text:
BP CEO Tony Hayward, who has been much maligned for a series of verbal missteps during the Gulf oil disaster (though his company's conduct and failures leading to the disaster would presumably be disqualifying as well) will leave the company, according to multiple reports and government officials. Hayward would continue on the corporate board through the end of the year, but would end his tenure as CEO by October 1.
In a move to reset the corporate image of BP, Hayward will be replaced by Robert Dudley, an American and the current Managing Director of the company. He would become BP's first American CEO.
A White House official told the Wall Street Journal that the Administration played no role in the resignation of Hayward, and that it was a decision of BP's board.
Hayward leaves behind a still-unresolved situation at the bottom of the Gulf. The containment dome over the gushing Macondo well remains in place, but between 94 and 184 million gallons have spilled into the ocean, and the ships supporting the cleanup effort have scattered in the wake of Tropical Storm Bonnie and are only now returning to the area. The relief wells, seen as the only permanent solution, have yet to be completed, and of course the massive cleanup has barely begun. Residents were skeptical that Hayward's departure would matter much to their immediate concerns, or that BP would salvage their reputation through this move:
But other Gulf residents shrugged upon hearing the news. The oil, they said, has already done its damage.
"It doesn't matter," said Chris Foss, a 39-year-old boat captain from Port Sulphur. "Whatever happens with the corporate dudes is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is what they are going to do about this mess."
Patrick Shay, 43, sat on a porch swing of his cottage in Grand Isle on Sunday, his front yard filled with small, white crosses, each bearing the name of sea life or ways of life the oil spill has killed.
"He seems like a pretty self-absorbed person, so I'm not surprised to hear he would walk away in the middle of all this," he said of Hayward. "If anything it will help. They need to get him out of the way and get this cleaned up."
But while the worries should continue for Gulf residents, not so for Hayward. He stands to collect nearly 600,000 pounds ($900,000) per year upon retirement, and could see a seven-figure golden parachute on top of that.


text:
Water quality hearing draws anti-fracking crowd
A public hearing in Sanford Tuesday night on proposed new water quality regulations drew a large crowd, many of whom got up to speak about their opposition to hydraulic fracturing.
Specifically, the new rules would affect stormwater run-off rules in North Carolina. Many of the activists gathered at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center from 6-7 p.m. for the meeting said they supported the spirit of the new rules but thought the state should be even more strict.
Stormwater run-off and fracking are related because much of the state's natural gas reserves are in this area and near the banks of the Deep River. Opponents fear that heavy rains could wash chemicals and pollutants from the drilling sites into the river, and that open ponds of used and potentially toxic fracking fluid could overflow and flood the area.
The state faced a similar disaster in 1999, when rains from Hurricane Floyd overcame open "hog lagoons" full of animal waste and flooded much of the eastern part of the state with feces, urine and dead animals. One speaker directly recalled memories of that storm Tuesday, and others indirectly referenced the damage in relation to their fears of potential damage from natural gas operations.
For more details from the meeting, see Thursday's edition of The Herald.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Posted at: 03/19/2013 7:31 AM
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed this week as Minnesota Agriculture Week, in conjunction with Tuesday's 40th Anniversary of National Agriculture Day.
The governor's proclamation notes that Minnesota agriculture generated $18.5 billion in cash receipts and $6.8 billion in exports in 2011. It says more than 10 percent of the jobs in Minnesota are linked to agriculture. The state has more than 80,000 farms, comprising more than half the state's land acres.
Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson says Minnesota ranks sixth in the nation in agricultural production.
The top ranking Minnesota counties in agricultural production are Stearns, Martin, Renville, Blue Earth and Nobles.
National Ag Day: http://www.agday.org
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


text:
Related article: Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 21:23:06 +0900
From: graemefjiinet.net.au
Subject: Child of the Theatre 1This work is a product of the author's Lolita Tube
imagination. Places, events and
people are either fictitious or used fictitiously and any resemblance to
real events, places, or people, living or dead is entirely coincidental.The author retains full copyright to the material, and sincerely hopes you
like it!If you have something to say about it that isn't flaming me then
email me at: Caleb
"The barmaid now for your protection prays,
Turns female barrister, and pleads for bayes."The final lines of the play floated upstairs to the dressing rooms. The
orchestra struck up and the applause was thunderous. Smiling slightly, Sim
began lighting the working candles beside the make-up bench. He poured a
glass of sherry as Dorothy Jordan came sweeping into dressing room, angrily
tearing off her wig. "He never gets that bloody line right. I shall have to speak to the
stage manager - again!"Sim rolled his eyes in mock horror. "Madam, I am shocked. Never have my
virginal ears been sullied with such language." Mrs. Jordan gave a snort
of laughter and downed the sherry in one gulp. "I could do with something stronger, Sim.""Better leave off the gin, ma'am. You have another performance in a couple
of hours." She sighed. "Well, help me out of these damned stays. They're
killing me."She sighed and grunted while Sim unlaced the whale-boned armor that encased
her. When he finally removed it, she gave a great sign and slumped into
the seat in front of the large Lolita Tube mirror and gazed at her reflection. Sim
poured her a second glass of sherry and placed it by her. While he busied
himself, tidying up the wig and costume she dropped casually on the floor,
there was a knock on the door. Before Sim had a chance to open it, a large
florid figure insinuated himself into the room."Dolly, darling," he said in his most mellifluous voice, " I do apologize
for that slip." "More than a slip, Henry," Mrs Jordan said tartly, "You could have
driven a horse and carriage through the pause." "I know, I know," he said, "I am prostrated with remorse. But I must
admit, you covered beautifully. The groundlings simply adored that piece
of business you inserted." She turned to him. "Henry. I can't keep covering for you every
time. You must try to remember." "I know, I know and of course, you are right, as always. I make you
the promise that this will be the last time." He took her hand. "Am I
forgiven?" He kissed her hand. She smiled. "You know you are.""Thank you my dear. Well, a bientot, I must be off. My public awaits."
He paused by the door, that Sim politely held open for him. He looked at
Sim and patted him on the cheek. "Dolly, m'dear, when are you going to let
me have this delectable young adonis as my very own dresser?" "I want him to survive the week, Henry."He chuckled. "You are a naughty puss." And he disappeared. With a smile, Sim said, "Was that meant for you or me?"She laughed her famous throaty laugh. "Me, I think, but with Henry you
never know."Sim chuckled and was just about to shut the door when he saw Harry, the
assistant stage manager signaling him from Lolita Tube
the corridor. "What's the matter, Harry?" Sim asked.Harry was large with excitement. "Simmy, there's a toff wanting to see
herself.. He's in the green room…. Said he wanted a private meeting with
her…"He gave Sim a knowing look. "Who is he, Harry? Do you know him?" Sim asked.Harry shook his head. "Nah! Left his card for her." He handed the card to
Sim.Sim read the elegant script out loud. "Lieutenant Gervase Levison. Army?"Harry gave him a significant look. "Navy, I think." The significance was not lost on Sim. "Ah. I'll have to tell Mrs
Jordan."Harry winked at him and disappeared down to stage level. When he entered the dressing room, Mrs Jordan said querulously, "I
fear this may be the last time I play Kate Hardcastle…" Sim grinned. "Surely not, ma'am.""I getting too old, Sim, and worse yet, I feel it." Sim said, "I have heard rumors of a revival of School for Scandal
next season." She sighed, "Well, I suppose Lady Teazle is a marginally better
role than Kate Hardcastle." "Very much better, ma'am, and you know it." She chuckled.He laid the card discreetly on the bench beside her. "What's this?" she said."A visitor, ma'am." She laughed hollowly. "I'm certainly getting too old for that."Sim said slyly, "Nay, madam. There may be snow on the attic, but there's
still fire in the basement." She laughed and picked up the card and gazed at it short-sightedly.
She read, "Lieutenant Levison. Do I know him?" Sim said colorlessly, "A naval officer, I believe, ma'am."She gave him an exasperated look. Lolita Tube "Oh, spare me your discretion. A
go-between, think you?" "It seems likely ma'am.""Very well. Look out my wrapper - the apricot silk. Then you'd better go
down and bring him up. Give me ten minutes. God knows I'll need every
minute. These days, it gets harder and harder to look merely presentable." Sim shrugged into his coat, and descended the spiral staircase to
the green room. There were some people there, but the naval Lieutenant
stood out, standing awkwardly apart from the others.Sim took a breath and said pleasantly, "Mr. Levison?"The officer turned at the sound of his name, his long cloak swishing as he
did so. Their eyes met. Sim blinked. The man was a little taller than he
was and had a harsh countenance and eyes of breathtaking dark blue, almost
purple. "I am he, sir," the man said. He bowed slightly.Sim smiled politely. "Mrs. Jordan apologizes for keeping you waiting, sir.
If you will be so good as to follow me, I shall take you to her." The man did not move but continued to look at him. "And you are
….?"Sim said, "My name is Simkin, sir. I am Mrs. Jordan's dresser." The man raised his eyebrows slightly. "Unusual."Sim said, "My name, sir, or my position?" The man smiled a lopsided smile, "Your position, sir. It is surely
unusual for a man to be a lady's dresser?" Sim nodded cordially, "Most unusual sir, but how dull life would
be, were the usual the only thing we could look forward to." The man's slight smile got a little wider at Sim's reply. He did
not say anything for a moment and then said, "Your name, of course, is not
unusual. It is a good, sturdy, yeoman name." Sim lifted his chin slightly. "And I am a good sturdy yeoman, sir.
Your name, I believe, is Gervase. That is a good sturdy aristocratic name.
Are you a good, sturdy aristocrat, sir?" The smile faded from the naval officer's face, and was replaced by
a slight hauteur. "I beg your pardon?" he said quietly. Sim looked at him steadily. "I dislike being patronized, sir." He
moved to the door of the green room. "But yeoman or aristocrat, it does
not do Lolita Tube
to keep a lady waiting." He bowed slightly to the officer. "This
way sir." Sim led the man through the chaos of backstage without looking
back. When he reached the bottom of the spiral staircase, the officer
said, "A moment, Master Simkin…." Sim had already mounted the staircase, Lolita Tube
and turned to face his
companion. He realized, with no little pleasure, he was able to look down
on him. He waited expectantly."It seems," said the man with a winning smile, "that I owe you an apology.
If I have offended you, such was not my intention." Sim smiled. "Did I feel offence, sir, it was for the moment only,
and was of no consequence. But I thank you for your graciousness." The officer's face lit up with a genuine smile and Sim could not
help but smile back. They stood there for a short moment, till Sim felt
himself beginning to flush. He said, "But come sir, Mrs. Jordan awaits."When they entered the dressing room, Sim saw that Mrs. Jordan, delectably
gowned in foaming apricot silk and wearing her best wig - the one with the
dark gold ringlets, has arranged herself on the morning sofa, surrounded by
flowers and subtly lit by strategically placed candelabra. She presented a
picture of entrancing beauty. When they entered, she held out one white
hand in a picturesque gesture as greeting to the Lieutenant. "Mr. Levison," she greeted him in a low, thrilling voice. He came
forward, bent over and kissed her proffered hand. She delicately indicated
a chair, and he sat. "A glass of sherry, sir?" And she nodded to Sim who offered them both the
sherry in crystal glasses from a silver tray.Mrs. Jordan said, "Levison? I seem to know that name. You are related to
the Viscount Saltash?" "He is my grandfather, madam.""You are the heir?" He laughed. "No madam. Merely the second son of a second son.""Ah!"They solemnly sipped the drinks, and then Mrs. Jordan said, "And now sir,
what is your business with me?" The officer looked a little uncomfortable, and looked pointedly at
Sim. Mrs. Jordan gave a silvery laugh, and said, "Sim must remain, sir,
for the sake of propriety. But have no fear, I have no secrets from him." Sim took up his position at the door, leaning on it so no one could
come in unexpectedly. The officer continued looking at Sim, smiling
slightly, a look that was not lost on Mrs. Jordan. She coughed delicately. Brought back to the present, the officer began, choosing his words
carefully, "I come, madam, on behalf of a certain… august personage…" Mrs. Jordan, looked at him through lowered lashes, and smiled
winsomely. "His Grace is ever in my thoughts." The officer shifted his weight. "Quite so," he said. "I am charged
to convey to you the esteem and respect of this personage, and to enquire
of the health of yourself…. And of your children." Mrs. Jordan raised an elegant eyebrow. "I am as you see me, sir,
hale and well, and as for my children, they too are well…. And speak of
their father with love and affection." This last was said gently, but the
barb in the tail was obvious to all in the room. The officer was clearly uncomfortable. " I am further instructed,
madam, to place in your hands this letter." He withdrew a folded and
sealed letter from the inside of his coat and handed it to her. She took
it from him, smiling graciously and placed it on her lap. He looked at her
expectantly, and she realized she was to read it in his presence. With a
graceful movement, she broke the seal, and held it up to read, mimicking
the pose of Mrs. Siddons as the Tragic Muse. Sim watched her very carefully, knowing, as he did so well, her
every trick and gesture. He saw her hand shake slightly. He was also
aware that the naval officer was casting a surreptitious glance at him.Having read the letter, she folded it carefully and returned it to her
lap. She looked at the officer opposite her, and smiled. The Lieutenant leaned forward and said, almost apologetically, "A
reply is expected, madam." "And a reply you shall have, sir, but not today. Tomorrow
afternoon? " He nodded. "Sim shall deliver it into your hands tomorrow."
The officer smiled and cast a glance at Sim, who smiled in return.Mrs. Jordan watched the exchange and said, "Have no fear sir, he is
completely trustworthy. You will give him directions as you leave sir." She stood, and the Lieutenant rose. "Now, sir, if there is no more
business, I will bid you good day." She held out her hand imperiously, and
he stiffly bowed over itSim opened the door for the officer, and glancing at Mrs. Jordan, he
followed the man to the landing, closing the door quietly behind him.With the stub of a pencil, Lieutenant Levison scribbled on the back of a
card and handed it to Sim. "I will be at that address from two o'clock
tomorrow afternoon."Sim read the card. "The Daffy Club, Jermyn Street, St James." He'd never
heard of it, but supposed Mrs. Jordan would know all about it. He looked at the officer and smiled and said, "I shall be there, sir,
with Mrs. Jordan's reply."The man smiled at him, and, after a pause, said, "Are you a sportsman,
Master Simkin?" "I cannot claim proficiency in any sport, Mr. Levison. I play some
cricket when I can, I fence - a little, and I have learned to tumble." He
blushed at the unintended double entendre. "Such physical skills are
required of all actors, sir."The officer looked interested. "You are an actor then?" Sim sighed. "No sir. I am exactly as you see me. Merely a
dresser." He could not help a note of wistfulness creeping into his
speech.There was a pause, in which the man looked at Sim intently. "What is your
full name, Simkin?"Sim felt his ears go red."Tregear, sir. Simkin Tregear." The officer laughed."That name, at any rate, cannot be called a good sturdy yeoman name." His
gaze held Sim's eyes, and Sim felt himself blushing - with unexpected
pleasure. "Well, Mr. Tregear, I shall look forward to our next meeting -
tomorrow." And unexpectedly, with one finger he gently flicked the end of
Sim's nose. The light physical contact was a shock to Sim, his eyes flying
to the man's face. The officer was smiling at him mischievously with a
glint in his eyes. Then he turned and descended the spiral staircase, his
cloak billowing behind him like a bat.When Sim re-entered the dressing room, Mrs. Jordan had divested herself of
the apricot silk and the wig and was reclining on the sofa in her (very
expensive) chemise. She was studying the letter and looked up as he
entered. Very quickly she noted his flushed cheeks, his downcast eyes and
the little smile that played about Lolita Tube
his lips."Oh ho," thought she, "Lies the wind in that direction?""He gave you the directions?" she asked in an unconcerned voice. "Yes ma'am. The Daffy Club, in Jermyn Street. Do you know it?""Of course." "You have been there, ma'am?"She laughed. "Certainly not. No woman may enter its hallowed portal. It
is a gentlemen's club - a club for gentlemen who enjoy sporting pursuits." Sim suddenly understood. He said "Ah" in recognition.Mrs. Jordan looked at him. "Ah?" Sim grinned. "The gentleman, Mr. Levison, asked me if I was a
sportsman." "Did he indeed?" she murmured."You don't suppose he means to suggest I join the club, do you?" "No," she said dryly, "That is not what I suppose he means to do."Sim caught the inflection in her voice, and flushed. She looked at him, so
young and vulnerable. "Sit down Sim. It's time you and I had a talk." She watched as Sim
cautiously took a seat. She tapped the letter on her lap. "Do you know what's in this?""How could I, ma'am?" She held it out to him. "Read."Sim took the letter and read it. He folded it, and wordlessly handed it
back to her. "Well?" she said."Are you going to hand back the jewels, ma'am?" She laughed a cynical laugh. "What do you think?""I would say not," Sim answered with a grin. "However, His Grace of
Clarence seems very …. insistent." She tossed the letter aside, unconcerned."This is but the first skirmish in a long, and protracted battle that, I
fear, can only end with one outcome." She sighed and seemed lost in
reverie. "The outcome, Lolita Tube
madam?" Sim prompted gently."My defeat, Lolita Tube
and probable banishment to the outer darkness." She said
without any trace of theatricality about the statement. Sim felt the cold breath of doom."Which means," she continued, "I shall have to wring every concession from
the Duke to provide for myself and especially for my children. His
children." She looked at him sadly. "It also means you and I may soon be
parted."Sim was appalled. "Mrs. Jordan!" "It is not certain, Sim, but I think likely. He will insist, I
think, that in return for any allowance he may make, I shall give up the
stage and devote myself to the children." She sighed, and then looked at
Sim, who had turned white. "Tell me Sim. What think you of the Lieutenant?"Sim was jolted by the sudden change of subject. "He seems….. competent." She smiled slightly at his caution. "Of course, he won't have two
pennies to rub together, except for his navy pay, and I should imagine that
doesn't go far Lolita Tube
if he frequents places like the Daffy Club. Sadly,
Saltash's affairs are all to pieces. It is rumored that the bailiffs are
about to be called in. And he is only the second son of a second son, so
there can be no expectation from that quarter. However, he is well
connected - the aide to a Royal Duke, no less. Much may come from that
connection. You could do much worse." Sim was shocked by her ruthless assessment of the Lieutenant. He
felt a slight resentment start to boil. "Are you suggesting, ma'am, that, for the sake of my future, I bare
my arse and let him fuck me?" She looked at him sternly. "Do not imagine you can confound me by
the deliberate use of vulgarities to my face. Need I remind you, I have
used and forgotten more bad language in my life Lolita Tube than you will ever know?" Sim flushed scarlet, and mumbled, "My apologies, ma'am."She looked at the distress in his face, and she softened."How old are you, Sim?" she asked. "I am but nineteen, ma'am, as well you know."She nodded. "Yes," she said, "you were born soon after Fanny was born. Ah
me, your poor mother." She looked at the young man seated opposite her. "Listen to me Sim," she said, " and listen carefully. The world we
inhabit, the world of the theatre, is a very small world. It is a world
where much human behavior, otherwise considered beyond the pale, is
accepted in a way it can never be accepted outside. We are, in a way,
protected.In the world outside, the Lolita Tube world of the beau monde, we are accepted only up
to a point, and only if we abide by their unwritten rules - never to flaunt
our presence among them, never to be vulgar. You have a choice. You can
remain in this protected world, in the theatre - perhaps try your hand at
acting, who knows? - or you can try to carve a fortune for yourself in the
world outside.I cannot advise you on this. If you take my life as an example, I have
tried to live in the outside world, and I now can see what it is going to
cost me. However, I shall never regret the rewards my choice has given me
- my children, and despite this sad ending - many years of love." "What are you telling me, madam?"She sighed, and looked directly at him. "It is possible, nay, I think
likely that the good lieutenant will offer you a carte blanche." Sim blushed and smiled. She watched his reaction and continued. " For a young man of your ….. proclivities, it may seem a wonderful
thing, a stroke of good fortune. But be wary. Whether you accept him or
not, that is a decision only you can make, but please make sure, for your
own safety, that your heart be not immediately enslaved and your head not
turned. There will come a time when you will want to give your heart. You have
much love to give, my Sim, make sure that the man Lolita Tube to whom you give it is
worthy of you. That is all I have to say." Sim Lolita Tube
leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you, ma'am."She smiled. "Now," she said, "You may leave me. I wish to sleep for a few
hours before the performance tonight. Return at about six o'clock." Sim snuffed the candles and gently closed the door behind him.A little while before, Sim had had pointed out to him the great Beau
Brummell. Sim was very familiar with his career, and was very anxious to
see for himself this man who had become the arbiter of elegance for the
beau monde. Standing in the wings, and using a strategically placed
spy-hole, he had examined the gentleman during the whole performance of
"She Stoops to Conquer". At first it amazed him that such a plainly
dressed man could be the leader of fashion. Yet the more he examined Lolita Tube him,
the more he became aware of an intangible something in the carriage and air
of his subject. His clothes seemed featureless in the extreme, but, having
some little sartorial experience himself, he recognized the masterly cut of
his clothes and the true elegance of his unadorned linen. There burned in
his breast an ambition to emulate this man's bold simplicity.With this in mind, he had purchased, at enormous expense, several lengths
of high quality broadcloth, and had tailored for himself two coats - a dark
green one for day wear and a dark blue one for evening. He was very happy
with the results. He showed them Lolita Tube to Mme Geldhart, the costumier for the
Drury Lane Theatre and she had complimented him on the excellence of his
cut and his tailoring. She promptly offered him a job, but Sim gracefully
refused. Not for him the eye-straining drudgery of a costume workroom.
Much heartened by her praise, he further tailored two pairs of knee
breeches, pale yellow for day wear and black for evening wear.He had never before had had an opportunity to wear either set of
clothes. Until now.The following day, around midday, he knocked on the front door of
Mrs. Jordan's town house. His shirt linen (borrowed from the Drury Lane
wardrobe) was starched to perfection, and his top boots (also borrowed)
shone like mirrors. He carried a cane, gloves and a low-crowned beaver hat.
The door was opened by Mrs. Jordan's elderly butler, and he was instantly
admitted.When he was announced, he stood in the door at once shy of his new
appearance, and at the same time, bursting with pride. His burnished
copper-colored hair, brushed into a fashionable Brutus cut, shone in the
early afternoon light. Mrs. Jordan, seated elegantly on a chaise longue in
the bay window, lowered the book she was reading and stared at him. "Dear God!" she said in an awed whisper.He grinned at her sheepishly. "Will I do, madam?" "My dear," she said after gazing at him for some Lolita Tube moments, "you are
beautiful enough to seduce an Archbishop." She gave a sentimental sigh. "You are your mother to the life." He moved quickly forward, and kissed her on the cheek in greeting."Thank you, ma'am, but you are the only mother I have ever known. If I had
but half your beauty and charm, I would thank God every day for it." She squeezed him for a moment, and then said, "You are the master
of the honeyed phrase, I see. Good. In spite of the old adage, flattery
will get you everywhere." She suddenly became businesslike. She rose and
moved to a small side table and picked up a long scrap of paper, and handed
it to him. "This," she said, "will be my answer to His Grace."Sim took the scrap of paper and read what was printed on it. It had been
torn off the bottom of a theatre poster and read, "No monies shall be
returned once the curtain has risen." He laughed at her audacity. "Madam. You cannot."She chuckled. "In his old age, His Grace may have become tedious, fretful
and dictatorial, but he still retains, I believe, a sense of humor." She
indicated a delicate writing bureau. "Do you fold that paper in a sheet of
writing paper and seal it. That is what you shall deliver to your
Lieutenant." Sim did as he was told and as he affixed the wafer, he said "He is
not my Lieutenant, ma'am. I would want him to be his own man." He stood
and slipped the envelope into an inside coat pocket. She was watching him
narrowly. "Make sure he appreciates your worth, Sim, then all will follow in
rightful sequence."Sim bowed and left the room.He alighted from the chair outside the entrance to the club. The chair men
knew instantly where to take him and he did not begrudge the expense.
Better to spend a little money than to wander the streets of inner London
vainly trying to find his destination.When he entered the foyer of the club, the noises of the street outside
were subdued and he stood uncertain where to go. Fortunately he was
accosted by a discreet doorman. "May I help you, sir?" Sim's experience of establishments like this was non-existent, but
he was long-headed enough to know not to patronize the servants or try to
give a false impression of aristocratic breeding or sophistication. So he
smiled gently and said, " I have an appointment to see Lieutenant Levison,
who is, I believe, here this afternoon." The man nodded and said, "Mr. Levison is here, sir. In the main
gallery."Sim fished out a card and handed it to the man. "Would you be so kind to
give him my card?" The man smiled and nodded, and took the card, and said, "If you
would wait here, sir, I shall inform Mr. Levison of your arrival."Sim stood and looked about him as he waited. The oak paneling of the foyer
was impressive and there were several servants discreetly within calling
distance - servants he had not noticed before. The whole place exuded an
air of wealth and privilege. He began to feel rather nervous and was
beginning to think that his efforts to dress correctly made him appear
silly, gauche and out of place.The man returned promptly. "If you would come this way, sir. Mr. Levison
will see you in the main gallery." Sim demurred. " I am not a member of the club."The man smiled, a kindly smile. "That is quite all right, sir. You are
here as Mr. Levison's guest." He led Sim down a long corridor, and as they
approached the gallery at the end, Sim Lolita Tube could hear loud thumpings, the
sounds of swords clashing, and crowd noises, cheering and muttering. Sim entered a very large room under a long rectangular domed
ceiling. There were many people standing around, in crowded groups. At
one end of the room was a roped fighting square on a raised dais, where two
men, naked to the waist were sparring with bare knuckles. At the other end
of the room was a fencing arena where five or six couples were dueling
under the instruction of a supervisor. Everywhere Sim looked, there was a
piece of sporting apparatus upon which men were exercising. And all around
crowds of men of all ages and ranks were milling and talking loudly,
laughing and smoking. The air was redolent with the smell of sweat,
tobacco and an astringent herbal aroma that Sim associated with the easing
of strained muscles. It was very stimulating! His companion indicated for Lolita Tube him to wait, Lolita Tube and disappeared into the
crowd. Sim was intensely interested in all that was Lolita Tube going on around him,
but soon he began to notice that he himself was being observed. Young men
would look him up and down and make comments Lolita Tube to their companions, and he
had the doubtful felicity of being ogled by an old rou� through his
quizzing glass. He began to feel very self-conscious about the clothes he
wore, and to fear that they shouted to the world that he was some sort of
imposter. It was with immense relief, that he saw the doorman leading the
Lieutenant through the throng towards him. At that moment he wanted
nothing more than to deliver the letter and Lolita Tube to be gone. As the naval
officer approached him, his heart gave a lurch. Lieutenant Levison was
naked to the waist, and was wiping his torso with a white towel, which he
threw around his neck. His face lit up when he saw Sim. He held out his
hand and held Sim's in a firm clasp that neither of them wanted to end.
Sim realized, with horror, that the knee breeches, which he had
immaculately tailored for himself, had no way of disguising his arousing
interest in the semi-naked man before him. To his credit, the lieutenant did not drop his eyes from Sim's
face.His smile was open and genuine. "It is good to see you again,
Mr. Tregear."Sim smiled and answered, "And you, Mr. Levison." Lolita Tube Still clasping Sim's hand, he looked around and said, "We cannot
talk here. Come. I have to wash and change. You will accompany me?"Sim nodded and allowed himself to be led across the crowded space. As they
traversed the floor, many men hailed his companion and he nodded pleasantly
to them. Sim shot glances at those who called to the Lieutenant, and he
saw that all were looking at him, their eyes assessing, valuing, judging. Finally they entered another large room, tiled throughout, where men were
being washed by the simple expediency of standing naked while servants
poured water on them from a height. Sim was amazed by the scale of the
establishment. "I have never been in such a place before," he said looking
around and trying to avoid the sight of the lush nakedness of the men
around him. He feared that his interest might manifest itself physically
in too obvious a manner. For the first time in his life, he regretted the
generosity of Nature when allocating his private parts. He slyly moved the
hat he carried to provide a vestige of protection from prying eyes.The Lieutenant said, "I will not keep you long," and immediately began to
strip off the small clothes he wore until he, too, stood naked and so close
to him, that Sim was overwhelmed by his scent. The man padded to a
strategic position on the floor where two servants on ladders poured ewers
of water over him. Full jugs were passed up the ladders and empty ones
passed down keeping a constant flow of water over the Lieutenant. Sim
could not keep his eyes off the naked man and his body reacted
alarmingly. He was very very beautiful, from his wide muscled shoulders to
his elegant legs, and Sim realized that in this rugged naked man before
him, he had found his ideal. Aroused to granite Lolita Tube hardness and almost quaking with desire, it was
all Sim could do to stand calmly. His gaze fixed on the long white sabre
scar on one back shoulder of the man. How he longed to caress it. Soon,
he could stand it no longer.He signaled the man under the deluge. " I will wait outside," he Lolita Tube said
loudly so the Lieutenant could hear him.The man grinned and said, "Why?" From his wicked smile, Sim strongly
suspected he knew the answer.Sim said, "The damp is beginning to wilt the starch in my shirt points!"The officer laughed, and said, "Fop!" and turned away from Sim.Better to be thought a fop than a bawd, Sim thought grimly.He managed to escape to the comparative quiet of the corridor outside. He
felt he could breathe more easily, and leaned back against the wall to
recover. After a few minutes, he had regained his equilibrium. He
discreetly smoothed down the front of his breeches while he looked around
in idle interest. Groups Lolita Tube of men passed back and forth.He was startled when three young men paused, and all gave him a slight bow.
Automatically, Sim bowed back and the group moved on. A passing bow,
Mrs. Jordan had once called it: a bow that said, "I don't know you, but I
recognize that we are of the same class." Sim suddenly felt a warm glow at
this small triumph. He was so pleased that he gave a little chuckle. A voice at his side said, "What is the joke?" And Sim turned to see
the Lieutenant, garbed now in his undress uniform, smiling at him.Still grinning, Sim answered, "I fear, sir, you would not understand."The Lieutenant merely nodded and said, "May I offer you some refreshment,
Mr. Tregear? Some tea?" Very pleased, Sim said, "Thank you sir. It will be my pleasure to
take tea with you." With the Lieutenant leading the way, they moved to a
room that was laid out as a dining room. A waiter hurried forward and conducted them to a table in a bay
window. Once they were seated, Sim looked around in lively interest to the
other occupants of the room, while his companion murmured orders to the
waiter, who bowed and withdrew. The man looked at Sim for a few moments
and then he said, "It is good to see someone who frankly enjoys." Sim smiled at him, completely at ease, "This is, in all
probability, my only opportunity to see the inside of such an establishment
as this." He added, with attractive archness, "You cannot begrudge me my
moment in the sun."The Lieutenant laughed lightly. "I don't think I could begrudge you
anything."Sim gave him a speaking look of smiling disbelief, and the officer laughed
a little more strongly. Then Sim remembered. He extracted the letter from
his inside coat pocket and laid it on the table. "Mrs. Jordan's reply, sir," and he slid it across the table to the
man opposite. The officer reached out, and laid his hand on it, his fingers
touching Sim's. Their movements froze, and Sim looked into the man's eyes. "My name is Gervase. It would please me if you would call me by my
name."Sim dropped his eyes and said quietly, "I think, sir, you forget the
disparity of our positions." He did not withdraw his hand. He swallowed
as he felt the officer's fingers begin to caress the tips of his fingers. The officer said quietly and intimately, "Does it bother you so
much - this disparity?" Sim raised his eyes, then slowly and deliberately withdrew his
hand. "For myself, no. I have never been concerned about my rank in life.
But here, in this place," and he deliberately looked around the room,
drawing the officer's attention to their surroundings, "I feel I must
bother about it - for your sake."The officer gave a small grunt and scooped up the letter and transferred it
to an inside coat pocket.Sim said, "While you were bathing, sir, I could not help noticing you carry
a scar." The officer raised a quizzical eyebrow. " A sabre scar, sir?"The man gave a disparaging smile. "Yes, and in case you think that it was
highly romantic, I bled like a stuck pig, it hurt like the devil, I
screamed like a banshee with the pain and I shit my breeches. Very
unromantic, I assure you." Sim chuckled but was not put off. "Where did you get it?""In the Indies." He answered shortly. "I was on board the Laconia. We
had a run in with a couple of French privateers. For a time, it was very
hot." Sim felt a schoolboy's eagerness to Lolita Tube
know more. "Did you win?"The man grinned. "Finally we did. We were able to take the ships in. The
prize money was extremely welcome, and made the agony I suffered from that
damn'd frog's sabre very worthwhile." Sim felt very elated. "Prize money? I'm glad."The Lieutenant looked at him curiously. "Why?" Sim said artlessly, "Well, it means you have more to live….." and
he flushed scarlet at the thought of the solecism he almost committed.The Lieutenant looked very amused. He leaned forward, with his elbows on
the table. "Am I to gather from this awkward pause," said he, "that your
esteemed patroness has been calculating my worth?" Sim was appalled. "Sir, I …"The officer chuckled, and Sim suspected he was laughing at him. "You know," he said, "you are vastly attractive when you writhe
with embarrassment like this. I wish you would call me Gervase."Mercifully, Sim was spared the necessity of answering as they were
interrupted by the arrival of the waiters with the tea service. As the
waiters lay the table with smoothness and efficiency, the officer never
took his eyes off Sim, who cast a covert look at him. The glinting smile
he saw caused his stomach to flutter and his pulses to race. To cover his
continued embarrassment, Sim automatically reached for the silver teapot
and poured two cups of tea. "Milk or lemon, sir?"The officer was looking at him in wonder and after a pause, said, "Lemon, I
thank you." With the silver tongs, Sim placed a slice of lemon on the Lieutenant's
saucer, and handed it to him. He noticed then the strange look the man was
giving him. The officer took the cup, nodding his thanks, still looking at
Sim, who suddenly had a twinge of disquiet."Is something the matter, sir?"The officer smiled slightly and nodded dismissal to the waiter. As he squeezed the lemon into his tea, he said in a conversational
voice, "In an establishment like this, it is normal for the waiter to serve
us, or perhaps we each serve ourselves. To do what you just did, implies a
rather intimate relationship between the two of us." There was no hint of reprimand in his voice, but Sim was suddenly
frightened. He had exposed his companion to the ridicule of the servants.
He felt a pressing need to explain himself. "Sir, I ….. I have always poured tea for Mrs. Jordan. It did not
occur to me that …. that…" "You aren't interested in my prize money?" the Lieutenant asked
pleasantly. Sim stared at his companion, mortified by the way he changed the subject.
His self-confidence, never strong in this environment, deserted him
entirely. He muttered, "It is none of my business, sir." "No, it is not," the officer agreed readily, "but I would like you
to know all the same. I bought an estate." In spite of himself, Sim's interest was piqued. He smiled shyly."An estate, sir?" "In Lincolnshire, adjacent to the fens. Many would find the
situation gloomy, but I like it, even though it is remote, almost lonely.
It is only a little estate, but I believe I can make something of it. It
is in a sad state of repair but the house itself is sound." Sim asked, hesitantly, "A large house, sir?"The Lieutenant laughed. "No. it is no stately palace. It is but a Queen
Anne box, but it suits me very well." Sim said quietly, "It sounds charming, sir."The officer looked at him unsmilingly. There was a long pause. Then he
burst out with quiet intensity. "I cannot bear to see you so distressed. I
had no business commenting on your behavior. Please except my deepest
apology." Sim was silent. He knew that the officer had nothing to apologize
for, but, gentleman that he was, he was trying to alleviate the shame he
perceived in Sim. Rather, it was Sim himself who should apologize, but
suddenly Sim was tired of apologizing, tired of pretending to be something
he was not, tired Lolita Tube
of lying to himself that he could somehow be part of the
officer's world. He wanted nothing more than to be away from this place,
away from the Lieutenant, although he felt like Lolita Tube bursting into tears at the
thought. So he drank Lolita Tube
his tea and avoided the man's eye.They sat in silence not looking at each other. Then the Lieutenant asked,
"Have you ever been to Lincolnshire, Sim?" Sim looked at him in surprise. "I have never been out of London,
sir.""I would like very much for you to see my little estate, Sim." Sim paused. In spite of warming to the picture the officer's
comment roused in him, he knew it was time to end it. Now. He said slowly, and with infinite sadness, "By the time I could
afford to journey to Lincolnshire, sir, you will be a prosperous
middle-aged country squire, and your house will be overflowing with
children." The man looked like Sim had slapped him. He looked at Sim levelly
and then dropped his eyes. Then he said, "Come, if you are finished, I
shall escort you back to Drury Lane." They rose in silence, and left the club in silence.As they approached the theatre, Sim felt like he must say something. "Sir," he said, and the man stopped without looking at him.Sim said quietly, "Gervase." And this time the man did look at him with
another of his inscrutable expressions. Sim said, "I shall never forget our time together today. I can
never thank you enough. 'Tis a pity that…" "Dine with me tonight." The man interrupted harshly. Sim stopped,
shocked. The man still wanted to see him!He swallowed, and answered cautiously, "Mrs. Jordan has a performance
tonight.""But after the performance, you are free?" Sim smiled shyly. "I am, sir."The Lieutenant returned his smile, "No more 'sir', I beg you." Sim could do nothing but smile Lolita Tube at him."Good!" the man exclaimed. "I shall meet you at the stage door, after the
performance." Sim said, "I would ask you … Gervase ….not with a bunch of
flowers in your hand, please." And he grinned at the officer, who stared at
him, startled. Then a smile lit his face and a laugh escaped his
lips. They laughed together and then the Lieutenant sobered, and said
huskily, "It will be at my rooms - just the two of us." He held Sim's gaze
and Sim nodded. Suddenly the officer smiled again, like sunshine on a
clouded meadow.He came to attention and gave Sim a salute and turned on his heel at left.He was lacing Mrs. Jordan into her corset. "You are very quiet tonight,
Sim. Thinking of your Lieutenant?"Strangely, Sim had no feelings of embarrassment. "Indeed I am, ma'am. I
was thinking of my time in the Daffy Lolita Tube
Club this afternoon. It was very
instructive." She was grunting and adjusting her flesh as he laced the corset."How so?" she said. "Well," Sim said, "I had no idea such places existed. Do you know
much of the history of the club, madam?" "A little. 'Tis owned by Jem Belcher, the pugilist. Even though
he was born the son of a blacksmith, he now moves in the highest circles,
and is reckoned a very gentlemanly person. The club is very popular."Sim nodded. "There were many people there." She looked in the long cheval mirror. "Yes," she said, Lolita Tube
"That will do,
Sim." She sat at the dressing table and began applying her make-up. "Shall you Lolita Tube be seeing the young Lieutenant again?" she asked in
apparent unconcern. "I should imagine so," Sim Lolita Tube
answered calmly, "especially when the
Duke recovers from your saucy reply." She chuckled and shot a glance at him in the mirror. "That's not
quite what I meant." Sim caught her eyes in the mirror. "I know, ma'am. He is meeting
me after the performance tonight." She was slightly disturbed by the way
he seemed to be challenging her. Looking back at her own reflection, and
continuing with the application of her make-up, she asked, "Think you, does
he intend to mount you?" and her eyes flew to his face. "Oh yes, ma'am. I am sure he does intend that." He picked up the
bonnet she wore in the first act. "There is a loose ribbon on this. I
shall take it to Madame Geldhart for repair." As he lay his hand on the
door knob to leave, and she cried, "Sim…" He turned. "Ma'am?"She looked into his face. Lolita Tube
His manner was so strange, so closed, so polite,
so ….adult. For the first time in her life, the great lady of the
theatre was bereft of words. Related post: lolita underground erotica, Pedo Sites, russian sex art, pre pedo, nonude preteens usenet, Russian Pthc, Preteen Sex Rompl, Naked Preteens, Lolitas Bbs, Top Young Bbs, nymphet magic bbs, 5yo nymphets qidua.info site, Pthc Hussyfan Cp Child Porn Bbs Underage Girls, 1980 s sexy, 100 top lolitas little, shock preteen pics, Www Underagedporn Com, Nymphets Pics, best forbidden lolita models, young hot tits


text:
The leaves outside are starting to turn into beautiful colors and the fresh crispy wind is sneaking through the window with a friendly chill. Time to shake off the summer laziness and embrace the arrival of the fall season!
As the weather is getting colder each day, my appetite for hot soups is coming back again. Waking up in a cold morning, there is nothing better than having a bowl of hot soup while watching my two cute kittens play.
I know that a bowl of easy Chinese soup such as Peanut with Lotus Root Soup will always hit the spot….BUT I always find the soup alone not satisfying as the old Chinese saying: breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
My tummy tells me she wants to have something more substantial, and my tummy knows well that soup goes well with the homemade baozi – Chinese steamed meat buns!!!
Since I have a hard time finding a steamed meat bun I really like here so I like to do it myself (of course that can be only done on weekends)
The key to an awesome steamed meat bun:
- Tasty filling that's packed with tasty juicy meat and vegetables
- Fluffy and soft dough that holds the filling
One of my favorite fillings is the minced pork and napa with fresh shiitake mushroom…yummm
Folding the meat bun is an art….but enough practice will always get your there
Full Chinese steamed bun recipe coming soon…..
Lotus root, the tuber of the lotus plant, is a popular cooking ingredient in Asian cooking culture.
This starchy root vegetable is rich in fiber and nutrients. It is also full of medical values in Chinese medicine.
In Chinese cuisines, lotus root is often stir-fried, boiled in a soup, or deep fried. It can also be used for Chinese desserts and fruit candies.
This lotus root soup is healthy and absolutely delicious. The addition of dried seafood gives a nice kick in terms of flavor. Best of all, this soup is super easy to make!
Lotus Root and Peanuts Soup with Pork – Ingredients
- 2 lb fresh lotus root (found in Asian market or farmers' market)
- 1.5 lb Pork bones or ribs
- ½ cup Peanuts
- 2 pc Dried cuttlefish or other dried seafood
- 3 slice Ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped scallion
Lotus Root and Peanuts Soup with Pork – Step By Step
1. Clean the lotus root thoroughly and peel the skin. Soaked the peanuts and dried seafood until soft.
2. Blanche the pork in boiling water to get rid of the scum and porky smell. Set aside.
3. In a soup pot, combine the pork, peanut, dried seafood, and ginger with 8 cups of water (2 liter). Boil in medium heat for an hour. Remove and scum that appears
4. Add the lotus root to the soup and boil for another 1 – 1.5 hours in low heat. The lotus root should be soft. Add salt and white pepper powder to taste at the end.
Before serving, slice up the lotus roots and top with some chopped scallion.
The combination of steamed bun and lotus soup is simply unbelievable!


text:
TAIPEI, Taiwan—Dong Yan-Ling, an honorary fellow of the American Institute of Natural Medicine, saw the performance by Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall on Feb. 21, after his friends told him about it. After seeing the performance, he gave a long sigh, saying firmly, "This performance belongs to Heaven; it is hardly seen on Earth."
Mr. Dong nodded his head and praised Shen Yun for its ineffable and unprecedented digital backdrop. "It was a very, very magnificent performance. Its backdrop widens one's horizons, especially the program Sand Monk Is Blessed. The only word that can describe such a fantastic stage setting is "superb." Furthermore, since I have visited the place, I know how amazingly vivid the scenery presented on the backdrop is, such as the view of the Slender West Lake in Yangzhou."
Mr. Dong has ample experience in traditional Chinese medical science. Apart from the work of "State Medical Dong Yanling Prescription," he is a former member of the Committee on Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Health, and a member of the board of examiners, Examination Yuan. At one time he was once sent to the Arab Emirates to cure illnesses for King Shelkh Zayed and other royal family members. He said that the magnificence of Shen Yun can grace the Chinese nation, saying, "We Chinese should present this remarkable work to broaden foreigners' horizons!"
As a visiting professor of Chinese medicine practitioners reeducation program at the Chinese Culture University, Mr. Dong has profound knowledge of Chinese and literature. He also expressed that Shen Yun demonstrated the 5,000 years of the authentic Chinese civilization and core values with brief dances adapted from history and legends. Its exhilarating performance truly captivated the audience.
He further stated that the program Sand Monk Is Blessed let the audience members comprehend the wisdom implied. As for the dance When Shaolin Monks Protected The Emperor, it shed light on sensibilities of the Chinese nation. Whoever has read Chinese historical literature and legends would know that Shen Yun fully depicts the spirit of Chinese classics."
At the end of the interview, Mr. Dong Yanling praised Shen Yun, saying, "Such a magnificent program ought to be introduced to the entire world!" He quoted Du Fu's poem to praise Shen Yun as the Emperor Ming of Tang did by saying, "This performance belongs to the Heaven; it is hardly seen on Earth!"
Read original Chinese article.
Reporting by Li Yuan & Soco Tseng.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
The Epoch Times publishes in 35
countries and in 21 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.


text:
Part of what makes Big Data such a unique technological development is its adaptability to a number of different industries, transitioning between fashion analytics and cancer statistics without missing a beat. Although some companies are making use of Big Data to compile more accurate marketing statistics, others are using the cloud computing technology to predict what major weather events are on the horizon in any given area.
Forbes contributor Lisa Wirthman wrote a recent article on how Big Data will assume an important role in this year's impending hurricane season. In it, she explained how Big Data could be used to help those preparing for such storm thanks to analytics that could save their homes this season.
How does Big Data help predict the weather?
Ever since humans began studying thousands of weather patterns in an effort to better predict what was coming their way, analysis has been at the heart of efficiency when it comes to weather predictions. Technology has done a great deal to help forecasters predict anything from the smallest rainstorm to a monumental tornado, with varying degrees of accuracy.
The growth of Big Data meant that even more data could be collected, although the industry continued to focus mainly on aerial technology to predict developments of interest to readers and viewers. In recent years, as Wirthman explained, "hurricane hunters" have been able to get closer than ever to predicting the specifics of a particular storm.
"Although manned Hurricane Hunters can fly straight into the core of a storm, they typically don't fly below 5,000 feet," the source explained. "The Hunters can drop small cylinders into this low-level danger zone to gather data about temperature, humidity and pressure, but they only stay in the air for a few minutes before hitting the sea below."
In the meantime, U.S. companies have continued to develop and experiment with drone technology. In fact, the technology will be deployed into the weather sector in a practical way this coming season thanks to a new development by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration called the "Coyote" drone.
Big Data's role in helping this hurricane season
Unlike other drones, which are notorious for providing data in the form of individual photographic snapshots, the Coyote will be able to provide a maximum of 2 hours of data in a way that's more similar to a movie than a static image. The product is the result of over $1 million invested in hurricane research following Superstorm Sandy's massive wreckage during the summer of 2012. With the Coyote capable of recording steady data streams anywhere from 200 to 5,000 feet in the air, developers seem confident it will make a big difference in future weather studies.
Once a major weather event is over, Big Data can also provide the analytics with which to produce a visualization that enables readers and scientists to assess the magnitude and resulting damage done by each storm. According to Insurance & Technology contributor David Carr, this approach was used when Hurricane Arthur swept across the Atlantic coast this summer and is a trend that's likely to continue throughout the season.
By adopting cloud hosting as a way of analyzing weather-related data, forecasters stand to gain more information that is many times more accurate than what was produced by previous systems. If Wirthman's report is any indication, the development of the "Coyote" could mean taking a step closer to improving the weather industry's reputation for accuracy and give the everyday citizen more time to prepare for major natural events before their homes and belongings are threatened or damaged.
Latest posts by Team GoGrid (see all)
- Big Data is the New Black - August 22, 2014
- Big Data to Assume a Major Role in 2014 Hurricane Season - August 20, 2014
- How Big Data Can Affect the Way We Learn - August 13, 2014


text:
Lana Leather Shopper Tote
- Color:
- coral
Qty: 1
- 1
- 2
Please select an available size.
Please select a size.
Share This Item: Email
Description: Large tote
- Leather
- Two leather top handles with brass hardware
- Front zip pockets
- Fabric interior lining with a zip pocket, two slip pockets, and a key clip
- Top magnetic snap closure
Measurements: Body length 14½", height 16", width 4", Drop handle 10"
Material: Leather
Brand: Kooba
Origin: Imported


text:
Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars Burning Question: Will We Find Out Who Visited Mona In the Hospital?
We've been promised that we'll get lots of answers during Pretty Little Liars Season 3. Does that include the answer to our most burning question of all: Who visited Mona (Janel Parrish) in the mental hospital?
Read spoilers at your own risk! For more on Wetpaint Entertainment's philosophy on spoilers, click here.
A fan recently asked Pretty Little Liars showrunner Marlene King this very question, and Marlene said, "yep," confirming that we will learn the mysterious visitor's identity this season.
We're glad we won't have to wait another two seasons to find out the truth!
Source: Twitter
Catch an all-new Pretty Little Liars when Season 3 premieres on Tuesday, June 5 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family.
Get your Pretty Little Liars fix: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and Tumblr!


text:
Rapidly immobilizing paper coating compositions may be prepared by formulating an aqueous coating composition comprising a cationic starch, pigment and sufficient base to obtain a pH above the pK of the starch derivative so that the starch is no longer cationic; coating the paper substrate; and lowering the pH of the coating such that the starch becomes cationic.
1. A process for rapidly immobilizing paper coating compositions on paper substrates comprising the steps of:
a) formulating an aqueous coating composition comprising by weight of the total solids content of the coating composition, 5 to 90% binder at least 1% of which is a non-quaternary amine-containing cationic starch derivative, 10 to 95% pigment, formulated in water to a solids level of 20 to 80% by weight, and sufficient base to obtain a pH above the pK of the starch derivative so that the starch derivative is no longer cationic;
b) coating the paper substrate with an effective amount of the paper coating composition;
c) lowering the pH of the paper coating composition such that the starch derivative becomes cationic.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein the pH is lowered by drying the coating so as to evaporate the base.
3. The process of claim 1 wherein the pH is lowered by reaction with an acidic component.
4. The process of claim 1 wherein the cationic starch derivative has a pKa greater than about 5.5.
5. The process of claim 4 wherein the cationic starch derivative has a pKa greater than about 6.5.
6. The process of claim 1 wherein the cationic starch derivative is prepared by reaction of a starch with a reagent selected from the group consisting of
N-(2-chloroethyl)iminobis-(methylene)diphosphonic acid;
4-(2-chloroethyl)moropholine hydrochoride;
1,3-bis(morpholino)-2-chloropropane; and
7. The process of claim 1 wherein the paper coating composition contains by weight of the total solids content of the coating composition 10 to 95% pigment, 5 to 90% binder at least 1% of which is the cationic starch derivative, and 0 to 5% additives, and is formulated in water to a solids level of 20 to 80% by weight.
8. The process of claim 1 wherein the paper coating composition comprises by weight 5 to 90% binder, at least 1% of which is a non-quaternary amine-containing cationic starch derivative, the remaining percentage of which is selected from the group consisting of starch other than a non-quaternary amine-containing cationic starch derivative, casein, protein, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate-acrylate copolymers, acrylic copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene butadiene and styrene acrylate latices.
9. The process of claim 1 wherein the cationic starch derivative is a (2-chloroethyl) morpholine derivative.
10. The process of claim 1 wherein the cationic starch derivative is a N-(2-chloroethyl)iminobis(methylene) diphosphonic acid derivative.
11. The process of claim 1 wherein the cationic starch derivative is a 1,3-bis(morpholino)-2-chloropropane derivative.
12. A rapidly immobilizable paper coating composition comprising by weight of the total solids content of the coating composition, 5 to 90% parts binder at least 1% of which is a non-quaternary amine-containing cationic starch derivative, 10 to 95% pigment, water and sufficient base to obtain a pH above the pKa of the starch derivative.
13. The paper coating composition of claim 12 comprising by weight of the total solids content, 5 to 90% binder, at least 1% of which is a non-quaternary amine-containing cationic starch derivative, the remaining percentage of which is selected from the group consisting of starch other than a non-quaternary amine-containing cationic starch derivative, casein, protein, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate-acrylate copolymers, acrylic copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene butadiene and styrene acrylate latices.
14. The paper coating composition of claim 12 wherein the cationic starch derivative has a pK greater than about 5.5.
15. The paper coating composition of claim 12 wherein the cationic starch derivative has a pK greater than about 6.5.
16. The paper coating composition of claim 12 wherein the cationic starch derivative is prepared by reaction of a starch with a reagent selected from the group consisting of
N-(2-chloroethyl)iminobis-(methylene)diphosphonic acid;
4-(2-chloroethyl)moropholine hydrochoride;
1,3-bis(morpholino)-2-chloropropane; and
17. The paper coating composition of claim 12 comprising 10 to 95% pigment, 5 to 90% binder at least 1% of which is the cationic starch derivative, 0 to 5% additives, and is formulated in water to a solids level of 20 to 80% by weight.
18. The paper coating composition of claim 12 wherein the cationic starch derivative is a (2-chloroethyl)morpholine derivative.
19. The paper coating composition of claim 12 wherein the cationic starch derivative is a N-(2-chloroethyl)iminobis(methylene)diphosphonic acid derivative.
20. The paper coating composition of claim 12 wherein the cationic starch derivative is a 1,3-bis(morpholino)-2-chloropropane derivative.
Coating compositions comprising a pigment and binder are generally employed in the manufacture of paper in order to improve its printing properties, optical characteristics and appearance. It is well known that a paper coating composition must have certain characteristics in order to perform these functions; in particular, it must have the proper viscosity and rheological characteristics to permit its application to the paper by modern high-speed machines and to spread properly on the paper. Moreover, the binder, which serves to bind the pigment and to adhere the coating to the paper surface, must be such that it will provide a uniform, homogeneous coating film that will withstand the stresses encountered during subsequent printing and/or converting operations.
In utilizing paper coating compositions, it is most desired that the coatings, once applied, will be rapidly immobilized on the paper web surface. Such rapid immobilization results in improved fiber coverage, decreased coating densification and minimized binder migration. These coating structural effects then provide potential benefits such as improved fiber covering power, increased opacification, smoother surface and better printing characteristics on the final coated paper substrate.
Previous attempts to achieve rapid immobilization of paper coating compositions involved the use of cationic starches and proteins to produce partially flocculated coatings which gained viscosity rapidly upon the solids increase that occurred subsequent to the coating process. However, these approaches were not totally satisfactory and found limited application since they often produced paper coatings with unacceptable rheological characteristics.
The present invention is directed to a process for rapidly immobilizing paper coating compositions comprising the steps of:
1) formulating an aqueous coating composition comprising a cationic starch, pigment and sufficient base to obtain a pH above the pK of the starch derivative so that the starch is no longer cationic;
2) coating the paper substrate;
3) lowering the pH of the coating such that the starch becomes cationic either by drying the coating so as to evaporate the base, or by reaction with a sufficient amount of an acidic component.
The process of the present invention thus produces a stable dispersed paper coating composition which can be applied easily with high speed coaters and later will be rapidly immobilized by a pH drop, such as that which occurs during the drying process.
Although any non-quaternary amine containing cationic starch may be utilized in accordance with the process of invention, particularly useful are cationic starch derivatives such as the chloroethylmorpholine derivatives which have a relatively low pK value and require only a small amount of base to maintain the starch in its non-cationic state; correspondingly requiring the release of only a small amount of base to induce immobilization.
While some of these cationic starches have been suggested previously for use in paper coating compositions, the starches were always formulated and applied within a pH range at which the starch exhibited cationic properties and consequently the coatings increased in viscosity too quickly and thus were difficult to utilize, particularly in high speed coating operations.
Among the cationic starches which meet the criteria for use herein are the following classes of compositions; ##STR1## in which R1 is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene of 1 to 6 carbons, alkenylene of 2 to 6 carbons, alkylenoxy of 2 to 4 carbons, or polyalkylenoxy having 2 to 4 carbons per monomer unit, and from 2 to 20 units per substituent, and R2 and R3 taken individually are:
a.) alkyl, straight or branched, hydroxyalkyl, thioalkyl or alkoxyalkyl all of 1 to 18 carbons, or alkenyl of 2 to 18 carbons; or cycloalkyl from three to six carbons; aryl, like phenyl or naphthyl; arylalkyl from 7 to 18 carbons, like benzyl or phenethyl; or alkyl aryl, from seven to 18 carbons, like tolyl; or
b.) R1 and R2 or R2 and R3 taken collectively with the nitrogen atom to which they are joined, to form a heterocyclic saturated or unsaturated five or six membered ring, like morpholino and picolyl.
Also useful are cationic starches of the formula ##STR2## wherein St--O-- represents a starch molecule or a modified starch molecule (wherein the hydrogen of a hydroxyl group of an anhydroglucose unit has been replaced as shown);
R is a C1 -C6 straight or branched chain alkyl group, a C3 -C6 cycloalkyl group or a ##STR3## M is the same or different cation(s); and n is the valence number of M.
The preparation of such starches described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,479 issued Jan. 6, 1981 to Martin M. Tessler.
Also useful herein are starches onto which a polymeric group, containing repeating ionizable nitrogen atoms, has been grafted, through a carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur atom, such as a polyvinyl imidazol, or polymorpholinoethylmethacrylate, or other ethylenically unsaturated acid derivatives.
Amine oxide containing cationic starches may also be employed. This class of cationic starch can be prepared by utilizing inactive reagents containing amine oxide functionality. Alternatively, a tertiary amine reagent can be used to form a cationic starch and the adduct subjected to oxidation to convert the amine to the amine oxide. This class of starches is represented by the formula: ##STR4## where R1 is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene of one to six carbons, alkenylene of two to six carbons, alkyleneoxy of 2 to 4 carbons, or polyalkyleneoxy having 2 to 4 carbons per monomer unit, and from 2 to 20 units per substituent; and R1, R2 and R3 are as defined I above. In each instance, the substituted starch has a pK in the range of 3 to 8, with those starches having pK above about 5 being preferred for use herein.
Also, comprehended by this invention are substituted cationic starches containing more than one of the same or different type of ionizable nitrogen-bearing groups on the same starch substituent, as well as mixtures of different classes of the above described substituted starches. Representative of some of these are the starch derivatives described in copending application Ser. No. 376,779 filed July 7, 1989.
It will also be recognized that the corresponding esters of any of the previously described starch derivatives may also be employed in the process of the present invention.
Illustrative of reactants which will combine with starch to form a cationic starch of the herein defined requisite properties are the following:
N-(2-chloroethyl)N-benzyl N-(2-methoxyethyl)amine
N-(2-chloroethyl)iminobis-(methylene)diphosphonic acid
4-(2-chloroethyl)morpholine hydrochloride
To achieve the maximum benefits of the invention, it is generally necessary to have sufficient cationic moieties in the paper coating formulation. This level of cationicity may be achieved either by utilizing a sufficient degree of cationic treatment depending on the particular type and water fluidity of the starch base or by formulating the paper coating with sufficient levels of the cationic starch.
The applicable starch bases which may be used in preparing the cationic starches for use herein may be derived from any plant source including corn, potato, sweet potato, wheat, rice, sago, tapioca, waxy maize, sorghum, high amylose corn, or the like. Also included are the conversion products derived from any of the latter bases including, for example, dextrins prepared by the hydrolytic action of acid and/or heat; oxidized starches prepared by treatment with oxidants such as sodium hypochlorite; fluidity or thin-boiling starches prepared by enzyme conversion or mild acid hydrolysis; and neutral or anionical starch derivatives. Also included within the scope of the invention are products based on polysaccharides prepared from materials other than starch, including gums, cellulose and the like.
It is well known that starch in its natural state exists in the form of discrete granules, which in the presence of water and heat or certain chemicals (such as strong alkalis) undergo gelatinization. The phenomenon of gelatinization involves the swelling, rupture and disintegration of the starch granules, so that they disperse in water to form a homogeneous hydrated collodial dispersion. Starch which has been thus gelatinized and dried, will, upon subsequent mixing with water, disperse without the aid of heat. On the other hand, ungelatinized starch will quickly settle out of a water suspension, unless sufficient heat is applied to gelatinize and disperse the granules (this is referred to as "cooking" the starch, to form a useable dispersion). The cationic starch derivatives may be prepared in either the ungelatinized or gelatinized form, and both are suitable for use herein. In order to produce the starch derivatives in ungelatinized form, it is of course necessary to avoid those conditions of heat or alkalinity during the reaction which will cause the starch to gelatinize, or, alternatively, to add a known gelatinization retarder such as sodium sulfate to the reaction mass. A product thus made can be filtered and washed, since it is in the original granule form. On the other hand, a gelatinized starch derivative may be made by permitting gelatinization of the reaction mass, by using sufficient heat and/or alkali. This gelatinized mass may, if desired, be dried as by passing over heated drums. Alternatively, the starch derivative may be made in ungelatinized form, filtered and washed if desired, resuspended in water and passed over drums heated sufficiently so as to gelatinize and dry starch product, which will then be in the so-called cold water soluble form.
Virtually any alkaline material can be used to raise the pH to above the pK of the cationic starch. For ease in removal of the alkali and consequent lowering of the pH to effect the desired immobilization, it is preferred to use a fugitive alkali which will readily evaporate during the drying step. Suitable fugitive alkali include ammonium hydroxide as well as the volatile amine bases such as trimethylamine. It may, however, be desired in some cases to use a non-volatile base such as calcium carbonate (which could also function as a pigment component in the "pigment slip") or an alkaline earth metal such as sodium or potassium hydroxide. Obviously, any combination of the above alkaline materials may also be employed.
In formulating the paper coatings according to the present invention, sufficient alkali is added so as to achieve a pH at which the starch is not cationic, i.e., a pH sufficiently above the pK of the particular cationic substituent. It is desirable to add only so much alkali as will provide the pH range needed to achieve a zero point charge since any excess base added above such level will also have to be removed or neutralized in order to immobilize the paper coating.
The pK of a cationic starch is a means of describing the relationship of its degree of ionization, and the pH of the system. The cationic starches of interest are weak bases, where the ionizable substituents can exist in the protonated (positively charged) form, or in the non-protonated nonionic form, depending on the concentration of hydrogen ion present, which is expressed by pH. For the polyelectrolyte cationic starches, we have defined pK as equal numerically to the pH at the point of 50% ionization. Thus at a pH above the pK, the starch is less than 50% cationic and at pH's below the pK, it is greater than 50% cationic. The pK can be calculated from pH titration curves taken of the cationic starch with strong acids and bases.
The particular pH at which the zero point charge will be achieved depends upon the particular starch derivative employed. The following chart illustrates ranges for representative cationic starches.
______________________________________ pH needed for zeroStarch Derivative pK (approx.) point charge______________________________________1,3-Bis(morpholine)-2- 6.5 8-8.5chloropropane2-(N-chloroacetamido-propyl) 5.5 7-7.5pyridineN-(2-chloroethyl)iminobis 7.5 9-9.5(methylene)diphosphonic acidChloroethylmorpholine 6.5 8-8.5Diethylaminoethyl chloride 10 11-12______________________________________
It will be recognized that the particular derivatives most preferred for use herein are those which have zero point charge values only slightly above the pH at which the coating formulation is to be applied so as to require the evaporation of only small quantities of base in order to effectively immobilize the paper coating.
The cationic starch derivative may be used in any desired proportion to replace part or all of the standard coating binder. Thus, the cationic starch may also be used together with at least one co-binder, such as ordinary starch (whether raw, or converted by enzymes, or otherwise), casein, protein or one or more polymers such as polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate-acrylate copolymers, acrylic copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, styrene butadiene or styrene acrylate latices as conventionally employed.
The preparation of paper coating compositions is well known. In general, it involves the making of the "pigment slip," which is merely a mixture of coating-grade pigments such as clay or titanium dioxide in water, with a dispersing agent such as sodium hexametaphosphate and an alkaline material such as sodium hydroxide. The latter two function to give the optimum dispersion of the pigment. To this "pigment slip" is added the starch or other binder. If the starch is in ungelatinized form, as is customarily the case, it is first "cooked" in water, that is, heated to a temperature beyond the gelatinization point of the starch, and this starch cook is then added, with agitation, to the pigment slip; or the starch may be cooked in the presence of none, a portion of or all of the pigment. If the starch is a pregelatinized, cold water soluble type, it can be dispersed in cold water, and the dispersion added to the pigment slip, or less preferably, the dry cold water soluble starch may be added directly to the pigment slip and dispersed by sufficient stirring. The proportions of the various ingredients of the coating composition will naturally be subject to much variance, depending upon the particular type of pigment and binder employed, the method of applying the coating, the properties desired in the final coated product, etc. However, in general, the pigment slip may contain from about 20% to 75%, by weight, of pigment and about 0.3% of sodium hexametaphosphate or other dispersing agent, based on the weight of the pigment. The pH of the pigment slip should preferably be from 6.5 to 9.5, depending on the pigment utilized. The starch cook ordinarily has a starch solids content of from 5% to 40%. When the starch and other coating components are mixed with the pigment slip, the amounts of the components in the final coating composition should ordinarily fall within the following weight ranges: 10 to 95% pigment, 5 to 90% binders (natural or synthetic) of which at least about 1% should be the cationic starch although higher levels (i.e. up to the total 90% may comprise the cationic starch) may be used and 0 to 5% additives (e.g. defoamers, lubricants, plasticizers, insolubilizers, stabilizers, etc.); the paper coating composition being formulated in water to a solids range of 20 to 80% by weight as is conventional in the art.
The alkali-containing paper coating composition is applied to the paper web using conventional techniques such as air knife coater, roll coater, rod coater, trailing blade, size press, etc.
Most commonly, if a fugitive alkali was used initially to formulate the paper coating composition, the evaporation which occurs during the conventionally employed drying step is sufficient to lower the pH to a point at which the starch derivative becomes cationic with the subsequent desired flocculation and rapid immobilization of the paper coating. The immobilization may also be accomplished by reaction with a sufficient amount of a component having a pH below the pK of the cationic starch.
The following examples will illustrate the embodiment of the invention. All parts given are by weight, unless otherwise specified. The viscosity data was obtained on a coating formulation prepared at 60% solids and tested on a Brookfield viscometer ("RVF" model) at various indicated rpm at 22° C. using appropriate spindles.
The following example illustrates the use of (2-chloroethyl)morpholine (CEM) starch derivatives in the process of the present invention.
A 71 water fluidity (WF) waxy maize starch was treated with various levels of CEM so as to obtain starch derivatives containing 0.27%N, and 0.38%N. A zero point charge (ZPC) plot of the morpholine derivative indicates that the pK for the starch derivatives is approximately 6.5. Thus, above pH 6.5 the amine group looses its cationic charge and this starch derivative can be added to a coating formulation at a pH of 8.0-8.5 without causing flocculation of the coating.
These starches were evaluated in the following coating formulation
100 parts Nusheen (Kaolin clay from Engelhard)
0.1 parts tetrasodium pyrophosphate
4 parts starch (3/1 ratio cationic starch to noncationic starch)
Brookfield viscosities vs. final pH of the coating formulations are shown in Table I. While there are variations within experimental error, the Brookfield viscosity data for the coating formulations generally show that when the final pH of the coating formulation is at or slightly above formulation is below 8.0, the Brookfield viscosities begin to increase and continue to increase as the pH is decreased. The increase in viscosity of the formulations corresponds to the increase in cationicity of the morpholine starch derivative which occurs as the pH is lowered.
Thus, the use of a tertiary amine starch derivative with a low pK value such as the CEM derivative permits the need for only a slight amount of ammonia to raise the pH to the point where the starch derivative can be added to the pigment and not induce flocculation. The testing results in Table I also indicate whether or not pigment shock, i.e. premature flocculation, occurred when the cationic starch was mixed into the pigment dispersion.
TABLE I______________________________________Starch Clay Pigment Final 20 rpm 100 rpmCook pH Slurry pH Shock Coating Brkfld Brkfld______________________________________3.7% CEM (0.27% N)5 10.5 none 9.3 1425 4609 9 none 8.6 1725 5608 9 none 8.3 1850 6109 8 none 8.3 1425 4607 9 light 7.8 3200 10808 8 light 7.8 5600 18609 7 none 7.7 2075 6657 8 moderate 7.2 9250 30005.5% CEM (0.38% N)5 10.5 light 9.2 2650 9409 9 light 8.6 3150 10108 9 none 8.3 4150 13409 8 light 8.3 3850 12607 9 moderate 8 8000 25508 8 light 7.9 10200 34409 7 light 7.9 7000 22407 8 moderate 7.3 17750 60005.5% CEM (0.38% N)5 10.5 light 9.2 2650 9409 9 light 8.6 3150 10108 9 none 8.3 4150 13409 8 light 8.3 3850 12607 9 moderate 8 8000 25508 8 light 7.9 10200 34409 7 light 7.9 7000 22407 8 moderate 7.3 17750 6000______________________________________
This example illustrates the use of N-(2-chloroethyl)iminobis-(methylene)diphosphonic acid (CMPA) derivatized starch for use herein.
CMPA is a starch reactive reagent which contains a tertiary amino group as well as two phosphonic acid groups. The pK of the tertiary amino nitrogen is approximately 7.0-7.5.
A 71 WF waxy was treated with either 2.5%, 5.0%, or 10% CMPA. The corresponding starch derivatives contained 0.1%, 0.16%, and 0.26% nitrogen. These starches were evaluated in the same coating formulation as the morpholine treated starches of Example I, but using 4 parts of the cationic starch. Brookfield viscosity data for the formulations versus pH are shown in Table II. The data show that increased CMPA treatment results in higher coating viscosities. In general, above pH 8.5 the viscosities of the formulations remain constant; however, as the pH drops below approximately 8.0-8.5 the viscosity of the formulations increase. The pH at which the viscosity increases corresponds to the pK value of the tertiary amine present in the CMPA substituent.
TABLE II______________________________________Starch Clay Pigment Final 20 rpm 100 rpmCook pH Slurry pH Shock Coating Brkfld Brkfld______________________________________2.5% CMPA (0.10% N)6.2 10.5 none 10.2 1300 39510.5 8.5 none 9.8 1400 4259.0 9.0 none 8.9 1625 5108.0 9.0 none 8.6 1625 5057.0 9.0 none 8.3 1800 5658.0 8.0 slight 8.0 4150 12007.0 8.0 slight 7.8 3450 10409.0 6.7 moderate 7.5 7900 19805% CMPA (0.16% N)6.6 10.5 none 9.7 2750 85010.5 8.5 none 9.5 3400 10609.0 9.0 slight 8.6 6200 17208.0 9.0 light 8.5 7000 18808.0 8.0 light 8.0 7800 23007.0 9.0 moderate 7.8 12500 31007.0 8.0 moderate 7.6 16750 41009.0 6.7 severe 7.3 20000 475010% CMPA (0.26% N)7.5 10.5 light 9.7 9600 272010.5 8.5 light 9.5 9500 25809.0 9.0 light 8.6 12500 32608.0 9.0 severe 8.3 20000 50008.0 8.0 severe 7.8 25500 62507.5 9.0 severe 7.8 24250 62007.5 8.0 severe 7.4 36000 84009.0 6.7 severe 7.2 27500 6850______________________________________
This example illustrates the use of a 2-(N-chloroacetamido-propyl) pyridine containing starch derivative.
In order to prepare a starch reactive reagent containing a pyridine group, 2-aminoethylpyridine was reacted with chloroacetylchloride to prepare the corresponding starch reactive chloroacetamide. A 50 WF amioca was reacted with 6% of the pyridine-containing reagent to obtain the corresponding starch derivative (0.2% N). A ZPC plot of this derivative indicates that the pK of the amine was approximately 5.5.
The starch was once again evaluated in coating formulations as in Example II in which the final pH of the formulations were varied. Brookfield viscosities of the formulations showed similar viscosities were obtained when the final pH of the coating formulations were 7.8 or higher. Below this pH range the viscosities began to increase greatly as would be expected since the tertiary amine-containing starch becomes more cationic as the pH decreases.
TABLE III______________________________________ Coating Brookfield Viscosity pH 20 rpm 100 rpm______________________________________6% pyridine modification, 9.8 9200 2780(0.20% N) 9.3 9300 2820 8.8 9300 2820 8.3 9500 2860 7.8 10,600 3140 7.4 13,200 3650 7.0 17,500 4750 6.5 23,500 6200 6.0 30,500 8250 5.6 42,500 11450 5.2 62,000 18800______________________________________
This example illustrates the use of morpholine-containing starch derivatives.
The 50 WF amioca-based morpholine derivatives were prepared as in Example I but using 2-chloroethylmorpholine so as to obtain starch derivatives containing approximately 0.30% nitrogen and 0.40% nitrogen. The resultant derivatives were formulated into paper coatings as described in Example II and tested as described above. The results are presented in Table IV. In addition, Table IV illustrates comparative test results obtained using a hydroxy-ethylated starch control (Penford Gum 250).
TABLE IV______________________________________ Coating Brookfield Viscosity pH 20 rpm 100 rpm______________________________________0.29% N 8.5 3200 1260 8.0 5800 2320 7.5 22,000 8200 7.0 68,000 26,4000.41% N 8.5 4200 1660 8.0 14,000 5700 7.5 72,000 28,400 7.0 too high to determineHydroxy-ethylated 8.5 4300 1460reference control 8.0 4100 1380Penford Gum 250 7.5 4000 1340 7.0 4200 1400______________________________________
Four parts of the 0.41% N treated starch derivative produced in this example were formulated with 2 parts Union 3103 from Unocal (a vinyl acrylic latex) and 100 parts pigment to form a paper coating which was run on a pilot paper coater at approximately 3000 ft./min. and tested for paper coating properties using the following test procedures:
Gloss-Hunterlab Glossmeter D48-7,75° Optical Sensor (conforms to TAPPI Standard Test Method T480).
Brightness-Technidyne Brightmeter Micro S-5 (conforms to TAPPI Standard Test Method T452).
Opacity-Technidyne Brightmeter Micro S-5 (conforms to TAPPI Standard Test Method T425).
Smoothness-Parker Print Surf Test M750, at 10 psi with rubber backing.
Roto Missed Dots-TMI K-Print Proofer K-101 with a 150 line screen, 105 u dot etched plate. Values are number of missing dots/cm2. Roto Ink Gloss-Sunvure Type B black ink, (values are 75° gloss measurements).
The results of these tests are shown in Table V. Also included in Table V are test results obtained using a conventionally employed binder system as a control (all results are based on a coating weight of 6.5 pounds per ream applied to the wire side of a light weight, groundwood containing base sheet).
TABLE V______________________________________ Roto Print Smooth- Missed InkStarch Gloss Bright Opacity ness Dots Gloss______________________________________0.41% N 66.3 64.5 79.9 0.85 38 91Control 59.3 64.8 79.8 0.95 40 89.2Control 6 parts vinyl acrylic latex plus a thickener with no starch______________________________________
Note, in particular, the improved gloss, smoothness and roto print quality of the CEM containing system with brightness and opacity comparable to the conventionally utilized control system. This demonstrates some of the improved coated sheet properties that result from use of the rapidly immobilizing coatings of the present invention.
This example illustrates the use of diethylaminoethylchloride(DEC) starch derivatives. Diethylaminoethylchloride is a starch-reactive reagent which contains a tertiary amino nitrogen that has a pK value of approximately 10.0.
A fluidity waxy starch derivative with a WF value of 65.5 was reacted with 3.25% diethylaminoethylchloride to yield the corresponding cationic tertiary amine derivative containing 0.24% N. The starch derivative was evaluated in the same coating formulation as the morpholine treated starches of Example I except that the four parts starch used in the formulation was made up of 3 parts of the DEC-treated cationic starch and one part fluidity waxy (65.5 WF).
Brookfield viscosity data for the formulations vs. pH are shown in Table VI.
TABLE VI______________________________________ Brookfield Coating pH Viscosity (20 rpm)______________________________________3.25% Diethylamino- 11.0 4200ethylchloride 10.5 10000 10.0 29250 9.5 38000 9.0 47500 8.5 50000______________________________________
The data illustrate that a relatively high concentration of alkali is needed to formulate above the ZPC of the DEC treated starch and for this reason it is not particularly preferred for use herein. At pH 11.0, there is a slight interaction occurring between the cationic starch and the clay since the DEC-treated starch still has some cationic nature at this high pH. The data also show that as the pH is lowered to 10.5 and below, the viscosity of the formulation rapidly increases which corresponds to an increase in the cationicity of the DEC-treated starch derivative.
This example illustrates the use of a cationic starch derivative produced by reaction of starch with a polycationic reagent containing two tertiary amine groups and one starch reactive group.
A fluidity waxy maize (50 WF) was reacted with either 4% or 8% 1,3-bis(morpholino)-2-chloropropane. The corresponding starch derivatives were found to contain 0.35% N and 0.67% N respectively. ZPC plots of the two starch derivatives showed that the pK's of the diamine substituent was approximately 6.5, similar to that of previously described monomorpholine-containing starch derivatives. The following formulation was used to evaluate these starch derivatives.
100 parts clay
0.2 parts Dispex N-40, (a dispersant from Allied Colloids)
4.0 parts starch derivative
1.0 parts C-104, (a lubricant from Nopco Chemical)
2.0 parts Resyn 6838, (a vinyl acrylic latex from National Starch and Chemical Corp.)
Brookfield viscosity data for the formulations vs pH are shown in Table VII.
TABLE VII______________________________________ Brookfield Viscosities Coating pH 20 rpm 100 rpm______________________________________0.35% N 9.2 2200 810dimorpholine substituent 8.8 2200 810 8.3 2650 2650 7.8 14000 5000 7.4 44600 134000.67% N 9.2 2700 1000dimorpholine substituent 8.7 3400 1240 8.2 13250 4700 7.8 38000 13000 7.4 50000 17200______________________________________
As shown by the data, when the pH of the final coating formulation is above approximately 8.0 to 8.5 there is little or no interaction between the starch and clay which results in a satisfactory low viscosity. As the final pH of the formulations decrease the viscosities of the formulations increase due to the ditertiary amine substituent becoming more cationic.
Similar results would be achieved using other cationic derivatives prepared from various other starch, gum or cellulose bases as discussed previously.
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December 3rd, 2013 there was a meeting held at Hanahan City Hall in reference to the new project scheduled to put an Elementary School in the Tanner Plantation / Foster Creek communities. Many residents requested an online location to get this information. Therefore, we have created an online portal if you will where you can download all the information that is made available.
This will take you there. (please note it is an external link that will bring you to the City Of Hanahan's website.)


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Bayu Adi Persada
[Indonesia Mengajar (Indonesia Teaches) is a volunteer-based educational program that was started by Anies Baswedan, the rector at Paramadina University in Jakarta, to send top graduates from around the country to teach in rural areas. This is the story of a Pengajar Muda (Young Teacher) in finding his passion]
Click here to read "A Teacher's Pride Lies on His Students' Accomplishment," the second part of "Journal of a Young Teacher" series.
I was stationed in Bibinoi village, a population of 1300, in North Maluku's Bacan Island. When my feet first touched Bibinoi's sand and my eyes landed sight on local people's faces, my worries of not getting electricity were washed out. Although I could not find a single bar on my cell phone signal and electricity had been installed but hasn't been stable, I was grateful to be there.
My mission is not to find comfort and luxury; it's to give these disadvantaged kids dream. A dream that they can hold onto their entire life.
Surrounded by Brilliant Students, What More Could a Teacher Ask?
Genius kids are everywhere. Every kid has potential. Every kid is smart. But we cannot deny the fact that some kids are better than the others. Bibinoi has these genius kids, albeit only few. And I was lucky to meet them.
Olan (whom I told you about in last week's post) is not the only brilliant kid in Bibinoi. Munarsi and Dila are the other two. Munarsi, who just turned 9 last May, is a math enthusiast. I didn't know when his interest in the subject started growing but when I gave him exercises, he always finished ahead of his peers – and rarely made mistake.
Munarsi, son of a local tailor, is lucky to be in school. Even though his father did not get proper education, Munarsi's family prioritized education above everything. Everyday his father constantly reminded him to finish his homework before allowing him to go out playing with his friends. The way Munarsi's father showed much care about him is something to appreciate – not all parents in Bibinoi were attentive toward their children.
Meanwhile, Dila liked to read encyclopedia and story books. He spent his leisure time in the school's library. Sometimes he told me everything he just finished reading.
There's this one time where he posed me a question, "Sir, do you know which nation bears Garuda as its symbol?"
"Of course it's Indonesia, my dear," I said.
"What about the bald eagle?" he asked again.
It was a moment of silence before I answered, "Tell you the truth, I do not know the answer."
"It's the United States of America, Sir!" He laughed and ran off.
It wasn't a surprise when the three kids – Olan, Munarsi and Dila – won an academic competition in middle east Bacan subdistrict. Competing against teams from other schools, their hard work paid off as they answered the judges' questions correctly. With their ability, I have full faith they can compete in other competitions where the participants come from another island – Java for instance.
Olan excelling in Science, Munarsi solving math problems and Dila answering general knowledge questions, what could a teacher ask for more?
The Losing Sense of Nationalism
On my first day of teaching, I tried to teach them national songs as I hadn't prepared any curriculum to teach. Surprisingly, most of the kids in the fourth grade didn't know – and haven't heard – about the national anthem "Indonesia Raya."
Then came this: "Kids, what's the name of our nation?" I asked.
To which they replied in joy, "Bibinoi, Sir!"
Oh, dear. I stood frozen in front of the classroom.
I didn't want to put blame on their limited access to knowledge, their isolation from modernity and their state of poverty, but surely the school teachers must have taught them about Indonesia. This was a serious matter and real actions need to be done, immediately.
For the first three months of teaching, I taught them about their country. I encouraged the kids to gain more knowledge about Indonesia, to have a sense of nationalism. After then I could proceed to teach mathematics, science, English and other units.
Unlike most schools in big cities, there was no weekly flag ceremony in Bibinoi. I would like to change the routine, so I initiated the flag ceremony every Monday. I also taught them how to sing the national anthem and other national songs, told stories about national heroes, and encouraged the students to speak Bahasa Indonesia properly.
It was an indescribable feeling when I heard some kids humming "Indonesia Pusaka" (Indonesia, the Heritage) on the way home after school ended, "Indonesia, tanah air beta/Pusaka abadi nan jaya".
Despite Diverse Religious Backgrounds, the People of Bibinoi Live in Harmony
South Halmahera was deeply affected by religious conflicts a decade ago. Even today, although there is peace among the people, it can't be denied the horrible tragedy still lives in people's hearts.
And Bibinoi is not an exception.
Although Bibinoi is a home for more than one thousand people with different religious backgrounds, they live in an undisturbed peace and mutual respect.
As a teacher, I ought to guide my students, not only to be good with others, but also to maintain close relationships with God. I tried to impart the importance of praying and having faith in their Creator.
As a Muslim, I taught Islam in class. Although half of the students are Muslim and the other half are Christian, I didn't treat them differently.
Every Monday, I checked up on which Christian students did not go to church on Sunday and gave them warning for neglecting it. Same treatment also applied to Muslim students who didn't go to mosque on Friday. I believe such behavior enforcement was necessary because many parents do not take this matter seriously.
I believe, with constant reminder, the students would alter their behavior and gain more understanding about religion as they grow older.
[Next week: Celebrating Independence Day, learning more about local cultures and arts]


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Takoma Park Maryland Library · 101 Philadelphia Avenue · Takoma Park Maryland 20912 USA · 301.891.7259
They're called hybrid books and kids love them. They're books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the Dork Diaries and the Origami Yoda series. Read on for more discussion of why kids love these books, as well as a look at some great new hybrid novels:
Children's Corner: 'Stick Dog' and other fine new hybrid books for kids - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette