text:
05/06/2018 05/06/2018 / t0msheff
Directed by: Alex Garland
Starring: Natalie Portman, Oscar Isaac, Tessa Thompson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tuva Novotny
Written by Rhys Bowen Jones
Alex Garland had been floating on the edges of Hollywood fame for years before he made it big. He's a talented writer who is responsible for genuinely great films like '28 Days Later', 'Never Let Me Go', and 'Dredd', but it was the leap to directing that truly put him on the map. 2014's 'Ex Machina' was a critical smash hit as it earned award nominations in various categories at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and the Oscars. Alex Garland was suddenly a household name and we all waited with bated breath to see what he will do next. Enter 'Annihilation'.
'Annihilation' sees a mysterious governmentally quarantined zone, Area X, being studied to find out what exactly it is. They've named it 'The Shimmer' after it's gorgeously shimmery quality when you look at it, but it remains a mystery beyond its name because if you go into The Shimmer, you don't come back out. Until, that is, Oscar Isaac's Kane returns from The Shimmer. Cellular biology expert and Kane's husband, Lena (Portman), is called to help study The Shimmer, and she joins a team of scientists and soldiers to enter The Shimmer on yet another expedition to explore Area X to discover the truths behind it and what exactly happened on Kane's mission.
Writing that short summary took far too long. 'Annihilation' is a film that's hard to qualify. On the surface, it does seem like a high concept science-fiction, but looking beyond that, it's a film with tremendous depth and meaning that has spawned hundreds upon hundreds of YouTube videos and articles and film essays studying it. I fear that going into too much detail about the story will ruin the surprise and genuine shocks the film has in store. More than any film I've seen recently, 'Annihilation' will serve you better if you go in as blind as possible.
What I can talk about, though, is the sheer quality of the film. 'Annihilation' is a film that takes a lot of commitment from everyone involved – actors, writers, set designers, special effects artists, editors. It's a film that has been known to lose a fair few of its viewers because of how complex it becomes as the expedition team head deeper into The Shimmer. It's a film that plays games with genetic mutations, time and space, using all the elements of the Earth (and elsewhere?) to confound its team and its audience into questioning everything they're seeing. The end result, however, is a film that truly is firing on all cylinders.
Starting with the actors, the expedition team all leave an impression one way or another. They all have their justifications for going on what's become a suicide mission, but the film does a masterful job of investigating these characters and letting us understand them as people. Each of the team, from Portman to Thompson to relative newcomer Novotny, gives their character nuances and extra moments where they are just themselves to help them come alive. All of the performances here are terrific; Tessa Thompson's Josie has a dreamy quality to her as the team's nature expert, and Dr. Ventress (Jason Leigh) is the most mysterious of the team but Jason Leigh imbues her with a desire for the truth unmatched by anyone else.
Natalie Portman is naturally the stand out given her bigger role in proceedings. She brings all of her talent, her Oscar winning gravitas to a role that requires dedication and commitment to the extremely high concept ideas that are being thrown at her. Lesser actors would have struggled with the workload of the final act, but here is where Portman excels as she gets closer and closer to finding out answers for her burning questions.
'Annihilation', all being well, is sure to earn itself accolade after accolade next year, none of which will be more deserving than for special effects. Given all the blockbusters we've had this year – 'Avengers: Infinity War', 'Solo: A Star Wars Story', 'Deadpool 2' – 'Annihilation' stands tall as the best looking film of 2018 so far. The Shimmer itself is a stunning achievement, an idea that seems impossible to convey on screen after having read the book upon which the film is based, is shown beautifully, and every shot of The Shimmer makes you stop and stare in awe at what Garland and co. have achieved. Within The Shimmer, without spoiling too much, the set designers and the special effects team have pulled no punches as they're allowed to go as batshit crazy as they want given The Shimmer's mutating quality. Creatures, plants, buildings are all spliced together to create things we haven't seen on screen before. The characters are amazed by what they're seeing, and so are we along with them. Whatever you think of 'Annihilation', the visuals and the production are universally agreed to be stunners.
'Annihilation', tragically, failed to earn the support from distributors around the world. It was shown in cinemas in North America and China, but the rest of the world were given 'Annihilation' via Netflix. Netflix are a fantastic company, providing a platform for filmmakers around the world to show their work to as wide an audience as you can imagine, but 'Annihilation' is different. 'Annihilation' is a film from an Oscar nominated filmmaker, with multiple A-listers attached, and arguably most importantly, it's different. It's a book adaptation, sure, but it's not a sequel, not attached to a franchise, for all intents and purposes, it's new. Why are studios so scared of new ideas? Why are they so reluctant to take risks. Paramount, the production company who picked up the rights to distribute the film in North America only, aren't exactly strapped for cash. They have the box-office behemoth that is 'Transformers' under their belts, along with franchises like 'Shrek', 'Kung Fu Panda', and 'Mission Impossible'. Take some risks. Let your audience see something different for a change.
'Annihilation' is a film that deserves to be seen on as big a screen as possible. When it was released, I went as far as upgrading my Netflix account to 4K purely to watch a film, and in the week or two before the film's release I bought a new 4K TV. Did I buy a new, big TV purely to watch 'Annihilation' in a medium close to what it deserved? I can neither confirm nor deny that. What I'm saying is – 'Annihilation' is worth your time. It is worth sitting down and watching something you almost certainly have never seen before. It's a miraculous achievement in filmmaking across the board, and it deserves your attention. It's on Netflix right now. Watch it, experience it, and prepare for it to take over your every thought for some time.
Rhys' Rating:
2018, Reviews, Sci-Fi
Alex Garland, Annihilation, Gina Rodriguez, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Natalie Portman, Netflix, Oscar Isaac, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny
← Witness The True Story Of 'White Boy Rick' In A Brand New Trailer
First Teaser Trailer For 'Transformers' Spin-Off 'Bumblebee' Has Arrived! →
2 thoughts on "Annihilation"
Pingback: 22nd Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) Award Nominations Announced – JUMPCUT ONLINE
Pingback: 6 Months Later: A Look At Our 2018 Most Anticipated Films And How They Measured Up – JUMPCUT ONLINE


One of a kind built in 2015 Expanded Fairhaven model located in desirable Princeton Manor has a abundance of upgraded features. Sunny bright corner home features gourmet kitchen w/upgraded ss appliances, custom 42' cabinets w/decorative braided trim, porcelian farmers sink, glass tile backsplash, granite & expanded pantry. Tray ceilings, decorative moldings, recessed lighting, custom roman shades throughout home. Open floor plan, family room has gas heatolater fireplace & custom laminate floating floors. Master bedroom suitecomplete w/large open sitting room, walk-in-closet, tray ceilings, columns & one of a kind master bath w/oversized shower, double sinks & heated ceramic floors on a electronic thermostat & timer. 2nd bedroom suite complete w/ full bath w/heated ceramic floors & walk-in-closet. Oversized 2 car garage has stairway to 2nd floor full loft attic with additional storage. Large private gated paver patio with privacy bushes. This beautiful custom home is move in ready!


Sunday, April 18, 9 p.m.
Sean Hayes is a singer-songwriter folk artist from San Francisco. His tunes are Americana laced with powerful vocals. He's got a great warbling voice, and his tunes are all dream-laced tunes with surreal imagery and fun lyrics. He's only playing three east coast shows on this tour; Philly, NYC and New Haven, and for $3 you can't go wrong.
Also playing will be locals The Backyard Committee, from New Haven. From what I've heard, they play some nice alt-country tunes. At this point I've only heard what's on their myspace, but they put out a strong Wilco influence which is a really good thing.


text:
Fester Wechselkurs (oder fixer Wechselkurs, fester Devisenkurs, fixer Devisenkurs) ist ein Wechselkurssystem, in welchem ein Staat längerfristig ein festes Umtauschverhältnis seiner inländischen Währung zu einer anderen, ausländischen Währungseinheit, einem Währungskorb oder Gold festlegt. Die Noten- bzw. Zentralbank garantiert dieses Verhältnis, indem sie fremde Währungen bzw. Gold zum festgelegten Kurs an- und verkauft. Pendant ist das Wechselkurssystem des flexiblen Wechselkurses wie beim Floating.

Allgemeines
Die Preisbildung auf dem Devisenmarkt wird nur innerhalb von festgelegten Wechselkursbandbreiten dem unbeeinflussten Devisenangebot und der Devisennachfrage überlassen. Sollte die Obergrenze dieser Bandbreite überschritten oder die Untergrenze unterschritten werden, müssen die Zentralbanken mittels Devisenmarktinterventionen in die Marktentwicklung eingreifen.

Eine Methode, einen festen Wechselkurs zu garantieren, sind Currency Boards. Ein bekanntes Beispiel waren die Wechselkurse der Staaten des RGW untereinander und – zumindest offiziell – gegenüber Fremdwährungen.

Thematische Einordnung
Prinzipiell werden die verschiedenen Wechselkurssysteme unterteilt in freie Wechselkurse, bei denen ausschließlich Angebot und Nachfrage an den internationalen Finanzmärkten den Wert von Währungen untereinander festlegen und Devisenmarktinterventionen der Zentralbanken die Ausnahme darstellen, bandbreitenfixierte Wechselkurse (relativ feste Wechselkurse), bei denen sich die Zentralbanken der teilnehmenden Staaten dazu verpflichtet haben, eine teilnehmende Währung nicht stärker als im vorher festgelegten Rahmen schwanken zu lassen (Beispiel: Wechselkursmechanismus II) und feste Wechselkurse. Das spezifische Wechselkurssystem ergibt sich aus den Wechselkurszielen des jeweiligen Staates oder einheitlichen Währungsraumes. Ein Extremfall der festen Wechselkursbindung ist die Währungsunion.

Geschichte

Gründerjahre, Weltkriege und Zwischenkriegszeit
Vor dem Ersten Weltkrieg bestand ab etwa 1870 in allen wirtschaftlich bedeutenden Ländern das System der festen Wechselkurse. Der Wert einzelner Währungen wurde im Verhältnis zum Gold fixiert, dieses Umtauschverhältnis wird als Goldparität bezeichnet. In Deutschland beispielsweise entsprach eine Mark 0,36 g Feingold, in England entsprach ein Pfund 7,32 g Feingold und in den USA entsprach 1 Dollar 25,8 Grain (1,672 g) Gold mit 900 Gewichtspromille (bzw. 1,5046 g Feingold). Nachdem im Ersten Weltkrieg die Arbitrage des Goldmarktes wegfiel und Papiergeld ohne Golddeckung ausgegeben wurde, bewegten sich die Wechselkurse frei und stark unterschiedlich. Nach dieser Phase mit flexiblen Wechselkursen, Währungsspekulationen und Hyperinflation kehrten die meisten Länder bis etwa Mitte der 1920er Jahre zu festen Goldparitäten zurück. Diese "unkoordinierte Rückkehr zu Goldparitäten mit der Folge von Über- und Unterbewertungen bei wichtigen Währungen" erwies sich jedoch als starke Belastung für den restaurierten Goldstandard und führte in der Konsequenz zu dessen vollständigem Zusammenbruch.

Bretton Woods
Das am 22. Juli 1944 im amerikanischen Bretton Woods beschlossene Abkommen zur internationalen Währungsordnung der Nachkriegszeit konnte bis Anfang der 1970er Jahre für relative internationale Stabilität und Wachstum sorgen. Der US-Dollar wurde internationale Leitwährung mit Goldeinlösungsgarantie innerhalb bestimmter Paritäten. Als die Vereinigten Staaten jedoch begannen, den Vietnamkrieg und ihr wachsendes Außenhandelsdefizit durch die Notenpresse zu finanzieren, ergab sich ein Angebotsüberhang von US-Dollar. Die anderen Länder mussten US-Dollar aufkaufen, um ihre Wechselkurse bzw. Währungen stabil zu halten. Diese geänderten Relationen führten 1973 letztendlich zum Zusammenbruch des Bretton-Woods-Systems und zur Freigabe der meisten Wechselkurse, wobei das eigentliche Ende schon 1971 mit der Aufkündigung der Verpflichtung zur Goldeinlösung durch den amerikanischen Präsidenten Richard Nixon erfolgt war.

Heutige Zwischenformen

Viele Länder liegen heute zwischen den Extremen fester und flexibler Wechselkurse, in Abhängigkeit von den jeweiligen Wechselkurszielen. So gibt es beispielsweise die Zwischenformen Crawling Peg, Wechselkursbandbreiten, Adjustable Peg und Dirty Floating. In Europa gab es etwa von 1979 bis 1998 mit dem Europäischen Währungssystem einen Mechanismus, der die Schwankungen zwischen den Wechselkursen der Teilnehmerwährungen begrenzte. Bei stärkeren Veränderungen der Kurse waren die Notenbanken der Teilnehmer verpflichtet, die Kurse zu stützen. Unterschieden wird weiterhin zwischen der freiwilligen Bindung an eine Leitwährung (z. B. Argentinische Peso an den US-Dollar) und einer Währungsunion, bei der mehrere Staaten eine gemeinsame Währung haben und eine gemeinsame Währungspolitik betreiben.

Im Rahmen der Europäischen Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion wurden mit Einführung des Euro als Buchgeld 1999 die nationalen Teilnehmerwährungen zu "nichtdezimalen Untereinheiten des Euro" und hörten damit auf, unabhängig vom Euro zu existieren. Bevor neue Länder den Euro einführen können, müssen diese im Rahmen des Wechselkursmechanismus II den Kurs ihrer Landeswährung zum Euro innerhalb einer Bandbreite fixieren.

Crawling Peg

Crawling Pegs sind Wechselkursbindungen mit regelmäßigen Auf- bzw. Abwertungen in Abhängigkeit von einem bestimmten Index (z. B. Divergenz der Inflationsraten zwischen Inland und Ausland). Sowohl Auf- als auch Abwertungen werden vorher bekannt gegeben, um eine verlässliche Basis für Wechselkurserwartungen zu geben und Devisenspekulationen entgegenzuwirken.

Adjustable Peg

Adjustable Pegs sind Wechselkursbindungen mit unregelmäßigen, vorher bekannt gegebenen Auf- bzw. Abwertungen. Hier werden beispielsweise bei strukturellen Zahlungsbilanzungleichgewichten Paritätsveränderungen zugelassen (System fester Wechselkurse mit stufenweiser Flexibilität).

Wechselkursbandbreiten

Bei Wechselkursbandbreiten (relativ feste Wechselkurse, bandbreitenfixierte Wechselkurse) werden Austauschverhältnisse zwischen den Währungen (Paritäten) und Schwankungsbreiten (Interventionszeitpunkte) festgesetzt. Innerhalb der Schwankungsbreite können sich die Kurse durch Angebot und Nachfrage frei bilden.

Anwendungen und Wirkungsweise

Aufwertung

Wenn infolge zu starken Devisenangebotes der eigene Devisenkurs sinkt, dann muss der Kurs durch Devisenkäufe der Zentral- oder Notenbank gestützt werden (Aufwertung). Die Notenbank müsste eigenes Geld abgeben und somit die Geldbasis vergrößern. Die Nachfragelücke kann auf Dauer durch die Notenbank nicht befriedigt werden, da sonst die Gefahr einer Inflation droht, auch wenn Zahlungsbilanzüberschüsse vorliegen.

Abwertung

Wenn der Wechselkurs ansteigen würde, müsste die Zentral- oder Notenbank den Kurs durch Devisenverkäufe stützen. Hier würde die Notenbank Zentralbankgeld einziehen und damit die Geldbasis verringern (Abwertung). Gegebenenfalls müsste eine Abwertung durch Anhebung des Wechselkurses erfolgen, da die Gefahr der Zahlungsunfähigkeit des eigenen Landes besteht.

Vor- und Nachteile fester Wechselkurse

Vorteile fester Wechselkurse
Die Vorteile liegen im Wegfall der Kosten für notwendige Devisentermingeschäfte zur Reduzierung bzw. zum Ausgleich des Wechselkursrisikos. Exporteure, Importeure und Unternehmungen haben eine feste Kalkulationsgrundlage, da keine Wechselkursschwankungen vorliegen und die Beeinflussung des Im- und Exportes zugunsten binnenwirtschaftlicher Ziele durch die erhöhte Wirksamkeit der Fiskalpolitik möglich ist. Weiterhin können im Vergleich zu variablen Wechselkursen Beschäftigungsschwankungen in der Exportindustrie vermieden und Inflationsgefahren gemindert werden.

Nachteile fester Wechselkurse
Die Autonomie in der Geldpolitik wird als Instrument zwangsweise aufgegeben. Der inländische Zinssatz entspricht dem des Auslandes, da ein bestimmter Wechselkurs aufrechterhalten werden muss. Wenn die Inflationsrate des Inlandes oder einheitlichen Währungsraumes höher ist als die Inflationsrate des Landes, an welche der Wechselkurs gebunden ist, würden die Preise für inländische Güter in Relation zu den ausländischen stärker steigen, es käme zu einer realen Überbewertung. Weiterhin ist die Zahlungsbilanz, im Gegensatz zu flexiblen Wechselkursen, nicht immer ausgeglichen.

Feste Wechselkurse am Beispiel China

Der chinesische Renminbi ist eine der wenigen Währungen, die bis vor einigen Jahren einen fixen Wechselkurs hatten. Der Yuan, als größte Währungseinheit oft als Synonym zum Renminbi verwendet, war seit 1997 an den US-Dollar gekoppelt. Das bedeutete, der US-Dollar konnte zu anderen Währungen fallen oder steigen, der Yuan hatte jedoch immer denselben Wert zum US-Dollar. Nachdem der Yuan im Jahr 2005 zunehmend unter Aufwertungsdruck geraten war, entschied sich die chinesische Regierung, diesen in einem ersten Schritt an einen Währungskorb mit niedriger Schwankungsbreite zu binden. Der Renminbi wertete innerhalb kurzer Zeit um über 2 % gegenüber dem US-Dollar auf. Nach Meinung von Fachleuten ist der Yuan aber immer noch um bis zu 15 % unterbewertet. Da künstlich niedrig gehaltene Wechselkurse den Export und Zuflüsse ausländischen Kapitals begünstigen, ist kurzfristig davon auszugehen, dass keine Freigabe der Wechselkurse erfolgen wird. Mittel- bis langfristig jedoch wird der Yuan nach Ansicht von Experten völlige Konvertibilität und Offenheit erfahren.

Literatur

Weblinks
 Europäische Zentralbank
 International Monetary Fund

Einzelnachweise

Olivier Blanchard und Gerhard Illing: Makroökonomie. 4. Auflage, München 2006, ISBN 3-8273-7209-7.

Hans-Joachim Jarchow und Peter Rühmann: Monetäre Außenwirtschaft II – Internationale Währungspolitik. 5. Auflage, Göttingen 1997, ISBN 3-5250-3174-2.

Barry Eichengreen: Vom Goldstandard zum EURO – Die Geschichte des internationalen Währungssystems. Berlin 1996, ISBN 3-8031-3603-2.

Reinhold Sellien und Helmut Sellien (Herausgeber): Gablers Wirtschaftslexikon. 12. Auflage, Wiesbaden 1988, ISBN 3-4093-0386-3.

Währungspolitik
Volkswirtschaftslehre

fr:Régime de change#Régime de change fixe

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Why buy Blue A4 Laser Labels - Inkjet Labels - 8 Per Sheet (99.1mm x 67.7mm) - 4 Boxes of 500 Sheets?
Blue A4 sheet containing 8 label per sheet with rounded corners. This labels measures 99.1mm in width and 67.7mm in height.
This pack of A4 8 per sheet laser inkjet labels comes in a quantity of 2,000 sheets.


text:
(-) International Development
Guess, McCarty Join Commission Focused on Facebook's Influence Over Elections and Democracy
Two Princeton University professors are part of a new initiative that will help social scientists to study the spread of information and…
Congress Must Adopt Stronger Safeguards for Wireless Cybersecurity, Mayer Testifies
Thanks to the advent of cell phones, tablets and smart cars, Americans are increasingly reliant on wireless services and products. Yet despite…
Diversity of Student Body Falls as Tuition Rises
A $1,000 tuition increase at four-year nonselective public institutions is associated with a 4.5 percent drop in campus diversity among full-time…
Felten Nominated for Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board
Professor Edward Felten has been nominated by President Donald Trump for a position on the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB). The…
By 2100, Arid Cities Will Suffer from More Severe Heat Waves than Temperate Cities
Heat waves are among the deadliest and most common of environmental extremes. As the earth continues to warm due to the buildup of greenhouse gases,…
United States Should Continue Leading in Artificial Intelligence, Felten Tells Senate Committee
A hearing convened by the Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee of the United States Senate Committee on Commerce,…
Politics & Polls #72: Social Research in the Digital Age
From smart phones to social media, digital technology has changed the way we live — åallowing for new explorations of human behavior. Big Data now…
Frymer discusses 'Building an American Empire'
Paul Frymer, a professor of politics at Princeton University and the director of the Program in Law and Public Affairs at the Woodrow Wilson School…
Princeton Professor Calls for Federal Guarantee of Quality Education for Kids
American children, no matter where they live or what school they attend, deserve to be guaranteed a quality education, much as we guarantee a safety…
Lower-Income Children Raised in Counties With High Upward Mobility Display Fewer Behavioral Issues, Perform Better on Cognitive Tests
Children who grow up in urban counties with high upward mobility exhibit fewer behavioral problems and perform better on cognitive tests, according…
Connecting Information Technology and Policy
How to effectively regulate and oversee the internet has become increasingly complicated for policymakers. Today's information revolution has…
Revitalizing Detroit Requires Development of Specific Neighborhoods
Despite the relatively large number of employees working in downtown Detroit, the city continues to be afflicted by urban blight, surrounded by a…
Wilson School Hosts 10th Annual Summer Policy Academy for Indigenous Students
This year marks the 10th annual Santa Fe Indian School Leadership Institute's Summer Policy Academy (SPA), hosted at Princeton University's Woodrow…
U.S. Nuclear Regulators Greatly Underestimate Potential for Nuclear Disaster
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) relied on faulty analysis to justify its refusal to adopt a critical measure for protecting Americans…
Social and Emotional Learning Essential for Children's Educational Success
The Trump administration hopes to slash $10.6 billion from current education initiatives, channeling part of the money to expanding charter schools…
WWS Reacts: Rolling Back Net Neutrality?
Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Ajit Pai outlined a plan last week to reduce government oversight over high-speed internet…
Politics & Polls #37: On the Same Team? Trump's Dynamics with Congress
Shortly after the bill to replace the Affordable Care Act was pulled, President Trump called The Washington Post's Robert Costa to discuss what…

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Life Story Funeral Homes® - RDMG
Search Life Stories & ObituariesFuneral Homes
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/112950/112950-life-panel.jpg
Larry Gregersen
November 27, 1950 - July 15, 2016
Orangeville, MI
Life Story / Obituary
Visitation / Service / Other
Contributions & Flowers
Life Story Video
Poetry & Eulogies
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/112950/112950-01.jpg
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Plainwell Location
120 South Woodhams Street
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EDT
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
Orangeville Fire Fighters Association
7350 Lindsey Road
Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.
River Rose
Plainwell Flowers
117 S. Main
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/view-life-story-video.jpg
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/download-memory-folder.jpg
When reflecting on the life of Larry Gregersen, it is easy to see that he treasured his family. He was the sort of person who would drop whatever he was doing to help someone else, and his fun-loving personality made him so much fun to be around. A devoted father, Larry was an active part of his children's lives, and things only got better when he became a grandfather later in life. He was a no frills sort of guy who could find the joy in even the simplest of things. Although he will be deeply missed, Larry leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever treasure.
The 1950s were an exciting time in American history. Elvis Presley took the music world by storm with his rock 'n roll music, and people just couldn't get enough. Televisions were becoming part of our homes in record numbers, and with the introduction to shows like Father Knows Best and I Love Lucy the American family was continually being redefined. It was just as this exciting decade was dawning that Zelden and Helen (Largent) Gregersen were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Larry Z. on November 27, 1950, in Plainwell, Michigan. He was the youngest of three children to be raised in the family home as he was joined in the family by his older brother, Ron, who was born when his father had been previously married, and his older sister, Marlene. Larry's father worked on a farm and both his father and his mother also worked in manufacturing. His parents went on to be married for more than 50 years.
In many ways Larry was a young boy of his generation. He attended Delton-Kellogg schools, but since school wasn't really his favorite thing he made a deal with his mom that if he found himself a job he could leave school. After working for a while, Larry moved to Louisiana for a few months before coming back to Michigan. He took a job with Hydro Aluminum (now called Sapa), and he ended up making that his career, working there for more than 35 years. Larry was also on the Orangeville Fire Department for over 40 years.
First and foremost in his life was always Larry's family. He was blessed with four children, Sheila, Larry, Christine, Dolly, and half-daughter Nicole, and he was an important part of their lives. Larry also adored his fiancée, Sherry Verburg, whom he met at work. They knew each other for over 12 years, and on their cruise to the Bahamas he asked her to be his wife. Sherry also has two adult daughters, Heather and Lindsay. Larry raised his children as a single father, but it was nice that his parents lived next door. Quite commonly, his mom made dinner for Larry and his kids since he wasn't all that great at cooking. However, he was more than happy to provide all the food for anyone who was cooking. He loved family gatherings and BBQs, too. Larry was there for all of his children's events, and as someone who loved riding horses he especially loved taking Dolly to her horse shows. Later in life he was overjoyed to welcome 22 grandchildren into the family, and he was there for many of their events as he had been for his own children. Larry also liked watching his grandchildren fish from his dock.
Throughout his life Larry was a man of many interests. He loved being on Pine Lake and all that went with it like keeping both his beach and his house clean. Larry enjoyed working in his yard and also going out in his boat, but he did like traveling at times, too. He didn't go all that often, but when he went Larry enjoyed himself at the casinos. He liked "watching" his westerns, which he often did with his eyes closed, but everyone knew not to take his remote away even if he appeared to be sleeping. Larry collected John Wayne movies, and at one time he collected eagles. When it came to music, he loved country music and usually listened to B-93.
All who knew Larry Gregersen would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was never one to worry about the challenges he faced, rather, he made the best of things in everything that came his way. Caring, loving, and generous beyond measure, Larry was a blessing to everyone he met. Deeply loved, he will never be forgotten.
Larry Z. Gregersen, of Orangeville, passed away on July 15, 2016. Larry is survived by his five children: Sheila (David) Kemp, of Plainwell; Larry (Tamie) Gregersen, of Shelbyville; Christine (Dan Armentrout) Gregersen, of Otsego; Dolly (Matt) Elkins, of Plainwell; and Nicole (Albert) Oisten, of Otsego; 22 grandchildren; and one great grandchild with one more great grandchild on the way; his fiancée: Sherry Verburg and her children: Heather (Chris) Wyant, of Parchment and Lindsay (Paul McFarland) Verburg, of Paw Paw; brother: Ron (Barb) Gregersen, Sr., of Plainwell; sister: Marlene Gregersen, of Shelbyville; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 20th from 12noon until the time of the service. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m., at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (269-685-5881). Procession to Oak Hill Cemetery in Orangeville, will be lead by Firefighters. Memorial donations may be made to the Orangeville Fire Department. Please visit Larry's webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory and/or photo.
©2019 LifeStoryNet, LLC
JavaScript is disabled. In order to use all of the features on www.lifestorynet.com, enable JavaScript. Close


text:
Team 5494 - Bizarbots Robotics (2016)
From: Holbrook, Massachusetts, USA
District: New England
Other Seasons
2020: INFINITE RECHA...
2019: DESTINATION: D...
2018: FIRST POWER UP
2016: FIRST STRONGHO...
2015: RECYCLE RUSH
2016 Sponsors: Holbrook Jr Sr High
Please select a tab to view detail about Team 5494's performance in the 2016 Season as well as detail of each event they attended.
NHDUR
District Ranking
This tab displays only official event's that Team 5494 attended in 2016.
Team 5494 had a record of 7-15-0 at their 2 official events (this includes a Qualification record of 7 - 15 - 0 and Playoff record of 0 - 0)
NE District - UMass-Dartmouth Event
March 18 to March 20, 2016
This event counted towards Team 5494's District Ranking Points for 2016. A summary of district rankings points earned specifically at this event is shown here.
Qualification Matches View Qualifications Event Page
Rank: 32 of 32
Record: 1 Wins, 9 Losses and 0 Ties - 12 Matches Played (2 Disqualifications)
Red Final
Blue Final
Qualification 5 (B) Sat 3/19 - 10:49 AM	 5494	 4176	 3236	 5112	 1124	 246	 35	 74
Qualification 5 (B)
10:49A 5494	 4176	 3236	 35
Qualification 7 (C) Sat 3/19 - 11:08 AM	 1124	 6201	 5494	 95	 4151	 121	 40	 51
Qualification 7 (C)
Qualification 14 (D) Sat 3/19 - 12:17 PM	 181	 155	 3958	 5494	 4908	 5735	 74	 35
Qualification 14 (D)
12:17P 181	 155	 3958	 74
Qualification 17 (A) Sat 3/19 - 12:46 PM	 1027	 181	 5735	 230	 4151	 5494	 58	 60
Qualification 17 (A)
12:46P 1027	 181	 5735	 58
Qualification 25 (B) Sat 3/19 - 2:26 PM	 121	 5494	 155	 176	 5000	 1350	 65	 76
Qualification 25 (B)
2:26P 121	 5494	 155	 65
Qualification 32 (D) Sat 3/19 - 3:20 PM	 3958	 195	 5494	 4176	 5112	 230	 71	 82
3:20P 3958	 195	 5494	 71
Qualification 35 (D) Sat 3/19 - 3:40 PM	 5846	 5494	 348	 176	 1071	 4176	 49	 88
3:40P 5846	 5494	 348	 49
Qualification 43 (B) Sat 3/19 - 4:44 PM	 88	 3461	 4151	 1071	 5494	 69	 57	 51
4:44P 88	 3461	 4151	 57
Qualification 48 (C) Sat 3/19 - 5:22 PM	 5846	 4908	 4796	 5494	 95	 88	 52	 78
Qualification 48 (C)
5:22P 5846	 4908	 4796	 52
Qualification 53 (D) Sat 3/19 - 6:00 PM	 4908	 3182	 78	 3461	 5494	 5000	 88	 77
6:00P 4908	 3182	 78	 88
Qualification 58 (A) Sat 3/19 - 6:46 PM	 5958	 5735	 246	 5112	 5494	 176	 66	 47
Qualification 64 (B) Sat 3/19 - 7:31 PM	 88	 69	 178	 246	 5494	 78	 87	 69
7:31P 88	 69	 178	 87
Playoff Matches
Team 5494 did not appear in, or there were not, any Playoff Matches at this Event
NE District - UNH Event
Qualification 3 (D) Fri 3/25 - 11:22 AM	 1247	 3205	 4925	 885	 1512	 5494	 60	 65
Qualification 3 (D)
Qualification 8 (A) Fri 3/25 - 12:18 PM	 5494	 501	 2370	 237	 885	 5633	 71	 66
Qualification 8 (A)
Qualification 17 (B) Fri 3/25 - 2:16 PM	 1519	 1786	 3597	 2523	 2876	 5494	 77	 80
Qualification 21 (C) Fri 3/25 - 2:50 PM	 3597	 5494	 4909	 5902	 138	 131	 49	 89
Qualification 33 (A) Fri 3/25 - 4:29 PM	 5813	 237	 151	 1922	 1831	 5494	 107	 45
4:29P 5813	 237	 151	 107
Qualification 38 (B) Fri 3/25 - 5:02 PM	 1721	 3205	 5494	 501	 1922	 1307	 76	 49
Qualification 43 (C) Fri 3/25 - 6:21 PM	 5494	 1786	 4925	 5962	 131	 1721	 32	 90
Qualification 47 (C) Fri 3/25 - 6:48 PM	 885	 2876	 1922	 5902	 95	 5494	 89	 59
6:48P 885	 2876	 1922	 89
Qualification 58 (A) Sat 3/26 - 9:46 AM	 1247	 4929	 5494	 3466	 5506	 1831	 51	 35
9:46A 1247	 4929	 5494	 51
Qualification 63 (B) Sat 3/26 - 10:31 AM	 4555	 4909	 4546	 5494	 3451	 3323	 77	 57
Qualification 69 (C) Sat 3/26 - 11:17 AM	 1512	 4555	 3323	 5813	 213	 5494	 54	 47
Qualification 78 (D) Sat 3/26 - 12:22 PM	 166	 131	 5494	 2523	 1512	 509	 75	 67
Team 5494 did not win any awards in the 2016 season
Loading match videos… please wait a moment
District teams are ranked against all teams in their district and the final rankings, once all district events have been played, are used to determine eligibility for District Championships and/or the FIRST Championship. More Info...
Rank: 157 of 182 teams in the New England District (Full Rankings )
Qualified for District Championship: No
Qualified for FIRST Championship: No
Team 5494 had the following district points activities in the 2016 season:
Event/Activity
NE District - UMass-Dartmouth Event 4 0 0 0 -- 4
NE District - UNH Event 11 0 0 0 -- 11
Team Age -- -- -- -- 5 5
If Team 5494 is tied with any other New England teams in total District Ranking Points, the tie will be broken using the following criteria:
Level 1 Total Playoff Round Performance Points 0
Level 2 Max Playoff Round Performance Points 0
Level 3 Total Alliance Selection Points 0
Level 4 Max Alliance Selection Points 0
Level 5 Total Qualification Points 15
Level 6 Highest Match Score 80
Level 7 Second Highest Match Score 78
Level 8 Third Highest Match Score 77
Level 9 Random Sort ---


text:
Q: ggsave does not constrain line width I have the following example
library(ggplot2)
library(ggthemes)
ggplot(mtcars) +
  geom_point(aes(x = wt, y = mpg, colour=factor(gear))) +
  facet_wrap(~am) +
  ggtitle("Title") +
  theme(
    axis.line.x = element_line(colour = "black", size = 0.5, linetype = "solid"),
    axis.line.y = element_line(colour = "black", size = 0.5, linetype = "solid")
  )

ggsave(filename = "~/Desktop/test.pdf")

In the docs of the element_line() function it is not specified which unit the size attribute has. But when I open the produced pdf in Illustrator the axis lines are shown as 1.07 pt lines.
So... what is the unit of the size attribute and how can I achieve that the output has a line width of 0.5 pt?
Thanks

A: The conversion factor is (72.27/25.4)*(72.27/96)=2.141959. So, as you note, size=0.5 results in a line that is 1.07pt wide. See here for details.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Martin Fraisl: Rangers facing competition for Schalke 04 goalkeeper
Rangers are keeping tabs on Austrian goalkeeper Martin Fraisl, according to reports.
By Angus Wright
8th Feb 2022, 2:35pm
Updated 8th Feb 2022, 3:18pm
Fraisl, who plays for 2.Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 in Germany, is entering the final six months of his contract and is tipped to leave the Gelsenkirchen club at the end of the season.
Current Rangers No 1 Allan McGregor has yet to commit to a new deal and, having just turned 40, there is some doubt as to whether he will be at Ibrox next season.
That has prompted Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst to make the goalkeeping situation a priority and, having signed up Jon McLaughlin to a new contract, the Dutchman is monitoring Fraisl's situation.
Martin Fraisl of Schalke has been linked with a move to Rangers.
The Daily Mail are claiming that the 28-year-old is wanted by Rangers and also Norwich City in the English Premier League, while a number of European clubs are also weighing up a move for Fraisl.
Standing at 6ft 2in tall, Fraisl joined Schalke from Dutch club Ado Den Haag in the summer and has become their No 1 goalkeeper in their quest for promotion.
Fraisl has also played for German outfit SV Sandhausen, Botosani in Romania and Floridsdorfer AC and Wiener Neustadt in his homeland.
GermanyDutchman


text:
L'épreuve du 200 mètres féminin aux Jeux olympiques de 2020 se déroule les 2 et  au Stade olympique national de Tokyo, au Japon.

Records
Avant cette compétition, les records dans cette discipline étaient les suivants :

Résultats

Finale

Demi-finales

Les 2 premières de chaque série (Q) et les 2 meilleurs temps (q) se qualifient pour la finale.

Demi-finale 1

Demi-finale 2

Demi-finale 3

Séries

Les 3 premières de chaque série (Q) et les 3 meilleurs temps (q) se qualifient pour les demi-finales.

Série 1

Série 2

Série 3

Série 4

Série 5

Série 6

Série 7

Légende

Notes et références

Liens externes
 Résultats par épreuve des Jeux olympiques d'été de 2020 sur le site de World Athletics

Femmes 2020
Athlétisme aux Jeux olympiques d'été de 2020


Cookies, chips and crackers are easy default kids' snacks, but they're not the healthiest. Stock your pantry with these toddler-friendly foods instead.
My 22-month-old, Hudson, is a great eater as far as I'm concerned. But that doesn't mean he won't dive into a bag of Goldfish crackers and devour them all. It takes a certain amount of effort to offer our little ones snacks that are nutrient rich and likeable. Sure, its easy to fall into the rut of Cheerios, cookies and crackers and there is a place for all of this in a balanced diet. I also believe our kids learn to like the foods we give them regularly. So try these healthy snacks out for size and your little one will benefit from the added nutrition a cracker doesn't always have.
Beans: Like a Cheerio, beans are a great, packable, finger food. Having a cabinet full of canned beans like chickpeas and black beans is as simple as being stocked up on cereal. Pop open a can, rinse the beans and offer them as part of a meal or packaged in a baggie as a snack for on-the-go. Packed with fiber, protein and lots of nutrients this is a no-brainer. Plus, soft beans like cannellini are easy on gums.
Dried Fruit: A great alternative to fruit snacks, dried fruits like apples and cherries are a tasty finger food that have a good shelf life, pack easily and of source are loaded with antioxidants and nutrition. Look for no or low-sugar options.
Freeze-Dried Fruits: Kids like to crunch but that doesn't have to mean a cracker. Try freeze dried fruits and vegetables like Just Tomatoes, Etc.. Be aware, there are spicy flavors which I have purchased by accident -- not quite as toddler friendly; lesson learned. Trader Joe's sells freeze-dried fruits as well. These are also great for adults who don't love the texture of vegetables.
Veggies are not just for dinner: Defrost a cup of frozen mixed veggies and pack them as a healthy snack. Corn, peas and carrots are naturally sweet and taste great at room temperature. You can even pack them frozen and come snack time they'll be ready to go.
Kale Chips: This green potato-like chip will satisfy your child's urge to crunch. Try this recipe for Kale Chips.
Whole Grans: I love making a batch of farro, a larger, nutty grain and offering it to Hudson as a finger food. You can also incorporate whole grains in the snack foods you are offering like KIND healthy grains, which have which have a unique blend of 100% whole grains – amaranth, quinoa, oats, millet and buckwheat -- as well as nuts and dried fruits in some flavors. My son loves the Peanut Butter Clusters.
Fruit Leathers: There are a variety of fruit leathers and snack on the market that are just that: fruit (with no added sugar). That doesn't mean they are not sweet and tasty. We just found That's It. bars which are simple fruit and we love them.
What are your favorite, healthy, kid-friendly snacks?
Learn three new ways to transform everyday snack items into all-new munchies.
We're giving away one case of PopChips each (that's 24 single-serve bags!) to five lucky, randomly-selected commenters.
Some people think too much snacking can lead to weight gain, but the key is nibbling on the right things in the right amounts. Here are a few of my favorite choices.


unless I park in their parking space.
but it's in the shop.
Yuppie Drone. Yuppie Drone. Yuppie Drone. Yuppie Drone.
it still takes an hour to go 5 miles.
grabbed a job with a big corporation that treats me like POOP.
Don't ask me what we make.
I trusted George in '72, hated Tricky Dicky with a passion, championed the poor down-trodden masses. Don't call me middle-class. What's mine is mine. I don't like war, but the bread is good. Ronnie's not so bad as Fritz or Carter's hicks. Right is new, left is out, twist and shout.
Just for reference, "395" is Interstate 395, which runs from the interchange of I-95 and the Washington Beltway in Virginia to downtown Washington, D.C., and like all good urban interstate spurs, is always plagued with traffic.
During rush hours, there is a carpool lane, designated "HOV-4", meaning "High Occupancy Vehicles: minimum 4 persons".
Dart Drug is one of our Capital's biggest drug chains. They're open 24 hours, and you might be able to guess their ad slogans.
Messages about the song: "Yuppie Drone"


text:
Home Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal (Official Video)
Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal (Official Video)
Video Views: 707058491
Video Published/Author: michaeljacksonVEVO
The short film for Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" was the centerpiece of the feature film Moonwalker, and featured the debut of Michael's iconic "anti-gravity lean." Inspired in part by Fred Astaire's "Girl Hunt Ballet" dance number in the film The Band Wagon, "Smooth Criminal" was named Best Video at the BRIT Awards, Broadcast Film Critics Association and the People's Choice Awards.
Listen to Michael Jackson: https://MichaelJackson.lnk.to/_listenYD
Subscribe to the official Michael Jackson YouTube Channel: https://MichaelJackson.lnk.to/subscribeYD
Watch more Michael Jackson videos: https://MichaelJackson.lnk.to/_listenYC/youtube
Follow Michael Jackson:
Facebook: https://MichaelJackson.lnk.to/_followFI
Twitter: https://MichaelJackson.lnk.to/_followTI
Instagram: https://MichaelJackson.lnk.to/_followII
Website: https://MichaelJackson.lnk.to/_followWI
Spotify: https://MichaelJackson.lnk.to/_followSI
Produced by Quincy Jones for Quincy Jones Productions
Co-Produced by Michael Jackson for MJJ Productions, Inc.
From the album Bad, released August 31, 1987
Released as a single October 21, 1988
THE SHORT FILM
Director: Colin Chilvers
Primary Production Location: Los Angeles, California
Michael Jackson's short film for "Smooth Criminal" was the sixth of nine short films produced for recordings from Bad, one of the best selling albums of all time. The "Smooth Criminal" single hit No. 1 in Spain and The Netherlands and reached the Top 10 in the UnitedStates, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland and Switzerland. In the United States, "Smooth Criminal" reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100-the sixth single from Bad to do so-as well as Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles charts.
In addition to being a standalone short film, "Smooth Criminal" became the centerpiece of Michael's most ambitious film project at the time, Moonwalker, a feature-length film that was released theatrically in various countries outside of the United States. In the "Smooth Criminal" portion of the film, Michael and his friends face off against the notorious drug lord Mr. Big (Joe Pesci) and attempt to foil his plot to get the children of the world hooked on drugs-but of course, in the end, Michael defeats the villain.
The musical portion of "Smooth Criminal" takes place in the magical "Club '30s," where Michael instructed his friends to meet him. While Katie (Kellie Parker), Zeke (Brandon Adams) and Sean (Sean Lennon) find the club to belong abandoned, Club '30s springs to life when Michael shows up, wearing a blue and white pinstripe suit and fedora.
As the kids watch through the window, Michael flips a coin into the jukebox and leads the club patrons through a dazzling performance to "Smooth Criminal." Here, Michael shows off updated versions of his signature dance moves. He also debuts one of his most iconic dance moves: the "anti-gravity lean," a seemingly impossible move.
#MichaelJackson #SmoothCriminal
Classical Piano Music & Fireplace 24/7 – Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven, Bach, Grieg, Schumann, Satie
[ad_1] Video Views: 2131480 Published On: 2021-10-28 22:38:46 Video Published/Author: Odd Eagle Video Duration: 00:00:00 Source: Watch on…
Taylor Swift – Gorgeous (Lyric Video)
[ad_1] Video Views: 128662946 Published On: 2017-10-20 09:31:22 Video Published/Author: TaylorSwiftVEVO Video Duration: 00:03:32 Source: Watch on YouTube…


text:
About the Town Crier
Listening Guide: In The Moment Episode 31
Hedrick Smith, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, Lori Gottlieb
Alexander Eby | April 4, 2019 April 4, 2019
In episode #31 of In The Moment, Chief Correspondent Steve Scher talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Hedrick Smith (3:45) about the incredible groundswell of community movements that took place around the time of the 2018 election. Smith comments on the remarkable strides made in just one year, with states adopting gerrymandering reform to combat election rigging, restoring voting rights for felons, and securing public funding for campaigns. Smith shares the hope he felt from these election results and real moments of democratic change—and the broader movements they inspired.
Then, correspondent Reagan Jackson talks with renowned Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o (17:36) about his proudest memory. Thiong'o responds with a story of his mother, who put him through school and instilled in him the value of always doing his best, even though she couldn't read or write. Thiong'o also discusses the time he spent in exile and the reason he was incarcerated by the Kenyan regime for over a year after the release of his landmark play Ngaahika Ndeenda. Thiong'o and Jackson talk about the current political climate, Thiong'o's hopes for the future of his own legacy, and the importance of authors writing in their native tongue to preserve the philosophy and culture each language contributes to the world.
And host Jini Palmer shares recordings from the Town Hall community, who provided questions for therapy columnist Lori Gottlieb (25:22) in preparation for her arrival on Town Hall's stage on April 10, 2019. Jini presents Gottlieb's insightful responses to each of these intriguing and personal questions.
Still Curious?
-Hedrick Smith appears in numerous video discussions of democracy, including this video exploration of the material in his book Who Stole The American Dream?
–In this video interview, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o shares his thoughts on memories and how they make us who we are.
–Lori Gottlieb writes the column Dear Therapist for The Atlantic, where she addresses many of the same kinds of questions that the Town Hall community asked.
-Town Hall's Jonathan Shipley interviewed Lori Gottlieb for our blog. Check out their conversation on the Town Crier!
Categories Audio, Featured, Listening Guide, Town Crier Post navigation
Sikh Captain America and Superhero Serendipity
What Are People Doing?
Can Peer Pressure Save The Planet? A Conversation with Robert Frank
Alexander Eby | January 7, 2020
Some Information about Misinformation: A Conversation with Samuel Woolley
Jonathan Shipley | December 18, 2019 December 18, 2019
Sacred Music of the Renaissance(s)
Alexander Eby | December 3, 2019 December 3, 2019
What was (and is) the Town Crier?
The Town Crier was a weekly magazine, published between 1910 and 1938. It focused on Seattle's news, arts, and culture, and featured local artists, musicians, actors and more.
Town Hall is a reflection of inspired voices in Seattle today—just as the Town Crier was a century ago. Now, we're paying homage to the historic publication and keeping its spirit alive.


We are excited to present our newest listing in The Atlantis on Brickell. The Atlantis was designed by the world renowned architecture firm of Arquitectonica. This 20 story (98 units) iconic building with 5 story palm court cutout is well known for being featured in the opening credits of Miami Vice as well as many other movies and TV shows. The Atlantis provides a guard-gated entry, 24 hour concierge, security, jacuzzi, Olympic size lap pool overlooking Biscayne Bay, tennis court and exercise room. An additional benefit to residents who live at The Atlantis is that they have use of the historic Tiffany Room as their clubhouse.
Our new listing is a rarely available garden-level townhouse. This property is so unique because it has the feeling of a single-family home (no elevator!) with all of the amenities of a luxury condo building. It was recently renovated with luxury finishes and a European style kitchen. Walls of glass and soaring ceilings create light-filled living spaces which open to an expansive (650 ft) private terrace which is perfect for outdoor living and entertaining. The unit is located in the East Tower which is closer to the water. These townhouse units are extremely sought after and do not come on the market often, so please act quickly if you are interested! See more details below.
This entry was posted on Friday, August 26th, 2016 at 3:55 pm and is filed under Atlantis On Brickell Condo Market. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


If you are interested in maps that are accurate and easy to configure, you can find a wide array of products and services from Getmapping. The goal of this company is to make mapping more accessible to all customers and to offer prices that are slightly reduced. It is possible to browse the categories on their website including: Products, Services, GIS and Support. The products that customers can choose from include aerial photography, street layer, planning maps, satellite imagery and more. There is even a "Gift" section on their site for mapping –related gifts that are unique and can be personalized.


text:
Lizzie Borden's Murder House Is For Sale
By Richard Milner/Updated: May 31, 2021 4:16 pm EST
"Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one."
Yep, Lizzie Borden is without a doubt the most nursery-rhymed ax murderer in homicidal history. Sunday School teacher and daughter of a prominent, wealthy investor in Fall Rivers, Massachusetts, Borden was ultimately acquitted for the murder of her parents in 1892 for a variety of reasons most likely related to her wealth, standing, and various racial and ethnic issues circulating in New England at the time (e.g., a non-immigrant, white woman was among the least suspicious), per Smithsonian Magazine. But it was her stepmother, not mother, and a hatchet, not an ax. Nineteen strikes took down her stepmother, and 29 her father, to the point where his face was "unrecognizable."
The senselessness of the crime is part of the reason why it's remembered. Lizzie, one of the town's most well-regarded "Protestant nuns" — the Victorian ideal of a modest, well-mannered lady — claims she came home to find her father's hewn body (Lizzie, 32 at the time, still lived there). The motive was unclear, nothing was stolen, there was no break-in, and Lizzie's parents were murdered during the day. Two months after Lizzie was acquitted, she and her sister Emma moved to a wealthy part of town and left their past, and their house, behind.
And if anyone is looking to pay $2 million to inherit that murder home? Now's your chance.
Care to inherit a murder-based B&B?
On January 22, 2021, the Borden family home went on the market. In the intervening years since the family ax-whacking, the house has been converted into a museum and bed and breakfast. At present, the cheapest of the house's plethora of flower-printed, canopy-bedded rooms goes for $250 a night, per the B&B's disturbingly cheery website. You can even stay in the room where Lizzie's mom Abby was murdered, the "John V. Morse" room. The B&B offers guided tours to the pubic, and in 2019 alone, it conducted a staggering 18,000 daytime tours, per Realtor.com.
The listing doesn't just include the house, but the entire business, an owner's suite, an adjacent barn with two extra bathrooms, gift shops, trademarks, IPs, and websites. The listing's real estate agent, Suzanne St. John, stated on CNN that no one who has expressed interest has any other goals for the property aside from keeping it a bed and breakfast. In fact, the house has been listed as a "turnkey operation," meaning that little to no change needs to be conducted at the property in order for it to continue being used (just turn the key and go inside). No mention of ghosts or hauntings, though — it seems the original owners just want to retire.
Last year in September, Lizzie's "Maplecroft" mansion — where she lived after her trial — also went on sale for $890,000, per Boston Magazine.


text:
SGoC
Standing Group on Organised Crime
History of the group
At ECPR Joint Sessions
Grenoble, 2001
At ECPR General Conferences
Marburg, 2003
Pisa, 2007
Bordeaux, 2013
Glasgow, 2014
Prague, 2016
First General Conference
Naples, 2015
Archive; past issues
Disclaimer and Permissions
Publishing Policy and Open Access
Zimbabwe: Organised Crime On the Rise
August 15, 2006 by Niccolò Mineo
FOUR phenomena in Zimbabwe point to the rise of organised crime — threats of violence against Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono, organised criminal gangs, money laundering rings and the involvement of senior police officers in corruption. The question is: Are we seeing the evolution of Mafiosos in Zimbabwe?
A Mafia, as described by Annelise Anderson in "The Red Mafia: A legacy of Communism", is "a group that is characterised by profit-oriented criminal activity, that uses violence or threats of violence, that uses its resources to discourage cooperation of its members with the police and that corrupts legitimate government authority". The word Mafia, as Anderson notes, characterised some powerful Sicilian families engaged in violent criminal activities and who also achieved considerable control of economic activity.
The term was later adopted in the United States to describe organised criminal groups in the wake of the Great Depression.
Mafia groups thrive on illegal businesses and illegal markets. It is in the interests of Mafia groups to control the illegal market. Inevitably they are averse to economic reforms or any other policies that threaten the existence of illegal markets and their enterprises.
Such gangs have targets and the means to hit them (weapons). The Russian Mafia (also known as Red Mafia) for instance has, according to the Wilkipedia, 100 000 members owing allegiance to 8 000 crime groups. The Red Mafia controls about 80 percent of all private businesses and about 40 percent of the nation's wealth. When Russia was undergoing economic reforms, which threatened illegal businesses, the Mafia targeted bank executives, reform-minded business leaders and investigative journalists. These were systematically murdered or kidnapped. Between 1992 and 1994, 10 bankers were killed.
Thus the threats of violence against Dr Gono's life and the subsequent arson at his farm — coming in the wake of his announcement of progressive measures to curb illegal financial activities — are typically Mafia behaviour. Since Mafia groups are involved in many illegal activities, they have large structures to cope with the scope and sizes of their activities. While enforcement of their jungle laws in businesses is enhanced through violence, they also use bribes to control the legal system, from police officers to court officials.
It is not surprising that many cases involving corruption and other criminal cases are not successfully prosecuted. Organised criminals devote resources to corrupt judicial officials and investigative journalists, especially in an environment where these are poorly remunerated. These criminal groups, who are described by the Wilkipedia as criminals whose motivation is profit, have legitimate businesses to front their illegal ones. In order for their illicit activities to thrive, they need society's "support" and they get it through violence, bribery, symbiotic relationships between their illegal businesses and the illegal ones and blackmail. Consequently, they target the judicial and police officers including legislators in order to control them through bribery, threats or both.
Legitimate businesses are used either as a cover or as a means to operate underground enterprises. For example in Zimbabwe, one might own a legitimate fuel business and through its legitimate licence, import the fuel. But very little of the liquid would be seen on the open market, as most of it ends up on the illegal parallel market. Some police and government officials would be corrupted because the Mafia thrives where there is little trust in government or the police. When those in authority know about, and are involved in the underground economy, bribery and extortion, there would be selection and enforcement of the laws. Only the small fish are netted and the recourse of going to the law becomes a futile and frustrating experience.
Konstantin Simis, a Soviet defence attorney who had numerous clients in the underground economy was quoted by Anderson commenting on the laundering of illegally earned cash saying it was a "criminal activity protected by the authorities against which ordinary recourse of going to the police proves unprofitable". The recent arrest of two senior police officers (an Assistant Inspector and an Assistant Commissioner) who were allegedly caught with $5 million ($5 billion old value) in cash typifies the involvement of police officers in underhand economic activities.
Money laundering is one of the prime activities of the underground economy. The Wilkipedia aptly describes what it is and its specific purpose as, "engaging in specific financial transactions in order to conceal the identity, source and/or the destination of money and is a main operation of underground economy". This is done to avoid detection and prosecution for illegal activities. Significantly, those people who have been caught with billions in cash, including prominent businesspeople with legitimate enterprises have "failed" to account for the source of their money and its destination (which was obviously not the banks").
John McDowell, writing in "The Consequences of Money Laundering and Financial Crime," notes that money laundering has devastating effects on the economy and national security. He adds: "It provides fuel for drug dealers, terrorists, illegal arms dealers, corrupt officials and others to operate and expand their criminal enterprises". McDowell also notes that it increases cross border cash shipments to those, "with loose arrangements for detecting and recording the placement of cash in the financial system".
Hence it is not surprising that many of Zimbabwe's bearer cheques (used as legal tender) are smuggled to foreign countries. Barely a week after the new bearer cheques were introduced, they had found their way illegally out of the country and some people were arrested at border posts attempting to smuggle them.
Organised crime masterminded by Mafiosos leads to economic stagnation or depression. Pino Arlacchi, a historical sociologist, noted that during the 1970s and 1980s areas of southern Italy with high rates of organised crime had concomitantly poor economic growth rates. Analysts have also noted that one of the causes of the growth of organised crime is bureaucracy, especially when decisions are unclear and difficult to monitor. Bureaucrats, they argue, fuel corruption by demanding payment, tips, kickbacks and bribes for the awarding of tenders.
Bureaucratic corruption then takes the complexion of the Mafia when violence or threats of violence come into play. In fact some of the power struggles manifest in quasi-government institutions such as councils and parastatals are symptomatic of the struggle for underworld activities such as influencing awarding of tenders. Mafiosos also influence political decisions and legislation by ensuring that those who win political seats are either their kith and kin in crime or that they are corruptible.
Inevitably they manipulate the political system and its players either from within or behind the scenes. Gang leaders who have been arrested or those on the run in the country are a testimony of the prevalence of organised crime. These gangs range from burglars to armed robbers. The Irish Mafia (or Irish mob) is regarded as one of the oldest crime syndicates in the US (since its inception in 1800) and it is reputed for having run the most successful burglary rings in that country.
Slowly, in Zimbabwe, burglary syndicates are emerging and they are terrorising residents. Some of them are known and residents complain that they do not stay in custody for long. Armed robbery gang leaders such as Norman Karimanzira, who is now late, Musa Taj Abdul, Lucky Matambanadzo and Gift Mwale among others, are symbolic of the growth of organised syndicates in Zimbabwe. These gangs have become so disciplined and well connected to be considered part of the organised crime syndicate — Mafia.
While the Mafia usually operates underground, they may become so powerful that they can come out of their shells and become known through symbolic dressing and other means. For example the Japanese Mafia or the Yakuza (or Yokudo), the masters that control the underground market, make themselves distinct as they wear dark glasses and suits and are known to walk with "an arrogant gait". At the rate organised crime is emerging in Zimbabwe, are we not likely to see such criminal arrogance one day?
The Herald (Harare) August 10, 2006
Categories: News Selection
Previous Post: UK Threat Assessment 2006/7
Next Post: McGuinty Government Announces Second Major Crime Court
Tweets by @ecpr_sgoc
Copyright © 2017 SGoC. Powered by WordPress and Drop Shipping.


text:
Inception (Music From The Motion Picture)
We Built Our Own World
Dream Is Collapsing
Radical Notion
Old Souls
Dream Within a Dream
℗ 2010 WarnerBros. Entertainment Inc. © 2010 Motion Picture Artwork 2010 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Motion Picture Photography 2010 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Legendary Pictures. C2010 Reprise Records for the U.S. and WEA International Inc. for the world outside the U.S.


The NCAA's Playing Rules Oversight panel on Friday announced a significant change to how kickoffs are treated. Moving forward, kickoffs that land inside the field of play between the goal line and the 25-yard line can now be fair caught and taken to the 25 as touchbacks. The move essentially extends the end zone out 25 yards on kickoffs, a significant and obvious attempt to limit the number of runbacks.
Plenty of coaches have attempted to steal precious field position yardage by instructing their kickers to land their kickoffs just shy of the goal line and then covering said kick. This rule change now gives receiving teams the option to take that strategy off the table. Whereas previously a kickoff fair caught at the 5-yard line became dead at the 5, now that ball would move to the 25.
Elsewhere, the Playing Rules Oversight Panel made all blocks below the waist illegal if thrown more than five yards beyond the line of scrimmage and stated that all players, other than interior linemen, must throw below-the-waist blocks from the front.
– The 40-second play clock will now start before PAT or 2-point conversion attempts, and the 40-second clock will start more quickly after kickoffs.
– Collaborative replay reviews (such as in-stadium officials communicating with the conference office) may continue on an experimental basis.
– Leaping rules on field goals and extra points were adjusted to mirror those on punting plays, where leaping over the frame of the body of an opponent is illegal.
– Penalty enforcement on field goals will now be treated the same as extra points, where unsportsmanlike calls on the defensive team can now be accepted on the ensuing kickoff.


When it comes to our fur babies, we want the very best, but their affection can come with some stipulations. For these hairy situations, we turn to our Pet Duo, featuring Darks Detergent and our Clothing & Upholstery Brush. This tough pair is perfect for odor, pet dander and of course, pet hair on clothing and throughout your home.
Ah, the quest to combat the dreaded shed... Pets mark their territory in more ways than one, but the most common is a furry little trail that follows them wherever they go. When fur finds its way to your couch or your clothing, a swipe left (or right) with our Clothing & Upholstery Brush will remove fur, hair, fuzz, lint, and pills. Handcrafted by the artisans at Redecker, the brush was made to last a lifetime.
In the fight against lint, we reach for the Darks Detergent. Specially formulated to repel dander, lint, hair, and fuzz, the detergent is packed with stain-fighting enzymes. Built-in color-guards preserve fabric color and brighten. Darks Detergent is allergen-free and toxin-free so it's safe for washing your pet's bedding and outfits too.
BLOT - Blot as much of the mess as possible using a Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth. This step is important as you'll want to soak up as much of the urine as possible before it seeps into the surface.
NEUTRALIZE PH - Mix 1 cup of Scented Vinegar with 1 cup of lukewarm water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area generously, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. If necessary, use the Scrub Brush to work the solution in. The Scented Vinegar acts to neutralize the uric acid in the urine that's responsible for odors and fading. It's important to follow this step with a good rinse using hot water and a cloth or you may be left with a bleached or pink spot later on.
CLEAN THOROUGHLY - If you are like most pet parents, you are most likely working on carpet, so once you've neutralized the uric acid, you'll need to clean the area. Wet a Wash & Stain Bar and work into a lather. Apply directly to the affected area rubbing gently to remove the stain. Once the stain is lifted, wet a Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth in warm water and dampen the area to remove the soap suds completely. Dry the area with a dry portion of The Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth until completely dry to avoid water marks later on. If you were lucky enough to have their accident on hard flooring (wood, tile, etc.) dilute 1/2 cup All-Purpose Bleach Alternative with a gallon of water. Then, mop the floor with the solution. The bleach formula will further disinfect the area. Allow to dry completely.
FRESHEN UP - To further freshen carpet, once dry, generously sprinkle All-Purpose Bleach Alternative on the area and let sit for 10-15 minutes before vacuuming up the granules.
If your pet has left that "a pet lives here signature smell" in your carpets, reach for the All-Purpose Bleach Alternative and your vacuum. Sprinkle liberally across the rug (chlorine-free solution, nontoxic, free of allergens, and formulated with natural ingredients - aka it's safe to have around your pets). Let the granules sit for at least 10 minutes before vacuuming them up.
Keep areas smelling fresh with Fabric Fresh, and u]se the Jiffy Steamer to remove common pet related allergens like mites and dander.
Remove pet hair and dander from upholstery, use our Pet Brush or Upholstery Brush.


Amazing food and service paired with an outstanding view of the crashing waves along Waikiki Beach that are so iconic to Hawaii are a given at 53 By The Sea. The establishment has an array of seafood and tan-tantalizing delicacies that are sure to make your mouth water, and the desserts are no different.
While the restaurant is working on a new menu for August, there are a couple of desserts on the current menu that are must-haves.
Kamiya Papaya and Seasonal Fruits Soup ($9) features a lilikoi and mango puree with chunks of pineapple and papaya, topped with berries.
Chocolate Cake ($10) is served warm with vanilla gelato, raspberries and whipped cream. This flourless chocolate cake is a staple at many restaurants and 53 By The Sea serves this up with a perfectly crafted cake, topped with chocolate sauce.
Green Tea White Chocolate Mousse Cake features layers of white cake and green tea ganache. This light dessert stays true to the traditional green tea flavor, and thankfully Ho says this one will most likely be on the future dessert menu.
Nunes-Baptista also outlined four desserts that possibly could make an appearance on the fall menu, and all of them are simply to die for.
Her Coconut Rum Chocolate Cake plays with the flavors of lilikoi and raspberries. The dish is beautifully garnished with a strawberry cup filled with lilikoi sauce. "All the flavors in the cake you see on the plate," she explains.
This marriage of flavors carries out into the rest of her proposed desserts as well.
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake features layers of dark chocolate and white chocolate with mango ice cream in a chocolate basket and mango sauce artfully displayed on the plate.
The last proposed dessert Nunes-Baptista presented was her Fruit Boat. This dessert truly is a work of art and features a salted caramel foam (salty like the ocean) and chocolate (the sand). Atop the chocolate sits a wonderful rum truffle that represents Nunes-Baptista's take on Diamond Head.
53 By The Sea has some wonderful desserts that will grace its menu in the near future. Make sure to stop by, try some amazing culinary masterpieces and save room for dessert.
Lunch: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bar: daily, 4 p.m.-midnight; Friday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Happy Hour: daily, 4-6:30 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.


text:
Teen Dies After Eating Undercooked Pork
by: JOHANNA LI
Posted: Apr 1, 2019 / 10:47 PM EDT / Updated: Apr 1, 2019 / 10:47 PM EDT
How should you ensure food safety when eating and preparing meats?
After an 18-year-old in India died of tapeworms after consuming undercooked pork, pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Bridget Dowd is offering her expert advice to cook food properly.
"Tapeworm is a parasite that can cause infection in humans after eating undercooked or raw pork or beef," Dowd explained. "The more common infection that can happen is a mild illness. You might not have any symptoms or you can have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea."
The teen, however, checked into a Faridabad hospital with seizures and pain in his groin, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine. He was also confused and had swelling over his right eye.
Initial tests showed he had lesions in his brain and cysts in his eye and groin, and doctors determined he had a condition called neurocysticerosis, which occurs when someone eats tapeworm from pork. Even though doctors treated immediately, the teen died of his illness two weeks later.
Dowd explained that there are two types of parasite infections – one that can be easily treated with antiparasitic medications and another that can lead to more serious issues.
"This is unusual in the U.S.," Dowd said. "It typically happens in the developing world where cattle and swine are grazing in a field with human feces."
Cases in the United States often occur among people who have traveled outside of the country or among immigrant populations.
To err on the side of caution, Dowd suggested to always cook beef or pork to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, or at least medium rare, and wild game and ground beef to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Make sure you are not eating raw or undercooked meat," she said.
Meats that have been frozen for at least four days in 23 degrees Fahrenheit, or about the temperature of a residential freezer, will generally kill off any harmful eggs or cysts that might occur in the cuts of meat.
And, most importantly, basic hygiene like proper hand washing is crucial to staying healthy.
"Make sure to wash your hands before you eat food and also good hand hygiene for people handling food," Dowd said. "And, after going to the bathroom, wash your hands."


text:
Oil Resources in Virginia
oil and gas fields in Virginia
Source: Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research - Virginia Energy Patterns and Trends
Virginia has known reservoirs of both oil and natural gas west of the Blue Ridge. In addition, there may be undiscovered petroleum resources in Upper Devonian black shales underneath Paleozoic thrust sheets (comparable to producing fields in east-central Kentucky), in Triassic basins east of the Blue Ridge, and in Triassic basins and other sediments underneath the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
Most speculation is associated with the offshore potential in areas which could be leased by the Federal government. Efforts to find onshore oil in Virginia are minimal; resource management conflicts involving new oil fields in Virginia will involve impacts on the Outer Continental Shelf and development of support operations in places such as Cape Charles.
Virginia's known oil resources are in Paleozoic sediments. In the Cambrian and Ordovician Periods, Virginia was at the edge of the North American continent - and underwater. Shales rich in organic matter and layers of limestone accumulated at the bottom of a shallow offshore basin 550-450 million years ago.
Sediments accumulated for million of years, with limestones forming when sea levels were higher and shales during periods of low water, especially in advance of the Taconic and Avalon orogenies. Different types of sediments formed as conditions changed, which geologists note by labeling distinct rock formations that were created under similar conditions. The length of time and rate of sediment accumulation affect the width of formations, which can vary widely. For example, in Lee County the Conasauga Shale is 500-550 feet thick, while the Rome Formation is 1,600 feet thick.1
The organic matter in the shales of western Virginia were cooked by heat/pressure from overlying sediments deposited in the Silurian, Devonian, and later periods. Carbohydrates/lipids/proteins in the sediments broke apart, and some of the molecules reorganized into biopolymers called kerogen. When the kerogen was baked by the right combination of heat and pressure, kerogen converted into oil and gas in a process called diagenesis.
looking for oil shale on Butt Mountain, west of Blacksburg
known and potential oil and gas fields in Virginia
Source: Bureau of Land Management, Virginia - Reasonably Foreseeable Development Scenario For Fluid Minerals (Figure 8)
The "window" for conversion of kerogen into oil involves temperatures between 150-300°F (usually between 7,000-18,000 feet deep), while the window for conversion into natural gas involves temperatures higher than 300°F. There is no ignition source, so the petroleum does not burn.
Hydrocarbons are light and fluid, so they migrate upward after diagenesis. Hydrocarbons escape at the surface, but in some cases the oil and gas is trapped by overlying impervious rock layers or in porous sandstone/limestone formations.2
sediments with potential for liquid oil are west of Virginia, where pressure from overlying deposits and tectonic movements were lower
Source: US Geological Survey, Assessment of Undiscovered Natural Gas Resources in Devonian Black Shales, Appalachian Basin, Eastern U.S.A. (Open-File Report 2005-1268)
In Lee County, where Virginia's only two commercial oil fields are located, geologic faults in the Trenton Limestone blocked some of the oil that was migrating from the original shales. The fractured rock trapped oil in isolated underground reservoirs until wells drilled in the last century pierced the traps.
At the moment, Lee County is the only place in Virginia where pressure and temperature are known to have been high enough to convert organic sediments into oil (but not hot enough to bake the oil into natural gas) in commercial quantities. However, oil is produced from other wells by condensing fluids in natural gas.
oil production sites in Virginia in 2006, including condensates from gas wells
Source: Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy - Oil
Virginia's first oil wells were developed in what is now West Virginia, along the Kanawha River. In 1860, wells were drilled in Wirt County near a "burning spring," where natural gas seeped from the ground and occasionally caught fire. The original objective of drilling in that area was to produce saline water, to be boiled to create salt, but the brine was so contaminated with "rock oil" that landowners shifted to drilling for petroleum. The Burning Springs Oil Field became part of West Virginia in 1863.3
In Lee County, surface oil seeps (where liquid petroleum leaks to the surface) alerted people to the presence of hydrocarbons. Drilling started in 1910, after a farmer reportedly "pulled a tree stump out of the ground and saw black goo come oozing out."4
The Rose Hill field did not open until 1942, when demand was high during World War II. The B. C. Fugate #1 well was drilled 1,115 feet deep, and was the first commercially productive oil well in Virginia. It initially produced 60 barrels/day, but flow soon declined to 8 barrels/day. The crude oil was trucked to Middlesboro, KY, then sent by train to refineries in Charleston, WV.5
The Ben Hur field was developed in 1963, and expanded to Fleenortown two miles away in 1981. Original oil wells ranged in depth from 1,110 feet to 2,550 feet. Both oil fields are located in a "fenster" or window where erosion has removed the overlying Pine Thrust block, exposing the Bales block underneath. The oil was formed before tectonic pressure pushed the Pine Thrust block over the Bales block of limestone, and has since migrated into fractures formed by the tectonic stresses when Africa collided with North America.
The oil in those two fields comes from a 400-500 foot thick reservoir in the Trenton Limestone, where the oil was trapped. The US Geological Survey reported in 1954:6
Almost all of the successful wells in the Rose Hill oil field obtain their production from the Trenton limestone; but in this field there are no consistent oil-bearing zones in the Trenton. Production has been found in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the formation, which is about 560 feet thick. In several places wells only a few hundred feet apart produce from widely-separated horizons in the Trenton.
The source rocks include organic sediments in the Rome Formation, which were in the "oil window" between 420-330 million years ago, and oil from other formations that could be 300 million years old. Production from Lee County reached 60,000 barrels/day at one point, but wells tapped only small reservoirs in limestone cracks. One geologist noted:7
You don't have big voids full of oil like they got out in the West or in the Middle East. Production here is generally pretty small and short-lived.
time-temperature model for generating oil/gas from organic material in source rocks underneath Lee County, Virginia
Source: Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Oil and Gas Well Data and Geology for Lee County, Virginia (Publication 113)
Some oil is produced from liquids that condense at natural gas wells in the Appalachian Plateau. Efforts to find commercial quantities of oil further east in the Triassic basins of the Piedmont have failed - so far. In the Richmond Basin, 38 exploratory holes were drilled between 1897 and 1985. In the Taylorsville Basin, six wells drilled since 1986 also failed to find enough hydrocarbons to justify further development.8
July 11, 1916 advertisement in Virginian-Pilot and Norfolk Landmark, to recruit investors for oil well in Prince Edward County
Source: Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Geology And Mineral Resources Of The Farmville Triassic Basin, Virginia
There are several potential oil and gas "plays" for future production in Virginia, especially after fracking technology has expanded the supply of natural gas from shale formations west of the Blue Ridge (such the Marcellus Shale). Due to the heat and pressure of thrust faulting and deep burial of sediments in western Virginia, the potential of finding liquid hydrocarbons that accumulated in the oil window (as opposed to natural gas) is limited.
New commercial-scale hydrocarbon discoveries in Virginia, if any, may generate natural gas or natural gas liquids rather than oil. Even offshore on the Outer Continental Shelf, the potential for gas is higher than for oil.9
Oil Refining in Virginia
Biofuels in Virginia
Oil Pipelines in Virginia
Natural Gas Resources in Virginia
Virginia and the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
A Barrel Full
Yorktown Refinery
Virginia - Reasonably Foreseeable Development Scenario For Fluid Minerals (May 2008)
Environmental Marketing
Oil and Gas Initiatives
Trenton Limestone fracture reservoirs in Lee County, southwestern Virginia, C.S. Bartlett Jr., Conference: American Association of Petroleum Geologists Eastern Section meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, October 10 1984
US Energy Information Administration
Maps: Exploration, Resources, Reserves, and Production
National Oil and Gas Gateway
Natural Gas Reserves Summary - dry (pipeline-quality) and wet
Virginia profile
US Geological Survey
Assessment of Appalachian Basin Oil and Gas Resources: Utica-Lower Paleozoic Total Petroleum System (Open-File Report 2008–1287)
Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources of the East Coast Mesozoic basins of the Piedmont, Blue Ridge Thrust Belt, Atlantic Coastal Plain, and New England Provinces
National Oil and Gas Assessment of 1995 - Appalachian Basin Province
Virginia Tech - Center for Coal and Energy Research
Virginia Energy Patterns and Trends
Map of Natural Gas and Oil Fields
Virginia Petroleum
Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy
Mineral And Fossil Fuel Production In Virginia (1999-2003) (Open-File Report 05-04)
Oil and Gas Exploration and Development in Virginia, 1979-1988
Oil and Gas in Virginia
Oil and Gas Well Data and Geology for Lee County, Virginia (Publication 113)
Virginia Division of Gas and Oil
West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey
History of WV Mineral Industries - Oil and Gas (oil extraction started when the counties were still part of Virginia)
oil and gas resource estimates for the Outer Continental Shelf are defined primarily by reservoir-rock stratigraphy, and will remain speculative until test wells are drilled
Source: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 2017-2022 OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program - Proposed Program Decision Document, Geologic Plays in the Atlantic Planning Areas (Figure 5-5)
practicing placement of boom to capture oil spill in Elizabeth River
Source: U.S. National Response Team, Hampton Roads Geographic Response Plan - Development & PREP Exercise
1. Jack E. Nolde, "Oil and Gas Well Data and Geology for Lee County, Virginia," Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy Publication 113, 1992, pp.1-2 https://www.dmme.virginia.gov/commerce/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=2196
2. Norman J. Hyne, Nontechnical guide to petroleum geology, exploration, drilling, and production, 2001, pp.151-153, http://books.google.com/books?id=D4I-G0DcTcUC (last checked July 28, 2012)
3. "Burning Springs Oil Field," West Virginia Encyclopedia, http://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/726/a> (last checked December 25, 2011)
4. "The 'Oil-Rich Sheiks' of Lee County, VA," Washington Post, December 9, 1979, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/12/09/the-oil-rich-sheiks-of-lee-county-va/09ba4854-4891-40a1-a037-d37b47c3cf6b/ (last checked June 13, 2016)
5. W. T. Harnsberger, "Virginia's Oil and Gas Resources," Virginia Minerals, Virginia Division of Geology, January 1955, p.1, p.4, https://www.dmme.virginia.gov/commercedocs/VAMIN_VOL01_NO02.pdf (last checked June 13, 2016)
6. Ralph LeRoy Miller, William Peters Brosgé, "Geology and Oil Resources of the Jonesville District, Lee County, Virginia," US Geological Survey Bulletin 990, 1954, p.216, https://books.google.com/books?id=JkI-AQAAIAAJ (last checked June 13, 2016)
7. Jack E. Nolde, "Oil and Gas Well Data and Geology for Lee County, Virginia," pp.7-9; "The 'Oil-Rich Sheiks' of Lee County, VA," Washington Post, December 9, 1979, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/12/09/the-oil-rich-sheiks-of-lee-county-va/09ba4854-4891-40a1-a037-d37b47c3cf6b/ (last checked June 13, 2016)
8. "Virginia - Reasonably Foreseeable Development Scenario For Fluid Minerals," Bureau of Land Management, May 2008, p. 13, http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/es/jackson_field_office/planning/planning_pdf_va_rfds.Par.20335.File.dat/Virginia_RFDS_R5.pdf (last checked July 27, 2012)
9. "Chapter III - Affected Environment," Final Environmental Impact Statement - 2007-2012 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement, pp.III 218-219, http://www.boemre.gov/5-year/2007-2012FEIS/Chapter3AffectedEnvironment.pdf (last checked July 27, 2012)
location of Tidewater oil well, drilled in 1917 to 1,518 feet
Rocks and Ridges - The Geology of Virginia
Energy in Virginia


…I wonder how @Paxochka is…I thought randomly this morning, I miss seeing Bogie and Astrid I thought next, oh and Kirsten and on and on my thoughts go.
As the days go by with no access to social media because of the great firewall of china I find I appreciate the time to read or simply do nothing more and the lack of contact, less.
I like seeing the peeks into other peoples lives that instagram and twitter allows. I like reading your thoughts and seeing your pets and fine even your children, in moderation! I like seeing new purchases, your lovely faces, (again and most definitely in moderation😂) the things you choose to share are a welcome part of my world. I like seeing yours and I like sharing mine.
I like seeing on facebook what my friends and family are up to and being told whose birthday is next. I LIKE IT!
I do not like not being able to see and read these things.
I do not like not being able to share my own.


text:
The Alleghany Foundation Announces Latest Grants
Grants September 16, 2017
Twelve organizations, educational initiatives and government entities have received funding awards from The Alleghany Foundation over the past eight months.
The foundation announced recently grants totaling $999,352 for 14 projects between October 2016 and July 2017.
Receiving grants were Alleghany County, the Alleghany Highlands Arts Council, Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation, Alleghany Highlands Regional Library, Alleghany Highlands YMCA, Alleghany Humane Society, Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society, Garth Newel Music Center, Alleghany County Public Schools and Covington City Public Schools, Area 18 Special Olympics, The Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation and the Town of Clifton Forge.
"After a year of working with an open application process and suspending the semi-annual application deadlines, we see that organizations are seeking funding as needs arise and continuing to perform excellent work to strengthen the Alleghany Highlands in very important ways. The Foundation's board is excited to support critical efforts in our community," commented Dr. Michele Ballou, Chair, Board of Directors, The Alleghany Foundation.
These grants fall under the foundation's five focus areas — Economic Transformation, Community Capacity, Health and Wellness, Educational Attainment and Leadership and Civic Vitality.
The Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation received $300,000 for physician recruitment through medical school loan assistance.
Funds are allocated at a rate of up to $60,000 a year for up to five years for no more than two physicians at a rate of up to $30,000 a year per physician. Should a physician not use the full amount, funds could be distributed to a third doctor.
The Physician Recruitment through Medical School Loan Assistance program will help provide doctors in the community to improve access to high-quality medical care, support economic development built around private practices and related employment and help sustain a community-based hospital that provides critical care to the community and plays a part in attracting new employers and residents to the area because of the care it provides.
This project is important, because Health Resource and Service Administration recognizes that the Alleghany Highlands region is medically underserved, and getting access to primary care was well as other services is a challenge for area residents.
The goals of this initiative are to recruit up to three new physicians, provide access for medical care to indigent patients and determine if an economic impact is created from attracting these additional physicians to the area.
A grant of $226,000 to the Alleghany Highlands YMCA will benefit its Early Learning Program. These funds include about $52,000 that is the required local cash match for Alleghany County Public Schools for the Virginia Preschool Initiative.
The Virginia Preschool Initiative distributes state funds to schools and community-based organizations to provide quality preschool for at-risk four-year-olds who are not served by Head Start. The state matches these local funds at a ratio of about $4 to $1 local funds.
The YMCA is contracted by Alleghany County Public Schools to conduct the local program for approximately 45 youngsters who will be entering the school system the following year.
Funding was also granted to continue the work of placing books in the households of Alleghany Highlands families through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. Currently, the program is reaching approximately 550 children under the age of five and has graduated 102 children thus far.
This grant will also provide financial assistance to offset the cost of early learning care for working families in the Alleghany Highlands that cannot afford the full cost of this developmental program.
"There is no better way to invest a community's resources than to educate our youth and prepare them to be productive adults," said Alleghany Highlands YMCA CEO Jennifer Unroe. "The foundation's contribution helps children to participate in learning activities that stimulate cognitive growth and creativity, and helps them to develop both emotionally and socially."
"Funding the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and providing books in the homes of young children encourages essential family time and instills a love of reading that becomes the foundation of a child's intellectual development," Unroe added.
Mary Fant Donnan, Executive Director, The Alleghany Foundation, reiterated Unroe's emphasis on the importance of early learning. "As the foundation has sought to understand what makes great opportunities for young people in our area, it becomes clear that a combination of engaged parenting and high-quality early learning experiences have a tremendous, positive impact for a child's success in school and beyond," Donnan commented. "Figuring out how to pay for these important services continues to be a challenge for our community and state. State statutes indicate that the local government is supposed to provide this VPI match, and, going forward, though the foundation has served as a bridge to develop and prove the value of this program, the board believes it is now time for government funding to assume this role as indicated in the state regulations. With a 4:1 match from the state, VPI is an important funding source as well as support for high-quality implementation."
The town of Clifton Forge received $145,000 for Phase 2 of its Lower Roxbury Neighborhood Revitalization Project.
The total budget for the second year of this endeavor is $788,127 with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development providing $572,957. The remaining budget consists of $145,000 from The Alleghany Foundation with remaining monies coming from town funds, volunteers and donations.
Roxbury Street is one of the most densely developed areas in town and also has a large concentration of dwellings in need of repairs. The majority of these homes are two stories, over 80 years old and in need of renovation.
The goal of the project is to provide residents in this area with safe, sanitary housing that meets housing quality standards.
One positive outcome from this project is that as property owners repay their required contribution, income will provide for the continuing rehabilitation of other homes in Clifton Forge. In the first phase of the project, a little more than $15,000 was required per rehab from Alleghany Foundation funds.
With this grant, 11 homes will be renovated during this second phase of the project.
"The town is pleased to have the foundation's support for the second phase of the Roxbury project which will assist in providing long-term improvements to the homes of 11 more residents of the community," said Clifton Forge Town Manager Darlene Burcham.
The town also received $40,000 to establish pad ready sites for economic development and asbestos abatement for railyards.
The Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation received a grant of $46,301 for gap financing for the bridge loan that helped finance the construction phase and pull together important sources of funding for this project that included New Market Tax Credits, Enterprise Zone, Federal Historic Tax Credits, and State Historic Tax Credits. Said Dr. Ballou, "The Masonic Theatre is a jewel in the Alleghany Highlands, and support of this project not only helped revitalize an important building in the area but also supported the many hard-working volunteers who helped make this project happen. We are proud to be a partner in this project, and we hope area residents will attend events and continue to volunteer so that this effort can reach its potential."
Also during this period, in addition to the new grants awarded, the foundation made a decision to extend funding through spring 2019 for its matching funds for the school nursing program and then to stop providing funding for this effort. The Alleghany Foundation, Alleghany County Public Schools and Covington City Public Schools started this program 20 years ago with a four-year grant that included a reduced match ratio each year from the foundation and an expectation that the state would increase its funding to offset foundation funding. "The program has grown into one of which foundation board members are most proud and which adds to the well-being of students and faculty in the school systems. At the same time, the board believes funding for ongoing government services needs to be funded by the public sector and hopes that the ongoing operations will be part of the public funding," commented Dr. Ballou. The program has $236,032 remaining for funding to continue the 50% match for this program for the 2017-18 school year and then move to a 25% match for the 2018-19 school year.
For a complete list of grantees, visit the foundation's website at www.alleghanyfoundation.org.
About the Alleghany Foundation: The Alleghany Foundation was established in 1995 in Covington with $35 million in proceeds from the sale of Alleghany Regional Hospital. The foundation's vision is to be a resource for and partner with eligible organizations to make the Alleghany Highlands a civically engaged, prosperous region that builds upon its assets to produce opportunities for its residents.
The total annual awards from The Alleghany Foundation now add up to more than $50 million.
Reprinted with permission from the Virginian Review. This Story appeared in the September 16, 2017, edition of the newspaper.
Grants Awarded October 2016 through July 2017
(Focus Area Included In Parentheses)
Alleghany County – $20,000
Low Moor Natural Gas Phase I Feasibility Study
(Economic Transformation)
Alleghany Highlands Arts Council – $54,250
Matching Funds and Residency Activities 2017-18
(Community Capacity)
Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation – $300,000
Five-year Physician Recruitment through Medical School Loan Assistance Program
(Health & Wellness)
Alleghany Highlands Regional Library – $30,000
Building Maintenance Upgrades
(Educational Excellence)
Alleghany Highlands YMCA – $226,000
Early Learning & Dolly Parton Imagination Library Programs
Alleghany Highlands YMCA – $40,000
2017 Annual Campaign Match
Alleghany Humane Society – $15,000
Executive Director of Operations and Animal Welfare
Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society – $15,000
Railway Heritage Center Corridor Planning Initiative
Garth Newel Music Center – $22,100
Allegheny Mountain String Project
Joint School Systems – Alleghany County & Covington City Public Schools – $41,985
Responsive Classroom Introductory and Advanced Courses for Area Teachers
(Educational Attainment)
Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation – $46,301
Bridge Loan Gap Financing for Restoration
Special Olympics Area 18 – $3,716
Insurance for Three Buses
(Health and Wellness)
Town of Clifton Forge – $40,000
Establishing Pad Ready Site(s) for Economic Development Asbestos Abatement for Railyards
Town of Clifton Forge – $145,000
Lower Roxbury Neighborhood Revitalization Project Phase 2
Total Award $999,352


Edamame is one of my favorite side dishes. It is a soy bean pod that is chalk full of fiber and protein and can be served with virtually anything. While it is so simple to make, there are also a lot of variations you can make depending on your mood or main dish. And, if I ever have leftover edamame, I love to refrigerate it, pack it in my lunch the next day, and eat it cold.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add edamame, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for about 8 minutes. Drain and sprinkle with plenty of sea salt. Remove to bowl and serve.
Note: Edamame is typically eaten by placing the pod in your mouth (still holding onto it) and using your teeth to remove the beans from the pod.
Boil edamame as directed above. Drain, remove to bowl, sprinkle with sugar and salt, toss, and serve.
Rinse frozen edamame under warm water until thawed Remove soy beans from pod and lay out on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over beans, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Boil edamame as directed above. While pods cook, stir salt, oregano, pepper flakes, and chili powder over medium heat in a small pan until hot (about three minutes). Drain pods, pat dry, and sprinkle with pepper-salt mix.
Boil edamame as directed above. In a skillet, cook 3 slices of bacon until cripsy. Chop the bacon. Drain edamame and add to skillet. Cook on high until pods start to brown slightly (about 3 minutes). Sprinkle with sea salt. Serve warm.
Yummy! I love all of the twists!
Love, Love Love Edamame! Excited to follow your blog! I need help in the kitchen! Sick of my same old dinners! Thanks ladies!