hydrochloric acid.
 Then, magnesium chloride can be produced according to the following equation.
 Finally, the magnesium chloride obtained is heated to melting temperature (750° C.), and an electrolysis is carried out to obtain magnesium (metal) and Cl2.
 The hot chlorine gas can be allowed to exchange heat with compressed air which is then expanded into a turbine to generate electricity, and the then cooled chlorine gas can be recycled into the step for preparing hydrochloric acid.
 If there is still process heat available which has not been consumed in the inventive method, this heat can be for example utilized to distil seawater with little effect on the system efficiency, since the water desalination requires only low grade heat.


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Meet the candidates running for Syracuse mayor: Michael Greene
WRVO | By Madison Ruffo
WRVO News (file photo)
With Syracuse's mayoral primaries right around the corner, WRVO's Madison Ruffo spoke with each candidate to discuss their platforms. Each of the five candidates will be featured throughout this week starting today with one of the city's two Democratic candidates: Michael Greene.
Since Michael Greene began his tenure on Syracuse's Common Council in 2018, he's become intimately familiar with both the city's successes and its faults. He said the flaws he's identified through his time on the council are a driving force behind his motivation to run for mayor.
"For me, there's a series of issues that I think have been just in the status quo when Syracuse and we haven't taken a serious look at them, and I'm ready to try to change that," said Greene.
In preparation of the June 22 primaries, Greene published his 14-point policy plan titled "A City For All of Us" detailing how he plans to improve the city of Syracuse. Here are some of his key points:
One of Greene's big ticket items is building up the city's neighborhoods outside of downtown with high-quality affordable housing and investment into small neighborhood businesses.
Greene said one crucial step toward increasing the quality of affordable housing in the city is restructuring code enforcement so that there are more inspectors and the mayor has a more direct line with inspectors enforcing code violations.
"I would take the code enforcement department and have them report directly to the mayor," he said. "I'd be directly involved in the day to day management of it."
He also wants to create a community land trust which would give the community the power to oversee new housing developments, specifically the space that will open up from the space currently occupied by 1-81.
As violence continues across Syracuse, policing and public safety has become a pressing topic for all of the candidates.
In terms of police reform, Greene wants to create the role of Commissioner of Public Safety–which would be a civilian administrative position to design and implement police reform policy.
He'd also further endorse the Citizen Review Board to see that their recommendations are considered more heavily by the city's police department.
Regarding the increased violence among teens, Greene believes the best thing to curb violence is offering more after-school opportunities.
"For our young people, there needs to be more community programs, there needs to be alternatives to violence," he said. "That means more after-school programming, more sports programming, more music programming, more mentorship opportunities from older people working with younger people, and more after school job opportunities to give people economic chances other than violence."
And let's not forget that none of these proposals would be possible without one crucial element: money.
Syracuse received roughly $123 million from the American Rescue Plan, and Greene knows exactly how he wants to spend it.
"You're trying to use the money to do one-time investments that will either help the city grow, or to help the city operate government more efficiently," said Greene.
So what are these one-time investments? While Greene wants to save a good portion of the funding for future investments and expenses, he's ready to use just shy of half of it as soon as he can.
The money he is ready to spend would go to affordable housing, grants for private housing maintenance, a municipal internet network, public works and infrastructure, and one thing that is of particular importance to Greene: a bus rapid transit system.
"25% of the city doesn't have a car. But yet we don't have a good bus system here," he said.
With $10 million, Greene wants to reinvent the bus system to provide safer, more accessible and more efficient transportation both for the community and to provide an environmentally cleaner alternative to using a vehicle.
Another $13 million of the American Rescue Plan funding, under Greene, would go toward extending the pipe in Skaneateles Lake to maintain clean drinking water for Syracuse residents amid an increase in harmful algal blooms.
One thing Greene would not spend the federal funding on is the controversial basketball mural that was initially supported by Mayor Walsh, approved by the Common Council despite Greene's vote, and subsequently vetoed by Walsh after public backlash.
Greene said all of the problems he's planning to address are not new issues for the city of Syracuse, in fact, many of the solutions he's proposing he says are long overdue. That's why Greene said he's the person for the job.
"I'm running to try to address some of these systemic issues that have not been addressed in the history of the last 50 years," said Greene. "So I think I'm someone that brings new ideas and represents some new changes."
This is the first part of WRVO's series highlighting each of Syracuse's mayoral candidates ahead of the June 22 primary. You can find the rest of the stories in our series here.
Politics and Government Ben WalshKhalid BeyRegional NewsCity of SyracuseMichael GreeneJanet BurmanThomas Babilon2021 Syracuse Mayoral Race
Madison Ruffo
Madison Ruffo received a Master's Degree from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, where she specialized in audio and health/science reporting. Madison has extensively covered the environment, local politics, public health, and business. When she's not reporting, you can find Madison reading, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.
See stories by Madison Ruffo
Meet the candidates running for Syracuse mayor: Khalid Bey


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The year is 1863 and as Japan's long-festering wounds of political discord erupt into violent waves of street clashes and murder, the Tokugawa Shogunate sends a new force of masterless samurai called the Roshigumi to the aid of the Aizu forces in Kyoto. However, the new "police" are anything but a cohesive force and assassination has already split them into two opposing factions.
The stronger is led by the brutal Serizawa Kamo, and the lesser by the more honorable but less assertive Kondo Isami. It is into this pack of wolves that Ryunosuke Ibuki is dragged by the rabid Serizawa. Forced to be a virtual slave by blood debt, he hates the samurai and everything they stand for. But as he sees how the other half of the samurai live, he begins to believe that there may still be a chance, for both himself and Japan, if only Kondo will step up and take down the mad dog Serizawa!


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Eleven from Stranger Things enamel pin. Enamel pins are fun to wear and collect. Wear them on your denim jacket, blouse or backpack. This pin is outlined in gold metal & come with a black rubber clutch.
Click the button below to add the Eleven Stranger Things Enamel Pin to your wish list.


text:
Home - NationalNationalNews
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the House will proceed with legislation to impeach President Donald Trump as she pushes the vice president to invoke constitutional authority to force him out. The House action could start as soon as Monday as pressure increases on Trump to step aside. The president is holed up at the White House, increasingly isolated after a mob rioted in the Capitol in support of his false claims of election fraud. A second Republican senator, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, is calling for Trump to resign. Lawmakers warn of the damage the president can do before Joe Biden is inaugurated Jan. 20.


text:
Blood facials: What are they are and why do people get them?
Some say so-called 'vampire facials' are worth the blood and money
By: Ameera David
Earlier this week, health officials tied two HIV cases to injection related procedures out of an unlicensed New Mexico spa. The cases are thought to be linked to a Hollywood facial gaining popularity across the country, that many have seen cluttering social media, from Instagram to YouTube.
DETROIT — Earlier this week, health officials tied two HIV cases to injection-related procedures out of an unlicensed New Mexico spa.
The cases are thought to be linked to a Hollywood facial gaining popularity across the country and that many have seen cluttering social media, from Instagram to YouTube.
The treatment, often referred to as a "vampire facial" or "blood facial," was put on the map five years ago by celebrities like Kim Kardashian.
"I know during, it looks a little scary," said Kristie Jones, who regularly does the treatment.
But she's not afraid in the least because she got her blood facial, also known as microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), under the care of a licensed practice in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
PRP supporters say, when done regularly, it does wonders for acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, but how does the alleged magic work?
"You're using a machine to create these micro channels in the skin and that in it of itself is causing a good increase in collagen and elastin but you're using the PRP to augment that," said Dr. Giancarlo Zuliani, the cosmetic surgeon who oversees Michigan practice Zuliani Facial Aesthetics.
PRP comes from your own blood, spun in a centrifuge and separated until you get the best concentration of platelets, which creates a yellow color many have called liquid gold. Those platelets ultimately go back into your body, blended into your skin.
After the numbing cream goes on, a pen uses fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds, often producing some surface bleeding. And that surface injury is what stimulates skin cells to regenerate.
"Collagen is what gives your skin its suppleness, its tautness, we're tricking your skin into creating more," said Shalene Fisher, the medical aesthetician who did the treatment on Jones.
On a scale of one to 10, Jones said the pain is at about a two or three, but says the results are worth the discomfort and the roughly $600 per treatment.
"When you put your makeup on everything is so much smoother ... I love that I'm using my own my own blood, my own plasma and it's getting put right back into my skin," she said.
Those looking for a natural approach to skin care might find it preferable to injectables or fillers, like botox.
"It's actually very safe. It's nothing foreign. It's you," Zuliani said.
The doctor says he's watched its use expand and multiply. There's even people using PRP injections to stimulate hair growth. But as the procedure popularizes, so do concerns about safety practices.
"It should be safer because you're using your own blood but if you're not going to a facility that's using universal precautions, then you could run into serious problems," said Dr. Shaun Jayakar, a Michigan-based internist.
So if you're going shopping for PRP treatments, experts say you need to make sure the establishment is licensed. For PRP facials, only use an aesthetician working under the care of a staffed medical doctor, as mandated by law. For PRP hair growth, which involves injections, the procedure should only be performed a doctor. Also, beware of coupons with ultra low prices that promise a certain outcome. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it most definitely is.


We had a great turn out at the opening celebration, and if you attended that, we'd love for you to invite a friend this time! During our time together we will have an "open-mic" time of testimony sharing regarding your experiences through small groups and diving deeper into what it means to follow the disciple's path through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.
Please RSVP to Joyce Munt in the church office by Wednesday, November 11, and let us know how many folks you'll be bringing with you!


Tags: ILFORD GALERIE Gold Fibre Silk, ILFORD GALERIE Inkjet Paper, ILFORD GALERIE Prints, Paul Willems, Photo Paper.
ILFORD Imaging offers a wide variety of surfaces, weights, and textures of media including two double sided inkjet papers. All of the media in the ILFORD GALERIE line is developed specifically with photographers in mind. Have a look at this short video to hear more.
Keep reading the ILFORD blog and be sure to "Like" ILFORD Imaging on Facebook and follow @ilfordimaging on Twitter for all the latest information from ILFORD. If you are a photographer you owe it to your images to try ILFORD GALERIE inkjet media for your images. Step up from the ordinary. Your images and your clients deserve the very best. Learn more at www.ILFORD.com.
Tags: Giveaway, ILFORD GALERIE Inkjet Paper.
Our friend Mike Zawadzki from Unique Photo stopped by booth 621 at WPPI to talk with Josh Fischer at ILFORD. Josh points to ILFORD's longevity in the industry and moving from the darkroom to the "light" room!
One more day at WPPI for ILFORD. Stop in and see us if you're in Las Vegas. We have some sample packs of paper for you. All you have to do is stop by and see us. And be sure to enter our "Follow ILFORD and Win!" giveaway. CLICK HERE for all the details!
Step up from the ordinary. Try ILFORD GALERIE inkjet papers for photographers.
Tags: Bronzing, Gloss differential, ILFORD GALERIE Inkjet Paper, Print Permanence.
I learned a lot from Marion in our short conversation and reviewing the materials from her presentation. She spoke about the need for accurate input profiles for any device we use to capture or produce an image. And of course we all know that we need to have accurate profiles for both our monitors and printers in order to get beautiful images from an inkjet printer. Marion's presentation also touched on the phenomenon of metamerism, color appearing differently under different types of light. And of course she spoke about current technologies in inkjet inks both dye and pigment.
Most current inkjet printers used in the photographic industry are pigment based ink sets. While dye ink sets produce a slightly larger color gamut, pigment inks produce high quality results with greatly enhanced print permanence.
In this illustration it's easy to see that dye inks absorb into the receiving layer on the paper base while pigment inks remain on the surface of the media. Pigment inks are more archival but the trade off is some loss in color gamut (colors that can be reproduced). Dye inks have advanced in their stability and permanence over time and pigment inks have improved as well closing the gap with gamut reproduction so that most professional quality inkjet printers for photographers are pigment based.
Getting a good print from either of these two technologies is highly dependent on the inkjet media that is used to make the print. ILFORD GALERIE media are designed with the most up to date paper coating technology. ILFORD GALERIE Smooth Pearl and Smooth Gloss inkjet papers are ideal for both dye and pigment inks. While bronzing is an issue using pigment inks on glossy surfaces, ILFORD Smooth Gloss is recommended for use with pigment inks greatly reducing the need for gloss optimizers that reduce differential gloss.
ILFORD GALERIE Smooth Pearl and Smooth Gloss inkjet media are "universal" media that equally support dye and pigment inks. This can be a real plus for students and others who routinely use both types of priners.
We plan to feature many more discussions with Marion and others from our research and manufacturing facility in Marly, Switzerland. This is just a start. We're very interested in your questions and comments about inkjet media technology. Please be sure to leave a comment here if you have a suggestion for topics you would like to see us feature here.
Step up from the ordinary. Give your photographs the inkjet media they deserve. Use ILFORD GALERIE inkjet media for your images.
If you're already a user we want to hear from you! Leave us a comment and let us know what your favorite surface is from the ILFORD GALERIE line!


100% Polyester, exclusive of trims.
Jumpsuit has velcro fastening.Tail and wings attach with velcro.
Printed jumpsuit with attached shoe-covers and detachable tail, wings and mask.
This officially four piece, Toothless Costume features a black, scale-printed jumpsuit with attached shoe-covers and a jagged tail which attaches with Velcro.
Also included with this Dragon costume is a cute moulded dragon face mask with elastic strap to secure in place and a pair of matching, wire-framed wings.


While researching for my Final Fantasy Battle Theme comparison analysis, I found an incredible symphonic performance from July 10th, 2011 of a Tribute to Nobuo Uematsu. If you like live orchestra music, Final Fantasy, and Nobuo Uematsu, you'll enjoy this, the first part of the video. The information about the arrangers is in the "about" section of the video. The complete concert is here.


text:
package com.github.novamage.svalidator.binding.binders.special

import com.github.novamage.svalidator.binding.binders.{JsonTypedBinder, TypedBinder, special}
import com.github.novamage.svalidator.binding.{BindingConfig, BindingFailure, BindingPass}
import io.circe.Json
import testUtils.Observes

import scala.reflect.runtime.{universe => ru}

object ATestEnumeration extends Enumeration {
  type ATestEnumeration = Value

  val anEnumValue: special.ATestEnumeration.Value = Value(1)
  val anotherEnumValue: special.ATestEnumeration.Value = Value(2)
  val yetAnotherEnumValue: special.ATestEnumeration.Value = Value(3)
}

class EnumerationBinderSpecs extends Observes {

  private val testedTypeTag = ru.typeTag[ATestEnumeration.Value]
  private val field_name = "someFieldName"

  describe("when binding an enumeration value using the enumeration binder") {

    describe("and the values map method of binding is used") {

      val sut: TypedBinder[Any] = new EnumerationBinder(testedTypeTag.tpe, testedTypeTag.mirror, BindingConfig.defaultConfig)

      describe("and the field name is not present in the map") {

        val result = sut.bind(field_name, Map.empty, Map.empty)

        it("should return a bind failure as the result with no such element exception as the cause") {
          val failure = result.asInstanceOf[BindingFailure[ATestEnumeration.Value]]
          failure.cause.get.getClass should equal(classOf[NoSuchElementException])
        }
      }

      describe("and the field name is present in the map") {

        describe("and no value is passed in") {
          val result = sut.bind(field_name, Map(field_name -> List()), Map.empty)

          it("should return a bind failure as the result with no such element exception as the cause") {
            val failure = result.asInstanceOf[BindingFailure[ATestEnumeration.Value]]
            failure.cause.get.getClass should equal(classOf[NoSuchElementException])
          }
        }

        describe("and a value is passed in") {

          describe("and the passed in value is not a valid not an integer") {

            val result = sut.bind(field_name, Map(field_name -> List("notAnInt")), Map.empty)

            it("should return a bind failure as the result and the cause should not equal a no such element exception") {
              val failure = result.asInstanceOf[BindingFailure[ATestEnumeration.Value]]
              failure.cause.get.getClass should not equal classOf[NoSuchElementException]
            }
          }

          describe("and the passed in value is not a valid id of the enumeration") {

            val result = sut.bind(field_name, Map(field_name -> List("1000")), Map.empty)

            it("should return a bind failure as the result and the cause should not equal a no such element exception") {
              val failure = result.asInstanceOf[BindingFailure[ATestEnumeration.Value]]
              failure.cause.get.getClass should not equal classOf[NoSuchElementException]
            }

          }

          describe("and the passed in value is a valid id of the enumeration") {

            val result = sut.bind(field_name, Map(field_name -> List(ATestEnumeration.anotherEnumValue.id.toString)), Map.empty)

            it("should return a successful binding with the return value") {
              val boundValue = result.asInstanceOf[BindingPass[ATestEnumeration.Value]]
              boundValue.value should equal(Some(ATestEnumeration.anotherEnumValue))
            }
          }
        }
      }

    }

    describe("and the json method of binding is used") {

      val sut: JsonTypedBinder[Any] = new EnumerationBinder(testedTypeTag.tpe, testedTypeTag.mirror, BindingConfig.defaultConfig)

      describe("and the field name is not present in the json") {

        val json = Json.obj()

        val result = sut.bindJson(json.hcursor.downField(field_name), Some(field_name), Map.empty)

        it("should return a bind failure as the result with no such element exception as the cause") {
          val failure = result.asInstanceOf[BindingFailure[ATestEnumeration.Value]]
          failure.cause.get.getClass should equal(classOf[NoSuchElementException])
        }
      }

      describe("and the field name is present in the json") {

        describe("and a value is passed in") {

          describe("and the passed in value is not a valid integer") {

            val json = Json.obj(field_name -> Json.fromString("notAnInt"))

            val result = sut.bindJson(json.hcursor.downField(field_name), Some(field_name), Map.empty)

            it("should return a bind failure as the result and the cause should not equal a no such element exception") {
              val failure = result.asInstanceOf[BindingFailure[ATestEnumeration.Value]]
              failure.cause.get.getClass should not equal classOf[NoSuchElementException]
            }
          }

          describe("and the passed in value is not a valid id of the enumeration") {

            val json = Json.obj(field_name -> Json.fromString("1000"))

            val result = sut.bindJson(json.hcursor.downField(field_name), Some(field_name), Map.empty)

            it("should return a bind failure as the result and the cause should not equal a no such element exception") {
              val failure = result.asInstanceOf[BindingFailure[ATestEnumeration.Value]]
              failure.cause.get.getClass should not equal classOf[NoSuchElementException]
            }

          }

          describe("and the passed in value is a valid id of the enumeration") {

            val json = Json.obj(field_name -> Json.fromInt(ATestEnumeration.anotherEnumValue.id))

            val result = sut.bindJson(json.hcursor.downField(field_name), Some(field_name), Map.empty)

            it("should return a successful binding with the return value") {
              val boundValue = result.asInstanceOf[BindingPass[ATestEnumeration.Value]]
              boundValue.value should equal(Some(ATestEnumeration.anotherEnumValue))
            }
          }
        }
      }

    }

  }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
"O God, I could be bounded in a nut shell and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." - Hamlet Act II scene ii
The Angel of The Lord in Roughton Church
On Tuesday, I wandered across a rolling section of the southern Lincolnshire Wolds and came upon several rural churches. They were all unlocked. In other parts of the country, churches tend to be locked these days - mostly because of light-fingered visitors. Sadly, in these modern times, the church authorities have been forced to learn from experience.
When I find a church unlocked I go in and marvel at the stonework, the artefacts and the windows while absorbing atmospheres that speak of past times - the christenings, the marriages, the funerals and of rural vicars preaching to God-fearing congregations. Tales from The Bible, prayers and hymns. A chain of human life going way back in time. To when Christianity first came to these islands and gradually smothered our ancient paganism.
In Tuesday's churches there were visitors' books which I duly signed, leaving comments like this: "Thank you for leaving the church unlocked for passing visitors like me. Much appreciated." It is important to make a point of signing visitors' books in such churches as this provides evidence of footfall which may help in pleas for financial aid. These old churches need a lot of expensive maintenance even though their congregations may have dwindled down to single figures. Many rural churches are in fact now redundant - their last ever services but distant memories.
They are monuments to rural life and to a religion that swept across our land - into every valley, every hamlet, every hilltop and every riverside. You could say that these churches became the glue that held England together - promoting a shared belief system with all of its do's and don'ts. Arguably they provided the foundations upon which the mighty British Empire was built.
I have been an atheist since the age of ten, never wavering in my disbelief but I love old churches. Listen carefully and you can still hear the songs of folk who went before us and their mumbled prayers from the pews. The cobbler, the blacksmith, the farrier, the farmer, the lord of the manor, the schoolteacher, their wives, their children - all cowering beneath the shadow of The Lord. All hoping for something impossible called heaven.
Tetford
High Toynton
Bag Enderby
Somersby (as in my "Tennyson" post)
Ashby Puerorum
ADRIAN 1:16 pm
There is a massive difference between churches and the Church. The former need preserving as wonderful buildings and also as a reminder never to let the clergy get as powerful again. They preyed on peoples ignorance and that is inexcusable.
Yorkshire Pudding 2:17 pm
I agree with you Adrian but for many people ignorance can be a very comfortable sanctuary.
Steve Reed 2:50 pm
Like you, I'm not a religious person, but I too love old churches. I've even been known to rarely go to a service just to experience the old buildings. And I do like being able to enter unlocked rural churches. It sends such a powerful message of trust.
In the past pretty much ALL English churches were unlocked.
The Weaver of Grass 2:52 pm
Thank you so much for this tour of the churches - especially Tetford where my uncle farmed and where my cousin was married many years ago - brought back memories.
My views on religion are much like yours but it bears no relation to my enjoyment of churches.
Can you remember the name of your uncle's farm Mrs Weaver?
Mary Z 3:38 pm
I agree with your atheism and your take (literally and figuratively) on the old churches. Thanks so much for sharing.
You are welcome Sister Mary.
Jan Blawat 5:22 pm
The angel at the top of the page reminds me of Julia Roberts.
I love being in old buildings that have been preserved, though "old" here in the western U.S. is nothing compared to your treasures. Our oldest buildings are the Spanish adobe churches. Unlike rock, they crumble easily. California history is about as long as our attention span.
As you know, I love America but I am grateful to live in a country that has so much history to explore.
Peace Thyme 5:47 pm
What a beautiful post. With stunning pictures. Thank you.
I think that in yesteryear as in modern times, the Church fulfilled the longing for something in a lot of people that they might think of as bigger than themselves, as a safe place for their innermost longings and fears to find rest, a place where they might find the idea that one could have a better life in the future without trouble, hard work, hunger or pain.
Hogwash!
If you are going to give me a nickname Mama Bear, I would prefer something other than Hogwash!
Your thoughts about the Church and religion chime with mine. It is a pity that so many millions of Muslims haven't caught up with us.
Jennifer 6:33 pm
Beautiful post, my friend. I, too, am an atheist but I love religious art and would love to have old churches like that to explore or to simply sit in and quietly meditate. Unfortunately we have very few old churches around here, and no ancient ones.
Arizona bought the old London Bridge and had it shipped over. Perhaps South Carolina could buy a couple of our redundant old churches. One of them should be renamed St Jennifer's.
rhymeswithplague 9:15 pm
Lovely old buildings with loads of history ... Thank you for showing them to us on your blog.
Surely you remember that Bag End was the home of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. Do you think Mr. Tolkien was familiar with Bag Enderby and was making a humorous reference for the in crowd?
Yorkshire Pudding 11:36 pm
No. I do not believe that Tolkien ever visited this corner of England Bob.
Lee 9:29 pm
A lot of history within those walls; a lot of song, happiness and sorrow....many stories sheltered from the storms.
You said it so well Lee.
Red 9:58 pm
I like the way you think about the churches and how it takes you back in history. I find it hard to get my head around the age of some of the buildings. I guess there were so many churches as transportation wouldn't allow them to travel so far to worship.
That is right Red. Mostly the people walked and in the olden days there were far more agricultural workers.
alphabet soup 11:35 pm
It must have been a cold day - there is frost on the grass in one of those photos.
And seats and benches to sit on and consider the past. And the future when you look in the directions of the headstones.
Ms Soup
Well-observed Alphie.
Librarian 6:48 am
I love old churches (and even some new ones, as surprising as this may seem) for mostly the same reasons like you do, and if open, I will always go inside one I come across on my walks. But most of the time, in Germany you'll find them locked unless a service is going on, which is when I rather not intrude.
To me, a village has two focal points of village life: the church and the pub. Both important in their own way, and both in decline in many villages.
Yorkshire Pudding 7:15 am
To me a village is not complete without a living pub and indeed a church too. A village shop always helps too but they are also in sad decline.
Librarian 11:19 am
You're right, I forgot the shop. A school is a nice plus, too.
And for you - a hairdresser's salon?
Would come in handy every four weeks!
Mr Pudding welcomes all genuine comments - even those with which he disagrees. However, puerile or abusive comments from anonymous contributors will continue to be given the short shrift they deserve. Any spam comments that get through Google/Blogger defences will also be quickly deleted.
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Bring the Kids in their PJs, along with blankets, pillows and whatever else they need to get comfy on the floor! (Seating also available) Enjoy Pinocchio Pizza, popcorn and treats for sale while you enjoy the movie at this fun community event. Doors open at 5, movie starts at 6. Learn the movie title and RSVP at ctfriendsparentassociation@gmail.com, 203-762-9860 or message us on Facebook @ Connecticut Friends Preschool. To go along with the theme of the movie, donations to the CT Humane Society will be graciously accepted, please see event post on our Facebook Page for their current wish list.


Thank you for your support over the years and happy testing!!
Ephoto: Add an exit icon to the control bar. Update slideshow icons. Use efreet for XDG.
Ephoto: Add back in sorting by image similarity, this time with the crashing and bugs eliminated.
Ephoto: Add sorting by image similarity.
Ephoto: Better checking for XDG_CONFIG_HOME.
Ephoto: Check for null on returning text in the editor genlist.
Ephoto: Don't allow escape to return to the thumb view when the editor is open.
Ephoto: Don't disable/enable similarity sorting now that sorting mode is retained.
Ephoto: Don't disable the similarity sorting at the wrong time.
Ephoto: Don't warn, as this behavior is perfectly normal.
Ephoto: Enable rotating from the right click menu in single view.
Ephoto: Fix a monitor bug.
Ephoto: Fix some warnings and potential crashes. Improve safety checking.
Ephoto: Fix tooltips causing box to lose sizing.
Ephoto: Fix up single browser right click menu.
Ephoto: Install thumbnailer to the lib directory.
Ephoto: Make sure titlebar text is accurate and show as modified in the titlebar when the image has been edited.
Ephoto: oops. Put the . in the correct place in the thumbnail dir.
Ephoto: Remember similarity sorting on dir change.
Ephoto: Remove warnings and potential crash by unsetting the fileselector from the popup before deleting.
Ephoto: Select and bring in the current item when going from single view to thumb view.
Ephoto: Update config about with new image.
Ephoto: Update label for config directory setting. Fix crash while changing directories in single view.
Ephoto: Update year in copyright.
EPhoto: Use eina_file_stat_ls as eina_file_direct_ls does not work on bsd.
Ephoto: Use new indent style on the genlist non tree items.


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Tag Archives: primary
Jon Huntsman: Mr. Irrelevant
While polls are showing Utah former governor and Obama ambassador to China Jon Huntsman making a move in New Hampshire, it is unlikely it will have any real effect upon the Republican presidential contest. In New Hampshire, any registered voter can vote in the political primary of his or her choice. Therefore, Democrats and Independents who would normally vote in the Democratic primary are now free to cast ballots in the Republican contest if they so choose. And, since New Hampshire first-in-the-nation primary turnouts rival general election participation, it is likely that we will see another virtual full turnout election.
In the 2008 general election, 710,970 New Hampshire voters cast ballots. In the combined Democratic and Republican primaries of the same year, 522,378 individuals voted, or 73 percent of those who participated in the general election. To underscore just how big that is, only 455,149 New Hampshire voters cast ballots in the 2010 general election.
It is from this latter grouping of Democrats and Independents that Mr. Huntsman is receiving a great deal of his support. Once the battle returns to closed primary states and places where nomination voter turnout is traditionally low, the former Obama Administration official will recede to his single-digit standing.
The big test for tonight is whether former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum can score a second-place finish. If he does, he could become positioned to upset leader Mitt Romney in South Carolina. Should that happen, then a whole new race will begin to unfold.
Posted in Election Analysis, Presidential campaign and tagged Jon Huntsman, Mitt Romney, New Hampshire, Obama, Obama Administration, primary, Rick Santorum, South Carolina on January 10, 2012 by Jim Ellis. Leave a comment
A Texas-Sized Supreme Court Ruling
The US Supreme Court stayed implementation of the San Antonio federal panel's congressional and state legislative maps on Friday, thus making it a virtual certainty that the Texas primary, currently scheduled for Super Tuesday on March 6, will be moved. The Lone Star State vote was, until Friday, the first scheduled congressional primary in the nation.
The court ordered oral arguments for map changes to be presented on Jan. 9, far beyond the Dec. 15 candidate filing deadline. With a final ruling coming in late January at the earliest, the proscribed filing period would dictate that the March 6th nominating election for the House of Representatives and the state legislature, at a minimum, will not proceed as scheduled. Therefore, the Supreme Court's action raises as many tangential political questions as it answered.
Our PRIsm Redistricting Report tomorrow will cover the intricacies of the decision and what it means for the 2012 election, but the ramifications of what happens to the Texas primary goes far beyond changing the judicial panel's political boundaries.
Many states have early stand-alone primaries for President and return later in the year to nominate candidates for Congress and state and local office. Texas, however, scheduled all of their races for Super Tuesday, with a run-off on May 22. The latter date now becomes the leading scheduling option for the new primary. State Attorney General Greg Abbott argued for such in his brief to the high court. Should the May date be chosen, it is likely that any required run-off would occur sometime in June.
So, what happens next and who decides? Now that the Supreme Court has, at least temporarily, removed redistricting jurisdiction from the San Antonio three-judge panel, we know that they will have no role in setting the primary. The Supreme Court or the legislature and governor will have the ultimate scheduling authority.
The next question is: will the primary be bifurcated? Theoretically, delegate selection for president could still move forward on March 6; ditto for the US Senate and local campaigns. A second primary could be then scheduled at a later time for the US House of Representatives and the state legislature. Since no money has been budgeted for an additional primary, this option would require action from the state legislature and governor or, at least, from the Legislative Budget Board (consisting of the governor, lieutenant governor, and Speaker of the House), the body that makes financial decisions while the legislature is not in session.
Meanwhile, presidential candidate and Texas Gov. Rick Perry finds himself in an interesting position. He has the power to call the legislature into special session to either move the primary or appropriate the necessary funds to conduct another election.
Perry himself could benefit greatly from moving the entire Texas primary to May, assuming he is still alive in the presidential contest after the early states vote. According to Republican National Committee rules, states may invoke a winner-take-all option if the nominating event is held post-Super Tuesday, so altering the date of the primary, which would allow the nominating system to change, obviously helps the governor since Texas has the second-largest contingent of delegates (155) to the Republican National Convention.
The primary scheduling decision greatly affects another person, too: Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is the leading candidate for the Republican US Senate nomination. The earlier primary date favors him because polls show he has a chance to win the nomination outright on March 6. Delaying the vote for more than two months would give his top opponents, Dallas ex-Mayor Tom Leppert and Texas former Solicitor General Ted Cruz, more time to mount stronger challenges to Dewhurst and potentially force him into a run-off election.
As you can see, the Supreme Court is affecting much more than Texas redistricting with its decision to stay map implementation. In the end, when will the Texas congressional primary be held? Right now, we can be assured it will be on a date other than March 6. Beyond that, stay tuned.
Posted in Redistricting and tagged David Dewhurst, Greg Abbott, primary, Republican National Committee, Rick Perry, Super Tuesday, Supreme Court, Ted Cruz, Texas, Tom Leppert on December 12, 2011 by Jim Ellis. Leave a comment
New Wisconsin Poll Shows Weakness for Romney, Thompson
A new Public Policy Poll of Wisconsin Republicans (Oct. 20-23; 650 Wisconsin Republican primary voters) provides even more evidence that retired business executive Herman Cain is continuing to gather serious momentum in his quest for the Presidency. The results give Mr. Cain a 30-18-12-12 percent Badger State lead over Mitt Romney, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, respectively.
As further evidence of Cain's strong standing, he even leads on the follow-up question about being the respondents' second choice. When asked, "Who would be your second choice for President?", it is again Cain who places first, this time with 18 percent. Gingrich is second at 16 percent; Romney scores 14 percent; Perry 12 percent; and Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN-6) 10 percent.
Turning to the upcoming open Wisconsin Senate race, it is former four-term Gov. Tommy Thompson who is not faring quite as well among the Republican faithful as one might expect. The ex-governor and former US Health and Human Services Secretary leads former Rep. Mark Neumann (R-WI-1) and state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, but by a rather unimpressive 35-29-21 percent margin.
What may be most troubling for Thompson, is that it is within the party's dominant conservative wing where his weakness is greatest. When asked if the respondents would prefer Mr. Thompson or a more conservative candidate, the latter was preferred by a 51-35 percent margin. When paired with Neumann on a one-on-one basis, Thompson's lead shrinks to just four points, 43-39 percent. If the race came down to a Thompson-Fitzgerald battle, the former governor's edge is a more substantial 47-35 percent margin. Even this is not a particularly good sign for Thompson, however, because the former governor is known by 86 percent of those questioned versus just the 50 percent who could identify Fitzgerald. Mr. Neumann's name ID is 61 percent. All three men have strong favorability ratios.
The Wisconsin presidential primary will be held April 3, and will distribute 42 delegates to the GOP candidates. The state employs a winner-take-all by district and statewide system as is used in seven other states, two of which are mega-delegate California and Florida. (Though the latter will likely lose half of its delegation as a penalty for moving their primary before Super Tuesday in violation of Republican National Committee rules.)
The Wisconsin system awards 10 delegates to the candidate who wins the statewide vote, regardless of percentage garnered. Three delegates apiece are given for carrying each of the state's eight congressional districts. A sweep at the district level would yield one candidate 24 more delegate votes. The remaining eight are party officer and bonus delegates who can vote as they please. As in the vast majority of states – there are only seven winner-take-all places under the new party rules – multiple candidates will likely win some Wisconsin delegates. The primary is open to all voters.
The Wisconsin Senate race is likely to be one of the most important statewide contests in the country. With majority control of the body possibly coming down to one state, Wisconsin could be that one, and both parties are placing the highest priority upon this open-seat campaign. Four-term Sen. Herb Kohl (D) is retiring. The consensus Democratic nominee is becoming Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI-2). The race is expected to have a "toss-up" rating all the way to Election Day.
Posted in Presidential campaign, Senate and tagged April 3, delegates, Herb Kohl, Herman Cain, Jeff Fitzgerald, Mark Neumann, Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, primary, Public Policy Poll, Rick Perry, Tammy Baldwin, Tommy Thompson, Wisconsin on October 26, 2011 by Jim Ellis. Leave a comment
New Poll in Oregon
The special election in Oregon's 1st District primary – scheduled for Nov. 8 – now has two distinct leaders according to the latest public poll. Survey USA (Oct. 17-20; 522 likely OR-1 Democratic primary voters; 403 likely OR-1 GOP primary voters) gives state Sen. Suzanne Bonamici a huge lead in the Democratic Party contest, while GOP 2010 nominee Rob Cornilles enjoys an even bigger edge for the Republicans.
According to the S-USA data, Bonamici has a 52-14-9 percent lead over Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian and state Rep. Brad Witt. Cornilles has a huge advantage over marketing executive Lisa Michaels and radio talk show host Jim Greenfield on the Republican side. The numbers in the latter contest are 66-7-4 percent. The winners of the two primaries will meet in a Jan. 31 special general election. The eventual winner, likely the Democratic nominee, will replace resigned Rep. David Wu (D), and will then stand for a full term in the regular election cycle.
Posted in House and tagged Brad Avakian, Brad Witt, Jim Greenfield, Lisa Michaels, Oregon, primaries, primary, Rob Cornilles, Survey USA, Suzanne Bonamici on October 24, 2011 by Jim Ellis. Leave a comment


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Thomas Edward Jones, 83, passed away on January 5, 2022 at his home in Cypress, Texas. He was born on February 21, 1938 in Birmingham, Alabama to Frederick Lewis Jones and Kathryn Louise Decker Jones. They moved to Charleston, SC. for a few years, then moved to Texas City, TX where Tommy spent most of his formative years.
After high-school Tom served in the Marines for 2 years and was stationed in Camp Pendleton, CA. He was honorable discharged and soon moved to Houston, TX where he attended the University of Houston.
He met Joann in Houston where they married and raised two boys, Jeffrey and David.
Tom worked for the Sage department store from 1965 until 1981 when the store went of business. He was the manager over 3 departments
and was a buyer for much of the merchandise they sold.
He opened and ran the Hill Country Sausage & Barbeque restaurant from 1981 – 1984. It was some of the best dang BBQ around!
A couple of years later Tom and Joann moved to California and where they spent over 10 years before moving back to Texas to spend time with her parents in Austin. Tom drove a school bus for the Leaner School District and was quickly promoted to Trainer. They lived in Austin for several years before moving back to Houston to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Tom and Joann loved to travel. They made a couple of trips abroad, and many trips domestically.
He is survived by his two sons, Jeffrey Jones & wife Lashone Jones, and David Jones & wife Olivia Jones; grandchildren, Allison Jones, Zachary Jones, Otisha Gibson, Crystal Gibson, Kara Jones, Danlin Wu, & Vicky Wu, one great-grandchild, Kadence Causey, brother Dick Jones and wife Norma, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Joann McGaughey Jones. His parents, Frederick and Kathryn Jones, sister Sally Lawrence and brother Jack Jones.
Burial will be at 10 AM on January 12, 2022 at Houston National Cemetery (10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77038). The Memorial Service will follow at 11:30 AM at Champion Forest Baptist Church - Jersey Village Campus (16518 Jersey Dr. Jersey Village, TX 77040) https://www.championforest.org/about/jerseyvillagecampus/
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Champion Forest Baptist Church, Jersey Village campus.
Wed. Jan. 12, 2022
Houston National Cemetery
10410 Veterans Memorial Drive
Houston , TX 77038.
Champion Forest Baptist Church - Jersey Village Campus
16518 Jersey Dr
Jersey Village , TX 77040.
Post Tribute
Tom worked for the Sage department store from 1965 until 1981 when the store went of business. He was the manager over 3 departments and was a buyer for much of the merchandise they sold.
Charitable Donations may be made to:
16518 Jersey Dr., Jersey Cillage, 77040. Website Link


There's much debate around the world about the use of nuclear power, from those who have not got it, and those who are winding down its reliance on what is easily the cleanest fuel.
Nuclear power in France is mainstream policy. In Italy and Germany, their governments are looking at scaling it down. In the UK, which has several nuclear power stations, Hinckley Point continues to be an economic nightmare in the process.
Let's look at the spread of nuclear power stations around the world and the major disasters of Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and Fukushima.
I'm going to hone in on South Africa, home of this blog, where a nuclear bill programme conducted by the Russians is estimated at $1 trillion for eight power stations. South Africa brought online its first of two nuclear power stations at Koeberg in the Western Cape, 30 kms from Cape Town, in April 1984. Unit 2 followed in July 1985. Koeberg has been running all that time, with no major incidents.
SA, therefore, has nuclear expertise.
Eminent environmentalist, George Monbiot now recommends nuclear power as the best alternative energy in the UK. See his INTERVIEW for more information.
He, like others, indicates that the devastation caused by the tsunami in March 2011 at Fukushima has resulted in no serious radiation exposure. If you remember, the power station at Fukushima was levelled by the catastrophic combination of a force nine earthquake and a tsunami. Despite a legacy of poor design, the wrong siting of the power station on the coast and in an earthquake zone, no one has yet received a lethal dose of radiation.
Of course, there will be the detractors of nuclear power who will point to other problems, but the truth remains that nuclear is still the safest and cleanest of electricity generation.
So, is a trillion dollars better that relying on natural gas (yet undiscovered in SA's Karoo), solar and wind power? It is a conundrum.
Hopefully, the South African government will, for once, ensure there is no corruption in this deal. Citizens await this with baited breath.


Last week I got to experience the beautiful Langham Hotel in Pasadena with the Immuncologie team for two days of relaxation, inspiration, and beauty. It was such a beautiful retreat and I was greeted with some fun goods during the trip that I wanted to share.
Karen Ballou, founder of Immunocologie was as radiant as her products. From the moment I met her, to toasting over rose's, hearing her testimony– I loved her heart, passion, and authenticity in her life. Immunocologie is not only life giving to the skin, but to the whole immune system from the inside out.
From yoga, to brunch, to the spa, everything was educational and I learned so much more about my well being and the brands that carry that same vision.
Morning yoga before our wellness brunch and spa day.
Thank you to Langham & Immunocologie for an unforgettable week!


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Shellfish divers protest against the Chilean government on Chiloé Island May 12, after toxic tides have ruined their catch.
Photograph by Esteban Felix, AP
Chile's Record Toxic Tides May Have Roots in Dirty Fish Farming
A red tide crisis has stirred fishermen to unrest and may be at least partially linked to controversial aquaculture practices, while El Niño is also to blame.
ByEvelyn Pfeiffer
Images of death have been arriving from southern Chile for weeks, each one seemingly more apocalyptic than the last. First there were thousands of dead salmon in aquaculture cages. Then there were rafts of dead sardines floating along the coast. Next, beached clams covered miles of shoreline. Then there were die-offs of jellyfish, birds, and even mammals.
So much death has sown panic among the public. Worried that their livelihoods are at risk, fishermen have taken to the streets, blocking roads and sowing unrest.
"People don't dare to eat our fish because they're afraid it is contaminated, so we are all affected on the island," says Marcos Salas, president of the Fishermen's Union of Quellón, one of the main towns on the Chilean island of Chiloé.
"We lost our labor source and now we have no way to bring sustenance to our families," says Salas.
The Chilean government officially blames the marine mortality on blooms of toxic microalgae that are popularly known as red tide and says the root cause is likely warming of the Pacific Ocean thanks to this year's strong El Niño. It's the worst case of toxic blooms on record in the country. In response, the government has declared a state of disaster for the southern part of the country and is paying 100,000 Chilean pesos (about U.S. $150) to each impacted family.
But many fishermen say that's not enough. What's been happening in southern Chile is far worse than a "normal" red tide, they say, and it may be at least partially caused by poor regulation of the country's booming aquculture trade. Protestors have even blocked access to Chiloé, demanding answers and help from their government.
Unraveling the complex causes of the toxic blooms isn't easy, scientists warn. It is particularly difficult in Chile, where scientific monitoring hasn't been as rigorous or well supported as it should be, says Barbara Saaavedra, an ecologist who is the director of the Wildlife Conservation Society in Chile.
"Sufficient resources have not been allocated to study the problem," says Saaavedra.
Niño "Godzilla" or Salmon?
At the root of the problem are the microalgae. They are photosynthetic microorganisms that normally are a vital link in the ocean food chain, serving as sustenance to filter-feeding mollusks and other animals. But occasionally, the microalgae explode in numbers to form blooms. The exact conditions needed may vary but are probably related to water temperature, nutrients, salinity, light, and currents.
In some cases, the type of microalgae involved can produce a toxin that can be harmful to people. Sometimes the water is also stained red, leading to the common term "red tide." Filter-feeding mollusks can concentrate the toxins in their tissues. When people or animals eat the mollusks it can lead to severe illness or even death.
Globally, microalgae blooms have been more prevalent this year, with scientists pointing to warmer waters from El Niño as a likely culprit. In fact, this year's cycle has been so powerful that some have dubbed it Niño Godzilla.
"Chile had never seen such a peak in blooms, in terms of geographical extent, level of growth, and duration," reports the country's Association of Marine Biologists.
Dead sardines blanket Tolten Beach in Temuco, Chile, on May 15.
Photograph by Felix Marquez, AP
From February to March this year, one of these blooms killed 25 million salmon in 45 farming centers in Chile. What happened next would prove to be controversial.
About thirty percent of the dead fish were taken to landfills. But the rest were thrown into the sea, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Chiloé island. That operation was authorized by the Chilean Navy and the fisheries managers.
A few weeks later, a wave of more dead sealife washed up on Chiloé. While the government has blamed El Niño, many on the island suspect the dumping of the dead salmon might have had something to do with it. It's one more example of the lax regulations of the country's aquaculture industry, they say, which has exploded since the 1970s, making Chile the world's second largest exporter of salmon.
Environmentalists have complained for years that Chile's aquaculture industry has polluted the water through feces and unfinished food, which may build up on the seafloor.
It's hard to say whether the dead salmon can really be blamed for the red tide but it's possible they contributed to it, says Victor Marin, an oceanographer who works with the University of California and University of Chile.
"The dumping occurred at the same time there were ideal conditions for the bloom, namely: high amounts of nutrients in the area, optimal temperature, and other variables," says Marin. "It would be difficult to argue the salmon industry has not increased the amount of nutrients in the water, but our society also throws a lot of other stuff into the ocean, so there may be a synergistic effect."
An Uncertain Future
One problem with toxic blooms is that they take a while to clear out. Chiloé will likely have to wait several months before mollusks and other natural processes detoxify the water and make it safe enough for people to eat products form the area, says Patricia Gomez, a biologist at the University of Concepcion.
"It is expected that [bloom] events will decline as temperatures drop soon," she says.
However, some of the toxic microalgae species, such as Alexandrium catenella, can form tough cysts that are deposited on the seabed once the bloom ends. They can remain dormant for years, waiting for ideal conditions for proliferation. And scientists like Gomex warn that its hard to predict.
The recent toxic blooms should encourage governments, the fishing industry, and the public to take a closer look at how our collective actions impact the health of the ocean, particularly as the climate changes, says Saaavedra.
"We need to better protect and manage ecosystems and contribute to the resilience of the ocean," says Saavedra. "Otherwise more communities may face apocalyptic situations."
Evelyn Pfeiffer is a journalist in Chile. Follow her on Twitter.


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Binalong Carbon Project
Carbon cycling and storage in a grazing landscape
HMLG engaged a researcher from the Australian National University to assess how much carbon the Binalong livestock and grazing community were taking out of the atmosphere, and how much they were releasing through their activities.
Data collected from the Binalong community was compared with the natural carbon dynamics for the region
In 2011, members of the Binalong community were surveyed to understand the carbon dynamics of the Binalong farming area. This data was compared against the natural carbon dynamics for the region, which was obtained as part of a separate project in 1997. Objectives of this work focused on the region's potential to minimise local emissions, while boosting its capacity to contribute to the global effort to restore and maintain the overall carbon balance.
Approximately 1.68 million tonne carbon was found to be stored in the Binalong landscape. This is an area of over 41,000 hectares
Of this, about 76% was in the form of soil carbon, 16.7% in trees, 6.9% in grassland and 0.3% in newly planted trees. Rainfall over the fourteen year period varied markedly including 9 years of below average rainfall (from 2001-2009). As a result of this prolonged dry period, many trees died and new plantings failed.
The Binalong community was found to have a net carbon sequestration rate of 4.13 tonne per hectare
The amount of carbon stored in trees fell significantly as a direct result of the drought. However, in 2011 (a year with about average rainfall) total sequestration of atmospheric carbon per hectare for the region was approximately 9.45 tonne carbon, while total emissions were 5.32 tonne carbon per hectare.
The natural or baseline carbon dynamics in Binalong was established in 1997
The NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation developed a management plan for the region at the request of the Binalong Landcare Group in 1997. The plan documented the vegetation cover and productive capacity at that time. It also proposed remedial action to address soil degradation (salinity and acidification) and erosion, including a significant program of tree planting. The 1997 work provided a baseline for this project, enabling the impact on local carbon balance of remedial actions undertaken post this date to be assessed.
View Project Documents