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Panel detailing faster than ever
Vertex BD Framer and Vertex BD Pro for cold-formed / light gauge steel are primarily used as panel fabrication software by component manufacturers and panelizers to automate the process of generating wall and floor panel fabrication drawings, structural layouts, cut lists, and other material reports. Utilizing an NC Link add-on module, manufacturers can also export data directly to roll-forming machines. By automating these processes, manufacturers are saving an enormous amount of time in drafting, material reporting, data entry, manufacturing, and correcting all the errors typically made along the way.
The Framer and Pro packages contain the functionality necessary for creating structural layouts and fabrication drawings. This includes all the features for creating walls, doors, windows, roof, ceilings, and floors in 2D layouts and 3D models, as well as, the framing layout features for walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs. It also includes roof and floor truss layout tools for generating the 2D layouts and truss shape drawings.
All Vertex BD base packages include building material collection and reporting features, detail drawing management tools, and a full set of 2D CAD drafting tools. Building material information may be exported to inventory, scheduling, and other construction management software. Drawings may be printed, plotted, or converted to PDF, DWG, and DXF files.
Georgia Avenue Apartment and Building Roanoke College Dormitory Cold-Formed Steel framing by Panel Systems, Inc., Woodbridge, VA
Vertex BD Framer and Vertex BD Pro contain the most customizable framing package available. It is delivered with standard material libraries, framing details and rules, all of which may be modified by your own Vertex BD administrator, or with the assistance of Argos Systems. Vertex BD is not restricted to specific material manufacturers, and is an open system that can utilize any manufacturers products. Custom and proprietary material shapes may also be added into the system. It is also one of the few framing software packages that allows designers to modify the framing after it has already been generated, enabling a designer to create just about any framing configuration.
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Utilizing an NC Link add-on module, manufacturers can also export data directly to roll-forming machines.
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Learn More


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Far Cry 2
Version and / or Patch Used: 1.01
Timedemo or Level Used: Ranch Long
Developer Homepage: http://www.ubi.com/
Product Homepage: http://www.farcry2.com/
The Dunia Engine was built specifically for Far Cry 2 by the award-winning Ubisoft Montreal development team. It delivers the most realistic destructible environments, amazing special effects such as dynamic fire propagation and storm effects, real-time night-and-day cycle, dynamic music system, non-scripted enemy A.I. and so much more.
Looking at FarCry 2 we've got no real surprises as we see a nice boost in performance across the board. The HD 7970 really offers us some excellent performance when compared to other single GPU cards.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tue, May 11, 10 at 22:58
Curious to know how your Dad is doing. I know it has been along time, and if he has passed away, I am sorry. I do think of you and wonder how things are going.
Marie |
Follow-Up Postings:
Tired of reading this. Posting this to enable the damned thing to descend. |
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The good folks over at TVLINE spoke to Fringe executive producer Joel Wyman about the status of Peter, Oliva, Walter and the rest of the Fringe Universe after the fourth season finale.
This is your warning, there are plenty of ***SPOILERS*** below.
First up, Wyman spoke about what it felt like for FOX to grant the team behind Fringe one more season, giving them an opportunity to finish the story they've been telling for the past 4 years:
Oh my god…. Look, if not for you guys [in the press] and the fans, there's no way we'd still be here — so a big thank you for that, for caring enough to recognize that we're trying really hard here. We're always amazed that [Fox] went forward with this, because it's no secret the ratings were what they were. But we stuck to this point of view that we're never going to change the storytelling based on anybody's input. This is going to be a story we tell 100-percent from our hearts, authentically, good or bad — and if we're fortunate enough to get where we want to go, that's a small miracle. So when got the 13[-episode final season order] – which we knew about maybe an hour before everybody else – it was like, "Finally, I get some canvas to finish this picture." And truthfully, I was more relieved for the fans.
Next up, the elephant in the room, that crazy time traveling 19th episode in which we learn the Observers have invaded and taken over earth. Wyman talked about how that episode will shape the 5th and finale season of Fringe:
Season 5 is designed to be very important, a huge payoff for loyal fans. They will feel like, "Because I invested in every single episode, and I have so many questions, I want these questions answered. And I want everything to be made sense of, but taken on a journey that just can't be stopped. I want it to end in a place where I feel like everybody kind of belongs where they are and got what they've earned." There will be a sense of satisfaction for those long-term viewers that go, "Wow, I really feel good. I feel OK about what has transpired, what I have watched. But I also can imagine life after that for our main characters." So that's what Season 5 is — and it's a big responsibility!… Let's say this, without being too spoilery: Episode 419 is obviously crucial, and I can say that everything that you've watched for the first four seasons is very important to what is going to happen in [Season] 5. Episode 419 is an absolutely imperative part of that story.
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Netanyahu Killed the Peace
September 29, 2011 by TMO · Leave a Comment
Pres. Bill Clinton says that Netanyahu now rejects the deal that all others, including Israel's past leaders, wanted.
By Josh Rogin
Who's to blame for the continued failure of the Middle East peace process? Former President Bill Clinton said today that it is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — whose government moved the goalposts upon taking power, and whose rise represents a key reason there has been no Israeli-Palestinian peace deal.
Clinton, in a roundtable with bloggers today on the sidelines of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, gave an extensive recounting of the deterioration in the Middle East peace process since he pressed both parties to agree to a final settlement at Camp David in 2000. He said there are two main reasons for the lack of a comprehensive peace today: the reluctance of the Netanyahu administration to accept the terms of the Camp David deal and a demographic shift in Israel that is making the Israeli public less amenable to peace.
"The two great tragedies in modern Middle Eastern politics, which make you wonder if God wants Middle East peace or not, were [Yitzhak] Rabin's assassination and [Ariel] Sharon's stroke," Clinton said.
Sharon had decided he needed to build a new centrist coalition, so he created the Kadima party and gained the support of leaders like Tzipi Livni and Ehud Olmert. He was working toward a consensus for a peace deal before he fell ill, Clinton said. But that effort was scuttled when the Likud party returned to power.
"The Israelis always wanted two things that once it turned out they had, it didn't seem so appealing to Mr. Netanyahu. They wanted to believe they had a partner for peace in a Palestinian government, and there's no question — and the Netanyahu government has said — that this is the finest Palestinian government they've ever had in the West Bank," Clinton said.
"[Palestinian leaders] have explicitly said on more than one occasion that if [Netanyahu] put up the deal that was offered to them before — my deal — that they would take it," Clinton said, referring to the 2000 Camp David deal that Yasser Arafat rejected.
But the Israeli government has drifted a long way from the Ehud Barak-led government that came so close to peace in 2000, Clinton said, and any new negotiations with the Netanyahu government are now on starkly different terms — terms that the Palestinians are unlikely to accept.
"For reasons that even after all these years I still don't know for sure, Arafat turned down the deal I put together that Barak accepted," he said. "But they also had an Israeli government that was willing to give them East Jerusalem as the capital of the new state of Palestine."
Israel also wants a normalization of relations with its Arab neighbors to accompany a peace deal. Clinton said that the Saudi-inspired Arab Peace Initiative put forth in 2002 represented an answer to that Israeli demand.
"The King of Saudi Arabia started lining up all the Arab countries to say to the Israelis, 'if you work it out with the Palestinians … we will give you immediately not only recognition but a political, economic, and security partnership,'" Clinton said. "This is huge….
It's a heck of a deal."
The Netanyahu government has received all of the assurances previous Israeli governments said they wanted but now won't accept those terms to make peace, Clinton said.
"Now that they have those things, they don't seem so important to this current Israeli government, partly because it's a different country," said Clinton. "In the interim, you've had all these immigrants coming in from the former Soviet Union, and they have no history in Israel proper, so the traditional claims of the Palestinians have less weight with them."
Clinton then repeated his assertions made at last year's conference that Israeli society can be divided into demographic groups that have various levels of enthusiasm for making peace.
"The most pro-peace Israelis are the Arabs; second the Sabras, the Jewish Israelis that were born there; third, the Ashkenazi of long-standing, the European Jews who came there around the time of Israel's founding," Clinton said. "The most anti-peace are the ultra-religious, who believe they're supposed to keep Judea and Samaria, and the settler groups, and what you might call the territorialists, the people who just showed up lately and they're not encumbered by the historical record."
Clinton affirmed that the United States should veto the Palestinian resolution at the U.N. Security Council for member-state status, because the Israelis need security guarantees before agreeing to the creation of a Palestinian state. But the Netanyahu government has moved away from the consensus for peace, making a final status agreement more difficult, Clinton said.
"That's what happened. Every American needs to know this. That's how we got to where we are," Clinton said. "The real cynics believe that the Netanyahu's government's continued call for negotiations over borders and such means that he's just not going to give up the West Bank."
Obama, Erdogan Seek Common Ground on Middle East
September 22, 2011 by TMO · Leave a Comment
By Matt Spetalnick and Laura MacInnis
NEW YORK (Reuters) – President Barack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan sought common ground on counterterrorism and Middle East policy on Tuesday even as Washington pressed Ankara to ease tensions with close U.S. ally Israel.
Their talks on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly came as a showdown loomed this week over Palestinian statehood at the world body, another source of rising tensions in a region in political upheaval.
Washington has watched with concern as NATO ally Turkey's once-friendly ties with Israel have deteriorated rapidly over Israel's 2010 killing of Turkish activists in a Gaza-bound aid convoy. The crisis has underscored Israel's growing isolation and the new limits of U.S. influence in the Middle East.
"The president underscored his interest in seeing a resolution of that issue between those two countries and encouraged continuing work toward that end," White House adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall told reporters after the meeting, saying Obama also emphasized the need to calm tensions throughout the region.
White House deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said Obama would make the same points to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he meets him on Wednesday.
The two leaders also discussed Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad's unrelenting crackdown on anti-government protests has alarmed neighboring Turkey and led to U.S. calls he step aside.
Obama and Erdogan agreed on the need to increase pressure on Assad and agreed to consult on possible further steps that "could include sanctions, political pressure, other measures," Rhodes said.
Obama and Erdogan, in their public comments to reporters, focused on deadly attacks in Turkey on Tuesday that they agreed underscored the need for cooperation on counterterrorism.
"This reminds us that terrorism exists in many parts of the world, and Turkey and the United States are going to be strong partners in preventing terrorism," Obama said.
An explosion from a suspected car bomb ripped through a street in the Turkish capital, Ankara, near a neighborhood housing government buildings, killing three people.
Also on Tuesday, Kurdish guerrillas attacked a police college in southeastern Turkey, killing four people in a passing vehicle, broadcaster CNN Turk reported on its website.
Erdogan said the United States and Turkey needed to "work together in planning, use technology so that we can continue to take more steps in trying to fight against terrorism."
Turkey is in talks with the United States to provide a base for a fleet of U.S. Predator drones now stationed in Iraq. It is reported to want surveillance drones to carry out operations against Kurdish separatist rebels based in northern Iraq.
The Obama administration is seeking to preserve close ties with Turkey, an increasingly assertive economic and military power in the region that has become a champion of democracy movements roiling the Arab world.
Ankara backed efforts that led to the ouster of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and aids U.S. forces fighting in Afghanistan, and plays a crucial role in neighboring Iraq.
Obama praised Erdogan for "great leadership" in promoting democracy in the region. But problems remain.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Turkey on Monday not to do anything to worsen its relationship with Israel.
Israeli-Turkish relations have spiraled downward in recent weeks with the release of a U.N. report on the 2010 flotilla raid, in which Israeli commandos raid killed nine Turkish activists, and Israel's refusal to apologize to Ankara.
Erdogan's government has expelled Israel's envoy, frozen military cooperation and warned that the Turkish navy could escort future aid flotillas — raising the prospect of confrontation between Turkey and the Jewish state.
Erdogan has also kept up a stream of harsh rhetoric against Israel, using a tour of Arab states last week to support a Palestinian bid for statehood at the United Nations and chide Israel as a spoiled client of the West.
(Editing by Mohammad Zargham and Peter Cooney)
Great American Patriots
June 2, 2011 by TMO · Leave a Comment
By Glenn Greenwald, AP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress, just as the U.S. President does each year. Here is how the American Congress — especially the super-patriots of the American Right — reacted to their own President the last two times he addressed them (with frosty coolness and even passive-aggressive hostility):
And here is how the super-patriots of the American Right — largely joined by their Democratic colleagues — reacted to the speech given today by this foreign leader: with multiple standing ovations, including for ludicrous and absurd proclamations such as equating Hamas with Al Qaeda and claiming that Israel is "not a foreign occupier" in the West Bank:
Indeed, according to ABC News, Netanyahu received more standing ovations from the U.S. Congress (29) than the U.S. President did the last time he spoke (25); all of the ones Netanyahu received were from the super-patriots of the GOP caucus (and most from the Democratic caucus as well), whereas those right-wing patriots joined in only a small fraction of the ones received by their own country's President.
What makes this more remarkable still is that this foreign leader whom they were cheering so boisterously and continuously just completed a public, ugly conflict with the American leader and has a long record of demonstrated indifference to American interests; yet the super-patriots of the American Right sided so brazenly and publicly with this foreign leader over their own country's President. Meanwhile, both political parties in Congress are in a frantic competition to see which one can lavish Netanyahu with more obsequious praise; this statement sent out in the name of Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey is typical of the entries. For his part, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid ran to AIPAC to undercut (and rebuke) his own President and the leader of his own party on Israel, something that — as Andrew Sullivan correctly observed – would be inconceivable on any foreign policy issue other than Israel.
In sum, the same faction that spent the last decade demanding fealty to the Commander-in-Chief in a Time of War upon pain of being accused of a lack of patriotism (or worse) now openly sides with a foreign leader over their own President. The U.S. Congress humiliates itself by expressing greater admiration for and loyalty to this foreign leader than their own country's. And because this is all about Israel, few will find this spectacle strange, or at least will be willing to say so.
UK's Huge Jewel Heist Linked to Israel
August 27, 2009 by TMO · Leave a Comment
Press TV
Top Israeli officials have been linked to Britain's biggest ever jewelry heist, in which gems worth up to $65 million (£40m) were stolen.
According to an Israeli report, three former senior officials in the Israeli army were the main shareholders of the company responsible for guarding the Graff Diamond jewelers in central London, where the robbery took place. The Universe Security Group (USG) has been in charge of the security of the store, after a group of Balkan robbers–dubbed the Pink Panther gang–carried out an armed raid on the same store in May 2005, taking off with 1 million pounds worth of diamonds.
Nahum Admoni, former Mossad chief and Maj. Gen. Uri Sagie, former chief of intelligence in the Israeli army, reportedly resigned from the leadership of the London-based group, just two months before the heist.
Another primary share holder of the security company is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special adviser, Isaac Molho.
The police have meanwhile arrested a 50-year-old man in connection with the robbery, but only described him as a 'minor player' in the act.
The August 6 raid, which had all the makings of a blockbuster movie, was carried out by two smartly dressed men, who had disguised themselves professionally with make-up layered on latex masks, Metropolitan Police footage showed.
In just minutes, the leading men drew handguns, grabbed a female member of staff and headed for the exit with 43 pieces of jewelry including rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches.
They fired warning shots, jumped into a waiting blue BMW and abandoned their hostage, speeding through Mayfair. No one was injured in the incident.
An international man hunt has been in progress ever since, with insurers offering a 1 million-pound reward for information leading to the capture of the thieves and the recovery of the jewels.
Poll: Most Israelis Could Live with a Nuclear Iran
June 27, 2009 by TMO · Leave a Comment
"Pretty soon . . . you will have nine weapons states and probably another 10 or 20 virtual weapons states."–Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Only one in five Israeli Jews believes a nuclear-armed Iran would try to destroy Israel and most see life continuing as normal should the Islamic Republic get the bomb, an opinion poll published on Sunday found.
The survey, commissioned by a Tel Aviv University think-tank, appeared to challenge the argument of successive Israeli governments that Iran must be denied the means to make atomic weapons lest it threaten Israel's existence.
Asked how a nuclear-armed Iran would affect their lives, 80 percent of respondents said they expected no change. Eleven percent said they would consider emigrating and 9 percent said they would consider relocating inside Israel.
Twenty-one percent of Israelis believe Iran "would attack Israel with nuclear weapons with the objective of destroying it," the Institute for National Security Studies, which commissioned the poll, said in a statement.
The survey had 616 Jewish respondents and a margin of error of 3.5 percent, INSS research director Yehuda Ben Meir said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, like his predecessors, has hinted that Israel could attack Iran pre-emptively should Western diplomacy fail to curb its uranium enrichment.
The INSS survey found 59 percent of Israeli Jews would support such strikes, while 41 percent would not back the military option. A separate survey, commissioned by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found 52 percent support for pre-emptive Israeli attacks on Iran, with 35 percent of respondents opposed.
Israeli Arabs, who make up some 20 percent of the population and are generally less likely to see themselves as targets of Israel's enemies, were not included for budgetary reasons, he said.
Israel, the United States and other western nations say Iran's nuclear program is aimed at manufacturing nuclear weapons. Iran, the world's fourth largest oil producer, insists its uranium enrichment program is for civilian needs only.
But Iranian leaders' anti-Israel rhetoric and support for the militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah have stirred fears of a regional war.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu is expected to devote a more significant part of a major foreign policy speech to the Iranian threat, officials close to the premier said, in the wake of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's electoral win Saturday.


text:
The Global Intelligence Files,
files released so far...
Index pages
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Malaysia Today - Malaysia
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The Global Intelligence Files
On Monday February 27th, 2012, WikiLeaks began publishing The Global Intelligence Files, over five million e-mails from the Texas headquartered "global intelligence" company Stratfor. The e-mails date between July 2004 and late December 2011. They reveal the inner workings of a company that fronts as an intelligence publisher, but provides confidential intelligence services to large corporations, such as Bhopal's Dow Chemical Co., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and government agencies, including the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Marines and the US Defence Intelligence Agency. The emails show Stratfor's web of informers, pay-off structure, payment laundering techniques and psychological methods.
Re: S3* - US-Al-Qaida in North Africa: jihad outlives Bin Laden
Released on 2012-10-18 17:00 GMT
Email-ID | 1839433 |
Date | 2011-05-26 22:25:48 |
From | firstname.lastname@example.com |
To | firstname.lastname@example.com |
List-Name | firstname.lastname@example.com |
days right after OBL's death, though
On May 9, the daily El-Khabar reported: "The Maghreb branch of
"Al-Qa'idah" yesterday called on its followers "to avenge" the killing of
Usamah Bin-Ladin in Pakistan by US forces. The organization said that
today "is the time for revenge and anger and not the time to cry", which
is understood as a call to retaliatory operations in the Maghreb and Sahel
countries and an attempt to renew the link with "Al-Qa'idah" despite their
structural separation
Reginald Thompson
Cell: (011) 504 8990-7741
From: "scott stewart" <email@example.com>
To: email@example.com, firstname.lastname@example.com
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2011 4:18:50 PM
Subject: RE: S3* - US-Al-Qaida in North Africa: jihad outlives Bin Laden
I think the earlier one was AQAP.
From: firstname.lastname@example.com [mailto:firstname.lastname@example.com] On
Behalf Of Reginald Thompson
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2011 4:10 PM
To: email@example.com
Subject: S3* - US-Al-Qaida in North Africa: jihad outlives Bin Laden
a similar message came out May 9, but this appears to be a different one
Al-Qaida in North Africa: jihad outlives Bin Laden
RABAT, Morocco a** The head of al-Qaida's North Africa branch said
Thursday that the killing of Osama bin Laden will only stoke Muslim anger
against the West.
The 10 minute audio message posted on jihadist forums is the latest
defiant statement from the extremist organization's many affiliates as
they assert that the battle against what they perceive as the West's
oppression of Muslims is far from over, despite the death of al-Qaida's
"Today is not a day of crying, although the likes of him are worthy of
tears, but it is a day to reaffirm the allegiance and the covenant with
God the Almighty; a day to pledge retaliation and to insist on victory,"
said Abu Musab Abdul-Wadud, a pseudonym for Abelmalek Droukdel, who heads
al-Qaida's North Africa affiliate.
"We are all Osama," he added, in a translation provided by the U.S.-based
SITE Monitoring Service that specializes in jihadist online forums.
Al-Qaida in North Africa grew out of a militant faction left over from
Algeria's civil war in the 1990s that joined bin Laden's network in 2006.
The group has killed several hundred people over the past few years and
has stepped up attacks in Algeria's eastern highlands.
It has also kidnapped a number of foreigners across the vast expanses of
the Sahara Desert and been implicated in terrorist incidents in Europe.
While al-Qaida had little role in the popular uprisings that have swept
the Arab world and toppled the governments of Egypt and Tunisia over the
past few months, security experts worry that the extremist organization
may take advantage of the resulting security vacuum.
The repressive intelligence services of Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, in
addition to keeping an eye on their own people, worked closely with
Western intelligence agencies to combat elements of al-Qaida.
Abdul-Wadud criticized the rushed sea burial of bin Laden after he was
killed during a U.S. commando raid in Pakistan on May 2, saying it was
like "oil poured upon the raging fire of revenge and anger that was
originally in our hearts."
- "...Droukdel threatens interests of Americans 'in revenge' for
On May 9, the daily El-Khabar reported: "The Maghreb branch of
"Al-Qa'idah" yesterday called on its followers "to avenge" the killing of
Usamah Bin-Ladin in Pakistan by US forces. The organization said that
today "is the time for revenge and anger and not the time to cry", which
is understood as a call to retaliatory operations in the Maghreb and Sahel
countries and an attempt to renew the link with "Al-Qa'idah" despite their
structural separation. The organization of "Al-Qa'idah in the Land of
Islamic Maghreb" had called for "the revenge" for the killing of Usamah
Bin-Ladin in a statement whose title was "condolences and congratulation
to the nation for the loss of our Shaykh Usamah Bin-Ladin''. The statement
by the Maghreb branch emphasized the ideological link with "Al-Qa'idah''
in comparison with the analysis that does not see any structural and
organizational link between the organization and the general leadership
since what was known as the "Salafi Group for Call and Combat''.
"It called on its supporters by saying: "Stand up and face the American
western oppressor crusader aggression with all your capabilities as they
are fighting us with all races, sects, parties and approaches''. It said
that ''Islam is the responsibility of all Muslims and Shaykh Usamah
Bin-Ladin did his duty and has left this world without any debt God
willing, but how will others face God if they ignored what was happening
to Islam''. Security services expect that the Maghreb branch of
"Al-Qa'idah" may commit terrorist acts of revenge in the Sahel region of
Africa and its area of activity in the Kabaylie region, where the general
leadership under the command of Droukdel (Abu Moussab Abdul Wadoud), or on
Libyan territory. The organization hinted in its statement to reprisals:
"It is time for revenge and anger and not the time to cry ... [as
published] America, with this crime it committed does not realise the
risks it has involved itself in. By committing the crime, it has not left
room for reconciliation with Muslims''.
"The organization expressed its opposition to parts of the speech by US
President Barack Obama when he announced the killing of Bin-Ladin "It
(America) has proved beyond doubt that it is lying when it claims that it
is not at war with Islam, and it has proved that its policies towards the
Islamic nation is as it was before today, based on deception". The
organization of ''Al-Qa'idah Maghreb'' was only able once, to target the
American interests in Bouchaoui in the western suburb of the capital, so
it is expected that "the revenge" of the organization may be directed
against what it calls America's allies and perhaps this applies directly
to the Western hostages (Four French nationals), being held in northern
Mali for many months. The statement did not mention the question of
"succession" at the head of the parent organization, but experts believe
that ''the Salafi Group for Call and Combat'' supports the second man in
"Al-Qa'idah" Ayman al-Zawahiri, who has been the real inst igator of the
Maghreb branch, instead of the first man Usamah Bin-Ladin.
"It was reported that the group was able to talk on few occasions of
military, political and ideological matters related to what the group
calls, the real Islamic regime under the leadership of Al-Zawahri." -
El-Khabar, Algeria
Return to index of Algeria
Reginald Thompson
Cell: (011) 504 8990-7741


text:
Latest News
Help us air this bird's plight
Magnificent Bearded Vulture in decline from lead bullets and poison baits!
People often query the impact of the individual effort. What can be achieved when conservation confronts weighty macro impacts such as development, harmful agricultural practices, traditional medicine usage etc.?
A twitcher's birds eye view of a recent trip to Ndumo
Early December 2014 and our much delayed and long overdue trip to Ndumo Game Reserve in Northern KZN on the Mozambique border was finally upon us.
A Breathtaking Treasure - Umgeni Vlei Ramsar Proclamation
The horrors and demands of rhino poaching aside, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife demonstrated many acts of passion and professionalism during 2014 that again fulfilled the belief the organisation remains at the very forefront of a number of conservation disciplines in South Africa.
Famed Conservation Soldier Bows Out!
The collection of people said a great deal. At a time when social gatherings of conservation staff are rare, 60-odd friends and colleagues came from throughout KZN - Underberg, Tembe Elephant Park, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and the South Coast - to bid Ed Ostrosky farewell.
Stars and Stripes for Ezemvelo
On its own, the recent donation by the US Department of State in South Africa of a 4 x 4, 'crime scene' trailer to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife ('Ezemvelo') in Pretoria was a generous and highly practical gift.
This is not in our country's interests
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Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 9 – Ash Wednesday
Posted By Sarina On March 5, 2014 @ 10:30 am In articles,multimedia,series,Trini Scenes | Comments Disabled
After the frenzied crescendo of Carnival Tuesday all merriment and debauchery ends (or is supposed to end) with the ushering in of Ash Wednesday and the start of the Roman Catholic observance of Lent. My father tells me that 'back in the day' all sound stopped at midnight and no calypso would play on the radio with the end of Carnival Tuesday. Things have definitely changed since then! Although you still see many individuals with ashes on their forehead heading to work, you are also equally as likely to see the throngs of people who take the day off work and head to the nation's beaches for a 'cooldown'.
Here you can see some video of Trinidad's most popular beach, Maracas Bay [12]. The little huts are concession stands, the most popular offering of which is 'Shark n Bake'
For many in Trinidad Ash Wednesday is a day for relaxing (or partying) at the beach. And, as mentioned above, the defacto beach snack here in TnT is Fried Fish n Bake [13]
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And much much more!Beautifully shot, with simple step by step instructions and tips, these recipes have been tested exhaustively to ensure that you get the best possible results time after time. Each chapter also opens with stunning tablescape vignettes, designed to inspire your next dinner party!
Visit GlamByRequest.com to learn more [15] or click below to order!
[16] [17]
Article printed from TriniGourmet.com: http://www.trinigourmet.com
URL to article: http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/trinidad-and-tobago-carnival-part-10-ash-wednesday/
URLs in this post:
[1] Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/series/trinidad-and-tobago-carnival/
[2] Trinidad and Tobago Carnival – A Brief Overview: http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/trinidad-and-tobago-carnival-a-brief-overview/
[3] Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 2 – Soca Music: http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/trinidad-and-tobago-carnival-part-2-soca-music/
[4] Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 3 – Steelbands and Panorama: http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/trinidad-and-tobago-carnival-part-3-steelbands-and-panorama/
[5] Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 4 – Fetes!: http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/trinidad-and-tobago-carnival-part-4-fetes/
[6] Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 5 – Dimanche Gras: http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/trinidad-and-tobago-carnival-part-6-dimanche-gras/
[7] Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 6 – J'Ouvert & Ole Time Mas: http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/trinidad-and-tobago-carnival-part-7-jouvert-ole-time-mas/
[8] Trinidad & Tobago Carnival: Part 8 – Road March: http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/trinidad-tobago-carnival-part-8-road-march/
[9] Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 7 – Carnival Bands: http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/trinidad-and-tobago-carnival-part-5-carnival-bands/
[10] www.flickr.com/photos/paulmannix/: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulmannix/
[11] CC BY 2.0: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
[12] Maracas Bay: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maracas_Beach
[13] Fried Fish n Bake: http://www.trinigourmet.com/?p=885
[14] TriniGourmet.com: http://TriniGourmet.com
[15] Visit GlamByRequest.com to learn more: http://www.GlamByRequest.com
[16] Image: https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&i=1139130&cl=195350&ejc=2
[17] Image: https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&cl=195350&ejc=2
[18] Image: http://www.linkwithin.com/
[19] Sarina: http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/author/sarinanow/
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text: | Seanad Éireann - Volume 98 - 19 May, 1982 Veterinary Inspection Fees: Motion. Mr. W. Ryan Mr. W. Ryan 125 [125] Mr. W. Ryan: I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Pigs and Bacon Act, 1935 (Part II) (No. 8) Regulations, 1982 and Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Act, 1930 (Exporter's Licences) (Fees) Regulations, 1982 copies of which were laid in draft before the Seanad on the 27th day of April, 1982. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture (Mr. L. Allen) Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture (Mr. L. Allen) Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture (Mr. L. Allen): These proposed regulations would increase the fees payable in respect of cattle, horses, sheep and pigs presented for veterinary inspection under the Fresh Meat Acts and the Pigs and Bacon Acts. The present rates of fees are quite inadequate to meet the cost of the veterinary inspection service provided by my Department and it is necessary that they be brought more into line with that cost. It is proposed to raise the fee for cattle from £1 to £1.75 per head, for sheep from 17p to 30p per head, and for horses from 5p to £1.75 per head. In the case of pigs the increase would be from 0.01p to 50p per head. Hitherto no charge has been made for the veterinary inspection of live animals before export. That inspection and the veterinary inspection at export slaughtering premises are both carried out by my Department's veterinary service and it is appropriate that both trades should contribute equally to the cost of the inspection facilities provided. Accordingly, in order to ensure that there is equivalence of treatment between the export trade in live animals and that in meat I have introduced an identical fee in respect of the veterinary inspection service provided by my Department for animals exported live by sea or by air or across the land frontier for export from Northern Ireland. 126 Up to 31 December, 1980 the fee for pigs was 25p. At that time the pigmeat industry was going through a difficult period and the Government decided that it would reduce exceptionally the level of fee from 25p to 0.01p per pig for the years [126] 1981 and 1982. This represented an annual relief of about £500,000. It was envisaged that the industry would cooperate in centralised marketing through the Pigs and Bacon Commission and would pay to that body an administrative levy of 65p per pig. However, following on a decision by the Court of Justice in Luxembourg and a Supreme Court decision here which ruled against the charging of a statutory levy the Commission was effectively left without a source of revenue to enable it to function. The Government remains firmly of the opinion that centralised marketing is essential in the long-term interests of the pigmeat industry. Because of the reasons I have outlined, however, this can only be done on a voluntary basis. I am pleased, therefore, that the industry itself has decided to take over completely the running of the Pigs and Bacon Commission since 5 April. To enable the restructured organisation to get off the ground with a clean slate, the Government for their part have taken over responsibility for the accumulated deficit of some £5.6m of the old Pigs and Bacon Commission and I will be introducing a Supplementary Estimate later to provide for this. In undertaking to clear this deficit the Government made it clear to the industry that a fee for veterinary inspection services would be reimposed on pigs, and hence the draft regulations now before the Seanad. The cost of providing the veterinary inspection service at meat export plants has increased steadily over the years. This is mainly attributable to increased salaries and inflation as well as to some expansion in the industry generally and increased diversification. The cost has risen steeply in the past few years, and the position now is that the present fees are much less than adequate to meet the cost of the service. 127 The new rates of fees are expected to bring in £3.1 million in a calendar year while the cost of the meat inspection service is estimated at £4.4 million. When they are viewed in the context of the present-day values of livestock the rates of fees are very modest. The veterinary inspection service is a vital element in our [127] meat export business. Without satisfactory veterinary supervision and certification our products simply will not be accepted abroad, and as major meat exporters we must ensure that our products meet the highest standards of hygiene demanded by the customer. It seems only reasonable that those interests which benefit directly from the service should bear the cost. I propose to bring the increases into effect on 31 May, 1982. The proposed increases have been cleared by the National Prices Commission. Mr. Hourigan Mr. Hourigan Mr. Hourigan: First, I would like belatedly to take the opportunity of congratulating you and wishing you well in your position as Cathaoirleach. When I spoke here last week you were absent so I omitted doing it on that occasion. I would also like on this occasion for the record to express my warm wishes and congratulations to An Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator McDonald. 128 The Minister has indicated to us certain increases envisaged in the case of beef, mutton and pigmeat. In the case of cattle it is a very substantial increase from £1 to £1.75p per head. It goes from zero in the case of pigs to 50p, and goes up to 30p per head for sheep. I am not opposing the introduction of these measures, but I would hastily add that future costs along these lines would need to be thought out very carefully because the industry at the present time will find it extremely difficult if not impossible to carry this sort of cost. During the current year we are talking in terms of between £3 million and £4 million extra which must come from the trade and which indirectly has to come from the producer. That is a factor I would ask the Minister to bear in mind. Allied to this we have a situation which we might also remember in the agricultural export context, that 35 per cent of all of our exports are in fact agricultural. This is relevant to the present debate. We must make certain that our exports in the agricultural world are preserved and furthered in whatever way we can. Any upsetting of that would be very dangerous. It must also be remembered that [128] for every £100 produced here in the form of agricultural goods only £20 of that is imported. That stands up very well in comparison with other spheres. I do not wish to overstress this whole agricultural theme, but we are talking about exports and regulations concerning them and I would point out again that 20 per cent of our population are directly involved in the agricultural industry. The allied industries such as the food and drink industry, which would include dairy co-operatives, fertiliser industry, cattle meat plants and bacon factories, would represent 7 per cent of our total workforce. Added to that we have the service sector of 18 per cent. Putting this picture together we see where 45 per cent of our workforce, a very sizeable portion, is directly or indirectly engaged in agriculture. We ought to be extremely careful in every step we take to ensure that our agricultural exports, which are one of the main lifelines of our economy, are not upset. It is relevant to mention that the agricultural sector — and we will have an opportunity of debating this at a later time — is in a very serious position, having declined very badly since 1978-81. Farmer incomes dropped by 50 per cent during that three year period. I hope that during the current year we will see a position whereby farmers' incomes will match inflation, but that assumes certain favourable factors such as good weather, good returns on crops and so on. The position is still very critical and we have a situation where a drop in income of 50 per cent is not likely to alter to any extent except to match inflation in the current year. 129 Getting back to the marketing of beef, pigmeat and mutton, together with other agricultural exports, there is a great urgency about streamlining the whole operation right across the spectrum here. The CBF is a promotions organisation and consideration should be given to giving CBF greater authority and perhaps giving it some marketing powers. We are aware, of course, that it is a promotions body, not a marketing board as such. I suggest in the case of pigmeat, [129] which is marketed by the Pigs and Bacon Commission, that consideration should be given to — I am aware that there are re-arrangements at the moment afoot — the establishment of something akin to Bord Bainne, which is a co-operative society. Bord Bainne have worked very effectively as a co-operative society and, in accordance with the EEC regulations, they had to form themselves into a co-operative society at the time of our entry into the EEC. There has been a very serious weakness in the whole marketing of pigmeat in the last number of years and I ask the Minister to address himself to that area and perhaps some lessons could be learned from the marketing of dairy produce which has been quite good. When we come back to the question of exports within the beef sector, while it is indicated that there has been some levelling off of the position between live exports and killed meat, I suggest to the Minister that there is still a very serious gap here between cattle sold live and cattle sold in dead meat form. The exports refunds are totally and wrongly in favour of the live trade. I hastily add, however, that the live trade must be preserved. I do not think we can suggest that there would be a cutting down or cutting out of the live trade, but I am talking about equalisation, that the actual refunds for live animals should be on a par with actual refunds for dead meat. The proposed regulation to which we have referred already of £1-£1.75 for cattle, up to 50p for pigs and 30p for sheep are not sufficient to cover the costs of veterinary inspection, but I again emphasise that this amount of cost is indeed sufficient and it is right that any costs are borne by the Exchequer, and any additional costs should also come from Exchequer funds. At present, as the Minister is aware, if our agriculture industry is to recover we need a very significant boost to our stock. We had in 1981 a very severe de-stocking of holdings when farmers, for the purposes of income, had to sell stock. Another relevant point is that since 1981 beef slaughtering was down 35 per cent, yet no less personnel were required for veterinary inspection. 130 [130] That needs to be looked at, and I also draw the Minister's attention to the fact that there should be a veterinary inspection for dead meat and live animals. Perhaps they are not the one and the same thing. I appreciate that veterinary inspection is required for live animals being exported but I suggest that the same degree of detailed work is not involved in the two operations. Another point that strikes one very forcibly is that at present the EEC Commission are proposing regulations to harmonise the cost of veterinary inspection within the EEC of all slaughterings. Perhaps we could get some information fairly soon on that and harmonisation may be desirable from our point of view. I have referred to these urgencies and I have also talked about the general situation surrounding these regulations, but the position in Irish farming at the moment needs attention very seriously and very urgently. There are many farmers in a very serious position. We have a motion which the Leader of the House told us today will be for discussion at the next sitting on credit for farmers, and we look forward to discussing that because it is very relevant at this stage. There are many farmers on the verge of going out of business and I do not think we can overstate the case. I agree with the measures which the Minister has introduced and draw his attention to the very critical economic position of Irish farming at the present time. I appeal to him to make certain that whatever streamlining is required is done and to make our whole marketing area more efficient and more competitive because we have a potential for improvement right across the spectrum of agriculture produce. I look forward with interest, and we believe it to be an extremely urgent matter, to discussing this whole question of credit and the overall income situation. Mr. Lennon Mr. Lennon 131 Mr. Lennon: I agree with everything that Senator Hourigan said. While the increases do not look much on paper, they are if you add them to the many other increases that are there at the moment as far as pigs and, to a greater extent, cattle are concerned. The timing [131] of this increase is wrong. It has almost doubled, and while the Minister has said that there has not been any increase over the last number of years, perhaps it would have been better if it had gone up at a slower rate rather than doubling later on. For that reason the timing is wrong, because this comes on top of the many other expenses there are at the end of the line as far as the producer is concerned. At the moment we are in a position where we were meant to have free 45 day or 30 day testing, which was passed in Brussels last year and has not come yet. That comes on top of many other increases in haulage and other expenses which come at the very same time as this end of the line increase here. For that reason while I find it hard to agree to any increase, being a farmer and a cattle producer, I have to agree with Senator Hourigan when he says there is a big job ahead of the Minister as far as beef is concerned. We have seemed to drift in the past few years from having a glut to having a scarcity in the beef situation, but we must have a proper marketing system. I would like to take the opportunity to remind the Minister that the free testing which was meant to come into effect last year has not come yet. It is for those reasons that I oppose any increase at present because, as Senator Hourigan rightly pointed out, the farming community are going through a very difficult time at the moment and nobody knows that better than he, coming from a good farming county. 132 The result of a survey carried out by ACOT over the past few months is startling. Being a member of the ACOT board for a short period, I thought the number tended to be on the low side rather than the high side because this survey had been carried out by the instructors who are working with the farmers. It is true that many farmers had not been in touch with instructors at all. There are also many other farmers who would be in trouble and would not like to disclose this to anybody. For that reason, I think the position is much worse than it appears on the surface. I would like the Minister to attend to those points [132] urgently. While some might say that the package yesterday is going to give some relief to farmers, I say it is too little too late to a hard-pressed community that is going through a very trying time. Mr. Ferris Mr. Ferris Mr. Ferris: I want to address a few remarks on this enabling draft that is before us. There is no relationship whatsoever between the charges here and what it probably costs in veterinary inspection, for cattle, sheep and pigs and, to a limited extent horses. In principle, we agree that some charge has to be made. But I think it is the feeling of the House that this particular function is the responsibility of the State rather than of the industry. One of the reasons that there is veterinary inspection in factories, irrespective of trying to decide on the quality or otherwise of carcasses is the hygienic aspect of it, both for our home market and for the export trade. In that instance I do not think we should exempt the State from its responsibilities in this matter. To foist increases, which run from 50 per cent to quite a steep increase in cattle, at a time when the processing industry on which employment in agriculture is so dependent and in which there has been tremendous loss of employment over the last couple of years, would be taken as an added blow to the disincentives that are already there for producers to sell to factories. In 1974 the factories, through the co-operatives, made colossal profits at the expense of the producer. Very few of us had sympathy for the factories at that time, very few of us have sympathy for them now because with the export of live cattle they can now close their factories or work a three day week. In spite of extensive processing facilities which are totally under-utilised, increased charges are being levied on the industry using this processing and that will be a further disincentive to make the fullest use of the processing plants. 133 You may say that 75p on the price of a bovine animal is not a considerable amount relative to its total cost but an increase to 50p in the price of a pig for inspection of a carcass is often the total amount of profit that is available to a pig [133] producer. I would like the Minister to realise that when you talk about an increase of this nature in a section of the industry which has its peaks and valleys and because of our improvement in production, breeding and food conversion, the pig producers who have remained in pig production are more than likely to stay in it but they have to be prepared to work on minimum profit and, at times, no profit. I dwell on the pig industry particularly, because that increase is so close to the profit margins which are applicable to this industry. The State seems to be abdicating what is a statutory function relative to hygiene and passing it back to the industry which, unfortunately, according to all economists cannot take these kind of charges. Perhaps this is the fault of the industry, but in 1980 we produced something like 2 million pigs which were valued at about £130 million and the projection for 1986 is that we will produce about 2½ million pigs. In spite of that increased production, the number of people that have managed to stay in pig production has dropped considerably, something like 1,000 pig farmers are all that will be left producing pigs, which means that they have had to rationalise. They have had to have a complete look at their housing, input costs, feed conversion and have had to improve breeding efficiency. They have managed to do that to stay in business, and that is good. Nobody wants to prop up any sector of society whether it is in agriculture or otherwise unless there is justification for it. 134 We must realise that our bacon and pork industry has been the backbone of small farmers for a long time. Unfortunately, because of economics they have slowly gone out of the business. Now we have a chosen few who have had the courage to stay, and we must admire them. These farmers have increased pig producing figures, the numbers per sow and numbers of bonhams and they have increased dramatically over the last decade. It is doubtful whether the EEC compensation announced by the Council of Ministers yesterday of 10½ per cent in pigmeat, will be sufficient to compensate the [134] people who are at present in the pig trade. The Minister outlined another anomaly in his introductory speech, that is the predicament that the Pigs and Bacon Commission found themselves in. I agree totally with Senator Hourigan's proposal that we should look at the whole sales spectrum, particularly regarding pork and bacon, because they are now surviving on a voluntary levy which is applied at the slaughter house to prop up the exports to make us competitive with our EEC partners, especially the Danes. Because it is voluntary, the whole structure of the sale of bacon and pork in foreign countries is in a most unhappy situation. It is likely to change if this voluntary levy is removed at any time or the industry will put the responsibility on the State who have accepted it in the past but, because of EEC regulations, have had to rationalise and go to the co-operative movement. If this is the way forward I think the State should clearly indicate that we do not want the bacon industry to collapse, because it gives a lot of employment to the limited numbers in it. It gives tremendous potential to the people who produce the cereal for pig feeding and it will benefit, in the long term, the whole national economy and the hygiene if even this voluntary levy was extended to pork butchers who are now unlicensed. I am worried that they can indiscriminately carry on a business in which bacon curers who are licensed have to comply with certain regulations. We should take a complete look at our processing industry. 135 This draft regulation does not allow us to go into full detail of how important the agricultural industry is, but I resent the charges being suddenly foisted on an industry at a time when they are at a tremendous loss. Factories are totally under-utilised and workers are losing their jobs which are directly involved in agriculture which we all aspire to having improved and maintained. If as a nation we are to survive we must ensure that agriculture does survive and is maintained. The State has a role to play in this. Increasing these charges, passing them to the industry indiscriminately and abdicating our rights under the hygienic [135] regulations that we would like to see operated, is an unfair measure. The principle of it is correct. I would not argue about costs because they are probably not comparable with what it costs the State to carry out these inspections. Senator Lennon asked the Minister, in regard to the brucellosis and tuberculosis eradication scheme, to comment on the fact that there is £4 million approved by our European partners for the acceleration of the disease eradication programme to assist farmers in the pre-sale testing of animals, but that, because of staff embargo, this cannot be implemented here. That is a national disgrace. We have a responsibility to ensure that all animals moved in this State are tested. The money is available from our European partners to do so and, because of that, the State has a responsibility to the industry to ensure that there will be no further delay in eliminating the indiscriminate movement of non-tested animals at tremendous risk to the clear herds and the reasonably clear status of all our herds. If that is implemented it will go some way towards removing the dread and fear of people who avail of the live export trade because of the fact that you can ship to Libya without going through the regulations of testing, without going through the worry of locking up your herd, in an industry which at the moment is in dire straits about making its economic package meet the requirements of its input costs. Any one who has any knowledge of the industry realises that the outlook is anything but rosy. We will have another opportunity soon, I hope, to debate the full economics of agriculture but I object to charges being passed on to an industry which cannot afford it. Mr. Hussey Mr. Hussey Mr. Hussey: A measure like this does not entitle us to a full debate on the agricultural industry unless we want to incur the wrath of the Cathaoirleach and I am sure we do not want to do that. 136 The measure that we are discussing here this afternoon has been discussed time and time again in the past. I remember I had to introduce measures similar to this and, of course, at a time when the [136] market is buoyant nobody worries about it. At a time like this, particularly in the past few years, when we know that the agricultural industry has gone through a pretty difficult period when farmers' incomes have dropped by something like 50 per cent in the past three years, we can well understand the attitude of farmers and their organisations to a measure of this kind. However, when one looks at the overall benefit that those inspections bring to the industry, it is very important that the highest standards of hygiene are maintained at all times. Human nature being what it is, there must be some kind of inspection to ensure that only first class products are exported and that we maintain the markets that we have abroad. We all understand that we have great potential for bacon, mutton and beef abroad at present and it is right that we should exploit that to the full. We know too, that our bacon maintained a very high standard in England for a long time and for the past two years there has been a certain amount of criticism of the type of bacon presented there now. That is something we should monitor very carefully, so that we will not lose this market to the Danes or anybody else. I know that the Pigs and Bacon Commission in the past have had their problems, and perhaps they could not give enough attention to the export of bacon, but now that they have been reconstituted and that the deficit of £5.6 million which they had incurred has been taken over by the Government, it is up to them to see that the high standards are maintained and that Irish bacon maintains its place in the foreign market. 137 We know that the pig industry here has changed dramatically in the last number of years. It is no longer the type of trade that we knew when we were young, when everybody had a few pigs. It is much more specialised now and people who are in the trade have to watch their costs and have to monitor those costs very carefully because we know that the profit margin is not great, but I still do not believe it is as small as Senator Ferris says it is. They still have a fairly reasonable profit. Naturally enough, they have to watch that and they do not like to see veterinary [137] costs of this kind increase any more than we do. For the overall benefit of the trade, it is important that we maintain those inspections and the highest standards at all times. We have a great market for beef in foreign countries, particularly in Germany. This is something that the CBF have been sponsoring and trying to build up their trade over the past few years, and they have been very successful. I hope that will continue. We hear arguments time and time again about exporting live cattle — exporting on the hoof — and we have the lobby for and against. It would be disastrous to give a monopoly of this trade to the factories, because anybody involved in the agricultural industry knows what happened in 1973 and 1974, when the factories had a monopoly in this trade and I do not think there is any farmer who would want to see them have that monopoly again. For that reason it is important to balance the trade, that we would have our live exports at all times and that we would exploit the markets and ensure that we develop them but that we also would have the meat factories doing their share. I would not like to see the factories having a monopoly in the trade. It would be bad for the industry, for the farmers, and they are the people that we have to think of at all times. In view of the buoyancy in the trade at the moment, both in cattle, sheep and pigs I think the charges being imposed here today are very small, and I am sure the industry will benefit from the inspections that are taking place. It is very important that those inspections be maintained at all times for the sake of the industry. I would like to welcome back my colleague, Deputy Lorcan Allen, to congratulate him on his re-appointment to the Department of Agriculture and I hope that he will have every success in that office. Mr. Howard Mr. Howard 138 Mr. Howard: I do not wish to let this opportunity pass without registering my opposition and indeed my protest at what [138] is being proposed here in these regulations. In principle, I was always opposed to the levies and duties which are part of the package. In their present form they essentially came into existence about four years ago and, at that point, what basically inspired them was a concession to an anti-farm lobby on the question of farm taxation generally. Not alone was there a concession in 1978 for that particular lobby but they were also seen as a means of exacting money that was urgently needed for use in farm development. If I opposed them then on that principle I am still opposed to them today. I am more deeply concerned about what is being proposed to us this afternoon. The extent — Senator Ferris referred to it — of the increase that is being proposed here is nothing short of amazing. While the increase in the inspection fees for cattle might appear acceptable to some people, it is almost a doubling of the fee. The inspection levy for sheep is certainly very close to a doubling of the fee. In the case of pigs, unless my calculations are way out, we are talking of an increase of 5,000 per cent. An increase of 5,000 per cent in the pig industry at the present time I cannot support and I cannot be part of it. Another point was made by Senator Ferris: the figure of 50p per pig has often been the profit margin in that industry per pig. Perhaps it is something better now, but even if we work on a figure of perhaps £1 per pig, by introducing this levy of 50p we are agreeing to cut the income of the pig producer by half. That too, is something that is not acceptable to me. I accept the Minister's comment about the desirability to have central marketing. It is something that I have always believed in and I want to see it encouraged. Therefore I do welcome the decision by the Government to provide the £5.6 million necessary to enable the new Pigs and Bacon Commission to start off with a clean sheet. 139 We are in fact imposing on an industry, as the Minister has told us, more than £3 million in levies in any one year, an additional burden of £3 million on an [139] industry that is far from being in a satisfactory position as far as cash flow and credit and finance are concerned. I say to the Minister, and I am sure he will accept it, that there are a number of ingredients that are necessary to be considered with the object of promoting progress and increasing productivity on Irish farms, and there is no doubt that high among these is finance. No matter how we look at it this evening we are putting a cost increase of 5,000 per cent on pig producers. It is being proposed that we lift a sum of more than £3 million from an industry that is in urgent need of finance for development. Therefore, it is with the greatest reservation that I approach what is being proposed here, and it does not have my agreement. Mr. Dowling Mr. Dowling Mr. Dowling: Ba mhaith liom i dtosach comhgháirdeas a dhéanamh leatsa as ucht do thofa mar Chathaoirleach an tSeanaid seo. Cé gur labhair mé go beacht an uair dheireannach a bhí mé anseo, bhí tusa as láthair, ach tá súil agam go mbeidh réim bhuan, shonasach agat mar Chathaoirleach. An Cathaoirleach An Cathaoirleach An Cathaoirleach: Go raibh míle maith agat. Mr. Dowling Mr. Dowling 140 Mr. Dowling: I agree with many of the previous speakers with regard to the order that is now before us. I agree with one sentence from the Minister's opening remarks, that is, that the Government remain firmly of the opinion that centralised marketing is essential in the long term interest of the pigmeat industry. Indeed I would go along with that for the beef and pork industries as well. Much can be done in the marketing of our meat products that perhaps has been done in a haphazard way up to now. The CBF have done a reasonably good job in the short period of their official existence. Nonetheless, there is tremendous scope for improvement, particularly in the beef area. The imposition of levies, and anything that will ensure that meat is properly processed is in itself admirable and I would go totally along with it. Whether we should put the actual cost of that directly back to the producer — that is in [140] essence what we are doing because it will go back to the beef farmer who is already hard pressed — is another matter. As the Minister has stated, the levy is small. He might admit that the actual profit in the beef industry is equally small and the input costs have increased dramatically over the years and have left an industry very severely pressed — I sympathise particularly with a number of the small producers. The Minister to some extent has eliminated an anomaly that existed. Though there was a levy at the slaughtering stage which did not exist at the export stage of live cattle, and though at the same time it is still going to come back to the producer, one cannot but have reservations about its implementation. In the future we must look very seriously at the whole area of marketing and the investment that this State must commit itself to in the long term interest of a very important aspect of our society and of our whole economy, because we derive so much from the beef and bacon industries that if we attempt to impose levies we will push more people out of it. I particularly say this in relation to the pigmeat industry in which there will be fewer and fewer people producing for slaughter. Any attempt to impose additional costs on the producer will eliminate more and more of these. There have been peaks and various crises in the industry down through the years, and it is one we must monitor very carefully. I would think that the State, while it is taking up the slack in so far as the £5.6 million referred to by Senator Howard is concerned, nonetheless is taking something in the order of £3.1 million directly out of the producers' pockets. That is in essence what you are doing by imposing this levy. However, anything that will advance and improve the product which we process is to the overall advantage of the economy and to the overall advantage of the producer. I would ask the Minister to give serious consideration to a complete overhaul of the processing of pigmeat, with particular emphasis on marketing. Beef has advanced to some degree but there is scope for a very major improvement in that respect. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture (Mr. L. Allen) Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture (Mr. L. Allen) 141 [141] Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture (Mr. L. Allen): I thank Senators for their contributions on this motion, though a number of points raised are outside its scope. I want to put on record, before I get down to some of the matters raised by individuals, that in Vote 38, page 134 of the Book of Estimates published by the previous Government the proposed receipts for licensing, inspection fees, et cetera, under the Agricultural Products (Fresh Meat) Act and Pigs and Bacon Acts were increased from £1.05 million in 1981 to £2.1 million. Under subhead (a), legislation covering these receipts will be introduced in the course of the year. In case the Opposition might think we were the people who took the decision on this whole matter, I want to put on record that it was taken by the previous Government. Mr. Ferris Mr. Ferris Mr. Ferris: The Minister has changed the figures around a bit. Mr. L. Allen Mr. L. Allen Mr. L. Allen: If you add it up there was no provision for the £4 or £5½ million that we have made provision for to pay for debts for the Pigs and Bacon Commission. I want to put it on record so that people will know the true situation. On some of the matters raised, I would like to deal first of all with the pigmeat industry. It is not for the first time that fees have been in existence in this country. These have been in existence since 1930. They were last reviewed in 1978. In 1980 there was a fee of 25p per pig. That was reduced to help the pig industry which was going through difficulties at that time. An understanding was entered into at that time that there would be a levy of 65p per pig at the end of that year which would be payable to the Pigs and Bacon Commission. That fell through in 1981 because of two High Court cases. At the time the 65p per pig was agreed upon by the Pigs and Bacon Commission and the producers. What we are now proposing is a reduction of the figure then agreed upon. Let us have our facts right when we are having an argument about the pig industry. 142 [142] Some Senators mentioned centralised marketing, which has been agreed upon in real terms. We agreed with the Pigs and Bacon Commission and producers to pick up the deficit of £5.6 million that they at present have. That is something which should help the pig industry in general. Senator Hourigan said the refunds favoured the dead meat industry more so than the live meat industry. Mr. Hourigan Mr. Hourigan Mr. Hourigan: It is the other way around. Mr. L. Allen Mr. L. Allen Mr. L. Allen: That is what I meant. Our present Minister for Agriculture resolved that problem through his hard work and endeavours at Brussels to reverse that situation. That is the up-to-date situation. The dead meat trade is now on the right side. That should be welcomed by the industry in general and certainly as far as the factories are concerned. The increases will only yield £3.1 million whereas the expenditure is estimated at £4.4 million. That is approximately 70 per cent of the cost of inspections. The factories for some time have been complaining that there were no inspections or no charge for live exports. That has now been brought into line so that the whole industry is one. This alleviates any discrepancies. The factories were complaining that the live exporter had that advantage over the dead meat trade. I do not accept the point made by some speakers that we are not committed to increasing cattle numbers in this country. By our endeavours in Brussels we have been trying to get not alone a calved-heifer grant but also the £22 for calves up to six months old. In so far as CBF are concerned, their grant has been approximately doubled this year to try to boost the sales of meat across Europe. It is being increased from £371,000 to £765,000 this year. That in itself speaks for our commitment in this area. I do not propose to deal with any of the other matters raised because they were totally irrelevant to this motion. I thank Senators for their contributions. I hope that it will be accepted. An Leas-Chathaoirleach An Leas-Chathaoirleach 143 [143] An Leas-Chathaoirleach: I hope the Minister was not reflecting on the Chair in his last statement. Mr. Hourigan Mr. Hourigan Mr. Hourigan: At the beginning of 1981, with regard to pigmeat, an undertaking was given that there would be no alteration in the levy for a period of two years. We are now a year and a half away from that time. Nobody said the Minister or any of his party were not in favour of increasing numbers. We exhorted that numbers be increased, which is a positive thing, but nobody to my recollection said—— An Leas-Chathaoirleach An Leas-Chathaoirleach An Leas-Chathaoirleach: A question, Senator. Mr. Hourigan Mr. Hourigan Mr. Hourigan: There was an undertaking given in January 1981 that nothing would be done with the levy for two years. Could I have a clarification of this? Mr. L. Allen Mr. L. Allen Mr. L. Allen: The 25p was dropped on the understanding that 65p would be retained during the two years. Question put and agreed to. Seanad Éireann 98 Veterinary Inspection Fees: Motion. General Debate 19820519 | ||||||||||||||||||||||


text: Ultimate Kitchen Design, the premiere kitchen and bath design company catering to upscale homes in the High Country, has years of experience creating custom kitchens, cabinetry and furniture for renowned clients including Sophia Loren,The Bacardi Family, Jimmy Connors, and Alan Jackson. UKD's exquisite work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Carolina Architecture & Design, Florida Design, and Marquee Magazine, among others. Owner Dick Balbier personally oversees all projects from design through completion, giving each project the perspective, creativity, and quality that you deserve. Please take the time to watch our welcome video. |


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Reviewed Turkey and Blistered Green Chile Burger
Mar 15, 2013 in Food Network Community Toolbox on FoodNetwork.com
"So my mom and I watched this when it aired on TV. It looked so good. I made it as the recipe called. My mom HATES turkey but loved this burger. A couple days later I tried it again. But this time I added jalapenos instead of poblanos and also added a pinch if cayanne pepper to the pepper and onions to give it a bit of a kick. I'm not much of a bur""


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Nancy Pelosi, El Salvador elections, SXSW food, and more
Restored Jackson Pollock 'Mural' to be unveiled at Getty Museum
J. Paul Getty Museum
Jackson Pollock's "Mural."
L.A. is a great place to go when you're looking for a makeover, not just for people, but also for great works of art. Today, a Jackson Pollock painting titled "Mural" will be unveiled at the J. Paul Getty Museum with a brand new look.
For more on this, we're joined by Laura Rivers, associate conservator at the Getty.


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The TomTom Via 1535M continues the Via 1500 series of TomTom GPS units.
The new ultra wide, slim design easily fits in your pocket or purse so you can take it with you where ever you go. Like its' sister unit the Via 1505M, the Via 1535M has all those features and adds two more high demand features to the list. The Via 1535M adds Bluetooth which enables the user to make hands free calls from the car and Voice Activation which enables the user to initiate commands by voice. With the addition of lifetime TomTom GPS maps the MSRP of this model is $209.95
Return from TomTom Via 1535M to Home Return from TomTom Via 1535M to TomTom GPS


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Associated Laboratory Services (UK) Ltd specialise in the design, and manufacture of laboratory benching, storage units, and fume cupboards. We have built up a wide customer base including: Schools, Universities, Hospitals, Research & Development Establishments, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Food and Industrial companies. To compliment our own range of products we also offer a range of laboratory chairs and stools as well as undertaking the very important task of servicing and testing fume cupboards.
Our specialist laboratory installers work with the highest level of expertise, and are fully conversant with the latest Health and Safety guidelines, as well as the restricts involved when working within laboratory facilities.
You can rest assured that we will do our best to ensure that you get exactly what you want, at our most competitive price.
Should our standard range of products not be suitable we are more than happy to manufacture to end user specifications.
To appreciate the high quality of our products consider the following important features and compare them to similar products from other suppliers.
Generally, plastic trays are made from either High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) or Talc Filled Polypropylene (TFPP). Solid colour trays are manufactured from HIPS, which is proven to be 8 times stronger than other trays made in TFPP. The clear and tinted trays are made from ABS, a material which gives excellent clarity and is even stronger than HIPS.
Laboratory Benching - Pedestal Type
The pedestal type furniture system utilises storage units with a plinth, which mount directly onto the floor of the laboratory with the work surface fixing directly onto the top of the storage units. This system of furniture does not give the flexibility offered by the steel framework system but is generally the most cost effective option.
Laboratory Benching - Classic Range
Our "CLASSIC" range offers one of the most robust styles of laboratory benching systems available. The system consists of epoxy powder coated 50 x 25 x 1.5 ERW metal support legs linked together with epoxy powder coated steel span rails constructed from 51mm x 38mm channel. The legs can be: "cantilever", "C frame" or "A frame" depending on the weight load rating required.
The selected work surface is then fixed directly on to the framework. This style of benching can incorporate either mobile or suspended cupboard units.
Laboratory Benching - Cleanline Range
Our "CLEANLINE" range offers one of the most flexible, yet robust style of laboratory benching systems available. The system consists of epoxy powder coated aluminium "C" section span rails, with epoxy powder coated 50 x 25 x 1.5 ERW metal support legs. The legs can be: "cantilever", "C frame" or "A frame" depending on the weight load rating required.
The selected work surface is then fixed directly on to the framework. This style of benching can incorporate either mobile or suspended cupboard units.
Underbench Storage Units - Mobile Type
The standard range of under bench storage units are produced from 18mm Melamine faced MDF with matching edge lipping. Front edge of carcass is lipped with 2.0mm PVC.
Doors and drawer fronts are constructed from 18mm Melamine faced MDF with 2mm thick PVC lipping and hung on Nickel plated, 170 degree opening, fully adjustable and concealed hinges complete with integral catch. Doors and drawer fronts are fitted with PVC 'D' type handles. Drawer boxes are manufactured with coated steel sides incorporating steel track with nylon rollers and integral restrainer. Backs and bases are Melamine finished MDF.
As well as these standard units we are also able to produce to bespoke specifications.
Double Width: 1000mm Height: 820mm Depth: 515mm 0/a | Single Width: 500mm Height: 820mm Depth: 515mm 0/a | Tray Units (available with/without doors) Width: 358/704/1040mm Height: 820mm Depth: 495mm 0/a |
We manufacture Reagent shelves in a number of configurations, using either melamine faced MDF with PVC lipping, or laboratory grade Trespa.
From a single tier fixed position shelf, to height adjustable shelves with service void and Perspex dividers, we aim to give you the shelving solution that is best for you.
Solid Grade Laminate
16/20mm Athlon Laboratory Grade Laminate Trespa with black core and crystal matt surface texture with edges smoothed and sealed. Tops are supplied with loose matching Trespa upstand to be fitted on site.
13mm solid Corian, a methyl methacrylate polymer with aluminium hydroxide fillers which is bonded to a 25mm moisture
resistant MDF core. 40mm height loose upstands are provided where required.
Natural, sustainable sourced wood eg Iroko
27mm thickness solid Iroko finished with either clear acid catalysed lacquer or sealed with Danish oils.
Ready Postformed
High density chipboard core faced with post-forming grade laminate with 12mm radius wrap rounds to front edge or edges.
Core of 18mm MDF surfaced with a high pressure laminate. A suitable balancer is applied to the reverse. All edges are fitted with 2mm thick PVC edging.
Core of 18mm MDF surfaced with melamine. All edges are fitted with 2mm thick PVC edging.
Stainless Steel
Manufactured from 16g stainless steel (304 or 316 grade) and polished to dull buff finish, fitted with a sub-frame of 18mm plywood or MDF.
Cast Epoxy Resin e.g. Simmons
15mm thick silica filled, heat cured solid epoxy resin.
Mobile benches for laboratory use are becoming ever more popular, especially when you consider the many advantages compared to the usual and more traditional fixed position benching.
Whether it is a single unit to compliment an existing laboratory or a complete laboratory fit out, the major benefit is the ability to move the bench and therefore your work area to wherever you need to be.
Manual/electronic height adjustable benches
The frame consists of 1.5mm thickness laser cut foot rails with 2mm thickness double uprights. The uprights are fully welded to a 2mm thickness laser cut beam housing.
This method of construction offers an extremely rigid base frame, imperative to positive operation.
Top, bottom and ends manufactured from melamine faced MDF, all exposed edges finished with matching 2mm PVC edging. Corners are dowelled and glued. Fixed backs are 6mm melamine faced board housed in all round. A 60mm stiffener rail is fitted to the underside of the cabinet to strengthen the base. The wall cupboards are available with either solid doors to match the carcass, double glass sliding doors, or glass hinged doors.
The free standing table comprises of a 1200 x 600mm work surface (see details below) attached to a steel support frame.
The steel support frame is manufactured from 32mm x 32mm x 1.5mm ERW steel tube, with a stabilising cross bar fitted at low level in the centre of the leg frame, all joints MIG welded. The frame is finished with an oven baked epoxy poweder coating. Each leg is fitted with adjustable feet which allow for the levelling of the table.
Solid Grade Laminate
16/20mm Laboratory Grade Trespa with black core and crystal matt surface texture with polished edges.
13mm solid Corian, a methyl methacrylate polymer with aluminium hydroxide fillers which is bonded to a 25mm resistant MDF core.
ALS are registered Corian fabricators.
Natural, sustainable sourced wood eg Iroko
27mm thickness solid Iroko finished with either clear acid catalysed lacquer or sealed with Danish oils.
The standard range of tall storage units are produced from 18mm Melamine faced MDF with matching edge lipping. Front edge of carcass is lipped with 2mm PVC.
Tall storage units are available as cupboards, cupboards/drawer combination and cupboard/tray combination. All being approximately 2,000mm high.
Cupboards and cupboard/drawer combination units are manufactured in widths of 500mm and 1000mm.
Cupboard/tray combination units are manufactured in widths of 375mm or 735mm and 1080mm.
Depending on the unit selected, either 1, 2 or 4 doors are used.
The balance bench comprises of a steel support frame constructed from 40mm x 40mm x 3mm ERW steel tube, with all joints MIG welded. The frame is finished with an oven baked epoxy powder coating.
The support legs are fitted with rubber anti-vibration mounting feet in order to reduce vibration being transmitted from the floor. The balance bench top is manufactured from a solid 30mm thick granite block and has a ground and polished face. The top is supported on the steel frame using anti-vibration mounts.
Balance benches are manufactured to suite dimensions required by the client and are available in almost any size.
Lab-Vent Educational Fume Cupboard
Standard Features - Fixed Type
To comply with COSHH Regulations our Lab-Vent range of fume cupboards are manufactured to meet the specific requirements of schools and colleges and comply fully with all the requirements of "Building Bulletin 88"/Design Note 29.
The fume cupboards are available in three standard widths 1000mm, 1200mm, 1500mm whilst special widths and depths can be manufactured on request.
The frame is constructed from 1.5mm mild steel, MIG welded and finished in an epoxy chemical resistant powder coat paint.
Standard finish is white but other colours are available by special order.
The fume cupboard can be fitted with glass or solid panels on any side making it highly versatile as a fixed fume cupboard.
Lab-Vent Educational Fume Cupboard
Standard Features - Semi-Mobile Type
The semi-mobile type fume cupboard is of the same design as the fixed type LabVent fume cupboard but incorporates glass on all 4 sides with a clear Perspex baffle allowing all round vision.
The fume cupboards are available in three standard widths 1000mm, 1200mm, 1500mm whilst special widths and depths can be manufactured on request.
It is connected to the gas, water, waste, electricity and extraction duct by means of flexible hoses and is mounted on a steel trolley with four wheels. This allows the unit to be stored against the wall but pulled out into the classroom (maximum 1.5 metres) when in use.
This type of fume cupboard is particularly suitable for demonstration purposes.
Independently tested by CLEAPSS
Lab-Vent Streamline Filtered Fume Cupboard
Standard Features
The Lab-Vent Streamline Filtered Fume Cupboard is probably one of the most advanced low-cost ductless fume cabinets in the world. Now users can enjoy, at an economical cost, the benefits of features previously found only on high-end ductless fume cabinets - including sophisticated electronic airflow alarms, a unique filter mounting system that eliminates bypass leaks inherent in conventional clamping systems, a generously-sized main filter with higher chemical retention capacities.
Unlike similar products offered by the competition, the fan system is sized to allow it to run at less than maximum capacity whilst still producing a compliant air velocity at sash, providing longer operating lifetimes and lower noise levels. The design of the fan impeller ensures superior uniformity of airflow and distribution within the cabinet to increase operator protection. Another key advantage of these models is their low energy consumption, due to the employment of exclusive external rotor technologies.
Independently tested by CLEAPSS
EXCELFlow Fume Cupboards
The fume cupboard has been independently type-tested in accordance with the procedures laid down in BS 7258: Part 4: 1994. The type test confirmed maximum mean escape concentration less than 5ppb (0.005ppm) at all test positions and maximum instantaneous escape concentration of 10ppb (0.010ppm) at all test positions with a specified nominal face velocity of 0.5 m/s.
For more information please click HERE
"Alsident" extraction systems are designed specifically for the capture and removal of Fume and dust that is created within the Laboratory environment. The products are available in a variety of configurations to suit most applications, and are easily mounted onto the wall, ceiling or workbench. A dedicated filter unit, or fan and ducting, is required to form the complete extraction system.
Product Range
Extraction arms are manufactured using anodised aluminium with polypropylene joints.
The 100mm diameter and the 75mm diameter extraction arms are also available in Polypropylene, for use with more hazardous materials. Extraction arms are available in, 50mm diameter, 75mm diameter, and, 100mm diameter. Extraction arms are available with an overall reach ranging from 400mm to 2500mm.
A variety of capture hoods is available as attachments to the extraction arms
ALS (UK) Ltd provide a single source for all your design, manufacture and installation requirements for PVC and polypropylene extraction systems and sheet fabricated components.
Our fabricators have a wealth of experience in the cutting, forming and thermoplastic welding of PVC and polypropylene ducting and sheet.
In addition to standard installations using prefabricated components for fume cupboards, LEV systems for corrosive fumes etc., we offer bespoke fabrication of storage tanks, enclosures, transformation sections, corrosive tanks and rectangular section ducting.
Ducting and components can be supplied with specialist GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) coatings in order to improve on the following properties:
Our Comprehensive Service Includes:
The Docking Station provides a neat compact means of connecting gas and water services to the LabVent Filtered Fume Cupboards.
Install a docking station in each classroom where the fume cupboard is to be used, connect it to the existing gas and water supplies. Once the LabVent Filtered Fume Cupboard is wheeled into position within the classroom. You simply attach the water and gas service pipes to the Docking Station via the snap link connectors.
Connection to the waste outlet of the LabVent Filtered Fume Cupboard is via a vulcathene connector which is supplied separate to the Docking Station. This needs to be connected to existing waste pipes within the classroom.
Ideal for laboratory, hospitals and research environments
Key features:
UK Manufactured
Heavy duty - built to last
25 Stone 'S' Rated gas lifts
Conforms to current Health & Safety regulations
5 Year Guarantee
Chairs ergonomically designed and fully adjustable:
Wipedown, hardwearing, fire retardant vinyl coverings, various colours, anti-microbial available.
Ideal for Medical, Pharmaceutical & Food environments
Key features
UK Manufactured
Heavy duty - built to last
25 Stone 'S' Rated gas lifts
Conforms to current Health & Safety regulations
5 Year Guarantee
Chairs ergonomically designed and fully adjustable:
Wipedown, hardwearing, fire retardant vinyl coverings, various colours, anti-microbial available.


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South Florida normally picks January through late March.
Adam Lytch, operations manager for Raleigh, N.C.-based L&M Cos. Inc., said north Florida pickings have brought excellent quality that should bring promotable volume.
Though heavy rains in early February washed out rows and destroyed some younger plantings, L&M was able to replant. Lytch said he doesn't expect any type of gap going into April.
Lytch in mid-February characterized the broccoli market as abnormally low because of earlier overproduction.
He quoted California product selling for $5-6 to lower open to consignment.
Lytch, however, said he hopes Florida's closer proximity to eastern markets should provide a freight advantage.
Branch entered the broccoli deal this winter.
One of Branch's growers, R.C. Hatton Farms, Pahokee, saw the possibilities of growing the vegetable and began production, Shiver said.
"Quality has been excellent," Shiver said in early February. "It has had a good customer reception. We are exploring where we can go with it because it seems to be doing well now."
Branch plans to ship broccoli from south Florida through the end of March.
Hot peppers
Florida also grows respectable amounts of variety or hot peppers.
Grower-shippers say the freeze caused damage to that crop as well.
Emilio Mirzakhani, general manager of Homestead Pole Bean Cooperative Inc., said the freeze burned most of the hot peppers such as jalapenos and cubanelles and caused a gap from January into early February, but that some survived.
"Jalapenos are coming up pretty well," he said in early February. "There should be good volumes coming in."
Mirzakhani said growers trimmed the freeze damage from the plants' tops.
In early February, Orrin Cope, president of Orrin H. Cope Produce Inc., Homestead, quoted long hots selling for in the $20s per box with finger hots selling for $12-16.
Cope estimated hot peppers sustained damage up to 80%.
Florida growers pick hot peppers through the winter and into April.